Going 'CRAZY' for the Fall Colors

Today is the day for another Crazy4Challenges post and challenge.  Jessie is our hostess for October and this is her challenge......

Hey there stampers! It's Jessie again with this week's challenge, and this week I have a fun fall themed color challenge for you!!! One of my favorite things about Fall is when the leaves start to change colors and everything turns into a beautiful, colorful mosaic. You can used these colors to create any kind of card, or altered item you like, the sky is the limit!



 I used this fabulous zentangled stamp to use the chosen colors.  The panel with the stamped image is yellow even though it appears white/ivory in this picture.  With the fabulous leaf image, I kept the design on the simple side.

Be sure to visit the Crazy's Blog to see the fab Fall colored creations by the rest of this talented team.

CCEE Stampers Swap Ideas

 

 

 

Lois continues as our CCEE Stampers Challenge hostess for September.  This is her challenge for this week.....

It's Thursday, CCEE Stampers challenge day.  I, Lois, am continuing as hostess for the month of September.    In honor of today's weird holiday (Swap Ideas Day), I'm asking you to make a card using a technique you've learned and want to share.  Either describe the details of the technique or link to a tutorial on the web.

I decided to share a technique that was a challenge at Splitcoast long ago.  I always loved the results, especially when used as a background for a simple card.  It is called Really Groovy Retro. 

Here are the directions given by Beate at Splitcoast.

Beate's Directions:
Retro technique is super easy and way fun. Take three colors from the same
color group (e.g. here blues) one light, one medium and one dark. Take a piece
of glossy white CS and use post it notes to cover up areas at random. It looks
better if you keep the them straight. Take your darkest color and brayer over
the entire CS. Next take some of your post it notes of and brayer over with
your medium color. Then take the rest of the notes of and brayer again with
 your lightest color. Done. You have a cool background. Stamp however you
like.

HERE are the directions I used on my card.

 I must admit though that I do it the OPPOSITE of Beate's directions.  I cover my glossy white cardstock with post it tape any areas I want left white.  I then sponge my first color over the entire area left open.  After that I cover larger areas with post it tape, sometimes covering areas already taped.  I then sponge on my second darker color.  I then repeat the process with a third and darkest color.  After you are sure it is all dry, you then remove all post it tape and.....voila....you have a retro design to play with.

I think my directions work best for me as it uses the same coloring technique that I use in Ukrainian/Polish egg decorating, known as pysanky.  You build up to the darkest.  So that is the way I go with this technique.

So....you can try Beate's directions or mine, but I look forward to seeing your creations using this technique.  Play along with us and be sure to check out the techniques used by the other fabulous CCEE Stampers at the CCEE Blog.

CCEE Creates Screen Dividers

Frances, our CCEE Stampers Challenge hostess for August, gave us a fancy fold card challenge this week.  Here it is.....

This week we are creating Screen Divider Card - I have been meaning to make one of these style cards for some time now … so let us create one for today's challenge. Here is the link to the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. 

I have to admit that I kind of dreaded this challenge, but was happy to see just how easy it was to make.  Thanks, Frances, for making me work out of my comfort zone (this time...lol).

I used a wide variety of stamps.  I did not write down all the companies (sorry), but the large ferns are from one of my absolute favorite retired SU sets ever.

Be sure to take the time to visit the CCEE Blog.  You will be dazzled by the variety of screen divider cards.

Going 'Technie' with the CCEE

Maryann is the CCEE Stampers Challenge hostess for November.  This week she asked us to make cards using the bargello technique.  This happens to be a technique that I really like so I was glad to play with it again.

Instead of using for my entire background,  I used it for a small panel on the bottom of the design.  Splitcoast has a wonderful tutorial on this technique if you want to check it out.  The only stamping was the leaf.  I did not put a sentiment as I am undecided if I will use it for a Thanksgving card or a masculine birthday card.  We shall see......!!!!

Be sure to visit the CCEE Stampers Blog to see how the rest of the team enjoyed this technique.

The CCEE'ers Enjoy Autumnal Colors

This will be a quick post as it is minutes to posting time.

