Celebrating Autumn Freshly Made

I really like this weeks sketch challenge by Freshly Made Sketches (FMS210).  Very clean and classic!

I kept it simple but I love the look!  I started with a Raspberry Berry card base with an Oatmeal Cookie top layer.  I used Citrus Cooler Color Splash to spritz the Cookie layer then die cut the leaves using the Autumn Time die set.  The pattern paper is from the Harvest Days Prints paper pad.  The sentiment comes from the Autumn Time stamp set and I used Raspberry Berry ink for it.

Here's a closer look at the die cutting.  I was debating using 3 different patterns of paper but this particular pattern seemed to be the best for what I wanted.

Head on over to Freshly Made Sketches and see all the great inspiration cards and those meeting the challenge!

Pumpkins, Ghosts, and a Desk

It's been a long week since Friday.  Hubby had a procedure on his throat to burn some suspicious spots (2nd time) and his recovery has been difficult.  The doctor even said Dean was the first one he ever had that had severe headaches and nausea for more than 1 day.  Dean was doing much better yesterday but will probably take the week off to fully recover.  He will have to have at least 1 more procedure as these spots can become cancerous.  So, I have done no stamping this week.  But I do have some stuff started on my desk that I'm working on and since it's Wednesday, you get to see my desk!  Yep, it's WOYWW!! You have the opportunity to view not only my desk but MANY others from all over the globe thanks to the fabulous Julia at the Stamping Ground.  And if you are new to this just click on the her "What is WOYWW" page button when you get to her blog.

Actually I'm trying to figure out my November ATCs for a swap through a friend.  I have 2 sets of stamps, the 10 ATC bases and a pad of pattern paper front and center.  I'm wavering between the 2 sets (by FSJ). I hope to get this decided today and get started on them.

Here's the 10 from the swap that I just got back.

Mine is the barber pole one.  All stamps by FSJ.

I need to purchase some card holder pages to put my collection in.  I have only found 1 page and I'm just haven't found the many I (used to?) have.  Bummer.  I'll find them when I purchase some, isn't that how it works??

Ok, sorta short and hopefully sweet.  Please click on over to the Stamping Ground to continue this fun viewing.  Hubby is home today but changing the car's oil and doing other stuff as he recovers his strength.  Don't know how far I'll get today as I REALLY need to do some house cleaning and laundry!  Also today would have been my mom's 84th birthday.  She passed in June last year.  I still miss her.

2 More Be Brave Cards

I finally finished my personal goal of encouragement cards for the Be Brave Card Challenge at FSJ.   I didn't use the Be Brave stamp set but other fun stamps in my collection.

I used the Ink Splat stamp with Bubble Gum ink to make the background.  For the 5 sets of leaves and the circle "wreath" I used the Lead Me set.  The text was stamped with Watermelon Fusion ink.

A few Pink World sequins (1 to cover a smudge) finished out the card.  I only used Bubble Gum and Whip Cream card stocks but I do like monochromatic designs.

This card is a LOT brighter but still momochromatic.  I used the Chevron Trail background stamp (which I cut 2 stripes off to use like here) on the Bubble Gum card stock and stamped with Watermelon Fusion ink.  I used the Heart Felt dies with Whip Cream card stock for the text from the Faith Plan set, also stamped with the Watermelon Fusion ink.

With the Spring Bloom Minis die I made the 3 colors of flowers that I attached rather randomly and added more Pink World sequins.  I like the general effect of this card but think the Chevrons are rather distracting.  What do you think?

Autumn Leaves and Challenges

I've been enjoying playing with a new to me stamps. I recently purchased the Autumn Time Bundle and I LOVE it!  It would also be great for spring and summer just by using different paper.

