The Outlawz Crash your Stash Challenge: Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces

Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love. ~Lucinda Franks

Good morning!

Today is the start of a new “Crash your Stash” challenge at The Outlawz Challenges 

Our item for this month is Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces …

I have a baggie of them hanging from my clip and I never think to use but they do make interesting embellishments.

For my card, I am using a sponsor image called “Christmas Lodge”. The ornaments on the tree are rhinestones colored with Sharpies.

Supplies:

Sponsor image printed on Stampin Up Whisper White Cardstock

Design Paper (ProvoCraft); Glitter Glue (Studio G); Ink (Scrapbook.com); Liquid Diamonds (Close to My Heart); ProMarkers; Rhinestones (Recollections); Sharpies

Unknown: Gemstones, Puzzle Pieces
Sentiment: Technique Tuesday (love you to pieces)

We are thrilled to be sponsored by Twinkle Lane Designs with a lovely £8 voucher for the winner to spend in the Etsy shop

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TwinkleLaneDesigns

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/145707866223056/

Tweet Us: @twinkle_lane

Instagram: #twinklelanedesigns

(Hugs) Cara

SheepSki Designs: Winter Wonderland

When it snows

Ain't it thrilling

Though your nose gets a chilling

We'll frolic and play

The Eskimo way

Walking in a winter wonderland

Hi there!

Today starts a new monthly challenge on the SheepSki Designs Challenge Blog and this month our challenge theme is “Favorite Things!”

One of my favorite things is Winter. I live in an area of the Southwest that does have snow etc., but not exactly where I live! So I love to imagine what it would be like to build a snowman in my front yard and to experience a White Christmas, at least once!

For my card I am using Winter Warmer - image no 183, found HERE in the Etsy Shop. This is such a great image and can be used for a variety of cool weather occasions.

Glitter Glue was touched about in her hair to give a look of “frost”

Supplies

• Image: Winter Warmer - image no 183
• Alcohol markers: Copics & ProMarkers
• Cardstock: The Paper Studio (Base), Stampin Up
• Digital Paper: Touched by a Butterfly (Closed)
• Glitter Glue: Studio G
• Glitter Paper: The Paper Studio
• Liquid glass: Judikins
• Other: White gel pen, Gold gel pen, ½” circle punch
• Sketch: Simply Stamps Challenge

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

https://sheepski-designs-challenges.blogspot.co.uk

or

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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1730005463906336/

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

SheepSki Designs: Christmas is Coming!

Christmas is coming; it is almost here!

With Santa and presents, good will and cheer!

~Gertrude Tooley Buckingham, "Christmas" (1940s)

Hi there!

Today starts a new monthly challenge on the SheepSki Designs Challenge Blog and this month our challenge theme is “Christmas is Coming!”

For this challenge, I am using Gnome for Christmas - image no 122 (found HERE in the Etsy Shop) to make a shaker card.

Supplies

• Image Gnome for Christmas, image 122 printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Card Stock and colored with alcohol markers
• Alcohol markers, Copics & ProMarkers
• Card candy from Jot
• Card stock from The Paper Studio (Base) and Stampin Up!
• Embossing folder from Close to My Heart
• Glitter glue from Studio G
• Ink from Stampin Up!
• Liquid glass from Close to my Heart
• Stash: Beads, Snowflake glitter, jewel on snowflake
• Stencil unknown

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: Happy Ho Ho Ho

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

Good morning!

I am here to share one of the cards I made for the 2019 Winter card drive for Cards for Little Hearts which starts October 1^st and ends November 1^st.

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.

Please read the guideline page located on the Cards for Little Hearts website (HERE) 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.

Supplies

• Cardstock: American Crafts, Scrap bin, Stampin Up!, The Paper Studio (base)
• Design Paper: Unknown
• Dies: Animals Dress Ups by Sizzix, Mustache by Quickutz
• Ink: Black Sharpie, Memories India Ink
• Stamps: HoHoHo Holidays from Close to My Heart
• Studio G Glitter Glue

I encourage you to please get children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or even your Sunday School class involved. The children always love to receive cards made by other children!

