Happily ever after...

I'm back with one more card today.  I've been trying to find the time to play along in the Ombre Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.  Well...and trying to come up with an idea.  Yeah.  That took longer than finding the time.  Yikes!
As I've mentioned numerous times - purple is one of my favorite colors (the other being green.)  So I guess it's no surprise that I've chose shades of lavender and purple for my ombre card.  {grin}!

I've used a new Stampin' Up! punch called Bitty Butterfly Punch.  I have several butterfly punches, but I love the shape of the wings on this new one.  I lifted each wing slightly before adhering them to my card panel, then placed a tiny clear gem on each.  The panel is attached to the base with foam adhesive.

I'll be placing this card in my Etsy shop soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

What I used:
Cardstock: wisteria wonder, perfect plum, elegant eggplant, concord crush (Stampin' Up!), white (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: onyx black versafine (Tsukineko)
Stamps: love lives here (PTI)
Other: bitty butterfly punch (SU), clear gems (The Paper Studio), zots, foam tape

How tweet of you!

Happy Saturday morning!  Just a quick post this morning before I head outside to do some pruning.  Spring is finally here!

I'm playing along in a new-to-me challenge.  Addicted to CAS (which means clean and simple).
This is ATCAS#9 Challenge, and the code word is Spring. 

I haven't created a whimsical, cute card in a while.  And since I was in the mood for something different, this is the result.

This was SO much fun to create.  And it makes me smile :)  I used patterned papers for the log, grass and the sky.  I attached the die cut grass to the back of the white panel.  All of the other pieces (I fussy cut the log, leaves and bird) are adhered to the card base.  I attached the white panel, with grass, using foam tape to give the scene some dimension.  Oh, and I added a tiny drop of glossy accents to the little birdy's eye.
My intention is to put this card in my Etsy shop.  But.  I'm not sure I can part with it. I know, crazy huh?
Thanks so much for taking a look today!

What I used:
Cardstock: white (PTI), lucky limeade, daffodil delight (SU)
Ink: basic black (SU), onyx black versafine (Tsukineko)
Stamps: critters in the forest (Lawn Fawn), my peeps (Paper Smooches)
Patterned papers: this & that charming 6 x 6 pad (Echo Park), follow your heart - be amazing (MME)
Dies: long classic rectangles large (Spellbinders), die grass border (A.Muse)
Other: glossy accents (Ranger), foam tape (3M), scor-tape (Sookwang)

Sweet day - and 3 challenges

Hey, spring has finally arrived in northern Illinois!  Our tulips and daffodils are now a few inches above the soil.  Just next to the mound of dirty snow.  Yeah.

If you read my blog through an email, just click HERE to read directly from my blog.

So.  I'm sharing a card today, that I made for 3 challenges.

ETA...I'm also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes!

The Emphasize the Negative Challenge at the Moxie Fab World blog.
The "negative" is what's left behind after die cutting.  Put that negative to work!

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #175 - I almost drooled when I saw this weeks colors.  Lavender, vanilla and buttercream.  Together.  So soothing...and pretty.  Yes?

Here's what I created.

I used the seed packet die from PTI.  But, instead of popping it up from the card panel or adding to a little packet envelope - I die cut a negative into the focal panel, using the same die (that's my "negative").  I just laid the stamped die cut into the opening and taped it in place on the back of the panel, so that it sits flush.  This combined panel was adhered with foam tape to add some dimension to the card.  I'm really liking this card, the more I look at it.  I guess it might have something to do with purple being one of my favorite colors.  AND it looks so "spring-y"!
Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies:
Cardstock: very vanilla, barely banana, perfectly plum (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: gumball green, so saffron, perfect plum, basic black (SU), onyx black (Versafine)
Stamps: garden variety (PTI)
Dies: seed packet, double ended banner (PTI)

CAS(E) this sketch - UR OLD

Hey, another quick post this afternoon.  I'm playing along in CAS(E) this sketch - CTS#20.  This is another fun sketch by Jackie Rockwell.

From the first time I saw the Framed Out #12 die from PTI, it reminded me of a little cell phone.  That has been stuck in my head for weeks now.  So.  I finally gave it a try today.  Hmmm.  Let me know what you think. K?

