Bah! Humbug! Challenge -- Penguins!

Following the Bah! Humbug! Christmas challenge helps to keep me on track for the holidays, which are less than six months away!  But since I have missed a few challenges lately I have some catching up to do.  Not only that but the ladies will throw me in the Humbugger Hall dungeon for being AWOL. ;-)  So this week we are playing with penguins!  Who doesn't love these incredible birds?  I've had this penguin and mouse stamp from House Mouse Designs for ages so I knew in an instant what I would use for this week's challenge.

Don't ya just love this little scene?  I colored the image with Copics.  I tried to do a northern lights effect in the sky but that was a major disaster, so I pulled out a piece of silver metallic cardstock. They call this embossed metallic but it makes me think of the pattern in grosgrain ribbon.  In any case, I got the effect I wanted -- even better.  The card layout is very simple. The image is mounted on a piece of red cs for a touch of color, then those mounted on a silver glitter cs.  A simple polka dot ribbon wrapped around that and all mounted on a black card base.  The card itself is 5 1/4" square.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I have more cards to get done so I'd best be moving on.  But before you move on please hop over to Bah! Humbug! for more holiday inspiration.

Flowers, Flutters, Fairies, Fancy Folds + Color Combo + Simon Says

Mo Manning's DP2 Challenge this week is all about Flowers, Flutters, Fairies, and Fancy Folds.  I made a card that covers two of the four..... well, maybe three of the four if you count the white bow as a fancy fold.  Now for the color combo: as I was browsing blogs this morning I stumbled upon the SPCC Challenge, which just happened to have the color combo that I had just colored.  Then visiting the blog of one of my favorite sketch designers, Jane at Jane's Lovely Cards, I found a sketch that I just had to play with and she happens to be this week's designer for Simon Says Stamp Challenge.  Thus, this card is going into three challenges, a rarity for me.

This started with an image for Mo Manning's DP2 challenge.  Her new "housework fairy" is my idea of a fairy godmother and I keep wishing she would come to my house!  Along with the fairy I have flowers and a fancy folded ribbon bow -- a bit of a stretch for fancy fold, which, I'm sure was intended to be the card fold. Oh, well, there is enough on this card to make it interesting!  I'm not much for CAS --- there are just too many pretty papers and embellies out there!

The fairy is colored with Copics, as lightly as I possibly could.  I love to layer on the color! The dp is from K & Co Watercolor Bouquet collection as is the strip of flowers along the bottom half of the card.

The inside of the card has some of the paper scraps to dress it up a bit.

Here is the color combo for this week from Scrapmaster's Paradise.  Being new to this challenge, a quick browse of temptingly delicious color combos will have me returning, especially when I need inspiration for a new color scheme. These are Stampin' Up colors, but beginning next week the Copic equivalents will be posted as well.  Woo hoo!  I don't remember the specific colors used here, but suffice to say they were pale Bs, BGs and RVs. 

Finally, here is Jane's amazing sketch which is the theme at Simon Says Stamp Challenge this week.  Can you see why I just had to play with this sketch? 

Well, yes, this is my second post of the day.  Since I have several cards to make, and some actually meet challenges, it just might be a busy week!

Sassy Cheryl's Challenge --- Gift Card Holder for New Baby

I finally finished a card for Sassy Cheryl's challenge but have to get it posted very quickly!  Tomorrow will be a whole new challenge.  Well, that's tomorrow....... today I am posting this pillow box for the challenge "Gift Card Holder for New Baby." 

This image is called "Artificial Flower Girl" but I think she is just as real as can be and absolutely adorable.  I took a little different twist on the new baby theme, as you will see in a minute.  The dp is some hot pink stripes cardstock I've had for quite awhile. Same for the flowers and brad.  But the image is new and I colored her with bright pink Copics.

Here is the pillow box.  I know that templates are readily available, but I disassembled packaging that a pair of trouser socks came in. It was the perfect size for gift containers.  Never let a box go to waste!

On the inside was a liner in this shape, so I used it as a template, too, and did a computer-generated image of a gift card (actual size).  The sentiment (I made it up) is the different twist I was talking about for this "new baby" card.  In any case, it's a great little box for the gift card with room for a small item, too. 

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope your week is starting off well.  Be sure to hop over to Sassy Cheryl's to see the inspiring creations by the design team

Card #3 for the Bachelorette Bash

Card #3, in the series of cards for my future daughter-in-law, has more to do with the Bachelorette Bash, to be held at a later date.  I used two images for this one.

On the front is "Aunt Flo" from Mo Manning.  She is colored with Copics and I made it as drab as I could.  The sentiment is my own -- creative, eh? The dp is wrinkled burlap scrapbook paper and a corduroy brad holds the sentiment tag.

She looks pretty grim............

This is the inside of the card.  I computer generated the "Partaaaay!" background. The image is from Kenny K's new wedding collection.  Quite the contrast. 

