If You are Turning 14 in June, DO NOT READ!

Hello!

I got to play more with my new stamps today!  Have I mentioned how much I love them?!  And Unscripted Sketch #212 was my pick for today.  These sketches are very challenging for me.  They're never "your standard" layout and I really have to think hard to turn the sketch into a card!  And that's EXACTLY what I love about them!

I made this card for my niece who is turning 14 next month (gasp!).   And because she reads my blog often (thanks sweet pea!!) I had to aptly title my post so she doesn't see her card before her birthday.  However, being 14, I'm pretty sure the first thing she is going to do is...LOOK!  Ha ha!!  That's okay though, I will have a little something special written inside the card for her, and she won't see that until she opens it.

Here's the sketch:

And here's what it inspired:

I used Paper Smooches Digits, and two Studio Calico sets - Oh Snap, and Miss You So Much, as well as the little wooden veneer arrow (also SC).  As I mentioned, the sketch was tricky for me, and my interpretation is somewhat abstract.  But each of the smaller circles are represented by the arrow and the banner to the left of the centre circle, and the one and the four on the right.

Hope you like it!  And hope you like it too, Lysh!
Have a good Sunday!  I hope to be back again tomorrow!
Shannon

Dynamic Duel

Hello!

I had a chance to play along with the Dynamic Duos challenge for this week - and I was excited to make a card for this one for two reasons.  Reason #1: last week's challenge got me!  I tried, then tried again, and the results - epic fail!  I think it would have been better called the Dynamic Duel!  The troublesome, rejected little panel is still on my desk, staring me in the face, taunting me!!  So this week, I was bound and determined to stare down the duo and come up with something...anything!!!  And Reason #2: I just received the most glorious happy mail and couldn't wait to break into all of my new stamps and goodies.  I ordered an embarrassing amount of stamps, and should really be ashamed, but I'm not!  I am so excited to have so much more to play with!!!

So with a whole new set of Dynamic Duo colours and a whole lot of new stamps, I went to work.

Here are the Dynamic Duo colours:

And my card:

It's a Father's Day card for my brother-in-law, who is Dad to my two sweet nieces and my nephew.  I used two of my new Lawn Fawn stamp sets (these are the first LF stamps I've ordered, and I'm already in love!) - Happy Everything and Quinn's ABCs.  Typically, I have stuck to mostly using The Alley Way Stamps and Paper Smooches sets.  And these are still HUGE favourites, but I wanted to branch out a little more.  I was very much inspired to buy the LF sets by Elise over at Whimsipost.  Her cards are simply adorable and oh so sweet (so is she!).  I also used my new Paper Smooches set Clip Board (love that set) as well as some other various PS sets for the sentiments.

Hopefully I'll have a chance later on today to play a little more with my new stash!
Until then, enjoy the card and thank you SO much for stopping by!
Shannon

They Arrived, They Arriiiiiivvvvveed!!!

Hello!

Happy mail is just the best!  Whenever I've submitted an order for new goodies, I anxiously await their arrival like a little kid.  Here in Canada, the orders tend to ship in about 10 to 14 days.  And on Day 10, I skip to the mail box with huge anticipation - normally to find out they still haven't arrived (insert sad face).  I repeat the same process for the following days, until finally, there they are!  And yesterday was that day!!!  When I opened my mail box in the morning, there, waiting for me, was my latest TAWS order!  I hooted and hollared (inside voice only..., although a little audible squeal *may* have slipped out!) and skipped all the way back to my house (by "all the way", I mean less than a minute walk!).  I cracked them open, and went to work!  I played along with Retro Sketches Challenge #64.  I took a few liberties, shall we say, but the sketch definitely inspired the card. 

Here's the sketch:

And my take, liberties and all:

I used all of my three new sets - Bird Brain, Jibber Jabber and Tag Alongs.  I couldn't resist.  And that bird - oh that bird!!  I just love her to pieces!  I think she will be seeing a lot of ink in the future!  I also tried the splatter technique for the first time.  I could not for the life of me figure out how all the other card makers were getting these perfectly random splatters all over their cards, adding such a nice, subtle texture.  Then I came across Tiffany Johnson's tutorial and found out all about splatters - and not just one type - several.  Tiffany's video is excellent - I highly recommend checking it out!  Actually, I highly recommend checking out all of her videos when you can - she is incredible!

