Blingin' It!

Most of my time the last couple of weeks has been spent trying to find a job and of course trying to spend as much time as I can with my handsome little grand before I have to go to work.

You don't blame me, right?
BUT,

I made a card this week!

Aren't I crafty?

It's a Clean and Simple design- my favorite kind.
I grabbed Kraft cardstock at first, but wanted something a little softer for this card, so I went with Sahara Sand instead. That's a color I don't use that often, but I do like it.
Most of the DP is scraps, but you can tell that flowery piece is a Prima design. Hobby Lobby has a ton of new 6x6 pads and when paper goes 50% off, they are too inexpensive to pass up! I just layered my DP, sponging the edges with Sahara Sand ink to give it uniformity (is that a word?) and then to add interest and dimension I added a strip of cardstock over a strip of curly edged ribbon. Added my Bling and my sentiment and this card was finished.

The card was made as a sample for one of the Hope You Can Cling To challenges at SplitcoastStampers this weekend- to use bling! You can find more information about this month long event here.
Pssstt... there are giveaways!
And finally- here is the gallery of inspiring cards for this Blingy challenge!
A special thank you to my friend Lori for asking me to make a sample and giving me a great excuse to make a card!
Have a blessed weekend!!
Angel

Beautifully Inspired

I saw this inspiration photo over at the Shabby Tea Room.

Isn't it beautiful?

I brought out a piece of my treasured Soft Sky cardstock and made a card for the challenge. The rose trio image is by- guess who? Yep...UNITY! More loveliness from the March Kit of the Month. And the sentiment is from the February KOM. The rest of the card came together so easily and I pulled out my wrinkle ribbon I recently bought on Etsy. I am going to try my hand at making this stuff myself one of these days! Of course I HAD to add a couple of butterflies. I stamped one in the corner as well. It needed something and that was it!

I've had a blast being the Growing in Unity guest this week. I was able to spend quality time with my Unity stamps and I only love them more! Speaking of...have you set your eyes on the new April kit of the month? I can't wait to get my ink on it! If you decide to try the kit yourself, let them know I sent you. {wink}
This is your last chance to comment for a chance to win a Unity kit. See this post for more info. I will draw a winner sometime tomorrow!
Hope you are having a great start to a beautiful weekend!

I am!

~Angel

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Roses & Butterfly-Just You (March KOM) Unity; sentiment from Feb KOM- The Best is Yet To Be

Ink: Regal Rose, Soft Sky, Kiwi Kiss

Paper: Soft Sky, Pretty in Pink, Soft Sky DP & Bella Rose DP
Accessories: Nestabilities- Labels 1 and Large Ovals; Corner Rounder, MS Butterfly Punches, Pearls, Wrinkle Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Kickin' it Up a Notch!

This was actually the first of the 2 cards I made that are similar. I followed the 4th sketch of 5 March Verve sketches for this one. And I used my extra elements for the first card I posted today.You can see the glittery flower a little bit better in this picture.

I sure hope the sun comes out tomorrow so I can get better pics!
Don't forget to leave another comment on this post for a chance to win some Unity stamps for yourself!

Blessings~
Angel

Card Recipe: Card is 5.5" Square
Stamps~ Just You (March KOM) Unity
Ink~ Baja Breeze, ,Old Olive
Paper~ PTI White, Kraft, White, Colorbok Woodhaven DP

Accessories~ 2 way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Vintage lace, EK Success Dotted Wave border punch, square punch, corner rounder and sponge

SWEET Unity

I just couldn't wait to play with my newest Unity Stamps! The March Kit of the Month was another winner. I've never been disappointed!
I decided I needed more birthday cards...especially juvenile ones. So that is going to be my mission over the next few weeks. Besides, they are FUN cards to make!

I pulled the color combo from the paper which was from some Sassafras papers I bought a little while back from CraftySteals.com. If you've never heard of them, you have to check them out. They have 1 "steal" a day and they hunt the cutest stuff for their bargains! I have been very happy with my purchases from them.

