Chinese Bride

I had a lot of fun playing in the ITAC'17 first challenge called Europe so I thought I would give the second challenge a try.

This one is called Asia and along with a list of criteria to choose from, there is also a mood board.  After I read the list, I looked at the mood board again and it kind of threw me because right in the centre was an iconic photo of the colourful turrets on Russian roofs.  I have managed to use every item on the list so am happy about that.

I thought I would make another canvas and go to China for inspiration.  I have made a Chinese bride with her fancy headpiece.  My daughter was a competitive synchronized swimmer and I made lots of headpieces and even made the one she wore at her wedding so this was right up my alley.  My bride doesn't look very Chinese but there is nothing to say she can't have a Chinese theme for her wedding.

I started by stamping the Jane image (IndigoBlu) on some white card stock with Jet Black Archival Ink (Ranger).  Then I coloured her face and lips with pencil crayons (Prismacolor) blended with OMS (Gottrick).

I found some clipart of an orchid branch online and printed multiple copies on card stock and then coloured the largest blooms with a combination of pencil crayons (Prismacolor) and alcohol markers (Copic).  Once coloured I fussy cut the coloured blooms.

Next I worked on the canvas.  I printed a photo of a Chinese newspaper that I found online and used Mod Podge to adhere torn strips of it to an 8" x 8" flat canvas (Artist's Loft for Michaels).

I used Molding Paste (Golden) and a geometric stencil (Heidi Swapp) to add some texture and then I dry brushed some White Gesso (Liquitex) over the canvas trying to leave some of the text visible.

The canvas was painted with some watered down Lemonade Acrylic Paint (Folk Art).

Next I sprayed on some more colour using watery Zesty Zing Fresco Finish (Paper Artsy), Aged Mahogany, Mustard Seed and Tarnished Brass Distress Spray Stain (Tim Holtz for Ranger).  Now my hard work at gluing down the Chinese newspaper print was completely covered up - dah!

I sponged on some Candied Apple Distress Ink (Tim Holtz for Ranger) and then took a fluffy brush and added some Gold Luscious pigment powder (IndigoBlu).

I needed some sort of hand lettering or calligraphy but I don't do well at drawing and didn't want to run the risk of making a Chinese character that turned out to be an inappropriate word so I remembered text I saw on the sign at a modern Asian restaurant once and thought I could draw the letters, which make one think Asian even though they are hardly traditional.  I cut small squares and drew the letters with a pencil and then filled them in using some black pens (Micron Pigma).  It only took me three tries before I was satisfied - lol.

I inked the edges of the  text squares with Candied Apple Distress Ink (Tim Holtz for Ranger) and then decided they needed more colour so I re-inked them with Mustard See and Candied Apple DI before I mounted them on squares of white canvas that had the edges inked with Mustard Seed Distress Ink.

A filigree medallion was painted with some Bright Gold Metal Paint (DecoArt) pint and then rubbed with Classic Gold wax paste (Treasure Gold) before some red gems (Dollarama) were added.  More flowers were made with a punch (EK Success), rubbed with gold wax paste and gems were added for centres.

To assemble the canvas, I glued the image and the text down first.  Next I added some beads (My Stash) to gold chain (Bead Landing) and glued them beside her head. before I added the flowers and medallion.

I am off to enter my canvas in the tournament and then that is it for my trip to Asia.  Wouldn't it be fun to win a lottery and do this around the world trip for real

Edith

There is a great challenge going on for the next six weeks at AALL and Create called the International Tournament of Art and Craft.  I thought it might be fun to try and participate so this is my offering for the first challenge, which is called Europe.

I have made a collage around a photo of Edith Piaf, who was a French cabaret singer who died in 1963 at the age of 47.  I love old music (and jazz) and remember seeing her on TV.  The song she sang was called La Vie En Rose, which translates to Life in Pink, which is why I added the pop of colour in the form of a rose.

There are a list of criteria for the challenge and while you are only required to use at least one element in your creation I thought I would go for as many as possible.  Here is the list and in red is what I have used.