That's it for me today!
Now, if only my Simon Says order arrives soon!  More skipping to the mail box for me later today!
Have a good day!!
Shannon

My Experiments

Hello!

I've got my Fusion card to share with you today for Hypothesis #7 (have I mentioned how much I love this challenge yet?!!).  This card is a departure from my regular "style", but there were a few techniques that I wanted to try out, and this card seemed perfect for it.  As I started playing, I thought the style and the softness of the card would lend itself well to a sympathy card, so that's what it became.   I was inspired by both challenges, but I'm no sure how much of Jackie's sketch I actually captured (hmmm, not a lot!  maybe just the butterfly!!). 

Here's the challenge:

And my card:

The first technique I wanted to try was mixing ink and water, and I did just that with the polka dot background.   I really liked the subtle "shabby" effect that resulted.  I also wanted to try something that I saw over on Debby Hughes' blog that blew my socks off.  Have a look here!  So I got out my (limited number of) copics and white embossing powder and went to work.  I was happy with how the flowers turned out, considering my "rookie" status when it comes to Copics!  Just added the little butterfly, the twine and those little baby pearls.  I know, it's all about the sequins now - I'm a little behind in the trend dept (story of my life - ha!!).

Hope you like it!  I'm off to see if I can accomplish they Dynamic Duo challenge today.  I've already had one "discard" moment - this one has got the better of me for sure!  I'll give it one more try :)

Hope you are having a terrific day!  Thank you for stopping by :)
Shannon

Sunday Link Party!

Hello!

Another quick card for today - I had to scramble a bit to get this one made, but I really wanted to participate in the TAWS Sunday Link Party!  The clock was ticking, so this is quite simple (and a bit rushed and a tad crooked!).    Doesn't help either that I snapped the pictures in the dark!  But I think it will do ;)

Hope you like it!  Have a good night, and hopefully see you tomorrow!
Shannon

Rock Star in the Spotlight!

Hello!

I've got Father's Day on my mind today!  I know, it seems a *little* early!  But it's always one of those occasions that just sneak up on me.  So I'm trying to be a little more organized!  I used CAS(E) this Sketch #28 for my inspiration - and just loved it!  I came up with this idea last night as I was falling asleep.  I was so excited about it - but then thought I couldn't possibly be the first to come up with this idea!!!  I haven't seen it myself (at least I don't think I have!) and hopefully it is an original!  But with all of the talent out there, I'm having my doubts!!!  I do love how it turned out though - exactly how I'd envisioned it, and that doesn't always happen!

Here's the sketch:

And the card:

All Paper Smooches on this one.  The stars and the spotlight are from Space Cadet, the oval platform is from Vogue Abode and the adorable little bird (one of my absolute fave images!) is from Spring Fling.  Sentiments are from Sentiment Sampler and My Guy.

Hope you, and my Dad like it!!

Thanks for dropping by!
Shannon

CASEing Gitters!

Hello!

What a treat it was today to CASE Maile Belles over at the CASE Study challenge.  Maile is amazing - I just love everything she does.  Her style is just beautiful and so, so clean.  I was a little nervous to even attempt the challenge for fear of not doing her justice!  But I went for it!

Here is the absolutely perfect card by Maile:

And here's my take on it:

I even used a little banner again today after yesterday's innaugural try.  Two days, two banners - who knew?!!  This one is mostly Paper Smooches (Spring Groves, Flap Happy, Word Up and Word Salad) and the call out is TAWS.

Hope you like it!

Thanks for dropping by today!
Shannon

Giving Banners a Chance!!

Hello!

Today I'm having a date with the Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge!  It's a sketch this week, and when I first saw it, I kind of gave it a "meh"!  And it got that meh for one reason, and one reason only.  The banners!  I've never been a big fan.  They've grown on me a bit, until today, when I saw this WOW card by Geri, and they grew on my a lot!  I gave them a whole new chance.  And so I got busy on the SPARKS challenge, banners and all!  I honestly think this is the very first time I've ever put banners onto a card - and you know what, I'm glad I did!!  I kind of liked how they turned out!!

Here's the sketch:

And my card:

Believe it or not, I think I've used five PS sets on this card.  I know, it doesn't look like it, but they're there! 

Hope you like it, and I hope all of my fellow Canadian friends enjoy the Victoria Day loooong weekend!!!

