ATSM - Challenge #101 - Anything Goes

Hello friends, today I post with a mix of emotions as it is my last post 

for Addicted to Stamps and More!

Nearly two years ago this really lovely lady named Kylie 

offered me an opportunity to be on her challenge blog.  I was still pretty new 

to the blogging scene and not terribly confident in my card-making skills. 

 I had applied to a couple other challenges and received a "no thank you". 

Not that I blame them as I wasn't nearly at the caliber of some of their other team members.  When I applied with ATSM I fully expected the same answer, 

but to my delight I was accepted.  

Lately it's been challenging to keep up with everything and I knew that these next few months are going to be really busy.  I needed a bit of a break to re-group my personal life, and at the same time felt an inexplicable tug to try something new.  I didn't want to let the wonderful ASTM team down or ask for special favors, so I decided it was time to step down.  Change is good.  If we don't change we don't grow.  One really good change you will see is there will be several new talented DT members joining the ATSM crew in July.  

You are going to be wowed by their talents and personalities.  

Well I'd better get to announcing the ATSM Challenge #101 - Anything Goes 

and show you my DT Card.  We have a fantastic sponsor this week

and I've used one of the sponsor images on my card this week. Take a look:

It's kind of hard to tell (unless you zoom in) but those stripes on the dsp

are candles. Lots and lots of candles.  Still using my new banner die - just love it. 

I haven't put a sentiment on the inside yet but I think it might make reference to 

all those candles compared to that itty bitty cake :o). 

As I said, I move on with very mixed emotions.  Soooo love the ATSM team (especially Kylie - hehehe)! I've had so much fun on the ATSM Challenge DT.  I have seen many changes, met some amazing women who I will treasure our online relationship with 

forever (and hope to meet all of them in person one day), received tremendous 

support and encouragement and dare I say it...even improved a lot in my card making 

skills (and confidence) through the challenges.

Very sad to say goodbye :o(.  But...ready to embrace a change.     

It's not good-bye really, it's see you later (for now).  Kylie you aren't totally rid of me 

as I'll be joining in on some of the challenges :o). 

Today I'm linking up with these challenges:

Seize the Birthday - Anything Goes (NO topping option)

Sister Act Card Challenge #62 - Anything Goes

Suzy Bee's Bloomin Challenge #34 - Anything Goes

Let's Craft and Create - Challenge #93 - Spots and/or Stripes

Brown Sugar Challenge Blog #99 - Dots and/or Stripes

I hope that you will decide to join us this week at ATSM #101 - Anything Goes.

Please go visit the rest of the DT members and see what they have to share

with and inspire you.  Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY ATSM - Challenge #100 - Photo Inspiration

Hello friends!  ATSM Challenge #100 marks the 2nd year of Addicted to Stamps and More!  

Whoo Hoo!!

Thank you to our amazing leader Kylie who keeps it all fresh and fun for her DT team :o)

We've had so much fun inspiring you each week and seeing your amazing creations.  

How very blessed we are that you continue to support us and play along in our challenges.  

Take a look at the gorgeous Photo Inspiration we have for ATSM Challenge #100. 

So many possibilities with this one... rainbows, rain, umbrellas, summer, bright colors!

Our sponsor for ATSM Challenge #100 is Stitchy Bear's Digi Outlet

and they have generously provided our DT with some images to use for this challenge.

I made two cards this week to inspire you - take a look!

Sponsor image - BB Kakes  "Rainy Days"

I decided to make this a birthday card in celebration of ATSM's 2nd Birthday.

I used a combo of Stampin Up! new blendabilities markers 

(coastal cabana, old olive, daffodil delight) 

and copic markers (BG 10, R20, RV02, RV06, W0, W2, W4, N6).

Check out that paper - isn't it a great compliment to this image :o) LOVE it! 

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafting from the Heart - Challenge #23 "Anything Goes"

Sentimental Sundays - Challenge #211 "Animals"

Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenges #33 - Celebrate

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper June Challenge

And now for my second card:

Sponsor image - Stitchy Stamps "Flip Flops"

I'm especially excited about how this card turned out.

