The Challenge 62-Wherever You Go

***  Scroll down to the post below or click HERE to see my card for this week's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge!  ***

The Challenge is back with a new challenge! Next up in our rotation is a masculine photo inspiration challenge.  I used the map background from the photo as the starting point for my design along with stamps and dies from SugarPea Designs and the current sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.

My map is the America the Beautiful die.  I cut the map three times--once from the blue-green cardstock panel, once from kraft cardstock, and once from chocolate brown cardstock.  The kraft die cut was inlaid into the blue-green panel.  I filled in the individual states with the pieces from the chocolate brown die cut.  A bit tedious, but I like the way it turned out!

After matting the map panel on chocolate brown cardstock, I adhered it to a kraft cardstock panel.  I stamped a sentiment from the Going Places stamp set on a cream panel in brown ink, then inked the panel's edges with brown distress ink for a more rustic look.  After wrapping the panel with twine, I used foam tape to set it on to the kraft panel.  To go with the sentiment, I die cut a pair of red hearts using the Heart Journal Card die and added them to the map.  The finished panel was adhered to a dark brown card base.

Check out what the rest of the talented team at The Challenge has created based on this week's inspiration photo.  Here's where to find them:

Anita Madden
Broni Holcombe
Claire Broadwater
Diane Jaquay
Jinny Newlin

Kim Heggins
Laurel Seabrook

Lori Tecler--you're here!

Nance Salkeld

Nina Forsyth
Rachel Bergfeld
Michelle Leone, February featured designer
Michele Greenwood, guest designer
 

Materials Used:
Going Places stamp set,  SugarCuts America the Beautiful and Heart Journal Card  dies (SugarPea Designs); Memento Rich Cocoa ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Tea Dye distress ink (Ranger); Ocean Tides and Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Cherry Cobbler and Chocolate Chip cardstock (Stampin' Up!); twine; foam tape

Mojo Monday 437-Yappy Birthday

Happy Monday!  It's time for a new Mojo Monday sketch.  It's the last week of the month and we're switching things up a bit with a square layout.  I used the sketch to put together a birthday card.

The card features a sweet pup from Mama Elephant's Playful Pups set.  I colored the image with Copic markers, then cut it out with the matching die.  I used foam tape to adhere it to a gray cardstock panel along with a square of red dotted patterned paper.  The "yappy birthday" sentiment was stamped on a white pierced circle die cut layered on top of a red circle.  I like how the pierced edge picks up the dots in the patterned paper panel.  The circle was added to the panel with the edge tucked underneath the puppy image.  The finished panel was adhered to a white card base.

Head on over to the Mojo Monday blog for more inspiration from the design team and to add your own take on this week's sketch!  You can also find all of the Mojo Makers at their blogs here:

• Julee Tilman (Owner)
• Carole Burrage
• Justin Krieger
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Wanda Cullen

Materials Used:
Playful Pups stamp set, Playful Pups dies (Mama Elephant); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Basic Black and Real Red cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Gravel Grey cardstock, Die-namics Pierced Circle Stax dies (My Favorite Things); red dotted patterned paper (Michaels); circle dies (Spellbinders); foam tape

Counting Down to Your Special Day

Here's my card for this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge.  I put together a space themed birthday card using the Out of This World stamp set.

I colored the rocket with Copic markers, then carefully cut it out.  It's kind of busy for a rocket, but I think it's fun!  I used foam tape to adhere it to a navy panel framed with contrasting red cardstock.  The curved edges soften the bold colors a bit.  I added a bit of a sparkly silver fishtail flag strip to the extending down from top of the panel to balance it out.

The panel was adhered to a light blue card base.  I cut a silver fishtail flag strip for the sentiment, choosing a die that was wide enough that I could stamp the sentiment in two parts, one on top of the other, so it would fit on the cardfront.  After adding the sentiment to the cardfront, I accented the design with a trio of different sized silver glitter enamel dot "stars" for a fun, sparkly touch.

Materials Used:
Out of This World stamp set, Die-namics Fishtail Flag STAX and Fishtail Flag STAX Layers dies (My Favorite Things); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, and Real Red cardstock (Stampin' Up!); silver paper (Target); silver glitter enamel dots (Eyelet Outlet); corner rounder; foam tape

Thanks a Latte

It's been a while since I inked up the coffee sets from the last release at SugarPea Designs, so instead of making a coffee type of drink on a cold evening, I put together this card instead.  The layout is based on the current SPD Sugar Sketch.  If you haven't played along yet this month, you still have a few more days to get a card (or two!) made and enter for your chance to win a SPD gift certificate . . .