• A face - Photo of Edith Piaf
• Papers (newspaper, printed paper, rice paper…etc.) - Music paper that I printed
• Letters, numbers - The words of one of her songs
• Blue for the colour of the European Union, Union Jack... - The background pint colour
• Ribbon, twine, string or lace… - Lace and thread
• Textures – take inspiration from history from ancient civilizations to the fall of the Berlin Wall - Background stenciling 
• Something both vintage and modern - Black and silver button is vintage and Washi Tape is modern

Here are the steps I used to make my collage along with a few process photos.

1. Use some texture paste and add stenciling to a flat canvas
2. Cover canvas with white gesso

3. Paint canvas with blue acrylic paint
4. Sponge some metallic blue acrylic paint over the base paint
5. Glue thread randomly over paint
6. Water down white gesso and spatter over canvas
7. Dry brush a thin coat of white gesso over canvas and blot off while still wet

8. Print music paper and roll around a piece of dowel

9. Talk your husband into designing an Eiffel Tower for you and then cutting it from chipboard on his laser cutter :)
10. Coat the Eiffel Tower with heavy black gesso leaving it bumpy

11. Rub pewter wax paste over the raised areas of the Eiffel Tower and some metal pieces

12. Stamp feather on a scrap of card stock and emboss with black embossing powder
13. Fussy cut the feather

To finish the canvas:

14. Coat some chipboard honeycomb texture pieces with white gesso
15. Print text on the computer, distress and ink the edges
16. Dye a paper rose in some watered down distress ink
17. Adhere all the pieces to the canvas and add a few gems

This was fun to make and now I am on to challenge #2, which was launched today.  I sure hope I can keep up.

Supplies List:

• Flat Canvas (Artist's Loft for Michaels)
• Geometric Stencil (Teresa Collins)
• Molding Paste (Golden)
• White Gesso (Liquitex)
• Heavy Black Gesso (Prima Art Basics)
• Chipboard Honeycomb & Eiffel Tower (My Husband)
• Pewter Wax Paste (Treasure Pewter)
• Metal Bits (The Funkie Junkie)
• Lace & Button (My Stash)
• Washi Tape & Gems (Dollarama)
• Butterfly (Prima)
• Music Paper & Text (Computer Generated)
• Rose (Excelsior Warehouse)
• Feather Stamp (Inkadinkado)
• Watermark Stamp Pad (Versamark)
• Ebony Embossing Powder (Recollections for Michaels)
• Black Thread (My sewing cupboard)
• Mod Podge
• Super Thick Slap it On (IndigoBlu)
• Worn Lipstick Distress Ink (Tim Holtz for Ranger)

Vintage Travel

The challenge this week at Sugar Creek Hollow is called VINTAGE TRAVEL.  Your vintage or shabby chic card can be all about about vintage means of transportation or even traveling somewhere on vacation, vintage style.

This monochromatic card was fun to make even though it took me almost a week to make it.  Well not really, but I did start it last Sunday and then it sat in pieces on my desk until last night.  I have come out of retirement to look after my Son-in-Law's books and while it will eventually be a part-time job, right now it is more than full-time and it sure is interfering with my crafting time.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

It's All About the Vintage - Doilies
Pixie Dust Studio - Vintage
My Heart Pieces - Use Designer Paper
Creative Belli - Vacation/Travel
Shopping Our Stash - Monochromatic
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Swirls & Lace
Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes
There's Magic in the Air - Doilies

Image:  E-Vint
Card Stock:  Recollections
Papers:  Basic Grey
Tools & Embellishments:  Doily (Wilton), Lace (My Stash), Flourish (Recollections), Chalk (Mungyo), Black Ink (Martha Stewart), Gems (Michaels)

Something Old, Something New

This week the challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow is called SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW.  We would like you to make any kind of vintage or shabby chic card that incorporates something old and something new from your craft supplies.

We are going to choose a random winner who will receive a winner's badge and a digi of our choice and the Design Team will select their Top Pick.  The creator of that card will also receive a winner's badge and will be in the running for a monthly Guest Designer spot.