Not only did I manage to do a fairly good job on coloring suntan skin,

but I also colored a beach scene.  Please forgive me if it seems that I'm

bragging - I'm just so excited, I can't help myself :o)

If you'd like to learn how to color a beach scene,   

There's a great photo tutorial on the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog

by Krafty Girl Deborah who shows us how to color a beach scene.

Go check out Krafty Tips & Tuts - Week #19 to learn how. 

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Girls Challenge #20 -Anything Goes

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge: Sweet Pea (floral)

Fusion (the bright colors and flowers were my inspiration)

Love to Create Challenge Blog - Challenge #120 - Anything goes

613 Avenue Create - Challenge #76 - "Anything Goes w/ optional twist (no twist for me)

The rest of the talented team at ATSM have made some gorgeous 

cards to further inspire you to join our birthday celebration.

I hope to see your crafty creations in our gallery this week!

Please say "hi" while you're there too - we love to hear from you :o).

Til next time lovely friends...hugs and happy crafting! D

ATSM #99 CAS

Hello friends and followers - so happy you've stopped by to visit me today!  

Time for another weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More!

ATSM Challenge #99 is CAS and we have a wonderful sponsor

Here's my DT card using a fun sponsor image:

Clean and Simple (CAS) is a tough one for me and this might just be pushing

the limits a bit as I've added that strip of dsp and a little layering. 

I did my best to follow the CAS style - the image is really the focal point,

 and there is a fair amount of "white" (non patterned space) at the top.   

I just couldn't resist adding that dsp. It looks like the ants are tromping across a picnic cloth.

If you want to see some examples of truly CAS card making, you should go

visit the lovely DT members at ATSM this week.  They definitely don't

have any struggles with this style and amaze and inspire me every month.

I hope that you will decide to join us for ATSM Challenge #99 - CAS!

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafting from the Heart Challenge #22 - Anything Goes

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes

Sister Act Card Challenge #60 - Anything Goes

That's all for me today :o)

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me today - I'm sure glad that you did.

Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

    

ATSM Challenge #98 Holiday

Hello friends!  Welcome to my newest follower - so happy to have you join me.

Time for another fun challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More!

This week ATSM Challenge #98 is Holiday.  We want to see your holiday creations

for Christmas, Spring Break, Grandparent's Day, Father's Day, 4th of July, a holiday vacation, etc.

We have a fabulous sponsor for this challenge

 who is offering our TOP ADDICT a wonderful prize.

My DT card is for Thanksgiving and uses a digi by Kathryne called "Autumn Delight".

I went a little banner crazy as I just got my new die in the mail a few days ago.  

I've seen this on lots of projects and felt that I just had to have it too :o)

I also got these fun new papers by Doodlebug at the same time.

I used my Stampin' Up Blendabilities for everything except the shoes and fence.

Really happy with how this turned out. Hope you like it too. 

I am also entering my card in the following challenges:
The Corrosive Challenge Blog #200  Celebration - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz - Challenge #233 Anything Goes
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge #31 - Layer it Up
The Outlawz Challenges - Twisted Thursday - Twist Anything Goes

My lovely ATSM DT pals have made some awesome holiday creations

to inspire you to play along this week.  Please go visit them and say "hi".
I hope to see your card in our gallery and come visiting you soon!

Til next time crafty friends...hugs and happy crafting! D

Praying for You - ATSM #97 Make Your Mark

Hello friends! Time for another great challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More!

This week ATSM Challenge #97 is Make Your Mark.  

We have an awesome sponsor - Eureka Stamps with an awesome prize for our Top Addict.

Check out the official challenge to learn more.

 For my DT card this week I've used one of the sponsor images - take a look:

I had so much fun coloring this gorgeous image.

I even tried my hand at the subtly dotted background again.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit a butterfly habitat area

that was in the Smithonian Museum.  It was the most amazing experience to 

have all these beautiful butterflies floating around.  I'll never forget it.   

