Zebra Card - Great One For The Guys!

I needed some cards for our card ministry at church that could be sent to guys, and noticed our stash was short. I decided I would whip up a couple, so I would have them for the next shut-in mailing. I resorted to one of my favorite color combos....black, white, and lime green. I love the crispness and drama of these colors together.

Stop back soon!

Blessings, lynda

A Thought Away Card

It's back to coral for this springy card! I seem to be using a lot of this color lately. Just a simple card with some stamping, a punch (EK Success) for the phrase ( Stampin Up), ansome dies, embossing folder, and, of course, some sweet little pearls...just so you know it's from me. Tee-hee.

This /'$&@/:~<£ fibromyalgia is really acting up today. We're celebrating Dans birthday with the kids today, so the little ones will keep me occupied!

Think spring!

Blessings,
lynda

Thinking of you card

I needed a masculine card for a coworker who is in the hospital. This was a bit of a challenge,as I am a 'no frills barred' kind of gal. I love to glam it up. I actually made this card twice....the first version is the same except it the other one has a bow and silkier ribbon, instead of a knot and this interesting ribbed ribbon.  This version is a tad more manly,I think. I had to hold myself back from adding more,but I am happy with it.

For the embossing on the right edge, I used a Cuttlebug narrow embossing template. I sponged some forest moss distress along the design to highlight it. The tree stamp is one of my old favorites from Magenta.

We're off to celebrate hubbie's birthday....but first I have to finish HIS card.

Till next time...blessings,
lynda

Asian Note Card

Thought I'd go with an Asian theme for this simple note card. I started with a cream colored card, layered with a teal blue, then a narrow black border for drama. I ran the cream main Image piece through my Cuttlebug with an embossing folder just three fourths of the way on the card panel. Then I inked the flower with teal and black inks and stamped it along the no -embossed side of the panel. It seemed to need something, so I scored along the embossed area between the image to create the score line which separates the embossing from the image. A little thing really, but really changed the effect a lot.
A coordinating floral image die cut and layered in circles for accent. With some ribbon,and, yes, a couple of pearls (colored with my Copics to match the teal). That's it...a simple Asian note card. I used the same floral accent circles inside with a black card stock strip.
Here it is:
lynda

Thinking of you card...

Thinking spring here....thought I'd pull out some pretty coral card stock to use with a print paper from my stash. Tones of khaki, tan and cream round out the look and lend a feel of spring to this card. This stamp is from one of my favorite Stamping Up sets. I "colored" some white pearls with my Copic marker or match the card elements. Easy-easy and quick card.
Enjoy!
lynda

Three cards, one stamp

I had a little fun with this early spring snowman, using three different color themes. He makes me smile, with his little kite, and It made me think about the hope that early spring brings. The warm, sunny days give us hope, something to look forward to.

i hope you enjoyed our gorgeous 70 degree day today. i opened my office windows at work...it was bliss!

Here are the three cards. I hope they make you smile, too.

Blessings,
lynda

Card Ministry Weekend

What a terrific two full days of stamping and card-making fun! It was a special two day card ministry meeting this month. We had lots of fun,food, and laughs....oh, and also lots of stamping!

We all got many cards made for the church card ministry. We would love to have you join us...just leave a comment or email me for details. We meet every month, on a Saturday, usually for the full day. This weekend was our first two day event.

We had a challenge this month to use three different elements on our cards. Here are some of the cards from the challenge. Hope to have you join us some time, or all the time. It's free and fun, and we all learn from and inspire each other.
Blessings,
lynda

Card - A Friend Loves At All Times

I felt a little better today...fever is gone, but I'm still  achey all over, and a little sick, but somewhat better.

I actually sat and made a card, so I'm posting it quickly before I go back to my "sick nest" on the couch.

I will write more in a day or so.  In the meantime, you can check out my article on my Journey Through Autumn blog at http://journeythroughautumn.blogspot.com/ .  I tell you how you can get FREE digital magazines on your ipad, computer, or iPhone or kindle from your library!

If you have not seen my previous post, scroll down for details about my Zen Doodling class at the Greece Public Library in March....it's free, and fun. I'd love to see you!  Just call or stop in at the library to sign up.

Blessings,
lynda

Doodling!

This is my first post from my ipad, and I'm thrilled that I figured it out!  I just finished a "doodle" for an accent on my coffee nook.  It's sort of like a card, but without being a card....it's just to put on the shelf or wall.  I started by drawing a coffee cup outline, then filled it with doodles.  I have been enamored with the Zen Tangles for a few years now, and find that doing them is very relaxing.

