The Best Things in Life

***Big OOPS.  I forgot the photo!  Vacation was VERY, VERY good for me!***

Well, I made it back from Colorado in one piece, though I did bring a cold back with me, ugh!  I had a marvelous time!  Even though we only had 2 art sessions, we did spend a significant amount of time traveling the area hitting the LSSs and national chains.   My suitcase was significantly heavier on the return trip!  I can't wait for the weekend so I can start using my new stash!

My card today was made at Margaret's house.  I used 2 dps (sorry, don't remember brands) and 2 colors of cs.  The sketch is from last week's MFT Wednesday Challenge (#73).  I used MFT stamps and dies, adding swarovski crystals for sparkle.  I really like how it turned out.

Thanks for stopping by.

kathy b

I'll be entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments Designs - Anything goes

My Time To Craft Challenge - It takes two (2 MFT die flowers)

Party Time Tuesdays - Anything goes

Crafting for All Seasons -  many layers

Divas by Design - Anything goes

Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything goes

Simon Says Stamp - Anything goes

Perfect Sentiment - Anything goes with a stamped sentiment

First Holy Communion

Hello Everyone,
I'm here today posting a card I made for my friend's daughter, Audrey, for her First Holy Communion.
The image is embossed in gold and cream paper was run through with a cuddle bug impression plate.  The ribbon is just something I picked up at Hobby Lobby in the wedding section.

Stamp: Stampendous
Die cuts:  Spellbinders
Embossing:  Stampendous embossing powder (for stamp), Cuddlebug (for dots on background paper)
Embellishments: Pearls (Michael's brand), Ribbon (wedding ribbon from Hobby Lobby).

This card has been entered into the Dotted an Embossed Challenge on Dots and More challenge blog.

Sympathy Card

Greetings in this last week of May.  We got Kathy off to the airport yesterday.  We had a great time visiting Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs.  We ate our way through lots of local little places as well as some healthier chains.

We didn't get too much chance to post due to all the activity so today I am here with my first card since a few days ago.  I am hoping this summer Kathy and I can switch off more, each posting a day.  Today's card is a sympathy card for my friend and coworker Mandi.  Her father had died quite suddenly (it all happened within a month's time).  As you can imagine it has been a very traumatic time for her and her family.  So I will be sending this card out.  It is a CASEd card from Kathy's former sympathy card.

Products used:
Stamp and sentiment: Stamping Up
Die cuts: Flower and border (MFT), Doily (Cheery Lynn)
Glitter paper: POW (American Crafts)


Til tomorrow!  Hope you enjoy this card. :)  Margaret

Beaming with happiness

Good morning everyone!  This is Margaret.  Kathy and I have been shopping up a storm in the one day she's been here in Colorado.  Yesterday we went to Stamping to See You in Denver, Colorado...and did some major damage to our pocketbooks.  Today we have an even bigger day: Simple Pleasures in Colorado Springs, Archivers, and any other hobby store we can get our hands on (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, the Current outlet)  SO...we are extremely giddy with excitement.

Today I have a post for you.  Now that summer is here, my goal is to be able to make a card every day.  Today's card is one I will be giving my daughter Claudia who is having a big continuation ceremony from 5th grade to middle school.  I hope you enjoy...it is much more sparklier in person than on the photo.

 

Stamp: Verve

Paper: Crate Paper (Farmhouse Collections)

Embellishments: Star punch (Ek success and Stampin Up), Svarovski Crystals, Yellow Stickles, Embossing powder (Stampendous), Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

I will be entering this card into my first challenge (YEY!).  I have entered this into the The House that Stamps Built.  Repeat Impressions DCC523 ~ Three Elements Challenge  

Let it Snow

I'm in Colorado, but I hope it doesn't snow while I am here!  Snow is the theme of today's card.

This is an OLD Stampin' Up stamp set.  I really like it though, because it works up quick and looks really cute.  I stamped the image on my card and then on a scrap.  I cut out the snowman's head, colored with Tombows and attached with 3M tape to pop it out.

