The Crazies Are Thinkin' School!!!

Barbara is our Crazy4Challenges hostess with the mostest for the month of September.  Since September usually means the start of school, we were to relate our cards to that subject.  I used a set by Flourishes to complet my card, along with punches from EK Success.  My Nesties were used for the image and its frame, and my Marvy scallop and regular corner rounders did the corners.  I added pearls, piercing and a bow/ribbon.  Including these three items also makes this card eligible for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge, which was a BINGO challenge.

Now be sure to check out the Crazies Blog to see all the fab creations by the rest of this fabulous team.

This second card is one I did for the Speedy's Friends Challenge this week which was to use bling.  I used the poppies set from Mark's Finest Papers.  This will be another in my stash going to a friend's daughter's women's ministry.

Sad to say that many of my friends are still without power after Hurricane Irene.  For a storm that really had gone down to strong tropical storm status for part of the time it was here, it surely has left our state (and others) in a real mess.  Schools have missed 5 days of school and it is still not guaranteed to start on Tuesday.  Not a great way to start a school year!!!  And again, I must say that the people of New Jersey and Vermont are in my prayers......they had such terrible flooding from the hurricane.

The Crazies Play Bingo with Flourishes

Flourishes is our sponsor for the Crazy4Challenges this week.  That company was so kind to send us sets of stamps to play with......certainly a treat as I've long been a Flourishes fan and customer.

Our Crazy4Challenges challenge this week was to play BINGO.  You had to choose a row, diagonal, or column and include those items in your card.  I chose the row which included a square card, embossing, and brads.  I used this fabulous Violets set from Flourishes.  I kept it pretty simple as I wanted the focus on those beautiful blooms.

I also did this card for Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday Challenge which was to use pink, lace, ribbon, and one button.

Now be sure to visit the Crazies blog to see the creations of the rest of this fabulous team AND you might alos want to check our Flourishes beautiful stamps.  AND...we would love for you to play BINGO with us this week.

....and here is another card I have to share for today......

This card (sorry for the muddy photo....things weren't cooperating....it is sharp white IRL) is one I did for Speedy's Friends Challenge this week, which is to use embossing of some type.  I used the rrecently released set called Butterflies and Wisteria by Mark's Finest Papers.

Stampin B's and CCEE Stampers Challenges

Charlene is our August hostess for the CCEE Stampers Challenge.  She has been sharing a fun fact with us each week and here is the one for today.....

 "You burn 26 calories in a one-minute kiss."

So the keyword for this week is KISS.  Well, I (like most of you) have thousands of stamps......and I really struggled with this one.  Finally I found this ancient SU get well set.  The image has the word 'kisses' on it plus the horizontal panel has 'kisses and hugs' symbols.  Phew......was so happy to find that set!!!

Be sure to stop by the CCEE Stampers Blog to see our 'kiss' gallery.

Vicki D. is our hostess for the Stampin B's this week.  She challenged us to use distressing on our creations.  My struggle with distressing is that I often make smudges or rips that I just can't live with.......and that happened this time too, but I was able to cover the worst ones up.....and, in the end, I was somewhat pleased with the final result.  What do you think????  It is certainly out of my comfort zone.

I used a newly released set by Mark's Finest Papers called Black Eyed Susans for Encouragement.

Now....don't get yourself all distressed....we've done that for you......so come check out our distressed creations at the Stampin B's Blog.

This second card will also be entered into Speedy's Friends Challenge as it was distressing this week.

A Masculine Tent Topper for the Crazy4Challenges

The beginning of August is a busy b'day time for me.....lots and lots of friends have b'days, and quite a few require masculine appropriate cards.  So, I used the Crazy4Challenges goal of making a card in some sort of shape other than rectangle or square to get one of these done.  I used a soon to be released set called Forest Gifts by Mark's Finest Papers for the image, and a second soon to be released set called Wisteria for the sentiment.  I always seem to reach to SU's River Rock when making masculine cards.

I am sure the Crazy4Challenges post is going to be filled with fabulous creations and shapes, so be sure to stop in at the Crazies' Blog to be inspired and dazzled.

This card was also done for Speedy's Friends Challenge which was to also use a different from normal style or shape of card.

The Crazies are Shakin' Things Up!!!

