Some Moxie Fab Card Style Cards

I've been so busy that I almost forgot to submit these for the Moxie Fab Card Style Challenge that deadlines today. It was so much fun to finally meet Cath at CHA. She's as nice as I imagined who has a very soft soothing voice that I've always wanted. (I have a very low voice and I've been mistaken too many times for a boy on the phone :-).

Anywho, here are my cards. The first two are for the Fun and Cute Category, which is one style I struggle with a lot. The fish and sentiment are from the Stamp TV Eclectic Summer set.
This card uses the Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg papers and chipboard. The sentiment is from Heartily Yours Addition by Gina K Designs.

This card is for the Moxie Fab Elegant and Classy Category that uses my Fine Furnishings and FF Addition sets.

This card uses the Basic Grey Origins papers and Layers of Colors Nature Walk set.

The last cards are for the Vintage Shabby Chic Category, which competes with the Elegant style as my favorite :-). The background roses and bowl are from Layers of Colors' Vintage Roses set.

Finally, this vintage card uses October Afternoon's Report Card papers, Unity stamps and SRM Stickers (Live Life Schooldays) for the sentiments.

I Chair-ish You

Today's card is for this week's Card Patterns' sketch blog. The sponsor is GinaK Designs and the prize is my Fine Furnishings set:

Here is the sketch:

And here's my card that uses Fine Furnishings and Fine Furnishings Addition. The papers are October Afternoon Thrift Shop.

Royal Hospitality

Here is another card for Gina K's challenge to use a summer memory for inspiration on your card. Gina will pick next month's CSS DT from one of the participants who will get next month's release stamps. And for this month, you can use ANY GinaK Designs stamps you have, not just the newly released ones. So, I hope you will give it a try.

Now, for my card inspiration....You all know I live in Croatia. But, did you know that I live really close to many European destinations? We're only 4 hours to Venice, Italy and 2 more to Milan. Zurich is a 12 hour drive. And Munich, Budapest, Salzburg (as in home of the von Trapps of the Sound of Music fame) and Vienna are only a few hours drive from here.

After we moved to Croatia 12 years ago, our American visitors often want to see Vienna, so we've spent a few summers, springs and falls playing tour guide there. We love Vienna - it's home to the closest TGIF's American restaurant (a taste of something familiar, which only expats will understand :-) and my family's favorite European castle, Schonbrunn Palace. I based my card on this magical place:

Here is my family in front of the Neptune fountain in the beautiful Schonbrunn garden. I was 7 months pregnant in this picture:

When I think of castles, I think damask, elegance with a touch of vintage. Here is my card using Fine Furnishings and Fine Furnishings Additions stamp sets with the hint of royalty (I guess as much as it is possible on a card :-). The papers are Bayberry Cottage by by Pink Paislee. The damask paper matches GinaK's Wine With Everything cardstock perfectly. This card would make any hostess feel like royalty (at least loved, that you cared enough to make something to show your appreciation).

My Favorite Vacation

Gina issued the GinaK Designs DT a challenge to create a card inspired by a favorite summer memory. Hands down, my favorite summer vacation was 2 years ago when my whole family spent 2 weeks exploring Israel with many of our dear friends. It was an experience we will never forget. A friend told me that visiting Israel would change the way I would read my Bible from black and white to full color. She was so right. That experience just brought more meaning to the stories and lessons I read in the pages of Scripture.

Let me give you a short tour of that life-changing trip. First pic is with me and my DH showing the Temple Mount view from the Mt. of Olives.

This is the Sea of Galilee at sunset.

My girls thought it was very interesting to stand where David bravely faced and defeated Goliath. Of course, they had to gather some smooth stones like David did for souvenirs. (In case you're wondering, my youngest stayed in the hotel with some friends the whole time because she was too young to endure the high temps outside).

This was inside the Mt. Sepulcher church in Jerusalem.

This is Qumran where a shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Finally, my favorite photo from this trip. The road we're walking on in this picture was literally the road where Jesus walked because it's the road that leads to the Temple.
Here are my cards using my latest sets, Fine Furnishings and Fine Furnishings Additions. I followed the color scheme of the many places we saw: yellow (or gold), black and Kraft. The music background is from the Vintage Borders set. The elegant sentiment is from Elegant Post. I used Wild Dandelion for my card base. I also used the Spellbinders Fancy Tags for an added elegance.

Here is a simpler card with the classic chandelier and couch image from Fine Furnishings.

For all the specific details on how to enter your card in Gina's Design Team challenge, please visit GinaK's blog. Then, stop by these participating GinaK Design Team members' blogs for their projects for tonight's hop:

• Jessica Fick
• Nina Brackett <<--you are HERE!
  
• Theresa Momber
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Tami Mayberry
• Cathy Tidwell
• Lee Murphy
• Donna Baker
• Kurtis Amundson
• Carolyn King
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Kay Simmons
  

Finally, I have to share this interesting photo. Because everything's kosher, the meat and dairy are served from two different counters at a McDonald's in Jerusalem. It's amazing how the hamburger and fries taste the same no matter where it's located in the world. I hope you enjoyed my mini-virtual tour of my favorite vacation.

