Keep It Simple

 

This new challenge from Allsorts has an optional theme    -    Keep It Simple  

It will be a two week challenge for the holiday - #773/774.       Prizes for weeks 773/4/5 are from Highlight Crafts (photo) and Stamp Addicts (2 prizes, stamps and a £15 store voucher).

My card uses an embossing folder that I cut off to show some patterned paper.  I wanted a space for a message, so created a mini card to adhere on the inside.  I stamped and fussy cut the two bees and stamped a sentiment from Simon Says Stamp You Shine set. I really like the simple look of the front and the surprise inside.

Hope you will find some time to enjoy the sweetness of spring and creating something to share on the blog.

Missing You

 

My DT card for this wonderful new sketch at                                         Try a Sketch On Tuesday.

I have random stamped images from Brushed Flowers, Simon Says Stamp using SSS inks Lucky, Citrine, Rose and Ocean, and cut a portion with a circle die.  I found some card scraps that were close in color for the other circles and placed them behind the front panel as apertures.

I tried several kinds of embellishments, but in the end decided to keep it very plain.

There are so many ways to interpret this sketch - I can't wait to see what talented crafters share!   Take a look, be inspired, and get crafty!

Allsorts Feather or Fur

 This week at Allsorts the challenge option for #772 is  FEATHER  and/or FUR                                                   or Anything Goes if you prefer. 

Prizes from Craftstash and AALL and Create

I have so few animal stamps- some cute cartoonish ones, or whimsical die cuts...so I have pulled out a very old stamp set that features some Beatrix Potter bunnies. I have always loved them and enjoyed water coloring them, which is what I did for this card.  So my card is 'fur.'  The back panel was embossed with the Diamond Plate folder on some very pale blue card. The tiny sentiment is from Gina K Designs, and all the panels were cut with Spellbinders nesting labels.

Atlantic Hearts 568

 

This week's sketch #568 for Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

My design team inspiration for you uses Swirling Blooms embossing folder from Spellbinders and Wonderfully Made butterfly from Gina K Designs.  The sentiment is an older one from my stash. 

I heat embossed with gold and colored the butterfly with Copic markers. I used the same blue marker to create the circle mat and the small banner so they would match.  I splattered the card base with Brutus Monroe Gilded Shimmer splash - tiny splashes but they do add subtle shine in real life.

Check out the rest of the design team cards on Wednesday at AHSC.

Yellow

 The new challenge #771 at Allsorts theme is to USE YELLOW, or Anything Goes is always an option if you prefer.  The Design Team loves seeing how you create with the theme, and the host will select her Top 5 at the end of the week.   There are prizes from our generous sponsors  Craftstash and AALL and Create that are selected by Random Generator at the end of the month.

My design team card for this challenge uses a sweet daffodil stamp from Close To My Heart. It's an older stamp, but a spring favorite that I colored with Copics. The window die cuts are from Gina K Designs Master Layout 5. I backed the cut out with a white panel stenciled with some clouds.  The yellow paper, Buttercup, is an older color of CTMH. Daffodil from my garden :-)

 Some sad news this week that CTMH will be going out of business at the end of the year.  When I first began stamping in the 1990's, I was exclusively purchasing CTMH product and attending home demonstration classes. For five years, I was a Consultant as well.  I've since moved on to using products from lots of companies, but my basic inks, paper and many stamps are still foundations in my craft room.   It was a quality company with fabulous people.

A Friend Like You

 

A new sketch for you to try!

Visit Try a Sketch On Tuesday to see the rest of the design team inspiration for this Sketch #642. TSOT sketch challenges run for two weeks.

My card used the Mod Layering Leaves stencil from Simon Says Stamp and Altenew Green Valley inks. I chose the ink colors to go with some card scraps I had in my stash. I stenciled on the darker piece with white pigment ink and embossed and fussy cut. The sentiment is from My Creative Time Friendship set. The center die cut is Daisies & Leaves from Simon Says Stamp.

Hope to see your creations at TSOT!

Also linking to the sister blog Double Trouble #161 - Pinch Proof.  My card is only green, no gold so I haven't all the options.  Check out this fun challenge and the awesome inspiration there.

Spring! (almost)

 The theme this week at Allsorts challenge # 770 is SPRING or the Anything Goes option if you prefer.

                                     Prizes from AALL and Create and Aldridge Crafts

My card uses a new to me die - Crocus Floral Window - from Simon Says Stamp.  I ink blended a sunrise on the panel behind and stamped a greeting from Gina K Designs. The weather in my neck of the woods has been wildly swinging between winter and spring.  But patience...we know it will arrive soon. :-)  Meanwhile, keep crafting!