~Cornish Heritage Farms Challenge..

The Cornish Heritage Farms Forum, of which I am a new member, presented the perfect opportunity for me to use two stamp sets I had yet to use. The Challenge was simple enough.. create a card using the following sketch and CHF stamps.

The size was a size that I don't normally work with as was the added stitching with the sewing machine.

The tree was stamped then embossed on Old Olive paper with clear Versamark and clear embossing powder then inked over with black ink and then "polished" to allow the embossed image to show through. The ring was also clear embossed and raised on pop dots. I am finding that the challenges provide the sometimes needed direction and at the same time stretch my imagination.
Supplies:
Stamps: CHF Polka-Dot Background, Primitive Beginnings
Paper: SU! Black, Saraha Sand, Old Olive
Ink: SU! Saraha Sand, Black, Versamark
Accessories: Nestabilities, SU! punch, Ribbon from my ribbon stash, Clear embossing powder, sewing machine.

~Catherine vonMiestersinger Remembered..

You were introduced you to Catherine in the post above and I have no doubt that over time, now that I have another stamp set that includes a Great Dane, there will be more stories of our many adventures together.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Hanna Stamps- My Best Friend, Large Breed Dog; SU! Canvas Background Stamp
Ink: Palette Hybrid- Noir
Paper: Arturo-Bright White, SU!-Real Red, Black, Plaid scrap from the Paper Drawer
Accessories: Ribbon from the Scrapbook Studio, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Diamond Glaze, Zoe ate the red Prima Flower, Pop Dots.

~TCPTUES03 - King of the Grill..

When I read on Leigh O'Brien's blog that The Cat's Pajamas was offering a Tuesday Card Challenge, I finally made up my mind to make the commitment to enter some of the cards that I make on a daily basis, not only on my blog but also as challenge submissions. I've never been one to market myself and my work. My blog has served as a sometimes outlet for family stories and personal thoughts via my love of stamping and card making. I am hoping that this will be one way to get myself "out there" and a little better known. As a dog lover and collector of "all things DOG" it made the commitment easy. Yes.. Yes.. I know.. its The CAT'S Pajamas, but don't tell Zoe, she is very possessive of her own snuggly jammies and only shares them with her wire haired terrier cousin, Jake.

Supplies:
Stamps:The Cat's Pajamas ;
Paper - SU! Brilliant Blue, Wild Wasabi, Pumbkin Pie, Designer Paper Jersey Shore; Ink - Palette Hybrid Ink Noir; Accessories - Nestabilities dies, Copic Markers, SU! Wild Wasabi ribbon, SU! Build-a-Brad kit, At You Sepia Twinkling Stars Pen, Judikins Diamond Glaze, White Tulip Puffy Paint

~Sweet Blush of Spring..

Ellen Hutson posted a card on her blog recently using parchment paper that had been stamped with white ink and then colored. The translucency of the paper g ives much the effect of frosted leaded glass when stamped. I chose to pick up the colors of the new PaperTrey Pink Patterns printed paper and colored in the Plaid Butterfly with Copic markers, much like reverse painting, on the wrong side of the paper. It gives a softer effect. The butterfly is offset mounted on the Lockhart Stamp Company image Ranunculus also colored with Copic markers. The sentiment is from PaperTrey's Garden of Life stamp set and is mounted offset on PaperTrey's new Berry Sorbet Top Notch Twill Ribbon. The embellishments on either side of the sentiment are Robin's Nest - Poinsettia glass beads also from Ellen's store.

~My Best Friend..

As a collector of "all things DOG" and specifically DOG stamps I'd waited for a long for time an image of a whippet/greyhound to be released. Not only did Hanna Stamps satisfy my wishes but went steps further!

Before my wonderful Zoe, there was Catherine, my grand and great Great Dane, a magnificent harlequin (black and white spotted for those of you who aren't familiar) lady in every aspect of the word. Catherine was my constant companion for nearly twelve years. As a pup she spent many a late evening in the depths of the Churchill Memorial and Library In the United States (specifically Missouri) while I finished my work. She accompanied me to New York City and quickly won the hearts of the Astoria shopkeepers and multi-cultured residents, road in taxi cabs, and spent lazy summer afternoons snoozing in the sun on Governor's Island. And in her old age retired to Florida, as do may bred and born northerners. I am sure you will see both the Great Dane and the whippets image reoccurring on many of my cards as time goes on.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Hanna Stamps- My Best Friend, Large Breed Dog.
Ink: Palette Hybrid- Noir
Paper: DCWV-The Pets Stack, Arturo-Bright White, SU!-Taken With Teal
Accessories: Gift Ribbon from Ellen Hutson, SU! Punch, Dog Bone Eyelet from my sister, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Lyra Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, Gamsol, Pop Dots.

~Challenges..

Not only has PaperTrey launched a new forum for its faithful followers but has also started a Casual mid Weekly Challenge hosted by Emily Davis. (take a minute to check out her blog .) Since I've never done anything like this before I though this would be a good time to begin. After reading the outline for this week's challenge and printing out the sketch I set out to complete my first submission and actually amazed myself that I not only completed the card but also uploaded it to the forum.. AND.. to my own blog as well. I'm sitting here patting myself on the back pleased that i met more than the obvious challenge!