(Hugs) Cara

BabyCakesdnd: Present Hippo Debut

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things — not the great occasions — give off the greatest glow of happiness. ~Bob Hope

Good morning!

I am honored one again to be a Guest Designer for Sandra Caldwell aka Babycakesdnd, for this month of October.

For my card today, I am using this adorable image #2984 - Present Hippo which is being released today in her stores so make sure you go for a visit and check all her creative and fun images!

I actually really love her hippo images. Not that I’m a hippo collector, but they are all so different and cute and fun! I think almost all the images I have of hers are hippos of some sort or another!

Love this guy too with his Santa suit and arms full of gifts!

Supplies, 5x7card

• Present Hippo, image 2894 printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White card stock
• Alcohol Makers, ProMarkers and Copics
• Card Candy from Jots
• Cardstock from The Paper Studio and Stampin Up!
• Design paper unknown
• Glitter glue from Studio G
• Ink from Memories, India Ink & Stampin Up!
• Liquid glass from Close to My Heart
• Sentiment from Hampton Arts
• Sketch: MFTWSC91

Click HERE to find more wonderful images in Etsy Store!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/babycakesdnd

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643440135938124/

Thanks for stopping by!

(Hugs) Cara

The Outlawz Challenges: 3 colors and a twist

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

~ Mother Teresa

Hi everyone! Today I am sharing my card for the new color challenge which started today at The Outlawz Challenges and sponsored this month by The Paper Shelter

Our challenge this week was picked by Laurian who has provided a wonderful picture for us to pull colors from. The challenge is to use orange with your choice of two colors and an optional twist which you get to pick.

For my card, I am using a pre-colored sponsor image called My Little She Devil Costume.  

I pulled the orange and green then a bit of blue. IF you look really close at the picture you can see just a touch.

Supplies

• Pre-colored image printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Cardstock
• Cardstock from The Paper Studio (Base) and American Craft
• Circle punch from Stampin Up!
• Design paper unknown
• Digi paper from Touched by a Butterfly
• Ink from Scrapbook.com
• Nuvo drops
• Paper flowers from Prima
• Sentiment from Close to My Heart
• Stash: Brads
• Sketch: The Sweet Stop sketch SSS58

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges for more challenges and Inspiration!

(Hugs) Cara

Cards for Little Hearts Winter Card Drive: Friends

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Good morning!

I am here to share one of the cards I made for the 2019 Winter card drive for Cards for Little Hearts which runs October 1^st  through November 1^st.

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.

Please read the guideline page located on the Cards for Little Hearts website (HERE) 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.

Supplies

• Image “Snowmen Selfies” from SheepSKi Designs, was colored with ProMarkers then printed onto printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White card stock
• Cardstock: Stampin Up!, The Paper Studio (base)
• Ink: Memories India Ink
• Sentiment Neat & Tangled, Merry Kisses
• Studio G Glitter Glue

Based on CAS(E) This Sketch CTS311

I encourage you to please get children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or even your Sunday School class involved. The children always love to receive cards made by other children!

(Hugs) Cara

Find the Magic

And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.

Roald Dahl 

Good morning!

I am honored once again to be a Guest Designer for Sandra Caldwell aka Babycakesdnd, for this month of October. I just love her whimsical images and enjoy coloring them up.

For my card today, I am using this adorable image #2969, Snowball Kitten which is being released today in her store so make sure you go for a visit and check out all her creative and fun images!

I know that, given the image, the sentiment may seem to be a bit of an odd choice but for me it was perfect. I have to say that I find it so sad that it has taken a couple rough situations and 55plus years to figure out that life is too short to be unhappy. I’ve been blessed more than cursed and I realized one day that I wasn't truly appreciative of that which has been given to me. Being angry about a situation I cannot change harms only me. I’ve been working to find the magic in the everyday things of life because it really is there if we want to look. Even in a sweet, simple drawing of a kitty sitting in a snowball!

