The Pick 3 Challenge #2 - Feb/Mar 2026

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Friday!  Today begins a new challenge month at the new Pick 3 Challenge Blog.  The premise of the challenge is to take 3 of the 6 elements provided to you, and create using your choices, making sure to tell us which you've used.

  Here is the element list for this month:

For my team project, I've used Bright Colors, Flowers and Circles.  I had a shop in my stash and found some bright and cheerful floral stickers I thought be be perfect for the color and flower elements,  I've die cut 3 circles for that element and viola!  Complete!

The patterned paper is from the "Blush and Mint" 6x6 paper pad by Recollections.  The sentiment is from a Spellbinders Kit of the Month stamp set, and the sentiment strip has been popped on foam pads. 

Please stop by the Challenge and check out what my teamies have created with their Pick 3 elements, and we hope you'll play along too.  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

Beautiful Blossoms Challenge #26 - Feb/Mar 2025

Hello Friends and Happy Monday!  I'm a few days late with my Beautiful Blossoms Challenge project, as the challenge started on the 15th.  I've been dealing with Bursitis in my knee and the pain has not allowed me to sit for long without my knee being propped up.  However, better late than never!

The optional inspiration photo this month is a gorgeous one, full of bright Spring colors!  I took inspiration directly from the colors in the photo, and ink blended a load of floral die cuts. 

The dies I've used here are from various companies, I went through my die binders and just pulled out lots of different types, then ink blended them using Catherine Pooler Inks.

The background panel has been embossed using the Picnic Floral 3-D Embossing Folder from Simon Says Stamp.  This card has a lot of layering, dimension and texture, some of the florals and leaves have been popped on foam pads.

The sentiment is from an older Scrapbooking Queen Set titled Royal Garden, and was stamped on an oval die cut.  I've matted the focal panel with black card and added gems for the finishing touch.

Please join us at the Challenge, Spring is right around the corner, and we would love to see your floral creations!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Double Trouble Challenge

A Cut Above

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

Word Art Wednesday

Paper Rocks Scissors

Triple B Challenge

Daisy Chain Challenges

Holiday Candle Arrangement

Happy Christmas Eve to you and yours, just 1 more sleep until Christmas Day!  I have a quick share for you featuring the Holiday Candle Arrangement Stamp Set from Hero Arts #CM648.

I've had this set in my stash since last year, and I found it while searching for the sets I wanted to use this year.  I was surprised when I realized I hadn't opened the package and a bit ashamed that I bought and then forgot.  

I've colored the image using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Makers and die cut the focal image using a nesting postage die from Hero Arts.  The extra postal stamping is from a stamp set from Penny Black and the sentiment strip is from a pre-packaged set from Simon Says Stamp.

The sentiment strip and focal panel have been popped on foam pads for dimension.  I've also inked around the edges of the focal panel with Catherine Pooler "Mint To Be" light green ink.  The patterned papers are from the Rustic Noel 6x6 paper pad by The Paper Studio.  

Last but not least, Crystal Stickles were added to the candle flames, holly berries and leaves.  I'll be back tomorrow to share my last Christmas Card for 2024.  It's hard to imagine we will be celebrating the New Year next week.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Passion for Markers

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge

A Cut Above

Outlawz Monday Greetings

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Ally's Angels

Papercraft Challenges

Creative Crafters
The Dream Factory

Sparkles Christmas Challenge - inspired by the song "Light the Candles All Around the World"

Word Art Wednesday

You Radiate Awesome

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Saturday!  Today I have a quick share featuring some dimensional Gerber Daisies and a highly textured card made with 2 lovely young women in mind.

My nieces are celebrating milestones this week.  My older niece graduated college with a degree in Respiratory Therapy.  The younger one graduated High School and will soon be in Atlanta Georgia studying Design.  I'm so proud of them, they have the world by the Tail!

I've created this card with them in mind, because they both radiate awesomeness.  One is studious and the other is adventurous.  They are both hard workers with the sweetest personalities, obedient, caring and helpful.  Oh what it would be like to be their age again...would you change anything?  

