What a Pain!

Tall, Dark, and Skinny!

 "What a Pain" actually has a double meaning in this case! First, because it was a real pain doing all that fussy cutting. I don't know what I was thinking! It also alludes to the image and the saying inside the card. 

I had a hard time with this card. Dark and Gothic really isn't even close to my style. I don't do 'elegant' too well, either, but I think the saying is fun, and it will appeal to someone for that reason.

Inside: ....Even when you're being a pain in the neck! Happy Anniversary, Honey!"

Images: "Come Hither" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Ornate frame from Graphics Fairy, computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Gold metallic pen, Cuttlebug with Embossing folder, Diamond Glaze, Tacky tape, Scissors, MS Dripping Goo punch 

Papers: SU! Real Red, Basic Black, Confetti White, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Satin ribbon, Pearl cabochons, Ornate button (shank removed)

I'm glad you stopped by!

Elaine

Mo's Challenge # 86

A Great Recipe!

Our hostess for this week, Dawn, has a recipe for us as inspiration. 

A Recipe for Friendship

Take two people with common interests.

Mix together with love and understanding.

Stir in a sense of humor and a lot of compassion.

Bake for a lifetime...and enjoy the fruits of your labor

knowing that  you both have made a remarkable concoction

that will last forever!

I've used Mo's great new wedding image. I think the pointillism technique  perfectly emphasizes their effervescence . I love the combination of the very contemporary couple with the ornate Basic Grey paper and elegant swirls and pearls.
I've used Spica pens on her veil and shoes and on their rings for a touch of glitter.

Image: "Married" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Spica clear, gold, and silver pens, Cuttlebug with Marianne Swirl dies, Martha Stewart Lace border punch

Papers: SU! Mauve Mist, Going Grey, and Very Vanilla, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey Capella DP

Embellishments: Satin Ribbon, Flowers, Heart charm, Flower bead, Pearl bead, and Pearl cabochons

This card will be going to a young co-worker who's getting married right after school gets out.

******************************

Passion for Plants

 I love this image! In fact, I love all Mo's new images of adults...hope she keeps them coming!

Images: "Eileen" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Digital sentiment freebie from TLC

 

Tools: Copics, White gel pen, Martha Stewart Lattice punch

Papers: SU! Groovy Guava, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey Olivia DP

Embellishments: Gingham ribbon, Square brads, Tiny roses and rose buds

I hope you're inspired to join us in Mo's Challenge this week!
We'll be watching for you!

Thanks for visiting!
Elaine

May Wedding

I Do, I Do!

One of our grand-children's past babysitters got married  last weekend, and they asked me to make a card for the occasion. Of course, I had to use Mo Manning's "Bride and Groom." I love  coloring this image. I'm usually not one for frills, but wedding cards give me a chance to use lace and swirls and pearls and do something very romantic.

Image: "Bride & Groom" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Mounting tape, Cuttlebug with Oval Nesties and Marianne Swirl die

Papers: SU! Brocade Blue, Neenah smooth white, K&Co. DP

Embellishments: Satin ribbon, Lace, Heart charm, Pearl hearts and cabochons

Even our (almost) eleven year-old grandson said they had fun at the wedding. They looked so cute all dressed up that the bride had to have the photographer take a picture of them with her for her album.

So glad you stopped by!

Elaine

The Tin Man

Heavy Metal!

I love The Wizard of Oz and all the wonderful characters searching for the things they feel are lacking in their lives. The message of the story is timeless....we all have it within ourselves to be the people we dream of being. We just have to do is realize the gifts we already possess. 

 This card uses Mo's version of the lovable Tin Man. Here he is offering his heart to his Valentine.

I referenced his main component throughout the design, using embossing in a diamond plate pattern, screw brads, a heart punched from an aluminum can,  and silver cord.  This was fun to make, and I think that, even with the bow,  it would be a good card for a guy. 

I used Dorcas's technique for drawing clouds for the very first time. It's very effective, but I need a bit more practice!

If you zoom in, it looks as if there are little white specks on him. That's just the light reflecting off bits of the Spica ink that I used to give him a bit of a shine.

Inside: "Honey, My heart is yours! Happy Valentine's Day!"

Image: "Tin Man" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics (C1, C3, C5, C7), Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Embossing folder, Martha Stewart Border punch and Heart punch, Mounting tape, Dimensionals, White gel pen, Silver Spica pen

Papers: SU! Going Gray, Basic Black, Real Red, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Screw Brads, Silver cording, Gingham ribbon

I've entered this is Crazy 4 Challenges 
  Digital Tuesday Challenge
Papertake Weekly Challenge

I'm hoping to get "The Cowardly Lion" done soon. I have an idea for a Valentine card using Mo's image of Dorothy called "Kansas", too. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Elaine

Mo's Challenge #69

No Red or Pink?!

Cathy's given us a real challenge for this week! I love red, pink, and white Valentine's Day cards, but that's a 'no-no' for this week.....we had to make a Valentine in non-traditional colors!

I was really worried about this one, but I think it turned out well.