I am entering this in the following challenge:

Christmas Cards All Year ROund - song- let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b



On the Road

~FYI~

I am leaving for the airport in a little over an hour.  The day has finally arrived.  My posts may be sporadic between now through next Monday, Memorial Day in the USA.  I am so thrilled to be able to see Margaret and the girls.  I am sure we will post some of our works while I am there.  There is a post scheduled for tomorrow, so perhaps we will manage to post most days!  We are planning to hit some stamping stores on Wednesday and Thursday.  I can hardly wait, since I shop HL & Michaels.  Specialty stores are such a treat!

Until next time, thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Happy Christmas to All

Today's card features an image from Stampin' Up!  I heat embossed it using a blue powder.  I used the sketch (Part 1) from Card Positioning Systems.

DP is from my stash and the ribbon pinwheel is made from Papertrey ribbon with a rhinestone brad holding it all together.  CS is DCWV.  I continue to add to my collection of Christmas cards.  At this rate, I will be in great shape come December!  This is really cool!  (This is my first year to blog and participate in challenges, so please pardon the enthusiasm - I'm a newbie!!!).

I am also entering the following challenges:

Winter Wonderland - embossing,

Christmas Crafting Challenge - Twas the night before Christmas, &

Christmas Cards All Year Round - The night before Christmas (Amy Grant).

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b



Little Miss Thang

I am preparing to leave for my trip to Colorado.  It is finally time to actually start packing! 

I have a cute little card for you today.  I used 2 images from Stamping Bella.  The girl is actually a Lollipop image from Lori Boyd.  I love those kids!  This cutie is wearing her bunny slippers.

I colored her with Copics and Spicas. DP and cs are from Echo Park.   I used nesties & quickutz dies, 2 SU! punches and lots of pearls and a rhinestone flourish.  The sketch is from CLP Sketch Challenge, and I really like it and plan to use it again.

I am also entering this in the following challenges:

Emergency Crafter's Challenge - stripes & spots,

Card Crafter's Circle - sparkle, sparkle &

Glitter Geeks - polka dots.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Jingle Stockings

I am here with a Christmas card today.  It is a quickie.  I don't know where the stamp comes from as it has no markings on it, but it colors up very quickly.  It's been in my stash forever (it at least seems that way!).

I added bells to the tips of the stockings, 3 red brads and a button with twine for some interest.  I colored the image with Spicas.

I am entering this in the following challenges:

ABC Christmas Challenge - bells,

Holly Jolly Christmas - christmas stocking, &

Christmas CardsAll Year Round - song: Santa Claus is coming to town.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

kathy b

Baseball Birthday

I am 3 days away from being  in Colorado!   For today, I have a baseball themed birthday card.  Great for the males in your world (or girls like me that live and breathe SF Giants baseball)!!!

I used baseball themed paper from Echo Park.  Balls in the background, scoresheet on top of that, & baseball stitching in lieu of ribbon.  I stamped the baseball image on kraft paper and cut it out with a nestie.  The sentiment is Papertrey cut out with an SU! punch.  The sketch is from Clean & Simple. 

I am also entering the following challenges:

365 Cards - Tone on Tone,

Cards for Men - Kick Back,

Kaboodle Doodles - clean and simple,

Crafty Creations -male birthday card,

Dude Time Doodles - masculine birthday card,

Chocolate, Coffee & Cards - for the boys, &

Southern Girls - about the boys.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

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Bee Happy !!!

I have a card using the Sweet Sunday sketch tonight.

I used a really old stamp from my stash.  It's from Stampendous.  The dp is Cosmo Cricket, the flower is Prima & cs is SU!  I popped up the flower between the bees, which are colored with Copics and Spicas.

I am entering this in the following challenges:

Card Makin' Mamas - May flowers,

Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - wings,

Fairytale Challenge - things with wings, &

Pause, Dream, Enjoy - Bugs & crawlies.