Cindy, our July hostess for the Crazy4Challenges Team, once again has us doing a different style of card.  This time our challenge is to make a shaker card.  My mind immediately went to the beach and sand, so sand is what my card is shaking up.  For my shell image and sentiment, I used a set by Mark's Finest Papers.  I added some border punch work and some Prima flowers along with some MS punched branches.

I am also entering this into the Speedy's Friends Challenge which was to have three hearts on your card.  Well, with my border I have many more than three hearts.

To see the other shaker cards created by the Crazies, be sure to visit the team blog.  We would LOVE for you to play along with us.

The Crazies are JOYous this week!!!

Cindy is our Crazy4Challenges hostess for the month of July.  For this week's challenge she asked us to make a JOY fold card.  I put the smaller picture on the left so you can get an idea of the actually fold/formation.  For those who want a tutorial, go to the resource center on Splitcoast and there are both written/photo and video directions by Beate.

I am not a fancy fold afficionado.  I tend to use A-2 or square cards.  So, I am actually happy, though a bit challenged, when one of my challlenge team hostesses make me work out of my comfort zone......and Cindy surely managed to do that this week.  However, I must honestly say that the fold itself is easy peasie.....it is the 'decorating' decisions that take the longest.  Despite the varied dp and the bright colors, I feel like this one needs some finishing detail that hasn't come to mind yet.........oh well!!!!

I, like many of you, can't wait to see what the rest of this team created with this JOY fold.......so to check them out I encourage you to visit the Crazies Blog. 

This card will also be entered into Speedy's Friends Challenge which was to use the colors of yellow, pink, and green.  The set I used is a recently released set from Mark's Finest Papers.

Summertime

Cindy is our Crazy4Challenges  hostess for the month of July.  She gave us a seasonal challenge this week......think SUMMER!!!!  Well, I immediately went to this tranquil silhouette image from a soon-to-be-released set from Mark's Finest Papers, called Adirondack Summer.  Both sentiments also come from this fabulous set.

I will also be entering this card into Speedy's Challenge which is to use a diecut in the background.

So, if you are looking for some SUMMER fun and inspiration, be sure to check out the fantabulous creations by the Crazies at the Crazy4Challenges Blog.

Crazy4Challenges (and sketches too)

Lynda is the Crazy4Challenges hostess for June, and for her final weekly challenge, she has given us a fabulous sketch to use.

I used the newly released set Poppies Poppies Poppies by Mark's Finest Papers for my image.  I just love these flowers in just about any color combo.  I used Crumb Cake, Vanilla, and River Rock cardstock\ and Vanilla grossgrain, all from SU.  I did some paper piercing, CB'd the panels, and finished it off with some flourishes of bling.

I will also be entering this into the Speedy's Friends Challenge which was to use bling.

Be sure to stop in to see the many creations that result from this one sketch.  They will dazzle you, I am sure!!!!  So.....go to the Crazies Blog for inspiration!!!!

The Crazies are getting INSPIRED!!!

Lynda is our Crazy4Challenges hostess for the month of June, and she is starting us off with an inspiration challenge.  Isn't this handbag absolutely stunning????  Wowza!!!  I tried to recreate the vibrant colors, bird silhouettes, and branching found on the original.  I used the branch stamp by Stampscapes and the birds silhouette by I Brake For Stamps.  I also used some embossing folders on the orange and green layers, some black pearls, Prima roses, and Spellbinder diecute leaves.  I used a piece of scrap dp to break up the solid colors.  AND......that is about that!!!  Just love the purse and also my card inspired by it!!!  (Not to fluff my own feathers....... I just LIKE it!!)

If you are like me and can't wait to see what the rest of this fabulous team has been inspired to create, well then get on over to the Crazies Blog.  I am sure you will be dazzled.

AND....here is another card to share for today.....

Last week was my last challenge as a member of Speedy's Friends Blog Team.  However, I still plan to play along whenever possible.  This week, the challenge was to use a paper or silk flower on your card.  Well, I used ths beautiful water lily being sneak-peeked this week by Mark's Finest Papers.  It is a lovely set with a scene, swans, and water lilies along with fab sentiments.  Remember, if you want to play with Speedy's Friends you will see the challenge, details on how to play, and the samples made by the Blog Team HERE.