Lynn and Liz, the CCEE Stampers Challenge hostesses for October, asked us to use the colors of the season on our creations this week.

I used a set by Sweet n' Sassy Stamps to create my background, and a sentiment stamp by Stamp Studio to finish it off.  The leaves were hear embossed with copper embossing powder.  To the sentiment panel I added a border with a MS punch.

Be sure to check out the autumnal gallery at the CCEE Blog.

The Crazies Give Thanks

Anja, our Crazy4Challenges hostess for November, asked us to make 'thanks' cards this week.  I actually dug out an old SU leaf set that I had never used and embossed the leaves on mustard cardstock.  After doing that I felt that it needed a bit more interest in the background, so I overstamped the leaves with an old retired SU background linear stamp.  Must say I love the results.  Am hoping to make a few more of these to send out for Thanksgving...although time is running out for me.  I finished it off with a mustard horizontal panel with piercing, square goldtone brads, and the sentiment.

Now be sure to go to the Crazies Blog to see the 'thankful' wishes of the rest of the team.

Crazies Take on Triangles

Frances, our Crazy4Challenges hostess for March, challenged us to use triangles in some way on our cards.  I ended up with triangles for my panels and triangular brads.  I just love the results, something I don't always feel about my work.  I used an unmounted stamp by Stamp Camp.  As I type this, I can't remember who the sentiment is by (sorry).

I am anxious to see the triangularly accented cards/projects by the rest of the team, so off I go (as you should too) to see the Crazies Blog.

The CCEE'ers Fall for Fall

 



Autumn leaves and colors are the challenge Brenda gave the CCEE Stampers this week.  Well, this was no struggle for me as I think Fall cards are my favorites in color and design.  I haven't made many this year 'cuz last year, when it was time to send them out, I couldn't find my stash.....so I am already well supplied for this year.

I used a set by Mark's Finest Papers for both the leaves and the sentiment.  The sketch is one I printed a long time ago, but it was not identified as to the source.  Sorry.

What a solendid variety of creations there should be this week!!!  Be sure to visit the CCEE Stampers Blog.

The Crazies Give Thanks

Andrea challenged the Crazy4Challenges gals to create thank you cards OR Thanksgiving cards.  I did one that could go either way.  I was totally influenced by a beautiful card I saw on Pinterest a while back.  However, I must apologize for the shocking backdrop on this picture.  In real life the orange wasn't quite so blinding.  The card, in real life, is rich and WHITE.  I have a real problem with white cards......have a hard time photographing their clean crispness.  Oh well....thus goes life!!!!

The leaf used here is by Hero Arts and the sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers.

I look forward to seeing the creations by the rest of the team.  If you don't want to miss out on the dazzling inspiration, be sure to stop in at the Crazies Blog.

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......!!!!

Crazies Go Leaf Crazy

Tammy, our Crazy4Challenges hostess for October, gave us a recipe challenge.  Here is the list of what we needed to use....

Only Leaf Images (yep)
Rust or Burnt Oragne Color (but can have other colors too) (yep)
2 fibers (yep....ribbon and copper cording)
3 embellishments (yep.....1 black flourish, 1 leaf brad, 1 die cut for sentiment)

I think I have them all covered.  PLUS....I have another Thanksgiving/Autumn card for my stash.  Thanks, Tammy.  My sentiment and leaf image are fromt he Autumn Glory set by Mark's Finest Papers.

Be sure to check out the other fabulous leaf creations by the Crazies by visiting our blog.

Challenges to Share

Shirley challenged the CCEE Stampers to create a card using their favorite color combo AND there must bee a half circle included.  Well....I didn't have to think very hard, as black and white OR black, white, and RED are my fav color combos.  I used a fab frame by Waltzingmouse Stamps and a great sentiment from Just Ritie to created my design.  I added some bling, some flourishes, and Primas.  To finish it off, I used a Cheery Lynn Designs Doily in RED for my half circle.

Please be sure to visit the CCEE Stampers Blog to see the fav color combos of the rest of this friendly and fabulous team.

