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My projects are not to be submitted and/or used in any written publication, advertisement or contest without my knowledge. I am flattered if you use one of my projects as inspiration, but please give me credit when you do and, if possible a link back to this blog. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me using the contact form. Thank you

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Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Snow Days ...

It's easy to love the snow because at the end of every snowstorm it's as if the world has started over. There is no dirt, no footprints, just a layer of seamless, indiscriminate nature connecting everything to everything else. Isn't that the amazing thing about the natural world? You can tear it down, you can drill holes in it, you can ignore its power with all your might, but one morning you wake up and it has selflessly given despite all of our abuse. I think I'll make a snowman. ~ Andrew McMahon

Hi everyone! Today I am sharing my card for the new color challenge which is currently running at The Outlawz Challenges.

Our sponsor this month with a prize of 2 images is All Dressed Up

Our challenge this week we have a great tic tac toe board for you to use. To make it a bit easier, AJ created two boards … a picture board with images/colors and a descriptive board based on the picture.

My 5 x 7 card is also based on a sketch I found on Pinterest 


 The Sketch



Here’s the Board! I am using the bottom row, Left to right.


Supplies:
  • Image “Snowdays 3” from All Dressed Up printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White cardstock and colored with ProMarkers
  • Card stock from The Paper Studio (Base)
  • Design Paper from Pebble “Holly Jolly”
  • Glitter glue from Studio G
  • Pearls from Recollections
  • Sentiment from Printworks
  • Sketch: Pamela Young
  • Snowflake punch from Studio G

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Autumn Leaves ..

Besides the Autumn poets sing a few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow and that side of the Haze...
Grant me, Oh Lord, a sunny mind—
Thy windy will to bear!
~Emily Dickinson

Good morning!
A new Sunday Song & Rhyme challenge is in process at The Outlawz Challenges. Each week we will give you a theme based on a song or a rhyme along with a bit of the lyrics/lines with which to take inspiration from to create a card/project! You can also look on-line to get more information about the Song/Rhyme.

Our sponsor this month is our very own Anne Fenton with a prize of 3 pre-selected digital stamps


This week’s inspiration comes from a rhyme/song selected by Me: Autumn Leaves

Golden, crisp leaves falling softly from almost bare trees,
Lifting and falling in a hushed gentle breeze,
Slowly dropping to the soft cushioned ground,
Whispering and rustling a soothing sound.

Coppers, golds, and rusted tones,
Mother Nature's way of letting go.
They fall and gather one by one,
Autumn is here, summer has gone.



Supplies for my 5 x 7 card
  • Card candy created with ¼” paper punch and Judkins Diamond glaze
  • Cardstock from The Paper Studio
  • Ink from Close to My Heart
  • Metallic papers from The Paper Temptress
  • Sentiment from Rubbernecker Rubber Stamps
  • Sketch: Case this Sketch CTS196
So, remember to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Singing Mice ...

A little smile, a word of cheer, A bit of love from someone near, A little gift from one held dear, Best wishes for the coming year. These make a merry christmas! ~ John Greenleaf Whittier 

Good Morning Crafty Peeps!
A new month and new Progressive Freebie Challenge at DigiStamps4Joy Facebook Group

This month our image is "Mouse chorallers" … If you wanna play along with the rest of us you can purchase the image HERE for a discounted price to get started!

My Christmas card is a combination of piecing and coloring with ProMarkers and is based on Paper Craft Crew Sketch #22. I hand wrote in “Oh Holy Night” on the song book.


Sketch

  
Supplies (5 x 7 card)
  • Digi Image Mouse chorallers from DigiStamps4Joy printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Card Stock
  • Black Sipa Drawing Pen
  • Card stock from The Paper Studio (base) and Stampin Up!
  • Cranberry Bliss Silk from Fun Stampers Journey
  • Design Papers, Digital from Touched by a Butterfly
  • Embossing folders: Diamond tree from CriCut & Music from Spellbinders
  • ProMarkers
  • Silver wood snowflake from Target $1 bin
  • Sketch: Paper Craft Crew #22
  • Stash: Jewel
  • Studio G Glitter Glue

Thanks for stopping by!
Cara


I am entering the following Challenge(s)




Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Winter days ...