Here's a picture of my coffee cup doodle:

 

I did the coffee cup on white card stock, then filled it with my own doodles.  Then I distressed it with distress inks and die cut the layers.  I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder on the tan layer, then distressed the raised areas.

If you haven't seen my coffee nook, you can can check it out here:  www.journeythroughautumn.blogspot.com

If you would like to learn more about doodling, I am teaching a class at the Greece Public on Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30-7:30 pm.  The class is free....just call the library at 225-8951 to register and reserve your spot.

Blessings!

lynda

The last card from last weekend!   I still have a tiny bit of the paper left, so I have to plan a trip to Hobby Lobby to get some more.  This is another ten minute clean and simple card.  

Sometimes less is more, as in this card.  A definite veer from my usual fuss and frill, but every once in a while its fun to break out of your comfort zone, so to speak.

Tomorrow I'll be spending the day stamping at the swap, so I'm sure to have more cards to post soon.  Stop back and check in soon.

Blessings,

lynda

Simple Thank You Card

Keeping it really simple with this clean and simple thank you.  More of that fabulous background paper, a couple of die cuts, an embossing folder for the different thank yous, and some pearls.  I just swiped the green stamp pad over the raised letters to give them more "umph."  Literally a ten minute card!  

Day five and card six.  One more card tomorrow, then another weekend of stamping for more!  Stop back tomorrow for another sympathy card.

Blessings,

lynda

A Simple Card To Express Sympathy

When it comes to expressing sympathy, there is nothing like a hand-crafted card to convey thoughts of caring and love.  Taking the time to choose just the right colors for comfort, design for simplicity and cohesiveness, and overall feel of the card shows how much you care. 

I chose green for this card, as greens and blues are cool colors, and convey peace and tranquility.   I kept it ery simple, and the inside is very basic as well.  I leave a little room for a hand written note.

Hope you enjoyed card five of my stamp-fest.  Come back tomorrow for card # 6!

Blessings,

lynda

PS - My Words With Friends game continues with my granddaughter, Keeley.  She's really good at it!  She really thinks she's something playing with her Nana (me) who is over 90 miles away!  Faith said that she looks at all the triple and double letters and tries to make words to go on them, so she's already figuring out the strategy!  Keeps me on my toes, that one!  

You Are A Treasure Card

This is one of my favorite verse stamps.  I pulled it out while making my cards over the weekend, and thought I'd use it.  It's good to remind myself and others about how much He loves us!

Hope you like this one.....I love the colors.  Just lots of papers layered, some distressing, a couple of punched flowers with the petals curled and raised, and some pearls to finish it off.

I love technology....I'm playing Words With Friends with my 8 year old granddaughter on my ipad, talking to her via email, writing my blog, and just got off the phone.  Talk about multitasking!!!  lol.

Stop back tomorrow for card # 5!

Blessings,

lynda

Card Three of my Weekend Stamp-Fest

I'm back with the third card of my stamping weekend.  I'm really enjoying this green patterned paper for backgrounds!  I rounded the corners on two of the corners, and distressed the edges of the background paper and the die cut.  Colored the flower with Copics.  Green pearls finish off the elegant look.  Yes, I did stamp the inside as well!  Just didn't take a pic of it.  Haven't figured out pictures with the ipad yet, and how to get them on the blog.  Hope I'll get it soon!

I'll be back tomorrow with card # 4!

Blessings,

lynda

It's All About The Paper

When I sat at my craft table to do some stamping today, I knew I needed to make some sympathy cards, thank you's, and thinking of you's.  Looking through my stash of paper (a very daunting task, indeed, if you knew how much paper I have), I was drawn to a soft green and white paper I picked up at Hobby Lobby a couple of months ago.  I actually purchased two sheets of this paper to try something with my shelves in my living room.  On either side of my front living room window there are bookcase-like shelves.  I had painted the 'back' of each shelf green, and the actual frame of the shelf stucco to match the trim.  Here's a picture of the shelves so you have an idea what I'm trying to say here.  Long story short, I bought the paper to decoupage the backs of the shelves (where it's painted green now).  When I got home, however, I discovered the paper was too small.  Note to self...make note of measurements and keep in purse.

Well, I love the paper, so decided that this was the day I was going to use it.  I pulled out some other paper from my stash that I felt coordinated nicely, and busied myself happily for the rest of the day making cards.  I am posting two of the cards here today, and the rest during this week, so be sure to stop back.  I made seven cards, so I have enough for every day this week, and plan to post one each day.

Here are today's cards:

For this thank you card, I started with a white card, and layered the green patterned paper on the front.  Then I added strips of the peach/white/pink/green papers, some lace (shows up a lot better in person), ribbon, flowers, pearls, and a stamped Thank You.  I even stamped inside ALL my cards today!  Didn't photograph the insides, however.  