Supplies:
Stamp set: PTI Spiral Bouquet.
Ink: Palette Hybrid-Burnt Umber, Versamark-Clear.
Paper: PTI-Aqua Mist, Everyday Blessings, SU Chocolate Chip.
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Marvy Uchida Punches, Sponge Daubber, Pop Dots, Create-a-Cut paper cutter.

~Thank You PaperTrey!

Yesterday I came home from work and followed my usual routine. I laid my purse on the hand painted Windsor chair, picked up the martingale collar and lead and went in search of Zoe for our after-work walk to check the mailbox.. and other things along the way. I found her burrowed between the layers of bedding near the head of the bed nested among the assortment of pillows taking her afternoon nap. With a single call of her name she came bounding to the surface throwing pillows in all directions ready to search out the stray cat that has been sleeping in the bed of azaleas for the past week. The cat was no where to be found so we headed for the mailbox.

Anticipation always builds shortly after the 10th of each month, but it was only the 9th and the new PaperTrey releases had not even been announced so I was not expecting a box of goodies to be waiting for me. The Anniversary Set had completely slipped my mind. What a wonderful surprise! We didn't dilly dally on the way home and went straight to the craft room and set to work. The set is delightful and will quickly become a well used favorite.
Thank you PaperTrey!!
If you are interested in finding out more about PTI, the wonderful products and the lady behind this awesome company register and become a part of the PTI Forum, follow Nichole's Blog or bookmark the PTI store.


Supplies:
Stamp Image: PTI Anniversary Set
Paper: SU! Kraft, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink - PTI Spring Moss and Burnt Umber

~License to Scrapbook..

I was first introduced to paper crafting through my sister and her memory rich scrapbooks that she had begun creating for our family. It was an incredibly creative way to display our pictures and her talent brought the books to life. This was in the very early years of scrapbooking and as new products became available her imagination soared and her attention to detail inspired me to follow in her footsteps. After awhile and many attempts to complete an entire album i decided I needed an outlet that would allow me to create on a smaller scale and actually finish a project! From this frustration my first card was born. I had already utilized stamps on my scrapbook pages and it became a natural carryover. I do still enjoy from time to time telling little scrapbook stories in mini albums that I give as gifts.

Not long ago I found these bare chipboard license plates by Keller Creations at Scrapbook Studio, my local scrapbook store and thought that they would make fun wall hanging for my craft room. And as usual, Zoe often becomes the subject of my scrapbooking tangents.

~Mom's Backyard..

My mother has the most inviting back yard anyone could imagine. Beautiful beds of flowers and shrubs shaded by tall pine trees overlook the lake that hosts the seventh hole of one of Florida's premier golf courses. The camellias, azaleas and amaryllis are full bloom and Easter lilies and variegated greens and pinks of the hostas are peeking through the bedding of fragment pine straw mulch still damp from the morning dew. White herons and egrets stock the banks of the lake for a morning snack while the turtles sun themselves on a patch of sandy shore. Pull up Adirondack chair, sip a cup of steaming coffee, lean back, relax and enjoy!

Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased through Ellen Hutson's Store
Sentiment: PTI Green Thumb
Paper: Basic Grey Blitzen, SU! Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa textured cardstock, PTI and Stamper's Select White Cardstock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir SU! Craft White
Tools & Incidentals: Spellbinder's Wizard, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Pen, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

~Old Sayings in New Colours..

A repeat of yesterday? Well, sort of, but I believe in the saying, "Once you find something that works, no need to change it." I've been a long time fan of Ellen Hutson, her blog, the quality products she selects for her online store, and the generous assistance she has offered to my sometimes silly questions over the past two years. The same can be said for Nicole Heady, and her incomparable company, Papertrey Ink. As a result of this lady and her incredible products, my entire focus has changed. Thank you both for all you do!

Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased from Ellen Hutson
Sentiment: PTI Shapes by Design
Paper: PTI Berry Sorbet, Pink Blush, Pink Patterns, and Stamper's Select White Cardstock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir
Tools & Incidentals: Spellbinder's Wizard, Nestabilities, Copic Markers,Cornish Heritage Farms White Flocking, PTI Berry Sorbet Saddle Stitch Ribbon, At You Spica Clear Glitter Pen, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

~Springing forward..

I've made several cards since I last posted, but each time I think about uploading one I'm struck with writer's block. Coming up with something catchy to say beyond just, I used this paper and that ink and the stamp is from so-and-so, seems to come easier for many of the bloggers I read than it does for me. I don't have children to brag about or a husband to share interesting stories of so on a day to day basis I am often lost. Now that my northern friends have returned home and I will no longer have an opportunity to share my work with them personally, I will once again make a concerted effort to find a few words to attach to my cards.
Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased from Ellen Hutson
Sentiment: Papertrey Ink Spiral Bouquet
Paper: SU Wild Wasabi Special Product Offer, Papertrey Ink Stamper's Select White Cardstock, and the red and white polka dot is from my bin of I just can't throw away my scraps.
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Jardin Moss and Noir
Incidentals: Copic Markers and Lyra Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, White SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

Post Note:
The inspiration for this card was born out of frustration. The Special Product Offer paper, unbeknownst to me when I placed my order, was already scored in an offset layout I had never worked with before. My Lockhart Stamps had just arrived from Ellen and the garden clogs seemed to be the perfect fit and balance. One thing led to another and a new card was born!

Happy Easter

Wishing all of you a Happy Easter!