Lois challenge the Stampin B's to create a one layer card.  Now THIS is a challenge for me, but I think I met the criteria.  I stamped a shadow stamp on the base paper, adding piercing on the top and sides.  I stamped my sentiment below the shadow stamping.  I then stamped and colored my leaves, cutting them out, and then popping them off the base.  Hope that was okay?????

The leaves and sentiment are images from the Autumn Glory set from Mark's Finest Papers.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the teams one-layer cards are....how about you?????  We can all find them at the Stampin B's Blog.

Going Sketchie with Roxie

Can you tell how much I am loving this leaf image from Mark's Finest Papers.  I keep grabbing for it.....love it in multiples, love it layered, love it cut out, love it in all color combos.  As a leaf lover from way back, this is one of my favs 'evah'!!!

This card was made for the sketch challenge at SCS.  Thanks to Rox for keeping us sketch inspired each week.  I just love sketches.

With all the craziness of my life lately, it is fun to pull out some fab dp, use my fav leaf image and PLAY for a bit between the 'cares of the world'.  Hopefully my 'real' life will quiet down soon and settle into a new normal and I'll have time to see all the wonderful creations I know everyone is making and sharing on their blogs.

Hugs to all.....

Thursday...Must Be Stampin B's and CCEE Time!!!!

This card was done for both of my Thursday challenges.  I used a set from Mark's Finest Papers.

Vicky Gould, our hostess this week for the Stampin B's, asked us to use two or more Spellbinders/dies.  I met that requirement as I actually used 5 different dies on this one.  (....always an overachiever....lol!!!)

Cindy is our September hostess for the CCEE Stampers Challenge, and she wanted us to use a bird on our card/project.

It would be fabulous for you to play along with the teams.  Have some fun....STAMP!!!  To get your mojo going, visit the team blogs to be inspired.

Stampin B's Blog
CCEE Stampers Blog


Now...let me share a card I made for Wednesday's Sketch Challenge. 

This card was made with a recently released set from Mark's Finest Papers called Autumn Glory.

MFP Blog Hop and Release

Click here to see pictures from my visit with Charlene (LilLuvsStampin).

Hello! Welcome to the September 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!

This week's new releases are:Autumn Glory. Boo To You, Covered Bridges, and Get Your Broom On.For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Autumn Glory? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)

For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Autumn Glory. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's MFP blog post.

Lois
Vicky
Dawn
Anne
Peggysue
Connie
Linda
Karen
Patty
Liz
Geri
Lynn
Debbie
Mark’s Finest Papers

The Crazies go AUTUMNAL in color!

Barbara challenged the Crazy4Challenges team to a color challenge this week.  Olive, orange, yellow, and brown were the colors.  I used a Mark's Finest Papers set that will be released soon for my leaves.  The set is called Autumn Glory.  It will be available next week.  I also used some autumnal dp, a fancy autumn brad, and some twine, along with some rhinestones that match to rhinestones on the brad.

Now be sure to check out the Crazies blog.  I think you are sure to see some beauties in this fabulously warm and earthy color combo.

This card will also be entered into Speedy's Friends challenge which was to use a punch.  It is kind of subtle, but I did use a corner rounder punch on the main panel.

Thursday??? Must be time for challenges!!!

This my card for both the CCEE Stampers Challenge as well as the Stampin B's Challenge this week.  It was also influenced by a recent release of Innovative Stamp Creations. 

Cindy is our CCEE hostess for September, and she challenged us to make an autumn card with stitching and a die cut (homemade or store bought).  Well, I 'fudged' a bit on this one.  It is definitely an autumn card, but my stitching is missing the thread (aka paper piercing) and my die cut is a true homemade one....an image cut out as a die cut.

Emily is our Stampin B's hostess for this week, and she challenged us to use a clip or pin of some type on our cards.  I chose to use a simple clear beaded pin from Mark's Finest Papers on my bow.

The stamps I used are all available from Innovative Stamp Creations, a site you might want to check out as they just released some fabulous new stamps, including some as gorgeous as the older ones I used today, which are also still available.