The flowers are from Spellbinders and I've colored them with Distress Oxide and Catherine Pooler Inks, the background is smooshed with Salty Ocean Distress Ink.  The Pink and Orange flowers are popped on craft foam for dimension, the sentiment is a premade strip from Simon Says Stamp, I've splattered everything with white acrylic paint and added some confetti sequins for that extra WOW factor.  I also tucked in an Altenew Crosshatch die cut but it's hard to see.

McKenna and Madison - Congratulations on your achievements!  The world is your Oyster! Remember to love and protect yourselves, enjoy life and Make Your Mark!  We love you!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Night Owls

All Sorts

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

Cut It Up

Outlawz Festive Friday

CRAFT Challenge

Tic Tac Toe Challenge - Blue. Free, Any Shape

AYLI - Feminine because I have WAY more stash for feminine than masculine, and I love Florals

Cardz 4 Galz

Through the Purple Haze

Sisterhood of Crafters

The Four Seasons Challenge

613 Avenue Create

Happy Mail

Hello Crafty Friends!  Today may be Friday the 13th but have no fear, I'm sharing a gorgeous new digital image I've received from Alex Syberia Design.   The image is Happy Mail and this set comes with both a JPEG and PNG images with 1 sentiment.

To start, I've colored the image with my Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and fussy cut.  The background is actually a piece of fabric that I've adhered to card using a cut piece of double sided sticky sheet.  I was inspired to try this fabric technique by Ann Melvin of Positively Papercraft and her You Tube Video 10 Insane Ways to create Backgrounds.  

I was experimenting with the fabric technique and after adhering to the sticky sheet, I embossed the panel with a 3-D embossing folder.  You can't see the embossing because the background was busy,  I decided to tone it down by placing Vellum over top before adhering the focal image with craft foam.  I do plan on trying this technique again with a less busy fabric piece.

For a finishing touch, I've added a die cut sentiment, white and black dots with Gelly Roll Pens and Aqua Rhinestones from Kat Scrappiness. 

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Aud Sentiments

Alphabet Challenge

Cardz TV

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Through the Purple Haze

The Paper Shelter

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Crafty Creations

Crafting Happiness

Use Your Stuff

Path of Positivity

Quokka 'N Up - Kat Scrappiness

Hello Crafty Friends!  The fun continues on the Kat Scrappiness Blog with the New August Product releases and a Giveaway.  Be sure and visit the blog to see all the crafty goodness contained inside.

Today I'm sharing a card created with the Quokka 'N Up Stamp and Coordinating Die Set from Kat Scrappiness along with the new Rainbow Confetti Slimline paper pad.

I stamped and colored the cute Quokka using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, die cut the critter and frame using the coordinating dies.  I layered Rainbow Confetti paper on a black mat and adhered all to a cardbase of Neenah Solar White 110 lb. card.  

I wanted to separate the focal image from the designer paper so I cut and rounded the corners of a Vellum square.  I added the focal image with Vellum attached to craft foam for dimension, adhering

 to the card using liquid adhesive.  Lastly, I stamped the sentiment on a banner tag cut using My Favorite Things banenr dies, added staples with the Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher and Majestic Blue Pearls from Kat Scrappiness.  

I want to mention the sale on embellishments and alcohol ink products at Kat Scrappiness!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Sentiments

Digi Choosday

TTCRD

Unicorn Challenge

Ike's World

Crafting Happiness

Double Trouble

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Let's Craft & Create

Altenew Academy Level 1 Course: Easy Die Cutting Techniques

Hello Friends!  Today I'm sharing my project for the Altenew Educator Certification Program Level 1 Course:  Easy Die Cutting Techniques.  This is a great course, loaded with ideas and tips for easy but effective die-cutting.  My card features layered die cuts and ink blending.

I've used the Altenew Craft-A-Flower Morning Glory Die Set to create 4 Morning Glories and leaves in shades of Purples and Greens.  This is a lovely set and appears intimidating, but actually it was enjoyable and therapuetic putting the pieces together.

To start, I ink blended 80 lb. white card in the shades I wanted for the flowers and leaves.  I'll admit I have colored card to use but I was in the crafting zone, home alone, candle lit and ink blending just sounded relaxing.