I've had a crazy last couple of weeks so I'll keep my post short for today. 

But I'm sure glad that you came by to visit me and I hope that you will 

also go check out the lovely creations that my fabulous DT pals

over at ATSM have made for you to as well.  You'll be really glad that you did!

Til next time friends...hugs and happy crafting! D

ATSM Challenge #96 - Anything Goes {I think you're lovely}

Hello friends and followers - hope that you are having a most wonderful day!

Time for a new challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More! 

ATSM #94 is Anything Goes - one of our most popular challenges.

We have a fabulous sponsor for this challenge - Rick St. dennis

Rick has generously allowed our DT to select one of his digital images to create

with for this challenge.  Soooo many awesome images - it was hard to choose.

I finally settled on one that reminds me of a friend of mine.

Here's my ATSM DT card to share with you using "Morning Goddess":

Now don't you agree that she is lovely? 

I love her fancy high heeled slippers.

I can't wear shoes with that much of a heel during the day 

much less shortly after waking up and before 3 - 4 cups of strong coffee :o)

Please go check out the gorgeous work by my ATSM DT pals for more inspiration.

I hope to see your card in the gallery soon! 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Feeling Crafty Challenges #28 - One for the Girls/Ladies

Til next time....hugs and happy crafting! D

Photo Inspiration - ATSM Challenge #95

Hello lovelies!  Time for another weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More! 

ATSM Challenge #95 is a photo inspiration challenge based on this great image:

Now how gorgeous is that? 

All that pink makes my heart happy :o)

You can choose any portion of this photo as your inspiration -

colors, bird(s) or flowers.

We have an awesome new sponsor this week 

who is offering an awesome prize to our TOP ADDICT.

My DT card this week uses an image by one of the Stitchy Bear artists 

Take a look:

This fabulous digital image is by Hope Jacar called "Birds and Babies"

I had a lot of fun coloring this image.  I decided to practice some more dotted 

background  technique with my copics.  I wasn't sure that I liked it but my best 

 (and most honest) critic walked in the craft room as I was finishing it and said, 

"Oh Mom that is GORGEOUS!"  

So I decided that I liked it after all :o)

The other talented ladies on the ATSM DT have made some wonderful

cards to inspire you this week as well.  I hope that you will go check

out their blogs and leave them a little love.  

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafting from the Heart - Challenge #18 "anything goes"

Sister Act Card Challenge #56 - "anything goes"

I sure hope that you will be joining us this week at ATSM!

Til next week...hugs and happy crafting! D

ATSM Challenge #94 CAS

Hello friends, hope each and every one of you are doing well today :o)

Here it is the first challenge of May at Addicted to Stamps and More- my how time flies!

ATSM Challenge #94 is CAS (Clean and Simple).

You may have notice that stenciling has been quite the rage lately.

After seeing many amazing examples and watching a couple videos on this technique

I decided to give it a go.  It turned out to be so much fun that I taught it to my card group.

Here's one of my cards that I made using a plastic painting stencil:

A big, bold image can still be CAS if you keep all other elements such as 

layers and embellishments minimal, and leave some white space around it.  

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

613 Avenue Create - Challenge #70 Anything Goes (no twist for me)

Crazy 4 Challenges 234 - April Showers Bring May Flowers

Dragon Fly Dreams Challenge #5 - How Does Your Garden Grow 

Less Is More Week 170 Color Challenge - use 3 colors or 3 shades of color

(I used 3 colors: Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight & Gumball Green)

Love to Create Challenge #114 - Say it With Flowers

STAMPlorations - May Challenge: Stamps & Flowers (my sentiment is stamped)

Suzy B's Bloomin Challenge #27 - Anything Goes

I hope that I've inspired you to play along with ATSM Challenge #94 CAS this week. 

My lovely and uber CAS talented ATSM DT pals have made some gorgeous

CAS cards to further inspire you.  Please go visit them and say "hi". 

Our sponsor for this challenge is Kathryne from StampArt Design

If you haven't checked out her images, you definitely should. They are so cute! 