For my card, I colored up the mug and saucer image from the Caffeine Addict set using Copic markers.  I carefully cut out the colored image and used foam tape to adhere it to a SugarCuts Zig Zag Stitched Circle die cut.

After searching through my patterned paper stash for a feminine, floral design to go with the mug, I matted the patterned piece on kraft cardstock, then attached it to a pale pink cardstock panel.  A contrasting golden yellow strip, edged with kraft, runs diagonally across the panel at the bottom of the patterned paper.  I added the colored image, then stamped the "thanks a latte" sentiment from the Espresso Yourself set next to it in brown ink.  You can never have too many thank you cards in your stash, right?  The finished panel was adhered to a kraft card base.
 

Materials Used:
Caffeine Addict and Espresso Yourself stamp sets, SugarCuts Zig Zag Stitched Circle dies (SugarPea Designs); Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa inks (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Pink Pirouette and Barely Banana cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Miss Caroline-Dolled Up 6x6 paper pad (My Mind's Eye); foam tape

More Than Chocolate

Here's my card for February's second Viva la Verve sketch.  I used the layout for a chocolate themed design.

I used Verve's Chocolate Word die to cut the word "chocolate" three times from dark brown cardstock scraps.  After stacking the words together, I glued them to a cream panel with rounded edges.  The "I love you more than" sentiment from the Chocolate stamp set was stamped just above the layered die cuts in brown pigment ink.

I adhered the sentiment panel to a red dotted patterned paper panel with a large dark brown scalloped circle panel along the left edge.  The sentiment panel was accented with a bunch of hearts die cut with the Heart Quartet die.  The finished panel was adhered to a cream card base.

Materials Used:
Chocolate stamp set, Chocolate Word and Heart Quartet dies (Verve Stamps); Memento Luxe Rich Cocoa ink (Tsukinkeko/IMAGINE Crafts); Real Red and Chocolate Chip cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Blossom Soup 6x6 paper pad (Jillibean Soup); scalloped circle die (Spellbinders); corner rounder; foam tape

A Bunch of Birthday Buddies

Here's my card for the February Paper Smooches challenge.  The theme this month is "fun and cute" and I think this animal filled design fits the bill!

I mixed and matched animals from three PS sets--Birthday Buddies, Chubby Chums, and Green Acres--for my card.  The cat and pig didn't have birthday hats, so I did a little creative stamping to add hats before coloring and cutting the images.  The animals were colored with Copic markers and cut out either with the matching dies or by hand.  If you look carefully, it's probably pretty easy to tell which is which!

I used foam tape to arrange the animals on a yellow background panel over a few coordinating cardstock circles.  The "happy birthday" sentiment from the Sentiment Sampler set was stamped beneath the lineup of animals in black ink.  I adhered the finished panel to a coordinating kraft base.

Materials Used:
Birthday Buddies, Chubby Chums, Green Acres, and Sentiment Sampler stamp sets, Birthday Buddies dies (Paper Smooches); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Barely Banana cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Sweet Blush, Summer Sunrise, and Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); circle punch (EK Success); foam tape

Color Throwdown 381-Thanks

It's time for another Color Throwdown!   Wanda is our hostess this week and she's chosen this sweets inspired color combination--kraft, light green, and pink.  I was inspired by the flowerpot idea in the photo and created a floral thank you note using the colors.  The layout for my card comes from the current sketch at Can You Case It?

For my flowerpot, I used one of the images from Mama Elephant's Potted Pretties stamp set.  I colored the image with Copic markers, then cut it out with the matching die.  It was adhered to the green pierced circle die cut using foam tape for dimension.  I layered the image panel on to a kraft panel with a pink cardstock strip across it. The strip was edged with some cream trim for an extra feminine touch.  I stamped the "thanks" sentiment from the Blogging Buddies set on the pink cardstock strip, then accented it with a pair of copper brads.  The finished panel was adhered to a cream card base to match the color of the trim.

To play along, just create a paper crafted project using these colors as a starting point and add a direct link to your finished project using the linky tool found at the end of this week's CTD post. As always, if you don’t have exact color matches, something close works just fine. Just be sure that the challenge colors are the dominant ones in your project. And, if you upload your project to an online gallery, use the keyword CTD381. If you upload your projects on social media, go ahead and use the hashtag #ctd381 and #colorthrowdown. You can find us on Instagram (and on Facebook!) with the username colorthrowdown.

