Merry Monday #24-{Frosty Greetings}

Welcome to another week at Merry Monday!  The idea behind this challenge is to get a head start on your Christmas cards!  Each week, I choose one Merry Monday Winner who will then be a Guest Designer for a future challenge!  So get out your Christmas supplies and let's get to work! 

Lesley Croghan

For my card I used a scrap piece of Regal Rose designer paper and stamped a retired set called 'Serene Snowflakes" across the main panel. I had no Regal Rose Ribbon so used a small scrap of Pretty in Pink Taffeta ribbon for the ornament style sentiment. I used the 1 3/8" circle punch and the scallop circle punch. My card is very clean and easy to mass produce, I think it might look nice in other colours too...but Regal Rose and Basic Gray were on my mind because of the colours at Dynamic Duos. The design team has come up with some wonderful samples to inspire you. I would also like to welcome Guest Designer Karen Aicken.

LeAnne Pugliese

Nina Forsyth

Wendy Aungst

Narelle Farrugia

Bonnie Klass

Vicki Burdick (FD)

Karen Aicken (GD)

Paper Players #94 {Celebrate Today Mom} and Stamping 411

Here's the Pinterest Link 

And here's the original Photo Source 

Sunday is here and so is another fun challenge from the Paper Players. This week Nance is our hostess, she is looking for a card for mom using this awesome photo for inspiration from Pinterest! I was immediately inspired by the colours and the flags on the cupcakes.   I turned my ribbon into little flags shooting out from the flower. I also loved the sketch over at Stamping 411, and used that for my card but flipped the sketch.  

At the bottom of my card, where I stamped the sentiment, I added two lines using the Big Shot and the Textured Impressions embossing folder.  I also cut the bottom of that panel with the matching die cut called "Edgelits Adorning Accents". This was my first time using these! How fun!!!

Here is my card, made for mom! I think she will like it! I have made a couple other mom cards too...LOL! I think I will see if anyone at work needs one! 

{Supplies Used-All SU!)

Stamps: Triple Treat Flower, Perfectly Penned

Inks: Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight

Papers: Summer Smooches (DSP), Regal Rose and Whisper White

Extras: Punches for the flower, White Organza Ribbon, Pearls, Edgelits Adorning Accents, Big Shot, Textured Impressions Embossing Folders

We hope that you will join the Paper Players Challenge this week!  Please be sure to visit the other DT Members to see their wonderful creations!  Welcome to Narelle, our Guest Designer for May!!

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy
Jenn Picard
Heidi Boos
Narelle Farrugia (GD)

Freshly Made Sketches #5

You know when you make a card and you think to yourself, "I need to remake this or start again!"  Well that was my plan with my Freshly Made Sketches card this week but I just ran out of time. But I do love this little snowman...he is so cute!  This is an exciting week at Freshly Made Sketches because we have Anne Marie Hile as our Featured Designer, and are welcoming Cindy Hall and Jennifer Timko to the team for a 6 month rotation. Welcome ladies!

I started with a Naturals Ivory Card base and then used a layer of Pear Pizzazz cardstock.  The Cherry Cobbler cardstock was embossed using my Big Shot and the Stripes Embossing folder.  The piece of DSP is a piece from the Frostwood Lodge DSP pack.  The image is coloured with my Stampin' Write Markers and then outlined with a blender pen and some Crumb Cake ink.  The sentiment is from the retired set called "All Holidays" and the card was finished off with a snowflake from the snowflake punch.

We hope you have the chance this week to join us at Freshly Made Sketches!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Friday Mashup #4- Let's Get Punchy "Baby"

This week at the Friday Mashup, Kim is challenging us to get Punchy Baby!  Everyone else on the team created ADORABLE baby cards, but I decided to just get punchy for this challenge!

This week at the Mashup, we hope you will try one of these three options:

1. Create a card with punches (like me)
2. Create a baby card
3. Create a baby card using punches

Today I decided to create a card with Punches and was inspired by fellow Canadian and fellow BC'er, Carrie Gaskin aka the Artistic Avenger.  I wonder if she is cheering on the Canucks too!!?  Anyways, back to the card!!  She used the Cupcake Punch in a new way which was to create a purse. I loved this idea and have stored it away in my brain for another day!  (Click HERE to see Carrie's Purse Card) Well the time has come and I made a little purse themed card for a friend!

I hope you will come and join us at the Friday Mashup!  Thank you to all my blogging pals who joined me last week in my Black and White challenge, I loved all of your creations!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

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Stamping 411 and Pals Paper Arts

The Stamping 411 team and the Pals Paper Arts team both have a terrific challenge happening this week!  First I looked at the 411 sketch and thought, wow!  I need to try this.  So I went to work, sketching it out and trying to create a card to fit the cool design.  I inked up my new Four Frames stamp set again and also used some of my new Designer Paper called Paisley Petals.  I actually took my colour combo from the new designer paper.

The colours I chose are Cajun Craze, Marina Mist and Pear Pizzazz.  Not a usual colour choice for me but one that I am really happy with! This sketch really pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am not sure if I am sold on what I created, but that is probably because it is something different that my usual style.