I found some new paper and new images for my card and the rusty drops called cabochons on the top right corner have been in my stash for ages.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Digi Stamps 4 Joy - Polka Dots & Stripes
Inky Impressions - Embossing
Bearly Mine - Anything Goes

Images:  Two Clowns Poster (E-Vint), Single Clown Poster (Vintage Printables)
Card Stock:  Cream (Wassau), Rust (Bazzill), Green (Recollections)
Papers:  (Summertime Designs)
Tools & Embellishments:  Swiss Dot Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Cabochons (Mark Richards). Wild Honey Distress Ink (Ranger)

Christmas in July

The challenge this week at Sugar Creek Hollow is called CHRISTMAS IN JULY and we want to see your best vintage, shabby chic or primitive Christmas cards.  After all the heat many of us have been suffering through, making a Christmas card might make us think cooler.

We have a returning sponsor this week.  Sassy Cheryl's has the most wonderful images suitable for a primitive style and will be providing one random winner with a $5 gift certificate to her store.  The random winner will also receive a winner's badge from Sugar Creek Hollow to display.

The Design Team will choose their Top Pick and that creator will receive a winner's badge and will be in the running for a monthly Guest Designer spot.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Pixie Dust Studio - Christmas
Shelly's Images - Christmas in July
Creative Belli - Christmas in July
Flourishes - Christmas in July
Party Time Tuesday's - Christmas in July
Get Hippity with Ippity - Christmas in July
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days - Christmas in July

Image:  Fat Thankful Snowman (Sassy Cheryl's)
Sentiment:  The Beary Scrap
Card Stock:  Recollections
Papers:  Cuddlebeez
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Frayed Burlap Distress Ink (Ranger), Labels Four Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Buttons (Dress It Up), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Ribbon (My Stash)

All About Sports

Since the summer Olympics starts on Friday, we decided to make the challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow this week ALL ABOUT SPORTS.  We want you to make vintage, shabby chic or primitive cards featuring vintage sports.

If you were to ask me why I chose rowing, I would have to say that it is because I found these neat images and for no other reasons.  I am not a sports person and hate exercising although I like to walk.  My daughter was a competitive synchronized swimmer all through high school and competed at the national level finishing in the top 10 percent but finding vintage synchronized swimming images was impossible, other than a few of the actress Esther Williams.

I saw a challenge at Frilly and Funkie that calls for you to alter metal so I decided I would give it a try.  The LIVE tag looked like this to begin with:

It was typical steel so I sanded it a bit, painted it white then sponged it with Weathered Wood and Milled Lavender Distress Inks.  Then I sprayed it with adhesive but it didn't dry well so I chalked it and that got rid of the tacky feeling it had.  It wasn't the most creative alteration but I like it.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Frilly and Funkie  - Make My Metal Altered
Craft Room Challenge - Sports
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes

Images:  The Finish by J.C. Leyendecker and How to Row (The Happy Rower)
Card Stock:  Burnt Orange (Bazzill), Metallic (DCWV)
Paper:  Provo Craft
Tools & Embellishments:  Live Tag (gift), Vintage Photo, Weathered Wood & Milled Lavender Distress Inks (Ranger), White Craft Paint (Folk Art), Small Round Brad (Making Memories), Large Brad (Dollarama), Burlap (My Stash)

Summer Heat

Like me, if you are living in an area where the weather is super hot, then you know that this is what will happen to an ice cream cone if try to eat it outside.  It sure won't take long to start melting and little people can't lick it fast enough to prevent it from running down their arms.  I bet you remember that happening to you - I sure do.

The challenge this week at Phindy's Friday challenge blog is to create a card with buttons.  You don't have to use a Phindy image to enter but when you do, you get two entries.  Since there are lovely prizes up for grabs and Phindy has such lovely images there are many good reasons to use one.

I am going to enter this card with its hot, hot colours in the following challenges.

Crafting For All Seasons - Ice Cream/Popsicle
Divas by Design - Anything Goes
Papercraft Star - Ice Cream
The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes
Tuesday Alchemy - Buttons
Digi Doodle Shop Challenges  - Anything Goes

Image:  Sticky Elbow (Phindy's Place)
Card Stock:  Red (Wassau), Gold (Recollections)
Paper:  Bows/Green (My Stash)
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Chalk (Mungyo), Pinking Shears (My Sewing Cupboard), Buttons (Fabricland)

Sympathy Cards

Our challenge this week at Sugar Creek Hollow is to make vintage, shabby chic or primitive SYMPATHY cards.  Sympathy cards may not be the most fun to make but certainly can be the easiest as long as you think clean and elegant. I am sure this card meets those criteria.

