Feline Better

Welcome back, friends!

One of my favorite crafty activities is to design cards with patterned papers or embossing and tuck them away in a drawer for future use.  No pressure to make a card, just having fun with the basics.  Now and then I remember to pull one of those out of the drawer and use it.  It can be fun to start from the bottom up and see what happens.

Today I started with a card base I'd created way back in February 2024.  I have some older than that, too, and it seems to me it's time to use some of the oldies in order to make way for the new ones I continue to make.  I chose the adorable and not-yet-used Inky Antics Charming Kitties #1 for this card.

I Copic colored and hand cut two of the stamps to line up three kitties on the front.  Are they not the cutest?  The sentiment is a vertical stamp, but I inked one word at a time to make a horizontal sentiment which fit better with the sketch.  Sizzix Woodland Borders add some pretty trim.  I'm loving those borders even more than I thought I would now that I'm actually using them.

I used every kitty in the set including the little guy who's pictured below, sitting inside the card with another sentiment:

Love!

I made the card specifically for a friend who is healing from an injury.  She'll just have to smile!

We all need to do more of the things that make us happy.

Take care, and have a joyful day!

Stamps:  Inky Antics Charming Kitties #1  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Solar White 80 & 110 lb, years old designer paper (Chatterbox maybe)  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black  Coloring:  Copics  Other:  Sizzix Woodland Borders, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

New From Power Poppy: Aloe and Oranges

There's something new from Power Poppy for all of Marcella's digital stamp fans (count me in!).  Today and tomorrow we have digi sets to share, and there will be more coming a bit later, but promise they'll be worth waiting for.  Today it's Aloe and Oranges.  You have to know I love this, don't you?  Click the link to see more of the set.

I had to include the Gansai Tambi paints in the photo because I kept forgetting how I colored this.  I drew the border line with a ruler and marker.  When you have a full front image and no extra layers, the border line makes a quick and easy frame.

My Bloom Brigade teamies have each put their own spin and mad coloring skills to work on this one.  Check here:

• Stacy
• Julie
• Christine
• Kathy
• Allison
• Broni
• Barbara C.
• Catherine
• Barbara W.
• Nancy
• Power Poppy Blog  (7 am CDT)

Come by tomorrow for some gorgeous flowers.  See you then!

Stella has Something to Say

Hello there!  Just fun stuff today -- two of Bugaboo's Stella digi-stamps which I colored on our camping trip in July.

Remind me never to become as cynical as Stella (and to wear a better bra).  Stella Glue Stick:

Frame it - Stella - If You're Happy:

I'm down to only *four*(!) Bugaboos which have been printed and sitting in the box for several years.  It feels like an accomplishment about to happen!  I wonder how long before I finish up?  So many stamps waiting...  Enjoy your day!

Double D Challenge: Pick a Pattern

Oh, my goodness, it's time for another Double D Challenge!  Darlene has chosen a good one for us this time:  "Pick a Pattern".  I'll show you my card and explain in a minute.

Naturally, the sentiment is going to play an important role, but the card design is all about the pattern.

Pictured below are the patterns to pick from.  Don't worry, it doesn't have to be an exact match.  Just let yourself be inspired, as long as the pattern is prominently featured in your project.

Random winner prize is a paper pad of patterns galore:

I have so many designer papers I could have used for any of those patterns, but I focused on the pretty blue bowls and made an ink-blended and stamped background.  The stamps I used are from a Stampendous Laurel Burch set called Fish Wishes.  I probably never would have thought of this card if it hadn't been for the challenge, but I like how it turned out and you know I've been feeling a lot of love for clean and simple lately.

Wait till you see the team samples.  Inspired and inspiring!  So, pick a pattern and play along.  I hope to see you in the gallery!

Stamps:  Stampendous Fish Wishes by Laurel Burch  Paper:  SU Whisper White  Ink:  SU Brilliant Blue and Bashful Blue, Memento Tuxedo Black  Accessories:  Silver cord, Scotch brand foam mounting tape, Beauty Kate makeup blending brushes  Dies: Tutti Designs Stitched Nesting Hearts, Taylored Expressions Stitched Rectangle Stacklets

Twofer Card Challenge No. 17: Bees

Hello and welcome back for Twofer Card Challenge #17!  Darnell is asking for bees this time.  I thought this sounded like a fun challenge and, sure enough, it was!

Remember the rules, and find more info on the Twofer Blog.

I've made a "hello" card and a "get well" card using a Frantic Stamper Lady Bug & Bee die and a few other wonderful things that live in my stamp room.  All these delightful toys, sigh... I love when I can really "play" with a card.

