Mark's Finest Papers 64 - Wheelbarrow of Flowers

Hello!  The challenge at Mark's Finest Papers this week is to use a bright combo of PINK, YELLOW & GREEN.  And I went clean and simple on this, because bright colors kinda scare me!

I used a new-to-me Martha Stewart Hydrangea punch to create my trail of blossoms.  Love that punch!  The shape of these flowers echoes the ones inside the wheelbarrow, from the Mark's Finest Papers set, In My Mother's Garden.  The image was colored with both Copic and Stampin' Up! markers, so I used Memento ink to stamp.  StazOn is no good for Copics, and VersaFine is the same.  I use Memento often, because it really suits my needs.

If you'd like a chance to win a FREE stamp set from MFP, make a card with our color combo and link it up HERE by Friday, July 22, 2011 by 3 PM EST. 

Thanks for joining me!

Colleen

Stamps:  In My Mother's Garden, Planted With Love - MFP
Paper:  white cardstock - MFP; pink - unknown; YoYo Yellow - Stampin' Up!
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Punch:  Double Embossed Dotted Lace - EK Success; Hydrangea - Martha Stewart
Other:  Copics, SU markers

Play Date Cafe 90 - Paris

Hello everyone!  Aren't these sunset colors just amazing?  Jax has eggplant, fuschia and orangesicle as our color story this week, and I just love it.

Our sponsor is Our Craft Lounge, and they graciously sent each design team member a different stamp set.  I received Vintage Traveler.  I tried to show a pic of it here, but I couldn't get it to work.  Well, anyway, it's a set that I fell in love with the moment I set eyes upon it. 

I worked on this project at my friend Andrea Ewen's house.  She has the most awesome craft room! 

The challenge colors made a perfect evening sky behind the Eiffel Tower.

Though it's hard to tell in the shots above, there is a bit of black behind the border punching.  You can see it better here:

Look who poked her nose in my picture!  It's Cristabel, our kitty that we adopted in January of this year.

She's hard to photograph, being all black with just bits of white around the nose. 
I had meant to introduce you all to her before, but the family crisis events this year took priority.  We adopted Cristabel from Pet Smart.  She had sat in their cages for at least a year, and no one wanted her because she is "old" (she just turned 2 years old) and black - apparently there are lots of folks who are superstitious about black cats.  Poor little girl!

She took to us right away, and is a darling.  I think she loves me best, but also adores Haley.  And even though my husband feeds her every morning, she'll only give him the time of day when it's breakfast time!
She loves to play with the throw rug by our front door, dashing under it and messing it all up.  She loves the wrinkled look.  ;)

Okay, back to The Play Date Cafe challenge.  :)  We'd absolutely love to see your creations, so head over HERE and read the details for playing.  Our guest designer this week is Kendra Wietstock.  Her cards are adorable, and she is so sweet!

Colleen

Stamps:  Vintage Traveler - Our Craft Lounge
Paper:  cream, black - PTI
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Orchid Opulence, Apricot Appeal - SU; Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko
Punch:  Martha Stewart
Other:  distressing tool - Making Memories; crochet trim; pearls - Recollections; sponge; dimensionals

Mark's Finest Papers 63 - Just a Note

Today's challenge at Mark's Finest Papers is to use a DIE CUT somewhere in your background.  As I contemplated this challenge, I had many vague ideas about how to incorporate a die cut.  I am proud of the selection of Spellbinders dies that I own, and was trying to envision using one of them. 

The day I made my sample card, my creative mojo must've went on vacation without me.  I just couldn't think of something fantastic, and made instead a perfectly fine - but perfectly ordinary - card. 

I almost never use orange, but I looked in my designer paper box and this called to me.  It's retired Stampin' Up! paper.  The sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers' Sand - Surf - Relax, and the flourishes are from their Flourishes and Frame set, which I ADORE.

There's my die cut - a frame surrounding the sentiment.  It's an oldie but goodie from Stampin' Up!, when they made sheets of die cuts in different colors.  And see the gold rose charm?  It's available from Mark's Finest Papers.  You get 3 for only $1.25!  I think that's a steal; they're really nice.

