Friday, October 31, 2014

TCP TUES 278 Sketch Challenge

I have a quick post for The Cat's Pajamas Sketch Challenge 278.  I have always enjoyed adding tags to my projects, so this was a sketch I did't want to miss.  Here's the sketch:


Here's what happened:


I used the darling penguins from "Joy To The World".  I colored them up with Copic Markers, fussy cut them and added some glitter here and there.  Another card down, I think I only have about 10 more to make.

I am looking forward to an all day stamping event tomorrow, "Stamped with Aloha".  A friend of mine is involved with Stampin' UP!.  It's an event they have done for the last 7 years, the proceeds go to local charities.  Looking forward to getting lots of new ideas!

Hope your weekend is restful and spent doing what you love best...thanks for spending a few minutes here.

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  The Cat's Pajamas Joy To the World
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  The Paper Studio Festive Sparkle, Best Occasions Metallic Paper Pack
Accessories:  Copic Markers, Sizzix Embossing Folder, Stampin UP! Stampin' Glitter, Stickles, May Arts Ribbon

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Mojo Monday-Tall and Skinny

Mojo Monday Challenge #369 seemed perfect for a shaker card.  Here's the sketch:


Here's the shaker:

Oops, try again :)...thats better.  :


Thank goodness our trade winds and near perfect weather is back.  Looking at this photo makes me wish I had added texture to the red panel with an embossing folder.  Good lesson...to look at different perspectives.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I love your comments and visiting your blogs in return.  

Aloha,
Brenda



Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve Hearts on Fire, Thankful Hearts and No Matter What
Ink:  Stampin' UP! Riding Hood Red
Paper:  DCWV Cardstock, Neenah Solar White
Accessories:  Creative Impression Ribbon, Heart Confetti

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Viva La Verve Week 4

I'm playing along with the Viva La Verve Week 4 Sketch Challenge.  Here's the sketch:


Here's my try:


I made this card for a very special friend who is having surgery this week.  Since she is my Copic teacher, so I felt like I needed to do a little coloring.  Through her, I now have a group of friends that meet monthly to share creative ideas.  They are all wonderful Copic artists that inspire me to keep working on my coloring skills.  It is so nice to be a part of such beautiful, supportive, creative women.  Don't know what I ever did without them!

The stitching on this card was inspired by my blogging friend, Lyn.  She is an amazing card maker!  Take a look at her beautiful creations here.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you week is off to a great start!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve Doodled Occasions, Melissa Francis Sentiments
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Stampin' UP! Prints Pack, DCWV Cardstock, Mohawk Color Copy
Dies:  Verve A Cut Above Die Heart Quartet, MFT Die-namics Pierced Circle Stax, Nestabilities Large Circle Die
Accessories:  Copic Markers

Thursday, October 23, 2014

TCP TUESDAY 277

I can't let a TCP Tuesday Challenge go by with out playing along...I love my TCP stamps!  Here's the inspiration photo:

I decided to go out on a limb (smile) and take my inspiration from the cute little tree and the colors of the bulbs on that cute little tree.  Here's what happened:



I'm also entering this card in the Merry Monday Challenge...


And Simon Says Wednesday Challenge-Get Crafty and use Kraft.


We are on our way to the weekend!  Thanks for checking in!


Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  The Cat's Pajamas Vintage Christmas
Dies:  The Cat's Pajamas Framed Up CutUps, Sizzix 
Ink:  Tsukineko Dilicata Golden Glitz
Paper:  Mohawk Color Copy, Stampin' UP! Wild Wasabi, MME Stomp Collection, Play Shop Paper Planetary Purple, Hobby Lobby Kraft Cardstock
Accessories:  Stamp N Stuff Clear Embossing Powder, Darice Bling, May Arts Ribbon, Elizabeth Crafts Embossing Folder, Golden Rod Stickles

Sweet Sunday Sketch # 241 and C.R.A.F.T. # 282

I always enjoy the card sketches at Sweet Sunday Sketch.  Sketch #241 is an especially good one in my humble opinion (and it worked out so well for a recent purchase).