(Additional:  Cheery Lynn Chicken Wire Frame, purchased daisies, Power Poppy sentiment)

The first one was quick as a wink.  I pictured it almost immediately when I saw the challenge prompt, so when I got down to business it just fell together.  Best of all, I really like it!

The get well card was a bit more of a challenge.  I knew I wanted to use this sentiment and paper.  The layout was no problem.  But the jar...  Now, I know you're probably wondering where I got such a funky looking jar stamp.  Or maybe you already figured out that I drew the jar myself and that's why it looks so funky.  I know!  Hahahaha!  Nevertheless, it's functional, holding the one bee captive within its glossy glass confines, Stella-winked lid screwed on tightly.

(Additional:  Spellbinders Standard Circles Large and SB Blossom Nestabilities, Impression Obsession Grass and IO Leaf Cluster, flower punch, Whipper Snapper sentiment)

The bee in the jar was set flush into the card stock layer underneath.  I was hoping the gloss coating would smooth everything over, but it didn't quite manage.  Still looks cute, though.  You can see the expression of dismay on the captive bee's face, and her friends are fretting over how to get her out of there.  Don't worry... since I made the card I can also make up the story that she was later released in good health.

Come play along at Twofer.  It's an intriguing and fun challenge, and it really makes you think twice about your stamps.  The team and our guest designers have some fabulously inspiring samples.  Have a good day!

Under the Weather

You probably know I'm a Bugaboo fan.  So much so that I amassed quite a collection while I was still working and too tired to color, but not too tired to shop.  Know how that goes?  For the last few years I've been trying to get them all colored up before I buy more.  Well, I took stock and found I had a mere seven left to color.  I can do that!  It's time Umbrella Mouse came out of the box.

Wait... I said seven?  Well... since I subscribe to their newsletter I have the benefit of the occasional free digi of my choice.  I've been trying not to look, but I weakened.  I chose a cute puppy, but then I also saw a pretty wreath on sale I just had to have.  Today, while I was looking up the link for Umbrella Mouse I saw another beautiful flower stamp, plus a comical kitty.  How can I say "no" to $1.50?  So that's four.  Let's see... I'm back up to ten not-yet-colored Bugaboos.  I can still do that!

Umbrella Mouse was colored with Prismacolor pencils blended with Gamsol odorless mineral spirits.  The sentiment is from a Power Poppy set -- Daffodils.  I sponged on some Distress Oxide inks, did a few water splatters, and framed with Poppystamps Feather Tree Frame.  Added a purchased flower (gift from a friend).  Oh, and if there has to be raindrops they might as well be sparkly, so I added Stickles to them.

I'll see you again on Wednesday with the Double D challenge.  In the meantime, maybe I'll color some more Bugaboo.  Take care!

Stamps:  Bugaboo Umbrella Mouse digi, Power Poppy Daffodils sentiment  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Solar White, lime green CS  Ink:  Printer, Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Oxide Peacock Feathers and Pumice Stone  Coloring:  Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol  Accessories:  Crystal and Black Diamond Stickles glitter glue, purchased flower  Dies:  Poppystamps Feather Tree Frame

Cars: Henry Becomes Henrietta

Well, friends, my desktop computer died and I'm not feeling too happy about that.  We went away for a week and I guess it thought it was still on vacation.  All my photos and photo editing programs are on the desktop so my hands are tied for a while.  Believe it or not, I use three different programs for photo editing.  I know, but there's something I prefer in each program.

Anyway... this card was already photographed and on the blog as a draft post, so I can share it today via my bare bones laptop.  It looks like I could have made it for my computer, but, in fact, I sent it to a girlfriend who had foot surgery.  My hubby, Rich, astutely pointed out that the flat tires made it a perfect choice for my foot surgery friend.  Ha!  I didn't even think about that.  I was just looking for a chance to use this cute stamp set again, and along came the opportunity.

The stamp set is called "Cars - Henry".  I turned Henry into Henrietta by using lots of pink and drawing long lashes on the "eyes".  Fun!  It sure makes for a happy card.  Added a flag banner and used a gear die set for the first time.  Naturally, I thought of the gears for guy cards, but with pink polka dots they're much prettier.

I hope I'll be reunited with my big, fancy computer soon.  The folks at the shop felt it was fixable.  As always, a week away means I've got a million things to do, but perhaps I'll fit in some stamping time, too.  Take care, and have a happy day!

ps:  Hope these photos look better on your screen than on mine.  There's a big difference from one computer to the next.  This laptop leaves a lot to be desired.  Hugs!