Before you get started, here’s some inspiration from the talented Color Throwdown team, our February guestie Kay Miller, and this week's Guest Star Stamper, Karren Johnson.

**  Amy ** Barbara ** Broni ** Joan ** Jodi ** 

** Lisa ** Lynn ** Vickie ** Wanda **

** February guestie Kay Miller **
** Guest Star Stamper Karren Johnson  **

Materials Used:
Potted Pretties and Blogging Buddies stamp sets, Potted Pretties dies (Mama Elephant); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, and Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Pierced Circle STAX dies (My Favorite Things); cream trim (Hobby Lobby); copper brads (Joann); foam tape

Well, Hello Gorgeous

The theme for this month's AEI♥U challenge is friendship.  I put together this clean and layered design for the challenge, inspired by the color palette from the current Card Concept challenge.

My flowers are from Avery Elle's Fabulous Florals set.  When I stamp solid images like these, I prefer to use pigment inks.  Here, I used a combination of Memento Luxe and, for a fun, bold pop, Radiant Neon inks.  After stamping up a bunch of flowers, I played around with several arrangements before adhering the pieces to a strip of aqua cardstock.  The strip was edged with some bright berry cardstock, then adhered to a white cardstock panel.  I stamped the "well, hello gorgeous" sentiment from the Cupcakes stamp set in the coral neon ink on a golden yellow pierced circle die cut, then added the sentiment to the panel, tucking the bottom edge of the circle underneath the top of the aqua strip.  The finished panel was adhered to a berry card base.

Materials Used:
Fabulous Florals and Cupcakes stamp sets, Fabulous Florals dies (Avery Elle); Memento Luxe Dandelion and Pear Tart and Radiant Neon Electric Coral and Electric Orange inks (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Berry Sorbet, Harvest Gold, and Aqua Mist cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Die-namics Pierced Circle STAX dies (My Favorite Things); self adhesive pearl; foam tape

The Challenge 61-Whisking You a Sweet Birthday

*** Scroll down to the post below or click HERE to see my card for this week's Mojo Monday sketch challenge! *** 

The Challenge is back with a new challenge! Next up in our rotation is a photo inspiration challenge.  I took my inspiration from the photo's color scheme and the cake stand seen on the table in the photo.

My cake is from the SugarPea Designs Whisky Business stamp set.  I colored up the cake with Copic markers and cut it out with the matching SugarCuts Whisky Business die.  I used foam tape to adhere it to a white cardstock circle, then layered the circle on to a slightly larger minty green circle. 

Once the cake was done, I assembled the card using one of the SPD Sugar Sketches from earlier this month as inspiration.  The circles were adhered to a strip of pink dotted patterned paper.  After edging the strip with some cream trim, I adhered it to a pale gray cardstock panel.  A trio of pink and mint pierced fishtail flag strips, cut with a die from the SugarCuts Gift Tag die set, was arranged beneath the image panel.  I stamped the set's "whisking you a sweet birthday" sentiment next to the cake in black ink to complete the design.

Check out what the rest of the talented team at The Challenge has created based on this week's color combination.  Here's where to find them:

Anita Madden
Broni Holcombe
Claire Broadwater
Diane Jaquay
Jinny Newlin

Kim Heggins
Laurel Seabrook

Lori Tecler--you're here!

Nance Salkeld

Nina Forsyth
Rachel Bergfeld
Michelle Leone, February featured designer

Materials Used:
Whisky Business stamp set, SugarCuts Whisky Business and Gift Tag dies (SugarPea Designs); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Spearmint, Pink Lemonade, and Grout Gray cardstock (My Favorite Things); Recollections Pink Tonal Dots designer paper (Michaels); circle dies (Spellbinders); cream trim (Hobby Lobby); foam tape

Mojo Monday 436-You're Spectacular

Happy Monday!  It's time for a new Mojo Monday sketch.  I turned to my die collection to put together my card for this week's sketch.

I used the Geek Is Chic Glasses die set from My Favorite Things to cut four pairs of eyeglasses--three from dark gray cardstock and one from shimmery silver paper.  The gray die cuts were arranged on a piece of chevron patterned paper, angling them to add interest.  The silver pair was adhered to a gray circle, then attached to the panel using foam tape for dimension.  I stamped the "you're spectacular" from the coordinating Geek Is Chic stamp set in gray pigment ink on a white fishtail flag strip and added it to the card, tucking the straight end underneath the raised circle.  To bring in a pop of color, I die cut a tiny heart and adhered it to the end of the sentiment.  The finished panel was layered on to a gray card base.