We have a sponsor this week - Robyn's Fetish - and all of us on the Design Team have used wonderful images from her shop in our creations.

We will choose one random winner who will receive 5 images from Robyn's Fetish along with a winner's badge from Sugar Creek Hollow to display.  The Design Team will also choose their Top Pick and the creator will receive a winner's badge and will be in the running for a monthly Guest Designer spot.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Fat Pages & Cards With Attitude - Anything Goes
Inspire Me Fridays - Anything Goes
The Poodles Parlour - Use a Digi Stamp
Delightful Challenges - Bling & Bows
It's All About The Vintage - Anything Vintage/Retro Goes
That Craft Place  - Anything Goes

Image:  Bible (Robyn's Fetish)
Sentiment:  Computer Generated
Card Stock:  (Recollections)
Paper:  Basic Grey
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Oval Nestabilities and Ironworks Accents (Spellbinders), Floral Die (Nellie Snellen), Frayed Burlap Distress Ink (Ranger), Ribbon (Fabricland), Gems (Michaels), Suede Lacing (Wal Mart)

Summer Days

The challenge this week at Sugar Creek Hollow is called SUMMER DAYS and we want you to make a vintage, shabby chic or primitive card that describes what summer means to you.

I think summer is all about beautiful flowers but I can't grow them so I admire the flowers in my neighbourhood.  This week the heat has been so oppressive in so many places that even the gorgeous flowers are struggling.  Fortunately we didn't lose power like so many in areas of the United States did but I recall a number of years ago when we lost power for 3 days in the August heat.  Thank goodness we have a basement because I lived down there with my flashlight and a couple of books.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Our Craft Lounge - Die Cuts
Totally Papercrafts - Here Comes Summer
Papercraft Star - Embossing
It's All About The Vintage - Anything Vintage Goes
Paper Crafting Journey - Summer
Shelly's Images - Use Text/Sentiment
Cooking It Up With Katie - Sunny, Lace, Flower
Fresh Brewed Designs - Summertime

Image:  Lisa's Creative Designs
Sentiment:  Computer Generated
Card Stock:  Blue (Bazzill), Yellow (Recollections)
Paper:  Raspberry Road
Tools & Embellishments:  Lace (Sussman's Bridal Supply), Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Flower (Dollarama), Pearl Sprays (My Stash), Pearl Stickers (Recollections), Corner Punch (Fiskars), Victoria Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Pearl Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels), Chalk (Mungyo), Ironwork Accents Die (Spellbinders)

Think Initials

I bet that title has you wondering - it is a fun new challenge at Phindy's Place Friday challenge blog.  This challenge is all about using something on your card that relates to your initials.  So since my initials are CW, I have used cork and wood on my card.  Let's see what you can come up with and if your initials are XZ then you have my sympathies.

Now for some important news about the challenges at Phindy's Place - starting with this challenge we are going to challenges every two weeks, which means you have lots of time to get a card finished and entered.  Phindy will still be providing one random winner with a $5 gift certificate to her store and the Card of the Week (I guess we will have to rename that Top Pick) creator will also receive a $5 gift certificate and will be in the running for a monthly Guest Designer spot.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Whimsy Inspirations - Anything Goes
Digital Tuesday - Kids
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Sassy Cheryl's - Anything Goes

Image:  Ready To Go (Phindy's Place)
Card Stock:  White (staples), Black & Blue (Recollections)
Papers:  Cork (My Stash), Yellow Plaid (Sandylion Sticker Designs)
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Crayon Button (Dress It Up), Brad (Making Memories), Buttons (My Stash), Wood Letters (Dollarama)

Could I Have This Dance

I am from Canada and so is the wonderful singer, Anne Murray (she now lives about 40 minutes away).  In the beginning, she sang mostly country styled songs but also had some pop hits.  She won four Grammy awards over the years and one was for the song Could I Have This Dance.  That is the title of my card and the inspiration for my card for the challenge this week at Phindy's Friday challenge blog.  This week we want you to make cards INSPIRED BY A SONG OR MOVIE.

