The MFP Hop is still hoppin'!!!!

Due to Blogger's issues, I would appreciate it if you have the time....to visit my post which should have posted yesterday.....it includes my Stampin B's and my CCEE Challenge cards. You can get there by clicking HERE.  However, be sure to do that after checking this one out.  They all need some love today!!!!  The comments that were originally posted for that post disappeared with the post.

Today is the fourth HOPPY day for Mark's Finest Papers latest release.  Today the Design Team members are sharing creations using the newly released set, American Made.  This is a wonderful set with a patriotic theme, perfect for patriotic holidays as well as our servicemen and servicewomen near and far.

Now you are going to want to get hopping, so click here to go to the first stop on the hop.  Then follow directions to each new stop.  Have a fun ride!!!!

Crazy4Challenges AND Speedy's Friends Challenges

 

I have been wanting to try a trellis card since the fabulous Joan Ervin had it as the technique challenge on SCS.  Well, as hostess of the Crazies this month, I challenged the team to use flowers, 'cuz April Showers are supposed to bring MAY FLOWERS!!!  I used a floral designer paper behind my trellis, used 1/8 of an inch strips, some flourished bling, Prima flowers, and a bow.  I used my Spellbinder label dies to make the frame, and my CB to texturize the background.  This card was made for a dear friend and is now on the way to her for her birthday.  Hope she likes it.

Now remember to check out the fabulous florals of the rest of this fabulous design team by visiting the Crazies Blog.  To see more details on the individual team member's creations, use the links on my sidebar to travel to their blogs/galleries.

I also entered this is Our Creative Corner's challenge to use some weaving on your card.

The challenge for Speedy's Friends this week was brought to use by Susan, queen of CAS.  She wanted us to create a card with ONLY ink, stamps, and papers.  Nothing else.  NO embellies.  I used a soon to be released set, called Made in America, by Mark's Finest Papers.  I also used a star embossing folder (I think from CB) and a star die from My Favorite Things.  I am really happy with the soft versions of the more traditional red, white, and blue.......what do you think?????

Can't wait to see the fab 'simply ink/paper/stamp' creations by the rest of the team!!!  If you are interested in viewing them, then visit the Speedy's Friends blog post.  I am sure you will be dazzled.  To see more details on the individual team member's creations, use the links on my sidebar to travel to their blogs/galleries.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend + Some Play.....

I was honored to be asked to make a sample card using this image for OWH Stars and Stripes Blog on this Memoiral Day.  I thought I would share it on my blog today as a way of honoring any visitors who have served in the military or who, like me, have family members who have done so.  My father was part of the D-day invasion of World War II and lost his right arm in the service of our country.  We may all have very strong and differing opinions about war, but I think we can all gather thanks and support for those who serve.

They are having a blog hop this weekend at OWH Stars and Stripes.  I am not particpating in that, but please use THIS LINK to get to their blog homepage where you can hop along.

(I also entered this card into the Challenge at Dare U 2 Digi Stamp, as this was a digi stamp.....which, by the way, is free right now at the OWH blog.)
Now for the rest of the story......

I don't always have time to stamp on Sundays, but today I had some time to myself, and the stamp cave is much cooler than the temp outside.....so here is what I have to share....

This card was done for an Inspiration Challenge found at 52-Card Pickup  It was an inspiration challenge.  I also entered this into the Crafty Catz challenge which was to make a boy's or masculine card.  Since it is a beach, I have also entered it into the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.

This next card, in my fav RED.....was done for the Speedy's Friends Challenge which was to use a silhouette image.  I also entered this into the Paper Play Challenge which was to have something that can fly on your card.

And.....this last one I did for the Our Creative Corner challenge which used my classic, Black and White.

Wishing you a wonderful finish to your weekend......and remember to take time tomorrow to give thanks to those who have served or currently serve in the military.

(CCEE and Stampin B's Challenges)

Frances is the CCEE hostess for this week, and she challenged us to a sketch with a twist.  Above is the sketch, and the twist is that we must use buttons on our cards.  Well....I decided to keep to this month's theme.....BABIES....and have made another one for my stash.  I usually have a very difficult time with baby cards, so I am pleased to now have a few done and ready for use.  Thanks, Frances.

Now be sure to visit the CCEE blog to see the dazzlers created with this sketch by the rest of the team.  You will also find directions on how you can play along with us.

Vicky was the hostess this week for the Stampin B's Challenge.  In honor of Memorial Day, she asked us to make a patriotic card.  Actually the most amazing thing about this card is that I only matted ONE panel....amazing for me!!!

The Stampin B's Blog is where you will want to visit to see the wonderful creations made by this talented team AND to see how you can play right along with us.

ISC Sneak Peek --- Memories of Patriotism

Today I am giving you a sneak peek at a new deeply etched red rubber sheet of stamps called Memories of Patriotism. It will be released for purchase at Innovative Stamp Creations on June 8th. There are many patriotic/historic images and sentiments included and can be used in a variety of ways. I chose to make a patriotic 'thanks' with two of the larger images (eagle and declaration), I added a third image, the tag, and added one of the sentiments to that tag image. This set would be perfect for patriotic holidays, gift sets for military families, and cards for heroes organizations. I used it with designer paper by Karen Foster. The stars were cut out with a Sizzex die, with a metal star brad added in the center.

Be sure to stop in for the next couple of days when I will have more sneak peeks to share. You might also want to check out the Innovative Stamp Creations blog to see what else is going on with this fabulous stamp company.

Please forgive any spelling/posting errors. I had hundreds of laser beams 'shot' at my retina today so I am in a bit of a fog. (Of course, there are some people who would say I live in a fog, but they would be wrong....lol!!!!) My sincere thanks to Virginia, a dear friend, who was my chauffeur today. Friends really are the greatest gift, as the saying goes.

We have brightened up today, but I will be staying out of the sunshine with my dilated, foggy eyes. Hope you are enjoying some sunshine in your life.....have a great day!!!!!!