Sure hope you can play along with us this week!  Just link up your creation HERE by Friday, July 15, 2011 at 3 pm EST. 

Thanks for joining me!

Colleen

Stamps:  Flourishes and Frame, Sand-Surf-Relax by MFP
Paper:  Crushed Curry, patterned paper - Stampin' Up!
Ink:  Chocolate Chip - SU
Punch:  Double Scallop - Martha Stewart
Other:  die cut - SU; gold rose charm - MFP; vintage ribbon; gold brads - JoAnn's; dimensionals

Play Date Cafe 89

With the kids home for summer break, my available craft time has been quite reduced.  I'm grateful for our relaxed days, with a (mostly) unstructured schedule.  I'm grateful that I get to have the kids around me more, to see their beautiful faces and hear some laughter. 

But, being a true crafting addict, I am going into withdrawal since my stamping time is limited.  I know some of you out there can relate.  I know I am not alone!  It doesn't help matters that my children tell me I'm on the computer too much, that they want to see more of me.  Oh, the guilt!

Well, I'd better get this post going before the kids wake up, or I'll be feeling the guilt all over again. 

This week the Play Date Cafe has some soft colors for you:  mint, buttercream and taupe.

Our sponsor, The Craft's Meow, kindly sent each of us on the Design Team a stamp set.  I received Timeless Tags:

Love this set!  It's got oodles of possibilities.
Here are the two cards I made for our challenge:

I stamped a flourish from the set around the edges of my card front, then embossed with Framed Tulips.  I broke into my Prima Botanical paper pad for a soft bit of taupe paper, and layered many things on top of it:  a paint chip -- which looks like the mint color of our color story -- that was punched, some braided trim, pearls, a dragonfly sticker and of course the Timeless Tag stamp.  Oh, and for the first time ever, I SEWED ON MY CARD!  Alas, you can barely see it, but it's there. 

Version Two, using a flower instead of a dragonfly:

Our guest this week is Nicky Hsu, and she's got a soft, lovely card you don't want to miss.  Head over to The Play Date Cafe to see the whole team's cards and link up your crafty creation, too. 

Thanks for joining me!

Colleen

Stamps:  Timeless Tags - Craft's Meow
Paper:  Very Vanilla cardstock - SU; Botanical patterned paper - Prima; paint chip
Ink:  Sahara Sand - SU; Versafine black - Tsukineko
Punch:  Acanthus Leaf - EK Success
Other:  Big Shot, Framed Tulip embossing folder - SU; dragonfly sticker - K & Co.; braided trim; pearls; dimensionals

My CBS Interview

My CBS Interview for Operation Write Home aired yesterday, and you can read all about it HERE. 

Short post...off to an appointment!

Colleen

Mark's Finest Papers 62 - Blue Sunflowers

Happy Independence Day weekend to all my US friends!  (and a belated Happy Canada Day to my Canadian pals)

We've got a Red, White and Blue Patriotic Theme for Mark's Finest Papers Speedy's Challenge this week, and here is my rather unusual card:

Blue sunflowers never happen in nature, but then neither do faces on the flowers, so I thought, "Why not?"
I had fun pulling out my Copic markers for this card.  The stamp set, Planted with Love, has some other cute images on it, too, like a watermelon seed packet.  But a watermelon would've looked REALLY weird in blue.  ;)

Come play with us!  Link up your card HERE by Friday, July 8, 2011 by 3 PM EST. 
Have a wonderful weekend!

Colleen

Stamps:  Planted with Love - MFP
Paper:  white cardstock - PTI; patterned papers The Christmas Combo - DCWV
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Old Paper, Antique Linen Distress Inks
Other:  blue metallic cording; kraft die cut tag - SU; bakery twine - the real kind!; Copic markers; dimensionals; Aleene's Tacky Glue

Play Date Cafe 88 - Inspired by a Greeting Card

It's back to brights this week at The Play Date Cafe:  red-orange, 'yucky yellow' and juniper are the descriptions given to them by our own Jaclyn Miller.  Love the 'yucky yellow' name! 
At first, I thought I'd have a hard time making a card for this week, but then I saw this product in Reader's Digest and was TOTALLY inspired!  I used the lacy medallion from Artistic Etchings by Stampin' Up! and colored it with these markers:  Bermuda Bay, Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry.