This card was made for Jen's March Sketch for you to Try (SFYTT) that I turned on to its side as well as the Meljens Challenge which was dots. It also goes into the pot for the Papertake Weekly Challenge- Triotastic and both Paper Play and Let's Ink it Up to emboss.

It's Friday and we are going to see the grandbaby and of course his mommy and daddy. It's family pizza/game night!
Have a good one!
Blessings~

Angel

Recipe:

Stamps~ Unity

Ink~ Versafine Black

Paper~ Summer Sun, Taken w/ Teal, Poppy Parade, SU White, Sassafras Lass DP

Accessories~ Swiss Dots CB folder, Corner Rounder, brads, Christmas Red Stickles

Romans 8:28

I am still playing along in challenges and it is really getting my stamping mojo going! First of all, I checked in with Our Daily Bread Designs yesterday and saw that they were having a scrapbook challenge to use the color fuchsia and or crystals. Well, I did not do a scrapbook page, but used those elements as my starting point for my card instead. I am not entering the challenge as it is not a scrapbook page. I saw the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge to use Stars! And lastly I played along with the sketch challenge at There She Goes.

My card is pretty straightforward. I added a layer of Crystal Effects to my punched & embossed star and sprinkled a bit of glitter over the top. It really stands out!

Thanks for visiting. I am off to find some more challenges! teehee

Blessings!
Angel

Recipe:

Stamps~ Scripture Collection 1 (ODBD)

Ink~ Melon Mambo & Rich Razzleberry

Paper~ Melon Mambo, Razzleberry Peach Parfait & Razzleberry Lemonade DP- SU

Accessories~ Regal Flourishes CB folder (Tim Holtz); Star Punch; Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds glitter; Corner Rounder, Distressing tool, Pop Dots; Michaels $1 stitched purple Ribbon

In a Class of your Own

A second card today! Really!I couldn't resist doing another of the CAS cards with lime green and grey! This time I used this cool shoe trio image from Unity. Not much to it. A card panel of Kiwi Kiss with an easy embossed frame brings dimension to the card. I colored the shoes in with a blender pen. And to make one shoe stand out I dusted off my bottle and added Crystal Effects.
I know exactly who is getting this card!!!
Have a Blessed Day!

~Angel

This card was made especially for the following challenges:
Unity- Fashion

Mark's Finest Papers- One layer card with lime green/grey

Papertake Weekly Challenge- Trio Tastic
Meljen's Designs- GREEN
Creative Card Crew- GREEN

"BLUSH"ing ODBD

Our Daily Bread Designs is celebrating their 3rd anniversary this year! These stamps continue to be my go-to scriptures and if I had my own way (and more $$) I would certainly own a lot more of their stamp sets!
The scripture I used for my card today was the verse I chose for one of the first anniversary scripture collections. I am participating in their Anniversary Challenge by using pearls on my card today. They are brown but I hope they still count. They matched the Basic Grey "Blush" papers so nicely!
The sketch I used was Viva la Verve Week 2. And I am also entering this into the Crafty Pad challenge to use buttons.
Thanks for visiting today!
~Angel

Stamps: Scripture Collection 2 (ODBD)

Paper: Basic Grey Blush, Early Espresso

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa

Accessories: Vintage Pink RicRac & Button, Brown Pearls, Circle Punch, Moroccan CB Folder

A Black & White Proverb

While trying to get rid of a headache today, I did a little bit of stamping to get my mind off of it. I knocked out 2 challenges on this card-

both the Mojo Monday Sketch

as well as the Get Your Diva On Challenge which was to use neutrals with a pop of color.
The card was pretty quick once I decided on black and white. I dug through my scraps and found this cool black and white DP. The verse is one of my favorites and is a Plain Jane by Verve. The Victorian Embossing folder brought the black background to life. I nearly went with red as my color splash, but instead went with the bright spring green Prima flower and ribbon (Hobby Lobby) as my pop of color. Instead of hauling out my Wizard and dies, I went easier since my verse fit perfectly into my Marvy oval and scalloped oval punches.
Stamping helped a little, but I am hoping I am headacheless tomorrow so I can help take care of my grandbaby.
That's all I have for now!
Thanks for visiting!!!
~Angel

