The Card Concept #74 Freshly Elegant

The gorgeous inspiration at The Card Concept grabbed hold and wouldn't let go this afternoon ... I've had this in mind for a few days now - thanks for the reminder TCC!!

I think the elements from the photo will be pretty apparent in my  'clean and simple' or maybe 'clean and graphic?' design ... just HAD to use the ampersand, attempt a homemade pink velvet, and golden kisses, too!  for TCC#74:

Barely pink cardstock; just shiny enough gold foil paper from Altenew;

and a very old, much loved embossing folder from Stampin' Up.

That 'velvet' touch was achieved with heat embossing and a MFT background stamp

 

Thanks so much for the visits today - now back to building my June 12 Kits kit!

 

=]  Michele

12 Kits of Occasions: Happiness is Homemade

Birgit Norton is our hostess for May and she's created the most wonderful tribute to her Mom - we were all truly touched by her words - thank you, Birgit!  This kit was filled with lots of reminders of her mother's favorite things... and such a joy to play cards with - I mean it, Birgit!!!  [inside joke] thank you so very much!

As you can glimpse in Lindsey's awesome photo above [thanks darlin' for the new look!!]  Birgit gave us plenty of goodies, papers, images to color, many die cuts that were all ready for the card, and sentiments galore!  I've plenty leftover for many more cards!

So, get a beverage, and get comfy, 'kay?

Let's start with the gorgeous flowers, shall we?

This card made itself, btw.  All I added was the scalloped die cut edge!

Since most of my cards are sent to other card makers, I've left a few tulips simply tucked in so they could use them for a creation of their own!

 

You won't be surprised that I colored a few blooms in my favorite shades of grey, right?

 

 

This Freesia set promptly when into a cart.

LOve this combination of Distress inks for water coloring:

Black Soot, and Pumice Stone!

 

I loved this apron [it came just like this!]

It certainly brought my own sweet mama to mind!

 

Yes - that little love note does slide in and out!  A pocket-full of love!

 

One of our favorite 'sick in bed' things to do as a kid was to string buttons...

try to get a kid to do that today!!! 

These little PTI dies haven't seen the light of day in forever!

 

I triple-clear-embossed the 'thanks' and also the cherries!

LOve cherry pie ... and a red & pink combo!

 

Last card, but perhaps my favorite of all:

 

Just the tiniest bit of Copic coloring and bingo: cuteness overload!

 

If you've made it this far, thank you - it always makes my heart happy!  But if you started here, now you must visit each and every one of my 12 Kits of Occasions friends!

Join us here at the 12 Kits blog, where you'll find a list of supplies Birgit sent us.

 You will be amazed by the creations from the talented girls I hang out with!  How lucky am I?  xx

 

=]  Michele

 

 

 

 

 

CAS[E] this Sketch #223

Chrissy has given us another fun Sketch this week ... and I had a little fun creating my own sentiment for it! 

Last week, I had such fun with MFT's Gull, I couldn't resist an idea that wouldn't rest until completed ... you all know that I want to write sentiments, right?  Tell me what you think:

That little gull's dream is based on this wrapping paper:

 

Inside sentiment: 

Remember to follow your dreams, gull-friend! 

Our wish is that they all come true! 

I will  now go immediately to check out what my team mates have created ... won't you join me?  Let's go.... see you there!  and again in the gull-ery!

=]  Michele

Supplies:  MFT Seaside Seagulls and Wonky Ovals; Lil Inkers Dip Dyed Ombre paper pad; Mama Elephant stitched rectangle; gift wrap via TJMaxx

Guest Designing for Time Out #84

Today I have the honor of being the guest designer for Time Out Challenge #84!  How did that happen?  you may ask ... because they picked this card of mine as a winner ... oh it could happen for you, too!  Play along with us!

The fabulous T.O. team have given me a quote to work with for this challenge:

 "Flowers and friends make life a garden!"