Our Guest Designer this week is Debby Hughes, and wait'll you see her fabulous, clean and simple card made for this challenge!

See you soon,
Colleen

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings, Something to Celebrate - SU
Paper:  white by PTI
Ink:  Basic Black
Other:  SU markers - Dusty Durango, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry

My NBC Interview PLUS Meeting My Stamping Friends

Boy, am I chock-full of news today, literally!!!!

Yesterday, I was interviewed by an NBC news reporter in our Philadelphia region (I live in Southern New Jersey, very close to Philly).  The reason I was interviewed is for my involvement with Operation Write Home, a non-profit that collects handmade cards from folks like you and me, then sends them overseas to our military men and women.  They "shop" for cards for their loved ones, then send them home.

The reporter, Doug Shimell, came to my home yesterday and the interview aired last evening.  Here is a link to my interview.


NBC Reporter Doug Shimell, me and my daughter Haley in my craft area.

I've also been interviewed on the same subject by CBS, but they haven't aired their segment yet.  When there is a link available, I will post it here!
This excitement comes on the heels of another happy event that took place this past Saturday.  I drove an hour to meet my friend, Andrea Ewen, then together we drove another half hour or so to meet up with Vicki Dutcher.  Vicki was on vacation in Atlantic City, New Jersey with her husband from Phoenix, Arizona - loooong way from home!

We had lunch, then shopped at Michael's and a local craft store.  We also stopped for Starbucks coffee and took some time to catch up.  Andrea and I have met up with each other twice before, but this was the first time for meeting Vicki.  She is funny, generous and easy to be with.

Sunday was busy, too, getting a new bed for our room.  We have a small house with a tight staircase.  The queen sized box spring wouldn't go up the stairs, so my husband had to get a split box spring.  Soooo glad they make that!  Then our old full sized one wouldn't go DOWN the stairs (ages ago when we got it, we dinged up the walls terrible getting that sucker up the stairs), so my husband took out the entire bedroom window and dropped it out onto the lawn.  What a sight that was!  Finally, we have a new comfy bed and it's more spacious.  I LOVE it!!  My girls helped me pick out the gorgeous bedding.

Okay, that's it for now, but I'll be back tomorrow morning with a new card for The Play Date Cafe!

Colleen  :)

Mark's Finest Papers 61 - Make It Sparkly

Yep, that's the challenge this week at Mark's Finest Papers:  Make It Sparkly.  My wonderful friend, Carol Hurlock, is the challenge hostess this week. 

I am so excited with how this turned out!  I'm using a stamp from Floating Along, a new set from Mark's Finest Papers. I knew the water in this image would be perfect for a 'sparkly' challenge.  I stamped it in Memento Tuxedo Black ink, then colored with Copic markers.  A bit of glue and some Crystal Coarse Glitter (Martha Stewart) made the water shimmer. 

The scene was trimmed and matted on black cardstock.  The frame was created with two Spellbinders dies, one nestled inside the other.

The blue cardstock was trimmed with the Garden Gate Deep Edge punch by Martha.  (loooove Martha's punches)  The cotton lace was in a blog candy pack of goodies that I won. 

Want to play sparkles with us?  We'd love to see your creation!  Just link up HERE by Friday, July 1, 2011 by 3 PM EST. 

Guess what I'm doing today, while Blogger puts this post on for me?  I'm meeting my friend Andrea Ewen and we are driving to Atlantic City, NJ, to meet the oh-so-talented Vicki Dutcher!  She is vacationing at the Jersey Shore, bless her heart.  Can't wait to meet you in person, Vicki! 

Colleen

Stamps:  Floating Along by Mark's Finest Papers
Paper:  white by PTI; blue; Basic Black by SU
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Punch:  Garden Gate Deep Edge by Martha Stewart
Other:  rhinestones by Recollections, Copic markers, Crystal Coarse Glitter by Martha Stewart, dimensionals, cotton lace, Big Shot, Spellbinders:  scalloped rectangle, Deckled rectangle

Inspired by an Art Print

I saw this print at a doctor's office we've visited, and felt it would make a great card.  Please excuse the quality of the photo - it was taken with my cell phone:

I took out several punches and created my own version:

I mimicked the lines of the embossing with my punched black pieces. 