Recipe:
Stamps~ Verve Plain Jane (Prov 3:5)

Ink~ Versafine Black

Paper~ PTI White, Black (SU), B&W scrap (?)
Accessories~ Martha Cosmos Punch, Prima, Brad-stash, Ribbon (HL), Victorian CB Folder, Marvy Oval & Scalloped Oval punches

Easy Peasy HELLO

I took a few minutes this afternoon to work on a card. From beginning to finish (pics and all) it took less than a half hour to make 4 of these cards!The jumpstart for my project came from Mark's Finest Papers challenge of a maximum 1 layer card with lime green and grey. That took most of the guess work out. No designer papers needed so all I needed was to pick out a stamp! This HELLO stamp came from the Michaels dollar bin and is a vertical stamp. I stamped it on Going Grey and Kiwi Kiss paper and cut them out. I stamped my Notebook paper background from CHF ( gee...I miss them) in Kiwi Kiss and added the letter squares with some glue dots. Easy peasy! It left me time to post before I head to our 3rd tax appointment! UGH....L O N G story! Gotta run!

Blessings~
Angel

Challenging x3

Our area is also on alert for wild fires. There are several burning around us and we are watching very carefully in case we need to evacuate. We live on a dead end and would be caught back here if a fire suddenly came up blocked our exit. I would appreciate and and all prayers for those affected by the fires down here.

I did a little stamping today trying to stay busy. Well, in fact, I did quite a bit.
I wanted to get ahead on some of the challenges I have been wanting to do.

My first card covers 3 challenges.

The sketch I used was Unity's Hip Hop Sketch Challenge #48 and using hearts was the Unity February/March Challenge. And finally, I used bleach for the Mark's Finest Paper's "Speedy the Cat's Friend's Challenge #45". I haven't stamped with bleach in so long. I've always loved the effect. I made 3 more cards which were similar too. Here is one of the others.

I pulled out a Kaleidacolor pad as well. I've had these for so long and they are still amazingly wet! To add a little something-something to the card I put a tiny heart jewel in the O of Love and spritzed the card with my air art tool and a Pink Passion marker. Pretty simple. These are going into my Valentine stash for next year, although they could definitely be used throughout the year.
I've got a couple of planners to show you tomorrow! Then I've got to get my house cleaned for company. My cousin is coming into town this weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Angel

To the Moon & Back

I had some stamping time today and was up for a challenge so I joined Beate doing Claudia & Company's recipe challenge to use: stitching (real or faux), 2 patterned papers, buttons, a sentiment, circles and scallops! Whew! I used this week's SCS Color Challenge and I also glanced at the Unity Hip Hop sketch challenge!
After a couple of failed attempts, I finally came up with a card I could live with. Oh boy...my desk is sure a wreck! But I did have a relaxing afternoon stamping.
Thanks for visiting and Blessings to you!
~Angel

Recipe:
Stamps by Unity
Ink: Pear Pizzazz & Concord Crush
Paper: Concord, Pear & Bashful Blue; Memory Box DP

Accessories: Spellbinder Dies, Tim Holtz Embossing Folder, SU Scalloped Border Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, Divine Twine and buttons from my stash

OH BABY!

While browsing Facebook yesterday I happened upon a Cyber Challenge between Beate and
Jenn. They were using the Cupcake Creation color challenge which was pinks and greens. It didn't take much coaxing (none really) for me to join them! I've been meaning to make cards for my niece and one of my friends who are expecting! So, that's what I did!

I've had this prego lady $1 stamp for years. It's so adorable!
I couldn't resist adding pearls and lace to the polka dots and stripes!
One is blonde and the other brunette, but besides that they are the same!

Thanks for visiting me today!
~Angel

The Greatest of These..