This particular "sketch" is in response to the FSJSC9 sketch challenge on the Creative Blooms blog.
( #FSJSC9 )  I should have lightened it up a bit but got busy and forgot.  I used 4 different card stocks, Kiwi Slice, Sweet Pear, Pumpkin Bread, and Oatmeal Cookie.  I sprayed the Pumpkin Bread with a hint of Lemon Grass Color Splash, stamped using Black Licorice ink, die cut, then added some splatters of Citrus Cooler and Dark Roast Silks.  I used the Silks on the Sweet Pear layer, too.  I made the "tag" from the Oatmeal Cookie card stock then used my Crop-A-Dile and a copper eyelet.  A bit of Natural Journey Twine finishes the look. 

Here you can see the added splatters a bit better.  The text is from the Ampersand Notes stamp set as I need a special card for a special reason this week.

This card used the same Pumpkin Bread paper for the leaves as the last card except I have the Oatmeal Cookie sprig on the left.  Only the 2 different card stocks were used.  I tied a bit of Black Licorice Twine on the card over the sponged Pumpkin Bread ink.  The sentiment is from the Autumn Time set, too.

I love how the Silks and Splashes add to the cards.  I think they're a great addition to cards for a bit more artsy look.

Tomorrow my hubby gets his 2nd radio frequency ablation on his throat.  It's kinda like sun burning a spot that could potentially be a serious problem if not taken care of soon.  Please say a prayer for him as last time he was quite ill for a couple days.  And tomorrow is our anniversary.  Heck of a way to spend it!

Ghostly Haunts at My Desk

I think fall has arrived here in southern AZ.  It's gotten quite a bit cooler, highs in the mid 70's F and today is to be cloudy with rain later, maybe even thunder storms.  Good day to stay in and visit desks, get some cleaning done, wash the sheets, visit some desks, vacuum, visit....  You get the picture.  And if you're wondering about the visiting desks it's weekly Desker's Day!  You get the opportunity to visit desks all over the planet, well, the U.S. and Europe mostly.  This is all brought together by Queen Desker Julia at the Stamping Ground.  Please click on her What is WOYWW? page at the top of her blog for more info.

I thought I was done making Halloween cards but nope.  Today's card and the one on my desk (drying) were needed for a couple monthly swaps I take part in.

I still haven't worked on the red coffee cups and 1 plus the stencils and paint pen are still on the far left.  Just too much to do right now.  Next to those are my paper trimmer, a small pile of paper and some cards for a Be Brave challenge taking place at the FSJ head office.  You can look back a post or two for more info on that.  Pretty much center is a stack of stamps and coordinating dies that I want to play with.  Then, far right on my stack of scrap paper, is my card waiting to dry.  To the back of everything is my Red Cricut, cleaner pad and squirt bottle, and who knows what.

And today's card.  I've been enjoying the cutesy Halloween cards I've been making.  I don't do scary.  All stamps, dies, inks, and paper by FSJ.

I added some Stardust Black Gel pen to the eyes for some glimmer.  And, in case you're wondering about the name of the stamp set, it's Ghostly Haunts.  No links here for the products because that's a no no.

Ok, I'm done with my post.  Please pop over to the Stamping Ground and enjoy the tour of desks!  I'll be getting my coffee and heading over there shortly, too!

Repurposing a Card Kit for Cancer

I never did finish the last 2 cards from the Sept. Kit of the Month but I finally used one of the cards to make one for the 300 card goal that FSJ has challenged to collect for cancer.  (Boy, that was quite the sentence....)

I used the text from the Be Brave set and the heart from the Bloom With Heart set (free with the make 'n take at a Scrapbook Expo but unavailable for purchase.)  Also used in this card are Lemon Drop, Hazelnut Blend, Basic Pastels Paper Pack, and Whip Cream card stocks, Black Licorice and Bubble Gum inks, Cocoa Powder Satin Ribbon, Journey Rectangle Long dies, Journey Glaze, and Sparkle Dust glitter.

I had trouble getting the glitter to show on the heart.  I did get the glaze to really shine, though.

I hope to get some more cards made this week along with a couple cards I need for swaps. 