Stamps:  Cars - Henry  Paper:  X-Press It Blending Card, SU Pixie Pink, other white for card base, Simple Stories Snap Color Vibe designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, black SU marker, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Spellbinders Scored and Pierced Rectangles, Memory Box Banner Parade and Deluxe Gear Set

Long Time No See

Hello!  It's been a while.  We were away on vacation and getting back in the stamping groove has been difficult.  I've started sorting through the 200+ pictures I took and now I'm finally coloring again, but today I have a card I made before vacation.  I wanted it to be received before I posted it.  My friend was having cataract surgery and I felt this Whipper Snapper Get Well Dog with his bandaged eye would be fun to send.

Isn't that eye chart paper the most perfect thing?  It's actually a reminder postcard sent by our ophthalmologist.  I saved it a while back just in case I could upcycle it for a card, and then the ideal occasion came along.  I didn't want to cover up too much and lose the effect, but it needed something so I made the skinny oval frame to define the dog's space.

Coloring is Copics on X-Press It Blending Card.  A minimal color palette and the frame popped up helps set it apart from the busy background.  It was a happy time creating this card!

I'll be back again on Wednesday.  Take care till we meet again!

Stamps:  Whipper Snapper Get Well Dog  Paper:  X-Press It Blending card for dog, Neenah 110 lb white (colored with Copics) for hearts, SU Cool Caribbean for frame and card base, postcard from ophthalmologist for eye chart background  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Cameo Coral for sentiment, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Spellbinders Grand Ovals, Paper Smooches Hearts, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Twofer Trees

Hooray, I got some cards done in time for the Twofer Challenge!  I missed it last month.  I have lots of card needs currently and have been very busy with stamping and other things, so I put this challenge to work for me.  Thanks Twofer!

The theme this month is "Trees", so I pulled out a very pretty tree from my Power Poppy stash -- Tree of Life.  The whimsical look of this stamp set makes for no-rules coloring, so I didn't worry about getting everything just right.  Minimal colors, quick designs.  Here's my Twofer together:

The idea of this challenge is to use the same stamp on two distinctly different cards for different purposes or occasions.  You can be clever and creative, or simply make regular old cards.  I colored each the same, but you can see the differences in the designs.

These cards are going in the mail toot sweet, so no fooling around with chunky embellishments.  The first is for someone experiencing tough times.

Pictured below is the inside of the first card with a sentiment from Power Poppy's Lavender set.  I lined both sides of the card because there will be a lot of writing in this one.

Next is a get well card with a Big Scripts "hello".  I was thinking if I used just the top of the tree it would look more like a bush.  That's about as creative as I got today.

Inside is another mix of Power Poppy sentiments using Good Thinking: Renewal, and Nice Things to Say.

The Twofer Trees Challenge is open till the 24th.  It really helped me focus when my brain is going in a dozen different directions.

I'm off and running again!  Have a good day!

Flowerful Friday: In My Thoughts with Watercolored Tulips

Hello!  We made it to Friday and, finally, a card.  I started watercoloring these tulips before we went camping.  I had one bloom done.  I even took along the few supplies I'd need to finish them, but they never came out of the case.  After several days home it was a treat to sit down and complete the painting.

It's not that I haven't colored these Power Poppy digital Tulips many times, but they were printed up and sitting in my digi box which I'm working my way through, so out they came.  Let's face it, it's a beautiful image and I'll probably color them many more times yet.  Marcella's flowers, sigh... need I say more?

I used Tombow markers on Arches 140 lb hot pressed watercolor paper.  The designer paper curve is the negative left over from cutting a landscape die, and it fit nicely with the shape of the tulips.

You can't tell from looking, but the silk ribbon bow lays flat as a pancake and will not interfere with mailing one bit.  I punched an 1/8" hole in the panel and settled the knot into it with a little dab of Aleene's Tacky Glue.  This works best with the image panel popped up as it is here.

The sentiment is another Power Poppy digi -- Winter Pick Me Up.

I have a few things to do in the garden, but I'm pretty sure stamping will happen again soon.  It's coming along much like our spring -- in fits and starts.  As I write this, the sun is shining again after a day or two of clouds.  Must enjoy it while it's here.  It was a long, wet winter!  Have a happy day!

Monday Fun Day: Birds and Blooms and Thinking of You

Welcome to Monday!  The sun came out and suddenly all activity turned to spring things such as gardening and preparing our trailer for a season of camping and travel.  I'm surprised I stamped at all, but I can't seem to stay away from it entirely.  I recently finished up a batch of two dozen cards for a friend, so now I'm back to playing with my new or not-yet-used goodies.

