RSCC #4

It's time for Dawn's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge again. Here are the colors:

I actually just finished making this card, right before I found out it's Dawn's colors this week. I didn't condition my butterfly stamp before using, but I did that on purpose. I like that little grungy look. I know it's a lot like the cards I made for StampTV a few days ago. I'm using the slit punch again...I will have to get one of those gorgeous border punches that I've seen people use on their projects, so I can have a little bit more variety. I can't wait to load up on supplies when we visit the US in June.

Stamps: Garden Delight (Inkadinkadoo), Sincere Salutations (SU)
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Mint Melody
Paper: Chocolate Chip (SU), Aqua Mist (PTI)
Others: Aqua pearl (Michael's), brown gingham ribbon, slit punch

KWerner #50

For Kristina's color challenge this week, these are the colors:


I'm not used to using so many colors, unless they're all included in the patterned papers. But, I love all these colors individually, so I had to play:-). Here's my card:

I hope you're not tired of this tulip set yet :-). I just love them. I used to hate solid stamps because I could never make the color even. I learned how to condition my stamps before use and they really make a big difference. I still have problems with some stamps. I just got some Basic Grey ones and no matter how much I condition them, I can't seem to get a solid image. Any tips?

Have a super day!

Supplies:
Stamps: Wishing You (PTI)
Ink: Basic Brown, Summer Sun, Really Red
Paper: DCWV spring cards, Summer sun
Others: SU Top Note die, Ribbon and button from my stash

StampTV Color Challenge #10 and Our Creative Corner Challenge

Here are my submissions for the StampTV Color Challenge #10 and Our Creative Corner Color challenge. The colors this week from Stamp TV are black, white and one other color. OCC's color challenge is using our favorite color combo. It just so happens that mine is black, white and one other color. I use it all the time. I love the simplicity and elegance of it.

One drawback about this fave color combo is my SU Basic Black pad is not that great, so I redo my stamping quite often because of smears and uneven tones. I've been very disappointed with it. I can't wait to get my hands on Memento Tuxedo Black. I have heard so many great things about it and how much better it is than SU's. I just ordered mine from GinaK, but it's waiting for me in CA :-(. I didn't want it to be sent here since we will be back in the states in about a month. In fact, I have lots of GinaK goodies waiting there, including the amazing Pure Luxury Cardstock, which now comes in Chocolate Kiss.

I used Garden Delight from Inkadinkadoo for the silhouette flowers for both cards. I just {heart} them, esp because I paid less than $6 for the set at Joanns. I don't know if you've also noticed how I love my SU slit punch. I wish they'd make a large scallop border punch like this.

For Card #1, the other color is PTI's Aqua Mist.


For Card #2, the other color is SU's Cameo Coral. I made this for a friend who wanted personalized note cards. The name label was printed on the computer and punched. The button is PTI's Melon Berry and it matches the paper very well.

Two challenges in one

There are so many great challenges out there. It's hard to limit myself to only a few to participate in. (If only there are more hours in a day! :-)) So, sometimes I combine at least two in one. For this card, I combined Card Patterns #12 and Color Throwdown #39.

Here's the Card Patterns Sketch (Unity Stamps is the sponsor for this week):

Here's Color Throwdown's colors this week:

And here's my card:

I don't have Barely Banana, so I used So Saffron. The ribbon is recycled from a Lands End gift.

Supplies: Stamps (PTI); Inks (Really Red, Summer Sun, Black); Papers (So Saffron, Cream and Black); Others (ribbon, slot punch and Cropadile)

Friday Sketchers Card #49

I have been following the Friday Sketchers' Blog for awhile, but this is the first time I'm participating in it. I like that the design team members come from all over the world. Here's my card for their #49 challenge.

The inside says, "Mother's day."

Supplies:

Stamps: Wishing You (PTI), Happy days (Inkadinkadoo)
Ink: Rose Romance, Old Olive, Black (SU)
Paper: Old Olive, DCWV spring cards
Others: buttons (PTI), ribbon and brads

More Caardvarks Trees a Crowd Challenge

Two more cards for the Caardvarks challenge. I am loving tree cards right now. I may have a couple more to post later.


I just got PTI buttons and I was disappointed to see so many large ones in there. I didn't think I could use them. I guess I was wrong. The tree trunks were hand-cut.

Supplies: Stamps: Thank you Kindly (SU) Ink: black Papers: DCWV Spring cards, Eva Collection by BG, Certainly Celery Other: Buttons (PTI), Nesties, Swiss Dots CB Emb Folder


Here's another one using my current favorite SU Stamp set, Trendy Trees. Other supplies used here are Close to Cocoa and Baja Breeze inks and cardstocks, DCWV patterned paper, button and Baja Breeze ribbon.

