The Inspiration Station Challenge #87

Hello Friends and Happy Monday!  If you celebrated America's 250th Birthday this past weekend, I hope you had a wonderful time.  We had a nice weekend with family and friends, saw some amazing fireworks and ate some delicious food.

Today begins a new challenge month at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog.  Our inspiration photo is a good one featuring tropical, summer, beach, and Christmas in July things. 

I've taken inspiration from the plastic lawn flamingo ornaments for my card today.  Using a set I've had in my stash since May of 2024 and never used (typical), I created a card with a tropical vibe.  The set is the "Let's Get Together" stamp and coordinating die set from Spellbinders, which was the Clear Stamp of the Month for May 2024.

I've embossed a panel using the "Happy Hibiscus" 3-D Embossing folder from Stampin' Up and ink blended over the top using Distress inks.  I've colored the stamped image using alcohol markers, and cut out both the image and sentiment using the coordinating dies.

I've adhered the image flat to the embossed panel and popped the sentiment on foam pads.  Lastly, I've added blue Dazzles for that sparkle and shine.  

We invite you to join us at the challenge this month and share your inspired projects.  And we hope to inspire you with ours.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna xx

**Challenges Entered:

Make My Monday

A Cut Above

Cupcake Inspirations

Neglected Stuff Challenge - Stamp/Die Set from 2024

Triple B Challenge

Let's Craft & Create

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

We Love Stamping

Inkspirational Challenge

Sparkling Season

Hi Crafty Friends and Happy Saturday!  I have a quick share for you today, but before we get to my holiday card, I want to announce a New Challenge that will be starting on the 20th of January 2026.  It's The Pick 3 Challenge. Please check it out, be sure to follow, spread the word and get ready to play along!

My card today is another fairly CAS design, using the Sparkling Season Stamp Set from Gina K. Designs.  This set was a Simon Says Stamp Stamptember offer a few years ago and it's a timeless holiday set.

I started with heat embossing the images and sentiment on Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss card using Ranger Fine Detail gold embossing powder.  I've back the focal panel with gold mirror card and adhered to a Blackberry Bliss card base.

I use this set every year for at least 1 Christmas Card, I love the nostalgic feel of the baubles, the sentiment font and the elegant gold and blackberry together.  

That's all for today, so until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Sweet Stampin'

Crafty Calendar

Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge #682

Cardz 4 Galz

Lil Red Wagon

Word Art Wednesday

Shopping our Stash

613 Avenue Create

A Place to Start

A Perfect Time to Craft

Beautiful Blossoms Challenge - Jul/Aug 2025

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Saturday!  I'm rather late with my DT card for this month's Beautiful Blossoms Challenge, which started on the 15th of July.  But as they say, better late than never heh?

Our optional inspiration photo has a tropical feel and I just had to use the Hibiscus Fancy Die Set from Hero Arts for my card.  I've had this set in the stash and this is the first time using it, which is a shame because it created the prettiest hibiscus flowers.

Our inspiration for this month is:

And my card:

I've die cut the flowers from white card and ink blended using Catherine Pooler inks, the leaves were cut from green card.  The embossed background was created using the Happy Hibiscus 3-D embossing folder from Stampin' Up, and the sentiment is from the Happy Hibiscus Stamp set, also from Stampin' Up.

To finish everything off, I've added a few holographic gems from the Itty Bitty Bokeh Mix by Stampin' Up.  We hope you'll join us this month at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge and share your Floral Focused creations!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Creative Moments

C.R.A.F.T Challenge

Creative Inspiration

Ellibelle's Garden Party

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Try It on Tuesday

A Cut Above

Just Us Girls

Paper Funday Challenge January 2025

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy New Year!  Wow, here we are...2025...who would have imagined it?  Anyhoo...it's time for a new challenge month at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog.  Our challenges are Always Anything Goes with Optional Twists.  The Twist this month is Monochrome, which is what I've chosen to use for my team project.

My card features patterned paper from Stampin' Up, Snowflake images from Gina K. Designs and a sentiment from Brutus Monroe.

I've stamped the snowflakes and sentiment using Boho Blue ink from Stampin' Up.  I've added silver sequins for some extra sparkle, and placed a nest of silver thread behind the sentiment, which has been popped on foam pads for dimension.  

Please join us this month at the Challenge, we would love to see your creations, and we have 2 generous sponsors this month:  Pattie's Creations and Lawn Fawn.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Cards Galore Encore

The Crafting Challenges

A Perfect Time to Craft

Give a Crafter a Cookie

The Four Seasons Challenge

2 Sisters on the Blog

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges

Creative Fingers

Inspiration Station Challenge #67 - November 2024

Hello Friends and Happy Monday, I hope your weekend was awesome! On Saturday, we had lunch with my youngest brother and his fiancé...yes, that was a surprise and the reason we were invited to lunch.  I'm over the moon happy for them, they couldn't be a better match, and I know our Mama in Heaven is smiling down on them. 