 

OH so true that!  I had no problem choosing which set of florals I'd use ... wait... look again!  Your eye may see Hydrangea, but look a wee bit closer ...

 

 

This is created with The Bee's Knees:  Winged Things - from Stamplorations - thanks again, Shery!

a prize won with that winning butterfly card!  You cannot imagine how long I've had it on my wish-list!

 

I've simply cut that stamped, and Zig-colored, panel using an MFT Stitched Speech Bubble Edge die, and hand-lettered the quote!  the largest of the 'petals' was fussy cut, and popped up on foam dots!

 

 Isn't it time you made your own creation based on that wonderful quote?  I do hope I've inspired you just a little bit ... if not, all you need to do is visit the Time Out challenge blog ... you'll be just as amazed as I am!

 

=]  Michele

 



Seconds, and Thirds!

I warned you that I might make more cards for the Color Throwdown ... turns out it happened quicker than I thought it would - what is that saying about striking iron? 

There are a few Amys in blogland that admire very much... one of them is hosting this challenge - the other has a total love of all things green, and just happens to be guest designing! 

These are for you, girls! and ctd444

Lil Inkers Stitched Woodgrain Coverplate; MFT Stitched Heart Grid;

MFT Slate cardstock; PTI Woodblock Prints [discontinued?]

 

All the same players, with the addition of the MFT Big Hugs

[this card is for Tom for Father's Day - yes.  there will be one heart missing]

I thank you for sharing part of your day with me ... xx

=]  Michele

Color Throwdown #444

I've always admitted to being a wee bit afraid of color ... gray is my favorite - what does that say about me?  Well, there's a challenge in town that totally gets me... 

Color Throwdown #444: 

BONUS!  Look at these fabulous Lily of the Valley- a favorite as a child, and I can still conjure their fragrance at will!

I've been playing with a new set from Flora and Fauna Clear stamps: Succulents.  Here are a few I've shared on IG:

Their darling Glass Cloche die made it so easy!

Winnie & Walter gave it a pretty stage.

 

An easy bit of doodling grounded these little vases perfectly - and simply!

 

For my Color Throwdown card, I just stamped!  using a few fun stamps from Altenew as garden beds, I found a great way to 'grow them my way!'

You just know I won't stop at one card with these colors!

Thanks for the visit ... always a pleasure to see you!

=]  Michele

Other supplies:  SSS Smoke ink; Impress Fresh Ink: Basil; MFT stitch die;
Altenew Simple Flowers

Ellen Hutson May Pin-Sights Challenge

I have a very beautiful inspiration photo to share this morning from Ellen's May Pin-Sights Challenge so I'm getting right to it:

 

Yes... swoon away!

 

I was in need of a special birthday card, for a very special little granddaughter who is 12 today ... she is as sweet as this photo, and a highlight in my life.   She has eyes this same beautiful blue... here is the bonus - she is also named for my mum, Lola, who would have adored her, too! 

 

Using a fair number of Essentials by Ellen sets, here is the card I've created for the challenge, and my darling Lola:

 

 

I know that yellow is not one of the lovely color swatches, but I did spot it in the posy!

 

I'll list all of the sets used, below ... it's for you to solve which element of my card comes from which set!  Do have a look at my 'stems/vase' which convey my birthday message!

 

Have a blessed Sunday, my friends!

 

=]  Michele

 

 

 

Essentials by Ellen:

  Cozy Christmas

  Courage

  Otter Ware

  Wish Big

Other players:

  Mama Elephant - Sweet Havana - for the tiny lilacs

  Die-namics die 

  EK Tools - journaling pen .25mm

  Bazzill Pale Rose cardstock which I hesitate to share, as it seems to be my newest favorite pink - thanks, to Julie and Carly! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Fusion - Navy Patterns

Thank goodness for those reminders from Fusion!  I nearly forgot to post my card!  Here is their fabulous challenge: Navy Patterns ... I've used the photo and its gorgeous colors for my card.