That "text message" has also been rolling around in my mind for a couple of weeks.  Up until a few days ago, I didn't have alphabet stamps that were small enough to use on this tiny "cell phone screen".  This is a brand new clear photopolymer stamp set from Stampin' Up!  Their FIRST clear stamp set.  I'm really pleased with this set...high quality and so versatile.  I'm hoping they'll release more clear sets!
I had fun with this card, but I'm still not sure if I captured the cell phone theme.  I added a "check mark V" for the carrier's logo and 2 other function buttons.  :o)
Thanks so much for stopping in to take a look!

Supplies:
Cardstock: white (PTI), bashful blue, lucky limeade (SU)
Clear stamps: designer typeset (SU), signature greetings (PTI)
Ink: onyx black (Versafine)
Die: framed out #12 (PTI)
Other: foam tape, tape runner

CASADIA, PDCC#417...a thank you

Hello!  This card was created for a couple of challenges.
A couple of weeks ago I asked Wida Miller if I could join in her CASADIA card chain.  In case you're not a stamper...CASE means Copy And Share Everything.  You copy elements of someone else's card, but put your own twist on it.
If you haven't heard about CASADIA yet, I'll let Wida explain it.
"This story all started when I saw a card Jennifer Rzasa CASED which was made by Laura Bassen. I decided to CASE Jennifer's card. I had a fun idea to start a card chain by CASEing cards, hence the name Case+idea=CASADIA. This page is dedicated to seeing how far the chain can go."

Fun, right???

This is Laura's card that started it all.

You can click HERE to go to Wida's blog "Beachorado".  Just look for the CASADIA tab (or click on the link) and you'll see all of the participants cards and how 1 card evolved into another.
Anyway, a few days ago Wida notified me I'm up next!  I'm just a LITTLE excited.  Eeeck!

I'm CASEing this wonderful card by Darnell Knauss at kjkardkreations.

My card is also going into The Play Date Cafe #174 challenge.  They're using 2 of my favorite colors...purple and green.  Take a look at the gorgeous color inspiration.

This is what I created.

I was inspired by the stripes in Darnell's patterned papers and I wanted to use the same general layout.  I wanted to keep my card clean and simple, so I stamped my sentiment directly onto the patterned paper.  After die cutting the roses and leaves, I used some SU markers to add a bit more color to give the feeling of a little more dimension.

Thanks for taking a look.  And a big Thank You to Wida for letting me join in the fun with CASADIA!

Supplies:
Card stock: perfect plum, certainly celery
Ink: perfect plum, certainly celery markers (SU), onyx black Versafine
Stamps: rosie posie, signature greetings (PTI)
Patterned paper: so sophie-gracefuul 6 x 6 pad (My Mind's Eye)
Dies: rosie posie (PTI)

And one more little change!

In my previous post about Google+ I forgot to tell you about another change.

I now have my own domain name.   www.susiewittwer.com
There's now no "blogspot" in my blog's web address.  If you subscribe by email you should receive my posts as you usually do.  And if you type in my old address with the words blogspot, it should still take you to my blog.  I say this, still keeping my fingers crossed that it all really works!!!

So, no big changes for you.  You may want to update any links you have to my blog, anyway.

When I started this change to my own domain, I had no idea how complicated it would be to convert/link everything - and then deciding to join, and link to Google+ also.  It's not something I could have done on my own.  But it certainly was interesting to watch the changes (and a little nerve wracking).  Luckily, I have a very tech savvy friend that offered to do all of this at no charge.

Anyway, please let me know if you have any problems with my blog, so that we can fix them.  And thanks so much for following and reading my blog.  I truly value the connections and virtual friendships I've developed in the blogging community.

I'll be back with a card on Saturday!

I'm moving from Friend Connect to Google+

With the push that Google is making to use Google+ pages, I've decided to begin the transition from Friend Connect to Google+.

If you're currently following me on Google Friend Connect, please consider following my blog on Google+ and giving my blog a +1!
Simply click the button in the right side bar of my blog.

My followers are very important to me, so I hope to see you there!

A Sympathy Card - CAS(E) this sketch

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!  And...yes, I am wearing green today.  I have a bit of Irish ancestry - proven by my red hair.  Although, it's not as red as it used to be.  You know.  Fading as I age.  But I still love it!

If you get my blog posts via email, just click HERE to read directly from my blog page.

SO.  On to my card.  I'm sharing a sympathy card I created for the CAS(E) this sketch Challenge - CTS#19.  The CTS sketches are always fun and this one by Karolyn is so versatile.

I wanted to use very little color for this sympathy card, but instead use a lot of layering.

