Combining two challenges...

Happy April...and I could not be happier.  We actually have something to walk on other than snow, slush and ice! Looking forward to some much missed sunshine, however looks like we still have a ways to go before I can break out the swim suit (HA!).  In the meantime, my BFF and I decided to each choose a challenge and we would combine the two, hoping they wouldn't be too hard to meld.
So Cindy chose Just Add Ink's just add critters since she knew my stamp stash was plentiful of four legged friends.

My choice was the weekly sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch.

...and this is what I came up with using the new stamp set from the Simon Says April card kit of the month.  The kit is sold out, but the stamp set is available separately. Pulled out my prismacolor pencils for coloring.

It was fun to see what we picked individually. Here is Cindy's blog post with her adorable rendition.

Comforting Hugs...

Feeling rather uninspired today.  Not sure if it is the ongoing, never ending winter weather we are having or what, but tried to sit down and put something together for a few challenges.  That usually gets the mojo going, but just not feeling it.  Here is what I ended up with....again, not loving it but playing along anyway.

Actually managed to get it to fit with 3 different challenges...
Stamp Ink Paper - color challenge 

Paper Craft Crew - sketch 

Addicted to Stamps - clean and simple

Hoping next weekend will feel a bit more creative.  Until then....hope everyone has a great week.  Since some of you will have a 4 day work week, that can only be a good thing, right?

Happy Easter...

I know...it's a tad early for Easter, since we haven't even made it to Valentine's Day, but had to put a little "spring" in my world.  Just when I was hoping winter had subsided, along comes another 5-6 inches of the white stuff.  Enough!!
This is such a cute image that I grabbed from Prettygrafikdesign on Etsy.  All sets are on sale through January.

Have a great week!

A couple of Newton's Nook...

Seems I was in the mood to fussy cut and paper piece this weekend.  This was a fun card to put together with being able to use so many different cute design papers.  The stamp is Newton's Nook Newton's Nap time.

Next is from Touchdown Tails.  This is a great set if you have those sports lovers on your card making list.  This one is also going in for the sketch challenge with the Paper Craft Crew.

I only need two things...

I am having so much fun with the February Simon Says Card Kit (which is sold out).
Today it was my BFF's turn to pick the challenges that we participate in.  She picked three, but I could not for the life of me, incorporate one of them.

 I did use the cute Paper Craft Crew sketch...

...along with the CAS Mix Up Card Challenge.  This one may be a bit of a stretch.  The challenge was to use 1) Corrigated cardboard..check  2) Stamping...check, and 3) One of many other "your choice" options listed. I chose watercolor which is used on the background.  My concern is that it is a CAS Mix up, and when I look at this card, I don't really see clean and simple.  However, my disclaimer is it's Superbowl Sunday, and I need to get to the party outside my cave, so it will be what it will be!  Plus, I have a very important birthday card to finish up...shhh!!

New digi's...

I found a great little shop on Etsy, Prettygrafikdesign.  They have the cutest images, great service and all are currently on sale for 80% off! That's .99 for a set with multiple images. These little cutie patooties are from a set called Fox Love...perfect for a Valentine card.

 
Challenges entered:
Stamp Ink Paper   -  Sketch    

Simon Says Wednesday   -  Anything goes
Crafty Gals Corner   -  Anything goes
Cute Card Thursday   -  Something fun
Splitcoaststampers   -   Free 4 All Friday - Cuddly/Snuggly

A touch of spring...

This put a little springtime "happy" in my world today.  Haven't used any yellow for months, after all the wintry colors. 

Challenges entered:
 CAS(E) this sketch  -  

Fusion Card Challenge   -     Using the photo    

Just Us Girls   -  Photo inspiration       

                                                             

Several cards on this dreary, winters day....

First post for the day is from the February card kit from Simon Says stamps.  This is one of my favorites...with my love of coffee and such.  It not only includes a great stamp set and other goodies, but the little coffee cup die is to die for!

Challenges entered:
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge   -   Anything goes
Cute Card Thursday   -   Something Cute
Crafty Gals Corner    -   Anything goes

Pawsome pup

Here we are, Sunday evening and once again, where did the weekend go?  I did manage to try a new recipe for Lemon Raspberry Zucchini Bread that I had saved on Pinterest awhile back. I HIGHLY recommend.  Absolutely delicious!!  Also found time to make a card for the Sending Paw Prints challenge. This "challenged" us to use the color blue in our pet themed cards. Sending this card along with last weeks entries to Sending Paw Prints to share with animal shelters and rescue groups.

Had a blast playing with my new Prismacolor pencils. The pup is from a stamp set by Newton's Nook called Fetching Friendship.  The greeting is one of Simon Says Stamps, You Are Pawsome. Paper pieced his scarf.
Also joined Cut Card Thursday's challenge that required the use of cool colors.
Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Digi fun

Happy Saturday!Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my weekends? It has been crazy busy in my work life, so when it comes time to play at home in the company of my fur kids and hubby (not necessarily in that order..), it is cherished.  Speaking of cherished time, there seems to be a lot of tragic loses in my work families lives lately.  Feeling very grateful for every one in my life that I am blessed to still have around me.

For today's card, I wanted to try some new digi stamps.  Found this one over at Gerda Steiner Designs called Hedgehog Smooches.  I entered this in their fun monthly challenge  where you use one of their designs, then they will send you a free digi for the next months challenge. 

I colored them first with copics, then played with adding shadows with my prismacolor pencils.  Just broke down and bought the 150 set here for a great price.  Heading back to the cave to play with them some more!

Make a Wish

Today's card just about lost me a "challenge" buddy.  It was my turn to pick the challenge(s) and when I suggested we participate in 4 with the one card, I didn't feel many warm, fuzzies.  However, being the trooper that she is, (and the fact that she loves me!), here we go! The stamp sets used are both from Lawn Fawn, Critters in the Forest and Party Animals. The dies are Simon Says Stitched Circles and Stitched Banner Wafer Dies.  

 Challenges enter are:

CAS(E) this sketch  

Stamping our Stash - using Stickles
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Winter Birthday
CASology - Forest Theme

Tim Holtz tree stencil

Had to squeeze one more challenge in for the weekend.  This one is for MFT Card Sketch Challenge .

I used the Tim Holtz tree stencil which gives a really pretty 3D effect with the layering. The sequence are coming off with a pinkish tint in the picture. 😒

Great blog find...

While checking out some new blogs this morning (yes, another glorious day before back to work tomorrow), I ran across this one...Sending Paw Prints.  Not only is she starting up a monthly themed challenge, but you can also send the card and it will be donated to a shelter/rescue group so they can send thank you's to foster parents, donors and volunteers. What a great way to participate in a wonderful cause.
Couldn't help but ink up some of those loved pet stamp sets I have been hoarding saving!

A New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! It's been a fairly busy fall/holiday season around here.  Seems like one thing lead to another and when the week was over, there had been no time for the craft cave!  Perhaps my priorities need an adjustment!  I did score an unhealthy amount of stamp sets and dies from Santa, so here's to a brand new year with brand new resolutions....MAKE TIME TO CREATE!!
Nothing like a best friend miles away (but as close as technology allows) and a few challenges to get the jump start on the year.
This one is a sketch from Freshly Made Sketches

and Dragonflyjourneys blog which has the theme of 2017 - Year of the Rooster.

Many of the challenges were closed for the holidays, but we managed to find a few that were still open.  We are having quite the snow storm here is Washington today, so what a better day to dive back in and hopefully have another card to share soon.  Again, hoping everyone has a wonderful, prosperous New Year!!