Amazingly Amazing

Today I'm sharing a card I created for a card swap using only stamps and Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.

This card, even though simple, took me a little longer than I originally anticipated.  That wasn't a problem as I craft and create to relax but I couldn't decide which placement of the stamps looked best.  I must have fiddled with the design for half an hour until I settled on this and called it complete.  

The stamps and sentiment are a mixture of stamp sets.  The sentiment was included in a gift to me from a card swap buddy.  Thank you Eva!

I hope you were inspired to created something simple and unique.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card entered in the following challenges:  Digi Choosday #31, Crafty Sentiments, Through the Craft Room Door, Lemon Shortbread Challenge #73, Creates and Makes #23, 

Dream Fairy

Hello and Happy Monday!

Today I'm sharing a card I created using Gansai Tambi Watercolors, Canson Watercolor Card, Neenah Cardstock, Glitter Cardstock and die cuts for the Fairy, the Frame and the word Dream.

I needed a quick card and this was actually quicker than I though it would be to create.   I added small gems for the added sparkle - it's a Fairy and all Fairies need Sparkle!

I am going to send it to one of my card swap partners in the Facebook Group Card Making Tips.  I enjoy exchanging cards with other card makers; some of my swap buddies have been from Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, England as well as the U.S.A.  

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you were inspired to try watercoloring in your card making.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card has been entered in the following challenges: Cardz TV #58, Crafting from the Heart #217, Artistic Inspirations #205, Aurora Wings

My Winner of the Challenges for Days Birthday Bash!

Good Morning!  Today the winners of the Challenges for Days Birthday Bash will be announced on the birthday blog post (here).

In honor of the Challenges for Days 5th birthday, I am awarding the following prize package to Wanda of Wanderful Creations.

Thank you Wanda for commenting and to claim your prize, please email Challenges for Days Admin at:  ChallengesForDays@yahoo.com

Thanks to everyone who participated in the birthday bash, we had a great time and appreciate everyone who commented and followed our blogs.  Remember to check the main Birthday Bash Post (here) to see if you're a winner.

Till next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

Patti's Pumpkin Patch

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I've started my seasonal cards and have been focused on Christmas.  For a diversion and different creative mojo, I created a cute Autumn/Fall Themed card featuring a digital image from Digi Doodle Studios.

Here's cute Patti at the pumpkin patch and she was a delight to color up.  I used my Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and added some card candy and die cut leaves for embellishing.  The patterned paper was from my stash and the card base is Kraft Cardstock.  

I hope you were inspired to create some seasonal cards and don't forget today is the last day for posting your comments to win prizes at the Challenges for Days Birthday Bash.  I
n order to be considered for today's Super Saturday Prize Packages (there are 4!), please leave a comment on my birthday post (here) and also on the Challenges for Days birthday post (here).  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card entered in the following challenges: Jo's Scrap Shack #244, Di's Digi Designs Challenge, Cardz TV #58

Oh Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Thy Branches

Hello and It's FRIDAY!  Yay!  I hope all is well with you and yours.  Today I'm sharing yet another holiday card.  I've been on a roll this week with holiday cards; Christmas is my favorite time of the year.

I've gained loads of inspiration from Pinterest and You Tube on different techniques for card creating and one particular technique caught my eye - it's inlaid die cuts.

I had some cute papers left over from last years' card crafting so I used that out along with some ribbon and sequins to pull together a card measuring 5" x 5".  The Christmas Tree die cut is 2 pieces - the tree shape and the swirls inside.  I cut it twice so I would have the green tree with the white inlaid swirls. I also used a postage stamp die to cut a base from designer paper and the frame from white.  

As a reminder - please don't forget to visit the Challenges for Days Birthday Bash Post to leave a comment as well as leaving your comment on my Birthday Blog Post for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

I'm pleased with how this card turned out and hope you've been inspired to try inlaid die cutting.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Card entered in the following challenges:  Sasayaki Glitter Challenge Christmas in July, Mod Squad Challenge, Watercooler Challenges, Crafty Gals Corner #170, Cardz TV #57, QKR Stampede #306, Little Miss Muffet Challenges

Creative Knockouts Challenge Design Team Project - Elf Sitter

Good Morning and Happy Thursday.  Today I'm sharing my design team project for the Creative Knockouts Challenge.  It's an adorable image from the challenge sponsor Sparkle N Sprinkle.