Thanks so much for stopping in to visit me today! 

Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

Addicted to Stamps and More! Challenge #93 - Holiday

Hello friends - so happy that you've popped in to visit me today!

Time for another weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More (ATSM)!

ATSM Challenge #93 is "Holiday".  You get to choose which holiday -
or maybe your creation is about a holiday
(oh man would I LOVE a holiday to somewhere tropical about now).

We have a wonderful sponsor again this week - ARandomFan

Here's my DT card using one of the sponsor images called Moonlight Dream.

I made this card for Mother's Day. The inside says "begin with you".

I left the "Mother's Day" sentiment off the card because 

I thought it would be good for someone to give to a special woman friend

if they don't have a mother any more but want to recognize a special relationship

with someone who is like a mother, or just to celebrate them on  the holiday.

I hope that you will decide to join us this week with a holiday card or creation.

The rest of my lovely ATSM DT pals have made some wonderful holiday cards

to inspire you to play along.  Won't you please go visit them too?

Oh...and if you use one of the sponsor images (like I did) you could also link up to the

ARandomFan Challenge #7 - Anything Goes.  This is my second entry there.

I'm also linking up to the following challenges:

Through the Craft Room Door - TTCRD April 29 - May 5th "Anything Goes"

The Outlawz - Monday Greetings (Anything Goes this week).

So that's it for me tonight :o).

Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

Life...Enjoy the Ride! ATS&M Challenge #92

Hello friends - I'm running a bit behind today in getting my post out!  

Time for another weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More!

This week ATS&M Challenge #92 is "Make Your Mark".

This is a personal favorite of mine as I LOVE to use my copic markers.

You, however, can use any kind of coloring medium you wish...

markers, crayons, watercoloring, chalks, paint - just Color :o)

This week we are once again sponsored by ARandomFan

who is offering a wonderful prize of 3 digis to our TOP ADDICT this week.

Here is my DT card this week using one of our sponsor's digital images:

Digital image by ARandonFan - "Monet's Bike" 

I had soooo much fun coloring up this image and am particularly pleased 

with the fact that I can see that my practice with shading, and coloring hair and skin 

is starting to pay off.  That skinny little bike was a bit of a challenge though :o)

This card just makes me feel happy. I hope it does you too!

The rest of my lovely DT pals have also made some wonderful creations to 

share with and inspire you this week.  I hope you will go visit them and say "Hi".

I can't wait to see what you color up for ATS&M Challenge #92 - Make Your Mark!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Digi Galore - Flowers

Inkspirational Designer's Choice - Sketch Challenge #54

Crafty Girls Challenge #16 - Anything Goes

Through the Purple Haze Challenge - Creativity Strikes #38

Crafting from the Heart - Challenge #15 Anything Goes

Through the Craft Room Door - TTCRD April 22nd to April 28th Anything Goes

ARandomFan - Challenge #7 - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me - I'm sure glad that you did!
Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

ATSM #91 - Anything Goes

Hello friends! Time for another challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More! 

ATSM Challenge #91 is "ANYTHING GOES" - Yahoo!! This is a very popular challenge.
I'm already getting my fingers all nimbled up to be leaving lots of comments this week :o)  

We have a fabulous sponsor this week - ARandomFan

Here's my card using the sponsor image called "Underwear Hero":

This image reminds me so much of my own son (who is now in college).
He used to grab the underwear out of the basket (usually clean ones :o))
and put them on his head racing through the room dressed much
like this image is (no shoes though).  He might be a bit mortified that
I shared this with you but it's a wonderful memory!

I've mentioned a time or two that I've been taking some on-line skin and hair

coloring classes.  I actually colored this image quite early on before

I had gotten too far into the hair tutorials.  Kind of disappointed with how

the hair turned out - but then I have to remember that I'm still learning

and this image is just too cute not to share with you.  

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

FUSION - I used the sketch (rotated)

and
Feeling Crafty Challenge #27 - Anything for a Child
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - April

I hope that you will go visit the rest of my lovely DT pals at ATS&M and
see their wonderful creations too.  I can't wait to see what you make!
Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

Happy Birthday Wishes...ATS&M#90 {Photo Inspiration}

Hello friends! Hope your week is going well. I had a wonderful talk with my son last night.  