Get Crazy and Friendly in the Challenges

The challenge for Speedy's Friends this week is to use ivory, lace, and pearls.  Gosh, I had fun with this one....however when I was 'done' I realized I had eliminated the lace.  So....what to do?????  Well, I had this fabulous lace with pearls in it that was 'yelling to me' and I decided to use the lace around the upper rose.....AND I LOVE the effect.......always wonderful when 'mistakes' become 'miracles'!!!!

The sentiment I used is from Mark's Finest Papers.  The roses are Primas, the pearl flourishes are by Zia, and then I also used a couple Spellbinders dies and some paper piercing.

I apologize for the dull photo, but I am having some photography issues., especially with certain colors, and ivory happens to be one that I just can't get sharp.  New lamps may be in my future.

Now.....be sure to go check out what I expect to be an elegant gallery at the Speedy's Friends Blog post.

This is my last challenge as  Crazy4Challenges hostess for the month of May.  My challenge had to do with the time of the year.  It is often around now that we start planning vacations or summer activities.  My challenge was to base your card on a favorite vacation spot or activity.  Well....anyone who knows me at all, will know that the ocean is a place of tranquility and fun for me.......from birth to now in my retirement.  Some of my best days were spent on/near a beach, from Misquamicut, RI and Hampton Beach, NH as a youngster to Aruba, Maine, Japan, Myrtle Beach, and others as an adult.  I have pictures of some of my fav spots on the sidebar of this blog.  So......I used this fab ocean view from Innovative Stamp Creations as the focal image, added some palm leaves also from Innovative Stamp Creations and a sentiment by Cat's Life Press. A Prima rose, some rhinestones, and Mother Nature's shells finished it off.  This truly represents my absolute favorite type of Paradise!!!!

When you visit the Crazy4Challenges Blog this week you are sure to see some interesting vacation spots and summer activities represented. 

Speedy's and the Crazies....It Must Be Saturday!!!

The Crazy4Challenges has a sponsor this week.....a  fabulous company with a great sense of humor, which is a good thing, as our challenge this week is to have humor involved on your card.  I used the newly released set, Cowgirl Dottie, from Totally Stamapalicious.  She is a rootin' tootin' western brawd with some real sass!!!  AND.....I actually succeeded at cutting her out....my peepers are being nice to me at the moment....lol!!!!

Be sure to stop in at the Crazies Blog.  You are sure to be amused AND inspired!!!!

For the Speedy's Friends Challenge this week, we were to make a card/project that was tone on tone.  I used my Bearded Iris set from Mark's Finest Papers to create my card.  I used an MS punch for my border and added some rhinestones.  AND......tah dah........I, cutwork challenged as I am....I actually cut out this iris and was happy about the results.  Always nice when something is a success which is usually a failure.

Be sure to check out the Speedy's post to see the outstanding work of this fabulous team.

Both of these cards are eligible for Our Creative Corner Challenge which was to frame it. 

It's another CHALLENGING Saturday!!!!

Tomorrow, May 15 is National Chocolate Chip Day!!! As this month's hostess for the Crazy4Challenges, I challenged the team to have some image related to ‘chocolate’ on their card/project today.  (Eating a chocolate chip cookie during the creative process is optional –but who could pass up a reason to eat a chocolate chip cookie or two??!!!)

I used an unmounted stamp of a Hershey's Kisses bag to create my background and a Stampabilities stamp for my sentiment which was die cut with a Spellbinders die.  I used, once again, my Spellbinders leaves/ferns dies for the accents, along with some old SU chocolate chip satin ribbon.

The Crazies gallery should be positvely deeeeelish today, so be sure to stop by.....just click HERE.

I am also the hostess for the Speedy's Friends Challenge this week.  I challenged that team to make a card with monochromatic blues.  I used the newly released set from Mark's Finest Papers called Big Boy Toys.  It is a fabulous set for masculine cards of all sorts.  This is a pretty simple design, something I tend to do with masculine cards.  I just added a bit of texture, some piercing, and brads.

Be sure to take the time to visit the Speedy's post on the MFP blog......it is sure to be full of monochromatic creations in blue!!!!

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.

Speedy's Friends and Crazy4Challenges

I'll apologize ahead of time for the quick post. I had the challenge cards done early, but am posting last minute.....so all will be short and sweet.