The image of this cute little Elf is named Elf Sitter and she (or he) is just too stinkin' adorable.  The theme of the challenge is Stitching - Faux or Real so I thought I could use some Christmas cording to thread through the holes on the die cut to create some stitching.  I'm happy with how this card turned out; card measures 5.5" square.

I hope you'll join in the fun this round over at Creative Knockouts Challenge Blog and try your chance to win some goodies from our generous sponsor Sparkle N Sprinkle.  We would love to have you join us.

As a reminder - please don't forget to visit the Challenges for Days Birthday Bash Post to leave a comment as well as leaving your comment on my Birthday Blog Post for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

I hope you were inspired and will visit our sponsors to see the wonderful images they have to offer.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card entered in the following challenges:  Creative Moments #149, Little Miss Muffet Challenges #194, Crafting By Designs, Mod Squad Challenge, Crimbo Crackers #163, Sasayaki Glitter Christmas in July, Pammie's Inky Pinkies #1829, Simon Says Stamp, Crafty Gals Corner Challenge #170, Die Cuttin' Divas #379, Papercraft Challenges #16

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge #390 - Design Team Project

It's Wednesday and that means it's time for another challenge at Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog.  It's challenge #390 and the theme is Anything Goes.

The sponsors for the challenge this week are Just ME Digital Stamps and Odd Ball Art.  The images from both of the sponsors are super awesome and I had the privilege of using the Snowbuddies image from Just ME Digital Stamps.

Oh my goodness, these Snowbuddies are adorable and I couldn't resist coloring them up with Sepctrum Noir Alcohol Markers and adding a brilliant product named Snow Tex to create the snowy ground.  I added some faux stitching to create a border and didn't feel it needed much else so we can call it complete.

I'm getting a jump start on my holiday cards and since it's still July - this card is technically a Christmas in July project *wink wink

As a reminder - please don't forget to visit the Challenges for Days Birthday Bash Post to leave a comment as well as leaving your comment on my Birthday Blog Post for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

I hope you were inspired and will visit our sponsors to see the wonderful images they have to offer.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card entered in the following challenges: Mod Squad Challenge, Water Cooler Challenges, Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge, Crafting By Designs ATG, Crafty Gals Corner #170, Papercraft Challenges, The Holly and Ivy #32, Digi Doodle Studios #7

Happy Birthday Challenges for Days!

Hello and Happy Tuesday Everyone!

The Challenges for Days blog has just turned 5 and we are having a Birthday Bash to celebrate! Now that you’re here on my blog, please comment on this post, then go to the Challenges for Days Birthday blog post, and leave a comment there so you can be eligible for both today’s prize, offered by me, and the Super Saturday Giveaway. 

The Challenges for Days blog lists all the challenges being held on a daily basis so if you're interested in entering challenges for prizes or Shout Out's but don't know where all the cool challenges are, please check out Challenges for Days.

In addition to winning great prizes from us here at Challenges for Days, we have some great sponsors who have donated prizes for our party and those gifts will also be drawn and awarded on Sunday the 29th of July.

I will be awarding the following prize package to one lucky winner, to be drawn and announced this Sunday, July 29th, 2018.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post (Please leave your First Name and Location) as well as the Challenges for Days Birthday Post.

This prize package contains a paper pack, stickers, ribbon, floral embellishments and 2 Windsor and Newton Alcohol markers.  Just the package to get your holiday crafting started.

Happy Birthday Challenges for Days!  I'm honored to be a part of a wonderful group of ladies!  Thanks for having me!

Until Next Time, Happy Crafting and Best of Luck in the draw!

Donna

**Card entered in the following challenges: Through the Craft Room Door, Cardz TV #56, Digi Choosday #30, City Crafter #422, DigiStamps4Joy #150, Crafting from the Heart #216, Pammie's Inky Pinkies #1829, Moo-Mania and More, Lil Patch Of Crafty Friends #86, A Bit More Time to Craft #72

A Bouquet of Happy Thoughts

Hello and Happy Monday!  I hope all is well with you and yours and your weekend was awesome!