Colored with Copics, of course, and cut out with Nesties Labels Ten. 

This is Paula when she saw Aunt Flo on the front of the card.........

...... and when she saw the inside!

This is Paula's mother when she saw the front of the card............

....... and when she saw the inside! Yep, I got the reaction I was going for!

That is my series of cards for Paula's shower.  Now there is the wedding card to make.  That has to be really special!  Thanks for stopping by.  I hope this card brought you a chuckle or two, also.

Card #2 for Bridal Shower

Big thanks to everyone who posted comments here and on FB about yesterday's card for my future d-i-l.  Now here is the second card, which is the one I gave her. 

After I found the new wedding digis at Kenny K I just had to have them! This one is called "Wedding Dance" and I have seen Scott and Paula do this hip-bump.  It is so typical of the joy they show everyday.  The dp of wedding cakes and flutes is by The Paper Studio that I had just found at Hobby Lobby.  I used a paper doily, velvet embossed ribbon and a medallion from the Making Memories Black Tie collection.

The image is colored with Copics and sparkled with Spica gold on the tiara and p.o.b. (point of bump)

The inside sentiment is from the Printshop 21.  Like I've said before, I'm just not good at writing sentiments, so I'm happy when I can find one that is just right!

Paula liked this card, too, and mentioned the hip-bump action.  The wedding is on all our minds right now and everything that catches my eye is wedding related.  So, when you see Card #3 (hopefully tomorrow) there will be TWO images -- by two different artists.  Thanks again for stopping by.  Have a joy-filled week!

Card #1 for Bridal Shower

We are in serious countdown mode for Scott and Paula's wedding! Just 40 days away!  Yesterday was Paula's Bridal Shower hosted by her maid of honor and her sister-in-law. What a wonderful party and we met more of Paula's family and many of her friends. I must say I was honored to be in their company!  Mom and I went together, making it a one day trip to the Kansas City area.  Along with a beautiful gathering of lovely ladies, we had good weather and an easy drive.  Mom and I never want for something to talk about.... but that's a whole different story........

I made three cards for Paula.  One for Mom to give her, one for me to give her, and one for her Bachelorette Bash, to be held later.  Today I am posting the card Mom gave her.  The image is one of Mo Manning's new digis called "Married".  I used gold metallic for the background and The Luxury Stack by DCWV for the front.  With silk flowers from the bridal department at Michaels, a pearl swirl, and a 3D sticker from a wedding collection, it makes for a fun card with a touch of elegance.

I colored the image with Copics, resisting my urge to slather on the colors!  I did highlight the bride's gown with gold Spica markers.

The inside is a sentiment from the book The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Card. I'm not good at creating card sentiments so this book is like gold to me! 

Paula liked the card then looked forward to what the other two cards had in store.  I will share those with you, too.... over the next couple of days!

Thanks for stopping by on this wonderful Father's Day!  I hope all the dad's out there are being pampered!

Sassy Cheryl's Challenge --- Tent Card

Sassy Cheryl's challenge this week is to make a tent card. This is one of my favorite card styles.  I made one a few months ago and sent it to my shy and elusive 4-year-old grandniece. The next time I saw her she remembered the card and I scored lots of points with her!  I'm not sure who will get this card.  Maybe my hubby since he loves to fish (and I don't) and he's just a big kid about it! 

I used Cheryl's "Fishing Day" digital image and colored it with Copics.  I had tried something different with the sky and it came out looking pretty gloomy, so I fiddled with it long enough to make it look like a nice rainy spring day.  I hear that fishing is good in the rain. 

I like using double-sided dp for tent cards. This piece was from my stash of Daisy D's that I've had for years.  The leaves and flowers are from silk stems I bought at Hobby Lobby. I like the look of reeds alongside the opening.

The sentiment and sign are computer-generated using Print Shop Pro Publisher.

Fishing isn't for me unless I'm lounging on a luxurious houseboat with all the comforts of home --- and someone else cleans and cooks the fish!  Since I don't have or ever will have a luxurious houseboat, I'll be sitting on the shore with a good book and cold beer.  Happy fishing!

Bah! Humbug! Challenge --- Whateva, aka Teenagers!

The ladies at Bah! Humbug! come up with the most creative challenges! This week we are making holiday cards for (or about) teenagers. To see the path from "Whateva" to "Teenagers" be sure to visit the challenge here. It will all make sense, just in case you don't have teenagers.

I used Christmas Leslie from Karber Digital Images for my card. The digital dp is also by Karber Digital Images and is one of a set of 5 designs.

I don't know if Christmas Leslie is a teenager or not, but she sure is a cutie!  I think girls of any age would like this card....... especially if it was attached to some bling! Eh?

Be sure to hop over to Bah! Humbug! to see the DT's terrific projects...... and thanks for stopping by here today!