Today I'm using a new-to-me stamp set, recently received as a gift, and I adore it.  Perfect for fair weather stamping when I don't have much time.  The stamp set is Inkadinkado "Pattern Play Inchie".  Nine different inchie stamps to mix and match, three of which I used here.  That little tag stamp is going to come in handy!

Also new to me is the Memory Box Pinpoint Double Frame die and the gingham paper.  I know... sales... what're you gonna do?  I have to stop looking.  I bought a whole 12 x 12 pad of the gingham paper at Wal-Mart.  What was I even doing in the craft section?  I went there for dog towels, sheesh.  Well, since I now have so much gingham paper I made the whole card with it.  I lined the inside with white to make it more sturdy.  Worked like a charm and turned out pretty cute!

I added a little more designer paper with the borders and flags, plus a linen thread bow.  It all worked out to make a cheerful get well card.

Thanks for sharing time with me today.  I hope you're enjoying some pretty spring weather.  It sure is uplifting!

Blossom Twofer

Hello at last!  I haven't managed much time in my room lately, tsk tsk.  Coloring was happening one petal at a time whenever I could pop in there.  Finally, when I did have a day, I put the coloring aside and made some cards for the Twofer Challenge -- make two different cards for two different purposes, using the same stamp or die.   The theme this time around is "Blossoms".

I used an older Die-namites die called "Daisy Bunch" for a simple "hello" and a "get well".

For the first card (below) I glued wood grain paper to the card front, then embossed with Sizzix Elegant Wreath folder, sanded to bring out the pattern.  Daisies are colored with Copics and layered three times with Neenah 110 lb white.  The "hello" is two layers, colored with Copics.  Couldn't help but add the bow and cute little ladybug dimensional sticker.

Card #2 is a whole garden of daisies and two more ladybugs.  An older Stampin' Up! Curvy Verses sentiment.  One of the daisy dies is trimmed to fit its spot on the right edge of the card.

I used one of the trimmed off daisies for the inside.

These cards were almost too much fun.  Daisies are so cheerful.  Thanks, Darnell and all the Twofer Team, for lots of inspiration!  A full list of ingredients can be found below my signature.  Have a happy day!

Twofer Blossoms Challenge

Stamps:  SU Curvy Verses and Love Ya Bunches  Paper:  Neenah 110 lb white, Memory Box Granny Smith (green) card stock, Ms. Sparkle & Co wood grain designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, EK Success dimensional ladybug stickers, Sizzix Elegant Wreath embossing folder, Die-namites Daisy Bunch die, Paper Smooches Hello Words die, older JustRite rectangle dies

Double D Challenge: Woodland Creatures

Hello, friends!  We have a fun challenge starting today at Double D -- Woodland Creatures.  It's a challenge after my own heart as I love all creatures, great and small.  Well, maybe not spiders.  Or cockroaches... or snakes... but you get my drift.  There are so many ways I could have gone with this, but I decided to pull an older digital stamp from my Squigglefly archives (no longer in business).  Paired it with a Whipper Snapper sentiment 'cause I've always wanted to put these two together, and here's my card:

Below is our inspiration board which I found totally irresistible:

The team has the difficult job of voting on favorites, plus a random winner will receive this cute die set:

I had the fun of coloring and playing with some favorite designer paper and coming up with a layout... putting it all together in a one-postage-stamp card.  All my favorite things!

Honestly, I tried coloring the raccoon in dark grey, but it looked blah, so I went with black.  He's a poppin' raccoon and he's come out of the woodland to fish for snails in a vase of flowers someone left out on the patio overnight.  Not an unusual sight at all.

I hope you'll have a chance to join in the fun.  I know there will be some cute cards for this challenge.  Speaking of cute cards, you'll love what Team Darlene and Team Diane have created.  We all wanted to play this time around!

Supplies and more details are listed below.  Have a great day!

Stamps:  Squigglefly raccoon digi, Whipper Snapper sentiment  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Neenah Naturals for card base (not visible in photo), Bo Bunny Camp-a-Lot designer paper  Ink:  Printer, Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Sandal for sponging image panel, Copics for coloring, Prismacolor Premier .005 black marker for fine raccoon hairs  Accessories:  Black Diamond Stickles and 1/4" circle punch for flower center  Dies:  Spellbinders Long Classic Rectangles, Spellbinders Standard Circles Large, Heartfelt Creations Delicate Asters die