Crazies Play with Bubbles

Hey Crazy4Challenges Fans, Frances, our January hostess, is back with this week's challenge!!

Yesterday was Bubble Bath Day. So for our challenge this week, include something that relates to bubbles on your card. You could of course include a bath with bubbles, or kids blowing bubbles, fish with bubbles, create a background using colored bubbles etc.

I used a bubble bath stamp from Stampendous and a sentiment from There She Goes.  I used a Martha Stewart punch for the border, a Martha Stewart flower punch along with brads for the flowers, an MFT lacy die to create the frame, and a Spellbinder oval die for the image panel.  The image was colored with Copics.

Be sure to visit the Crazies Blog to see the bubble creations by the DT.

Pearls....Pearls.....Pearls

Sabrina is the hostess for the CCEE Stampers in February.  This week the theme was PEARLS.  You could go simple as I did and use pearls, or you could do any of the fabulous pearl techniques.  You can find many of these techniques at Splitcoaststampers.com

I really like white on white cards whether using die cuts or stamps.  Today I used a flower stamp from Penny Black along with an unlabelled sentiment.  I did shade the flowers a bit with gray Copics, but that does not seem to show in the photo (at least my weak peepers can't see it).  I also used a MS punch for the border, some self adhesive pearls, and an embossing folder.  I then added a corner detail of piercing.

Be sure to visit the CCEE Blog as I am sure my fellow DT members have used a variety of techniques.  AND.....remember.....you can always play along with us.  The CCEE Blog post will give you the details on how to post your card.

Square Dancin' with the Crazies

I am keeping this post short as I am late to the gate.....IYKWIM......!!!!

Frances is our hostess this week and this is her challenge......

Apparently today is Square Dance Day, so to celebrate let’s get those square cards, dies etc out! Bonus points if you incorporated Dancing somehow on your card as well. 

Be sure to visit the Crazies Blog to see the fab 'square' creations by the Crazy4Challenges DT.

Going 3D with the Crazies

The Crazy4Challenges DT was asked to go 3D this week.  I have been having some fun with my flower dies lately and decided to go with 3D flowers.

Please note that my sentiment panel in real life is crisp white.....not sure why it looks yellowed here.

Be sure to check out the Crazies Blog to see all the spectacular 3D project by the rest of this DT.

The CCEE Stampers Get Inspired

 

The challenge for the CCEE Stampers this week was to be inspired by a song.  I did not have a song in mind as I perused some old stamps.  When I came across the set with these grapes, I immedicately thought of Marvin Gaye's song "I Heard It Though the Grapevine'.  If you are not familiar with this oldie, click on this YouTube link to hear the song.

I used this old retired SU stamp along with a sentiment from (I think) Flourishes.  I again pulled out my crackle backgrounder, and did lots of sponging with a wild honey distress ink. In real life the vertical panel, which is embossed, matches better than it appears in this photo.  I also stamped a lacy border to the left of the purple vertical panel.  I added a ribbon/bow and some paper piercing as well.

Be sure to go to the CCEE Stampers Blog to see the cards inspired by music.  You will also find details on how you can p lay along with us.

Designer Paper Is a NO-NO This Week.

For the last challenge of the month for the Crazy4Challenges, Barbara asked us to use NO designer paper at all!!!  Our cards could be CAS or not.  We could make our own designer paper or not.

I decided to make a woven background with strips of red with a thin black border (done with a Copic marker).  I added the perfect sentiment for a RED card AND a dear stamping friend known for her love of the color RED.  I used MFT dies for the sentiment panels, added Wild Orchid floeers, and some black gem flourishes and a die cut fern.  This card reached it destination a while ago.

Now be sure to visit the Crazies Blog to view the fabulous creations by the Crazies without designer paper.

Totally Stampalcious New Release and Blog Hop

If you are looking for today's CCEE Stampers Challenge card, please click here.  Please, however take a moment to check out our blog hop and new release.


Welcome to the 5th Stop of the Totally Stampalicious JUNE NEW RELEASE and BLOG HOP!

Card made using set called  Clyde Bug.

 We have FOUR BRAND NEW STAMP SETS from our fabulous Bugaboo line by artist Jodie Mackrell!!  The sets are AVAILABLE NOW at Totally Stampalicious!

Card made using set called Girlz Rock.

 As always we'll be giving away PRIZES as well to THREE lucky Hoppers!!!