Over at Pals Paper Arts, they are challenging us to use Punches!  Punches are my favourite tools, and I used a few on this card.

I used:

The Decorative Label Punch

The Itty Bitty Punch Pack

The Bird Punch

The Scallop Edge Border Punch

Thank you for stopping by!  I appreciate your comments so much!  I hope you enjoyed my creation and get the chance to get crafty yourself today!!!

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Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge #194

It's official!  Spring Break is here!  I have two weeks to spend on stamping and creating.  I also need to do some spring cleaning both at home and in my classroom.  I am excited about all the things I hope to accomplish!

My card today is one that I created this morning.  Last night I found the new Stamping 411 Sketch and throughout the night, my brain was whirling with ideas!  I decided to think "outside the box" and created a card that used my punches.  I still had some Poppy Parade Cardstock and some Basic Black pieces left on my craft table, so I went to work.

Here is what I created:

I created my own Paper Lanterns with little white flowers.  The lanterns are created using the 1 1/4" circle punch, then I used my crimper to make them look more like Paper Lanterns.  The little flowers are created with the Itty Bitty Punches...love 'em!  I used the scallop ribbon punch to add a strip of black to the bottom of the card.  The "Just for You" sentiment is from the hostess level 1 set called "Afterthoughts".

Thanks for stopping by!

All supplies are Stampin' Up:
Stamps: Afterthoughts (Hostess Level 1)
Inks: Basic Black
Paper: Poppy Parade, Basic Black and Whisper White
Tools: 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Crimper, Linen Thread, Ribbon Punch, Bitty Punch Pack, Jewels

Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge

All week I have been waiting to create a card for the PPA Sketch Challenge.  I finally got the chance tonight and went to work.  I decided to rotate the sketch because I liked the long shaped box #4.  I also tried their tip to use Ribbon as one of my layers!

When breaking down a sketch I look at:

1. What stamp would work with the main panel on the sketch?  Box #4 seemed like a focal point to me, so I was looking for a long or tall image.
2. What kind of a card do I want to create with that image?  Birthday?  Sympathy? Wedding?
3. Where and what would my sentiment be?

I am sure many stampers do the same thing!!  So I went to work, and found the image from the Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set which was the first set I bought as a Stampin' Up Demo.  I love it and have used it a lot!  Then I looked at the circles where the sentiment could go and decided to use my new Fabulous Phrases set.  This stamp set is perfect in Clear Mount because with an A sized Clear Block, I could fit the two words onto my punched circles perfectly.

I had some scraps of Rose Red Designer Paper on my desk and decided to pair it up with River Rock and White.  This card is very simple but I love these two colours together.  I know this card is not fancy or clever but I wanted it to be clean and pretty.  I used my crimper to add some texture to the bottom box #2 on the sketch.

Thanks for stopping by!  If you get the chance head on over to the Pals Paper Arts challenge blog to play with this terrific sketch!!

Smiles,
Lesley

PS  I created a new Watermark for myself!!  What do you think?

Paper Players 31 ~ A Sketch from Ann

This week at the Paper Players Challenge Blog we have a wonderful sketch by mega-talented stamper and DT member, Ann Schach!  She created a versatile sketch for us by which I was immediately inspired!

I made a total of 4 different cards for this sketch because I was SO inspired!  I just could not decide on what one to use but in the end, my cupcake punch won out and I made a Birthday Card using my Cupcake Punch and Wordplay Sentiment Stamp Set.  I used the pretty Valentine Paper from the Valentine Bundle that ends tomorrow.  Using my Stampin' Write Markers, I inked up the sentiment in Pretty in Pink and Real Red.

I hope you get the chance to play with the Paper Players this week and challenge yourself to try something new!  A sketch is always a great starting point!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley

Pals Paper Arts Colour Challenge

The Pals Paper Arts group has a fun colour challenge this week!  They want you to use Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz and Perfect Plum!  I didn't know how I was going to use these colours but I decided to give it a shot and see where the colours led me!  My card is simple, with two panels (2 1/8"x 4 3/4") and then I staggered the panels.  The Pear Pizzazz panel is a strip of the Presto Patterns Paper, inked with a sponge and some Pear Pizzazz Ink.   

 



I made the flower using my Boho Blossoms Punch and scrunched up 3 of the biggest flowers and glue-dotted them together.  Then I fluffed out each flower, this making a Puffy Flower with a little pearl inside!!  I used the strip of Pearls that comes with the pearl package and made the stem for the flower.  The sentiment comes from an retired Hostess Set!  One of my favs!  And I sponged the edges of the Decorative Label Punch out.  I took my inspiration from the Skipping Stones Sketch Challenge this week.

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley

Paper Players Challenge #12-Inspiration from Jaydee

The talented Jaydee has come up with a fabulous photo for us this week to use as an inspiration at the Paper Players Challenge Blog!  I was stumped at first with what to do but the colours really grabbed me, particularily Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Whisper White and Basic Black.  Here is the Inspiration Photo below!  Yummy isn't it!!!  Look at all that scrumptious food!  I thought of making a card that had a French Flair or maybe with some food images but the colours really stood out for me...loved those bright strawberries!!!

