You're in my Prayers

The last of my progressive challenges for this month is the stamp of the month from Gerda Steiner. Just a real cutie that could be used for many different cards.

Pink, green and purple is one of my favorite color combos so I used it for this card. The adorable image is called Flowers for You. I colored the image with Spetrum Noir markers and die cut it with MFT Stitched Inside and Out Rounded Squares. The background die cut is Spellbinders Lacy Squares. The sentiment is from a Hero Arts stamp set called Prayers. I die cut the word prayers and popped it up with fun foam. The embellishments are Cheery Lynn Butterflies die cut in pink and then inked with Picked Raspberry, Abandoned Coral and Mowed Lawn. The wings are popped up from the card.
I am entering these challenges:

• Gerda Steiner May progressive challenge: use Flowers for You image
• Outlawz Wednesday Sketch: sketch 
  
• Time Out challenge: Flowers and Friends make life a garden
• Through the Craft Room Door: anything goes
• Pile It On: animals/spring garden
• Simon Says Monday: little critters

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope the start of your weekend is relaxing and crafty! 

Donna

Oldie But a Goodie

At Catch the Bug today, I have a graduation card that I sent my future DIL. She graduated witha Master's Degree in Social Work. Lots of hard work behind this degree and we are so proud of her.

I used a brayer and distress ink to make thebackground: Abandoned Coral, Picked Raspberry, Spun Sugar and Tattered Rose. The Bugaboo image is Ava Grad Diploma colored with Spectrum Noir markers and die cut with MFT Cross Stitch Ovals. The background images are from a retired Stampin' Up set called Tassel Time. The sentiment is from Create with TLC die cut from MFT Pierced Fishtail Flags and inked with Spun Sugar distress ink.
I am entering these challenges:

• Doing Life ATG with Create with TLC: use a Cretae with TLC element
• Crafty Sentiments Designs: anything goes
• Friday Outlawz challenge: things that make you happy
• Penny's Paper-Crafty challenge: anything goes

I am a bit late today getting this up. The twins are down for a nap so I thought I'd sneak this in. Have a wonderful day!

Donna

Birthday Chick

Usualy at the beginning of the month I get my progressive images stamped out and colored and then when I card design comes up that I like I just put it together. Well, this has been a busy month and I've had my images colored and ready but haven;t used them yet. So I threw this card together today in hopes of getting some of these done by the end of the month. Yikes! We're getting so close.

So this adorable little critter is from Di's Digis and it's the stamp for May at The Outlawz Progressive Freebie challenge. I love adding special little touches to image with white gel pens so you can see that I embellished the image with little touch ups here and there. I colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers and die cut with Spellbinder's Tear Drop Circles. The background designer paper was still on my desk from an earlier card so I decided to use it again. I seem to be on a colorful kick lately. Maybe because it's so dreary and rainy here. I used peacock feathers distress ink to ink the die cut and then colored the edge with a Y15 Copic. The sentiment is from Gina K Birthday Greetings stamp set. Pretty easy but I love all the color.
I am entering these challenges:

• The Outlawz Progressive challenge: use the image from Di's Digis
• Atlantic Hearts Sketch challenge: sketch 
  
• QKR Stampede: things with wings
• 2 Crafty Critter Crazies: use a critter
• Digi Choosday: anything goes
• Tuesday Throwdown: anything goes

Well, that's it for me today. I am off to watch the twins this afternoon/evening. Hope your week is going well!

Donna

Graduation Bugaboo Style

I guess this is the day for new releases. See my new release announcement for Imagine That Digis by Kris below. I needed a graduation card for a little girl who graduated kindergarten and I realized that Jodie's new digis at Bugaboo this week were graduation-focused. So although I didn't quite make the release post at Catch the Bug, I am posting my card anyway.