The simplicity of winter has a deep moral. The return of Nature, after such a career of splendor and prodigality, to habits so simple and austere, is not lost either upon the head or the heart. It is the philosopher coming back from the banquet and the wine to a cup of water and a crust of bread. ~John Burroughs, "The Snow-Walkers," 1866

Hi everyone! Today I am sharing my card for the new color challenge which is currently running at The Outlawz Challenges.

Our sponsor this month with a prize of 2 images is All Dressed Up

Our challenge this week was chosen by Jacqui. Use 3 of the 5 colors given with a Winter twist



Here’s the Board!



Supplies:
  • Cardstock from Stampin Up! & Bazzill
  • Design paper from Stampin Up!
  • Ink from Close to My Heart & Stampin Up!
  • Rhinestones from Recollections
  • Sentiment die from BoBunny
  • Snowflake die from Lawn Fawn
Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Over the Rainbow ...

Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life. The evening beam that smiles the clouds away, and tints tomorrow with prophetic ray. ~Lord Byron

Good morning!
A new Sunday Song & Rhyme challenge is in process at The Outlawz Challenges. Each week we will give you a theme based on a song or a rhyme along with a bit of the lyrics/lines with which to take inspiration from to create a card/project! You can also look on-line to get more information about the Song/Rhyme.

Our sponsor this month is our very own Anne Fenton with a prize of 3 pre-selected digital stamps


This week’s inspiration comes from a rhyme/song selected by Margaret: Over the Rainbow
Somewhere over the rainbow
blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why oh why can't I


Supplies
  • Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base) and Stampin Up!
  • Ink from Stampin Up!
  • Little bird die from Gina Marie Designs
  • Rhinestones from my Stash
  • Sentiment from Spellbinders “Sunny Days”
So, remember to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Butterfly Kisses ...

If someone were to pay you ten cents for every kind word you said about people and collect five cents for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor? ~Author unknown, quoted by Jacob M. Braude

Hi everyone! Today I am sharing my card for the new color challenge which is currently running at The Outlawz Challenges.

Our sponsor this month with a prize of 2 images is All Dressed Up

Our challenge this week was chosen by Sharon. We have an inspiration picture with and an Option to add a butterfly!

For my card, I am using an image from ADU called "Butterfly Kisses". I went with the colors and of course added lots of butterflies.


I gave dimension to the card with foam pop dots in different heights


Here’s the Board!


Supplies:
  • Image “Butterfly Kisses” from All Dressed Up
  • Card stock: The Paper Studio (Base), Stampin Up!
  • Dies: “Beautiful Wings” from Stampin Up!, “Butterfly Circles” from Spellbinders
  • Embossing folders: “Fluttering” from Sizzix, “Love Lines” from Crafters Companion
  • Ink(s): ProMarkers, Stampin Up!
  • Punch: Butterfly from Martha Stewart
  • Rhinestones from my stash
  • Sentiment from “It’s the Little Things” by The Angel Company (closed)
  • Sketch from Sketch Saturday

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara

You're Appreciated ...

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you. ~Knight's Treasury of Illustrations by Walter B. Knight, 1963  [Knight "gleaned from a wide variety of sources" for his treasury. I've seen this quotation attributed to Jack Herbert, quoted 1966; Mae Maloo, quoted 1975; and John E. Southard, quoted 1977. –tg]

Good morning!

Today we start a new Anything Goes Challenge at Through the Craft Room Door and our sponsor this week is Dr. Digi’s House of Stamps with a prize of 2 images.

For my card I am using a cute image called Alistair the Alligator!
Isn’t he adorable?





Supplies
  • Image Alistair the Alligator from Dr. Digi’s House of Stamps
  • Card stock from The Paper Studio (Base), Stampin Up!
  • Embossing Folder “Falling Petals” from Sizzix
  • Flowers and Circle element from my stash
  • Glitter glue from Studio G (on his belly)
  • Ink: Scrapbook.com
  • ProMarkers
  • Sentiment from Sincere Sentiments by The Angel Company (closed)
  • Vellum “Fairy Dust” from EK Success
  • Sketch from Sketch Saturday

Come play along with us!
(Hugs) Cara

Sunday, November 11, 2018

A wise old owl ...

