Someone so special - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

This is my second post this evening.  I've been busy sponging and stamping this afternoon :)
As with the first card, this one is also a sympathy card AND is going into the current challenge at
CAS-ual Fridays CFC37 - here's Laura's sketch...

And, yes.  I used the same techniques as on my first card.  Masking, sponging and stamping.

It might be difficult to see the variation of colors in sky, in these photos.  It's much easier to see IRL.  I punched a piece of white card stock using a round scallop SU punch then used that as a mask for creating the clouds in the sky.  I just kept moving it and sponging more color across the sky.  It's really very easy.  Before removing the masks, I stamped my images.  Except the palm frond at the top of the panel.  I removed the mask before stamping it outside the "sky" area, to add a little depth (at least I hope it does!).
Below the sentiment I added a narrow strip of card stock.  That's about it :)
Thank you so much for stopping in to take a look.  I appreciate it!

The recipe ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), night of navy (SU)

ink: bashful blue, night of navy, always artichoke (SU)

stamps: forever in our hearts (Verve)

other: sponge pads and distressing/sponging handle (Ranger)

With Sympathy, gingko leaves - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

Hey, I've got 2 more cards to post today.  The second will follow shortly.
Unfortunately, I've needed to use several sympathy cards from my stash lately.  So, I've made 2 more to replenish my stock.  I know that some stampers don't like to make sympathy cards.  I'm not one of them.  I like creating them, because I know how meaningful it can be to receive a hand crafted card in that situation.
Kris, someone that is now a very good friend and co-worker (and my SU demo!), gave me a hand crafted sympathy card when one of my parents passed away.  At that time I barely knew Kris.  When I realized that someone I barely knew had taken the time to make that card for me - well, it really warmed my heart.  I still remember opening and reading that card 9 years ago.  I hope that the sympathy cards that I send to others, will mean as much to them.

Well, I guess I'd better get back on track or I'll be blogging all evening, huh???

CAS-ual Fridays CFC37 has another great challenge this week...of course!  Take a look at Laura's sketch.

It's been a while since I did a sponged background and I love doing them.  So, I sponged!  Here's the result.

Ahhh....did I mention I love sponging?  Yeah?  Ok.
I used 4 inks for the sponging, keeping the lightest in near the center of the panel.  I stamped the gingko leaves before removing my masks...except along the right edge.  I wanted a couple of leaves to extend beyond the masked area to give the illusion of some depth.  The rest of the card is self explanatory, I think.  But, if you have any questions, please ask!
Thanks so much for taking a look,

The recipe ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), always artichoke (SU)

ink: certainly celery, pear pizzazz, old olive, always artichoke (SU)

stamps: harvest berries, simple sentiments (PTI)

other: gems (Affinity by the Paper Studio), distressing handle and pads (Ranger)

Congratulations - Color Throwdown CFD176

Hi there!  I needed to make a card this weekend for a co-worker that will soon be starting a new job within the company.  So, I wanted to make "congrats" card for her.  When I looked around at the challenge blogs this morning, these colors caught my eye at The Color Throwdown Challenge #176.
Take a look ~

And...I was really wanting to use some of the Pool Party seam binding that arrived at my door on Monday.  This was my chance :)
Even though this is a pretty color palette, I really struggled to work some Rose Red into my card.  It seemed to overpower the other colors when I used it for one of the punched pieces.  So, I ended up using it in just a few small doses.  I think it works.  I'm hoping the recipient thinks so!

Gotta love that Pool Party color right now, in the middle of winter.  It's reminding me that spring (and warmer temps) aren't TOO far off!

The recipe ~

card stock: chocolate chip, pool party, crumb cake, rose red (Stampin' Up!)

ink: chocolate chip (SU)

stamp: petite messages (Hero Arts)

punches: decorative label, large oval (SU)

other: lace impression plate die, doily details die (Papertrey Ink), pool party seam binding (SU), vintage trinkets small pin (SU), mini key (7gypsies), gems (Recollections from Michaels)

Lovebirds - CR84FN46

Hey, hey!  This is my second post today.  I'm trying to make up for lost time :)
This card is going into the following challenges ~
Unscripted Sketches #142 - this time it's a "piggy-back" challenge.  The additional piece of the challenge is to create a pocket.  Which I did!

CR84FN46 - the challenge colors are pink, yellow and a neutral (I chose ivory)

The photos in the challenge graphic are so pretty, aren't they?  I thought of a pretty, girly, lacy card.  So, that's what I created.

Yeah, this is one of those cards that took a very long time to create.  But, I think it was worth it.  I did some stitching on a couple of the pieces of patterned paper, including the tag.  I sponged most of the edges with a bit of barely banana ink.  The crocheted "pocket" is a piece of vintage doily that I bought at an estate auction.  A few heart die cuts.  A die cut tag to tuck inside the pocket. A bit of pink ribbon leftover from a previous project.  A tiny key, a couple of gems.  Then the two Crafty Secrets stickers - Love and Lovebirds.  And, finally my card was finished!  I'm planning to put this in my Etsy shop...but, it might be difficult to let go of it. lol ! 

Click on the name to go to my Etsy shop:  My Little Bird Studio
Thanks so much for taking a look.  I hope you'll leave a comment...I love reading them!