Here's the sketch:


Here's my take:


This is one of the stamp sets I got during our trip, again from Memory Bound Scrapbooks in Ankeny Iowa.  It has several fun images.  I used Distress Ink spritzed with Pearl White Color Bloom to make the background.  You can't really appreciate it, but it put a nice magical looking sheen over the dark blue sky.

I am also going to link this to the C.R.A.F.T.  Challenge 282 which is Autumn, Halloween,  Thanksgiving, Bonfire Night.

Hope your week is going well!  I appreciate your visits!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  Hampton Arts Happy Halloween
Ink:  VersaMark Onyx Black, Ranger Distress Ink Chipped Saphire,  Stormy Sky and Faded Jeans
Paper:  Doodle Bug Designs Ghouls and Goodies, DP scraps, Neenah Solar White card stock, American Crafts Cardstock, DCWV Cardstock
Accessories:  Stickles, Stamp N Stuff clear embossing powder, Copic Markers, Prima Color Bloom

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Paper Smooches Christmas with Santa Paws

I was lucky enough to pick up this stamp set when I was in Iowa.  We have a couple excellent stamp stores, but if you don't get there early once something arrives, some times you lose out.  I made this card for several challenges:


Paper Smooches-Anything Goes



Simon Says Monday Challenge-Anything Goes


Merry Monday-Non-traditional Colors #131



Christmas Cards All Year 'Round-Embellish It



Here's what I did and I'm one card closer to being ready for Christmas!  I used the September 29 Sunday Sketch from Studio Calico.



Thanks so much for stopping by!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  Paper Smooches Santa Paws
Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, American Crafts Cardstock, Doodle Bug Designs Frosty Friends design paper
Accessories:  Baker's Twine, Sequined Bunny Sequins, Copic Markers, Paper Smooches Santa Paws Dies, Copic Markers, Scribbles 3-D paint, Stamp N Stuff clear embossing powder



Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Viva la Verve-Week 3 Sketch and Inspiration

Well, I'm back.  We went to Iowa to visit our children and had a great time (and yes, we missed another hurricane!).  The weather was beautiful, crisp, colorful...the reason I miss Fall.  I was able to sneak a trip to Michael's and one of their local scrapbook stores, Memory Bound.  Love that store!  Lots of mixed media products and I picked up some Tim Holtz Thinlets dies I can't wait to use.

OK, on to Viva la Verve!  Here's the sketch and inspiration:


                   
                        

And here's my vision:



This card was created for a young woman who is getting ready to spread her wings and go out and make a difference in the world.  I am so proud to know her!

Thanks to everyone who has been visiting, I love your comments and visiting your blogs.   I pray for a week full of blessings for all!

Aloha,
Brenda

PS- Also linked to Verve Diva Dare

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve Wings of Love and Blue Skies
Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black
Paper:  American Crafts Cardstock, DCWV Cardstock
Accessories:  Verve A Cut Above Dies Heart Quartet, Mama Elephant Creative Cuts Femme Frames, Doodle Bug Designs Sequins, Stamp N Stuff clear embossing powder, Crystal Stickers Bling, Ranger Cotton Candy Stickles





Sunday, October 19, 2014

Why Not?

The talented group at C.R.A.F.T. Challenges is looking to add to their design team.  I've thought about it until it is almost to late.  After serious pondering about why I would like to do this, I have decided to throw my name in the hat.

I love crafting in general and stamping in particular!  I can't imagine a week without stamping.  I feel that my passion for paper crafting and my desire to encourage others would be my selling points.  What I lack in ability, I make up for with enthusiasm!  I love learning new techniques and being challenged to try new things and feel that being a part of this team would be a fantastic way to stretch my creativity.  This is exactly my idea of FUN!  I have been on a design team in the past, but we weren't connected by blogs. I would look forward to having the connection with other team members.