The thinking of you card started out with a green card, layered with the green patterned paper, a strip of the peach, a stamped sentiment on scalloped circle, a strip of striped paper pleated into a circle, some pearls, sponging, and that's it.  

More to come tomorrow, and each day this week, so stop back.  

I got a new ipad mini last week, and am neck-deep in self-teaching about all it's capabilities and how to use the thing.  I took some great pictures with it (much better than these that I took with my camera), but have not figured out how to get them from the ipad into the blog.  I can create the blog on the ipad, but cannot figure out how, or even if it's possible, to get the pictures from my photos into my blog!  So, I'm doing it the old way, on my laptop. I took the pics with my camera, downloaded them into my iphotos, and grabbed them from there.  Problem is, I must have been a little shaky, as there's some blurring.  

If anyone blogs and knows how to go about it from the ipad, PLEASE let me know.  I appreciate any help I can get.  I did get the Blogger app, but that doesn't offer any ideas on how to do it.

The weekend is winding down now.  I accomplished a lot, and now I'm getting ready to relax for the evening.  Hmmm....do I want to knit, or read.  Or maybe even do some writing.  Or just plain sit and watch some mindless tv.  Oh, the options.  Right now, I think I'll play with my new toy for a while and try to figure out one new thing on my ipad.  One step at a time and it doesn't seem so overwhelming.

See you right here, tomorrow!

Blessings,

lynda

Journaling About HOPE

I am a journal writer.  I have a gratitude journal, and lots of general journals.  So when I saw the blog post about journaling for lent on Marketta Gregory's blog, Simply Faithful, I was ready to sign up.  I commented on the post, and Marketta asked me if I would make a page for one of the forty pages of the journal.  Here's my page:

The journal will focus on HOPE, which is something we can all use after the horrifying events of last year.  What better symbol of hope than the butterfly.

Be sure to stop by and check out Marketta's blog.  The link is above.  She will have the journal pages ready to print out on her blog by the beginning of lent, if you are interested.  If you do not journal, stop by to read some of Marketta's posts.  She is inspiring, insightful, and writes beautifully.  

Blessings,

lynda

Impression-Obsession Card Challenge

I literally got this in just under the wire at the Impression-Obsession card challenge.  Every time I sat down to stamp, something would come up.  So finally, I just closed myself in my room tonight and finished the card I had started so many times before this last minute!!  I actually stamped the image over the weekend, and designed my card in my head Tuesday.  After work today, I was going to go right up and put it together, take the pics, and post.  Ding-dong!  The doorbell....a friend stopping by to drop off some chairs she had borrowed.  Of course, that was several minutes, then there was hubby, wanting a few minutes of my time.  Dinner, then FINALLY up to my room.  And I finished just in time. 

      This is one of my all-time favorite Impression-Obsessions stamps (I love so many of theirs).  I love the whimsical, flourish swirls of this pumpkin.  I stamped it with brown ink, and was about to coloring it in with Copics or colored pencils.  Then I thought maybe I would try something different instead of coloring.  I took a Pigma Micron fine tip pen (I use them for my doodles) in brown, and started doodling on the pumpkin sections, then on the leaves.  All those lines inside the pumpkin sections and leaves were drawn in by me, they are not part of the stamp.  Then, I used my Dove blender to pull some of the color from the outline into the image to give it some shading. 
     The quote is Impression-Obsession 4615 Yesterday, one of my favorite Kahlil Gibran quotes.  I inked the first part - stamped it, then inked the second part and stamped it on a scrap. 
     Spellbinder's dies, and EK Success punch (love the way the punch has the swirls, adding to the flourish feel of the card).  I finished it off with a stick pin with some bits of ribbon and pears, and, of course, some feathers!
     Here are some close-ups of the details:

That's it for tonight!  Sweet dreams, and blessings to you all!

lynda

Moxie Fab/Hero Arts Challenge Cards

Hi there!

Just thought I'd show a couple of cards I've entered in the Hero Arts August challenge HERE , and Moxie Fab World Gallon, Quart, Pint challenge HERE .  For the Hero Arts challenge, I chose the sketch challenge for these cards....sketch # 3.  Here's the sketch -I used the bottom one on the right side.  For the first card above, I pretty much kept with the sketch.  I used the Hero Arts/sizzix Stamp & Die Cut Framelits Floral # 657776.  I love this set.  There are six cling stamps and six dies - one to cut each image.  I can see I'm going to be using this one a LOT!!