Have a great weekend!

Taylor's Cupcake Challenge

My very first submission to Taylor's cupcake Challenge. Here's the sketch:

This was a fun sketch to make. I made my first two cards using my very first PTI stamps. I love this set, esp with Mother's Day just around the corner. The third card uses the Flowers of Happiness set from There She Goes.

Here they are.

Supplies - Stamps (Wishing You by PTI), Paper (Pink Passion, Eva by Basic Grey, Aqua Mist by PTI), Ink (Pink Passion, Mint Melody, Basic Black by SU), Accessories (Aqua Mist ribbon and button by PTI)

Supplies - Stamps (Wishing You by PTI), Paper (DCWV, Urban Prairie by Basic Grey), Ink (Summer Sun, Mint Melody, Basic Black by SU), Accessories (Yellow ribbon and button)

Supplies - Stamps (Flowers of Happines by TSG), Paper (DCWV, Bashful Blue by SU), Ink (Basic Black by SU), Accessories (Black stitched ribbon and brad, curly label punch)

Blog Candy Alert

Passion for Crafts is offering some of the best blog candies I've seen. Go check it out.

Blog signature

I'm just trying out my new blog signature...

Caardvarks Trees a Crowd Challenge

For the Caardvarks Trees a Crowd Challenge, I made this card using my brand new Basic Grey Eva papers. The sponsor this week is Taylored Expressions and they're giving away their new set called Branching Out, which I've been eying since it debuted earlier this month.

The trunk on my card is hand cut and the circles are punched. The sentiment is from my own stamp design, Tweeterpated, sold by There She Goes.


Supplies:
Stamps: Swirl from Urban Prairie (Basic Grey), Sentiment from Tweeterpated (There She Goes)
Ink: Black, chalks, Versamark
Paper: Eva Collection from Basic Grey, Pink and green CS from my own stash
Accessories: Pink ribbon (PTI), button, round punches

StampTV 4 Challenges in one card

I have been enjoying all these challenges because they encourage me to get out of my"comfort stamping zone." I'm trying new things that I never even heard of (I know they're not new to many of you, but hey, I've been in Croatia 10+ years and new to blogging ;-)). StampTV offers new challenges everyday. And they pick a random winner to get a free stamp set from GinaK.

I've been busy this week with guests and filling in card orders and, of course, my everyday chores. So, I decided to combine challenges in one card:

Color challenge - lots of colors
Technique challenge - baby wipes technique (Great tutorials on this can be found here and here. My girls and I were excited to try it out for the first time)
Potluck challenge - use glitter
Sketch challenge - see below


Here is my card using all four challenges.


The baby wipes technique was used on the flower border strip, using at least 5 colors. The button has a glittered center. I put a glue dot on the button center and dipped in a small bowl of glitter.

Supplies:
Stamps: Thankful and Garden Delights (inkadinkadoo)
Inks: Summer sun, Orchid Opulence, Lovely Lilac, Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom
Paper: DCWV Spring, Lovely Lilac and cream CS
Accessories: ribbon, glitter, button

Thanks for stopping by.

Sneak Peeks and Lots of Giveaways at GinaK

GinaK Designs is having a sneak peek of their April release goodies starting today. Gina's blog has lots of information, card samples of the soon-to-be-released stamps, and links to the DTs' blogs with more fabulous cards. And, best of all, she's giving away the new stamps everyday. All you have to do is leave a comment on her blog. The release party is on Thursday, April 23 (7-10pm CST) at the SCS GinaK Forum.

And don't forget to visit StampTV, where you can find many tutorials and challenges to participate in. They randomly pick entrants to win a stamp set from GinaK for each challenge.

I can't wait to see the rest of the stamps being released this month. Gina has the best DTs, too, who can make even a simple line drawing look fabulous :-).

Two Beautiful Video Clips

I recently saw these Youtube clips and I couldn't hold back my tears while watching them. I just love it when the underdog wins in the end. I can't help but relate them to what it will be like in the future when Christ's glory will be fully beheld by everyone. Enjoy.

Susan Boyle's amazing performance on Britain's Got Talent

Lisa's beautiful card

I met my friend Lisa just a few months ago in cyberspace. She's truly a remarkable lady and SU Demo. She always sends me encouraging emails and great deals on SU products. She made an amazing card using one of my stamp designs, Cupcake M&M from There She Goes. Go check it out here. Thanks, Lisa.

CPS #111 Sketch

For this week's CPS Sketch, here's my card:

I didn't do any stamping here. The verse was printed on the computer. The ribbon looks darker here than in real life.

