Christmas in June for MTTC #252 and 52CCT June Stash Challenge (Charms)

Hello friends and followers - happy weekend to you all!

It's not often that my DT challenges line up at the same time - but this week they did.

For both challenges it's Christmas in June.  Here's the scoop...

At 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown (52CCT), our hostess Louise has a stash challenge 

for us and she wants us to use charms on our Christmas cards.

Over at My Time to Craft (MTTC) Challenges it's my turn to be the hostess 

and MTTC Challenge #252 is Christmas in June.  

Here's my DT card for both of the challenges:

Digital image by Lacy Sunshine - Flower Pot Pretties "Holly"

I added lots of glitter and shimmer this time.  It's hard to see in the photo

but there is green and red Stickles glitter on the holly leaves in the image.

I also used silver Stickles and Liquid Pearls in lavendar on the ornament.  

The holly dies, sentiment ticket and silver ribbon and charm are all from my stash. 

The Christmas papers are also from a couple years ago.  

I'm feeling great about using up so much of my extra stuff to make this card :o) 

Isn't this little lady a cutie?  She is from Lacy Sunshine's Flower Pot Pretties group.

There is a fun challenge going on over on the Lacy Sunshine Facebook Group

called SAVE THE FLOWER POT PRETTIES.  This is my first entry in that challenge. 

I am also entering this card in these other great challenges:

The Outlawz Challenges - Friday's Coloring Challenges - Twist of Christmas

Christmas Card Challenge #30 - Photo Inspiration (mine was the ornaments)

Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge - Lots of Sparkle

Merry Monday #114 - Use sparkle, shimmer or shine 

Simon Says Wednesday Challenges - Anything Goes

The Sketchy Challenges #75 Hilde's Sketch (see below)

Penny's Paper-Crafting Challenge #183 - Embossing heat or dry

I hope that  you will decide to join us at both 52CCT and MTTC for these

June Christmas challenges.  The 52CCT Stash challenge ends Friday, July 4th.

The MTTC Challenge #252 is a fortnight challenge which will run for 2 weeks.  

Please go visit my lovely DT team mates at both of these challenges.

They have prepared some amazing Christmas creations to share with and inspire you.

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

Lacy Sunshine's Tiny Evening Puff HobbGobbi

Hello friends! A very quick post for me tonight just to share a card I put together 

to enter in the Lacy Sunshine Facebook Challenge 

which showcases this darling new image called 

Tiny Evening Puff HobbGobbi by Heather Valentin.  

Take a look please:

 

Such a fun image as this called for bright, happy colors - I think :o)

Did you notice her pretty pink finger and toenails.  

Must have just been to the beauty parlour (that's what my husband calls it

when we take our shitzu's to the groomer - lol).

I used the sketch from MOJO Monday #351 for this card.

I'm also entering this card in these other challenges:

Digi Galore - Add a Button (I added two).

The Corrosive Challenge #202 - Color Me Happy (favorite coloring medium)

Mine is using copic markers.

Seize the Birthday - Anything Goes with No Topping option

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

Happiness is Handmade - Deedee's Digis

Hello friends! It's almost Friday and I'm doing the happy dance - yahoo! 

I joined a gym recently and decided to make the investment in a few sessions 

with a personal trainer to help me get on track 

(who am I kidding...someone to keep me accountable).  

I went the past two days and today I AM FEELING IT!  

I told him that he needed to take it easy on me 'cause I'm old - but he just laughed at me. 

It wasn't just any laugh...it was a very evil laugh. 

I'm tasked with going to do my program on my own tomorrow and report to him how I

did when we get together on Tuesday again. Good gracious...what WAS I thinking? 

Anyway...I flexed my creative muscles a few days back 

and made this card to share with you today.

I'm in a square card mode again (I seem to do that in spurts). This one is 5 1/2" square.

Take a look:

Digital image by Deedee's Digis - "Handmade Happiness"

Isn't this just about the cutest little mouse you ever saw?

I just love this because it so captures why I make cards. 