Comfy?

Card Patterns' sponsor this week is none other than my favorite stamp company (wink), Gina K Designs.
I just want to let all my international readers that GinaK has the BEST international shipping I know. And I was a customer before I started designing for them. For a flat rate International Priority Mail envelope fee (I think it's $13.45), look at how much they can fit in your package.
International customers have to email the GinaK customer service (info@ginakdesigns.com) to order because their website is not set up for that.

This package includes -

• 2 stamp sets
  
• a pack of 25 sheets heavy base paper
  
• 2 full size inks
  
• one 8x8 October Afternoon paper pad
  
• a set of Spellbinders dies and
  
• 2 packs of pearls
  

Here is the sketch for this week:

Here's my card using my latest, Fine Furnishings Addition and October Afternoon Thrift Shop papers.

It's been hot here in Croatia and it's really not helping my mojo :-). My craft area is in the hottest spot in our house with no air conditioning. I hope you are having a cool and relaxing weekend!

Some Carla Inspiration

I have two cards from one of my Designing Friends, Carla Suto, using Fine Furnishings and Fine Furnishings Addition sets by GinaK Designs.

First up is a classic and elegant card. I just love black and white cards, don't you? This would be perfect for Anniversary, Wedding or any occasion card.

I love the vintage masculine feel of this second card. I wouldn't have thought of using pearls for a masculine card, but Carla made them work so well on her card. I love her color combo.

On a different note, we finally got summer weather in Croatia. We were heating our house just last week and today, our high is 86 deg F. I'm one happy lady :-) My girls still have two weeks of school. Croatian schools end late. I just wish it's over already, but at least we have the nice weather to enjoy :-).

Friendship cards

I have two cards to show you today. The first one uses my latest stamp sets by GinaK Designs, Fine Furnishings and Fine Furnishings Addition. The dotted background is from Vintage Backgrounds that I stamped with Versamark on Chocolate Brown CS. The card base is Lovely Lavender. Don't you just love that sentiment? Friends who listen and give sound advice are such a treasure.


My second card is for Card Patterns' sketch this week:

Our sponsor is the Little Paper Shop. The prize is a $20.00 store credit in the LPS store. There is also a generous discount for Card Patterns fans that you can find on the CP Blog. My card uses on of the adorable digis from LPS. The papers are October Afternoon Fly a Kite.

We have a 4-day weekend and still 2 more weeks of school left. I just wish it's over already. I think the girls have finished most of the curriculum already. We're spending the day today cleaning and crafting gifts for their teachers.

Please meet Michelle

For the winner of my Operation Write Home Memorial Day Blog Hop, please scroll down below.

I am so glad to introduce you to my next Designing Friend this month, Michelle Woerner. She has a beautiful and elegant style that I just love. Look at what she created with my latest stamp sets by GinaK Designs, Fine Furnishings and Fine Furnishings Addition. She has a way with bows, and an eye for color and design.

Let's get to know her a little bit.

1. How long have you been paper crafting and how did you get started?

Just over 3 years ago, I answered an ad off Craigslist to buy some scrapbook paper, and while I there I saw her lovely handmade Christmas cards. She said she made them using stamps from a company called Stampin’ Up!. This was a novel idea to me, I never knew people MADE their own cards?! How funny THAT is now -LOL! The rest is history as they say.

2. What are your current favorite:

• Techniques -Die cutting shapes, I love my Nestabilities!!
  
• Tools -My 5x7 paper cutter from Creative Memories, with all my trimming and tinkering for each card, I go through one every 6 months -LOL!
  
• embellishments -RIBBON!!
  

3. What makes a "WOW" card, in your opinion?

A card can be a WOW card in many ways. With CAS cards, a WOW could be a well placed trio of bling. With layered cards, a WOW could be layering with the perfect border punch, or something. After I finish a card, I step away then come back and ask myself if anything could be removed or added.

4. What inspires you to create? Define your crafting style.

I create cards because I MUST craft everyday! It truly is my passion. I love the instant gratification of completing a card, and I love sharing my cards with friends and family. My style has changed a couple times over the years. Right now, I would say my crafting style is CAS-ish.

5. Tell us something about your family. Where are you from? Other interests besides paper crafting. Or any random fact about you.

I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband of 7 years, Bill and my 2 sons Daniel (6) and Ryan (4.5). Right now it's hard to have any other interest other than my family and cards. But I will say that I am a TV buff. I love TV shows and watch them all -DVR is my best friend!

Please meet Carla

First, happy Memorial day! Don't forget the Operation Write Home hop still going on. I will pick the winners of my giveaways tomorrow morning, so you have till tonight to enter!

Carla Suto is one of my StampTV friends and she's gracious enough to be one of my Designing Friends this month featuring my latest stamp sets by GinaK Designs, Fine Furnishings and Fine Furnishings Addition.