Thanks for checking in, I really love it when you do!
Shannon

A Fun Muse!

Hello!

I played along with the Muse Challenge #17 today for my first time, and what a fun Muse card it was!

Here it is:



Awwwwwww!!  It's so adorable!!!

And here's my card:

I had a ton of fun putting this one together.  It's all TAWS (Trees Company, Awesome Blossom and Call Outs) with the exception of the sentiment, which is Papertrey Ink. 

Short and sweet today.  I am off to walk the two dogs we are dog sitting for a week right now.  They require three walks a day!!  Being kid-less and pet-less, when these two come for a visit, it turns our lives upside down a bit!  I know you are all playing the violin for me right now - ha ha!!

Thank you for the visit today!
Shannon

Nice Doggie

Hello!

I'm playing along with Unscripted Sketches #210 today.  I found this to be a bit - NO - a lot of a tricky one!!  Although a bit abstract, I followed the sketch fairly closely.  The one big difference that I had to make was to reverse the two stacked boxes from the right side, to the left.  This was to accommodate the left facing doggie.  And those two boxes - are represented by the two sentiments.  Hope you can see the sketch through the abstractness.  Well, here - see for yourself ;) !!

Here's the sketch:

And my little card for today:

This is a mix of TAWS and Paper Smooches stamps.  That little doggie is just so sweet.  If you are interested in any more of the detail in the card, just let me know!

Thank you so much for the visit - I really appreciate it!
Have a good day!
Shannon

A Bold Attempt

Hello!

Last week was a very special week for me.  I mentioned in yesterday's post that I was selected as a Dynamic Darling at Dynamic Duos.  And I was also so honoured to be selected as A Cut Above at The Paper Players.  I was walking on air all week!  This week's challenge at The Paper Players is a colour story and I really wanted to play along.  But it was a challenge for me, for sure!  The colours are quite bold, and I don't naturally gravitate that way.  I'm more of a "softie" with sweet pinks, baby blues and buttery yellows.  But I was determined...!

Here are the colours:

And my card:

I used a technique I saw on the Lawn Fawn blog about a week or so ago that I really liked, creating the sky and grass with ink.  (Check out the video!).  Then I just added the road and clouds, both from Paper Smooches Metropolis, and the sweet little car and sentiments (beep and zoom) from The Alley Way Stamps Priceless Joy set.  Finished it off with a Paper Smooches "it's your birthday" sentiment.  I'm hoping that the kraft card stock and the hints of black are considered neutrals :)  I thought I could use this for a little boy's birthday.

Hope you like it, and thank you, as always, for coming by to see me!
Shannon

Little Miss Elephant

Hello!

Before I get into the details of todays post, I just want to say, to anyone who reads my blog somewhat frequently, I pledge, that from now on, I.will.spell.and.grammar.check.my.posts!!!  Over the weekend I was reading back over some of my previous posts, and my spelling and grammar have been atrocious I tell you!  Just embarrassing!  GASP!!!  Seriously!

Okay, moving on...!

For someone who doesn't really combine challenges, I've sure been doing a lot of that lately.  I had the huge honour of being selected as a Dynamic Darling over at the Dynamic Duo's challenge, AND they're celebrating their one year anniversary.  So I wanted to jump in on that one for sure!  The challenge is to choose any one of the duo combinations over the past year.  I also wanted to play along with The Alley Way Stamps Challenge, and the main colours (grey and pink) matched up with one of the duo options perfectly.  And so a card was born!

Here's the Dynamic Duo I went with:

And here's the TAWS challenge photo:

And here's my card:

Pretty simple - just going for pure sweetness on this one.  Oh that elephant just makes me smile!  I added a little bow to "her" head as well just to make her even more girly!

Hope you like it!

Happy Anniversary Dynamic Duos!!

"See" you soon - thanks for stopping by!
Shannon

Fusion Inspiration

Hello!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Moms!!!  We celebrated with our Mom yesterday with a little "just girls" breakfast, and had a lovely time.  And good thing we did it a day earlier - we were driving by one of the local chain breakfast places this morning and it WAS HOPping!! 

I've been wanting to play along with the Fusion Challenge for a while now, and this weekend I did!!  I just love the concept, and I wanted to challenge myself to do the Fuse the two inspirations together.