As I explained in my post late Monday, we were lucky to get our power on after a day and a half without it.  I am appreciative of that, but so very sad for the many who are still suffering the effects of Hurricane Irene.  The stories of the flooding in Vermont are so tragic......whole towns are cut off because of road and bridges washed out.  Here in CT so many are still without power.....you don't realize what no power means until you are without it......it is not just luxuries like internet and such that are lost, but gas stations, grocery stores, town services, and so much more.  I hope everyone is soon returned to normal AND that repairs are made to enable people to live and work without obstacles.  Hugs to all!!!

Now....to bring that touch of joy, be sure to visit the blogs of these two fabulous teams.  Their fabulous creations are sure to cheer you up!!!

Stampin' B's Blog
CCEE Stampers Blog

Wishing everyone a touch of joy in their day!!!

Thursday was a 'Challenging' Day

My nephew and his wife from North Carolina flew up here for a brief and sad visit.  My nephew's stepsister's 9 year old daughter lost her battle with brain cancer.  So Jay and Lauren flew home for the wake and funeral.  I hung around home yesterday cuz  I wanted to see them before they headed up to Boston for their flight home.  So....I played in the stampcave AND got assorted chores done.

So I have a few cards to share from yesterday as well as one from Tuesday.

This first card is one I did Tuesday for the Color Challenge at SCs.  The image and sentiment are from SU.

This second card was done yesterday for the WT Challenge on SCS.  Our goal was to create using green.  The image used is called Foliage and is by Innovative Stamp Creations.  The sentiment comes from a Mark's Finest Papers stamp set.

This third card was also created for the WT challenge on SCS (using green).  I also did it for the Totally Stampalicious challenge this week which was to use a RED bow.  The sentiment and this fabulous image are digis from Bugaboo Stamps.  (and....let's all send good wishes that ALL my digis on my old fried computer hard drive can be saved.........I would be heartbroken to lose all of them......can you hear me whining????)

Thanks so very much for taking  a few moments of your day to stop by.  I really do cherish your visits.  AND.....I send hugs to all.

ISC Release Cards......Better Late Than Never......and I'm Back!!!!!

While I was away in the Carolinas, I was supposed to have a few blog posts for the Innovative Stamp Creations recent release.  However, that was one thing I just couldn't get done before my extended trip to North and South Carolina.  So today I am sharing all the cards I made for the release.

I apologize for the poor photos......my natural light bulb decided to 'go on vacation' and this was the best I could do without it.

So...here ya go.......I will put the names of the sets below each card.

Autumn, Winter Season

(sentiment comes from the previously released Passion Flower sheet)

Foliage

Fall in New England

Fall in New England

Foliage (vertical panel)

Autumn, Winter Season (image)

Fall Is Near

Now....if you have not done so already, use the links in my sidebar to go see the work of the rest of the Creative Architect team AND go to Innovative Stamp Creations to see the complete sets which are available NOW for purchase.

By the way....I had a FABULOUS vacation....walks on the beach, time spent ocean gazing, swimming, reading on the rooftop patio, hot tubbing, good eatin', and lots of laughs.......so hard to return to reality.

 

Speedy's Friends and Crazy4Challenges

Speedy's Friends
Hostess -
Challenge - Faux Stitching

I am hoping that piercing is an acceptable version of faux stitching as that is what I di on this one.  I used a template from Ecstasy to create the circles of piercing and then added a clear rhinestone in the center of each.   The image used is from a soon-to-be-released set called Country Snowman from Mark's Finest Papers.  I cut the snowman out and popped him up in front of the tree.

To see the forms of faux stitching used by the rest of the team, you will need to visit Speedy's Blog.


Crazy4Challenges -- C4C59
Hostess - Silke Ledlow
Challenge - Fall

I am continuing to play with VERVE stamps.  They are among my favs lately.  This is also a CAS sketch I have also been using often lately.  It is great when you want some focus on the sentiment.  I added a leaf brad to my bow.

The gallery is sure to be rich, warm and vibrant with these wonderful fall colors.  Check out the Crazies Blog.

As you view this post I will be in North Carolina speding a few days with my nephew and his wife.  Tomorrow (Sunday) my sister and I will head on to Myrtle Beach for a week of ocean gazing (me) and golfing (her).  Wish for warm and sunny weather for us, okay????