 1st Prize - All 4 New Sets 
 2nd Prize - $15 Gift Certficate 
 3rd Prize - $5 Gift Certificate

 All you have to do is Hop along with us and leave your comments along the way and maybe YOU could be a WINNER!!!!

Card made using the set called  Sean Dog.

 So are you ready to see the latest and greatest?!!! You're not going to be able to resist these!!!

Card made using set called Stella Computer.

 Now it's time to hop on over to the wonderfully creative and friendly Stacy's Blog see what AWESOME-NESS she has for us!!

Here is the entire line-up in case there are any glitches along the way!!

Totally Stampalicious
Bonnie
Diane
Leanne

Joanne

Stacy

Angel

Kendra

Dawn

Lori
Jessie

Laurie

Becky

Joycelyn

Sue

Shaping Up with Totally Stampalicious

Are you ready for another Totally Stampalicious Monday Challenge???  This week the challenge is to get 'shaped.'.....Well, actually it is to use any shape other than a normal A2 or square card.  I used my Spellbinder dies to create my card.  I used this sweet balleriina set from Totally Stampalicious' Bugaboo Line.  She makes me smile.  The card itself is pretty easy-peasy.

Now you need to get on over to the TS Blog to see the fab creations of the rest of the team AND to see how YOU can play along with us.  Remember we have more inspiration than ever as the DT has new and fabulous members.  Check them out at the blog.

Have a 'Crazy' B'day, Barbara!!!

Tomorrow, May 20th, is Barbara's birthday, so this week she challenged the Crazy4Challenges DT to make birthday cards.  Before we get to my description,  I want to be sure to wish Barbara a happy birthday.  I hope that she has her best ever.....full of fun, surprises, and some tasty treats all enjoyed with family and friends.  Enjoy, Barb!!!

I have been itching to use this new SU stamp set and die set since I bought them a bit ago.  (There is just never enough stamping time, is there????).  I just love the results.  I must say that this card just warms my heart........I am so happy with the results.  I used an embossing folder on the background, colored the image with my Copics,  I die cut my ferns with dies from Memory Box and Marianne.  I added Zia pearl flourishes along with a bow using SU ribbon.  I used a MS deep border punch to make my lacy panel and an SU oval punch for my sentiment. The sentiment is an unmarked unmounted stamp.

I am sure we are all going to enjoy viewing the cards made by the rest of this divine team.  So come along with me to the Crazies Blog to check them out.  I am sure we will be dazzled.

CCEE1218 -- Going Gingham

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Charlene is our hostess with the mostest for May.  Today she has challenge the CCEE Stampers to create cards with gingham......could be gingham ribbon, gingham image, gingham brads, gingahm designer paper......but you must use gingham.

I used this cutie patootie image from My Favorite Things' Pure Innocence collection.  She just makes me smile.

Now.....amble on over to the CCEE Stampers Blog to see the other gingham creations from the rest of the team and how YOU can play right along with us.

Crazy4Challenges (C4C127)

Frances is our Crazy4Challenges hostess this month.  Today she asked us to think about Spring, a time of new 'life' such as babies, flowers.  As you can see here, I went with the flowers and the colors of spring.  In real life, the color of the leaves match the color of the orchid cardstock.  I tried to get a better 'colored' photo, but it was not a success.  Other than coloring the leaves, this was a 'put together' card.  I love the drama and the femininity of it.

Be sure to check out the Crazy4Challenges Blog.  You are sure to see some fresh, delightful cards there.

We here in CT had a taste of spring on Thursday.  We had temps approaching 70 degrees......rather warm for us at this time of the year.  It was a welcome reminder that spring really is on the way. 

Hope you too are getting a taste of spring......!!!!

Tje Crazies go WILD for dots, stripes AND RIBBON

The Crazies are sponsored this week by Ribbon Carousel.  Be sure to visit their store to see some fabulous ribbons AND ribbon storage.  I personally have a ribbon carousel and keep all my favorite, most used ribbons right in front of me on the carousel.  Wouldn't be without it!!!

The Crazy4Challenges goal for this week was to incorporate both stripes and dots into our designs.

I used this sweet Penny Black image to get the job done.  AND....I ended up  adding some houndstooth to the mix as well.  I also did some paper piercing AND paper piecing.  A Prima and some bejeweled flourishes, along with the FABBO ribbon hearts (from Ribbon Carousel) werre the finishing touches.