Silli wraps up her month as Crazy4Challenges hostess with a challenge to make an Easter card.

This is the 1year anniversary  for the Speedy's Friends Challenge, so the challenge this week was to make an anniversary card.  I used the Bearded Iris set from Mark's Finest Papers.

Be sure to take the time to visit both teams to see the fab work of the rest of the DT.  You can also visit their individual blogs by using the links on my sidebar.

Crazy4Challenges Link

Speedy's Friends Link

Speedy's Friends and Crazy4Challenges

Colleen is the hostess for the Speedy's Friends Challenge this week.  She asked us to make a collage card and gave us a link to use for a tutorial.  I must admit to veering off the straight and narrow path and doing a different version of a collage card.  Sorry, team!!!

I used a variety of floral iimages along with a sentiment from various sets by Mark's Finest Papers.  I love the flowers, but really do wish I had a softer touch with the sponging.  That is a weak area for me, but I keep trying!!!

Now be sure to visit the Speedy's Friends post on the blog to see the fab collages by the rest of this fabulous team of stampers.

Silke continues as our April hostess for the Crazy4Challenges.  This week she challenged us to make an Easter gift .....a box, package, basket...or such.  I used a template provided by our sponsor....

It is actually a template for a box to hold sets of cards, but I will be using it to hold some Dove Chocolate for a gift.  The image I used is by QKR Stampede and is a digital image.  She seems to be the Minnie Pearl of Bunnies.

Be sure to check out the Crazies blog to see some fabulous packaging ideas.  I am sure you will be dazzled.

Crazy4Challenges and Speedy's Friends Challenge

Silke challenged the Crazies to a sketch challenge this week.  I love sketches, so this was right up my alley, so to speak.  I used an image by our sponsor, Sparkle Creations. 

I also played with some new dp I bought on my recent trip to Cape Cod.  Had to stop at Colorful Creations in Hyannis once I knew there was a LSS to visit.

Now I hope you have some time to check out the rest of the Crazies at our team blog.  AND.....please use the links in my sidebar to visit the individual member's blogs.

Our Speedy's Friends challenge this week was to use both dry and heat embossing AND to pop part of our image.  I used dry embossing on the striped panel, heat embossing on the main image and the sentiment, and I popped the center portion of the sun.
 
I used an image and sentiment from the Mark's Finest Papers set called HELLO SUNSHINE.
 
You should take a moment to stop in to the team blog to see the fabulous creations by the rest of the Speedy's Friends team.  And......once again, you will find links to the team members blogs in my sidebar.

A Challenging Day......

Silke is our hostess for the Crazy4Challenges this week.  She issued a color challenge this week -- pink, kraft, turquoise, brown.  My immediate reaction was......'Ah, this should be an easy one'.....and it should have been......but somehow my pink, kraft, brown, turquoise mojo had disappeared.  Out of three cards I made, this was my fav, but......well.....can't say it is exactly my best....IYKWIM!!!!  I embossed the kraft layer to look like siding on a house, but not sure if that translates in reality.  Oh well....I love the window and the sentiment.....lol!!!

Be sure to check out some spectacular creations at the Crazy4Challenges blog.

As I have admitted in the past, I admire the shaped cards that everyone makes, but I rarely do a round or other shaped card.  So the Speedy's Friends Challenge this week, which was to make a round card with 3 pastel colors, 3 bling, and one image, surely challenged me.  Thanks, Karen for once again making me work outside of my comfort zone.  (As I posted this, I realized it looks like I have TWO images on this card........I just don't know where that butterfly came from?????.....LOL!!!!....sorry, I was a bad girl!!!)

The images and sentiment are from Mark's Finest Papers.  The set is called Brick Wall.

Now hop on over to the Speedy's post to see the wonderful round cards by the rest of the team.

Crazy for Trees and Speedy's Single Layer

I must admit to the fact that both challenges were challenging for me this week.....for totally different reasons.

The Speedy's Friends Challenge was to make a ONE-layer card with the colors of lime and gray......well....if you know me, you know that I have several layers on most cards......just with matting, I hit several layers....lol!!!

So, when you look at the picture of my card above, you will know that I was just itching to add, add, and then add some more, but I sat on my hands and made a truly simple ONE-layer card.  I only pierced the base layer, the same layer on which I stamped my image and sentiment.  I colored with my Copics and added a touch of bling.  AND that was that!!!!