You don't have to use a Phindy image to enter but you get two entries if you do and there are always two prizes offered. Phindy has lots of wonderful images in her store so if you don't have any, I encourage you to pop over and pick some up and then show what you can create and tell us which song or move inspired that creation.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Bearly Mine  - Anything Goes
Jackson's Digital Expressions - Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesday's - Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown - Gingham
Digi Makeover  - Anything Goes
Charisma Cardz  - Anything Goes

Image:  Tango for Two (Phindy's Place)
Card Stock:  Red (Bazzill), Blue (Recollections)
Papers:  Gingham (My Stash), Music (Online - don't have source), Brown Snakeskin (Provo Craft)
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Frayed Burlap Distress Ink (Ranger), Card Candy (Craftwork Cards), Labels 16 Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Circles for Christmas

It has been brutally hot where I live for the past week so I thought a Christmas card was in order for the CIRCLES challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow this week. 

My mojo did not come back from our vacation but it better come back in the next few days because I am not liking my creations this week.  Mind you it could well be that I rushed to get things completed after my guests left.  OK, so that is my excuse and I am sticking to it.

You can create any card with circles for our challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow this week as long as you make it vintage, shabby chic or primitive.  You can enter up to three cards and one random winner will receive a digi of our choice and a winner's badge.  The Design Team will select one entry as their Top Pick and that creator will receive a winner's badge and will be in the running for a monthly Guest Designer spot.

While you are checking out the wonderful inspiration from our designers, make sure you also take a look at the great tutorial called Shiny Metal to Rusty Metal provided by Renee Matarese, our Feature Artist.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Crimbo Crackers - Anything Christmas Goes
Paper Play - Use a Die
Crafts and Me - Anything Goes
Divas by Design - Dies
Holly Jolly Christmas - Dies Cuts & Punches

Image:  The Graphics Fairy
Sentiment:  Computer Generated
Card Stock:  Bazzill
Paper:  Memory Box
Tools & Embellishments:  Pearl Stickers (Recollections), Circle Punches (EK Paper Shapers), Victorian Scissors (Fiskars), Ribbon (Fabricland), Petite Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cutwork Scalloped Circle Die (Nellie Snellen)

Messy Baby

I'm back from my vacation, my guests have flown back to England, the house is clean and my normal routine has returned even if my mojo hasn't. We did lots of sightseeing in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Kingston and I saw things I had never seen before so it was fun for me too.

We have been having horrible heat and our guests struggled with that but otherwise they said they had a good time. Now we are planning to visit them in September and during that time the four of us are going to Rome for a few days.

Our challenge to you this week at Phindy's Place challenge blog is to make a card with GINGHAMS OR PLAIDS.  You don't have to use a Phindy image but if you do, you get to enter twice.

I used soft ginghams on my card but I had a terrible time getting a good photo.  If I brightened everything up, there was no definition on the charm so you have to settle for a little dull photo.  It is quite pretty in real life. The wonderful image from Phindy is paired with some equally wonderful word art from Paulette at Create with TLC - another of their great collaborations.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Creations - Baby
Ooh La La Creations - Baby, Baby
Delightful Challenges  - Anything Goes
Shelly's Images - Anything Goes
Southern Girls - Oh Baby, Baby

Image:  Messy Meal (Phindy's Place)
Sentiment:  Create with TLC
Card Stock:  White (Staples), Green (Recollections)
Papers:  Green (Provo Craft), Gingham (American Traditional Designs)
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Pearl Stickers (Recollections), Ribbon (Kate's Paperie), Rose (Wild Orchid Crafts), Charm (My Stash), Circle Punches (EK Paper Shapers)

Vintage Father's Day

Father's Day is June 17th in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. and the challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow is called FATHER'S DAY - make a vintage, shabby chic or primitive Father's Day card.

I am going to give this to my husband because I haven't had a Father for 30 years and my Father-in-Law passed away 8 1/2 years ago.  My husband is a great Father and he and our daughter are very close.  When I am away, she always invites him over for a meal and to spend the evening and they have a great time.  They still go to a Buffalo Bills football game together at least once a year and she calls him for advice from time to time even though she has been married for 11 years.