He's doing so well in college and his job - and he has a wonderful girlfriend.  

Makes my heart happy to hear him so happy! I was especially tickled
because he said that he saw one of my cards that I posted on Facebook
and was showing it to his roommate and bosses.  

What a great kid I have showing off his mama's mad card-makin' skills - LOL!! 

I see that I also have a new follower - welcome! So glad you have you along. 

Speaking of mad card-makin' skills - we have a  fabulous Guest Designer this week - Bonnie, 

and a new challenge for you over at ATS&M.  Challenge #90 is a Photo Inspiration. 

We would like to see your mad card-makin' skills using the photo above for inspiration.

So many things in here to inspire you - the eggs, ovals,

Easter, bright colors, flowers,blue sky, Spring, etc.  What will you make?

Here's what I made this week to inspire you:

Digital image by ARandomFan - "Party Animal"

I was totally inspired by the bright, fun colors in this photo. 

Who can resist such a cute little monster? Not me :o)

This cute digital image is by our challenge sponsor this month - ARandomFan who generously 

provided our DT with some images to use 

and is offering a prize to our TOP ADDICT 

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Girls Challenges #15 - Anything Goes

Feeling Crafty Challenges - Anything for a Child Challenge #27

4 Crafty Chicks Challenges #188 - Color a Stamped Image (digi or rubber)

The rest of my lovely DT pals at ATS&M have also made some amazing creations 

to share with and inspire you this week. I hope you will go visit them as well and 

say "hi".  We love to  hear from you, and can't wait to see what you make!

 Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

ATS&M Challenge #89 - CAS

Hello friends and followers - so nice to have you stop by today to visit my blog.

Oh gosh - here it is a new month already.  March came in and out like a lion here.

Now I guess we will be looking forward to April showers and spring flowers. 

Time for another weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More! 

ATS&M Challenge #89 is CAS.

You can pick any theme or color to use as long as it's Clean and Simple.

CAS means little or no embellishments, limited layers 

and open space around the main image  (generally called white space 

- but it doesn't have to be "white" - just uncluttered and not too busy for the eye).  

Here's my DT card to share with you this week:

The darling image on my card is by our ATS&M Sponsor this week, Kathryne from StampArt Design

there is a prize of 5 digis up for grabs to our Top Addict this week.

Will it be you?  It's kind of like winning the lottery - you can't win if you don't play.

That's what my husband tells me each week as he buys his tickets.  

But so far I still have to go to work each week.  I'm just saying...

He might have better luck at entering handmade cards in some challenges - LOL.

Oh well - I don't talk about his buying lotto tickets and he doesn't talk about

the boxes that get left on our door step quite often with my newest treasures :o)

Someday he might actually win & I can make cards all day long & get lots of boxes - hehe.

But I digress... back to the ATS&M Challenge #89 CAS details.

We have a new guest designer for the next couple of challenges - 

the sweet and uber-talented Bonnie Klass from Stamping with Klass.  

Please go check out the inspiration from the rest of our lovely DT this week .  

While you are visiting them leave a little love if you are so inclined.  

We love to hear from you! 

I am entering my card in the following challenges:

613 Avenue Create #65 - "Anything Goes" w/optional twist Create you Own Color Challenge

I didn't see my color combo listed so not sure if I meet the option part - blue, coral and green.

and

Simply Create Too Challenge #58 - "Easter or use Bunnies"

Hope to see your cards/creations in the ATS&M gallery this week. 

 Til next time... hugs and happy crafting! D

Easter Wishes - ATS&M Challenge #88 - Holiday

Hello friends! Time for another weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More!  This time the challenge is our Holiday Challenge.  That means you can make any holiday themed card or project.  

We have the wonderfully creative Anni as our guest designer again this week. 

Check out her blog - you'll be glad that you did. 