This is the card I came up with in Jaydee's Clean and Simple Style that I so admire.  I let the colours do all the work this week!  The white cardstock is actually Shimmery White Cardstock and really gleams in the light.  I used the "Inspired by Nature" Stamp set and the new "Word Play" Stamp set; I love this sentiment.  I left the butterflies simple...I just punched them out of So Saffron DSP with the Extra Large Butterfly Punch.  I was going to add pearls to make the butterflies' bodies but it was too heavy looking on the card.

Now it is your turn to play along!  Drop by the Paper Players Challenge Blog by clicking HERE and link up your creation.  The challenge ends Saturday, August 28th at 6pm.  We can't wait to see what you create!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Stamper's 6 Club- Masculine Class

Tomorrow night I have my Stamper's 6 Club and we will be making a Hanging Treat Box using some new items out of the new Summer Mini!  Yippee!!! 

Here is what we will be making! It can be adapted to a birthday project as well...not just Father's Day but I thought it would be nice!

What you do with this is fill it up with goodies and hang it on a bottle of wine.  In this case, it is a bottle of Port for my dad!  He also has a major sweet tooth and I have added some chocolate for him too!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Motorcycle (117657), Weathered Background Stamp (is retired but the "Sanded" Background Stamp (109294) would work nicely too!), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)

Paper: Kraft (102125), Chocolate Chip (102128), Very Vanilla (101650)

Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)

Tools: Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Sticky Strip (104294), Bone Folder (102300), Hemp Twine (100982), Modern Label Punch (116630), Word Window Punch (105090), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Sponges (101610)

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles, Lesley :)

Colour Dare and Cards for Mum

This card uses the "Elements of Style" set and I wanted to make a card for the current Colour Dare which was to use Yellow, Green and a Lighter Green. I covered the flowers in Dazzling Diamonds and it is all glittery!!  What mom wouldn't love a little glam and glitter!

I absolutely LOVE the "Elements of Style" set, can you tell?  Geez, I can't stop using it and I am ok with that!  I used Rich Razzlebery and Mellow Moss.  I also must tell you, I finally broke down and bought the Word Window Punch!  I LOVE IT!!!  I am so silly sometimes, thinking I don't need something and just making do with what I have.  But the Word Window Punch goes beautifully with the Modern Label Punch and my Teeny Tiny Wishes Set!  Now my options seem endless!

For this card I pulled out my Vintage Vogue Set and inked it up in the Plum colours from the Soft Subtles colours.  This is one of my favourite colour combos and I need to remember to use it more.  I made some other cards with these colours last week and since then, I have been looking to use them more.  This card measures 5x5.  The pretty Mother's Day Sentiment is from "All Holidays".

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles, Lesley :)

Colour Throwdown #86

This card was made for the current Colour Throwdown Challenge to use Yoyo Yellow, Garden Green and Suede. I subbed in Kraft for Suede. I used my new favourite set and went for a minimalist card in Very Vanilla. I used my Stampin' Write Markers to colour the flower directly on the stamp. The words are stamped in Sahara. The sentiment is stamped in Stazon.

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Colour Q-Mini Card

Arielle over at Colour Q has asked for a card that used Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive. I LOVE the boldness of these colours and in her post she mentioned that the company, from which she drew inspiration, did everything in miniature! So I went with a miniature card! My card measures 4 1/4" square and once again, I used my fav scallop trim punch!!! The flowers are from the Happy Moments SAB set...this set will be gone forever on March 31st! Ack! I pulled out my newly acquired Tempting Turquiose 1/4" grosgrain and went to town! LOL! I wanted my card to be all about the white space. I also completed the inside, to add some cuteness.

Thanks for stopping by!
Lesley :)

Two New Challenges (DT Submission)

Well I have been checking out some other blogs and found two new Challenge Blogs. One of them had a Sketch Challenge and the other a Colour Challenge. So I decided to combine them and came up with a birthday card to add to my birthday card stash! The sketch came from the "Inkspirations Sketch Challenge". The colour challnege came from "Picture Perfect Creations". Megan, the Blog owner, is having a Design Team Challenge Call, so you should go and check it out! This is my submission for the DT. She asked for Rose Red, Bashful Blue, Basic Black and Whisper White. My DSP came from the Sweet Pea Pack and the butterflies were created using my Embosslit die. The Square is 3 1/4" and I used my Corner and Trim Scallop Border Punches to create a delicate lace frame around my main image.I have really been getting into completing my card insides too! I left this one blank, but I think I will add a "Curvy Verse" to it. I added another butterfly to the inside and used the scallop trim punch to add some more interest. I love that punch!!Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley ;)

Diva Coffee Break #166-Colour Challenge

This card was made for the current Diva Challenge to use Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry and Certainly Celery. I used the Very Vintage Wheel and the new scallop trim border. Everything is sponged and layered. The flower was created from using the 5 Petal Flower Punch (109041). I got the idea from my blogging friend Jaydee. This is one of the cards I am teaching at my card class tomorrow night. I am teaching my group how to make paper flowers using the punches.

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)