Today is April 1st and Our Daily Bread Designs has thousands of new stamps!

Oh....April Fools!
Seriously, ODBD is premiering 3 new sets and 1 single stamp today.
Click here to see them!
And I've made a card to show you today using one of the new sets. The set I used is simply named "Love" and you'll notice the sentiments go quite nicely with "Love One Another." The single stamp is the LOVE passage from I Corinthians 13. I am SO excited this is now in stamp form and in my collection!!!
I want to spend some more time stamping today, so I'll leave you with the recipe and be on my way!
Thanks for stopping by!
You Bless Me!
~Angel

Card Recipe~
Stamps: Love (ODBD)
Ink: Choc Chip
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Choc Chip, Bella Rose DP (SU)
Accessories: Eyelet Border punch, recycled ruffled ribbon (from a candy box!), Felt Flowers- SU, Red Flower & Dotted brad from my stash

Featured Stamper = Super Stamper- Beate!

The featured stamper for Splitcoast this week is the one and only Beate! I spent about an hour browsing her amazing gallery and I think I only got to page 5! Seriously. I had a difficult time deciding what card to CASE, but eventually chose this gorgeous creation! I may end up doing another CASE this week if I have time. I used my Cuttlebug to diecut some transparencies and added FlowerSoft to the outside edges and flower centers. Here is a close-up. {FlowerSoft really needs to be seen to be appreciated!}
I am loving the new Memory Box 6x6 papers I just got from the ODBD online store. This set is called "Sugardrop" and is full of pinks and browns of which I used 3 different papers.
Of course I used one of the latest releases from Our Daily Bread Designs. This verse comes from Scripture Collection 1 and is the selection of DT member- Lorelie! There are 2 Scripture Collection sets and you will LOVE the size of these verses- perfect for a focal point of any project! And the font is SO beautiful. You'll definitely want both sets!!
I've been a little absent this last week while we were enjoying the visit of my younger son. We had an eventful Friday when he and his best friend were involved in an accident on their way back to Kansas. He is now safely back at college and although a little sore, he seems to be fine.
I hope to be stamping all week with lots to show and tell.
Blessings!
~Angel

Card Recipe:
Stamps~ ODBD Scripture Collection 1
Ink~ Choc Chip
Paper~ Choc Chip, Naturals Ivory, Pink Pirouette, Memory Box Sugardrop DP
Accessories~ Baby Pink FlowerSoft, Paper Piercing tool, Offray Pink Satin ribbon, SU Spring Bouquet Punch, Cuttlebug dies- Harlequin & 2x6 Flowers

Scor-Pal

Have you gotten a Scor-Pal yet? If not, you may be interested in reading the Splitcoast Review Team's product review which you'll find here. This was a tool I really wasn't sure I "needed". But, I found it for a great deal and took the plunge! I am SO glad I did. Especially because of the new Scor-Bug. I didn't get a chance to talk about the Scor-Bug in my review, but it is an awesome little tool which will add a row of piercing in a snap! And I just got the Scor-Tape which is another fabulous addition to my must-have adhesives. No red liner sticking to me and I can tear this tape with my fingers! How cool is that?
Here is a card I made using the Scor-Pal to add grid lines to the center panel before stamping. It's very subtle, but adds a lot of interest to your project.

That pretty little butterfly was an RAK from my sweet friend Jami. Although I was tempted to hoard it, I made this card around that little gem! By the way, Jami has an awesome tutorial on her blog today that explains how to use your Scor-Pal as your cutting system! This is definitely something I am going to try as I am fed up with my Fiskars Paper Cutter!
I am so excited to be a part of this SCS Review Team. There are some exciting products coming up. I'll be sure to let you know when the next review is available!
Have a Blessed Day!
~Angel

Card Recipe:
Flourishes Sentimental Challenge found here and OCC Sketch found here
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral (SU)
Ink: Pacific Point, Soft Sky
Paper: Pacific point, Soft Sky, SU White
Accessories: Scor-Pal, Nestabilities Ovals, SU Scalloped Border punch, CB Floral Screen folder, SU Soft Sky ribbon and Ribbon FX ribbon, butterfly from Korea

Above & Beyond Challenged!

