Celebrating Christmas in July with the Brown Sugar Challenge!

Merry Greetings! Although summer temperatures across the country have reached the triple digits, many of us like to think about the joyous time we share with family and friends during the Christmas holiday season. I certainly do! :) Today's card features a lovely digital stamp by Lacy Sunshine Stamps. Her name is "Sugi Christmas Angel." Isn't she adorable? I had a lot of fun using my Copic Markers to color her. I hope my holiday card will inspire you to begin thinking about the Christmas cards you'll design later this year. Have a nice weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Brown Sugar Challenge Blog #206: Celebrating the fun and whimsical designs of Dr. Digi's House of Stamps!

 Hello, fellow stamping and card-making enthusiasts! I am pleased to announce my having been selected to the design team for the Brown Sugar Challenge Blog. My inaugural card features a really cute basketball player name "Slam Dunk Duncan." Isn't Slam Dunk a handsome fellow? He is delightfully colorized, so it only took a small amount of time to create a masculine card to feature him on. I used Bazzil cardstock, Colorways patterned paper by Paper House, and popped on a birthday sentiment and. I love when a masterpiece comes together! Dr. Digi's House of Stamps has a fun and creative assortment of digital images on papercrating projects.

I am Baaaaack!

My good friend, Kim, often asks when I am going to "update my blog." That's a very good question considering I have *new* content to post. I guess (in my defense) I've been busy doing a variety of other things that I don't get around to posting photos of my latest card creations. Now that I am no longer in school and consumed with homework assignments and exams, I can return to this "craft diary" to share my passion for cardmaking and scrapbooking. So without further ado, here's a look at cards I've made for a 'Wizard of Oz' Challenge.

Coloring Fun

I've been busy, over the past few weeks, experimenting with various Copic & Promarkers to learn more about coloring different hair and skin types for digi stamps. Thankfully, there area plenty of "how-to" videos on YouTube that provide specific do & don'ts. I want to add greater depth and dimension to my handmade, greeting cards so I am soaking up all the info' I can. Aside from the studying coloring techniques, I made two cards. As you can see, I've been on an orange kick lately. Thanks for visiting!

  

Friendship x's Two

Today, I created another card to reflect the importance of friendship in our lives. Whether you're going through a difficult time or fun and delightful moments, friends can make a world of difference. I think the digi' and sentiment capture the essence of friendship. Thanks for stopping by!

It's All About...Friendship!

I love cards that depict "friendship" and the important bond between friends. With my latest creation, two friends share a swing--something many of us enjoyed (as children) with our friends. I certainly did! When it came to choosing a color scheme, my choice was easy. I wanted colors that personify the warmth and fullness that friendship generates. I hope I captured those attributes! (smile). It is my hope that my "friends" card will bring a smile to its recipient.

Fun Project!

From time to time, I am called upon to make invitations for a birthday party or baby shower. One of my dear friends will be celebrating her 50th birthday on Saturday and wanted a custom invitation to give to her guests. She didn't want anything elaborate or time-consuming so I kept the design simple by adding a few bling crystals to this cute, tri-fold card I cut out one by one.

Sunshine Mail Blog Hop Extravaganza

Greetings!

Thanks for stopping by to join in The Sunshine Mail Foundation's exciting Blog Hop this week, July 8 -12, 2013. Each member of the Design Team will feature digital images from the following sponsors, Stitchy Bear, Eureka, Paper Nest Dolls, Digi Darla, and Milk N Coffee,  and we're sure you're gonna LOVE them! You can win sponsored prizes by (1) Following the foundation's blog, (2)Adding our blog hop link on your blog, (3) Visit and comment on each Design Team member’s blog during the blog hop period.

That's all there is to it! :-)

You can access our blog ====> BlogLovin:
Add our Sunshine Mail Badge (above) to your blog and link back to it

Sunshine Mail Design Team:

Lyn
CG
Adina
Denise
Janice
Jessica
Michele J.
Asmah Zainal Abidin - Guest Designer

Also...