Design D.I.V.A.S. "Oldies But Goodies" June Blog Hop

It is already that time --- the third Wednesday of the month and time for the Design D.I.V.A.S. Oldies But Goodies blog hop.  This is when we use neglected and forgotten items from our stashes.  The Design D.I.V.A.S. is a private Facebook group, which is a branch of the Original Design D.I.V.A.S. on the Splitcoaststampers website. The acronym for the D.I.V.A.S is, Divine, Inspirational, Virtuous, Artistic (or annointed) Sistahs. This is a very talented and supportive group, which I'm blessed to be a part of .  If you came here from the uber-talented Carolyn's blog you are on the right track.  She is a tough act to follow and I am honored to be in her company! To start at the beginning of the hop pop on over to see what our amazing Mary G. has put together.

I used my OBGs for a Father's Day card for my uncle.

The OBG here is the set of Tim Holtz clear stamps named "The Journey". The cars and speedometer are from that set.  I stamped them on Kraft card stock and embossed with opaque black embossing powder.  The gold card stock is embossed with the diamonds embossing folder by Cuttlebug.  I haven't used that much, either.  I didn't have a particular sketch in mind when I started the card, so at some point (several points, actually) I wasn't happy with what was happening on the Kraft card stock base.  Then I found the black and white houndstooth ribbon.  That seemed to keep the "triangle" rule going.

Anywho, I used a sparkly embossing powder for the sentiment but it doesn't show up very well in the photo.  IRL it looks ok, but I think I should have done it in black.  The brad on the sentiment tag is a cool vintage looking leftover from a mostly used up set.  I think my uncle will like this even though I am not totally thrilled.  I'm a little spoiled by him --- he likes everything I do.  :-P

Thanks for hopping along with us today.  Now, off you go to Angie's blog where you are sure to be delighted with her project!

Peaches

I almost forgot to post this little cutie!  Meet "Peaches" by Mo Manning.  I took this image along with me to color while playing at Peggy's last week.  While we colored and chatted I did this image with Copics.  Then I got to explore through Peggy's fantastic stash of papers to make this card.  Just when I thought I had all the paper in the world, I discovered a whole new planet of dps at Peggy's! 

I had printed the image a bit larger than normal so I let it take a bigger share of the 5.5 x 5.5 inch square card.  I don't work well with greens and oranges, but I do like the way this came out. 

And here is Peaches' close-up.  I'd sure like to find a peach that big and juicy!

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope your week if off to a terrific start!

Google and Blogger Commenting -- Part 2: Good news.....

Good news, at least for now............ First, thank you Donna, Carolyn, Cathy, and Starla for your tips and advice.  I, too, had noticed that the commenting problem was only with the embedded comment format AND I had the "Stay Signed In" box checked.  So, I unchecked the box and was able to put a comment on Carolyn's blog --- whoohoo!  So, so far so good!  I have considered putting in another browser, maybe Chrome since it is Google.  But for now all seems to be working.  Now back to hopping!

Google and Blogger Interferring With My Commenting! Ugh!

Is anyone else having trouble getting comments to stick on Blogger?  I've been trying to leave comments but on some I'm redirected to the log-in page --- repeatedly --- and my comments won't take.  How frustrating!!  Anyway, I am visiting and admiring all I see.  I just wish I could let you know!

Bah! Humbug! Challenge --- Surprise!

The Bah! Humbug! theme this week is "Surprise!"  Well, the surprise might just as well be --- ME!  I was hijacked by the Easter Bunny back in April and have been AWOL from the Humbugger haunts for way too long!  My mojo has reappeared of late, so I'm getting a card in for this week's challenge.

The theme left it pretty open for us so I thought I'd try something I've had in my head for quite sometime.

This card is made from a photo of one of my own Christmas ornaments.  I've used the photo on cards for the past few years, but never with the pyramid stacking like this.  I made 5 prints of the photo then cut the layers with the Nesties circles.  They are mounted with three-D glue spots.  The card base is simple gold metallic card stock and a layer of red under the photo.

Here's a close-up.  I like this technique and the Nesties make it sooooo easy!!  I also have, literally, thousands of photos in my files, so.......... should I do more?  I think so, and not just for Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by and for more Christmas inspiration be sure to hop on over to Bah! Humbug!  You won't be disappointed!

Brothers

Finally, the fourth of the four cards I made last Wednesday!  When Mom and I made our Mother's Day tour to Iowa last month I had the opportunity to take lots of photos, especially of my two grand-nephews, Zander and Dylan.  They were playing catch with their dad and my son.  The action shots were great fun and I put all the photos on CDs for them.  This card was a simple notecard to go with the CD. 

From the first time I saw Mo Manning's image called "Brothers" I thought about Zander and Dylan.  This image is colored with Copics and I practiced more of the fluffy little clouds I like to do with the colorless blender.

Here's a close-up of the colored image.

This is the real Zander, age 4. He is the intellectual and there is no getting anything past him!

And here is the real Dylan, age 2 1/2.  Can you tell he is a little pistol??

Thanks for stopping by today and letting me share these precious boys with you!