A Day For Daisies CDAC 300 Member Party

Just a quickie this morning because I just couldn't pass up the freebies for the 300 Member Party for A Day For Daisies on CDAC. I adore the ADFD images and subscribe to their newsletter, visit their blog and have purchased a number of their digi stamps. Tammy has such a sweet and unique style and I thank my friend Lisa, who does fabulous work on their DT, for introducing them to me. I can't believe this is the first time I've done a challenge cardfor ADFD. Not enough hours in the day! I've used the Happy Birthday Tower and filled in the tags and added a sentiment with my Printmaster Pro program. At first I printed it with "yummy" on the tags, but then thought it would make a cute thank you card too. (Although I guess with this sentiment it could really be used for anything.) I've colored it with Copics and used a silver gel pen for the cupcake stand. The DP is from the Lemonade 6x6 pad by Basic Grey. Now I better get back to my DT stuff, but I sure hope you have a chance to check out the fun at the ADFD party.

BBTB2 Simply Charmed Strawberry Challenge

Happy Monday! Hope everyone enjoyed their Mother's Day yesterday. Now it's time for another fab challenge at BBTB2. In honor of National Strawberry Month, our sweet and fabulously talented Jeri chose the strawberry from the Simply Charmed cartridge, although those of you who don't have it, may choose a strawberry from any cart. The little strawberry looked mighty lonesome all by itself, so I added a leaf from Cake Basics and a flower from Walk in My Garden. The "berry sweet" sentiment was also from Simply Charmed and I chose Mickey Font to add "so". All of this was welded in DS to a doily, also from Cake Basics. (Might as well use that cart for something since I've never even taken the machine out of the box. LOL) "Of You" was trimmed from a sentiment from a Cuttlebug Card-Making combo and added to fill up the space at the bottom of the doily.

Yeah, it's another shaped front card. I seem to be in a rut. Sorry about that. At least I managed to do the strawberry in pink to spare you another red, black, green and white card.

So there's a little embossing, a little dimension and a few beads and a button to embellish and that's it. But there is LOADS of fabulous inspiration by the rest of the team this week so be sure to check out BBTB2.

BBTB2 Boys Will Be Boys Ladybug Cut

It's time for another BBTB2 challenge and this week it's chosen by our dear leader, Heather. Her choice is the ladybug from the Boys Will Be Boys Cartridge or any ladybug from any cartridge. Good thing, since I don't have BWBB, but it was a tough decision to choose which other ladybug to use. One of my fave project of all time is the card I did from Doodlecharms which you can view HERE on the Custom Crops site and has a free .cut file available. And speaking of .cut files, I so appreciate you all liking my designs enough to ask, but when I design in DS my files are such a mess and changed so frequently that it would take me hours to clean them up for public consumption. They often also require an explanation and unfortunately I haven't the time to do that and therefor don't send them out. I'm really sorry, but thanks for asking.

So anyway, after checking out CricutSearch.com to check out all of the possibilities, I finally decided on the ladybug on the leaf from Live Simply and realized I didn't have that cartridge either. A short trip to WalMart remedied that and I set about designing. It is a combo of the ladybug and leaf plus the leaves from the flower that is last row, 3rd cut from the left on the keypad welded together and that shaped front welded to the last flower on the cart for the back. (BTW, I had to make a shadow for that flower in DS, no shadows on this cart...grrr) I sized those extra leaves separately so I had to hide contours of the second leaf in each case to get the final design. Make sense? Okay, maybe TMI. Does anybody really read this, or care? I do tend to ramble... In some cases I had to do a bit of hand trimming for the layers which was kind of a PITA but I didn't want to sacrifice dimension if I could help it.

With the card open you can see the shaped front and the Alpha Bead sentiment that was glued to be visible when the card is closed as well. Just a little embossing with Swiss Dots on the ladybug and Polka Dots (in sections, even though it's a 5x7 folder) for the inside flower. Dots and plaids are DCWV Nana's Nursery. Hope you like. My DT sisters knocked it out of the park this week (well, as always) so be sure to stop by BBTB2, and remember, although are challenges are weekly, YOU have 2 weeks to complete them and be eligible for our much sought after blinkie.