Head on over to the Mojo Monday blog for more inspiration from the design team and to add your own take on this week's sketch!  You can also find all of the Mojo Makers at their blogs here:

• Julee Tilman (Owner)
• Carole Burrage
• Justin Krieger
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Wanda Cullen

Materials Used:
Geek Is Chic stamp set, Steel Grey cardstock, Calm and Cozy Chevron 6x6 paper pad, Die-namics Geek Is Chic Glasses, Fishtail Flag STAX and Cute Cameras 2 dies (My Favorite Things); Memento Luxe Gray Flannel ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Real Red cardstock (Stampin' Up!); silver paper (Target); foam tape

Go Get Carried Away

I love Mama Elephant's Up and Away set, so I was super excited to see the companion set Carried Away in their latest release.  As soon as it arrived in my mailbox, I inked it up for this card based on this week's sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.  The design also fits the new "up, up, and away" themed challenge at The Paper Players.

I used the set's large balloon and one of its child images along with a die from the Landscape Trio set to build my scene on a pale blue background.  The images were colored with Copic markers, then cut out with the matching dies.  I used foam tape to place them onto my background.  The "go get carried away" sentiment was stamped in the open space in navy ink.  I edged the panel with a strip of navy scalloped cardstock, then adhered it to a coordinating red card base.

Materials Used:
Carried Away stamp set, Carried Away and Landscape Trio dies (Mama Elephant); Memento Tuxedo Black and Nautical Blue inks (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Real Red, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, and Shimmery White cardstock, scallop edge punch (Stampin' Up!); foam tape

Thanks for Sticking Your Neck Out

Here's my card for this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge.  I used the sketch along with the Sweet Safari set to make a thank you card.

The set's giraffe is my focal image.  I colored the image with Copic markers, then cut it out.  I used foam tape to adhere it to a background panel made from blue dotted paper with a strip of green "grass" along the bottom.  To fill in the scene, I added a sun and some clouds to the top of the panel.  The "thanks for sticking your neck out for me" sentiment was stamped at the bottom of the card.  Instead of using a narrow cardstock strip across the card, I wrapped some twine around the panel and secured it with a small bow.  The finished panel was adhered to a golden yellow card base.

Materials Used:
Sweet Safari stamp set, Factory Green cardstock, Die-namics Flat Bottom Clouds dies (My Favorite Things); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); So Saffron and Shimmery White cardstock (Stampin' Up!); blue dotted patterned paper (Michaels); Grass border punch (Fiskars); twine (Hemptique); foam tape

Make a Wish

The theme for the current Lawnscaping challenge is "celebrations."  I put together this fun and festive birthday card to fit the theme.

I started out by heat embossing the star background image from Lawn Fawn's Starry Backdrops set on a piece of watercolor paper.  After scribbling over the embossed stars with an array of Zig Clean Color markers, I used a paintbrush and water to blend the colors into a pretty rainbow.  The embossed images resisted the ink, letting the delicate pattern show through.  Since I didn't want to hide the pretty colors, I stamped the set's "make a wish" sentiment in black ink on a narrow vellum strip, then heat embossed it.  I placed it over the watercolored panel, securing the strip on either side of the watercoloring.

I framed the watercolored panel with white cardstock.  To set it off from the white, I edged the white pieces with some bright pink cardstock strips.  The white panels were attached with foam tape to add dimension to the simple design. I accented it with a trio of silver glitter enamel dots.  The finished panel was adhered to a coordinating pink card base.

Materials Used:
Starry Backdrops stamp set (Lawn Fawn); Memento Luxe Wedding Dress and Tuxedo Black inks (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Clean Color markers (Zig); Raspberry Fizz cardstock (Papertrey Ink); white and black embossing powder (Michaels); white vellum; silver glitter enamel dots (Eyelet Outlet); foam tape

Birthday Wishes

Here's my card for February's Reverse Confetti Sketch for You to Try.  With the wintry weather we had earlier this week, I was ready for something spring-like, so that was my inspiration for this design.

I stamped one of the flower images from the Petals 'n Posies set in yellow pigment ink, then cut out the flowers with the matching die.  After giving each flower a bright pink center, I used foam tape to arrange them on a light green panel.  I added a little leaf from the Fresh 'n Fruity set to each flower.  There was just enough room between the rows of flowers for the "birthday wishes" sentiment from the Sweet Thing sentiment.

The panel was matted with darker green cardstock, then adhered to a yellow dotted patterned paper panel. For a bit of contrast, I tucked pink cardstock strips underneath the top and bottom edge of the image panel.  The finished panel was adhered to a light green card base.