The little owls call to each other with tremulous, quavering voices throughout the livelong night, as they sit in the creaking trees - Theodore Roosevelt.

Good morning!
A new Sunday Song & Rhyme challenge is in process at The Outlawz Challenges. Each week we will give you a theme based on a song or a rhyme along with a bit of the lyrics/lines with which to take inspiration from to create a card/project! You can also look on-line to get more information about the Song/Rhyme.

Our sponsor this month is our very own Anne Fenton with a prize of 3 pre-selected digital stamps

This week’s inspiration comes from a rhyme/song selected by Deb: A Wise Old Owl
A wise old owl lived in an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?


Supplies
  • Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base) and Stampin Up!
  • Design paper from stash
  • Ink from Close to My Heart
  • Owl #6 die from Sizzix
  • Sentiment from Studio G
  • Woodgrain embossing folder from Sizzix
So, remember to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara
  



Tuesday, November 6, 2018

It's your day ...

A birthday is just another day where you go to work and people give you love. Age is just a state of mind, and you are as old as you think you are. You have to count your blessings and be happy.
Abhishek Bachchan

Good morning!
Today we start a new Anything Goes Challenge at Through the Craft Room Door and our sponsor this week is Fabrika Fantasy with a prize of 3 images!



I’m actually reusing an image from a card I’d created last year … The card base was damaged and un-useable but I managed to save the image! Pretty proud of myself LOL

Supplies
  • Image Betta Fish Crowntail printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White card stock
  • Cardstock from Stampin Up! and Bazzill
  • Design paper “Marbled” by Colorbok and Scrapbook Wizard
  • Flowers from Petaloo and highlighted a bit with some sponged on yellow
  • Glitter glue from Studio G
  • Ink from Stampin Up!
  • Pearls from Recollections
  • ProMarkers
  • Scallop die from A-muse Studios
  • Sentiment from Stampin Up! Happiest of Birthday Wishes
  • Sketch: Sketchbook Saturday Challenge 

Come play along with us HERE!
(Hugs) Cara

Heart Rock Garden ...

Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.
Anthony Brandt

Hi everyone! Today I am sharing my card for the new color challenge which is currently running at The Outlawz Challenges.

Our sponsor this month with a prize of 2 images is All DressedUp!
Our challenge this week was chosen by me to use 3 given colors and an optional lace twist


Supplies:
Image is a picture I took of my nieces rock garden in Colorado
Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base)
Design Paper “Parklane” from Stampin Up!
Lace from my stash
Scallop punch from Stampin Up!
White jewels from Want2Scrap
 Sketch: Sweet Sunday Sketch SSSC126


Here’s the Board!



Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara

Sunday, November 4, 2018

My Heart ...

My heart to you is given, Oh, do give yours to me;
We'll lock them up together, And throw away the key.
~Frederick Saunders

Good morning!
A new Sunday Song & Rhyme challenge is in process at The Outlawz Challenges. Each week we will give you a theme based on a song or a rhyme along with a bit of the lyrics/lines with which to take inspiration from to create a card/project! You can also look on-line to get more information about the Song/Rhyme.

This week’s inspiration comes from a song selected by Lynn: Don't go breaking my Heart

Don't go breaking my heart
I couldn't if I tried
Honey if I get restless
Baby you're not that kind
Don't go breaking my heart
You take the weight off me
Honey when you knock on my door
I gave you my key

I used as my inspiration the heart and key. I have not added a sentiment to the front yet as I am still deciding which one of several I want to use. The key was die-cut from a nice dulled silver card stock and I created a backing for the the heart using the same cardstock. The key was added to the card front with some dimensional foam.