Since this was a kindergarten graduation I wanted lots of color and sparkle. The image is colored with Spectrum Noir markers and die cut with Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitch Rectangles. I used Spectrum Noir glitter pen on her hair and also the embossed stars in the background as well as Crystal Stickles on the image for sparkle. The striped paper is from Recollections (from my scrap box). I embossed the strip of card stock (scrap box) with Little Stars embossing folder from Paper Studio. And heat embossed the sentiment in white embossing powder on black (scrap box). Sentiment from Gina K Inside and Out stamp set. Jodie also has a little boy grad at the Bugaboo Stamp store. Be sure to check these cuties out.
I am entering these challenges:

• Tuesday Morning Sketches: sketch 
  
• Through the Craft Room Door: anything goes
• Simon Says Wednesday challenge: a bit of sparkle
• Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: anything goes
• Crafting By Desigsns: you're so special
• A Bit More Time to Craft: anything goes

Thanks for stopping by today. Today may be my only day off from the twins so I am trying to get some crafting in today. Hope you have a lovely week!

Donna

New Release at Imagine That Digis by Kris

Just a quick note today about a new release at Imagine That Digis by Kris. Kris is releasing  adarling set called Giraffe with Butterflies.

Check out the post today at The Creative Playground and leave a comment there to win the set.

Winner will be announced on Friday ao don;t forget to comment at The Creative Playground. I do hope to create a card with this set very soon so stay tuned. 

Donna

Birthday Bears

Welcome to the weekend! And with the weekend comes a new challenge at Catch the Bug. This week we are having fun with Bugaboo Bingo.

My card features the first column (sparkle, twine and washi tape).

My featured Bugaboo image is Frame It - Bears Birthday. Just love this image! I paired it with a striped paper by Recollections. The red background strip is washi tape and I used the wavy glitter tape to sparkle things up a bit. I also used Diamond Stickles and Spectrum Noir glitter pen on the image. The embellishment of the package is a pre-made embellie. I added some Doodle Twine. the sentiment is from Gina K Birthday Greetings stamp set. I hope you'll join us this week and play along with Bugaboo Bingo. I am entering these challenges:

• The Outlawz Sketch challenge: 
  
• Seize the Birthday: creatures or animals
• Simon Says Wednesday: a bit of sparkle
• 2 Crafty Critter Crazies: use a critter
• Inspiration Destination: anything goes
• Crafter's Cafe: birthday

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a marvelous weekend. I have two ten hour days with the twins. Not much crafting time this weekend! Take care.

Donna

Friday Freebie at Bugaboo

Sorry I have been MIA this week. Between babysitting the twins and volunteering at Opportunity House, I have been scrambling to get housework and other stuff done. Not much time for crafting. I did want to pass along the Friday Freebie post over at Catch the Bug blog. This little chick is just adorable!

The image is Bugaboo's SB Flower Swing.  I colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers and die cut the image with Spellbinder's Beaded Ovals. I inked the die cut with Salty Ocean distressink. The papers are from my scrap box. The flower was made from a die cut that accompanies the Spellbinder's Square Bracket Edge Box. I added three self-adhesive pearls for embellishment. Hop on over and pick up the freebie this week!

I am entering these challenges:

• Tuesday Morning Sketches: sketch 
  
• Hiding in my Craft Room: super scraps Saturday
• Addicted to Stamps: make your mark  
  
• Crafty Sentiments Designs: pastel colors
• Through the Craft Room Door: anything goes
• 2 Crafty Critter Crazies: feature a creature

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you had a wonderful week. 

Donna

Shake, Rattle and Roll

A new challenge at Catch the Bug today. It's shake, rattle and roll. Show us your interactive cards this week. I made a shaker card for the challenge.

Using the cupcake tray Bugaboo image, I created a sentiment background from Gina K Birthday Greetings and WPlus9 Unforgettable stamp sets. I die cut the window for the shaker using Spellbinder's Scalloped Circles. The sequins and beads were from a varietyof brands including Neat and Tangled. I hope you'll play along with our Shake, Rattle and Roll challenge this week. Try something new. It's so fun!