Today I would like to share a card I put together yesterday, while sitting at my craft table watching the rain come down outside my window.  I needed something cheery and bright so I used this image from Delicious Doodles to create a 6" square card.  I will send it out in a card swap I'm registered for in August.

I colored the image with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and used an older stamp set I had in my stash from the Royal Castle Shoppe.  I have a set of three bow dies; 3 different sizes so I chose the medium sized bow die cut and thought it came out the perfect size.  I added some card candy and called it complete.

I hope you were inspired by my bright and cheery Poppy Card.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card entered in the following challenges: Cardz TV #56, Crafting from the Heart #216, Pammies Inky Pinkies #1829, Artistic Inspirations #205, Make My Monday #76, Scrapbook Stamp Society #145, Aurora Wings Challenge, Lemon Shortbread Challenge #72, Retarte #125, Digi Choosday #29, Outlawz Challenges Festive Fridays

Love You a Latte

Hello and Happy Friday Eve!   It's Thursday afternoon as I'm posting this and I'm craving a pick me up...more specifically...COFFEE!!

With that being said, here's something that I currently have on hand...not the real thing but it will have to do until I can get to my local coffee shop!

This was a quick and easy card.  It's a standard A2 (4.25" x 5.5"), I used Kraft card for the base, die cut some mats from designer paper and used an image I found on Cricut Design Space.

I think I will give this card to my husband because I love him a lot and he's crazy about.......iced coffee!  :)

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card entered into the following challenges:  4 Crafty Chicks, Little Miss Muffet Challenges, Crafting By Designs, Creative Moments #148

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog - Design Team Project

Hello Everyone and Happy Wednesday!  Today I'm sharing my Design Team Challenge project for the Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges.  The sponsors for this challenge are Delicious Doodles and A Day for Daisies.

I used the Dolphins image from Delicious Doodles.  I love dolphins, they are so smart, graceful and beautiful to watch.  I inked the background with Distress Oxide Ink in the colors Salty Ocean and Broken China.   The card measures a standard A2 size (4.25" x 5.5");  I used rectangle die cuts to create a frame for the focal image and colored the image lightly with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.  For a finishing touch, I added some Crystal Nuvo Drops around the images to represent water drops, I like how this project turned out.

I hope you'll stop by the Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog and enter your designs for a chance to win from these awesome and generous sponsors.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card entered in the following challenges:  Retarte #125, Crafting By Designs, Lemon Shortbread #72, Through the Craft Room Door #17, Digi Choosday

Christmas in July - Gnome Style

Hello Everyone!  It's been so hot here in Florida this summer....I know...it's Florida but it's been unusually hot and rainy which raises the humidity to unbearable levels.  What better way to stay cool is to head to the craft room and create for Christmas.

I usually create, on average, 35 Christmas cards every year and this year I anticipate needing 50 cards (I participate in card swaps also) so this is my first official Christmas Card of the 2018 Holiday Season:

This card was Pinterest Inspired; a Round Stepper Card.  There are several examples and tutorials on how to create your round stepper and it's very easy.

The base was inked with Distress Oxide Inks, the die cut scalloped mats were cut from colored cardstock I had in my stash and the Gnomes were colored with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.  They are just so cute and I'm very pleased with the card.

Please stay tuned for more Christmas cards and creations throughout the coming months leading up to the holidays.  I have to remember Thanksgiving and Halloween also!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Card entered into the following challenges:  A Snowflakes Promise #53, Crafty Sentiments, Digi Choosday #29, Die Cuttin Divas #378, Through the Craft Room Door, Cardz TV #55, Papercraft Challenges #16, Lemon Shortbread Challenge #72, The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #32, Creates and Makes #22, Sweet Stampers Challenge

A Wilted Violet and Gold Happy Birthday Celebration

Good Monday to you!  Today I'm sharing a birthday card I made for a co-worker, her favorite color is purple.

I wanted a simple yet striking card that incorporated her favorite color and few design elements.  I used Wilted Violet Distress Oxide Ink for the background with an intricate die cut for an overlay and a die cut Butterfly for dimension.  I heat embossed the sentiment with Ranger Gold Embossing powder and place some violet gems for sparkle.