I do believe that handmade cards bring the recipient happiness.

Usually each card contains a little bit of love too - don't you agree?

I'm sending this card to a special lady who I know will appreciate it.

This is one of the Newest Releases in Deedee's Digital Shop.

It comes with a couple other cute sentiments and papers too.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Feeling Crafty Challenge #28 - One for the Girls/ladies

Ruby's Rainbow Challenge #82 "Stamping" (digital or rubber)

Simon Says Wednesday Challenges - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping in to visit me today.  I'm off to soak my sore muscles in a hot tub.

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

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

Kraftin Kimmie June Krafty Krop - Challenges #1, #2,#3 and #4

Hello friends! I had such a great day yesterday.  We got up and went to the Farmer's Market, we went to have a latte at my favorite little coffee shop downtown, did a little shopping with the fam and then I spent a good chunk of my day coloring several Krafty Kimmie Stamped images in celebration of their NEW RELEASE event.  Thanks to the modern marvel of technolody and smart phones I was able to keep up with all the posts and see the great creations using the fun new stamps!  

Today I spent a good chunk of my time taking my colored creations and making them into cards to fit 4 of the 5 special challenges that were issued by the Krafty Girls.  All in all, I would say that I had a really good crafty weekend (even if I may not have clean clothes to wear to work tomorrow - LOL).

Warning: This is a bit of a long post with all the cards. 

So here's what I've made to share with you for each of the challenges:

Kraftin Kimmie June Krafty Krop - Challenge #1 - Fussy Cutting

Stamps from "Smarty Pants" set 

This card will go to my daughter's favorite teacher.

The paper is from a pack I bought ages ago with the intent to catch up

on the school scrapbook pages (which are still waiting patiently). 

After coloring the image with my copics, I then fussy cut around the image. 

I then colored around the edge with a sharpie.

Not perfect, but pretty good considering I wasn't using my readers :o).

I didn't intend for the words on the chalkboard to look quite so smudged - but so it goes. 

I am entering card #1 in these other great challenges too:

Crazy 4 Challenges #241 - Sketch

Clear it Out Challenge Blog - Theme and Stash are both Anything Goes

Corrosive Challenge Blog Challenge #202 - Color Me Happy (use favorite coloring medium).

Now on to Card #2. 

Kraftin Kimmie June Krafty Krop - Challenge #2 - Paper Piecing

Stamps from "Angie"

This image is pretty easy to fussy cut around and do the paper piecing.  

I used some of my Doodle Bug papers for her robe and the background.

Of course, I had to use PINK as it is my favorite color :o)

I had a marker problem with my E59 and the hair got kind of tacky.

Still looks ok - but I know what I'll be doing before the next weekend.

Cleaning some markers :o)

 I am entering Card #2 in the these other great challenges too:

The Challenge #9 - Sketch

613 Avenue Create - Challenge #77 Anything Goes w/PINK

Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog - Paper Piecing

Loves Rubber Stamps Challenges #108 - Spots and Dots

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

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

Next in the line-up is Card #3 - Take a look:

Kraftin Kimmie June Krafty Krop - Challenge #3 - Unconventional Colours

Stamps from  "Dream Big" set

So what's more unconventional than a pink elephant?

Makes me think of the song "Pink Elephants on Parade" and what 

might imagine seeing after a good bender - lol :o).

I bought this stamp set initially just for this darling image.  

This is a larger square card - 6 x 6 inches.  I started out thinking that I would 

make a round card but realized that I didn't have a die big enough to accomodate 

all that I wanted on the card.  So I traced a small plate and cut around it

(another example of fussy cutting - lol).  and then put it on the card base.

The clouds are made from the cupcake builder punch. 

Oops, I see that my circle got mounted crooked (guess the elephant is going uphill) and

I should have finished that little strip of grass at the bottom. Oh goodness!

Will have to get that done before I send it off. 

