For My Hubby

I got a super deal on an awesome ring that I know my hubby will love.
And I decided to make a scavenger hunt around the house for him to find it. This is the card I made with the first clue inside.


It also happens to qualify for a challenge or two:
One Stop Craft Challenge- Focus on the Sentiment
Sentimental Sunday-Clean and Simple

Wake Up!

This digi is a cute one from Beccy. Thanks so much, he is cute. I love the patchwork kick you have been on lately-keep them coming!

I challenged myself beyond what the challenges were this week-by trying to stick with all warm colors. I'm not sure if pink is considered a warm color, but for my purpose tonight, it counted :D
And I also threw brown in there-it's neutral, so I figured it was OK (when I'm the one making the rules, I can bend them to my needs).

Challenges (were a lot this week, but I think I pulled them off):
Crafty Creations-3, 2, 1 recipe---three patterned papers (pink polka dot, orange diamond and assorted color boxish)--two ribbons or trims (I made the boxish trim and red ribbon-two I put together)-and one charm (orange-from WalMart on sale awhile back)
Poly Craft #58-3 papers (I chose 3 patterned papers), 2 buttons (brown), 1 charm (orange)

Sister

When I saw this digital stamp, I immediately thought of my sister. She loves cows. Why? I'm not sure. She raises calves (bottle feeding them when necessary) and then works with them until they are show-worthy. She has taken more than a few kicks, but she continues on. Much more patience than I could ever have.For the card-I used the digital stamp from Beccy, and the papers were just some I had lying around (aren't they always?). I tried to stick with the patchwork theme she had going, by adding the paper in "squares". I thought about adding stitching, but I didn't want to take away from the image. The yellow trim I made with a flower punch and my scissors, and the ribbon is from Micheal's (a sale item, if I remember correctly). The sister charm is from Creating Keepsakes, and the buttons are from my stash.

Challenges:
Crafty Creations-3, 2, 1 recipe---three patterned papers (blue, striped and pink script)--two ribbons or trims (yellow trim, diamond ribbon)-and one charm (sister)
Poly Craft #58-3 papers (I chose 3 patterned papers), 2 buttons (white), 1 charm (sister)
Yes, complex ones this week!

Wow!!

I just received my first ever blog award! Thanks so much, Gloria! I have to say that I feel honored. When I bloghop to gain ideas and inspiration, I think of me growing as an artist, and don't feel as I have that much to teach/inspire others. But it is good to know others check back here from time to time to see what I have been up to in the realm of creativity.

And now for how I got into blogging... I started this blog as a spawn off of my other blog. It is based on who I am as a teacher, my ideas and happenings in that area of my life. But then I started blog hopping and being inspired by the creative ones and decided this blog could be a way to share my work with others. It has really taken off this summer, as I am done with school and I feel I have (at least a little) free time.

Now to honor 10 blogs I love to visit:
1. Tammy's Creative Tidbits-as my mother in law she always has a word of advice, be it how to enhance my artwork or get ink out of a pair of jeans. Her artwork constantly makes me want to learn more!
2. Penny Duncan Creations-a new friend and amazing artist. She designs cut files that make me want to buy that SVG program really badly (the PDFs just aren't the same)
3. Free Digital Stamps- has taken me so far in the couple months I have know of their existence. A daily visit is essential for those of us trying our hardest not to spend lots of money on stamps.
4. Creative Mind of Sylvie-I happened upon this blog by chance, and can't stop returning!
5. Glitterbabe-Not only do I love her creations, she leaves fab comments on my blog as well. I love to read what others think about my work!
6. Inked Inspirations-I have gazed in awe at many a card at this wonderful blog. I have also found out about quite a few challenge blogs via Inked Inspirations :D
7. Stampin' When I Can-don't let the title fool you! She updates almost daily and with fabulous creations, challenge sketches and newly discovered blogs!
* The last three were really difficult to pick. I wanted to honor more, but 10 is the deal...
8. Digital Two for Tuesday-Faithfully uploading digital images, especially great vintage ones. I have used many and enjoy browsing through the large selection often.
9. Becky's Happy Crafting Place- She has such great images and insight into life. I love seeing what she creates and looking at the occasionally uploaded pictures of the ones she loves.
*This one might have been the hardest, because I typed it knowing others wouldn't get the honor of being named...
10. Especially For You Cards- Always passing on candy possibilities and of course, displaying her wondrous cards, Dora has been awarded a spot on my frequent blog hop stop.

Much thanks to you all for inspiring me daily, weekly, or however often you have time to create your masterpieces.

Please take the time to honor others, letting them know you appreciate the time they take to upload pictures and share their creations with you. Smiles!

Janet's Candy

Pro Markers and clear stamps up for grabs at Pink Gem, oh how marvelous is her blog candy!
Hop on over to join in the fun!

Stretch and Bubbles Digi

This week's progressive challenge over at Stretch and Bubbles produced the following digi and card.

Shhh... Alice

This card is an invitation for my husband's upcoming surprise unbirthday party, hence the shh and the Alice in Wonderland Digital stamp (which is from Digital Two for Tuesday). The green and orange are both wallpaper pieces from a (yes, free!) wallpaper sample book.

This also meets the 2 Sisters Challenge Sketch for this week.

Altered Notebook by Celeste

I received this lovely piece of artwork for winning a simple game of bingo on a scrap forum I am a part of. It is simply beautiful, and I'm sure Celeste spent a lot of time making it, as it's glory shines through!Celeste has wonderful artwork, that can be viewed at her blog: http://touchedbyabutterfly.blogspot.com/.

Mini Flower Card

The card in itself, is not miniature, but the flowers certainly are! Read all about them here. The flowers were made for another challenge, but I decided to incorporate it into a card for a few other challenges this week (I am finally getting better at combining challenges in one project, which cuts down on the amount of time I spend thinking 'outside my normal box' of creativity).

Challenges This Card Qualifies For:
2 Sisters Challenge-Sketch
Sentimental Sundays-Words to Inspire

Tiny Roses

Two challenges this week made me really think, were out of my element, and made me try something completely different. All Sorts Challenge was to make something less than 3 inches in size. My thoughts: Really?! That small, whatever can I do that is that small? One Stop Craft Challenge also took me by surprise with- not a card. You mean I have to be ultra creative and tiny?! Take a look at what I did.The papers are just scraps I had lying around. The stems are rolled ribbon and the leaves, cut lace. I find it is best to hold them together (and to hold the rolled ribbon) with hot glue-but be careful, it is hot! These measure about 2 1/2 inches tall and less than an inch wide-I managed to keep them small!

Free Clip Art

I was going about my daily checking up on blogs and since I always check free digital stamps, of course I got some good free digis. But they also directed me to a lovely website with free clip art. It is arranged by subject (Christmas, school, etc) so everything is easy to find. I love the detail that is in her art, and I think you will too! Hop on over to explore Karen's site: Leaves of Time. She has some for sale as well, but a large selection are free!

Working from Afar

I am working from a friend's house today and yesterday and part of tomorrow. I am scrapping, but forgot to bring my camera to upload-oh no! So I have been working on some cards, coloring digital images and putting it all together. They will be uploaded (I will try not to do it in one mass session) later.

Candy

Some Blog candy over yonder.

Life with Kids

This one is just plain cute (if I do say so myself).
I know I got the image from a blog I follow. But, since I collected it before I started my trace them back file system, I'm not sure which lovely artist made this. If it is you, please leave a comment so that you can be acknowledged for your talents. Thanks!

Free Sentiments!

Passing on a great find! I am always on the lookout for free digital images. Let's face it-it can get expensive! I just stumbled upon Digi Doodle Shop, and they have 9 pages of free sentiments (and, yes, they are themed)! Be sure to check them out.

Bear Hugs

The sentiment on this card came from Raindrop Echo Designs, I got a whole folder of 'beary sentiments' for free! The bear image is from Delightful Inspiration, and isn't he a cute one? I don't typically do square cards, but I thought this one looked best this way :) Challenges:
Delightful Inspirations
DigiDoodle-Use your current favorite stamp
All Sorts- Primary Colors
Lots To Do-Ribbon and Lace

Polka Dot Dancing+Swirl

I digitally colored the background swirl, which was from Stretch N' Bubbles. They have lots of deals on digital stamps in their shop. I decided to take part in their challenge, which is open until August 10th midnight, Mountain time. It is progressive (I get a new freebie each week, so long as I keep playing), and since I like new things (and free things), I decided to play along. The polka dot dancer is from Whoopsi Daisy Designs. I wish I could coordinate my shoes to match whatever outfit I was wearing!

Rosie #2

Still using the digital stamp from MamiDoodles, but I colored her differently this time.

Paper roses for Rosie

I saw some paper roses awhile back that someone made and I loved them. However, I forgot to bookmark the page, and thus could not find it when I came across this beauty, Rosie. She is from MamiDoodles, and is a darling little one. Since I couldn't find the paper roses I liked, I went on a search for how to make paper roses. The one's at the site I did find are pretty, but I didn't like how it turned out for this card. If there was a way to make them not stick up so much, it would have worked better. I didn't like how it looked lying on the side.

Wall Decor

I blogged about my excitement before over the wonderful fabric we ordered to be decorative on our wall. It went well, made, hung and almost ready to post the loveliness. Then it happened. The 3M strips fell down and the wall art got moved to the side until we could buy more. That was all fine and dandy, til my lovely husband got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and accidentally stepped on them. So, two hot glue sticks and 8 3M strips later (we only used 4 the first time), they are put back up and I have a picture to show you!

Anniversary

I made this card for my aunt and uncle in-law, or are in-laws just for immediate family they may just be considered my husband's aunt and uncle? I'm not sure (still new to what constitutes as an in law). Anyways... this card was made for a very special couple. So special, in fact, that my husband's uncle officiated our wedding. They have been married 25 years, what a blessing! I just wish I could tie bows better (I think this was try #3).





There are a lot of challenges that this card happens to fit, so here they are:
PollyCraft's Fit for a Princess-because every bride is a princess on her day
One Stop Craft Challenge's Patterns
Flutterby-wings and fav color (mine is purple-shown here, and red)
Sentimental Sundays-Switch it up-I have never done a fold open card before
Stampin' Royalty-Create your own background paper-the background behind the couple was created with chalk
Crafty Creations-Wedding/Anniversary
Digital Tuesday-2 Companies, one card-the once upon a time is from DigiSparkle and the couple is from Sliekje
Anything Goes-Folds

Whew! I forgot to mention that DigiSparkle provided the once upon a time sentiment and Sliekje provided the couple, the other sentiments I typed and printed

Shy Guy

This guy is a shy one when it comes to showing his love. You can find him at Sliekji's Digi Stamps. Simple but elegant, I didn't think he wanted a whole lot of attention or embellishments.


Although Shy, I'm entering him in this challenge-PollyCraft's Fit For A Princess (because he is)

For My Princess

Look how cute this little guy is! Sliekje may not speak my language, but her artwork speaks to my heart. She puts out freebies that are adorable often-my kind of artist! This little guy sits awaiting for the princess in his life, so he can deliver a special gift to her. The neat thing about Sliekje, is that she loves kittens, and there is almost always one in her work!

I also did a couple things I have never done before: 1. acented a character with an irregular shape 2. used both sides of a double sided paper in one card 3. cut out part of a background to use as an accent (butterfly); and seldom do I allow anything to hand off the edge of the card (but I do on occasion).





Challenges:
PollyCrafts-Fit for a Princess
Flutterby-wings and fav color (mine are red and purple)
and Sentimental Sunday-switch it up

Pretty Pretty Princess

This darling image is from (can you guess--I guess the real question is, have you read my last few posts?) DigiSparkle, yes it was free! She is colored in chalk, see second picture for a better view. I decided she needed some 'bling' to go with the blue background, hence the diamond shaped gold paper. The flowers are just for fun!


Of course this Princess qualifies for the challenge over at PollyCraft-Fit for a Princess
as well as One Stop Craft Challenge's-patterns

Ewww!

Yuck, yuck, yuck. But maybe she will get her prince...
This stamp is by DigiSparkle, who is giving a whole collection (yes, they correlate) away free this month! The paper is by Amanda Blu.

This pretty pucker deserves to be entered in PollyCrafts Fit for a Princess Challenge

Kiss A Frog

I had lots of fun tonight playing around with my new Fairy Tales Again stamps from DigiSparkle. These are a couple from her free file this month (click on the link to the left to go right to it). The paper was also fun, both are from Amanda Blu.



Mr. Frog Qualifies for the Fit for A Princess Challenge at PollyCraft

Tiskit a Tasket

Isn't she gorgeous?! I certainly enjoyed coloring her. She was a digital freebie, but when I went to trace her back, I couldn't find her again :( I really got into the blending of colors in her dress. I have really gotten into yellow lately, I just love the way it goes with the blue!



Challenges:
Lots To Do-scenic
and a new challenge site for me One Stop Craft Challenge-patterns

Cross your fingers for me!