My 5 x 7 card is based on this card I found on Pinterest from Janbcards.com

Supplies
  • Card Candy from Close to My Heart
  • Cardstock from The Paper Studio and Stampin Up!
  • Design paper from Darice
  • Dies: Banners from Stampin Up!, Classic Circles from Sizzix, Love Locket from Spellbinders
  • Silver cardstock from scrap bin 
So, remember to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Dreaming of Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads ...
- excerpt from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

Hi there! Today starts a new monthly challenge at SheepSki Designs. This month our challenge theme is “Anything Christmas

For my 5 x 7 card, I used Sheepki Designs image "Sleep Tight - image no 72" which can be found HERE. I printed the image onto Stampin Up! Whisper White Card stock. I then die cut the image, colored with ProMarkers and attached to the card from with foam dimensionals.


Close up of the Sparkle Silk ... looks a bit like frost

Sketch I used for my layout

Supplies:
Digi Image “Sleep tight No.72” from SheepSki Designs
Banner die from Stampin Up!
Card stock from The Paper Studio (base) and Stampin Up!
Design Paper from my stash
Sparkle Silk from Fun Stampers Journey

ProMarkers


Now ... You have two ways to play along with SheepSki Designs!

BLOG ... Where you can use any hand colored image for a chance to win 3 images ... BUT, if you use a SheepSki Designs image and are the winner, you get an additional image choice

or

FACEBOOK ... Where you must use a SheepSki Designs Image for a chance to win 3 images

As a bonus, when you are done shopping in the STORE, use this code “skiandrea10” at checkout to receive a 10% discount off your purchase! So, come along and play one or both! Can't wait to see what you create!
(Hugs) Cara

Cards for Little Hearts Winter Card Drive: Beary Best Wishes

Winter allows us to wrap up in the comforting scarf of healing, but we must slow down to allow its magic. ~Terri Guillemets, "The warmth & stillness," 2009

Cards for Little Hearts is a global card drive, comprised of crafters dedicated to bringing smiles, hope and encouragement to as many children with congenital heart disease as possible by providing heart center staff with handmade cards that are given to patients during their hospitalization.


The current card drive ended today but the next scheduled card drive will be after the first of the year for heart themed cards. Please read the guideline page located on the Cards for Little Hearts' website for important guidelines prior to making and sending in your cards. You can also find additional helpful resources on the FAQs page and a Sentiments List. There is also a Gallery page if you need some inspiration. If you have any questions about the guidelines or the card drive itself, please contact Christina Hor directly (HERE), founder of Cards for Little Hearts.

I’m sharing my last winter themed cards for the card drive. It’s based on a Freshly Made Sketch


Sketch


Supplies
Card stock: The Paper Studio (base), Stampin Up!
Design Paper: Unknown
Glitter Glue: Studio G
Image: Unknown
Ink: ProMarkers, Memories India Ink
Judikins Diamond Glaze
Nuvo Drops
Sentiment: Inkahootz!
Sketch: Freshly made sketch FMS306

Thanks for stoping by!
(Hugs) Cara

More Winter hugs! ...

Winter is the king of showmen, turning tree stumps into snowmen and houses into birthday cakes And spreading sugar over lakes. Smooth and clean and frosty white, the world looks good enough to bite. That’s the season to be young, Catching snowflakes on your tongue. Snow is snowy when it’s snowing, I’m sorry it’s slushy when it’s going. - Ogden Nash

Good morning! Today is November 1st and the start of a new Progressive Freebie Challenge at The Outlawz Challenges.

Each month we send you a free digital image to use in the Freebie/Progressive challenge. Once your creation is completed, upload it into the freebie challenge and you will automatically receive the next month free digi. We will have one image per month so you have plenty of time to create a project using the image.

If you would like to participate, please register with your name and email address to: outlawzprogressivechallenge@gmx.com

Our sponsor this month is Drawn by Krista

Image by Drawn by Krista

My 5 x 7 card


My card is based on Paper Craft Crew Sketch #22


Supplies
  • Images “Snowman Couple” from Drawn by Krista
  • Design Paper Unknown
  • Embossing Folder from Sizzix “Winter Snowflakes”
  • ProMarkers
  • Punches: Circle from Stampin Up!, Snowflake circle from Fun Expressions, Snowflakes from Marta Stewart
  • Rhinestones from my Stash
  • Sentiment from Unity Stamps “Like a Snowflake”
  • Studio G Glitter glue 
Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where a new challenge starts every day of the week!
(Hugs) Cara