Compared to the other cards I created this weekend, this one was a breeze!  This came together quickly.  I used only watercolor paper for this card.  After inking each stamp, I misted it with water before stamping the image.  Also, I held the stamp in place for several seconds to allow the color and water to absorb into the paper.  I wanted to see a slight blur for a softer look.  And, although it doesn't show well in the photos, I misted the focal panel and the mat layer with Pearl Glimmer Mist afterward.
The only stamp that I didn't mist was the sentiment.

These stamps are from a new-to-me stamp company called Clear and Simple Stamps.  I've been "window shopping" their products for quite a while, but hadn't purchased until now.  As a thank you for participating in the Spread The Love - A Clear and Simple Stamps Campaign, one of the things I received in my virtual goodie bag was a discount on a purchase from CSS.  This stamp set is called Flowers. It has SO many images and sentiments...so versatile and fun to play with.

Well, I've talked long enough.  Gotta' go.  Thanks for stopping by!

 


Supplies:
Canson watercolor paper, old olive, rich razzleberry & perfect plum inks from SU, Flowers stamp set from CSS, Pearl glimmer mist from Ranger, foam tape

Friend - Muse Challenge #7

If you get my posts via email, click HERE to go directly to my blog.

Hey, when I signed onto Blogger just now, I see that this is blog post #300 for me.  Wow...time flies when you having fun.  And I am having fun!

I'm sharing a card I made for a new challenge blog.  Muse Challenge #7 - this week's Monday Muse is Laurie Willison.  I've followed Laurie's blog for quite some time and I love her clean and simple style, that always has a "wow" factor.
Here's Laurie's card:

I used Laurie's layout, but changed up the colors.  I also went with a very casual, almost messy, look.  I really don't know how to describe it.  Any ideas?  My card seemed to take on a life of it's own, but I'm really liking it.  Let me know what you think.  Ok?
My card:

I knew that I wanted to use a coffee theme with this card.  I've had the "sketched coffee cup" stamp for a couple of years, but this was the first time it was inked up.  The coffee rings and splatters are from a set I've used a lot. It's by The Precious Remembrance Shop.  That fun little arrow clip is something new from Stampin' Up!.
Anyway, I added a little border punched strip and a stamped diecut...plus an extra pop of card stock for the "you" in the sentiment.
Thanks so much for taking a look :)

Supplies:
Card stock: confetti cream, lucky limeade, so saffron (SU)
Ink: soft suede, crumb cake (SU), onyx black versafine (Tsukineko)
Stamps: positive thoughts (The Precious Remembrance Shop), sketched coffee cup (Stampabilities), defining words (WPlus9), framed out #12 (PTI)
Other: hung up cute clips, pinking hearts border punch (SU)

Hey there! 3 challenges

If you get my blog posts via email, click HERE to read directly from my blog.

It's been a gorgeous weekend for us in northern Illinois.  Sunshine and blue skies.  The low temp last night was 8 degrees, but the high today was a balmy 32!  But I didn't even mind the cold temp this morning because we finally have sunny skies.

I'm sharing a card that I put together quickly this afternoon.  After cooking and cleaning, and some reorganizing in the basement...I rewarded myself with a short time at my craft table.
I found 3 challenges that fit together well (surprisingly) for the card I had in mind.

The Play Date Cafe - challenge #171  (love these colors together, don't you?)

CAS(E) this sketch! - CTS#17 (another fun sketch by Jackie Rockwell)

The Paper Players - PP135 (a sewing theme by LeAnne - and I love to stitch on my cards)

And my take on the 3 challenges:

I almost used white card stock as my card base, because I knew I wanted lots of "white space" or open space.  But I reminded my self that it doesn't have to be white.   Why not change things up a bit and use one of my favorite SU colors...Pool Party?   I like the results.  I did some stitching on 2 of the patterned papers..even tied the thread in bows on the sentiment panel.  Then popped up the largest panel with foam tape.  The finishing touches are a button and my new favorite ribbon (from SU!).
Thanks so much for taking a look.  I love visitors :o)
Later!

Supplies:
card stock: pool party (Stampin' Up!)
ink: onyx black versafine
stamps: signature greetings II (Papertrey Ink)
patterned papers: follow your heart - be happy 6 x 6 pad (My Mind's Eye)
other: button (Basic Grey), very vanilla 1/8" taffeta ribbon (SU), glue dots, scor-tape, foam tape, thread