After allowing the inked card to dry completely, I proceeded to die cut the pieces and here's a Tip:  I used small tin trays to keep all the die cuts separated; organizing by color.  Once all pieces were cut, I started adhering the pieces together with liquid adhesive.  The die set has a guide to assist you in putting the elements together so it was not intimidating at all.  Once the die pieces are together, they become dimensional, chipboard-like embellishments, which I like a lot!

Naturally, no card of mine would be complete without sparkle and/or shine so I brought out some gold foil Washi tape I've had in my stash for several holidays but why wait for the Christmas Season?  I applied the Washi to a 2" panel in a diagonal pattern and adhered to the 110 lb. card base.  

I did a dry run layout for the floral and leaves and once I was pleased with the look, using Press and Seal Plastic Wrap, I picked up the die cuts and applied liquid adhesive to the backs.  The Press and Seal keeps everything together and makes adhering the layout to the card quick and easy.

I stamped the sentiment, which is from the Altenew Amaryllis Layering Stamp and Coordinating Die Bundle, die cut with a circle die and mounted on craft foam before adhering to the card front.  Lastly, I applied enamel glitter dots for additional interest.

I enjoyed the process of creating this card and the course was very informative and inspiring.  This is the first layering die set I've put together and probably wouldn't have tried using these types of sets had it not been for the course.  I'm glad I took that step...now I do believe I'm hooked!

Thanks for visiting today and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Creative Knockouts

Aud Sentiments

Cardz 4 Galz

Outlawz Twisted Thursday

Time Out Challenges

Cute Card Thursday

Lil Red Wagon

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

NBUS

Let's Craft and Create

Hope Blooms

Hello and Happy Wednesday, I hope your week is going great!  Today's make and share features a large bouquet, heat embossing and watercoloring.

This card measures 5" square, the floral bouquet and sentiment are part of the Altenew Simply Spring stamp set.  This image is huge, as you can see, I trimmed some off (which hurt my heart) so I could arrange it on the card front.  

I heat embossed using copper embossing powder and watercolored, cut out with the coordinating dies and mounted on foam pads for dimension.  The designer papers are from the Bo Bunny "Family Heirlooms Collection".  I stamped the sentiment on a snippet of the designer paper using Charcoal Brown ink by Gina K. Designs.  Finishing up, I added a Polka Dot Ribbon, Bow and faux Pearls for interest.  My attempt at a "Vintage" theme.

I would like to remind you of my challenge at The Inspiration Station.  Please visit and be inspired by the photo and enter your design!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Lil Red Wagon

House that Stamps Built

Addicted to Stamps and More

Double D Challenges - Orange, Pink and Yellow Poppies in the Bouquet

Penny's Challenges

Sisterhood of Crafters

Word Art Wednesday

Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge

Creative Moments

Cardz TV #141

Crafting Happiness

Make The Cards

As You Like It - I go between watercolor and alcohol marker as a fav to add color

Outlawz Twist Thursday

 

Monochrome Hello Friend

 Hello and Happy Wednesday and I hope you've had a lovely day.  It's early evening as I type this post and I'm sharing a Monochrome Friendship Card created with the Gina K. Designs Forever Flowers Stamp set which is part of the Forever Flowers Card Kit.

I love color but was inspired to create a Black and White card after watching a Gina K. You Tube Video.  Her card was stunning so I wanted to give it a go.  I stamped the images with Versafine ink, die cut with the matching dies; which are part of the kit, and arranged all on a die cut oval panel.  I die cut two card panels with Kat Scrappiness Stitched Rectangle Dies, embossed the white panel with a Brick embossing folder, added clear gems and a gingham ribbon.  That completed this Monochromatic card; I do like the final result.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

House that Stamps Built

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Digi Choosday

TTCRD

  

Amazing Just As You Are

 Hello and Happy Tuesday!  Today's card is a quick and easy make using elements from the Spellbinders February 2021 "Let Your Heart Soar" card kit.  

This kit contains so many cute and useful elements.  I often say when I'm low on inspiration and/or short on time, I reach for a card kit.  It enables me to stay creative and often times jump starts my Mojo.  