The Cuttlebug Spot Be Inspired Challenge

If you've been following The Cuttlebug Spot this month, you 've noticed each challenge was to "Be Inspired". This week is no exception, with the inspiration being a magazine ad. With all this crafting going on, I've let most of my mags expire but I did find a copy of Architectural Digest which saved the day. (Not much goin' on in BonApetit, I must say). My interpretation is a bit feeble, but I did manage the colors (sort of) and was able to use another of my Cuttlebug Emboss Plus folders called Perfect Perennials. I cut using kraft card stock and went over the embossing with my Copics. Behind the cut out I used Birds and Swirls. The butterfly is an MS punch and the "Thank you" is from the With Gratitude Card Making Combo. I added a few Prima flowers and some adhesive beads and that was it. Pretty simple. Now go have a look at the creative designs by my teamies. We hope you'll be inspired to play along.

BBTB2 Lyrical Letters Hummingbird Challenge

Yikes, I'm still running WAY behind. We're finally back from break at BBTB2 and this week's Hummingbird Challenge was chosen by our sweet DT Sister Karen. One of the reasons I love BBTB2 challenges is that I often find cuts I never knew existed on the various carts and this was no exception. I looked for flowers for my hummingbird and chose another cartridge I'd never used, the Lite Cart Botanicals.

I chose one of the card cuts and then used Design Studio to elongate the card and weld the hummingbird off the other side so it would fold in to the flower. The light green mat is embossed with the Cuttlebug Bird and Swirls folder, the flower itself, with Swiss Dots. In some ways this looks more like one of my Cuttlebug Spot cards, but the hummingbird had no shadow so it lended itself to a more simple design. However I'm noticing now that the embossing just barely shows up in the pix. What's up with that?

There isn't alot of space for a sentiment with this style of card and I was originally going to do a sympathy card, but I found both the "So Kind" and "Thank You" on the Cuttlebug With Gratitude Cardmaking Combo and they fit so that's what I went with. All that was left were adhesive pearls and a ribbon to complete the embellies. (Big surprise! LOL) Now pop by BBTB2 to see the marvelously creative ways the rest of the team used the hummingbird cut and remember, if you don't have Lyrical Letters, you can use a hummingbird cut from any of the carts.

Some Odd Girl Hol-ODD-day Blog Hop

Welcome to the first Some Odd Girl Hol-ODD-day Blog hop. Kristy and the Odd Girls are having this hop this holiday season not only to show their love for all of their Oddies, but also to include us. So hop through the list and be sure to comment at every stop because the Odd Girls have some prizes to give away but you have to complete the list to be entered. If you've come from Jennifer's Blog you're on the right track, but if not, you'll want to start at the Some Odd Girl Blog so you don't miss a thing.

Although I'm sure you'll see many fabulous holiday projects today, I decided to make a thank you card instead. I've used Tobie and Buddie and Tiny Princess Tia on the front. They're both colored with Copics and fussy cut and popped on some fabby paper from Creative Imaginations that I've printed with the sentiment. The background was so perfect that all I used for embellies were a few Prima flowers. The sweet innocence of these images reminds me of a children's book so I've showcased them accordingly.

Inside is Kiss a Prince Tia. I think the 3 of these adorable images tell a little love story and would make a sweet thank you for that special someone who has given you the perfect gift, don't you? BTW, all Tia images are on sale through Dec 3rd so be sure and check them all out HERE. Now hop along to Marcie's Blog but don't forget to comment to be eligible for the prizes. And in case you get lost, here's the complete list.

1) SOG Blog

2) Kimmy

3) Margie

4) Andrea

5) Leah

6) Corry

7) Sally

8) Yvonne

9) Meredith

10) Tanya (not DT)

11) Robin McK

12) Jennifer

13) Donna YOU ARE HERE

14) Marcie

15) Asa

16) Zara

17) Tanya

18) Mary

19) Denise

20) Robin F

21) Diana

22) Jan

23) Cassie

24) Kellie

25) Kristy

And for all you Scrapper's out there, my dear friend and DT sister Susan is having a 2 day sale on her fab DVD It's a Kid's Life so check it out HERE!

The Cuttlebug Spot Thank Yous

Well we've been working on Thanksgiving dinner all month at the Cuttlebug Spot and our last offering is a thank you to our dinner host. This whole set of challenges would have been alot easier had I kept the same design scheme, but I'm kinda ADD, so of course nothing matches. It's okay I'm not hosting Thanksgiving anyway, just making butternut squash lasagna and pumpkin and pecan pies.