I've used "Alice With Present".  I just love this image....it's so versatile, so sweet, and a dream to color!

Images: "Alice With Present" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Oval Nestie, Tacky Tape,  Mounting tape

Papers: SU! Cool Caribbean, Certainly Celery, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Grosgrain ribbon, Heart charm, Pearl cabochons, Ruffled lace, Lace trim, Mini hearts from MS border punch

So, let's see your non-conformist Valentine cards! Remember....NO red or pink!

Good luck!

Elaine

Thoughts of Spring

I'm a little tired of all the snow we've been having here in New Hampshire, and I'm not the one who has to shovel or plow it!  My husband does, but he skis, so he welcomes snow, even with all the extra work.
When he asked me to make a Get Well card for an elderly aunt, I jumped at the chance to make something to remind me that spring will come eventually!

I love the colors in this, but I'm not completely happy with the design. I wish I'd put the bow on the other side...it would have been in better balance. Because of the way I attach bows, I wasn't able to change it.

Images: Vintage image from Digital Two for Tuesday,  Dollar sentiment stamp from Michaels

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Cuttlebug with Craft Concepts embossing folder and Nesties and Marianne dies, Martha Stewart leaf punch, Circle punches, Mounting tape, Tacky Tape

Papers: SU! Sage Shadow and Bashful Blue, Neenah smooth white, PTI white

Embellishments: Roses and Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts, Grosgrain ribbon, Dragonfly charm, Pearl cabochons

Mo's Challenge # 68

Buttons, Bows, & Lace!

Cathy is our hostess for the month of February and, of course, the theme is love! Use one of Mo's images that pictures love of any kind, dress it up with buttons, lace, and a bow and enter this week's challenge for a chance to win an image from Mo's store.

 I  have used an image that shows the love between siblings. It really does exist, but doesn't show itself often, unfortunately! This image captures one of those rare moments. An African American version is also available.

Image: "Brady and Chloe" from Mo's Digital Image

Tools: Copics, Mounting Tape, Glue dots, Wire, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! Rose Romance and Pretty in Pink, Neenah smooth white, Recollections DP

Embellishments: Buttons, Grosgrain ribbon, Lace trim.

So, conjure up something that speaks of love and enter Mo's Challenge for a chance to win!

 A Few More Valentines!

I colored up several images over the past few days and have been going wild with Valentine's Day cards.  I just can't seem to stop! LOL!

This first one uses an image from Make it Crafty. It's called "Geeky Love".  I think it's adorable and was so much fun to color! 

 My sewing machine was giving me fits...the thread kept tangling and breaking. It finally just started to act right, so I still don't know what was wrong with it.

Images: "Geeky Love" from Make It Crafty, Free digital sentiment (?)

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Martha Stewart punches, Sewing machine, Glue Dots, Tacky Tape, UTEE, VersaMark pad, Heat gun

Papers: SU! Pretty in Pink, Punk Pirouette, Going Gray, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Gingham ribbon, Flowers, Chipboard heart (colored with Copic marker, pressed into VersaMark pad,coated with UTEE, and heat embossed. Thanks, Sheila!)

For the Guys

 
For this card,  I used a free image that I got from Designed to Delight when I participated in a recent blog hop. It's now available for sale.
The little heart charm was yellow enamel....I colored it red with a Copic marker. Gotta love those Copics!

Inside it says, "Honey, You are my best catch ever! Happy Valentine's Day!" 

 

Image: "Fishing Valentine" from Designed2Delight, Sentiment stamp from SU!

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Cuttlebug with Embossing folder,  Slice with Vintage Findings design card, Martha Stewart border punch,Heart punches

Papers: SU! Real Red, and Chocolate Chip, Bazzill Textured Mocha Divine, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Heart charm, Grosgrain ribbon

 

Another free image...this time from Tiddly Inks. It's now available for sale.

If you look closely at the rocks I've displayed with this card, you can see that one of them has a funny little face on it. Years ago, my father and I were walking on Rye Beach, here in New Hampshire, and he just reached down and picked it up. He'd spotted the little face looking up at him. He's been gone for several years now, but I still have that funny little rock.

Images: "You Rock"  from Tiddly Inks, Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics,Prismacolor pencils, Martha Stewart punches

Papers: SU! Real Red, Bazzill textured brown CS, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Mini brads

Last One For Now!

  This is another free image that I picked up on the Heart Hop. It's also now available for sale.

I thought this goofy little rag doll needed orange hair! 
 

Images: "Lucy Valentine Girl" from Robin's Fetish, Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Crimper, Mounting tape, Tacky tape, MS border and Hydrangea punches, Cuttlebug with Daisy dies

Papers: SU! Gable Green, Groovy Guava, and Green Galore, Neenah smooth white, MS DP

Embellishments: Pearl cabochons

That's all for now! It was so nice of you to visit!

Elaine

More Valentines!

Love Makes the World Go 'Round!

I'm having so much fun! Now if Mo would only draw some more images for this holiday!

Big Hearted!

This is "Shy Valentine James". This image is available in three other versions, Nessa, Lila, and Jason., and they are all adorable!