If you would like to donate your beautiful, original handmade cards to help brighten a child's day, please visit the following link to review Sunshine Mail's guidelines:

Thanks, again, for visiting!

New Beginning...

Hi, fellow stamping enthusiasts! I am thrilled to, once again, have the time to devote to my favorite activity--> creating custom, greeting cards! I am inspired by a wealth of fab' new products, card designs, and really cool digital images. I am also happy to have joined a great group of card-crafters on the "Sunshine Mail Foundation" Design Team. The "Sunshine Mail Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides children in need with comfort, support, and joy through free, Sunshine Mail Care Packages. Sunshine Mail is filled with handmade cards, care essentials and other age-appropriate items that are delivered to children in hospitals, homeless shelters, foster care and those facing medical challenges." If you would like to donate to this very worthy cause, please visit: http://sunshinemail.org to learn more about this rewarding endeavor. I hope you will return (often) to participate in blog hops as well as exchange card ideas and product reviews. *smile* I am looking forward to our time together to spread happiness through handmade, themed cards. Thanks for stopping by!

More "Brown Sugar," Please!

TGIF, all! Today's entry is another submission for the "Brown Sugar Challenge" Blog. I couldn't resist the opportunity to work with this cute, cupcake image by 'Fresh Brewed Designs.' I picked this image because, like most dessert fans, I LOVE cupcakes!!! My recipe for this card includes patterned paper by DCWV, pearl brad by 'This & That,' and ribbon by Bazzill. I used Spectrum Noir markers to color the cupcakes, and glitter pens to add a little sparkle. To participate in the "Brown Sugar Challenge" and view great cards by my fellow, design team members, hustle on over to BSCB, now!

Introducing the "Brown Sugar Challenge" Blog

Can you believe the month of June is nearly over? It's amazing to me how quickly time flies and another month is staring us in the face. Well, thankfully, as a new month rolls around, a brand, new challenge comes along to invite our creative energy to kick it up to the next level. I am happy to announce the birth of the Brown Sugar Challenge Blog and countless opportunities for card enthusiasts to entertain new ideas, techniques, color combinations, sketches as well as win cool prizes. To help kick off the inaugural challenge entitled, "Summertime," I designed the following card:

Anything Goes Challenge #7 - Color

I have yet to meet a crafter that doesn't enjoy experimenting with a new color scheme. The thing I like, most, about color challenges is the opportunity they give to create with colors not normally used together. As with the combination (Blue, Grey, and yellow) for this particular challenge, I wasn't sure what I would do because I don't use the color grey often. I have to admit I was a little intimidated, at first, but after my image selection was made, I quickly accepted the task as a friendly one and arrived at this cute entry. (smile). I am real impressed by the projects my fellow DT members created for this challenge. I love the diversity of designs, images, and embellishments--that's the beauty of creativity...it has no boundaries. Please stop by Robert Jackson Digital Expressions for more fab' color combo' designs. Supplies used: Robert Jackson Digital Image - "My Man," Ribbon: Michaels, Card Stock/Patterned Paper: DCWV, Paper Flowers: Recollections, Muted Grey Brads: Recollections.

Be Bold

I am a BIG fan of vibrant colors and the effect they have on my life. I love rich earth tones, vibrant primary colors, and deep pastels that add warmth. Today's card submission is loaded with some of my favorite colors. I used a Robert Jackson image, entitled, "The Mothers" to showcase the beauty of the colors I used. I hope you will be inspired by the colors you love to create awesome cards and other craft projects. Thank you for stopping by!

Sketch Challenge Entry - "Anything Goes"

I love when I have an opportunity to create cards based on a specific sketch. My DT assignment for May was to use a Robert Jackson image of my choice with four individual tiles as a back-drop. As with every card I make, I begin with a color scheme that strikes my fancy, then add embellishments that compliment the image. Both the patterned paper and card stock are by DCWV, the ribbon by Martha Stewart, buttons by Basic Grey, and the adhesive chipboard sticker is from Studio112 (K&Company). The adorable image is entitled "Phoebe Fishing" and she was colored with Copic Markers. You can check out the beautiful cards by my DT members at Jackson's Digital Expressions.