I have recently begun participating in challenge blogs and have 
found them to be a fun way to kick start creative ideas. I have also enjoyed visiting the blogs of all the talented participants.  There are so many talented folks out there making such beautiful, interesting creations!  What would be better than "having" to do that as part of your "job"?

Speaking of jobs, in real life, I have been married to a wonderful supportive man for the last 25 years.  We have two grown kids, one 
in the working world and one away at college. We have lived in 
my husband's home town of Honolulu, Hawaii for the last 13 years.  I am so fortunate to have a great job as a diabetes nurse in one of our local hospitals.  I love my job and the opportunities it offers to work with great people who are trying to make positive changes in their lives.





As I mentioned, I decided to do this rather recently.  I was leaving on a trip and snapped this picture of a card I made in the last month or so.  It's one I enjoyed making with strips of paper scraps using a technique taught in one of the Online Card classes.   I can't say it is typical of my style because I'm not sure what my style is.   I would love the opportunity to share more with the C.R.A.F.T. team and followers.  Thanks for giving all of us the opportunity!

Aloha, Brenda

Supplies:
Paper:  Mohawk Color Copy, DCWV cardstock, misc paper scraps 
Stamps: Verve Poppy Birthday 
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black
Accessories:the Sequined Bunny sequins, Copic Markers, Stamp N Stuff clear embossing powder 

Monday, October 13, 2014

Viva la Verve and Simon Says Use Watercolors

Thought I would try another Verve Sketch.  This one isViva la Verve for October 2014, week one.  I didn't use Verve Stamps this time.  I have had this Bunny for a while and wanted to ink him up to make a card for my daughter.  

Here's the sketch:


Here's the colors:



Here's my result:






I'm also entering this in Simon Says Stamps Wednesday Challenge, Simon Says Use Watercolors.

Hope your day is full of blessings!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  The Cat's Pajamas Wish
Paper:  Neenah Kraft Cardstock, Mohawk Color Copy, Strathmore Watercolor paper, scraps
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' UP! Lost Lagoon, Delicata Gold
Accessories:  Black Thread, wire, Glossy Accents, Memory Box Starry night stencil, Watercolors

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Get Sketchy #197

I am definitely in the holiday card making mood.  It have been Halloween and Christmas for the last week.  I think I only need about 20 more Christmas cards and it's only mid October.  If I could only do something about getting them in the mail on time!

I want to enter this card in My Favorite Things Get Sketchy #197.

Here's the sketch inspiration:

 Here's my version:


I'm wishing you a restful Sunday, full of happy time!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps: My Favorite Things Sheltering Tree and Spider Web Stamp Set
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  DCWV cardstock, Mohawk Color Copy, Graphic 45 An Eerie Tale
Accessories: Sizzix Medallions Die and Star Die, Advantus Corp Extra Fine Onyx Glitter, Darice Pearls

Mojo Monday #366

Mojo Monday always has such great sketches, so where better to get your creative juices started?  (FYI Viva la Verve has some great ones this month also).




Here's what came up for me:






This card is for a wonderful lady who recently suffered a great loss.  I wanted to tell her that people she can't imagine are praying for her healing.  Everything will be OK...this is what faith is all about.

I so appreciate you looking at my creations.  Leave me a comment, I would love to drop by your blog and see what you are up to.

Aloha, 
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve Thankful Accents and Be OK
Ink:  VersaFine Sepia, Ranger Distress Ink Frayed Burlap
Paper:  Neenah Kraft Cardstock, Basic Grey Picadilly
Accessories: Sierria Pacific Burlap Ribbon, Cinnamon Stickles

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Prig and Berries

Here's another Christmas card completed!  I used the "inlaid die" technique again, using more traditional colors.  This is about as clean and simple as I get.  I love the look, but I also love sequins and bling and ribbon and embossing powder, and, and...