Image: From Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Marianne die, Corner rounder, Glue dots, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Neenah smooth white, K & Co. DP

Embellishments: Satin Ribbon, Ribbon flower

Here's Nessie!

This is James' female counterpart. The other two images are of an African-American boy and girl.

Image: "Shy Valentine Nessa" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Martha Stewart punches, Mounting tape

papers: SU! Brocade Blue, Pirouette Pink, and Melon Mambo, Neenah smooth white, PTI white, Martha Stewart DP

Embellishments: Pearl cabochons

Everlasting Love

I may give this to my husband (If it doesn't sell first! LOL!)

I think it's a really cute image, and it comes with several extra images that can be merged with it, so it could be used for many occasions.

The 'silver' hearts are cut from a soda can! I was sharpening the punch and thought they looked pretty good!

Images: "Kisses for My Sweet" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Martha Stewart punches, Cuttlebug with embossing folder, Sewing machine, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! Melon Mambo, and Pretty in Pink, Neenah smooth white, PTI white

Embellishments: Satin flower trim, Pearl cabochons

I'm still working on Valentine's Day cards, so I'll have more over the next couple of weeks.
Thanks for dropping in for a visit!
Elaine

Hearts & Flowers

Be My Valentine!

I love Valentine's Day with all the pink, red, and white, the lace, hearts, and flowers! I'm not usually someone who goes for frills, but I make an exception for this holiday!

My daughter-in-law sells my cards in her shop, and has been after me for Valentines. I recently sat down and colored a bunch of images, then started putting the cards together. The following are just a few that I've finished so far. More to come in the next week!

Gingham Galore!

The inside reads, " I love you almost as much as I love my dog. Happy Valentine's Day!"

 

Images: "Bella Hearts Bronte" from Mo's Digital Pencil. 

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Martha Stewart Border punch, Mounting tape

Papers: SU! Pretty in Pink, Mambo Melon, Neenah smooth white, Gingham DP

Embellishments: Daisy lace trim, Ruffled gingham ribbon, Prima Sprites flowers, Brads

Love Grows!

 This card uses Mo's image "Sprout" which is only one of several images from various artists available for a donation to aid a stamper who is going through a difficult time. It is not for sale in Mo's shop, but can be purchased here along with the others.  Read more about it on  Jak's Blog and purchase the package to support a good cause.

The inside reads: "My love for you grows with every passing day. Happy Valentine's Day!"

 Images: "Sprout" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Sentiment from SU!

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Marianne and Nesties dies and Embossing folders, Heart punches, Mounting tape, Black ink

Papers: SU! Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Neenah smooth white, Yellow gingham DP

Embellishments: Pearl cabochons, Striped satin ribbon, Heart pin with pearls and  beads

Cupid Cutie

Images: "Cupid in Love" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics,  Cuttlebug with Embossing folder, Mounting tape, Scalloped circle punch (for roses)

Papers: SU! Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Neenah smooth white, PTI White

Embellishments: Double ruffled pink gingham ribbon, Heart brads, Hand-made roses

Last One (for now)

For this card I used an image from Rick St. Dennis. Rick is getting a design team together to showcase his wonderful images. You can see the details here on his blog. I've already signed on, and he's looking for five more designers.

 

Image: Cupid from Rick St. Dennis

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Swirls embossing folder, Nesties, and Marianne dies, Martha Stewart Leaf punch, Glue Dots, VersaMark, Gold Embossing powder, Spica pens, Heat gun

Papers" SU! Real Red, Sparkly white, Gold Metallic, White textured CS

Embellishments: Roses, Pearl cabochons, Jesse James button (shank removed)

Mo's Challenge #56

Pockets!

This week the challenge is "Pockets"....to be interpreted any way you choose.

I was going to do a real pocket card, but instead I've taken the easy way out...these two both have pockets in their pants! 

Yeah, it's lame, I know!

Actually, the zig-zag border is a shallow pocket which I intended for a sentiment tag, but I couldn't get it to look right and just  abandoned the idea.  

This is an engagement card for our youngest son, who has finally found the woman he wants to spend his life with.  He's 32 and has been looking to settle down for several years...just couldn't find the "one"..... until now!

This was taken by one of his buddies just as he was asking her to marry him. They are on the summit of  Mt Morgan in the Ashland Wilderness of New Hampshire, overlooking Squam Lake, which was the location for the filming of On Golden Pond.. They had spent the day hiking and enjoying the scenery...she had no idea that the whole day was planned around this moment!

Isn't it wonderful that they'll have this gorgeous picture to look back on for years to come?!

Now, about the card.....

Images: "Just a Knot" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Rainbow Trout from The Happy Stamper,

Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, White gel pen, MS Ziz-zag border punch, Circle punches, Mounting tape, Sewing machine

Papers: SU! More Mustard, Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery, unknown Maroon, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey Pyrus DP

Now let's see how you'll interpret this challenge! Make something wonderful using one of Mo's images and enter Mo's Challenge for a chance to win!

Thanks for visiting!

Elaine