I always like the idea of Core'dinations card stock and have a bunch so I pulled out some whitewash with an orange core to try it. I used my Cuttlebug Autumn Type folder and sanded away. It never really comes out as dark as I imagine it will. The card itself is the reverse side of that color card stock. Oh well, we've got a sort of pastel Autumn thing going but this was my 3rd attempt for this challenge so I just went with it. The lighter orange is also Core'dinations with a brown top (obviously used in the reverse). The "Thank you" is a Sizzix folder cut with my Nesties rectangle with the window cut with the scalloped version. the leaves were cut with my Nested Maple leaves. One was obviously embossed with Swiss Dots, and the other, scored with my MS score board. I used the Nesties instead of my Cuttlebug maple leaf because it was a tad smaller.

Then it was just a matter of a little popping and voila! DH said the muted color of the Core'dinations make it look Southwest but I kinda like it. Now rush over to The Cuttlebug Spot to check out the fabulous creations from my teamies and be sure to leave a comment because we have a fab new sponsor and you don't even have to make anything to WIN! WooHoo!

Color Challenge with Tiddly Inks

Oh my it's a busy Tuesday! Please scroll down for my Cuttlebug Spot card and the festivities continue on our Dia de los Muertos Blog Hop (don't miss it!) below that. We have a fun Color Challenge at the Tiddly Inks Challenge Blog of olive, purple and mustard. I have to admit, it took me awhile to figure this one out, but once I got a handle on it I must say I like it very much indeed. I've used the adorable Poppy, one of Christy's Gothic Cute digi stamps. I adore her long straight hair and thought is would be a good way to get the mustard (Copic Y26) in there right off the bat. I printed her twice so I could pop the flower and leaf. The purple striped mat is from the Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland 8x8 pad cut with my Nesties Labels Four. The printed paper behind is from the Basic Grey Eerie 6x6 pad (oops, it's Halloween but don't tell!) The sentiment is from the Cuttlebug With Gratitude card making combo.

Because of the big fat bow I popped the mat, Poppy, and of course, her flower. Then just a few adhesive beads (big surprise!) and it was done! Remember it's Tiddly Tuesday, so hop over to Christy's blog and pick up the latest freebie there or at the PCP group HERE. If you're not a member, request to join. My DT sisters have all come up with gorgeous takes on this challenge so visit them HERE and come play along.

The Cuttlebug Spot Welcomes Fall

Hi, if you're looking for the BBTB2 Blog hop, please scroll down, but take a look here too, okay?

This week at The Cuttlebug Spot we're welcoming Fall. As in all of my cards for The Cuttlebug Spot I try to keep it as much Cuttlebug as possible so I was happy to have received my Pumpkin Patch folder by Tim Holtz. I embossed using Core'dinations card stock, then used a craft knife to carefully cut around the pumpkins and slid a Labels Thirteen Nestie through the opening to cut the window. I embossed the top of the mat with one of the Cuttlebug border folders from the Organic Flourish set and sanded the embossing to reveal the core color. To enhance it further I inked it a bit with Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink. The interior cut out mat was the reverse side of the Core'dination card stock. The first mat was an experiment I rejected from another project. I'd swiped a numer of different Distress inks on my craft mat, spritzed them with water, and wiped my paper through the mess. I dried it with my heat gun and crumpled it up and ran another ink pad over the wrinkles. I thought that was a bit harsh so I spritzed it again. When it dried I decided to run it through the Cuttlebug using D'Vine Swirls and thought it coordinated nicely with what I had going on here so I saved it from the bin.

The third pumpkin is the Cuttlebug 3x3 embossing duo Pumpkin Spice. The mat layers were popped for dimension and the pumpkin was nestled in between. "Thanks" is from the Cuttlebug Card Making Combo, With Gratitude, cut twice and adhered slightly offset to add a bit of a shadow. To add a little bling I added peelie corners and a single gold adhesive bead. WooHoo! All Cuttlebug! Now pop on over to The Cuttlebug Spot to see the amazing creations by the rest of the DT and be sure to play along. A $50.00 gift certificat to Simon Says Stamp will be up for grabs.