I am entering these challenges:

• Addicted to Stamping: anything goes 
  
• Seize the Birthday: anything goes
• Through the Craft Room Door: anything goes
• Crafty Sentiments Designs: bright colors
• Simply Create Too: use a digital image
• Inspiration Destination: anything goes

Thanks for stopping by today. I have the twins for the next three days for most of the day so I won't have much crafting time. Bummer. I'm going to need it to destress. Wishing all of you who are mothers, a very special and relaxing Mother's Day!

Donna

Hot Stuff

Had a big storm go through last night. Woke us up and the electric was out. Traffic lights still out this morning. My hubby and FIL poured concrete yesterday for our new deck so fortunately they covered it last night. My BIL has a birthday next week so I needed a masculine birthday card. He loves hot peppers so I used a Doodle Pantry Chili Peppers set for my card. Unfortunately, Doodle Pantry has closed but I still love the images.

The background paper, image and "Hot Stuff" are all from the Chili Pepper stamp set. The "happy" was die cut from Simon Says Painted Happy Birthday die. The Birthday sentiment is from Gina K Birthday Greetings stamp set. I used Fired Brick, Fossilized Amber and Mowed Lawn distress ink. The other dies used were Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Rectangles and MFT Pierced Inside and Out Rounded Squares. I added some red brads for embellishments.
I am entering these challenges:

• Tuesday Morning Sketches: sketch of the week 
  
• A Bit More Time to Craft: anything goes
• Through the Craft Room Door: anything goes
• Seize the Birthday: anything goes
• Simply Create Too: use a digital image

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope, as we move into the weekend, that you'll find some time to relax and craft.

Donna

Humor Me Wednesday

Well, we are mid week already. I've been busy with the twins. There are three sitters that help with the twins and two are out sick so that leaves me. No rest lately and no time to craft. I managed to get a very quick one in the other day for Humor Me Wednesday at the Catch the Bug challenge blog. This week we celebrate World Laughter Day so my card is for this special day.

I am feeling this way lately. LOL! The image is Frame It - JJ - Life Gives You Lemons. It's colored with a variety of different markers. The background citrus paper is from my scrap box. The yellow card stock is also from my scraps and I embossed it with tiny stars. That's definitely what I would be seeing if I drank tequila. And I embellished with some Doodle Twine.
I am entering these challenges:

• Craft Sentiments Designs: bright colors
• Simon Says Monday: it's a frame up
• Simply Create Too: use a digital stamp
• Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: anything goes
• Crafty Friends challenge: cute
• QKR Stampede: feminine

Justto finish off this post, I wanted to share the twins 7 month birthday pics from last Saturday. They are the best kids. We are so blessed. And such cuties too.

Valerie

Arthur

They are growing up so fast. We just got two cribs at our house so now they can nap in style with us. LOL! They are a joy to have around. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Donna

Rain, Rain Go Away

It's been raining here for several days. We are definitely sun deprived. More rain coming tomorrow and next week. So my card today for the new Catch the Bug anything goes challenge uses one of the new release images called Brat Boy Spring Umbrella (on sale right now at a reduced price). He is such a cutie. There is a little girl image too.

For the background clouds I used the technique that I did a tutorial on in April. The clouds are inked on the base of the card. The sentiment from Create with TLC was die cut from Gina Marie Designs Wine Label die. I inked the wine label also to match the cloud background. The Brat Boy image was printed and colored with Spectrum Noir and Copic markers and then fussy cut to be popped up from the card. I reall like this card. I think the sentiment is so funny! I hope you'll join us this week at Catch the Bug challenge blog for our easy peasy anything goes challenge. 

I am entering these challenges:

• Tuesday Morning Sketches: sketch 
  
• Doing Life Create with TLC Element: use a TLC element
• Work it Wednesday: rain or flowers
• Through the Craft Room Door: anything goes
• Outlawz Friday challenge: spring is here
• Happy Little Stampers CAS: rain

Thanks fror stopping by. This is the second of my posts today. Check out my post for the new challenge at Imagine That! Creative Playground. Enjoy your weekend!

Donna

New Challenge at Creative Playground

Happy May! A new anything goes challenge at The Creative Playground begins today. Use an Imagine That Digis by Kris image and you will automatically be given the stamp set of the month: Pretty Petunias.