I created a cluster using a chipboard frame and placing a piece of Vellum behind it.  I layered die cuts, a small puffy heart and sequins along with a sentiment.  I cut a strip of gold mirror card, embossed it and accented the left side.  That completed my design; I think the Little Fairy is the star of the Show!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Sentiments

TTCRD

Lemon Shortbread

Outlawz Colors

The Cat's Pajamas

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

A Bit More Time to Craft

A Bit More Time to Craft Extra

Your Scrapbook Place

Crafting Happiness

An Ink Blended "Hello"

Happy Monday!  Today was a busy day but I managed to create this simple yet colorful ink blended card using a Tim Holtz Flowering Stencil, Distress Oxide Inks and a Die Cut Sentiment.

I love this stencil however it doesn't cover the entire front of an A2 sized card so I made a panel from it and mounted on a black mat.  I ink blended with Wilted Violet, Faded Jeans and Twisted Citron Distress Oxide Inks and cut the "Hello" from a die I have in my stash.  I die cut 3 times and layered them to give a chipboard-like thickness.  The final touch was adding sequins from the stash.

Until Next Time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafting Happiness

Dream Valley

Get Creative

Creative Moments

My Time to Craft

Creative Fingers

Dragonfly Dreams

Try It On Tuesday

The Luck of the Irish with Colorburst Powders

Hello and Happy Tuesday!  Today is a short post featuring a St. Patrick's Day card created with Ken Oliver Crafts Colorburst Powders, Water and Die Cuts.

I created my background and side panel using the Colorburst Powders sprinkled on watercolor card and spritzed with water.  I added powders and water until I was happy with the result.  For the Panel, I did the same technique but sprinkled the powders and spritzed the water over a stencil to get the abstract Plaid look.  

I layered some leaf die cuts, stamped the sentiment from an older Hero Arts set, added sequins and Fun Stampers Journey Twine as a finishing touch.  A bright and cheery St. Patrick's Day card...it's March after all and we all could use a bit of the Ole Irish Luck!

I would also like to mention a new Craft Challenge that started on the 1st of March.  It's a Bi-Weekly Inspiration Challenge so please stop by, take a look, follow and enter your inspired project at Inspiration Station. 

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Sentiments

TTCRD

Cuttlebug Mania

Lemon Shortbread

Clever Dexter

Your Scrapbook Place

Always Fun

Crafting Happiness

Double Trouble

Use Your Stuff

Sweet & Simple Stash Busting Day #8

Hello and Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you had a wonderful day with your loved ones, enjoyed a nice meal and had a piece of Chocolate!  Today is the final day of my Sweet & Simple Stash Busting series.  I had a great time creating Valentine's cards for my family and friends using only items from my stash.  My stash is a bit lighter but I still have quite a lot to use up so I may have another week of stash busting and sharing next month.

My card today started out with a white embossed background panel to which I added distress ink splatters, die cuts, scrap pieces of designer papers, a one word stamped sentiment, ribbon and card candy.  

I hope I've inspired you to go shopping in your stash and create some projects.  It was a fun exercise in creating clusters and using my imagination.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Corrosive Challenge

Pixie's Crafty Workshop

CCC Digi Creations

LeAnn's World 101

Let's Craft and Create

Creative Moments

TTCRD

Lemon Shortbread

Sweet & Simple Stash Busting Day #7

 Hello and Happy Saturday!  I'm back again with another stash busting project.  I created this card for a swap partner and at the time of this post, I'm hoping she has received as Valentine's Day is tomorrow.  

This A2 sized card started with an embossed panel (I like to add texture to a plain white piece of card) that I splattered with Candied Apple and Picked Raspberry Distress Inks mixed with water.  I used die cuts, a scrap of mirror card, a piece of ribbon that's been in my stash for 2+ years, heart gems I found tucked in a drawer and a chipboard flower.  No extra bells and whistles were added as the gold glitter heart dies cut seemed to be enough.

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

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Di's Digi Design

Gem of a Challenge

Inkspirational

Crafty Calendar

Crafty Catz

Cardz TV

My Time to Craft

UnstampaBelles

TTCRD

Sweet & Simple Stash Busting Day #6

 Hello and Happy Fri-YAY!  It's late evening at the time of this post as the day got away from me.  Had a much needed pedicure and a fab lunch with the Hubby.  I did want to pop on and share the stash busting day #6 project which is another Valentine's Day card or any occasion card created with items from entirely my stash.  I created the background using the smooshing technique with Distress Inks and water.