I'm pleased with how it turned out and I hope she likes it.  Thanks for stopping in today and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card entered in the following challenges:  Crafting from the Heart #215, Pammie's Inky Pinkies #1828, Cardz TV #55, Digi Choosday

Creatalicious Challenge - Design Team Project

Hello!  I hope you're having a blessed Sunday.  Today I'm sharing my design team project for the Creatalicious Challenges.    The theme is Anything Goes with optional twist of No Patterned Paper.

I'm in the mood for holiday card crafting so I chose to use a Halloween image from the challenge sponsor Di's Digi Stamps.

The image of the ghost jumping out of the pumpkin to wish you a Happy Halloween is currently on sale at Di's Digi Stamps so pop over and have a look around. 

I hope you were inspired today to create something scary....or not.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

Creative Knockouts Design Team Project - Summer Fun #254

Today I'm sharing my Design Team Project for the Creative Knockouts Summer Fun Challenge #254.  The sponsor for this round is The Paper Shelter.

The used the image "Fair Day" from The Paper Shelter to create this 6" x 6" card featuring a sweet girl with her County Fair Cotton Candy and Balloon.

The image was colored with Spectrum Noir Markers and layered on the card base with design papers,  die cuts, a flower and leaves.  I also added some sequins and spray glitter for that extra pop.

I hope you will join us at Creative Knockouts this round for your chance to win images from The Paper Shelter.

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Card Challenges entered:  Cardz TV #55

A Teapot Full of Flowers

Hello and Happy Friday Eve!  Today is a quick post to share my pretty teapot full of flowers.  The image is a Bugaboo Digital Stamp that I colored up with my Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.

This card is a standard A2 size (4.25" x 5.5") that I layered a die cut of the same size.  I colored the die cut with Scattered Straw Distress Ink as well as inking the edges of the focal image with Peeled Paint Distress Ink.

I love Bugaboo images and this was also an easy one to color up if you are a newbie to alcohol markers like myself.

Thanks for visiting and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card Challenges entered: Crafting By Designs, Little Miss Muffet Challenges, Crafting with an Attitude, Digi Choosday Week 28, Lemon Shortbread Challenge

Crafty Creations Design Team Project

Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by today.

 I would like to share with you my Design Team project for the Crafty Creations Challenges.

This image is from our Sponsor for the Challenge:  Bugaboo Stamps, a digital stamp named Sunbonnet July USA.  I adore this image and thankful Bugaboo allowed us use of their images for the challenge.

If you are unfamiliar with Bugaboo Stamps, please visit their site, there are so many great images to choose from - you'll be there a while just looking through everything.  The hardest part is deciding what to get!

I hope you were inspired today and please stop by Crafty Creations Challenges and enter for a chance to win from Bugaboo Stamps.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card Challenges entered:  Crafty Gals Corner #169, Papercraft Challenges #15, Retarte #125, Crafting By Designs, Lemon Shortbread Challenge, Through the Craft Room Door, Digi Choosday Cute N Craft Challenge

Side Fold Easel Card

Hello Everyone!  I hope you and yours are well.  Today I am sharing a fun-fold card, my spin on the Easel card - a Side Fold Easel; that's what I'm going to call it.

The card measures a standard A2 (5.5" x 4.25"), I cut the bottom part of the top fold away to create a side Easel card.  I used some patterned paper from my stash to create a quick and effective fun-fold card....the Side Easel.

I hope you were inspired to create your own Side Easel card.  Thanks for visiting and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Card Challenges entered:  Digi Choosday #28, Through the Craft Room Door, Cardz TV #54, Lemon Shortbread Challenge #71

It's the Little Things

Hello and Happy Monday!  Wow - time is flying by as it's already July 9th..where did May and June go?

Today I'm sharing a lovely floral card that says Summer in a big, bold way.  Sunflowers are my favorite flower; summer and fall.

I used a Bugaboo Stamps image and come dies to cut out the main panel and the sentiment.  I placed the sentiment on a die cut piece of vellum so the vase would not be completely covered up by the sentiment.  The image was colored with Spectrum Noir Markers.

A quick and fairly simple card for today to celebrate the 9th of July...no particular reason other than it's summer and sunflowers are happy!