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: PTI Guidelines
Others: Cuttlebug Swiss dots EF, 1" round punch, Oval Nestabilities corner rounder, ribbon and button

I goofed!

I was trying to update my blog and trying new templates (I really want 3 columns) and now I lost all my blog lists. I guess I'll have to do it over again. Technology is supposed to make our life easier :-). Does anybody know where to get 3-column blogger templates? Thanks and have a great weekend!

A Die Cutter giveaway

The Simply Handmade blog is giving away a die cutting machine. Go check it out here!

Cute Card Thursday Chocolate and Marshmallow

My first time to participate in Cute Card Thursday. For this week, the DTs challenge us to make chocolate and pink combo cards. High Hopes is the sponsor this week with some very cute fish stamps.

I love this Trendy Trees Set from SU. I just wish they were a little bigger. The verse was printed on the computer.


Supplies:
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Ink: Regal Rose, Basic Brown
Paper: DCWV Spring cards, SU DSP in Regal Rose, Basic Brown
Others: curly Label punch, Polka dot ribbon by Making Memories, button, string

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Resurrection Sunday

I just started following both the Salt Challenge and Triple the Sketch Challenge and I've been encouraged by the designers' desire to share their faith through their craft. I've been especially touched by how they focus Easter back to Christ, whose resurrection we celebrate today.

The latest Salt Challenge is to make something that shows the true meaning of Easter. Triple the Sketch's layout this week is this

After combining both challenges, this is what I came up with.


For the branch embellishment, I did paper piercing instead. And the two squares are two stanzas of the hymn. The lovely font is called "Missed Your Exit" from kevinaandamanda.com. Instead of circles, I used There She Goes' Flowers of Happiness set.

I printed the last two verses of one of my favorite modern hymns by Stuart Townend called "How Deep the Father's Love for Us." Every time I hear that song, I can't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for God's abounding love for us. The depth of His love is only realized through understanding the sacrifice and worthiness of Christ. Here's the rest of the song.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Have a blessed Sunday.

KWerner Design #49

My first Kwerner Design Color Challenge. I have to admit this color combo is a new one for me. That's why I like doing these challenges - they inspire me to do new things. I don't have the Kiwi Kiss, so I used Old Olive, nor the Pacific Point, so I used a turquoise DSP from my stash.


And my interpretation...


The verse was printed on the computer. It says, "Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift." 2Corinthians 9:15.

Supplies: Stamps: One of a Kind Ink: Ruby Red Paper: Rose Red, Old Olive, Turquoise DSP from stash, white and black CS Others: Curly Label punch, slit punch, button, ribbon

Color Throwdown #37

My first Color Throwdown Challenge. For this week, the colors are Pink pirouette, Cameo Coral and Sage Shadow. I only had the Pink cardstock, so I substituted a coral patterned paper and Certainly Celery DSP. The dress pattern is from Paper Crafts Magazine and can be downloaded here.


Supplies
Paper: Pink Pirouette CS, Certainly Celery and Coral DSP
Others: Scallop Scissors, Scalloped Round Punch, Pink pearls and Satin cream ribbon

Blog Candies in Blogdom

Here are some blog candy giveaways I've found that I want to share with you all:

Paperlicious Oasis - including Ciao copics, until April 12th.
Creating with the Heart - for some Inkadinkadoo cupcakes, until april 14th.
Saz's cards - to celebrate her 1st anniversary, until April 15th.
Manicstamper - for hitting 80L hits, until April 15th.
Lainy's Little Blog - to celebrate her blog anniversary, until April 19th.
Craftycrafter Denise - to celebrate 3K hits, until April 19th.
Inkedinspirations - for hitting 20K hits, until April 19th.
Kath's Blog - for hitting 100K, until April 21st.

Card Patterns #9

My submission for this week's CP #9. A friend asked me for some sympathy cards. I didn't want to make a a card that's too dark (it seems the typical colors for sympathy ones) , so I made this bright card. For believers, death is a beginning, rather than an ending. I wanted to reflect on my card (1) respect for the memory, and (2) joy for their being finally free from sin.

The verse was printed on the computer. The oval is embossed using Nestabilities.

Supplies:
Stamps: Flowers of Happines (TSG)
Paper: So Saffron, SAB DSP

My first Our Creative Corner Challenge

The OCC Challenge for this week is to make a spring card. Well, I love spring and I made more than one :-). Here are two of them, an Easter Dress card and a springy card (well, not quite Easter).