Thanks for stopping by!   Only 3 days, 16 hours and 30 minutes until I leave to see Margaret and the girls!!! (as I write this!).  Getting very excited!  I haven't seen the girls in almost 1 year!!!

kathy b





Once Upon a Time

Hi there!  I've got a fun little card for you tonight.  It's Little Red Riding Hood!

The stamps are from a set by Darcie's.  The dp is from my stash, the trees are actually embossed outward, giving dimension to the paper.  I colored all the images with Copics and Spicas.  I used nesties to cut out all the mounting materials.  The ribbon is from PaperTrey and cs is DCWV.

I am entering the oozak challenge - spring colors. 

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Thanks for stopping by!

Belle of the Beach

Good Evening!  I am back with a summertime card tonight.  I used a Sugar Plum image, Surfer Emma, from CC Designs and colored her with Copics that pull out the colors in the dp.  I added a little bling and Prima flowers.  I used an SU! punch for mounting the sentiment (x2).  The sketch is from Cardabilities. 

I am also entering this in the following challenges:

Crafters Companion - Here comes summer,

All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge - anything goes, &

Crafty Sentiments - bingo: patterned paper, colored image, punch.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Tomorrow We Can Eat Broccoli

Good Evening!  I have returned from agility class with Geena Bea and we had a terrific night.  She was really on tonight.  We have a trial in less than 2 months and a lot of work to do!

I have a birthday card for you tonight.  I used an Inkadinkado stamp that has been in my stash for a long time and I finally inked it up.  It's a cute little saying written by a 9 year old.  I used old paper from my stash, Papertrey ribbon and a Prima flower.

I used the sketch from City Crafter challenge.  I am also entering this in the following challenges:

Creative Card Crew - sentiment as focal point

Sentimental Sundays - Birthday, &

4 Crafty Chicks - sentiment only.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Serenity Now!

I love technology.  I get to sit in my art room and listen to the SF Giants, then move to the living room and write this post while watching the Giants on MLBHD, even though I am 2000 miles away!  I am a huge baseball fan, having grown up in & near SF.

I have a card for you tonight that uses the MFT Wednesday Sketch CHallenge.  I used a digital Pure Innocence design and an MFT sentiment and die.

The dp is from Basic Grey and cs is DCWV.  I colored the image with Copics.  The bubbles are made with Glassy Accents topped with Art Institute Pearlescent Glitter.  It looks really cool in person - like real bubbles!  I was tickled pink it worked out so well!  I added Martha Stewart pearls, SU! ribbon and a Prima flower.

I will be entering the MFTWSC71 challenge, 
The Squirrel & the Fox - one for the girls,
Charisma Cardz - pink & girlie,
Jelly Park Challenge - girlie girl, &
BasicGrey Challenge - anything goes
2 Sisters - make it girlie.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Star!

HI!  Tonight's post is a card for my 11 year old friend, Claudia.  She is moving from 5th grade to middle school and they are having some kind of event the week I am visiting. So I made this card to bring with me to give to her! 

All the dp is Basic Grey.  I used a nestie for the heart circle.  The stars were cut out with a sizzix die and an SU! punch.  Ribbon is from American Crafts.  I handcut the banner and stamped the Verve sentiment on it.  The stars are all popped up with 3M tape.  I zig-zag stitched the background rectangle.  The sketch is from Verve's MOJO Monday 240.

I am entering this in the BasicGrey Challenge, as well.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b



I Love Mew!

My posts are getting later and later!  I have been working a fundraiser for a non-profit for which I volunteer.  It's an animal rescue group called Out of the Woods.  It's a totally volunteer-run group.  The event tonight was called Woof, Wag and Wine.  We had a silent auction, wine pull, band & dancing, food & drink.  It was held at the on the docks at the Maritime Museum on the Arkansas River and the weather couldn't have been better.  It was a lot of fun.

In the spirit of the fundraiser, I have another animal card tonight.

I used DCWV cs & dp.  The kitty image is from Great Impressions and the sentiment is from The Cat's Pajamas.  I used the sketch from Ruby's Rainbow.

Thanks for stopping by.

kathy b 

Sending a Letter

Hi There!