Simple card, simple post.

Thanks for joining me!

Colleen

Stamps:  Manuscript Background - Hero Arts
Paper:  River Rock, Very Vanilla, Basic Black - SU
Ink:  Basic Black
Punches:  Rose Leaf, Hydrangea - Martha Stewart; Extra Large Bird - SU
Other:  Big Shot, Elegant Bouquet embossing folder - SU, dimensionals, pearls - Recollections

Play Date Cafe 87 - Deco Lady

Jaclyn Miller gave us a neat color story for The Play Date Cafe this week:

Our sponsor, Stampendous, sent each of us on the Design Team a stamp from their new line, Frantage.  This is the stamp I received:

I love the color story, but didn't seem to have just the right colors.  I tried to come close.  My Copic marker collection is especially lacking, even though my kids think I have "so many". 

Due to the color story, my lady has gray hair!  I think she looks pretty good in that gray.  ;)  I didn't pencil in any wrinkles to go with the hair, though. 

Head over to The Play Date Cafe to see our Guest Designer this week, the multi-talented Stephanie Severin!
While you're there, check out our Cup of the Week prize.  Thanks for joining me today.  :)

Colleen

Stamps:  Deco Lady by Stampendous
Paper:  Basic Gray cardstock - SU; white by PTI; K & Co Julianne; DCWV Old World Mat Stack
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Punch:  EK Success Scallop Diamond
Other:  rescued ribbon from gift, Big Shot, Spellbinders oval and scalloped oval dies

Citrus Thank You

I actually had time to make a non-design team card the other day!  I pulled out some designer paper from the DCWV Lemon Flower stack (hence my citrusy title) for the first time.  Love the fresh green and deep yellow:

The topiary is from Flourishes' DIY Topiaries set, and I've had this one colored and in a box for a long while.  I just trimmed around it and put it onto the card with dimensionals.

This card will go to a friend who has been such a good listener.  There've been plenty of times I needed a shoulder to cry on since my daughter became ill this year. 

I'm happy to report that my daughter has made great strides in getting well.  She's not totally out of the woods, but she's worlds better than she was just a few short months ago.  Thank you so much for any prayers you've said on her behalf.  I'm so very grateful!

Colleen

Stamps:  Thank You, DIY Topiaries - Flourish
Paper:  Basic Black, Crushed Curry - SU; DCWV Lemon Flower; white by PTI
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Other:  Copic markers, pearls by Recollections, black twine from Stamp Simply Ribbon Store

Mark's Finest Papers 60 - Button Tires

I tried doing the real "Guy's Guy" kind of thing by making some tires out of buttons.  What do you think?

The challenge this week at Mark's Finest Papers is to use buttons.  I thought about going the feminine route, and getting vintage or shabby chic, but thought, "Nah, let me try something different."  The tire tracks are from a set called Big Boy Toys, and the sentiment is as well.  I stamped it, then cut it apart, ransom-style.

Hope you get a chance to play along, using some buttons!  Just link up your card HERE by Friday, June 24, 2011 by 3 PM EST.   

Thanks for joining me today.  :)

Colleen
Stamps:  Big Boy Toys - MFP
Paper:  Basic Black - SU; white - MFP
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Punch:  corner rounder - SU
Other:  Fiskars Pinking Shears, buttons from stash, Big Shot, Bricked embossing folder - Sizzix Tim Holtz

Play Date Cafe 86 - Baby Blossoms

I bought the Stampin' Up! Baby Blossoms set in March of this year, and have not had time to play with it until now.  I LOVE it.  It's so versatile, and this week's Play Date Cafe colors are just perfect with it. Here's our color story:

Those colors just say 'yummy' to me.  :-)

I made two versions of the same card, as usual.
Version One, using JUST our challenge colors (I used Crumb Cake / kraft ink to do the leaves, since it's a neutral color):

There is a frame included in the Baby Blossoms set.  I used it to create a background, but at first I didn't get the hang of lining things up right.  This version has things lined up in a well-mannered way.