It's the "Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge No. 158!"

As a stamper that loves to try new techniques and design sketches, I couldn't resist the invitation to make a card for the "Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge" hosted by Karen Giron at The Sweetest Thing. I found this sketch both user-friendly and fun. My card features the standard and scalloped, Circle Nestabilities, Basic Grey Patterned paper, glitter cardstock, stamped sentiment, and a decorative brad. Voila! My entry was completed in hardly anytime at all.

Love for Mo's Digital Pencil Images!

I have fallen (hard) for the cute, digital stamps designed by Mo Manning over at Mo's Digital Pencil. I love the whimsical flair added to each design, the multi-cultural selection, and high level of artistic ability. Needless to say, I (now) own several of Mo's images to use on various, future card projects. For my latest entry, I used "Kareem's Balloons" and had fun coloring this little fellow. As you can see, he has his hands full, but maintains complete control! LOL I can't wait to share more of my favorites from Mo's Digital Pencil in the coming weeks. Thanks for visiting. Ciao!

Design Team Member!

Hello, fellow stamping enthusiasts! I am happy and proud to announce my inclusion as a member of Robert Jackson's Digital Expressions Design Team. Robert Jackson is an extremely talented illustrator and artist. I am so thrilled to be part of a crafty group of stampers dedicated to celebrating his creative vision.

To kick things off, I created this card using the digital image, "Couple," that has a vintage flair. The rich, stunning colors were provided by several of my favorite Blick Markers. To accent the DCWV card stock, I used an EK Success punch, then topped the card off with a metal embellishment by Making Memories.

I'm very excited to announce the winner of our first CAS (Clean & Simple) Sketch Challenge: Carla Suto. To view her beautiful card and all the stunning creations by the design team, head over to
Jackson's Digital Expressions for a look-see.

We are, now, hosting a NEW CAS Challenge with the theme "Family Matters" and it's an "Anything Goes...With a Twist" Challenge, but you don't have to add the "twist" if you prefer not to. (smile). Please come join the fun!!! You will find all the entry details on our JDE web site. See you there!

It's a "Mojo Monday" Sketch Challenge!

Hello, fellow stamping buddies! Today's card was inspired by the "Mojo Monday" Sketch Challenge that has become immensely popular. I love how each week's design incorporates a savvy technique and room for cute embellishments. To get my creative juices flowing, I began with an item that would serve as a focal point. In this case, I chose a tag from K & Company because I really liked its color palette. Next, I added textured card stock, stamped image, coordinating ribbon, and bling crystals to complete my card.

A Fresh Start!

Well, needless to say, I've been away from my blogging post for a few years. I am sure most of you know how *life* can get in the way of your best intentions. LOL So I am happy to report that I'm BACK to actively pursuing my two favorite hobbies: making custom cards and scrapbook layouts. My dear friend, Kim, and I both share a passion for card making & scrapbooking so we have, leaped (yet again), into the tremendous thrill and excitement of discussing sketches, challenges, techniques, and buying new paper, tools, digi stamps, and embellishments. We've also made new cards to celebrate our RETURN! Here, is my most recent card, inspired by the "Mojo Monday" Sketch Challenge. I get a kick out of seeing how my creative juices flow whenever I work on a new card.

Hey, it's been a while

...since I posted a card. So, without further a do, here's a card I made for a fellow Bella Stamps fan. I met Theresa through Bellaholics Anonymous and haven't communicated with her in several months. I whipped up this Bella creation to send her some of my favorite images. Out of all the color combinations I use on my cards, I have to say pink and green is my favorite. The two colors go together so well and remind me of springtime. The glittered, patterned paper is a collection by Debbie Mum. I used Prima Flowers with clear gems to accent them. I colored Bella with Copic markers then placed pink ribbon and an oval Shimmer Shape by Scrapworks at the base of the card.