Today begins a new challenge month at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog.  Our inspiration photo is a yummy one, I'm a huge fan of lattes and cappuccinos, especially Vanilla Caramel, doesn't this photo give all the Snuggly feels?

I was directly inspired by the Cappuccino and leaves in the photo.  I have a few "coffee" themed sets but I love the designer series papers from the Latte Love Bundle by Stampin' Up.  The dies included cut out the cups from the paper, so this card came together quick.  My color theme doesn't match the photo, but I love light blue and brown together. 

The card base is Pecan Pie from Stampin' Up as well as the patterned paper, which is from the A Little Latte paper pack.  I've used the nesting Ruffles and Dashes Dies from Catherine Pooler for the mats. The bottom cup as well as the sentiment strip and small middle panel have been popped on foam pads for dimension.  

Lastly, I've added Baker's Twine and gold leaf embellishments for that Autumn vibe and shine.  We would love to see your inspired projects this month, we are always amazed how the photo inspires everyone.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Double Trouble Challenges

A Cut Above

A Place to Start

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

All Sorts

Crafty Calendar

Inkspirational Challenges

Give a Crafter a Cookie

Crafty Catz

Cut It Up

Creative Creases Challenge - Love & Gratitude Gift Bag

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-YAY!  I'm back with another Guest Designer project for the Creative Creases Challenge.  I'm honored to be invited to help Debbie and the team, I had such fun making this adorable Gift Bag of Gratitude, and it was incredibly easy using a Stampin' Up Paper Pumpkin Kit.

The kit contains the supplies for these gift bags:  die cuts, pre-cut bag templates, small note cards, sentiment strips, a stamp set with small images and greetings, embellishments, small ink pad and dimensional foam pads.  

I stamped on the front of the notecard using the image contained in the stamp set and the ink pad included in the kit.  I arranged the die cuts, popping them on dimensionals; the bag is easy to construct as there are instructions included and the kit also comes with double sided tape.

I punched holes through the notecard and bag, added linen thread and embellishments and called it complete.  I love the pretty die cuts in this kit and plan to make up a few more of the gift bags to use as place settings at our Thanksgiving Day table, and put a nice treat inside.  

Please visit the Creative Creases Challenge and join us, we would love to see your Fancy Fold projects.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Dragonfly Dreams

Outlawz Saturday Challenge

Crafty Catz

Tic Tac Toe Challenge:  Fall, Twine, Embellishment.  Fun Fold, Free, Embellishment.  Gift, Twine, Free

Creative Creases Challenge Guest Designer 27 Sep 24

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Friday!  I've had the pleasure of Guest Designing with the Creative Creases Challenge Team today and I would like to share my card with you.

Using the new Stampin' Up Autumn Expressions Stamp and Die Bundle, along with the Splendid Autumn Designer Series Paper, I've created this easy fancy fold card inspired by Jackie Bolhuis of Klompen Stampers, you can find her Tutorial HERE. 

Both the Stamp Bundle and Designer Series Papers are stunning and perfect for the Autumn Season; the colors are so rich and warm.  For the card base, I've used Blackberry Bliss, and die cut a leaf from the same and one from the Mossy Meadow cardstock.

More leaves were stamped and die cut using Cajun Craze ink and cardstock, and Mossy Meadow cardstock.  The sentiment was stamped using Blackberry Bliss ink, and some wheat stalks stamped using Mossy Meadow ink.

Please stop by the Creative Creases Card Challenge and join the fun.  There is loads of inspiration for fancy fold cards, and you'll be impressed with the talented team!  I'm sending a huge thanks to Debbie Mageed for having me, it was a pleasure.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Outlawz Festive Friday

Word Art Wednesday

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge

Creative Inspiration

Girlz Creative FAOS

Paper Minutes

Stampin' Up Only Challenge

Handstamped Sentiments

Path of Positivity

2 Sisters on the Blog

Product List

Autumn Expressions Bundle (English) [164056] $51.25	Splendid Autumn 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [164173] $12.50	Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133675] $11.50	Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad [147092] $9.00
Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] $11.50	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111] $9.00	Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119684] $11.50	Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad [147085] $9.00

Splendid Autumn

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday!  I hope your day is terrific and you're finding some time for yourself.  I have a quick share today featuring the new Splendid Autumn Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up.  Golly, this paper is gorgeous!

I've created a fun fold card style, with a a card base, and a smaller card base op top, all decorated with lovely Autumn colors.

The card base was created using Mossy Meadow cardstock, and I've embossed a panel of Blackberry Bliss card.  The sentiment is from a retired Stampin' Up set - Climbing Roses.

I've added Linen Thread and a Bow for a bit of an earthy accent, along with clear faux gems.  There is plenty of room inside to write a personal message.  