Materials Used:
Petals 'n Posies, Fresh 'n Fruity, and Sweet Thing stamp sets, Confetti Cuts Petals 'n Posies and Fresh 'n Fruity dies (Reverse Confetti); Memento Luxe Rose Bud and Dandelion inks (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Lemon Grass ink (Avery Elle); Spring Moss, Simply Chartreuse, and Raspberry Fizz cardstock, Lemon Tart patterned paper (Papertrey Ink); foam tape

Color Throwdown 380-Love You

It's time for another Color Throwdown!   Vickie is our hostess this week and she's chosen a classic color combination for us to try--red, gray, and white.

Valentine's Day pretty much depleted my supply of love themed cards, so I used the colors to put together another one.  The layout is based on the current sketch at CAS(e) this Sketch.  I started out with a fun XOXO embossed panel, then added a few die cut elements on top.  The "you" is from the Mini Envelopes and Accessories dies from Lil' Inker Designs.  I cut the word a few times from gray cardstock, then stacked the die cut pieces for dimension.  The word looks more black than gray because I added a high-gloss shine by tracing over the letters with a gray Pico Embellisher.  A pair of stitched die cut hearts next to the word complete the sentiment.  I layered the panel onto a contrasting red card base to finish the design.

To play along, just create a paper crafted project using these colors as a starting point and add a direct link to your finished project using the linky tool found at the end of this week's CTD post. As always, if you don’t have exact color matches, something close works just fine. Just be sure that the challenge colors are the dominant ones in your project. And, if you upload your project to an online gallery, use the keyword CTD380. If you upload your projects on social media, go ahead and use the hashtag #ctd380 and #colorthrowdown. You can find us on Instagram (and on Facebook!) with the username colorthrowdown.

Before you get started, here’s some inspiration from the talented Color Throwdown team, our February guestie Kay Miller, and this week's Guest Star Stamper, Peggy Gottschau.

**  Amy ** Barbara ** Broni ** Joan ** Jodi ** 

** Lisa ** Lynn ** Vickie ** Wanda **

** February guestie Kay Miller **
** Guest Star Stamper Peggy Gottschau  **

Materials Used:
Mini Envelopes and Accessories and Stitched Heart dies (Lil' Inker Designs); Gray Flannel Pico Embellisher (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Cherry Cobbler cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Steel Grey cardstock (My Favorite Things); Hugs and Kisses embossing folder (Cuttlebug); foam tape

TCP Tuesday 308-It's Your Day

It's time for a new TCP Tuesday challenge at The Cat's Pajamas!  For this challenge, we're focusing on using animal images.  From Sparkle to Poochie to the big-eared bunny and more, TCP more than has you covered when it comes to fun animal image!

I picked PJ Bear from the Nature's Hello set for my card.  I colored the image with Copic markers.   To go with the colors I used for the large flower, I started my layout (from the current sketch at Match the Sketch) with a golden yellow card base.  I adhered a strip of yellow gingham patterned paper to the left edge of the card base, setting it off from the panel with a narrow strip of kraft cardstock.  I added a dotted green panel on top, then placed the bear image on the cardfront, using foam tape for dimension.  I  used one of TCP's CutUps Framed Up 2 dies to cut a banner strip from kraft cardstock.  The "it's your day" sentiment from the Bearing Flowers set was stamped on the kraft strip.  I tucked the strip beneath the bear image to finish the design.

Ready to play along with our TCP Tuesday challenge?  I hope so!  Here are the challenge details:

1. Every other Tuesday a new challenge will be posted on The Cat’s Pajamas blog as well as on our Facebook page.
2. If you want to play along you just upload your design to The Cat’s Pajamas blog page using the InLinkz button found on the blog by the Monday, 11:55 EDT before the next challenge
3. You are not required to use a Cat’s Pajamas stamp or die on your project, but if you do have them, we would love to see them!
4. On the following TCP Tuesday, the winner will be chosen from the previous challenge and will receive a Cat Cash Voucher for $10 or $15 if a TCP product is used. 

Be sure to stop by the TCP blog for more animal themed inspiration from the Cat Pack!

Materials Used:
Nature's Hello and Bearing Flowers stamp sets, CutUps Framed Up 2 dies (The Cat's Pajamas); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Harvest Gold and Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Gertie "Friends Forever" Tapestry and Penny Lane Feeling Groovy "Blue Sky" Forget Me Not designer papers (My Mind's Eye); foam tape

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge-All Boy

*** Click HERE to see my card for this week's Mojo Monday sketch challenge! *** 

***  Scroll down to the post below or click HERE to see my card for The Challenge!  ***

It's time for a new Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge! 