In a former home, Tom and I actually created this very board-and-batten panel in our dining room ... I'm already hinting that I'd like it again ... in my craft room maybe?  We'll see if it comes to fruition.

Here is my card:

 

 

And because I wanted to practice cutting those battens:

Like the inside sentiment says:  ... that ship has sailed!! 

Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

=]  Michele

Supplies:  PTI Dark Indigo cardstock, Avery Elle birthday sentiment; SSS It's your day sentiment and tiny sailboat die; Mama Elephant Sketchy Letters and Window die; and MFT Jumbo Ric-Rac for the wave!

Time Out Challenge #83 - CASEing Hannelie!

I don't know what's gotten into me ... I have found a little bit of courage! 

There is a challenge in town that is asking us to CASE Hannelie Bester the Desert Diva ... you know she's a card-making-Silhouette-cutting genius, right?  Do get a beverage and spend an hour or ten perusing her blog, please... I'll wait!

Here is the card Hannelie made for us to CASE at Time Out Challenge #83:

Gorgeous!!! 

Soooo ... how can a girl change it up, yet still keep the wonderful elements of Hannelie's card?  hmmm... I've got it ... 

Black splatted dots ... you see her splatters?
Orange-y red to yellow colors - so I may have gone a little more green - but yellow leaves will NOT do!
And a beautiful flower - done!

Hope it gives you a smile, Hannelie!!!

=]  Michele

CAS[E] this Sketch #222

Hannelie is our Sketch artist this week for #222 ... you all know that she is the master of the Silhouette, right?  I mean the girl is a wizard!  So, you can imagine how excited I am to see the card that inspired her sketch ... no, I don't peek - promise!

A few goodies arrived just in time for me to create - I've seen this set used in so many fun ways ... here's my first attempt:

Will we find you in the gull-ery this week!!!  he hee!

=]  Michele 

The Flower Challenge: CASE the Designer

Let me start this post by saying this:  there is NO WAY I could ever come close to this designer's phenomenal talent!  But, The Flower Challenge #8 has given us the task of CASEing someone from their fantastic team... TaeEun, you have astounded me with your gorgeous coloring and I felt that I'd just like to try it!

I'm braving my way to CASEing TaeEun, combining her first, and second cards here:

Okay... yikes, I'm so nervous!!!  Here's my card... embossed as in #1, purples as in #2 ... Altenew's Dahlia, simply stamped, then enhanced by Prismacolor-ing... left unblended - no gamsol in the house... let's face it, I wouldn't know how!

It's easy to see I have a LONG way to go ...

Oh it was fun getting dad's hammer out again for a little selective embossing! 

Thanks, TaeEun, for continuing to WOW me with every card ... and for those that make it to my mailbox?  thanks a million times more!!!

=]  Michele

CASology Week 249: Warm

Seems I haven't visited CASology in ages either!  Here is the Cue Word for Week 249:  Warm!

I have just the ticket for it, too ... thanks to my friend Bobby, who shared this wonderful Ellen's Essentials All Inside by Julie.

In this instance I am adding just one color to my design which makes it bright, and CAS - the pinked panel to highlight the sentiment, and that darling little sun - totally WARM and very sweet, too!

Thanks, Bobby, for sharing ... xx

=]  Michele

MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge

I do hope you all enjoyed your weekend, and that those Moms out there were spoiled rotten - we deserve it, right? 

I'm playing cards with MFTWSC332 today, Yay!  It has been far too long, for sure.  Here is their Sketch:

I had the pleasure of spending a good portion of my day with my baby girl yesterday ... okay she's no longer a baby, but she'll always be MY baby!

This little set makes me think of her as a child, and now even her babies, as they rekindle the love of the hoop!

Of course there is an Action Wobbler under that little sweetie pie!

You can catch a little glimpse of it in action at IG @mfergu01

 

I'll see you around again, real soon, I hope!  thanks so much for stopping in today!