I must point out that there are some elements on this card that are similar to those on the card created by one of my teammates at Sugar Creek Hollow.  My card was finished and waiting to have its mug shot taken when I saw Yvonne's card so I didn't purposely use those elements - honest!  Let's just say it is a case of great minds thinking alike:)

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday - Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Frilly and Funky - Kraft & Twine
The Paper Shelter - Vintage or Shabby Chic
Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes
City Crafter - Ticket to Ride (Mode of Transportation and Ticket)
Tuesday Throwdown - Masculine
Crafty Cardmakers - Distress It
Lexi's Creations - For the Man/Boy in our lives
Simon Says Stamp and Show - One for the Boys
Here Come the Boys - Anything Goes (Must be Masculine)
The Poodle's Parlour  - Father's Day/Male Card
The Stamp Man Challenge - Make it for a Man

Image:  Cars Extracted from Cars Collage Sheet (The Graphics Fairy), Road Sign (Online)
Sentiment:  Computer Generated
Card Stock:  Kraft & Green (Recollections),  Mettallic (DCWV)
Paper:  My Creation in Photoshop using Postcard Brushes by Fidget Resources
Tools & Embellishments:  Vintage Photo Distress Ink (Ranger), Jute Twine (My 30 year-old macrame supplies - who does that anymore?), Clock Charm (My Stash), Metal Butterfly (Bought in UK - don't know manufacturer), Deco Fan Edge Punch & Topiary Corner Punch (Martha Stewart)

Has Anyone Seen My Groom?

The challenge this week at Phindy's Friday challenge blog is PILE IT ON, which is the opposite of Clean and Simple so we want to see lots of layers and embellishments.

I have used one of Phindy's Wee Babbies called Babbie Bride and she looks like she has raided Mommy's closet.  Now all she needs is a Groom.

You don't have to use a Phindy image to enter but if you do you get two entries and there are great prizes up for grabs so dig out your Phindy images or pop over to her store and buy some new ones.
I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Crafts & Me - Add a Ribbon
Crafty Creations - Circles
Creative Belli - Wedding
Divas by Design - Anything Goes
Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes
Ruby's Rainbow - Things with Wings
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Truly Scrumptious - Pretty in Pink
Die Cuttin Divas - Anything Goes (must use die cut)
Party Time Tuesday's - Anything Goes

Image:  Babbie Bride (Phindy's Place)
Card Stock:  Staples
Papers:  Pink & Yellow Polka Dot (Sandylion Sticker Designs), Floral and Wavy Polka Dot (Provo Craft)
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Organza Ribbon (Arton Bead Supply, Chalk (Mungyo), Flowers (Wild Orchid Crafts), Front Punch & Large Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Small Butterfly Punch (Marvy Uchida), Trim (Prima), Pearl Stickers (Recollections), Scalloped Circle Die (Nellie Snellen)

Elegant Lady

The challenge this week at Sugar Creek Hollow is called VINTAGE FASHION.  We want to see vintage, shabby chic or primitive cards with lots of vintage fashion such as the dress this elegant lady is wearing.  She is one of the digis from our fabulous sponsor this week, Digi Doodle Shop.

One random winner will be awarded a $10 gift certificate from Digi Doodle Shop and a winner's badge from Sugar Creek Hollow. The Design Team will select one card as their Top Pick and the creator will receive a winner's badge and will be in the running for a Guest Designer spot.

I tried some new things on my card this week.  I put roses on the mauve card stock with a brass stencil I picked up at the dollar store and some Creative Inspirations Paint.  I also made the flower out of organza and while it took a few tries before I got one that I didn't burn when I was heating the edges to get them to ruffle, I am happy with the result.  I just have to adjust the sizing next time because it could be a bit smaller.  I took a fancy florish digi, changed the colour, cut it out and then highlighted it with a Clear Purple gel pen.  Finally I took a pearl headed pin from the dollar store and added some beads to it to make the stick pin.  Some tulle and lace and voila, my elegant lady.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Sassy Studio - Hats Off To You (include a hat)
Southern Girls - Die Cuts or Punches
Crafts and Me - Flowers
Divas by Design - Flourishes
Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes
Whimsy Inspirations - Vintage/Shabby Chic
Craft Room Challenge - Add Fabric
Party Time Tuesday's - Vintage/Shabby Chic
Alphabet Challenge  - H is for Handmade Flowers
Hot Shot Crafts - Die Cuts
Inspire Me Fridays - Anything Goes