Margaret had unexpected oral surgery today, so to make her feel better across the miles, I made a card for her to view.  This is not my normal style, but it is Margaret's.  So I wanted her to know that I am thinking about her this evening and hoping the drugs are helping her to sleep!

Margaret LOVES Magnolias.  So here is Tilda, holding a letter (i.e., this card).  She is heat embossed with sparkling powder and colored with Copics.

I added a large Prima flower and 5 Michael's rosettes.  Tilda is popped out, sitting on the bench, which is mounted on a suede-like paper.  I also usednesties to cut out several flourishes for the corners, to which I added pearls. 

I am entering the following challenges:

Just Magnolia - use more than 1 stamp,

The Poodles Parlour - anything goes, &

Inspire Me Fridays - anything goes.

Thanks for stopping by.  Hugs to you, Margaret.  Feel better soon!

kathy b

What's Cookin'?

Hi!  I'm back with a cute little card tonight.  I used last week's sketch at Try Stamping on Tuesday.

My DH and I went to Las Vegas for our 20th anniversary and he graciously took a trip to Viva Las Vegas Stamps with me!  That's where I picked up this cute little guy.  I paper-pieced most of it, adding a little Spica and Copic here and there.  DP & cs are from my stash (no, I did not cut it crooked - it was made that way)!  The ribbon is from Papertrey, the sentiment is from Memory Box, punched out with an SU! window punch.

I am entering this in the following challenges:

Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturdays - ribbons and bows,

Sweet Stampin Challenge - 4-legged friends,

PaperTake Weekly - Cute Cute Cute,

Cute Card Thursday - food or drink,
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Ribbon or Twine, &
Paper Pretties Monday Challenge - use ribbon.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

kathy b

African-American Beauty

Good Evening!

I am here tonight with a card that I made for a friend of mine.  She loves the ethnic cards that I create for her, and I enjoy making them.

I heat embossed the image, then colored her with Copics and Spicas.  DP is from my scrap bin.  The image is from Rubbernecker.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b



I Thought of You Today

I made this for a special friend who loves purple and is really stressed out right now.  I want her to know that I am here for her.

It's a simple, but elegant card that uses the JustRite Vintage Labels stamp set.  The sentiment is popped up with 3M tape.  I added pearls for bling and some white grosgrain ribbon.  I used purple Versafine ink to stamp the images.

I am entering this in the following challenges:

Stampavie & More - monochromatic,

Creative Card Crew - sentiment as a focal point,

Aud Sentiments Challenge - anything goes, &

Sentimental Sundays - for a special woman.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b





Your Birthday's in the Bag

Wow, it's finally here, The Voice finals!  I am crafting as they compete!

Tonight I have a stamp from The Greeting Farm.  I used the sketch from Midnight Madness.

The dp is Echo Park Springtime with EP & DCWV cs.  I used stash lace and Kaiser rhinestones.  The sentiment is from SU!, as is the punch.  I used my Nesties to cut out and mount my image and my Copics and Spicas to color it.

I am entering the following additional challenges:

Anyone for Anya? - something lacy,

The Catered Crop - The Letter "B" (bags, birthday, bows),

The Crafty Pad - girly, pink & bling,

CMC Copic Challenge Group - celebrate,

One Stop Crafts - celebrations,

Oldie But a Goodie Challenge - 6 months or older (TGF stamp, lace, DCWV cs),

AudSentiments - anything goes, &

Penny's Paper Crafty - Birthday.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

With Appreciation

Good Evening!

I have a bright card for you.  I used the sketch from Die Cuttin Divas.

I like the sketch & I imagine I will be using this one again!  The dp is from My Mind's Eye.  I used dies from Memory Box (border & tags) and MFT (flowers).  Two little brads and one big rhinestone finish off this project.  It was quick and easy but has enough elements to make it look like it took some work!  I think the busy dp really helps.