Now be sure to journey over to the Crazies Blog to see the dotted, striped creations that are sure to also have some fabulous ribbons to oogle over as well.  We would love for you to also play along with us.  Details on that can be found at the team blog too.

A Totally Stampalicious Sneak Peek and Challenge

This is going to be an exciting week for Totally Stampalicious.  We have several new Design Team members, we will be showing some sneak peeks, and on Thursday we will be having a RELEASE BLOG HOP starting at 9 PM Eastern time.  Phew!!!  Hope you can keep up with everything happening at TS.

Today our challenge was to make a child's b'day card.  PLUS we were to give you a sneak peek at a new Bugaboo set called Fairy Ava.   Ava is that cutie patootie you see on my card.  She comes with a few sweet sayings, one of which I used here.

Now be sure to stop over at the Totally Stampalicious Blog to see the fab creations of our newly expanded DT.  You are sure to be amazed at the variety and depth of talent displayed.

Flourishes B'day and Fav. Set Challenges

This is the card I made for Flourishes B'day Card Challenge.

This is the card I made for the Very Favorite Set from Flourishes Challenge.  The funny thing is that I first used this set for my Crazy4Challenges card this week AND I just fell in love with it.  Masculine cards are so hard for me......so now that I 'cracked' this set open, I know it is going to be my fav masculine set.

I have been reorganizing a bit in my stamp cave, and have 'discovered' some hidden treasures.  This set was one of them.

Well, today, Sunday, Connecticut will be dealing with Hurricane Irene.  Let's hope we all stay safe and dry!!!

Ice Cream and Bling.....What a Delightful Day!!!

The challenge for the Stampin B's this week was issued by Pam.  She wanted us to bling it up AND go crazy with the embellies as well.  Somehow I think I made the bling part, and for the embellies part I added a border, an organza bow, and a Prima flower with pearls.

As hostess for the CCEE challenges this month, I noted that later this week, on July 17 (the third Sunday in July), is National Ice Cream Day.  So I asked the team (and YOU) to create a card/project with an ice cream image or sentiment.

Now you really must take some time this week to check out the work of these two fabulously talented and wonderfully friendly teams and see what they have created for your inspiration this week.

CCEE Blog
Stampin B's Blog

The Ocean and Chocolate....Two of MY Favorite Things

According to one fun calendar, today, July 7 is Chocolate Day.  So, as the CCEE Stampers Challenge hostess for July, I am giving you a choice this week.  Either make a monochromatic card in the chocolates OR make a card with a chocolate connection.  The eating of chocolate is optional, but encouraged.

I used this old image from a retired SU stamp set, along with a doily die from Cheery Lynn Designs, and some Prima flowers and leaves. I did just a touch of paper piecing on the corners.  The inside sentiment is an unmounted, unidentified stamp.  I used an EK Success border punch and a CB embossing strip.

Please be sure to stop in and visit the CCEE Stampers Blog to see the fabulous chocolate creations by this deeeeelish and deeeelighful team.

Anne is our hostess for the Stampin B's Challenge this week,  Her challenge was to use a beach scene, including some stamped or real sand.  Well...I had some fun with this one.  I LOVE the beach, the ocean,......and have spent large chunks of my life there.  As a stamper, I have collected variious stamps to create seascapes.  Today I combined some.  My main image (in the circle) is a stamp from Innovative Stamp Creations.  The stamp I used for the back panel sand/grass is from Stamp Happy.  The sentiment comes from a fabulous set from Mark's Finest Papers that will be released next week.

If you are looking for some tranquility or summer fun, be srue to visit the StampinB's Blog.  You will find lots of sand for your toes AND, I would think, some sunshine as well.  This fabulous team will be summer happy!!!

No Corners Allowed

This week, the Tea Party challenge is to make a round card --you'll have to come in the back door if you have corners on your card. (And...they say it smells back there....lol!!!)  The suggested destination for our cards this week is Suart, Florida.  I will be sending it to Sandy, a friend of a friend of fellow teapotter Charlene (Cookiebaker) who is currently undergoing chemo for her second bout with breast cancer, and has faced many other challenges in recent years.  I hope it makes her smile!!!

I used a bargain Just Rite set I bought at the recent stamp convention.  And.....with the help of a very special friend who stamps '4' fun in CA (hint, hint), it was easy with the gift of a stamp handle for the set.  I added some Primas, a Zia pearl flourish (cut into two pieces), some MS punched branches, and a paper doily.