The stamps used are Happy Pansies from Mark's Finest Papers, one of my go-to floral sets.

Be sure to go to the Speedy's Blog Post to see what the rest of this fab team designed on ONE layer only!!!!

Silke, our fellow Crazy4Challenge team member, challenged us to make a card with a tree, in honor of International Earth Day which is celebrated on March 20.  I LOVE trees, and have many images of trees....however, my intention was to make a winter scene with a PI image and the die cut tree from MFT.  Well, that totally bombed.....will have to play with that again another day.  So then time was runniing short, so I went through my tree images and found this one that I haven't used in ages.  Well, now I know why....It is so large that you can't do much else to 'jazz' it up.  I stamped one of my fav friendship sentiments.  I added just a touch of color (soft pink/peachy) in the 'branches'.  I colored some white pearls with my Copic marker to match the blush blossom paper and used a Prima flower in that same family of pink/peachy hues.  In real life it matches better than in this photo.

I have had a peek at the cards by the other Crazies and I just know you will appreciate their TREE-mendous talents when you visit the Crazies Blog.

Crazy4Challenges AND Speedy's Friends

The sponsor for this week's Crazy4Challenges challenge this week is Paper Pretties.  The team was lucky enough to be offered some digi stamps to work with.  This digi stamp is called  Pink or Blue.  Our challenge this week was to use die cuts.  Well, I did use my Spellbinders to die cut and emboss the main image.  I then created diecut hearts with both Spellbinders and a Martha Stewart heart punch.  I also played around with lace and ribbon quite a bit, as well as with a Martha Stewart border punch.  I used a Sizzix embossing folder on the background, and added a few rhinestones here and there.

Now be sure to visit the Crazies Blog to see the creations of the rest of this dynamic team.

The Speedy's Friends' Challenge this week was to use the color combo of red, black, and white.  Well, since that is my fav color combo, this was an easy one for me.  I used the new Greet the Day with Gerber set, heat embossing it on red with white embossing powder.  I also used ribbon (MFP), Spellbinders Labels die, Martha Stewart border punch, and my piercing tools.  A rather simple card.....yet sure to brighten someone's day if they are ill.

Now be sure to stop in at the MFP/Speedy's Friends Blog to view the fabulous creations of the rest of the team.


Speedy's Friends Challenge Post
Crazy4Challenges Blog

The Crazies and The Friends

The Crazies are going crazy for HEARTS this week.  I used this old Hero Arts Viine Heart along with my Cuttlebug Heart embossing folder to meet that goal.  I added some Primas, lace from May Arts, and ruffled gingham ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  I used my Lacey Circles from Spellbinders, my Copics, and some pearls from A.C.Moore.

Now you really need to hop over to the Crazy4Challenges blog to see the works of  'heart' by the rest of this fabulous team.  But....first check out my other challenge team card.........

We had our first sketch challenge on the Speedy's Friends Blog Team (well, first since I have been playing).  Unfortunately, I am somewhat computer illiterate and just could not 'snatch' the sketch from Vicki's original email to show you here.  You can check the team blog to see it, or imagine my card reversed.....I just couldn't have that bunny looking the wrong way on the card.....so I used the sketch in reverse.

I used this fun basket of 'cuteness' from the newly released set by Mark's Finest Papers called SPRING HAS SPRUNG.  I used my Spellbinder dies, a Martha Stewart border punch, my Marvy corner rounder, my Copics, and my fav May Arts lace.

It will be fab to see how the rest of the team used the sketch. 

Now here are the links to get you to the two challenge team blogs so you can gaze upon the creations of the other team members.

Speedy's Friends
Crazy4Challenges

This third card I am sharing with you is the one I made for the Teapot challenge this week.  Our goal was to create cards  with things that fly.  The recipient of our cards this week is Sean who is 23 years old. He has stage 3C testicular cancer. He has had initial surgery and four rounds of chemo, and unfortunately has identified spots in other locations, some that surgery cannot help.

Let's hope the 'swarm' of cards can help brighten his day.  It is so sad when someone this young is facing such a difficult medical journey.

If you have some free time, join the Teapot Challenge each week and help make someon's day.