I am entering this in challenges at the following blogs:

Crazy Amigos Challenge - flowers,

Scrapalicious - flower power,
Aud Sentiments - anything goes, &

4 Crafty Chicks - favorite embellishment (die-cut flower).

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Friends 'til the End

Hope your weekend is going well.  I am back with another Pure Innocence card today, this one is also a digital from Heather's Etsy shop.  The sentiment is from a PI MFT set.

I used the sketch from Cards & Things challenges.  I used the color scheme from the challenge over at Daring Cardmakers, Just Some Lines, and Card Makin Mamas.  I used Copics and Spicas on the image, as well as paper-piecing her dress.  I paper pierced a flower & stem flourish and added a pink rhinestone to the center.  Michaels white grosgrain ribbon is wrapped around the upper portion of the card.  I used my nesties to cut out and mount the image.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Holiday Wishes

Yea!!!

Friday night, 8pm, and I have finished a card!  Tonight I have a Christmas card for you.  I am actually excited about participating in these Christmas card challenges because:

1. I can use stamps I usually reserve for 1-2 months a year all year long, and

2. I can have most or all of my Christmas cards completed prior to the holiday   

    season, freeing me up to do other things!

The sketch comes from Christmas Challenges.  I am also entering this over at Sparkles Forum Christmas Challenge - trees and Christmas Card Challenges.  All DP is from Mind's Eye, tree is from Stampabilities and sentiment is from PaperTrey.  You can't tell very well from the photo, but the dp is very glittery and sparkly.  I colored the tree with Copics, stamped the image with Memento and the sentiment with red Versafine.  I pierced a ring around the tree since it is such a simple element.  I thought it needed a little something else.

Thanks for stopping by.

 kathy b

Graduation

Happy Thursday!

My work week is done, sure hope I can play some this weekend.  We are supposed to break records for high heat the next 3 days and that should keep me indoors!

I have a graduation card tonight that I am sending to our nephew who graduates from high school in 2 weeks.  So I had to avoid bling and flowers, since a teenage boy would not be very happy with that! HA!

This is a Taylored Expressions stamp.  I used a Sizzix embossing folder, nesties dies and Basic Grey dp.

I am entering this in the My Mum's Craft Shop Challenge - embossing,

Craft-Room Challenge - embossing,

Fashionable Stamping Challenges - embossing,

DRS Designs, &

CraftyMess Challenge Blog - embossing or distressing.

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Happy graduation!

Oh my gosh!  I looked at the countdown and Kathy comes here in only 19 days!  My daughter Claudia said, "I can't wait...finally we will be able to go to Paint Yourself Silly.  I've been waiting ALL YEAR."  Every year Kathy, I and the girls have a tradition of going to a paint-your-own-pottery store so I am happy to know that this year, the tradition will continue. :)
So back to business.  Today one of my students is presenting her poster for her Master's project requirement for graduation and I made this card for her.  Stamp is Northwoods, patterned paper is SU and bling from the craft section at Hobby lobby.  Punch is  Martha Stewart.  I am excited about this card...it has lots of sparkle (Stickles) and the cap is popped up.  I used a brad for the centerpiece and twine to braid the tassel (pink and grey to add pizzazz).  I hope you enjoy! Margaret

Birthday Girl

I missed everyone yesterday.  I took Geena Bea to class and we were very late in coming home and by then I was somewhat sore from the root canal, so I called it a night.  Had to work today, or I would have posted sooner!

I have a cute little birthday card today.  I used the sketch from Paper Makeup Stamps Challenge. 

The dp is Echo Park Springtime, except for the dress/cupcake paper on the Pure Innocence image, that's KI.  The girl is a digital image from Heather Ellis' etsy shop.  The birthday girl sentiment is from the MFT My Balloon set.  The Copic colors I selected are all represented in the polka dot paper.  I added a few jewels for bling, used my zigzag border and nesties.  The sprinkles are highlighted with Spicas.

I am also entering this in the CES challenge - cupcake & candy,

Penny's Paper Challenges - happy birthday,

Simon Says - birthday, &

Whimsy Stamps Challenge - spots and dots.

Thanks for stopping by.

kathy b