 

=]  Michele

Mix it Up with Reverse Confetti

You know I just had to let my last card represent the adoration I have for two of the most wonderful companies in our card crafting world. 

For the Ellen Hutson May Mix it Up Challenge with Reverse Confetti:

 

Inside is stamped with one of my favorite sentiments from the BCRF set:

"SO glad you are a SURVIVOR"

 

That cute little pink ribbon 'stamp' was made by yours truly, with a piece of fun foam and the darling ribbon die from this wonderful Courage set!  Oh!!!  PLEASE tell me you've ordered yours?!  Ellen is so close to her goal!

 

Finally ... tomorrow is Mother's Day here in the States ... this leads me to share a favorite 'mom-ism' of my own sweet mama:

 

"motherhood - it ain't for sissies!"

by Lola King VanderWater

1907-1996

miss you mama

from child #9

 

=]  Michele 

E.H. Mix it Up Challenge - with Reverse Confetti!

I absolutely do not give my Reverse Confetti stamps enough love ... but this little guy wanted to come out to play with Ellen's Essentials for the May Mix it Up Challenge in the worst way ...

it gets a wee bit gruesome - fair warning!  No [real] reindeer were injured in the making of this card!

I do hope you have a wonderful weekend planned ... if you're lucky enough to still have a Mom, please do something wonderful together with her!  Give her an extra hug from me!

=]  Michele

Ellen's Essentials:  Autumn Acorns by Julie - provided the perfect sentiments!
Reverse Confetti: Later Alligator, tag die, and Jolly Holiday
A special thank you to that darling person who sends the sweet little thank you notes, and the lovely ribbon with each order!!!  @ellenhutsonllc

CAS[E] this Sketch #221

Donna Mikasa is our Sketch artist this week!  Oh, my friend, though I am a bit nervous, I just know our followers will love it as much as I do... here's Donna's CTS #221 Sketch:

A never before used Hero Arts set was calling my name this week ... I thought this handsome fella deserved a little play time!  Goodness knows I don't make enough 'guy' cards ...

 

Our Donna is the Queen of CAS design... she may better appreciate this version:

 

Either way, isn't he just cockadoodle-y-cute?!  Whoa ... I may have thought again about the placement of those enamel dots!  Geeeesh!

Let's go see the gorgeousness that inspired this Sketch, shall we?  I cannot wait to see all my team-mate's cards each week!

LOVE seeing what you create, too ... see you in the gallery!

=]  Michele

Practice makes ... pretty close to perfect! WCMC9 #9

Hello again! 

After ogling a card made by Maria Peters on IG this morning, I thought I'd try out some ink combinations ... have you done this before... 

What started out as a practice bloom, using @concordand9th Brushed Blossom ALL the wrong way, turned out to be what looks pretty close to a daisy to me ... which then became a card for the current Where Creativity Meets C9 challenge!  Phew!  are you still with me?  =]

 

Hope your mid-week is treating you splendidly!

 

=]  Michele

Inspired by All the Little Things #55

By now you may have figured out that I am indeed Inspired by All the Little Things and their fabulous photos ... this one is no exception:

After my outrageous photo set up ... how could a girl resist making a card based on this??  Well.  I couldn't.

Several Winnie & Walter sets were used to create this card ... I also stamped in several colors of Fresh Ink instead of my usual black/white!   Add a few MFT panel dies, and badabing!

Hope they like it ... I sure made a mess making it -  geeesh!  You can witness it if you find me on IG!  mfergu01 will get you there!

=]  Michele

Winnie & Walter:  In Bloom: Addie's Garden, and Lola's Blooms
MFT: Die-namics Pierced Rectangle STAX; and Wonky Rectangles
WeR Memory Keepers BIG Dots;  MME regular size dots!
Fresh Ink from Impress: Melon, Harvest, and Basil
Asst.'d cardstock from my stash - don't ask!