I'm entering this card in these other great challenges too:

Stamping Sensations June Challenge - Animal Antics

Divas by Design - 3 or More Layers

Pile it On #25 - Kawaii/Cute

And last but not least is card #4 - Check it out:

Kraftin Kimmie June Krafty Krop - Challenge #4 - All Things Shimmery

Stamp from "Smarty Pants" set

On this card I colored the stamped image with my new Stampin Up

blendabilities markers (outfit, books and apple) and copics.

Using up some more of that school dsp stash and cut out a big bright

shimmery star with my new Star dies.  Lots of glimmer on this baby :o)

This card will go to my niece's boyfriend for graduating college and getting

his first big job.  He is really smart and looks just a bit like this fella. 

I'm entering this card in these other great challenges too:

Imagination Crafts Challenge - All that Glitters June Challenge 

Freshly Made Sketches #141 - sketch

Crafting by Designs Challenges - June Anything Goes

Wow - so that's it from me (finally) tonight. Hope you enjoyed the cards that I've shared.

The KK Challenges are open until June 29th so you have time to join.  

These other fun challenges would probably love to see your cards in their galleries too. 

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

52CCT June theme challenge - Reindeer

Hello friends! Happy weekend - whoo hoo!

Time for another fun weekly challenge at 52CCT.

Good gracious...here it is the 3rd week of June already.

How are you coming on your stash of Christmas cards so far?

If you need some inspiration and/or a jump start check out this week's theme. 

This week our hostess Louise has chosen Rudolph or Reindeer as the theme.

We have a guest designer us this month Marie from NJ Stamping Queen!

Please go visit her and say "hi"!  We are really happy to have her with us. 

Here's my DT card:

Digital image by Bugaboo digis "Reindeer Xmas Goodies"

Don't you just love the look on this fella's face?

Not sure what he might be thinkin' but it makes me giggle :o)

I've had this paper a long-time (as in forever) and am tickled to finally use it.

I also used up some bits and pieces that were on my desk - tickets & snowflakes. 

As a child, every Christmas season my sisters and I would watch Frosty the Snowman

 and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  I loved Rudolph! My card is Rudolph when he 

was covering his red nose in mud because the other reindeer teased him and he was 

embarrased for the little girl reindeer to see it (suddenly can't remember her name).

I can remember feeling so sad that he was teased :o(

Do any of you remember that too?

LOL - a fun childhood memory.   

I am entering my card in the following great challenges:

ABC Christmas Challenges - "L for little gifts"

Holly Jolly Christmas Challenges - 3 Layers or More

Jingle Belles - A Christmas Story. Mine is Rudulph the red-nosed reindeer.

As you will see by the DT cards for 52CCT this week,

this theme can be interpreted so many ways.

You can make your card elegant, cute, vintage, CAS.

Please make sure though that the reindeer is the main focus on your card.

I hope to see your card in the 52CCT gallery this week!

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

Kraftin' Kimmie Saturday Challenge #234 - Distress it

Hello friends!  This will be a quick post from me tonight 

as I'm scurrying to make the deadline for the 

Kraftin' Kimmie Saturday Challenge #234 - Distress it!

Here's my card - have a little "look see" please:

Stamp by Kraftin' Kimmie - Pippa Popcorn

I've had this image colored for a couple days but didn't get time until tonight to put it on a card.  As I was getting ready to do so we got a really big storm that blew through.  Loud thunder, hard rain that sounded like it might break the windows, and some lightning.  One of my little dogs was absolutely terrified and insisted that I hold her.  Poor little thing was shaking and panting really hard.  If I set her down she just crouched and got even more distressed.  Then she would try to keep jumping on my lap.  The other little dog was barking at me really bossy like as if to say "Momma, you need to help Pele".  

So as a result, I ended up quickly stamping a random pattern of tickets on a piece of 

kraft cardstock and adding simple layers and embellishments.  

I do like how it turned out still - even if it wasn't my original idea :o)

I'm also entering this card in The Crafter's Cafe Challenge #68 - Distress it.

So as I said...just a quick post.  Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me tonight.

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