I used the Pretty Petunias set for my card. I printed two copies of the image and then cut pieces to decoupage the flowers and one leaf and the hummingbird. The image is die cut with MFT Stitched Circles. The plaid paper in the background is from the Pretty Pastel Digital Paper pack. The ribbon is from my stash. I added a blue bow and brad from the Winter Arabesque Brads and Bows. Those are also popped up. I added a sentiment from Hero Arts sentiment set. Please join us at the Creative Playground this month for our anything goes challenge. So easy to win a free stamp set.
I am entering these challenges:

• 4 Crafty Chicks: bows
• Outlawz Wednesday Sketch challenge: sketch 
  
• Cut It Up: wings
• Simon Says Wednesday: hint of pink
• Crafting by Designs: anything goes

Thanks for stopping by today. This is the first of my posts today. Be sur to check out my Bugaboo post later today. Have a wonderful weekend!

New Release at Imagine That Digis by Kris

Happy Tuesday! I hope your May is off to a better start than mine. Way too much going on right now.  Today I have a fun gift card holder I made for a new stamp set at Imagine That Digis by Kris. There are three new sets being released today so you'll want to stop by the Imagine That Creative Playground to see all the fun designs by members of the design team and the Imagine That store to check out all three of the new stamp sets.

The new set that I worked with is called Girls Night In.

I created a gift card holder to give my SIL a gift card to the movies for his birthday. Of course it will include dinner and babysitting for the twins so my daughter and SIL can enjoy a night out together. I used the popcorn image and sentiment from the Girls Night In stamp set colored with Spectrum Noir markers.

I fussy cut the popcorn and die cut the sentiment with Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitch Rectangles. I created a belly band for the card and added the popcorn bucket to the band. Here's the inside of the card holder.

The chevron paper the I used both inside and out  is from Imagine That Fabulous Fall Papers.

I hope you'll check out what all the other designers have created at the Creative Playground. Lots of fun new stamps to play with! I am entering these challenges:

• Decosse's Dynamite Doodles Birthday Party: create a birthday card
• A Bit More Time to Craft: anything goes
• Hiding In my Craft Room: freestyle
• 4 Crafty Chicks: gift card holder
• Seize the Birthday: anything goes
• Simon Says Wednesday challenge: anything goes
• Thursday Outlawz challenge: anything goes

Have an awesome Tuesday! I hope after today things calm doen a bit. LOL! Does that ever happen? 

New Challenge: 12 Months of Christmas Link Up

Happy May Day! I don't have any time today to make May Baskets and hang them on my neighbors' doors so they'll have to get along without them. LOL! I volunteered this morning and was supposed to have the day off from watching the twins but someone got sick and now I am back on very shortly. So this will be quicker than usual.
May 1st brings with it a new challenge over at 12 Month's of Christmas Link Up! This month we are using digital images from Mari Digis and our optional theme is cute Christmas.

Remember any Christmas card can be entered into the challenge. You can read all the rules at the 12 Months of Christmas blog. Fabulous prizes to be won in a variety of ways so be sure to check it out. Here's my card.

The image is from Mari Digis colored with Specrtum Noir markers. I used background papers from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles called Angelic Nature digital paper. 

The sentiment is from Little Paper Shop (sadly out of business) and embossed with gold embossing powder.  I used my corner rounded throughout the whole card. On the image I added Crystal Stickles for the snowflakes and Rcollections Gold Glitter for the hat tassel. I sure hop you will join us this month at 12 Months of Christmas Link Up and get a head start on your Chrustmas cards.

I am entering these challenges:

• Christmas Cards All Year Round: precipitation
• A Bit More Time to Craft: anything goes
• Crafty Hazelnut Christmas: anything goes; option add stars
• Friday Outlawz challenge: antyhing goes Christmas
• Crafty Hazelnut Christmas Extra: anything goes Christmas
• Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper challenge: use patterned paper

Thanks for stoppin by today. I hope you have a wonderful start to your week. I am off to play with the twins.