Here I have to smile because I can picture in my mind this little kitty trying to maybe dress up like a snowman to frighten his favorite doggo friend and sitting there patiently shivering for him to come around the corner! Who knows? LOL

So look for the magic in everyday … and be the happier person for it!

Supplies, 5x7card

• Snowball Kitten, image 2969 printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White card stock
• Alcohol Makers, ProMarkers and Copics
• Cardstock from The Paper Studio and Stampin Up!
• Embossing folder fromCuttlebug
• Glitter glue from Studio G
• Ink from Stampin Up!
• Liquid glass from Close to My Heart
• Sentiment from Unity Stamps 

Click HERE to find more wonderful images in Etsy Store!

Click HERE for her Facebook Fan page!

Thanks for stopping by!

(Hugs) Cara

The Outlawz Crash your Stash Challenge: Corner Punches

Wouldn't it be an exhilarating tonic for the soul to take a moment to appreciate the simple, good things in life which are so bountiful...? ~Author unknown, c.1949

Good morning!

Today is the start of a new “Crash your Stash” challenge at The Outlawz Challenges. The purpose of this Challenge is to encourage you to use those items that are no longer trending and probably stashed away in a drawer. Forgotten and alone. So, we are here to help inspire you to dig those lovely items out and bring them new life! 

We Are 3 Digital Shop is our generous sponsor this month with a lovely fall themed digi paper set called Autumn Scenes 

Our item for this month is Corner punches … we all have them. At one time they were all the rage to create fun frames for photos or journal notes on scrap book pages. I have a boxful that I can’t bare to part with because they always come in handy for something!

I am using a basket weave corner punch from EK Success. One of my favorites because it’s not ‘theme’ oriented like others I have.

Supplies:

• Pre-colored Sponsor image “Autumn Scenes”  printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Card Stock
• Cardstock from The Paper Studio (Base), Bazzill
• Corner punch from EK Success
• Design Paper Unknown
• Liquid class from Close to My Heart
• Paper flower from Prima
• Sentiment from Unity Stamps
• Stash: Flower center

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WeAre3

https://www.facebook.com/WeAre3DigitalShop/

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges where there is a challenge for every day of the week!

(Hugs) Cara

Cards for Little Hearts Winter Card Drive: Holiday Hugs

People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy. - Anton Chekhov

Good morning!

I am here to share one of the cards I made for the 2019 Winter card drive for Cards for Little Hearts which runs October 1^st through November 1^st.

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.

Please read the guideline page located on the Cards for Little Hearts website (HERE) 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.

Supplies

• Cardstock: American Crafts, Scrap bin, Stampin Up!, The Paper Studio (base)
• Design Paper: Unknown
• Dies: Mini Snowflakes from Fawn Lawn
• Glitter paper: Close to My Heart, Recollections
• Ink: ProMarkers, Memories India Ink
• Rhinestones: Recollections
• Stamps: Merry Kisses, Neat & Tangled

I encourage you to please get children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or even your Sunday School class involved. The children always love to receive cards made by other children!

(Hugs) Cara

Cabinet make-over ...

It's a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself.  Makes you wonder what else you can do that you've forgotten about.  ~Alan Ball

Good morning!

Today I am sharing a make over.

I have been hunting for a way to store my embossing folders and thin metal dies which I currently have located in several different containers spread out all over my craft room ... drives me nuts!

While out and about several months ago, I found this 5 drawer cabinet at a local resell shop for $20.00. After some quick measuring I purchased it and dragged it home much to my husbands consternation! The nice thing about the drawers is that they pull all the way out making it easy to get to things towards the back of the drawer.

Since the weather has been awesome lately, I asked my dear husband to drag the cabinet to the back patio so I could begin the process of cleaning and repainting it.