Supplies
Stamps: Flowers of Happiness and Special Delivery by TSG
Ink: black
Paper: Pink Pirouette, So Saffron, DSP from stash (it's so old, I don't remember where I bought it)
Ribbons: So Saffron and Certainly Celery

StampTV Potluck Friday

Here's my submission to StampTV's potluck friday challenge:

This was an easy card to make, no stamping done. The tulips are a photo and the sentiment was printed on the computer. The size of the card is 6" x 3.25".

Supplies: Bravo Burgundy, Certainly Celery CS, Certainly Celery ribbon and Cuttlebug embossing folder

Raspberry Color Challenge #3

I have just recently found Dawn's blog. She's one talented lady. I admire her style. Here's my submission for her color challenge:

I had a hard time finding the perfect background paper that has all the colors, so I made my own. I then printed my design on vanilla cardstock. Here's the result:

And close up:


The red patterned papers have red, pink and berry colors on them, but they're hard to capture on camera.

Supplies:
Papers: Pink Pirouette and Ruby Red (SU), Vanilla cardstock (Xerox)
Patterned Papers: K & Co, SU
Tools: MS butterfly punch, slit punch
Accents: pearls (Michael's), ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbons)

2 Sketches 4 You Kazan #23

My very first 2 Sketches 4 You challenge submission. I love this layout. The picture didn't turn out very well, though. The designers at 2S4Y are so talented. I loved looking at their creations over and over again.


Supplies:
Stamps: So Many Scallops
Ink: Brilliant Blue
Paper: So Saffron and Regal Rose DSP (SU), Berry (from DCWV Spring cardstock)
Acc: Certainly Celery ribbon, round punches, scallop punch, slot punch, paper piercer

CPS #109 Sketch

My very first submission to the Card Positioning System Sketch Challenge. I used my brand new stamp design, Cupcake Mix & Match, from There She Goes. I don't know why, but the picture turned out a little different from the actual card. The cardstock is supposed to be Pink Pirouette, not this blush color. Anyway, I hope you can tell that it's monochromatic. Thanks all for looking.


Supplies:
Stamps: Cupcake Mix & Match (TSG)
Ink: Regal Rose
Paper: Pink Pirouette, White, Regal Rose DSP
Acc: Nesties, buttons, pink pearl, paper piercer

Exciting News!!!

I'm getting published by Paper Crafts Magazine. It's my very first submission and I got in! I couldn't sit still after I read the acceptance email. My poor husband didn't know what was going on. He was happy for me, but he really didn't understand how big a deal it is. I'm so new in the designing business: illustrating for stamps, starting a blog, participating in blog challenges and now submitting for publication. So, all these things I'm doing are new to him, too. In the past, I just made my cards in my little corner whenever I could find time, sometimes while he's reading close to me.

The card I submitted actually has a lot of stories behind it. Most of the supplies I used were given to me (one perk of being a missionary is I get gifts from dear friends :-)). Doris and Lisa are two cyber-friends I haven't had a privilege to meet who also sent me craft goodies that I used on my card. Some of the accents I used came from my travels to Israel, the Philippines and, of course, Croatia.

Anyway, I'm just super excited and wanted to share my news. Pray that I will be able to send it without damaging it from Croatia.

Have a good weekend!

Verve Egg-stra challenge

This is my very first entry to Verve Stamps' challenges. This is for the Project Parade Egg-stra Special. I don't own any Verve Stamps (yet), but I've been an admirer for awhile now. I love their Bible verses and whimsical flowers. Because I live overseas, it's a little more difficult to get stamps.

Again, I used one of my new stamp designs called Tweeterpated from There She Goes on this card. It's perfect for Verve's challenge. I love that the egg-shell can be made as part of a stroller.

Stamps: Tweeterpated (TSG)
Ink: Black
Paper: SAB DSP, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Acc: Certainly Celery grossgrain ribbon, corner punch

Card Patterns

This is my very first Card Patterns #8. I just got this adorable set from There She Goes called Flowers of Happines. Can you tell that coloring is one of my weakneses? I'll have to work on that. Card Patterns is giving away some really cute crocheted flowers from Paper Blooms.

Stamp: Flowers of Happines (TSG), Trendy Trees (SU)
Ink: Black
Paper: DCWV Spring card pack, Certainly Celery
Acc: Nesties, Word Punch, Bling

CAARDVARKS Challenge

My first submission to Caardvarks, Hero Arts Challenge. I used one of my new stamp designs called Tweeterpated from There She Goes on this card.

Stamps: Tweeterpated (TSG)
Ink: Black
Paper: Imagine That Cardstock Collection, Pink Pirouette, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Acc: Certainly Celery grossgrain ribbon, Nesties, Pink button, corner punch