I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:




Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Paper:  Mohawk Color Copy, DCWV cardstock
Stamps:  Stampin' UP! Endless Wishes
Ink:  Stampin' UP! Cherry Cobbler
Dies:  Elizabeth Craft Dies Prig and Berries
Embellishments: Fawn Lawn Baker's Twine, Doodle Bug Designs Sequins, Stampendous! embossing enamel in Shabby White and Aged Gold



Merry Monday #129, Neon Colors and More!

Here's another Merry Monday Challenge, one that was fun for me.  I very seldom use neon colors, but found I had some neon "stuff" in my stash.  

Here's what Kristie inspired, Take One:


The other card you can see here on SplitCoast Stampers.  I wanted to try some "inlaid" die cutting, so I dug out some dies I got last year.  The one here was pretty simple to do, the one on SC was a little fussier to finish.  I was pleased with the result and 2 more cards done!  I think IRL they look better.  The sun kept trying to hide while I was shooting.

I also want to enter this card it the:

Christmas Cards All Year 'Round-Embellish It Challenge

Tip Top Tuesday Challenge-Non Traditional Christmas

I will be doing several more posts for some of the other challenges I have been working on.  Next week I will be missing in action, but hopefully will come back inspired to pick things up again.  Hope you have a great weekend!

Aloha, 
Brenda

Supplies:
Paper:  Mohawk Color Copy, ? cardstock
Dies:  Fawn Lawn Scripty Joy and Stitched Scalloped Borders, Quikuts holly
Accessories:  Kaisercraft Rhinestones

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Seems A Little Sketchy

I used the sketch inspiration from Seems A Little Sketchy for my card.  My first time to visit their challenge.  Here's the sketch:

Here's my take:



I'm really loving this little chubby cow.  He has the same look on his face I feel like I have on mine right now. Glad it's Wednesday!


Thanks for taking the time to look!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  Paper Smooches Chubby Chums
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, DCWV cardstock, Echo Park Love Story
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Doodle Bug Designs Sequins, Copic Markers, Spellbinders circle dies

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge-Smooch!

I thought this looked like a fun challenge, so I'm giving it a try for the first time.  Paper Smooches is a new sponsor for Curtain Call and I LOVE Paper Smooches!  I'm also going to sneak it in for the Paper Smooches Sparks challenge which is "anything goes" this week.
                                     
Here's my card.  These little Chubby Chums are so cute and the sMOOchy cow was perfect.  I used the Reverse Confetti SFYTT for the card "recipe".


Thanks for taking a look, hope your week is going great!

Aloha,
Brenda



Supplies:
Stamps:  Paper Smooches Chubby Chums
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla, DCWV Cardstock, Canvas Corp Cardstock Pad, Neenah Solar White
Accessories:  Sticko heart stickers, Copic Markers

Monday, October 6, 2014

My Favorite Things Get Sketchy!

I made my card with the MFTWSC #196 in mind.  Here's the great sketch:


 And here's my card:

Some day I'm hoping I can get organized enough to make cards for multiple challenges.  Until then I'm having fun with all the great sketches and inspiration and I'm using some of the great supplies I have collected over the years.  Thanks for stopping by! 
Aloha,
Brenda 

Supplies:
Stamps:  My Favorite Things Primitive Pumpkins, Spider Web Stamp Set
Dies:  My Favorite Things Die-Namics Primitive Pumpkin Trio
Paper: Neenah Solar White, Taylored Expressions Hocus Pocus, DCWV card stock, Recollections kraft card stock
Accessories:  Metallic thread, Ranger Black Sparkle embossing powder





Sunday, October 5, 2014

Verve October Inspiration Challenge

I was trying to make the deadline for Mojo Monday, but too late.  Good thing I used fall colors inspired by the Verve October Inspiration Challenge.