Continuing where I left off yesterday...
More Challenges & More Inspiration!
I've got 2 more matching cards to share today.

The first used the Splitcoast Weekly Sketch. One of my favorite things to do is play with my punches and layer them up! I actually cut out the middle flowers though... no punch to fit!

And for this next card in the set, I used Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge sketch which was actually hosted by my sweet friend, Lori Craig this week. Just Celery and Saffron, but I like it!

Not a lot of chit chat today... it's time to go to church!
Hope you're all having a blessed weekend!
~Angel

Card Recipes:
SC217 Flower x3
Stamps~ Polka Dot Punches (SU), You Bless Me (Stampabilities)
Ink~ Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue, Saffron, Celery
Paper~ PaperTrey White, Celery, Saffron, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue, SU White, Delicate Dots DP
Accessories~ SU Punches- 5 Petal Flower, Squares, 1/2" circle, Swiss Dots CB Folder
WSC70 Heart Blessed
Stamps~Polka Dot Punches, You bless me (Stampabilities)
Ink~ Celery
Paper~ Saffron, White, Celery, Delicate Dots DP
Accessories~ Punches- Full Heart (SU) Butterfly (Paper Shaper) Small flower (Mike's $ bin), Swiss Dots CB Folder, distressing tool, tiny pearls (Michael's), white mini brad (MM)

Beyond Challenged!

I've been STAMPING! A lot!
I've been inspired.
~By my new SU stuff...I love Sale-a-bration Time!
~By my new friends at TOPS.
(Five very sweet ladies I couldn't wait to make cards for!)
~By all of the great sketches and challenges out there!
~By the hint of spring we had this week.
All of that equals BEYOND CHALLENGED!
I've got 3 cards to show you today and a couple more tomorrow! They all go so well together along with the little bird card I posted yesterday!

This first card I made using Jen's Sketch For You To Try (SFYTT) from last week. I have got to try this week's sketch next...looks great!

My next card combines 2 challenges. The sketch from Card Positioning Systems and the challenge from Our Creative Corner which was to use a tag!

Last, but not least is this last week's Verve- Mojo Monday sketch was promised to be Layerlicious and did not fail! I think it was my favorite!

That's about all from me today... a few more tomorrow.
I received some sad news this morning so I may be doing even more stamping to get my mind off it.
See you soon!
~Angel

Card Recipes:
SFYTT Double Heart Card~
Stamps: Polka Dot Punches (SU) You Bless Me (Stampabilities)
Ink: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Sahara Sand
Paper: Celery, Saffron, White, Delicate Dots DP
Accessories: Swiss Dots CB folder, Scalloped Oval and Oval Punches, small flower(Mike's $ bin), square punch for banner edges, MM mini brads
OCCC/CPS104 Flower Trio Card~ (size is 4.25" square)
Stamps: Polka Dot Punches, Short & Sweet (SU)
Ink: Celery, Saffron, Bashful Blue
Paper: Saffron, Celery, White, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Swiss Dots CB folder, Corner rounder, SU punches- 5 petal flower, 1/2" circle, retired flower, Spellbinder tag trio die, fibers from EK Success & SU
Mojo Psalm 46:10~
Stamps: Polka Dot Punches, Verve- Plain Jane Psalm
Ink: Celery, Bashful Blue
Paper: Celery, Saffron, Bashful blue, White, SU Delicate Dots DP
Accessories: SU Punches: Eyelet Border, Full Heart, Small Flower (Mike's $ bin), MM brads

Featuring My Friend, Jami!