Here's my DT card to share with you for ATSM Challenge #88 - Holiday.

This is a CASE of a card that a friend of mine, Marlene (whom I also affectionately call ET) had made using the watercoloring technique.  I embossed the stamped image prior to putting on the watercolor so that I would know where I wanted each color to go.  I had so much fun making this card and am really pleased with how all the colors turned out!  Isn't it fun to be inspired by others?  I hope that I've now inspired you to play along with us this week at ATS&M Challenge #88 Holiday.  The rest of our lovely DT members have made some wonderful creations to share with and inspire you as well.  Please go visit and say "hi".

Thanks once again to our wonderful challenge sponsor Shery from STAMPlorations who is offering a prize to our challenge winner this week.

  
I am also entering my card in these challenges:
Crazy 4 Challenges 228 (C4C228) Shake your Thing (Free for All)
4CC - Challenge #186 - No Patterned Paper

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me today! Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

ATS&M Challenge #87 - Make Your Mark

Hello lovely friends and followers!  Time for a new weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More! 
But before I tell you about the challenge I'd like to say a big WELCOME to our guest designer for the next two challenges - Anni.  Love, love, love her fresh fun style, and I think you will too.

Now, back to the challenge at hand.  ATS&M Challenge #87 is "Make Your Mark".  For those of you who are just finding our challenge - Make Your Mark means we want to see you use some sort of coloring medium (other than just an ink pad) such as alcohol ink markers, gelattos, watercoloring, crayons, colored pencils, chalks, etc.   I have made a springy creation to share with you using one of my favorite forms of coloring, markers applied directly to a stamp to create different sections of color
 - and I added a new twist and did a little watercoloring on it as well.
Take a look please:

This is a long and skinny card - measures 3 1/2" x 6".   I've been playing around with different watercolor techniques the last couple of weeks to teach my card class.  I colored my stamp with markers and then spritzed with water before stamping on the watercolor paper.  I repeated this several times, as you can see, to create the flow of flowers across the card. I used two different colors of both the peach (Calypso Coral and Peach Parfait) and the green (Lucky Limeade and Gumball Green)  On the stamp the sentiment is actually right next to the bottom of the stem  on the flower bunch.  I inked it up separately with a marker and put it at the top of the card instead.  I was nervous about spritzing too much so I used a light touch and then went over the edges of the image after stamping it with a watercolor pen every so lightly as well to pull a little more of the ink out and create the watercolor effect. Really pleased with how it turned out :o).

This week at ATS&M, we have a fabulous sponsor - STAMPlorations.  

I don't currently have any of their stamps, but after seeing what some of my fellow DT members have made (for this challenge and at the STAMPlorations challenge site) I don't think it will be long before I'm the proud owner of a few - hehehe.  The STAMPlorations March Challenge is Stamps and Spring.  Since my card fits perfectly into that category, I'm going to join the fun over there too :o).

I hope that you will decide to join us this week at ATS&M for Challenge #87 - Make your Mark.  My wonderfully creative design teamies have made some amazing creations to share with and inspire you as well.  Please go visit them and say "hi".
Til next time friends...hugs and happy crafting! D

ATS&M #86 - Anything Goes

Hello friends and followers, so nice of you to stop by to visit me today!  Time for another weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More!  This week Darnell is our guest designer - love her work and so glad to have her with us :o).  Oh and did I mention...she is darn funny too?

ATSM #86 is the ever popular "Anything Goes" - whoot woo!  You know you love it and we definitely love seeing what you come up with.  Here's my Anything Goes to inspire you to play along with us this week:

This is my second birthday box card.  I decided to go "springy" this week for a special friend in mind.  Here's a couple more views:

I used a combo of 4 different stamps and 3 different die sets and 2 punches to make this card.  

I LOVE this new watercolor wonder designer paper.

Short post for me today as it's early in the week and already a bit crazy for me.  I didn't sleep well last night. I think it's that darned leap forward time change.  Kicks my fanny every year for about a week afterward - just seems to throw everything out of whack.  I am however, really looking forward to spring and the pretty flowers that will start poking their pretty faces out of the ground. That thought makes me happy!