Image:  Vintage Dress 3 (Digi Doodle Shop), Flourish (Shery K. Designs)
Card Stock:  White (Staples), Purple (Recollections), Mauve (Bazzill)
Paper:  My Stash
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Lace (My Stash), Organza & Tulle (Fabricland), Pearl Pin (Dollarama), Beads (Michaels), Gel Pen (Sakura), Chalk (Mungyo), Gem (My Stash), Stencil (Dollarama), White Frost Paint (Creative Inspirations Paint), Scallop Scissors (Fiskars), Labels Four Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Mr. Brown's Hobby

My Son-in-Law has recently gotten into woodworking so this image of Mr. Brown from Phindy's Place is perfect for a card for his upcoming birthday, especially since the first thing he made was a bird house.

The challenge this week at Phindy's Place challenge blog is a 1, 2, 3 Recipe challenge  - 1 image, 2 designer papers and 3 embellishments.

You don't have to use a Phindy image but with so many fabulous ones in her store and a chance to enter twice if you do, why wouldn't you?

I did get my husband to go through the closets and get rid of some of the clothes he hasn't worn in ages and then I did the same.  On top of that, I went through all the drawers, the bathrooms and storage closet and boy have I ever purged.  There are 7 large green garbage bags ready to go to Goodwill and 2 for the garbage.  My back is killing me but I feel super satisfied with all I have accomplished this week.  I still have a few things to wear but I will really have to do some shopping - oh woe is me!

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes
Scrapbook Sisters - Squares
Top Tip Tuesday - Dig out the Old (Lacing)
Great Impressions - Anything Goes
One Stitch at a Time - Anything Goes
Crazy 4 Challenges - Birthday Card
Little Claire's - Male Theme
Totally Gorjuss - Charms

Image:  Mr. Brown's Hobby (Phindy's Place)
Sentiment:  Computer Generated
Card Stock:  Recollections
Papers:  Sweet Treat
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Suede Lacing (My Stash - had it for so long the label is gone), Card Candy (Craftwork Cards), Ruler Charm (Bead Landing)

Pearls & Swirls

We have a long weekend here and the weather is glorious so we will be getting the patio furniture down and moving a few perennials around. I also have my husband convinced to help go through all the clothes closets and dresser drawers and pitch everything that hasn't been worn for a few years. That means this is the weekend I finally admit that I am not as small as I used to be and will never be again. My closet will be bare at the end of this exercise so I hope he is prepared for the fact that a shopping trip is in my near future.

It's time for another challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow.  This week we want you to channel your more frilly side and make vintage, shabby chic or primitive cards with PEARLS & SWIRLS.

One random winner will be chosen to receive a digi of our choice and a winner's badge to display.  The Design Team will select their Top Pick and the creator will receive a winner's badge and will be in the running for a monthly Guest Designer spot.

There is more exciting Design Team news to share this week.  First, Heather Hudson is joining our team today so please welcome her and check out her blog where you will be treated to some fabulous eye candy.

Secondly Amelia Breytenbach is joining us this week as a Guest Designer.  Amelia was chosen from the March Top Picks.  You will want to visit her blog and feast your eyes on her wonderful projects.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Shelly's Images - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me - Pearls and Lace
Inky Impressions - Lace or Trim
Penny's Paper Crafty - Mom
Sisterhood of Crafters - May Flowers
Whimsy Inspiration - Anything Goes
Card and Scrap - Vintage
Freshly Brewed Challenges - Tic Tac Toe (Flowers, Patterned Paper, Bling)
Bearly Mine - Dies
Deep Ocean Challenge - What a Wonderful Woman
Die Cuttin Divas  - Flowers (must include die cut)
Hooked on Crafts - Flowers
Karen's Doodles - Something for Mom
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Creative Inspirations Paint - Mother's Day