BBTB2 Heritage Sewing Machine Challenge and Blog Hop

Welcome friends! Do you believe it's the end of the month already? I certainly can't, but here we are for another Blog Hop from BBTB2. This week our fabulous fearless leader Heather chose the sewing machine from the Heritage cart and you'll be amazed at the diversity of designs my fabulous DT sisters came up with. If you've come from the unbelievably creative Carole's blog, you're on the right track. If not, you might want to bop back there so you don't miss a thing.

I'm sorry if my design seems a bit redundant. I adore making shaped front cards and I've used more Cosmo Cricket papers so just consider it a companion piece to the apron card I did previously. Loads of carts on this one; George for the back, "Just Because" cards for the thanks, Locker Talk for the scissors, Forever Young for the dress form, Heritage for the sewing machine, Cindy Lou for "sew", and Opposites Attract for the much. Phew! The whole shebang was welded in DS and and all I added were a few buttons and beads. I'm rather fond of the way it turned out.

Another "fat" card. LOL The good news is you can use them at weights for toning up after you've read them and I'm keeping the post office in business for sure. Now scurry along, but not until you've left a comment for a chance to win a $30.00 gift certificate to Custom Crops. I will be announcing the winner next Saturday morning. Next stop is the amazing Theresa Kelly. Wow, wow, wow! Wait until you see this!

BBTB2 Joys of the Season Cup Challenge

This week at BBTB2 our sweet sister Marina chose the cup cut from Joys of the Season. Of course my first thought was an "Alice" inspired card, but we'd just spent the evening with friends who have poodles (really BIG ones!). I guess I'm more the small dog type, so I decided to make a "teacup" poodle (or a poodle in a tea cup, LOL). I created a shaped card using the shadow of the cup from JOTS and the poodle (flipped) from Create a Critter. I welded the shadow of both, along with the resized heart from the "merci" cut (also Create a Critter) to allow for a decent amount of writing space inside. I really haven't used CAC before and I omitted the "layer 1" because the eye and mouth placement for the poodle looks weird to me. It was interesting to note that when using the shadow and regular cuts for the poodle, the layering pieces weren't exactly the right size so I played around with those until they fit to my liking. The poodle is flocked by running the pieces right side down through my Xyron and afterward her ruff and topknot were embossed with the D'Vine Swirls Cuttlebug folder. Embossing AFTER the flocking made the pattern show up much better than vice versa. I also cut the regular cup twice so I could add some detail to it.

LOTS of layers so I could achieve the dimension I was going for. IRL she really does look like she's inside the cup. The paper is from the 6x6 Sabrina pad by Making Memeories. This was a fun one! Be sure to stop by BBTB2 to see the wide variety of spectacular projects by my DT sisters, and we love it when you play along. Make it a new project though, not one dug up from the depths of your blog because it happens to fit, okay. What's the challenge in that?

Tickled Pink Fashionista Lil Lolitas Preview Day 3!

It's preview day 3 at Tickled Pink and today I have the adorable 30's Lylah. I love her so much, I colored her to look like ME! (Notice the resemblance? I WISH!) Anyway, I sort of dropped the ball on the vintage theme, I'm afraid, but I think Lylah is so stylish she could be of ANY era. I also think she's be perfect for any occasion so I made a thank you card (which is something you can never have too many of, don'tcha think?).

I colored her with Copics to match the sort of vintage double sided DP from Sassafrass. The mat is cut and framed with Nesties Labels Three. The cool border is part of the paper. WooHoo! Flowers are Prima and the sentiment is from a Cuttlebug Cardmaking combo, cut twice, and offset slightly for emphasis.

Both Lylah and the mat are popped and of course I used some of my signature adhesive beads. If you would like to WIN Lylah, be sure to leave a comment on the Tickled Pink Stamps Blog HERE and check out the fabulous creations by the Pink Ladies. If you'd like to win the WHOLE set, follow the leave a comment on each of the DT's blogs (including Peta's and mine) EACh day and you may be the lucky one to win ALL 6 of these fabulous stamps. If you've missed any of my previous posts, please scroll down. The winners won't be announced until after the final preview day so there's still time! Remember, Tickled Pink ships stamps (only) WORLDWIDE so NO ONE is left out! WooHoo! Preorders coming soon!