Closeup of center of card.

And now here's Version Two, with the addition of Wild Wasabi for the leaves:

I love each one because they are different.  The first card is arranged in a "just so" manner.  This one has the frames off-kilter, but has more of a wildflower feel, with different posies arranged in each window. 

I used a sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers
Just Dandy for this one.

Our special guest this week is Tami Mayberry.  Tami is a rock star in this industry.  She's all over the place!
If you'd like to play along, head over to The Play Date Cafe for all the challenge details.  I'd love to see you win the Cup of The Week prize!  It's a prize that Tami has brought along with her.   :)

Colleen

Stamps:  Baby Blossoms - SU; Just Dandy - MFP
Paper:  white by PTI
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake, Pink Passion, Melon Mambo, Pixie Pink, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Bashful Blue
Other:  dimensionals, pearls

Father's Day Seashells

I had already made a card for my husband, but -- long story -- I have now made a different one.
I LOVE how this turned out, and yes, I might get some flak for putting pearls on a guy's card, but it is so worth it!

I used the Tim Holtz Damask embossing folder on Sahara Sand cardstock, then rubbed Frayed Burlap Distress Ink and Copper craft ink on the raised areas.  After the card was completed, I lightly applied Whisper White craft ink to the edges with my finger.

The seashells are from a new Mark's Finest Paper set, Sand Surf Relax.  There's a 'daddy' shell, and two 'kid' shells, representing my husband and our kids, since this is a Father's Day card.  The pearls just look good with shells, plus they are symbolic of our children being the gems in our lives.  The ribbon I have had for, like, 20 years.  It was sold at a wreath-making supply place.  It looks good with shells, eh?

I stamped the shells in Stazon Timber Brown, then used this variety of Distress Inks to color:  Walnut Stain, Tea Dye, Pumice Stone, Scattered Straw, and Old Paper.  On the large shell, I used my bone folder to give some shape, so it would stand away from the card. 

I'm entering this into two Splitcoast challenges:

• Clean and Simple - Gift - these shells are gifts from the sea
• Inspiration Challenge - Dali Decals - after this pic here:

I can't tell you how happy it made me to make a card today.  In fact, I made another, for an upcoming Play Date Cafe challenge.  Heaven!  Tomorrow is the last day of school, and then the kids will be home.  No more running them to and from school for a while.  Aaaah.

Colleen

Stamps:  Sand Surf Relax by MFP
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Stazon Timber Brown; Color Box Copper; Distress Inks - Old Paper, Pumice Stone, Scattered Straw, Tea Dye, Walnut Stain; SU - Whisper White craft
Other:  pearls, sponge, old abaca ribbon

The Biggest Birthday Card

This is the last week of school, and with it comes a very busy schedule.  There are pool parties, art celebrations, spring fairs, and more.  I am exhausted from all the running around!  I'm also scrambling to find things for my kids to do this summer, like art classes maybe.

I did find time to do a BIG birthday card for my now-13 YO daughter.  It's 6 3/4" square, so big that I do not own an envelope for it.  I just asked her to close her eyes while I placed it in her teenaged-hands. 

I broke out a piece of Hollywood Vogue Webster's Pages, from my precious supply.  I didn't want to cut into it at all, which is why the card is as big as it is! 

I chose this piece of patterned paper because it has special meaning for my daughter.  In the background of the patterned paper is a script from "The Wizard Of Oz."  When Haley was really little, that was her favorite movie and she had her very own Ruby Red Slippers from Target.  She wore them ALL the time, even when she was in my sister's wedding (we got permission first). ;)  When her feet got too big for those "Dorothy" shoes, we had to go get the next size up.  Today, on a shelf high on Haley's wall, resides that first pair of Ruby Red Slippers amid her Wizard of Oz figurine collection.

I added some lily-of-the-valley stamps from the Stampin' Up! set, Ever After.  These are Haley's favorite flowers.  After stamping them right onto the Webster's Page in Always Artichoke, I used a white gel pen to whiten the flowers. 

See the Wizard of Oz script in the background?

I am proud to have gotten my Deco Fan punch-around-the-page to work so well! 

The inside of the card.