I was so excited to see that my sweet friend, Jami Bova was the Splitcoast Featured Stamper this week. If you aren't familiar with this challenge, the concept is simple... CASE (copy) a card from the Featured Stampers gallery changing a few things to make it your own. I had a lot of fun just browsing through Jami's gallery. She's SUPER talented! I chose this card in her SCS Gallery.
Jami not only stamps, she designs stamps! Her stamp line is available through 2 Red Bananas. I was so excited when Jami's sweet Easter set called "The Gift" arrived in my mailbox a couple of weeks ago!
I've been so busy on other projects that I hadn't had a chance to ink it up until now! The Featured Stamper Challenge was the perfect opportunity!
Thank you for visiting me today!
I'm so glad you did!
~Angel

Card Recipe:
Stamps~ The Gift (2RB)
Ink~ Palette Black, Rose Red, Various Ink Pads for Blender Pen Technique
Paper~ Paper Trey White, Creamy Caramel, SU Print Patterns DP
Accessories~ Classic Scallop Rectangles Nesties, Paper Studio Border punch, small flower punch, pearls, SU Scallop Border punch, Opal Shimmerz, Blender pen, Dimensionals

Pretty Lilies!

I love a challenge. This month our ODBD design team had a challenge and it was a fun one- to send another team member a Valentine or friendship card. And pink was the only requirement. Names were drawn and secretly passed out. I love surprises so it was a no brainer for me. Of course I had to play!
The card I received this week came all the way from Japan! It was from the VERY talented Sita. Isn't it beautiful?

I love the stitching which was on each and every panel! You should know... pictures just don't do the cards justice!
And the card I made went to New York to see the Oh SO sweet Chris. My picture was a little on the bright side and hard to see that back panel which really is PINK! I used SU Candy Lane DP.

Both Sita and I used one of the pretty lilies from the Our Daily Bread Designs set "I am the Way" which you can see certainly doesn't have to be an Easter set!
That's all from me today.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
~Angel

Card Recipes:

Sita's Card (as copied from her blog post here)
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs I Am The Way
Paper: White, Creamy Carmel, Really Rust, DP
Ink: Black, Creamy Carmel
Tools & Accessories: Clear EP, Ribbon, Cuttlebug & Folder, SU Punches, Prismacolor Pencil, Mineral Spirits, Sewing Machine

Love Card~
Stamps: Iam the Way (ODBD), Hope Is (SU)
Ink: Real Red, Lipstick Red Colorbox Chalk
Paper: Real Red, Candy Lane DP, Unknown embossed white DP, white
Accessories: Top Note Die, SU Rub-on, pearls and gems, button and white embroidery floss, Oval punch, Iridescent Ice EP

A Rub-On Challenge

One of my favorite places on the net and one of my favorite blogs of all is Scrapnextras! Laura consistently cranks out such beautiful creations! And not just one a day like me. LOL Her weekend sketch sets are always something I look forward to. So, when Laura issued a Stash Challenge, I was most definitely interested.
I've been collecting stamp supplies for a long time. I've got more than I'll ever use and, well.... that doesn't stop me from collecting either.
One thing I've got a lot of is rub-ons. For some reason they hold a particular allure for me. I think I would have a lot more if they were priced right! As it is I have a shoebox full.
Rub-ons are what Laura and I decided would be our challenge. And it turns out I was good for 2 cards with rub-ons! Who knew? Maybe Laura is rubbing off on me?

Oh, I could only hope!
Here is my rub-on duo! See the recipe for all the details! And don't forget to see what Laura's got up her sleeve!Have a blessed day!
~Angel

Card Recipes:
You're Awesome Card
Stamps~ Oh, none
Ink~ None of that either
Paper~ Old Olive, American Crafts "Metropolitan" DP
Accessories~ American Crafts "Mini Marks" Rub-ons, Soft Sky stitched ribbon (flower & sentiment), K&Co decorative brad

You & Me Card

Stamps~ Nope
Ink~ Nada
Paper~ Baja Breeze. American Crafts "Metropolitan" DPs
Accessories~ Petite Scalloped Circle Nesties, SU "Cherished Memories" Rub-ons, Textured Trios Dotted White ribbon, dimensionals