We spent this past weekend on a little trip to Tombstone and Willcox, AZ.  Helldorado Days were happening in Tombstone.  Fabulous late 1800's western costumes were being worn by so many there!  Many western-type shows were being put on and even a couple weddings!  From there we went to Willcox and went to Apple Annie's.  We rode the hay ride, picked a couple pumpkins, at BBQ, and managed with corn maze.  I haven't yet downloaded the photos but we had a blast!  We bought some apple cider donuts (6), Apple bread, and some other goodies.  We had gorgeous weather while home got hammered with electrical storms.

Hope you had a fabulous weekend.  This was the first time away for 8 months.  Hope the next time doesn't take so long.

Be Brave, Create Hope

This week I've been making some cards for FSJ's "Be Brave, Create Hope" card drive for cancer victims.  I still have more I want to make but these are a start.

I used the Be Brave set that I just got in an order.  I also used the Script Background and the Heart Felt die set.  Inks used were Bubble Gum, Watermelon Fusion, and Black Licorice.  Oh, the sequins are Pink World.  The card stocks I used were Bubble Gum and Whip Cream.

This is a rather simple card but I like the effect of the ribbon over the heart cut out.

This card was inspired by one I seen on Pinterest.  Same Be Brave set but I also used the Cloud Dreams die set and Bubble Gum Silk.

I used Bubble Gum ink, Oatmeal Cookie, Bubble Gum, and Whip Cream card stocks along with Bubble Gum Silk.

I love this challenge as my mom died of MDS, a form of leukemia.  I hope you will think about joining in this card drive.

A Freshly Made Sketch for Halloween

I finally got all my Halloween cards completed for family but one was inspired by sketch #208 (FMS208) on Freshly Made Sketches.

I purchased this fun Ghostly Haunts Bundle (stamp set and die set) since right now all Halloween and Thanksgiving sets are on sale.  (Check my FSJ Specials page for more info.)  I used 3 different card stocks to make the pumpkins, Pumpkin Bread, Tangerine Fusion, and Citrus Cooler.  I love all the layers!  The pattern paper is the Treat Time Prints along with Black Licorice for the base layers and again, Pumpkin Bread for the top layers.  A bit of Dark Roast Silk splattered on the base and Journey Glaze on the eyes and letters to finish off the card.

And my last card I used the You're Batty Bundle (don't know why the picture doesn't show or maybe is it just me??) along with the Create A Bow Mini die set.

I used Buttercream, Black Licorice, and Citrus Cooler card stocks and touched the bat eyes with my Stardust Black gel pen (from my stash).

I have all my cards mailed and now on to some other projects.  Be sure to head over to Freshly Made Sketches to see more cards using this fun sketch!

A Trio of Houses and My Desk

Another beautiful Wednesday, well it's still dark out but it's supposed to be really nice!  We are having a bit of a heat wave but tomorrow it's supposed to cool down and probably rain.  Bummer as we are planning to go on an overnight trip to Willcox, AZ to play at Apple Annie's.  Anyway, today is the weekly Blog Tour of Desks day.  This fun tour is sponsored by head desker and cool lady Julia at the Stamping Ground.  It's week 332.  I've been enjoying this weekly get together for a few years and love seeing what other crafty people's desks look like and many times I see great projects.  If you don't know what this blog tour is about please go to the Stamping Ground and click on the What Is WOYWW button at the top of her page.

My desks looks a bit dark as I forgot to lighten it when I was cropping the pic.  But you can see that I'm getting my cards together for grand children and great grandchildren.  There's a pack of Hershey bars on the far left under some cards, then a couple cards and a little treat box.  There is also a bag of caramel candies which is going into the treat boxes.  Oh, and a dark red coffee mug.  I found some really cool stencils at Jo-ans pertaining to coffee and a special paint pen.  I have 8 mugs that came with a couple sets of dishes that I'll decorate and sell.  Stay tuned for that.

Last week I was telling you that I'd be gone most of the day learning a bit of mixed media.  Oh my gosh did Judy and I have fun!!  The kits gave us the link to a video on what to do but we switched things up a bit after seeing a photo from a friend and what she did.  Here's my 3 houses.

Originally the houses were to be pastel blue with white flowers.  We opted for yellows and oranges.