Have a great day and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Card Challenges entered:  Pammies Inky Pinkies #1827, Artistic Inspirations #204, Incy Wincy Designs, Lil Patch of Crafty Friends #85, Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges, CardzTV #54

Crafty Calendar Design Team Project for July 2018

Hello and Happy Saturday!  Today I would like to share my Design Team Project for the July Crafty Calendar Challenge.  The theme this month is "Totally Girly" and the Sponsors for the Challenge are Pink Gem Designs and Crafty Ribbons.

Pink Gem Designs offers colored as well as black/white images and I chose the pre-colored image for my card today.  The Unicorn is just so sweet and Totally Girly!

My card is a standard A2 size (4.25" x 5.5") and I have added some pastel colored sequins for that extra sparkle.  

If your not familiar with Pink Gem Designs, please click the picture below to visit their shop.  You will fall in love with all the sweet images and other crafty items such as embossing folders, cutting dies, inks, etc.

The other sponsor for the challenge is Crafty Ribbons and they have a wonderful site, offering so many embellishments for your crafty projects.  Please visit them and have look around!  You'll be happy you did!

I hope you were inspired today to create your own "Totally Girly" card for the challenge.  Please visit Crafty Calendar Challenge and enter your project today!

Until Next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

Cardz 4 Galz Challenge #75

Hello and Happy Thursday to you and yours!  I hope your 4th of July holiday was fun and you're enjoying a day of crafting or whatever makes you smile!

Today I'm sharing my Design Team project for Card Challenge #75 at Cardz 4 Galz.  The challenge starts today and runs for 2 weeks.  The theme is "For a Little Girl" and I think this sweet Teddy digital image from the wonderful Hetty Clare Designs on Etsy fits the theme perfectly.

Please join us at Cardz 4 Galz for the challenge and have some fun creating your project for the theme.  

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you were inspired.  If you were, would you please consider following my blog?  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Card Challenges entered:  Lemon Shortbread Challenge #71, CardzTV #54, Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges #387, Through the Craft Room Door, Digi Choosday #27

Happy 4th of July...Have a Cupcake!

Hello and Happy 4th of July to you and yours!  I wish you a fantastic, fun-filled day.

Today I'm sharing a quick, patriotic card featuring a delicious cupcake in honor of the 4th of July.  The cupcake image is a rubber stamp from my stash.

I've accented with Wink of Stella, Ribbon and a faux pearl I colored with a Spectrum Noir Alcohol marker.  

I hope you were inspired and until next time, Happy 4th of July and Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Card Challenges entered: The Paper Shelter #346, Penny's Challenges #387, Simon Says Stamp, Crafty Gals Corner, Papercraft Challenges, Retarte #124, Crafting By Design, Elli Belle's Corner

Summer Celebration

Hello Everyone and Happy Tuesday!  Today I'm sharing another patriotic card in homor of the 4th of July.

Nothing says summer and celebrations like watermelon, 4th of July and this sweet little girl enjoying her summer day.

The image is from Little Miss Muffet Stamps; she is a Polka Dot Pal named Quoba.  The card base is a standard A2 measuring 4.25" x 5.5".  I have used Neenah White 110 lb. cardstock, die cuts, Distress Oxide Ink, Spectrum Noir Markers, Baker's Twin and a resin flower to accent and put this card together.

I hope you like my little girl and were inspired.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Card Entered in the following challenges: Papercraft Challenges #15, Retarte #124 Anything Goes,

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue

Hello Crafty Friends!  I hope all is well with you and your weekend was spectacular!

I'll be sharing some patriotic projects this week in honor of the 4th of July here in the USA.  My card today is a nice cup of coffee, tea or whatever you like.  Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue.

This card is a standard A2 size ( 4.25" x 5.5") and the base is 110 lb. Neenah White cardstock.  I used some polka dot washi tape and some Crystal Nuvo Drops for accenting along with some tiny red gems.  I colored the coffee cup image with Spectrum Noir Alcohol markers and the Patriotic Coffee Cup image is from Verve Stamps.  The Verve Stamp store is closing shop so everything is marked at 55% off regular prices.

Thanks for stopping in today and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Card entered in the following card challenges:  Crafting from the Heart #213, Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Red, White and/or Blue, Cute N Crafty Challenge #4, Through the Craft Room Door, Digi Choosday #26, Crafty Sentiments, Retarte #124, CardzTV Challenge #53