That's all I have for today, I wish you a great rest of the week and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Stampin' Up Only Challenge

Hand Stamped Sentiments

Dream Valley

A Place to Start

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Outlawz Sunday Songs and Rhymes - inspired by flowers and Autumn colors

613 Avenue Create

Night Shift/Night Owls

All Sorts

Love Those Pretty Papers

Creative Creases

Inspired By...

Splendid Autumn 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [164173] $12.50	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] $11.50	Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133675] $11.50	Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad [147092] $9.00
Linen Thread [104199] $5.00

Beautiful Blossoms Challenge #21 - Sep/Oct 2024

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Sunday to you. Today begins a new challenge month at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge Blog.  Our optional mood board contains gorgeous seasonal colors, which inspired my card today.

For my card, I've used the "Like a Sunflower" Stamp Set from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  I stamped onto Tim Holtz watercolor paper and water colored using my Gansai Tambi paints.

After the paint was dry, I masked off the edges of the panel using Pixie Tape from iCraft and lightly inked around the inside of the masked area using Catherine Pooler inks.  This method was directly inspired by Jill Foster with Penny Black.

I've kept the design simple, the cardbase is Pecan Pie card from Stampin' Up, the green mat is Mossy Meadow, also from Stampin' Up.  Lastly, I've added clear droplets from Kat Scrappiness.  The sentiment is from the same stamp set as the image.

I hope you'll pop over to the challenge and share your Floral Focused projects with us.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Creative Crafters

Sparkles Monthly

613 Avenue Create

We Love Stamping

Crafty Catz

Outlawz Festive Friday

Simply Create Too

Double D

Word Art Wednesday

Penny's Challenges

I Spy with My Little Eye

Creative Inspiration

Paper Funday Challenge #69 - September 2024

Hi Crafty Friends and Happy Wednesday!  Today begins a new challenge month at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog.  Our generous sponsors this month are A Colorful Life Designs and Simon Says Stamp, our optional Twist is:  Create Your Own Background.

For my team project, I've decided to go with the optional Twist and create my own background, so I've used the new Stampin' Up Changing Leaves Bundle, which includes a gorgeous 3-D embossing folder, stamps and dies. 

To start the background, I've embossed a panel of Mossy Meadow cardstock with the 3-D embossing folder and stamped a snippet of Boho Blue card with leaves. I then stamped and die cut the large leaves for the arrangement.

I've heat embossed the stamping on the blue leaf using fine detail white embossing powder, the leaf in back has been stamped using Pecan Pie ink on Basic Beige card.  The arrangement was added to the card front along with a twine bow.  The sentiment was stamped using Mossy Meadow ink and popped on dimensionals.  Lastly, gold gems were added for a bit of added interest.

We hope you'll visit us at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog this month and share your projects. I have listed the products I've used below.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna 

**Challenges Entered:

Penny's Challenges

Can You Handle the Pressure

Word Art Wednesday

Creative Inspiration

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday

SU Only Challenges - Colors for Philadelphia Eagles - my husbands' fav team.  I prefer College ball

A Cut Above

A Place to Start

Path of Positivity

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Product List

Find a Demonstrator:  Donna Walls - Florida

Changing Leaves Bundle (English) [164139] $54.00	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] $11.50	Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [164511] $11.50	Boho Blue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [161724] $11.50
Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111] $9.00	Boho Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [161650] $9.00	Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [161665] $9.00

Inspiration Station Challenge #65

Happy Monday and Happy Labor Day to all of my friends here in the States.  Today begins a new challenge month at The Inspiration Station Challenge.  The Autumn season will soon be upon us and the inspiration photo this month is a gorgeous, autumn countryside scene:

For my project, I've used the new Stampin' Up Autumn Expressions Stamp and Die Bundle along with the Splendid Autumn 6x6 paper pack.  The designer series papers in this pack are beyond beautiful and I let the paper do most of the work on this card.

I was directly inspired by the autumn colors and trees in the scene. I love visiting areas in parts of the United States where the leaves change colors in the Fall, our Florida Palm trees stay green year round!

For my card base, I've used SU Wild Wheat cardstock, the mat behind the designer series paper strips and sentiment is Blackberry Bliss and the die cut frame and chain are cut from Cajun Craze card stock. 

For added interest, I've die cut leaves from SU Mossy Meadow cardstock and added some twine strips behind the sentiment, which has been popped on dimensionals.  Lastly, I've added amber gems for a bit of shine.  I've also decorated the envelope flap using Cajun Craze ink and pretty wheat stalks from the stamp set.

We certainly hope you'll join us this month at The Inspiration Station Challenge and share your inspired projects.  We would love to see what you create.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Colorful Options

Dream Valley

A Place to Start

Path of Positivity

Creative Moments

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Crafts Galore Encore

The Crafting Challenge

The Four Seasons Challenge