Supplies:

card stock: naturals ivory, pretty in pink, barely banana (Stampin' Up!)

dsp: flirtatious (SU)

ink: barely banana

other: love sticker and lovebirds stickers (Crafty Secrets), tag-it #5 die (Papertrey Ink), classic heart die (Spellbinders), linen thread (SU), mini key (7 gypsies), pink gems (The Paper Studio), pink ribbon from my stash

Lots of hugs - CAS-ual Fridays CFC#36

Hey, I'm back.  It's been a couple of weeks since I've played along in any challenges.  I've sure missed it!
So.  Let's go.  This card is going into the CAS-ual Fridays Challenge #36 - Create a clean and simple project that is only black and white.

My card ~

I SO wanted to add a little pop of color to this card.  But, I resisted!
I used a Spellbinders heart die, then attached the black panel to the white with dimensional adhesive to "lift" it above those strips of black & white ribbon.  This ribbon has been in my stash for a long, long time.  As soon as I saw it in the ribbon bin, it reminded me of the "O" that is used to represent a hug.  You know...XOXO?  Therefore, lots of hugs.  I know...a little corny.  But I like it :)


This card will be going into my Etsy shop soon.   You can click on the name:  My Little Bird Studio

Thanks for taking a look today!

Supplies;
card stock: basic black, whisper white (Stampin' Up!)
stamps: XO (Hero Arts)
other: winter white embossing powder (SU), Versamark, ribbon from my stash, heat tool, stampin dimensionals

My Little Bird Studio on Etsy

Yes, I've opened an Etsy shop!  It's called My Little Bird Studio.  You can click HERE, or on the name to visit...and to purchase, if you want :)  Since my shop is still so new, I'm doing this bit of "advertising" on my blog.  Hey, where else can I get free advertising???
Also, if you click through to my blog (if you're reading from an email, there is a link at the very bottom of the email) you'll see that I have a photo link in the sidebar, to my Etsy shop.

Here are just a couple of the cards that I added to the shop today.  Both are geared towards Valentine's Day, but could be used for other occasions.  If you visit my shop you can see more detailed photos of these cards...and others.

The first card uses a very clean and simple design.  The primary elements being textured kraft cardstock and red glimmer paper.  Then...as you can see...the second card is completely different.  I went for a soft, feminine, vintage feel on that card (with lots of embellishments).  I really enjoy both styles!

Anyway, I hope you'll check out my shop when you have the time.  Oh.  And feel free to spread the word :)
Thanks!

Birthday Celebrations

I'm just popping in with a quick post.  I've got Oven Stew that should be done soon, so I'd better hurry.

This card is going into a new challenge.  It's one I haven't played  in before.  And, this is only their 3rd challenge.  Here's the info:

Runway Inspired Challenge #3

It's a very bold, graphic look, huh?  And the card I created is bold and graphic...really not my usual style.  At all.  But, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone.  So.  Here it is.

Hmmm.  What do you think?  I would really be interested to know.  I'm still trying to decide.

Supplies:
card stock: basic black, very vanilla (SU)
ink: onyx black (Versafine)
stamp: upsy daisy (SU)
other: 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, black and vanilla (SU), brad and gems (Recollections), Scor-tape

Happy 32nd - Three Challenges

It's another gorgeous day in northern Illinois.  Yesterday the high temp was around 50 degrees!  Today, at 1:30 p.m. it's 41 degrees...and sunny.  This is so unusually for January.  And I'm loving it :o)

So.  On to papercrafting!  The card I created this morning is going into 3 challenges.  When I was browsing the challenge blogs this morning, these 3 seemed to fit together so well for the birthday card that I needed to make.  Take a look.
Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger: By The Numbers

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #113

Crazy 4 Challenges #118
New year….new ‘toys’…..new techniques. Do or use something NEW on your card/project.

This is the very fun card that I created.  Well...fun for ME at least!  I hope my nephew likes it.  Oh.  And don't tell him that I told you his age.  Okay?

In my most recent PTI order, I got the By The Numbers stamp set, dies and the impression plate (thanks to some Christmas gift money from my Sis - thank you!).  So those items and a My Mind's Eye 8 x 8 patterned paper pad were the new items that qualify this card for the C4C#118 challenge.  And then.  How about those colors in the PDCC challenge photo?  Love them.  They're described as Juniper, Mint and Vanilla.  And last, but far from least...I couldn't resist the inspiration provided by Cath, in that numbers quilt.  I've included links (above) to all of the blogs, so that you can go see all of the details for each challenge.
Thanks so much for stopping by to take a look!  I hope you'll leave a comment.  I enjoy reading all of them :)

P.S. To all of you that read my blog posts in an email.  Just in case you don't know, at the bottom of the email you will see the title of my blog in small print.  If you click on that, it will open your browser and go directly to the current blog post.  You'll be able to see all of the other info that I have displayed in my sidebar, and the other page of my blog.  There is a Home page and a Recognition page.  You can also look through the archives at older posts.  And, once you're at my blog, if you click on my blog title Inspired By Nature (at the top of the screen)...it will bring up all of my recent blog posts.

Supplies:

card stock: naturals ivory (SU)

ink: tuxedo black (Momento)

patterned paper: lost & found - portabello road 8 x 8 pad (My Minds' Eye)

stamps: by the numbers (PTI)

other: by the numbers impression plate and die set (PTI)