We hope you'll play along!  The LEAD of this challenge will be invited as a Guest Designer in a future challenge!  Please visit the Curtain Call Challenge blog for all the challenge info and deadline.

I took my inspiration from the sneakers in the challenge graphic.  My sneakers are from the Clear and Simple Stamps A Guy Thing stamp set.  I colored them with a trio of blue Copic markers, then carefully cut them out.  I used foam tape to adhere them to a navy blue cardstock circle.  The circle was adhered to the top of a navy blue striped patterned paper panel set on the right side of a pale blue cardstock panel.  I stamped the set's "happy birthday" sentiment in white pigment ink on a navy Favor Flags die cut, then heat embossed the words in white for a bold pop against the dark background.  The flag was layered on to the panel and anchored with a single silver brad.  The finished panel was adhered to a navy card base.

Make sure you visit each of the designers' blogs for more inspiration:

All Boy Designers

Betty Wright
Kim Singdahlsen
Laurie Willison
Leigh Penner
Lisa Henke
Lori Tecler
Lynn Mangan
Marisa Ritzen
Maureen Plut
Melody Rupple
Monika Davis
Silke Ledlow
Sheri Gilson
Stacey Schafer
Tara Godfrey

Follow us:

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge Facebook Page

Curtain Call Pinterest Boards

Stop by the Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge: All Boy for the challenge details and to play along with us!

Materials Used:
A Guy Thing stamp set, True Blue Fan, Trendsetter Blue, and A Blanc Check cardstock, Shapes:  Circles and Favor Flags dies (Clear and Simple Stamps); Memento Tuxedo Black and Memento Luxe Wedding Dress inks (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Metropolitan Dots and Stripes 6x6 paper pad (Echo Park); Recollections silver brad, Snow embossing powder (Michaels); foam tape

The Challenge 60-Hogs and Kisses

*** Scroll down to the post below or click HERE to see my card for this week's Mojo Monday sketch challenge! ***

The Challenge is back with a new challenge! Next up in our rotation is a color challenge, featuring pink, red, gray, and white. As promised, I'm sharing another card made with the Avery Elle Hogs and Kisses stamp set.

I colored the piggie image using Copic markers, then cut out the colored image with the matching die.  The "hogs and kisses" sentiment was stamped on the heart using white pigment ink, then heat embossed in white to pop against the red background.

For the background, I covered a white card base with a gray cardstock panel.  To bring in a pop of contrasting color, I added a red cardstock strip topped with a piece of dotted patterned paper along the right side of the cardfront.  I tucked a white circle underneath the left edge of the red paper strip, then looped a length of gray twine around several times before adding the image on top using foam tape for dimension.

Check out what the rest of the talented team at The Challenge has created based on this week's color combination.  Here's where to find them:

Anita Madden
Broni Holcombe
Claire Broadwater
Diane Jaquay
Jinny Newlin

Kim Heggins
Laurel Seabrook

Lori Tecler--you're here!

Nance Salkeld

Nina Forsyth
Rachel Bergfeld
Michelle Leone, February featured designer

Materials Used:

Hogs and Kisses stamp set, Hogs and Kisses dies (Avery Elle); Memento Tuxedo Black and Memento Luxe Wedding Dress inks (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Real Red cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Gravel Grey cardstock (My Favorite Things); circle die (Spellbinders); Recollections red dotted paper and Snow embossing powder (Michaels); gray twine (Hemptique); foam tape

Mojo Monday 435-A Little Birdie Told Me

Happy Monday!  It's time for a new Mojo Monday sketch. I just got the new Happy Birds stamp set and dies from WPlus9 and couldn't wait to try it out, so I inked it up for my take on the sketch.

I colored one of the birdie images in cheery shades of yellow, then used the matching die to cut out the colored image.  It was adhered to the edge of a pale gray pierced square panel using foam tape.  I stamped the set's "a little birdie told me . . ." sentiment on the panel next to the bird, then added a pair of clouds, die cut from shimmery white cardstock, to fill in the open space.

To go with the bird image, I found a striped patterned paper that featured a matching yellow color.  The panel was adhered to a red card base, then topped with a pair of pale gray cardstock panels.  Each panel was matted with red cardstock to set it off from the patterned backdrop.  After matting the sentiment panel with the same red cardstock, I layered it on to the cardfront.