Here's a close up of the stenciling with modeling paste, splatters, stamping, etc.  We also used acrylic paint, glaze, and ink sprays.

We used sponges to add color to the white flower die cuts then dabs of glaze and glitter.  I think we'll be making for of these.  I originally was thinking of making these for a Christmas gift but they're staying on my shelf!

Ok, that's the end of my post today.  Please remember to pop over to the Stamping Ground to continue on the tour.  Grab your favorite drink and be prepared to spend of bit of time! 

Barber Pole for a Handsome Guy

I got my FSJ Kit of the Month last week and, boy, I LOVE it!!!  It's so very masculine and has to do with mustaches which hubby and youngest son each have.  I have 3 of the 4 cards completed and here's one of them....

All but the inks, Silks, adhesives, glaze, and coloring mediums come in the kits.  I have just ordered the Dark Roast Silk (and the only Silk I do not have...) to use on the 4th card because I can see it really could use it.  I should have ordered the ink pad, too, but, oh well.  (The ink was for a different use.)  The banner was made using the Reverse Banner dies.  And the barber pole.... isn't it cool!  The set that comes in the Kit is called Dapper Birthday and will be available for purchase about Feb. 1, I think.

 I colored the pole with my PrismaColor pencils then  used Journey Glaze on it for the glass.  I colored the frame of the pole with my Silver Wink of Stella brush so it has a shimmer.  A bit of Natural Thread in the Black Button for a bit of masculine bling.  Let's see, what else....

Denim Days, Whip Cream, Candy Apple, and Treat Time Prints card stocks.
Black Licorice ink, Silver Silk.

The  directions for this card also called for the Dark Roast Silk to be splattered but I may still do that when my order comes in.  But for now, it is what it is.

Still Going Batty

I try to accept a weekly challenge on an FB page for FSJ coaches.  This week it was to use something from the new Fall Fest Promotion (20% off selected stamp sets and coordinating dies through Oct. 31).  Since I only have a couple sets from it, and plan on putting in an order REAL soon, I came up with another Halloween card using the You're Batty Bundle.  (I don't know if the picture will show but there's 5 bats with dies, and 3 phrases.)

I also used the Journey Circles and Cloud Dreams dies sets and appropriate sizes of Googly Eyes.

I love the cuteness of this set as I'm not into Halloween at all.  But all our kids are so I make cards for them.  I"ll be ordering 1 more Halloween set with pumpkins, Ghostly Haunts Bundle, and some Thanksgiving sets sometime today.

Desks and ATCs

I wasn't sure I'd be participating today as yesterday I upgraded to Windows 10.  3.5 hours later everything was working.  I checked my programs and printer and all were fine.  I did a custom install instead of the express (my son said to do this) and I'm breathing now.  Whew!  Now on to this post.  Again, it's Wednesday.  Seems like it was desker day just a couple days ago.  Boy the time is going fast.  Anyway, if this is all new to you please click on the WOYWW logo in my sidebar at the end of this post.  It's week 331 and the queen desker, Julia at the Stamping Ground,  has done a great job bringing many crafters from ALL over together to show their work spaces.

I actually took this picture late yesterday.  You can see the corner of my laptop since my desktop work station is busy upgrading.  To its right is a pile of stamps and stuff that I'm working on.  Center is a couple kits from FSJ's Kit of the Month (September kits as I still have 2 I haven't finished). Above this are some ATCs that I'm working on for a swap.  Then the white sheet on top of my Scor-Pal and Mat is where I actually work.  Kinda neat and tidy before I start on those 2 unfinished kits.

Now I'll show you last month's ATC swap of 10 that I just received.

If you click on the pictures you'll see the names of the maker.

Mine is the bottom left in this last picture.  All stamps by FSJ.

Ok, you've reached the end of my post.  Please remember to head over to the Stamping Ground to continue on the blog tour of desks.  I'll be gone for a while today as a friend and I are taking an online class in mixed media through FSJ.  I'll show the projects later.  Have fun!