If you have time, it would be wonderful if you could join us on Tuesdays for this challenge AND send the cards to brighten the days of people facing all sorts of challenges.  It brings a smile to them and an even bigger smile to yourself.

A Totally Ribbon-ific Stampalicious Monday

Well, didn't I go all girlie today??!!!  LOL!!!!!  Our Totally Stampalicious Monday Challenge today is to use three different ribbons on your card/project.  Well.....I must say that this idea came to me right away and turned out pretty much the way I had imagined......a rare occurance in my creative process.  This set, Daisy Scarlette,  from Totally Stampalicious is such a happy set.  Be sure to check out the other ribbon-ific creations by this fabulous and fun team by visit the Totally Stampalicious Blog.

Have to share a bit today......I had such fun on Saturday.  I traveled up to Springfield, MA (yes, the location of last week's F-3 tornado) for Heirloom Productions Stamp Show.  What fun seeing a whole building full of stamping stuff......almost makes one lose their breath....lol!!!!!  My only regret is that I went by myself.  A couple of stampers I might have gone with had other plans, and in my wonderful world of friends, no one is quite into stamping as I am.  Now...why don't some of you live near me, eh?????  Anyhooooo....I had a great time and got some new toys (lots of dies) and, of course, some stamps (which I really didn't need).  I also had the privilege of meetine Kelley from Our Daily Bread Designs and chatted a bit with her.  Wish I had thought to have a picture taken.  I am not generally considered a shy person, but there really are times that I just have a 'shy' burp!!!! 

Now I just need more time to play with my new 'toys'........between DT's, challenge teams, two dogs, and real life, my stamping time is just not what it used to be when I first retired......oh well....that's okay.....I do what I can do and still enjoy my hobby (....or addiciton.....???)

Anyhooooo...thanks for reading this personal note if you've read this far.......once in a while I like to share a bit of what's going on ......I do have a few friends who check in for 'personal news' along with the stamping stuff.

Have a fabulous day!

Saturday Challenges Plus Some

The challenge for Speedy's Friends this week was to use a hat pin.  I used this fab hat pin I bought at Mark's Finest Papers, which happens to be the source of my very fav Happy Pansies stamp set which I also used.  I added some dry embossing, paper piercing, pearls and ribbons.

Be sure to go HERE to see the fab creations of the rest of the team.  To visit their individual blogs, use the links in my sidebar.

This is Silli's last challenge as our April hostess for the Crazies.  Our Crazy4Challenges goal this week was a recipe challenge.......one button, two flowers, and three designer papers.  For this challenge I also played with some new Spellbinder dies for the leaves and fern......I am LOVING them.  I also did some paper piercing.  My flowers are by Prima.

Now be sure to visit the Crazies Blog to see the various creations made with this 'recipe' challenge.  And....again, you can use the links on my sidebar to visit the team members' individual blogs.

This next card is one I did for a MFT sketch I found online.  I am really not sure if it is old or current, but I just loved it.  I used an older MFT stamp and glammed it up with some fab dp, some embossing, paper piercing, a rose, some pearl flourishes, and some individual pearls.  I also entered this into Friday's Free4All Challenge on SCS as it was to use many layers.

This last one was also entered into Friday's Free4All Challenge to use many layers.  The sentiment and butterbly are from newly released stamps by Innovative Stamp Creations.  I also used a couple EK Success border punches, paper piercing, SU ribbon, and some dry embossing.  I also added lots of bling to jazz it up.

Stampin B's and CCEE Challenges

Once again I was able to combine my two Thursday challenges into one card.....love when I can do that!!!

Cindy is our April hostess for the CCEE challenge and this week she asked us to use a pleated flower or any pleated element on our card.  Well....my intention was to use a pleated flower as I have been really wanting to make one, but I bombed...so my flower became my pleated horizontal panel.  HOWEVER....since then I have made a few pleated flowers you will soon be seeing on cards.  Finally, I figured out what I was doing wrong!!!!!  

Vicki is this week's hostess for the Stampin B's challenge.  She asked us to make Mother's Day cards.  Since I did not need a MD card, I made a feminine card in its place that could be used for any occasion.

The silhouette stamp I used is by I Brake for Stamps.  The border punch used is a Martha Stewart punch.

Thanks for stopping in to visit.......Please feel free to use the following links to get to the team blogs of the two teams.  You will be dazzled by their work.  AND....if you'd like to visit the team members' individual blogs or galleries, just click on their names and links on my sidebar.

CCEE Challenge
Stampin B's Challenge