I have to give credit to Diva Marisa Ritzen.  I was totally inspired by her creation for Mojo Monday.  Here's what I came up with;


The flower reminded me of the mums we used to put in the yard for fall.  The colors were beautiful, bronze and yellow were my favorites.  It also reminds me of the GIANT silk mum corsages the high school boys got for their girlfriends for homecoming.  The more over the top they were the better!  I loved Texas!

It has been unusually hot here the last few weeks, I have resorted to gluing my cards because the tape runners won't stay stuck!  I hope you had a comfortable, wonderful, restful weekend.  Thanks for dropping in!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  Verve Believe and Give thanks with a grateful heart
Ink:  Memento Onyx Black, Brilliance Cosmic Copper, Stampin' Up Baked Brown Sugar
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, DCWV The Autumn Melody Stack, Stampin' Up Very Vanilla, Hobby Lobby kraft card stock,
Accessories:  Yarn stash, Eyelet stash, Copic Markers, Sizzix Tag Die



Saturday, October 4, 2014

Deconstructed Sketch #171 + TCPTUE276 Color Challenge + SSS Transport It! =

Belated Happy World Card Making Day!  (It's still 10/4 here :).  I made this card that meets the requirements for three challenges:




Simon Says Stamps Wednesday Challenge: Transport It!

Hope you had fun today making cards!  Wishing you a peaceful rest of the weekend.

Aloha, 
Brenda

Supplies:  
Stamps:  The Cat's Pajamas Travelin' Man
Ink:  VersaMark Onyx Black
Dies:  The Cat's Pajamas CutUps Cloud Border and Toppers
Paper:  Neenah Solar White card stock, DCWV card stock, Basic Grey Design paper, Colorbok Design Paper, paper scraps
Accessories:  Stamp N Stuff clear embossing powder, Copic Markers, felt, Stampin' Up! embossing folder







Friday, October 3, 2014

TCP September Release Love

I absolutely had a blast with the new stamp sets and CutUps from The Cat's Pajamas!  I have a couple of projects left over I thought I would share.



I made these little tags by altering the Fancy Flip Frames CutUps.  The images are from Vintage Halloween...LOVE that set!  Not sure, but I think I will attach these to some goodie bags for my co-workers.

Wishing you a week full of blessings!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  The Cat's Pajamas Vintage Halloween
Ink:  VersaMark Onyx Black
Paper:  Mohawk Color Copy, DCWV cardstock
Dies:  The Cat's Pajamas Fancy Flip Frames CutUps
Accessories:  No Name Ribbon,  Doodle Bug Designs Baker's Twine

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Paper Smooches September Sketch

I loved this card sketch.  I came up with not only one card, but 2 for this September Sketch Challenge.  (Actually 3 but just had a hard time deciding what snowflake to use.)

           

Here is the result of their inspiration:



Stamping as Fast as I Can!



I think the cute little mummy is my favorite, this card makes me smile.  For some reason I picture my self as the mummy, constantly trying to keep up with everything that seems to cascade down in a never ending manner.  All the sentiments are from Paper Smooches and are go to sets for me,  Slang Gang and Joyful greetings.  Two more Christmas cards done, 21 to go!

Aloha,
Brenda


Supplies:
Stamps:  Paper Smooches Slang Gang and Joyful Greetings, The Cat's Pajamas Brains
Paper:  ColorBok Glitter Paper, DCWV cardstock, Doodle Bug Design Frosty Friends, Walmart Metallic Paper Pack
Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black, Stampin Up! Lost Lagoon, Distress Ink gathered twigs
Dies:  The Cat's Pajamas Icicles/Slime, Spellbinders snowflake, Cottage Cutz snowflake
Accessories:  Sequined Bunny Sequins, Rhinestones from stash, Stickles, Colored Pencils

Releasing the Inner Designer

The newest Frantic Stamper release is all about the home.  You can see the entire collection here .  The dies I've used today have allow...

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