Head on over to the Mojo Monday blog for more inspiration from the design team and to add your own take on this week's sketch!  You can also find all of the Mojo Makers at their blogs here:

• Julee Tilman (Owner)
• Carole Burrage
• Justin Krieger
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Wanda Cullen

Materials Used:
Happy Birds stamp set, Happy Birds dies (WPlus9); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Poppy Parade and Shimmery White cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Grout Gray cardstock, Die-namics Pierced Square STAX dies (My Favorite Things); Be(you)tiful 6x6 paper pad (Authentique); foam tape

Love Ewe

Here's another card created with Valentine's Day in mind. I just love the sweet images and punny sentiments in the Avery Elle Hogs and Kisses set, so I've been pulling it out a lot lately.  The layout comes from the current sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.

I colored up the set's sheep image with Copic markers, then used the matching die to cut out the image.  The "love ewe" sentiment was stamped inside the heart using black ink.  I used foam tape to adhere the image to a pale gray pierced circle die cut.

To make a background for the image, I covered a pale gray card base with a light blue patterned paper panel.  I played around with a few options for the pieces behind the image panel.  I tried die cut strips, paper scraps, and embossed pieces before finally settling on the pink dotted washi tape you see here.  It's a better match for the colors in the image IRL.

I have another card to share tomorrow using a different image from this set  . . .

Materials Used:
Hogs and Kisses stamp set, Hogs and Kisses dies (Avery Elle); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Grout Gray cardstock, Die-namics Pierced Circle Stax dies (My Favorite Things); Crystal Frost 6x6 paper pad (Craft Smith); pink dotted washi tape; foam tape

I Love You

Here's my card for this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge.  This one came together quickly with a bunch of MFT's Die-namics dies.  No stamping here!

I built my design on a piece of gingham patterned paper.  I die cut a pierced tag from kraft cardstock and added that to the panel, then topped it with a deep red pierced heart die cut.  To bring in another pop of color, I found a scrap of red faux suede ribbon in my ribbon scraps and knotted it, then added it to the top of the tag.  The ribbon adds a nice, rich texture to the design.

Instead of stamping a sentiment, I die cut one of the sentiment arrows from the Straight to My Heart die set from from brown cardstock.  I set the die cut piece across the heart.  The finished panel was adhered to a red card base.

Materials Used:
Die-Namics Pierced Traditional Tag STAX, Pierced Heart STAX, and Straight to My Heart dies (My Favorite Things); Cherry Cobbler and Close to Cocoa cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Apple Cheddar Soup-Green Peppercorns designer paper (Jillibean Soup); red faux suede ribbon; foam tape

I Love You to the Stars and Back

Here's my card for this week's sketch at RetroSketches.  I stretched the sketch a bit to fit a standard A2 card instead of a square, but I think I still managed to keep the "bones" of the layout intact.

The focal image is the sweet girlie from Mama Elephant's Shooting Star stamp set.  she was colored with Copic markers, then cut out with the matching die.  I placed her on a simple scene made with blue and green cardstock to represent the sky and grass.  A bit of green twine wrapped around the panel highlights the divide between the two panels.  One of the set's love themed sentiments was stamped on the green cardstock, positioning the words creatively so they'd all fit on the panel.

I set the scene on a pink card base over a pair of pink and green patterned paper panels.  Once the scene was in place, I added a pair of green and pale pink fishtail flag strips on top, then accented them with a single die cut gold star.

Materials Used:
Shooting Star stamp set, Shooting Star dies (Mama Elephant); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); markers (Copic); Marina Mist and Pink Pirouette cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Green Acres cardstock (WPlus9); Tutu Pink cardstock (Bazzill); Recollections Pink Tonal Dots designer paper (Michaels); Flower Shower Spring Matstack (DCWV); gold paper (Target); Stitched Stars dies (Lil' Inker Designs); Die-namics Fishtail Flag STAX dies (My Favorite Things); green twine (Hemptique); foam tape

Just Because I Love You

Here's my card for this month's first Viva la Verve sketch.  I stretched the square layout into a standard A2 size for my love themed design.

I'm still working my way through lots (and lots) of older 12x12 paper, so I started out by picking out a paper from my stash and using it to cover a pale pink card base.  I adhered a pale pink cardstock strip across the dotted patterned paper panel, then topped it with a kraft zig zag circle die cut.  Instead of using a straight rectangular panel over the round panel, I cut a fishtail flag strip from berry colored cardstock.  After wrapping it with some twine, I added it to the card along with a big heart cut with Verve's Jotted Heart die. 

