The Challenge Spark (quilted card)

Jane from  White Orchid challenged Tara from Country Girl {Creates} and me to quilt a card. Not literally, of course, but to give a card a warmhearted quilt-block style. We do this challenge spark thing every week, taking turns with the challenges. Next week Tara wants us to make something using SU's Designer Series Paper.

But back to the quilt card, I've never done one of these before, but I was kinda pleased with the old country-style look of the Cherry Cobbler and Baked Brown Sugar color combo. I finished it with "You warm my heart" from Sheltering Tree as well as a few ribbons and buttons. Oh! And I dare NOT forget! I used my beautiful Husqvarna sewing machine's feather stitch and sewed between the blocks!

Kinda makes me feel like doing more of these!

I'm Thankful for YOU!

I thought I'd use this stamp a lot. I got it last fall right before I got very sick, so I didn't use it on the place-mats for Thanksgiving like they showed us in the Holiday Occasions Catty back then. That was such a neat idea. Stamp it on a Kraft paper place-mats or tablecloths and put pens by each place so your guests can fill in the blanks.

It sat on my shelf idle and unused until yesterday when I struck upon an idea to pair it with my new Little Letters thinlits dies. Once I got past the fall idea I was away!!! A little emboss resist, a little butterfly and a little tearing and it was done!

Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler

Time for Dessert! These colors are a favorite combo of mine. And I'm learning I really LOVE embossing with white on Crumb Cake. Then color in the image. Gorgeous!

Here's a completely different style of card made using the same colors. I dusted the edges with Espresso sponging to weather it a bit. Always like a touch of vintage.

wow! what all you can do with Just Kidding!

Simply stamp the words and image onto Crumb Cake card stock, sponge a bit behind the lady and color the picture. I added flowers and the ferns from Butterfly Basics. Oh, and a bit of color around the edge. Easy. And I was rather delighted with the outcome!

Don't you just love this funny ol' lady from Just Kidding? I'll gladly order you this stamp set! It's a really good one!

a tough week (good-bye is hard)

A young wife is left to raise her children alone after her husband died in a logging accident early last week. Her parents and siblings live close to us, so we are well acquainted and feel the deep sadness along with the family. While listening to an audio streaming of the funeral service with all the gorgeous singing that seemed to be coming  straight from heaven, I idly made cards. Keeping my hands busy helps me understand better, seems like. This one (above) almost made itself since I wasn't really concentrating on my art. I was surprised to find myself using a stamp from Just Kidding for the sentiment. Truly, saying "goodbye" is hard. And I'm glad to be able to use this stamp set for something sad as well as humorous. I don't have anything inside the card since I do love having lotsa room to say my own thing now and then. Especially for an occasion such as this week's tragedy.

Another card borne out of an aching heart. Same occasion; same soothing tear-stained colors. I love using watercolor paper and re-inkers. Here I was also able to use my new Little Letters dies. Since I couldn't bear to toss the little strip I had to remove to fit my card base, I adhered it into the inside of the card. Nice touch, anyway!

(challenge spark---realistic scene) hilltop camp-out

 

Since my favorite thing to do with cards besides embossing is making a scene (!) I wanted to see what Jane and Tara could teach me on this topic for our Challenge Spark this week! I also decided to use a stamp set I love but don't always know how to use. 

Basically what I did was stamp the tent on white cardstock as well as a sticky note (for a mask) and then also punched a 3/4" circle to mask off the moon. I then simply used various sponges to get the background color in and added some trees from Lovely as a Tree.

I keep forgetting to update you on the next challenge coming up. For next week, Jane is calling the shots and asking for a quilt card. You know? You sometimes see gorgeous cards that look like a quilt block? It's something I've always wanted to try and now here's my chance!

The Challenge Spark (seldom used SU product or tool)

In the post right before this one, I told you that Tara challenged Jane and me to use a tool or product we seldom find a purpose for. I chose my Pool Party embossing powder. On this card I did the same layered embossing technique I used for this card complete with a tutorial on that link.

I used waaaay less of the top-coat embossing powder on this one, just a few streaks here and there.