Look at her beautiful cards below. I love how she mixes patterns so well. She excels in making elegant and classy cards.
Let's get to know her some more:

1. How long have you been paper crafting and how did you get started?

I was always an avid crafter but I only got into paper crafting about three years ago when my good friend brought me with her to a Stampin' Up party. The rest is history! I've been addicted to stamping and card-making ever since!

2. What are your current favorite:

• Techniques: Coloring with Copics, Embossing

• Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Dies, Punches

• Embellishments: Ribbon, Flowers and Pearls

3. What makes a "WOW" card, in your opinion?

A WOW card to me is something that really stands out with a unique layout, color combination or arrangement of embellishments. I'm always impressed by the amazing creativity of paper crafters. I love seeing designs I would never have thought of.

4. What inspires you to create? Define your crafting style.

I am inspired by lots of things. I love challenges and I find lots of inspiration on my favorite blogs and stamping sites. I'm not sure I have just one style. I love to use patterned papers in my creations. If one style appeals to me most, it is probably shabby chic. I love vintage-inspired images and embellishments.

5. Tell us something about your family. Where are you from? Other interests besides paper crafting. Or any random fact about you.

My immediate family consists of my wonderful DH of 22 years and our two sweet cat children. They are 12 years old. A year ago, I moved my 85-year-old Mom here to NC to be closer to us. I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I stayed in New England for college and graduate school, then began moving around the country for my post-doctoral work and for our jobs in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. I lived in Houston, TX, Ann Arbor, MI, and San Diego, CA before settling here in North Carolina. We've been here for 6 years now. Before I got into paper crafting, I was really into jewelry-making, especially beaded jewelry. I also enjoy playing golf with DH and my friends when I have time.

6. Do you have a favorite quote/verse that you live by?

One of my favorite quotes is: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

OWH Memorial Day Blog Hop

EDIT: The drawing has concluded for this giveaway. The winners are announced HERE. Thank you for your participation.

Welcome to the Operation Write Home's Memorial Day Blog Hop. I'm so glad you could hop along with us. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to honor both God and our troops. I want to honor Christ for His goodness in allowing us to enjoy our freedom, which we sometimes take for granted and that many people in this world can only dream about. May we not forget how blessed we are!

And of course, I want to thank all the men and women and their families who faithfully and sacrificially serve our country for the sake of our freedom. You will always have my never ending gratitude and prayers. Thank you and may the Lord bless you and keep you.

Here is a precious photo of my Grandparents. My grandpa served in the US Army during the Second World War and is one of the very few living survivors of the Bataan Death March. My dear Grandma passed away 2 years ago, but he's still as sharp as a tack living in the Philippines. You could write a book about his life experiences. I thank God for him and am honored to have him as my Grandpa.

I have lots of cards, freebies and blog candy to give away, so make sure you scroll all the way down ;-). I suggest you start the hop at Operation Write Home so you don't miss all the beautiful cards everyone is showing. I have 5 cards to show you today. They highlight two companies that are offering some generous discounts or prizes here on my blog in honor of this hop and Memorial Day.

The first card uses the GinaK Designs' Fine Furnishings Additions stamp set. It's one of the newly released stamp sets (along with new cardstock colors and beautiful patterned papers). All the cardstocks, buttons and most ribbons and patterned papers I used below were purchased from GinaK Designs.

This one uses the Lovely Labels and Elegant Post stamp sets by GinaK Designs.

This card uses a sentiment from GinaK Designs' Spring Mix set. The embossed background is a sneak peek of an art stencil by Layers of Color. The art stenciels are beautiful and have ornate designs that I love. They will be released in mid-June. I dry embossed the stencil here using my Cuttlebug, then sponged some ink.

Next up is a card using Layers of Colors' Touch of Elegance set (background) and the same sentiment and Lovely Labels from GinaK Designs.

And another card using the Touch of Elegance again. It also includes a digital patriotic verse that you can download for FREE at the Layers of Color website. You will find other free digis there.

Now for the Goodies...Layers of Color is not only giving away free digis, but they are also offering 10% OFF ALL ART STAMPS on Memorial Day weekend, May 29 - 31 only! They will also DONATE 10% of ALL SALES during this 3-day weekend to Operation Write Home, where you can send those cards to be distributed to American men and women serving our nation. Check out the Layers of Color blog for more info.

My Blog Giveaways:

A Layers of Color stamp set of the winner's choice.

And on behalf of GinaK Designs, I have three stamp sets to give away to one winner:

Welcome Home

Gone Fishing
Quite A Catch

How do you win:

All you need to do is leave me a comment below. If you want two more chances to win, you may:

• visit the Layers of Color website and leave me a comment which stamp set is your favorite
  
• visit the GinaK Designs website and leave a comment here which stamp set catches your eye.

I will pick the two winners from all the comments below and announce them on my blog on Tuesday! If you've made it this far, thank you! Now, I will send you to the next stop of the hop:

TONI
http://kharliebug.typepad.com/the_digi_shack/2010/05/owh-blog-hop.html

HAPPY HOPPING!