This card is entered into one challenge:  The Shabby Tea Room - pink, green, neutrals and flowers.

I want to share my big news with you:  I'm going to be on TV!  The Philadelphia-area CBS affiliate is doing a story on Operation Write Home.  Operation Write Home (OWH) is a non-profit that collects handmade cards from crafters like you and me, then sends them overseas to our soldiers.  The soldiers can 'shop' for any cards they need to send to their loved ones. 

Recently the president of OWH, Sandy Allnock, asked if I'd be willing to be interviewed for my involvement with OWH (I donated many cards in the past year).  I nervously said 'yes'.  A producer and cameraman came to my house last week and filmed me!  I made cards in front of them, showed off some of my more recent creations, and had an interview.

The piece is set to air sometime in July, but the producer isn't sure exactly when.  After it does air, however, I'll be able to show a link here at my blog to the CBS site, showing the interview.  I can't wait to share that with you!

Colleen

Stamps:  Ever After, Bliss, Charming - SU; Strawberries - Flourishes
Paper:  Pink Pirhouette, Very Vanilla, Basic Black - SU; Hollywood Vogue - Webster's Pages
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Basic Black
Punches:  Monarch and Royal butterflies, Garden Gate deep edge, Deco Fan PATP - Martha Stewart; wide oval - SU
Other: pink satin ribbon, pearls, white gel pen, rhinestones

Blog Candy Winner!

...and the winner of my Anniversary Blog Candy is.....

Stacey G.- 2 Craf-t-4u

who said:  "Congrats again Colleen! 1 year is very exciting. I love how you have showcased your cards over the last year. I don't think I have enough of ones I like to do that. ALL of yours are gorgeous!!! I can't pick a favorite it is too hard! OK I'll try... I love the black, white, & green butterflies as well as the green pink & lilac image! It was a tie! Does that mean we might win our favorites! LOL! Just kidding!"

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 24 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Stacey, please contact me by Thursday, June 16, 2011, with your snail mail address so I can get your goodies out to you.  :0) 

Thank you to everyone for leaving me feel-good comments about my one year blogging anniversary.  I've enjoyed every minute of blogging and sharing my creations with you all.  :)

Here's to another year of blogging!

Colleen

Mark's Finest Papers 59 - Father's Day

Don't forget about my Blog Candy Giveaway!  You have until 11:59 PM EST June 11, 2011 to leave me a comment HERE to be entered.  :)

Can't believe it's already Father's Day next weekend!  Good thing I was forced to do a Father's Day card for the new Mark's Finest Papers challenge.  I do not do the masculine thing well, and always drag my feet on it!

I spied this layout somewhere on Splitcoaststampers, and knew I had what I needed to do this challenge.  I love this because it is adaptable, with a change of papers, to any occasion, any person.  I used papers that came with blog candy I won some time back, so I don't know who makes them.

This card measures 5 1/4" square, and as I was cutting my pieces, I noted the sizes so I could share with you.  :)

Card base:  5 1/4" square
Gray mat:  5" square
Argyle rectangle, upper left corner:  2 5/8" x 2 1/4"
Green leaves, Mustard herringbone, top right corners:  2 3/5" x 1 1/4"
Bottom widest panel:  4 3/4" x 2 1/8"

NOTE:  Each piece was sponged with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink before attaching to card.

I hope that helps.  This was an easy card to assemble, but the part that took longest was figuring out my sizes.

Thanks for such a great turnout last week at Mark's Finest Papers.  We had 100 players - woo hoo! 
Come out and show us your Father's Day card and you might win a stamp set from Mark's Finest Papers. Just link up your creation here by June 17, 2011 - 3 PM, EST. 

So glad you joined me today!  I have exciting news to share with you soon about something that happened to me, as well as a Blog Candy Giveaway winner.  The Blog Candy winner will be announced on Monday, June 13th, and the other news has to wait until I have further info to share.  :)

Colleen

Stamps:  sentiment - Big Boy Toys - MFP
Paper:  True Thyme, Whisper White, Basic Gray - SU; patterned paper - unknown
Ink:  Always Artichoke - SU; Frayed Burlap Distress Ink
Other:  jute string, bronze brads - SU; dimensionals; sponge