Not pictured here is the marble slab that was attached with some sort of silcone to the top of the cabinet. If you look closed enough you can see the circles where the silicone was blobbed on. My husband threw that away as it was damaged and unusable for any other projects.

I pulled out the drawers, tighted up all the tracks, washed, sandpapered and washed again. Once dry I used a Glidden paint/primer mix but I was not happy with the coverage and finished up going over the cabinet with a couple cans of white spray paint ... I'm think now that the paint might have been old as I've never had that issue before.

I was originally going to leave the cabinet all white and change out the hardware to some red handles but while rumaging through my spray paints I found a left over can of red spray paint from another project which I decided at the last minute to use on the drawers. Love how it turned out!

Here is the finished cabinet. 

Although I might add some red details to the cabinet trim later as well as metal label holders (I think I have just enough red spray paint to cover them). I have yet to decide. What do you think?

I used foam board to divide the drawers in half. Next I need to make new index tabs then I can transfer my embossing folders and dies and clear out a lot of boxes!

I have sizzix strip dies and sizzlets but those are stored in another cabinet that works perfectly for them so I am thinking I will use the smaller top drawer to store all my embellisments that I have in several shoe boxes on a shelf. 

Overall, I'm really happy with it and can't wait to get it into my craftroom.

Thanks for stopping by!
(Hugs) Cara

2019 Cards for Little Hearts Winter Card Drive: Winter Friends

My old grandmother always used to say, Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.  - George R. R. Martin

Good morning!

I am here to share one of the cards I made for the 2019 Winter card drive for Cards for Little Hearts which runs October 1^st through November 1^st.

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.

Please read the guideline page located on the Cards for Little Hearts website (HERE) 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.

Supplies

• Pre-colored image “Just for you” from Wink Wink Ink combined with some digi paper from Touched by a Butterfly printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White card stock
• Cardstock: Stampin Up!, The Paper Studio (base)
• Design Paper: Unknown
• Ink: Memories India Ink
• Sentiment from Mini Wreath by The Angel Company
• Studio G Glitter Glue

Based on Sweet Sunday Sketch #237

I encourage you to please get children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or even your Sunday School class involved. The children always love to receive cards made by other children!

(Hugs) Cara

Cards for Little Hearts Winter Card Drive: Sending Hugs

Hugs can do great amounts of good - especially for children. - Princess Diana

Good morning!

I am here to share one of the cards I made for the 2019 Winter card drive for Cards for Little Hearts which runs October 1^st through November 1^st.

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.

Please read the guideline page located on the Cards for Little Hearts website (HERE) 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.

Supplies

• Cardstock: Neenah white, The Paper Studio (base)
• Design Paper: Scrap bin
• Embossing folder Unknown
• Ink: Close to My Heart, Silk from Fun Stampers Journey
• Nuvo drops
• Sentiment from Holiday Hugs by Wplus9
• Stash: Sequins

I encourage you to please get children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or even your Sunday School class involved. The children always love to receive cards made by other children!

(Hugs) Cara

Cards for Little Hearts Winter Card Drive: Winter Fun

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Good morning!

I am here to share one of the cards I made for the 2019 Winter card drive for Cards for Little Hearts which runs October 1^st through November 1^st.

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.

Please read the guideline page located on the Cards for Little Hearts website (HERE) 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.

Supplies

• Pre-colored image “Snow friends” from Wink Wink Ink printed on Stampin Up Whisper White Cardstock
• Cardstock: The Paper Studio (base), Stampin Up!, Neenah
• Design Paper: Scrap bin
• Embossing folder Stampin Up! Softly Falling
• Ink from Close to My Heart and Silk from Fun Stampers Journey
• Scallop Edge punch from Stampin Up!
• Sentiment Neat & Tangled stamps, Merry Kisses

I encourage you to please get children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or even your Sunday School class involved. The children always love to receive cards made by other children!

(Hugs) Cara