Here are the sketch and photo inspirations:

And here's what I came up with:

 

 

Since my photography skills are horrible, and not made any better by my cheap point and click camera, I tried taking a straight on and and angle shot.  Hopefully you can see a little better!  This is a mish mash...or should a I say fusion...of several different stamp sets, including TAWS, Paper Smooches, Papertrey Ink and Stampin Up.  I found that little tea cup in my stash of rarely used (or in this case, ever used!) stamps, but it seemed just perfect for this challenge.

Thanks for coming by to check it out!!

Have a FABULOUS Mother's Day!
Shannon

Mother's Day is almost here!

Hello!

This weekend is Mother's Day!  I already had a card made for my Mom, but I also wanted to make a little special something for my sister.  She is Mom to my two nieces and my nephew - and oh, they are my pride and joy and my happiness.  Being their Auntie has filled my life, and my heart with a love that I could have never imagined possible.

I doubled up on challenges again this week, which is odd for me, but with Paper Players having a Mother's Day themed challenge this week, and CAS(E) this Sketch having an adorable little sketch to play with, I couldn't resist.

Here's the inspriation sketch:

And my card:

My sister's got twins - boy and and a girl, and a younger daughter, so I positioned the "twins" together at the top, and her younger daughter swooping in from the bottom, all coming in for a hug with Mom!  Most of the card is from the Paper Smooches Flap Happy Set, and the "happy" and "day" come from a Papertrey Ink set that I've had for quite a while and hardly ever pull out (I'll have to work on pulling it out more often!).  I *think* it's called Bitty Birds.

Hope you like it - and Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there!
Shannon

My first Duo!

Hello!

The idea for todays card was originally sparked by the Fusion Challenge - I hadn't had a chance to play along with that one too, and I just love the concept!!  But I didn't make the cut off this morning :(  But that's okay, because I was over at my sweet friend Carol's blog and noticed that she had combined the Fusion Challenge with the Dynamic Duos challenge (and did an absolutely beautiful card by the way!).  I jumped over the the Dynamic Duo blog, which I hadn't been to before, and decided to incorporate my idea into this challenge.  Initially, I thought that the two colour challenge would limit my, but not at all - I loved playing along with it!

Here are the inspiration colours:

And here's my card:

It's a "fusion" of several different stamp sets, including TAWS Cover Ups and Trees Company, Paper Smooches (the balloons are from the Metropolis and the balloon "strings" are from Flap Happy) and the sentiment and squiggle are from some old Papertrey Ink sets.  I finished it off with some glossy accents on the balloons and the bottom "stripe" is washi tape. Pretty simple little card :)

Thanks for having a look!
Hope you are having a lovely day :)
Shannon

A Proposal at last!

Hello!

Just a really quick post today.  We are running out the door for our regular Sunday dinner with my family, but I wanted to sqeeze this card in before we go.  I don't normally combine challenges, only because I don't seem capable of it!  But with this week's Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge being an anything goes, made it a little easier for me!  I combined it with the Retro Sketches sketch for this week.

Here's the Retro Sketch:

And here's my card:

This is a little engagement congrats card for my cousin - who finally proposed to his girlfriend after over fifteen years!  She is a patient girl!  Inside it will say something like "it's about time!".  Okay, better before before we're late for dinner.  If there are any questions about what I did or what I used, just leave me a comment :)

Thanks for stopping by today!
Shannon

Back in the Game!

Hello!

Well, after some sporadic, at most, posts over the past little while, I am back in the game!!  And it feels good!  I'm hoping this will be the start of a long stretch of regular posts.  Definition of regular - well, I'm not sure!  But I do really want to start dedicating more time to my beloved card making!  My card today started out being based on the Retro Sketches design for this week.  And, as seems to always happen, I veered off course a little bit - or should I say a lot!  But I'll still throw it in the mix since it was the inspiration!

Here's the sketch:

And here's my really not very close representation of it:

It's a mixture of TAWS Awesome Blossom (oh I love that set), PS Reflections (equally loved), Spring Fling (the little butterfly), Flap Happy and Alphadot.  I'm quite happy with how it turned out - and it gave me a chance to play with some new ink colours I bought.  The card for my cousin's 50th birthday, which already passed, but we will be getting together for lunch (hopefully soon!) to celebrate.  Hope she likes it!

Thank you so much for dropping by!
Shannon