The three sentiment strips are all from Verve's Take Note set.  The words were stamped in white pigment ink, then heat embossed for a nice pop.  I added them to the right side of the heart, then finished the design with a trio of pale pink enamel dots.

Materials Used:
Take Note stamp set, Jotted Heart die (Verve Stamps); Memento Luxe Wedding Dress ink (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, and Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Floral Lane-With Delight designer paper (Pebbles); SugarCuts Zig Zag Stitched Circle die (SugarPea Designs); Fishtail Flag Stax die (My Favorite Things); Recollections Snow embossing powder (Michaels); pink enamel dots (Eyelet Outlet); twine; foam tape

Color Throwdown 379-Make a Wish

It's time for another Color Throwdown!  Lynn is our hostess today and she's chosen a color combination inspired by these sweet heart-shaped cookies--pink, purple, gold, and hot pink.

I used the colors to make a girly birthday card with stamps and dies from Concord and 9th.  The cake was watercolored with Clean Color markers and an aquabrush.  After I finished coloring in the cake, I cut it out with the matching die.  It's hard to see in the photo, but I colored in the flames on the candles with a gold gel pen.

I used foam tape to adhere the cake to a panel watercolored with a bit of pale pink and spritzed with a coating of gold shimmer spray.  That gold shimmer spray somehow managed to coat almost my entire crafting space . . .  I stamped the "make a wish" sentiment next to the cake in shimmery gold ink, then accented the image and sentiment with some pink sequins.  The panel was matted on gold paper, then adhered on an angle to a pink card base with strips of hot pink and purple cardstock across it.

To play along, just create a paper crafted project using these colors as a starting point and add a direct link to your finished project using the linky tool found at the end of this week's CTD post. As always, if you don’t have exact color matches, something close works just fine. Just be sure that the challenge colors are the dominant ones in your project. And, if you upload your project to an online gallery, use the keyword CTD379. If you upload your projects on social media, go ahead and use the hashtag #ctd379 and #colorthrowdown. You can find us on Instagram (and on Facebook!) with the username colorthrowdown.

Before you get started, here’s some inspiration from the talented Color Throwdown team, our February guestie Kay Miller, and this week's Guest Star Stamper, Bonnie Sharp.

**  Amy ** Barbara ** Broni ** Joan ** Jodi ** 

** Lisa ** Lynn ** Vickie ** Wanda **

** February guestie Kay Miller **
** Guest Star Stamper Bonnie Sharp **

Materials Used:
Eat Cake and Celebrate stamp set, Eat Cake and Celebrate dies (Concord and 9th); Versafine Onyx Black and Delicata Golden Glitz inks, Gold Shimmer Spritz (Tsukineko/IMAGINE Crafts); Clean Color markers (Zig); gold Sunburst metallic pen (Pentel); Sweet Blush, Raspberry Fizz, and Plum Pudding cardstock (Papertrey Ink); gold paper (Target); watercolor paper (Ranger); Pink Lemonade sequins (Treehouse Studio); foam tape

You Make My Heart Dance

I colored up this image a few days ago for this month's Daily Marker 30 day coloring challenge.  It found its way on to a card for the current SugarPea Designs sketch challenge.

The image is from the Everyday Is Christmas stamp set.  I love how you can find uses for these fun images year round!  I colored the frog with Copic markers and cut it out using the matching die.  It's hard to see in the photo, but the eyes were coated with a bit of Glossy Accents for a shiny look. 

I used a plain kraft cardstock panel to make the background for the image.  After adding it to the kraft panel using foam tape, I stamped the "you make my heart dance" sentiment from the Feeling Sentimental set beneath the image in black pigment ink.  To match the love theme I was going for, I added a tiny red heart, die cut with one of the Heart Journal Card dies, just above the frog.  I adhered the kraft panel to the right side of a red card base, then filled in the rest of the cardfront with a red polka dot print paper.

You can check out all the details on the SPD sketch challenge on the SPD blog.  There's a new sketch each week, so the more often you play along each month, the better your chance of winning a SPD gift certificate in the random drawing at the end of the month.  And, if you use SPD stamps, the prize is even sweeter!

Materials Used:
Everyday Is Christmas and Feeling Sentimental stamp sets, SugarCuts Everyday Is Christmas and Heart Journal Card dies (SugarPea Designs); Memento Tuxedo Black and Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black inks (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Real Red cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Kraft cardstock, Pure Poppy patterned paper (Papertrey Ink); Glossy Accents (Ranger); foam tape