The Paper Players #765 a Sketch!

It should come as no surprise that designing from a sketch is one of my favorites - thanks to Ann at The Paper Players, I have one more than planned for the week... and it turns out just the right spot for that little cutie I recently added to my stash from HoneyBee Stamps!  First, here's Ann's sketch...

 

HoneyBee's Lovely Layers: Vintage Snowman takes up a LOT of real estate, 

but I hope you can see the DSPs and debossing I added to my trio of

papers from Ann's sketch here...

Most of these papers are from those Scrapbook.com Merry patterned 

papers I bought this year.  Here's her closeup...

I used debossing plates [from the top] WF Tiny Crosses, WF Snowflakes, and 

Alex Syberia's Mermaid's Melody for the drifting snow at the bottom.

I never make just one when I get something new... here is her 'mate'...

This set does not have any sentiments, but I had no trouble finding

sweet and suitable sentiments in my stash.

Isn't he the definition of 'dapper?' I love his candy cane!

Our shopping is done so now starts the 'toe tapping' - we can't wait to smell the aromas of Thanksgiving and to welcome our family to the table!

I'll have at least one more card to share this week - I'd love to know what you think of my newest 'snowdude & dude-ette!'

=] Michele

Free birds!

My latest order from HoneyBee Stamps included a wonderful black & white postcard/thank you note.  By now you know how much I love birds - I thought I'd give it a bit of color, and it turned out so pretty I HAD to put it on a card - you don't mind, right?  The only error in my judgement was to forget to photograph the 'before!'

The birds were Prismacolor pencil colored then I Copic colored the background to match the DSP.  The sentiment was die-cut using one of those old PFS Label dies and popped onto a matte gold one just one step larger. 

In the closeup, you can see that I've fussy-cut the image from the postcard after coloring. I'm sure you'll agree this was such a nice thank you

on top of their wonderful customer service.

The background is a piece of their Merry Moments DSP that I added

a bit of texture to with my SU Subtle Texture then gave it a good

bit of extra splatter with white acrylic paint, and gold and white gold wc paints!

See that darling little un-twisted twine bow?  Thanks, LeAnne!  I went in

for a try right after I read your post this morning!

Wishing you all a wonderful, creative weekend - grateful that you spent a bit of time with me this week!

=] Michele

Congratulations to Peace on Earth Challenge

Darlene and Diane have the 'magic' in them and have so many wonderful challenges for us card makers to play in, too!  Their Peace on Earth challenge is celebrating its 100th Challenge!  

How could we say no to COOKIES??

These darling little Waffle Flower Cookie Time 

bakers are rolling out the gingerbread Papa, Mama, and

even a baby cookie today!

I've also used the WF Postage Collage die and stencils to

decorate my 'stamps' though I decided they were 'busy' enough

not to include the postage stamping.

That sentiment is an oldie from EH but sure seemed to fit.

My friend TK told me recently I could add two cards to a gallery

from one post - I could never make it work, but I'm going to give it a whirl!

I've zoomed in so you could see the embossed hearts I added

to my cover panel of kraft paper.  Same kids, though this time

they are helping their Gramma with her baking.

That would make it the MOST wonderful baking time of the year!

Congratulations, Diane and Dar!  Keep those card challenges alive, please!

=] Michele

Perfect timing for Time Out #302

When this prompt hit my inbox this morning, I couldn't believe it - kismet, I'm tellin' ya!

 I'll admit that Therese @lostinpaper has a big influence on my shopping habits... she used this sneaky Grinch Hand on a card recently, and I couldn't get it into a cart quick enough!  Oh, it isn't new, but a girl can resist some things for just so long!

Okay, here are the words that inspired my card:

Movie, White and sparkle!  

Of course, the movie is: How the Grinch Stole Christmas - that's too easy!

Now - go find the sparkle...

Did you find it?  It is the teensy little gold star in the middle of my Grinch-green foil ornament!  The White is pretty obvious!  You'll have to wait until next week [when I use this die again] to see the perfect sentiment for the inside of the card... sneaky, aren't I?

It's so long since I've played cards with my friends at Time Out - today I took advantage of a little extra time for a little time out! Thanks for all the fabulous inspiration T.O. team!

=] Michele

Freshly Made Sketches #713

Jen Brum has a great sketch for us this week - perfect for a few more Christmas cards for friends - and don't forget our postal carriers! 

Those little sprigs had me reaching for my Spellbinders' Holiday Blooms die set once again...

Now that I have the 'sandwich' figured out for embossing this 

HoneyBee Winter Gems plate, I couldn't bear to cover up one little bit of it.  

I used a Waffle Flower Rectangle Frame as an alternative for Jen's inner panel.  

Another premade sentiment from my snippets bin from The Greetery 

finishes my card.

You'll want to see all the gorgeous interpretations from the FMS team right HERE! And WE want to see all of yours in our FMS713 gallery soon!

=] Michele

Color Throwdown #845

As humbled and happy as I am to be guest designing for Color Throwdown today, it is with sadness, too.  After 15 years of delighting us card makers with gorgeous color inspirations, they are closing the door on their wonderful challenge.  I know - I said 'oh, no!' too.

But WOW what a beautiful way to go across the finish line, right?  I took those Autumn colors from CTD845 to a thank you card ... 

Pigment Craft Co.: Jumbo Botanical Sprig - Altenew: label die - 

The Stamp Market: So Very Much - and a wonderful SU! ef birthday gift

All topped off with another SSS bow!

I hope you like it and are inspired to play along!  What better way to thank the CTD team for keeping us making those color-filled cards?  They certainly can take large credit for getting this crafter to see beyond grey!

To Amy, Kelly, Lisa, Laurie, Lynn, and Susie, Vickie, and Wanda and all the past Color Throwdown designers: thank you, so very much for your stunning inspirational cards over the years!

=] Michele

and Everything Nice!

When Simon sends you a discount card for your birthday, it would be not so nice not to use it, right? I have had my eye on these two snowdudes from their newest set: Wrapped in Scarves ...

I love the thought of snowmen decorating the trees!

Looks like he has his work cut out for him, doesn't it?  

[btw that embossing is SU's Gathering Leaves from a dear friend]

He will be entered in the current Just us Girls: Winter challenge #801

The second snowman from that set is having the most fun IMHO...

I turned to MFT's Jingle All the Way for my sentiment - 

ALL THE WAY seems to be his intention!

My old favorite SSS Stitched Slopes and Hills always fits the bill.

This daring devil is headed to The Paper Players for their CAS Challenge #764 where Stef is asking us for our holiday favorites - who doesn't love a snowman??

Now, back to my regularly scheduled loads of fun...

=] Michele

Thanks, Stef!