I hope that you will decide to join us this week at ATS&M Challenge #86 -"Anything Goes".  My lovely DT buddies have made some gorgeous creations to share with you and our new sponsor this week is (drum roll please) is STAMPlorations.

Thanks so much for stopping by friends, I'm sure glad that you did. Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

ATS&M Challenge #85 - Photo Inspiration

Hello friends! Time for another weekly challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More! We have a new guest designer joining us for the next two challenges.  

Welcome to Darnell - we love your gorgeous creations and are happy to have you joining us.  

ATS&M Challenge #85 is a Photo Inspiration Challenge based on this image:

I used the colors and the theme of strong women for my DT card. Take a look please:

This is a skinny card (3 3/4" x 6") as I wanted as much of the panel to show as possible.  I made the main panel by using a watercolor technique.  I pounced 3 different pink stamp pads  (Pink Pirouette, Calypso Coral and Melon Mambo) down on a plastic sheet and then spritzed with water.  Then I placed my watercolor paper over that and kind of mushed it down and around a bit.  I lifted it and then spritzed again and then put it down one more time.  I heat set it and then let it set over night before adding the embossed sentiment (drat - I got it a bit crooked).  Then I used my gorgeous grunge set to add a few extra spots by using Basic Grey (stamped off once first) to the panel.  Really  happy with how it turned out and plan to show my card group this technique later this month.  Messy but fun, and the results are stunning. 

The other lovely ladies on the ATS&M DT have made some beautiful creations to share with you based on the photo inspiration.  A big thank you to Kathryne for being our prize sponsor this week.

The challenge winner will receive 5 digital images of their choice.

Updated to add that I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
Virginia's View Challenge #1 - Watercoloring


and
STAMPlorations Bi-Weekly Sketch Challenge #7 - Sketch
(thanks Nonni for telling me about this).


Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me today! I'm sure glad that you did.  I hope that you will decide to join us this week at ATSM for Challenge #85. Til next time...hugs and happy crafting! D

Happy Easter Every Bunny - ATSM #83 Holiday

Hello friends! Hope you had a restful weekend. I was fortunate enough to have a 3 day weekend which I really needed to try and kick this cold that just doesn't want to go away :o(.  I think it's because of our crazy weather (warm one day, cold and snowing the next - constant wind either way) that many people are having a hard time getting completely healthy, including me.

Oh well...enough of my woes.  Let's talk about the new challenge starting today at Addicted to Stamps and More! Oh...and before I do that, allow me to welcome Cathy from Cathy's Card Spot as our guest designer for the next two challenges.  She does such lovely work! Please go visit her and take a look at her creations.

Now back to the challenge at hand.  ATSM #83 is our Holiday challenge.  You can make any holiday card or project to share with us.  I chose Easter and I used a digi from our sponsor this week

Here's my DT card:

Details: Cardstock - whisper white, basic grey and smoky slate (all Stampin Up)

Designer paper - Watercolor Wonder (Stampin Up)

Sizzlit Framelit Dies - Starburst (Stampin Up)

Digital image - by Kathryn at Stamp Art Design and colored with copic markers and spicas.

Sentiment: from "Every Bunny" (Stampin Up - retired)

Extras - sequins and Stickles in yellow. 1/8" ribbon in Daffodil Delight (SU).

Last week in our Make Your Mark Challenge (ATSM82) I saw a card in our gallery #24 by Valerie Ward that I just knew I had to case.  I had to improvise a bit on my layers as there wasn't an in-between level for either of the starburst dies.  I decided to keep all the other colors neutral so that the image really pops.   Finished card size is 5 1/2" square.  

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Just Us Girls #228 Color (I used orange, yellow and purple plus neutrals)

and

Make it Monday #179

Hope you like this card and will decide to join us this week at ATS&M for Challenge #83 Holiday.  The rest of our lovely DT members have made some really wonderful creations to share with you as well so please go visit them and say "Hi".  Til next time friends...hugs and happy crafting! D