The Moxie Fab Gallon, Quart, Pint challenge is one of the week's lessons on card design.  The wonderful people over at MFW have so many great ideas, tips, and information.  The idea of the three sizes is to use one color the most (Gallon), the second color a lesser amount (Quart), and the third color just a touch (Pint).  On the card above, yellow is my gallon size, pink is my quart size, and green is my pint size.  On the card below, blue is my gallon size, brown is my quart size, and green is my pint size.

For this next card, I used the same sketch, just rotated it one turn to the left.  I'm loving this stamp, also.  I think I may have left it at my friends' house when I went there to stamp a couple of days ago, so cannot provide the name or number of it right now.  Here's the card:

Admittedly, I'm not much of a 'clean and simple' type stamper, but I have enjoyed this little veering from the path to do these and a few others I have made for my card ministry at my church.  I kind of like the challenge of keeping it simple.  Hmmm, who knew!  Of course, I had to add some rhinestones and a little bow, and some pearls to the one above.  Gotta have some bling!

That's it for now.  Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!  And be sure to hop on over to Hero Arts Blog and Moxie Fab World blog via the links above!

Blessings,

lynda

Card Sketch Challenge

I had a busy day yesterday, but managed to etch out some time to play a little in my craft room.  I bought a new punch, and recently got a new die cut, and couldn't wait to use them.  Of course, after all the anticipation, I didn't use either on the cards I made!  Isn't that the way.  I looked over the challenges, and was really drawn to the sketch challenge at Our Daily Bread blog.  Here is the link to the challenge:  Our Daily Bread Sketch Challenge .    And here is the sketch:

I really liked this sketch.  I kept the main layout basically as it is, just changed up the shapes and replaced the ribbon with a Prima embellishment and added pearls and bling.  The lace along the right side was white, which really threw off the whole effect, so I 'dyed' it with some Frayed Burlap Distress Ink.  I simply rubbed the stamp pad on my craft mat, spritzed with water, and dipped and scrunched the lace in it until it was the shade I wanted it....then let it set over night.  I'm usually way too impatient to wait for it to dry, but it was just after midnight, and I was TIRED, so I actually made myself stop.  My back was aching, and the stress in my shoulders said ENOUGH!  This morning I finished putting the elements together on the card, and Voila!  Who knows, I may even have time to make another.  Maybe this time I will add to the challenge and make a clean and simple card to finish out the week!  We'll see!

Here is my card for the challenge:

Thanks for visiting.  Enjoy this beautiful Sunday - This is the day the Lord has made....let us be glad and rejoice!!!

Blessings,

lynda

Michael's Dollar Bin Find

Before I get onto the card for this post, I just want to mention that the next CARD MAKING CROP is Saturday, September 1st, from 10 AM until 4 PM.  It's at my church, Holy Name of Jesus, on Bonesteel Street.  If you haven't been yet and need directions and details about the group, email me at thestamppad@yahoo.com and I will send them to you.  Hope you'll join us on the 1st.  Please let me know if you are coming.  Now, on to the cards.....

I was poking around in the dollar bin at Michael's a few weeks ago, and the prettiest paper pad caught my eye.  It was one of the 5 x 5 pads with 10-12 sheets in it, two of each.  It was a pretty blue floral, with striped and dotted coordinating sheets.  It just had to come home with me, so I bought two (now I wish I had bought more)!  I thought they would be good for a few cards each.

These are two cards I made with my "find" at our last card making crop:

I immediately though ' sympathy' with this pattern and the soft, comforting colors.  First, I layered a portion of a piece of the floral paper to a blue card.  I borrowed Kathy's Stampin Up punch (which I now HAVE to have) for the saying panel.  I punched white card stock, stamped the sympathy saying on it, attached it to a scrap of blue card stock, then cut around the punched image, leaving a scant 1/8" or so border of blue.  I tucked some white satin ribbon under for extra pizazz, and foam taped it to the card front.  A couple of rhinestones, and I was done!  How's that for CAS!!

On this card, I attached some of the floral paper, and some of the coordinating stripe.  Wrapped with a white ribbon, it just went together so quickly and well.  I hand-fashioned a 'tag' shape, and stamped It's your day on it, added a bow, and some green pearls.  Voila, another easy, yet elegant, card.

I love this paper, and when everyone at the group saw it, they wanted it too.  So we all ended up at Michael's and, of course, it was no longer there.  Lesson here is - If you see it and love it, BUY it right then.....and buy more than one, or two, or even three......

It is amazing how the right papers can really make a card.  There is no fancy work here, just some simple layering on both cards.  Much cleaner than my usual style, but I have to admit, I am really enjoying this little reprieve now and then from my more glam it up approach to card making.

Have you had any great finds lately?

Blessings,

lynda