Image:  Vintage Hat & Girl (Digi Doodle Shop)
Sentiment:  Computer Generated
Card Stock:  Recollections
Paper:  My Stash
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger), Oval Petite Scallop Nestabilities & Ironworks Accents Shababilities (Spellbinders), Rose (Wild Orchid Crafts) Other Flowers (Prima), Lace Motifs (Sussman Bridal Supply), Corner Die (Nellie Snellen), Pearl & Gem Florishes (Prima)

Summer is Coming

We have had some pretty whacky weather this year where I live but the calendar says that summer is coming so I am hanging my hat on that and have done my annual planting.  The temps have ranged from 24C to 15C over the past few days.  But since they say it is climbing again over the next few days, I don't think I made a mistake.  Besides this is a long weekend and the one where you traditionally plant in my neck of the woods.

The challenge over at Phindy's Place this week is called SUMMER IS COMING so we want to see your summery cards.  You don't have to use a Phindy image but you get two entries if you do.  Who wouldn't want to use a Phindy image when they are this adorable?

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

The Sisterhood of Crafters - May Flowers
Truly Scrumptious - Anything Goes
Whimsy Inspiration - Anything Goes
Crafter's Companion - Here Comes Summer
I Brake for Challenges - Flowers
Die Cuttin Divas - Flowers (must use a die cut)
Crafty Sentiments - Bingo (Patterned Paper, Coloured Image, Punches or Die Cuts)
Daisy Doodles Creative Challenges - May Flowers
Hooked on Crafts - Flowers
Whoopsie Daisy - Spring Colours

Image:  Potted Primroses (Phindy's Place)
Sentiment:  Create with TLC
Card Stock:  White (Staples), Gold (Recollections), Red (Wassau)
Papers:  My Scrap Stash
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Chalk (Mungyo), Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Gingham Flowers with Gem Centres (Dollarama)

Christmas Shopping

The challenge this week at Sugar Creek Hollow is TAGS.  You can make a stand alone tag or add one to a card as I have done.  Whichever way you go, your creation must be vintage, shabby chic or primitive.

We are happy to welcome back A Day for Daisies as our sponsor for this challenge.  They will provide a $12 gift certificate to their store to one random winner to go along with the winner's badge they will get from Sugar Creek Hollow.  The Design Team will also choose one card as their Top Pick. The creator will also receive a winner's badge and will be in the running for a monthly Guest Designer spot.

Surprise, surprise, I have done another Christmas card - two in a row must be a record for me.  This time I am using an adorable image from our sponsor called Christmas Shopping and created a tag on a card.

My 5 year-old Granddaughter is staying here for 9 days (along with her 3 year-old Brother and they leave on Monday when I see a LARGE glass of wine in my future - but that is a whole other story) and she saw this card and wondered why I would do something bad and cut the flowers out of music paper.  I had to explain that I printed the music on paper and then punched it and I did not destroy some sheet music.  At least she has respect for books and the like.

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Ribbons - Flowers
Delightful Challenges - Distressing
Do You Stack Up - Use a Flower
Little Miss Muffet Challenges - Flowers
Digi Doodle Shop - Bingo (Buttons, Ribbon, Flowers)
Crafting For All Seasons - Handmade Flowers
Craft Room - Emboss It
Creative Craft Challenges - Anything Goes
Digital Tuesday - Ribbons & Buttons (Must Use Digi)
Cheerful Stamp Pad - Tags
House of Gilli - Embossing
Lexi's Creations - Lace & Ribbon
Tammy's Scrappin Corner - Punches or Dies

Image:  Christmas Shopping (A Day for Daisies)
Sentiment:  Stamp (Hero Arts)
Card Stock:  Recollections
Paper:  My Stash
Colouring Medium:  Pencil Crayons (Prismacolors) with OMS (Gotrick)
Tools & Embellishments:  Flower Punch (EK Paper Shapers), Doily Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Buttons (Dollarama and Dress it Up), Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger), Houndstooth Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Victorian Scissors (Fiskars), Lace (My Stash), Fibers (EK Success), Page Pebble (My Stash), Ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon)