Second Helpings for The Card Concept!

I KNOW!  it has been a crazy long time since I've been excited enough to make Second Helpings for a challenge ... THAT is how much I LOve neutrals  - like in this fab photo:

I went really dark this time, but in a very gorgeous way, to me at least.  My chosen papers for the leaves were inspired by the variations of grey in the chipped paint/wood from that gorgeous old chair.

I think it may fall into the Clean and Simple category this time:

Die-namics leaves dies; PTI Smokey Slate card base. 

T.T sentiment embossed in Platinum - very pretty IRL.

P.P. from a SSS monthly kit - ? month?

 

That's it for me ... I think I've bugged you enough for one day!   thanks, as always, for stopping by ...

 

=]  Michele

The Card Concept - #41: Neutrals

I LOve neutrals!  It shouldn't be a surprise to any of you to hear me say this, right?  Some of my favorite creations to date are nearly all grey!  Check out this gorgeous inspiration:

For The Card Concept's Neutral challenge #41  my Clean and Layered card:

#MFT Harvest Mouse and Peek a boo die-

and a panel of Neenah, and SSS Smoke, wood-grain embossed - my favorite!

 

This darling little countrified mouse is right at home with his teensy weensy little pumpkins I've stamped onto wood-grain pattern paper.  I rather like him in his neutral sweater and vest! 

 

I know for a fact it is time to start buying more Copics to add to my collection from friends Jeanne, and Barb ... I've gotten spoiled madly, but not a grey, or brown in the house!  Here I've had to use my old Spectrum Noire alcohol markers.

 

It has been some time since I've linked to Virginia's View challenge - sorry about that V!  I LOve your challenges - even though color scares me to death - will neutrals do?  This one's for you, too!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by today - always makes me happy ...

 

=]  Michele

CAS[E] this Sketch #144

N@ Ali has given us a fabulous sketch for us this week - one that I will keep, and repeat many times:

At first I resisted taking this one literally - but who am I kidding?  My Martha Stewart butterflies were calling my name!  Here is my slant on it - all paper, no stamps!

Enter Dear Lizzy - 5th & Frolic!

 

Quite a bit of drama with the cardstock [#MFT Fuse Green and #SSS Smoke Grey] I've chosen to mount them on.

Will the sketch make your heart flutter?  Hmm?  I sure hope to see you in the CAS[E] this Sketch gallery this week!

=]  Michele

Two Paper Divas!

Exciting news this morning!  For the next few weeks, I have the honor of guest designing for a sweet little company called Two Paper Divas!  Honestly?  The story of how it was started by two long-time, card-crafting friends is just as sweet as their products are. 

Thanks Gayla, and Melissa, for sharing your dream-come-true, and your friendship, with all of us!

First up, Dandelion Wishes - I love it!  Who hasn't sent their own little wish to the winds at some time during their childhood? 

 

I chose to silver emboss it, keeping it CAS as, this time, I wanted the sweet sentiment to be the star of the show.

My second card uses the smaller, wind-swept wishes, and the perfect sentiment for any occasion at all.  CAS but a bit more graphic, and bold  - with the card front narrowed about an inch.

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll see you again next week, when I get to play again - yay!  Next time with Two Paper Divas Sweet Blossom!  It is the sweetest little bloom!

Thanks again, Gayla and Melissa, for inviting me to be an honorary Paper Diva this month!



=]  Michele

The Challenge #45 - a Sketch!

It's perfectly clear to me that I design best from a sketch.  Sometimes quite literally ... this time?  I ask that you use your imagination, please?   Here is our sketch:

 

Here is my card:

Why, yes, that is the Avery Elle Beautiful Bow once again ... this time I am celebrating it in high style!  [My darling Scottish friend, Jenni, dared me to put on a masculine twist to this card ... there you go, Jenni.  I think I've managed it!]

At The Challenge we celebrate every single entry, every single week!!  Consider this my personal invitation to you to enter your own version of our sketch ... no r.s.v.p. necessary, black tie optional!  I'll bring the champagne!

Speaking of champagne: we have a wonderful guest this week:  Valentyna Komisarenko who has created a gorgeous floral panel with our sketch - pop over to give her some love, please?  And let the games begin!  We have Shona Chambers with us all month long!!!  [insert fireworks, and confetti here]!

=]  Michele
 

The Hop to Stop!!!

Becca Cruger is a phenomenal card-crafter and just happens to be hosting a pretty phenomenal bloghop - it is a Hop to STOP domestic violence. 

So! I am painting my blog PURPLE today to support her, and the cause, because purple is the color of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, and we all have to make a stand - together we will make a difference! 

Read this statistic - it is sobering:

1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence over the course of their lifetimes. 

Let that sink in - 33% of all the women you meet. 

 

And women aren't the only people who are affected! Women, men, transgender - gender doesn't matter. Domestic violence is something that exists regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, education level, etc.

 

 

Please join us ... and thank you.

 

CAS[E] this sketch #143

October 1st!  Oh my ... seems like this year has flown by with incredible speed!  Around my Two Acre Wood we are tearing down the bean trellises, the gardens, and the pots of annuals - which may have inspired this week's card.  Here is your sketch from Chrissy Larson:

 

This is the way I was inspired by it, and the composting - and I mean that in the very best way - we take our composting seriously 'round here!

 

Julie E. for E.H. Bohemian Garden, and

W&W Lola's Bouquet for flowers.

Inked up with Wplus9:

 Hayride, Falling for blue, Pumpkin Spice, and Last Leaf.

Avery Elle sentiment in Archival black.

 

Be sure to stop over at the CTS blog today ... my team-mates have been totally inspired - as they are each and every week!  AND we get so excited by your presence in our gallery, too!

 

=] Michele