Spring (?) Challenges - Limited Runs Stamps and Mustard Seed Faith

Although it is only the middle of March, it seems that Spring is definitely here.

 Flowers and trees bursting out in beautiful colors,

 the bluebonnets are out in full bloom,












and here in Texas it will be 90 degrees today!

Yikes!


Playing in my studio is always a good way to celebrate, so that's what I'm doing! I decided to step out of my normal routine of just playing with my supplies while I watch TV to enter a couple of challenges.
The first challenge I entered was with Limited Runs Stamps. Using one of their cute images, Little Boy, I entered Challenge 1 and was selected as the challenge winner! Yay!! Here's my entry for Challenge 1. I used Distress Oxide Inks blended onto cardstock for the background. I then added some Frost White All Purpose Ink over the background to give it a shimmer. I also colored the boy with the Oxide inks and mounted him to appear that he was looking out a window. I used my label maker to create the sentiment and stamped Happy Birthday inside. I added star sequins and gold thread to finish off the effect.

 

And here are a couple of cards I made with the digital image I chose...Robbie the Rooster. Isn't he cute!!

Their 2nd challenge was to use Elmo the Emu....another really cute Limited Runs image. Both cards incorporated backgrounds again using my new Distress Oxide Inks...LOVE these inks!! On the first card, I cut a doily out of the background and mounted it on the card base. Again I colored the images with the Distress Oxides, cut out and mounted. I used Tim Holtz Crazy Things accessories on both cards.

Last, but certainly not least, I discovered a new blog challenge called Mustard Seed Faith Challenge Blog. 
A friend of mine is one of their design team members and I discovered it through her. I love a challenge that encourages you to incorporate your faith into your creations and use your talent to inspire others.  The requirement for this first challenge is to use the color yellow on your card to symbolize the mustard seed referenced in Matthew 17:20. I used a background of blended Distress Oxide Inks. The images and sentiments are from a Stephanie Bernard Stamps of Life set called Bunnies4Easter. The grass at the bottom was cut using a Fiskars border punch.
This is a blog I'll be following closely for more inspiration!

Boxes, Bags, and Albums

I'm happy to say 'good-bye' to 2016...it was a rough year. Death, depression, and dysfunction... but by the grace of God, I am ready to move on and thank God everyday for his goodness!

One of the things that brought me joy was getting to teach some classes at a local craft store. I found several projects that have been around for some time, but the ladies enjoyed doing these projects. And I had so much fun creating!!

The first project is a Box Card. These are so fun because there are so many creative ways to celebrate any holiday or event. Here are a few that I made. These cute box cards fold up and fit into an envelope!

A tutorial can be found here. 

The next project is an adorable paper purse gift bag. This is made from a piece of patterned cardstock and a solid piece of cardstock. It can hold a set of handmade greeting cards or a variety of small gifts. Here are a couple of the ones that I made.

 A tutorial for you to watch is here.

And last of all is an Explosion Box Album. This is a cute box with a lid. When you take the lid off, an album falls open. I made one for my grandson with a 'fishing' theme filled with pictures of our grandson fishing with his granddad. I didn't take a picture of that one (can't believe I didn't!) but I also made one for my granddaughter with pictures of her doing fun 'girly' things! Here are three pics of that one!












You'll enjoy giving this a try. Here is a tutorial.
Exploding Box Album

I hope you enjoy these fun projects! Working on these got me through some tough days! 

Passing the Time

I've been sick for the last 3 weeks. Once I got to feeling like I could come into my craft room, I decided to just play around...passing the time since I couldn't get out until I quit running fever. So I colored some poppies with my Copics and used them on a couple of cards.On one card I played around with a new stamp set I bought...Dina Wakley Clearly Collaged Hearts. I love this set! The other card, I just decided to use some book paper.
 I also decided to give Box Cards a try (I know...they've been out forever! But I've never tried one!). I am addicted to these little things!! What fun!  The box cards...well, I just had fun with them and felt lots better afterwards!!

I'm doing much better now and so glad to be on the mend. This respiratory stuff isn't fun! So stay well!!

CAS Mix Up Entry #2

While I have my watercolors out, I decided to do one more CAS Mix Up card. Again, I used distress ink to watercolor the background, and I stamped both the sentiment and the penguins. I colored the penguins with Copic markers and used a die to cut them out. Then I added a touch of Wink of Stella to the bow ties and glossy accents to the eyes. I attached the penguins with mounting tape. I sprayed the whole piece with a light spray of Shimmer Spritz just to give it a little bit of sparkle. And that's it! So now I'm ready to add my 2nd entry to the CAS Mix Up March Challenge. 

CAS Mix Up Card Challenge

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've posted to my blog. It's been a crazy year but really I have no excuses because I've certainly done a ton of cards, scrapbooking, and craft projects.  So this new challenge has motivated me to get busy and post my entry. I have fallen in love with water-coloring on my cards and am always looking for tutorials on new techniques. This water color resist technique was featured on StampTV. 
I used distress inks instead of markers and a little different stamping technique, but still incorporated the embossing, water-coloring, splattering ideas. It was so fun to do. Now I am ready to try it with some different images!!
I am entering this CAS card (Clean and Simple)  into the CAS Mix Up March Challenge using the required water-coloring and stamping techniques as well as the embossing and splattering. Thanks for looking!