I created a cluster using die cuts, designer paper scraps, baker's twine and sequins.  I enjoyed putting this one together and my stash is a bit lighter.  I hope you've been inspired to create from your stash.  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Polkadoodles

Mod Squad

Creative Fingers

Cut it Up

Inkspirational

Lemon Shortbread

Triple Heart Easel Card

Hello and Happy Thursday!  The first week of February 2021 is almost history and with 6 more weeks of Winter (so says Puxatawney Phil the Ground Hog), what a better way to spend the day than to make a Triple Heart Easel Card.

Although it may look complicated, it's an easy make with a heart template, dies and pretty paper.  

To make the bases, I used 3 different sized heart templates; each size different by 1/2".  I folded patterned card and traced the templates leaving the tops of the hearts flat; hanging the curved tops of the hearts over the fold.  I then die cut stacking hearts for embellishing.  

Adhering each base to one another, I created each into an easel and decorated with dies cuts, ribbon and tiny heart punches. The sentiment is from the Cardz TV "Mini Messages" stamp set.

I'm in full St. Valentine's Day crafting mode.  I hope my swap recipients receive in time for Valentine's DAy....my Christmas cards were so delayed...some are just now receiving...and it's February.  I hope this year, holiday mail will move faster.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

C.R.A.F.T

Cute Card Thursday

As You Like It (True Love...friends come and go but my hubby is my forever...my best friend)

Aud Sentiments

DL Art

Scrapping4Fun

Simon Says Stamp

Double D Challenges

Penny's Challenges

Cardz TV

Crafty Creations

Imagine That Birthday Celebration - Ribbons and Bows

Digi Choosday

Outlawz Greeting Challenge

Crafting Happiness

 

Paper Funday Challenges - Paper Nest Dolls

 Hello and Happy Wednesday!  Today starts a new monthly challenge at The Paper Funday Challenges with the theme being Anything Goes with an Optional Twist of Christmas / Holidays.  The sponsor for this month is the wonderful Paper Nest Dolls.

For my design team project, I used the Gingerbread House digital stamp to create a fun little Christmas Scene.

I colored the house with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, fussy cut and adhered flat to my card front.  The designer papers and Sentiment are from the Echo Park "A Gingerbread Christmas" 6x6 paper pad and the Poinsettia Floral Embellishment is from The Paper Studio.  

I die cut 2 snow banks, embossed them with a Swiss Dots embossing folder and used glue with loose glitter to create sparkly snow on the roof, Chimney top, over door, window boxes, tops of gum drops and tops of snow banks.  

This was a fun card to create and as I went along, I kept thinking of more things to glitter....why not?  One can never have too much Sparkle at Christmas!  Please join us this month at The Paper Funday Challenges, we would love to see your holiday projects!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

Deck the Halls - Fa-La-La

Hello and Happy Monday!  We are quickly approaching the holidays and I've been busy with Christmas Card making.  Today's make and share features foil, a die cut, designer paper and lots of Holiday Spirit!

I created a simple and quick card with papers from the Echo Park "Lumberjack Christmas" 6x6 paper pad, a Fa-La-La die cut from red foil paper and red sequins.  A super easy and festive card for the holidays.

I hope you were able to make progress on your holiday crafting this past weekend.  I'm going to try and work on cards again this week with another power session the weekend coming up.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

A Bit More Time to Craft

A Bit More Time to Craft Extra

A Perfect Time to Craft

Arty Divas

Classic Design Challenge

Corrosive Challenge

Crafters Castle

QKR Stampede

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Dragonfly Dreams

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge

Holiday Tapestry

Good Morning and Happy Saturday.  Today's make is another Tag Card featuring Gina K. Designs, Heat Embossing, Ink Blending and Designer Papers.

Black isn't a color usually associated with Christmas but I've noticed a trend of non-traditional holiday colors being used in decorating and crafting this year so I thought I would give it a go.  

I stamped an image from the Gina K. Designs Holiday Tapestry Stamp set on a Tag dies cut that is from Gina K. Designs also, the heat embossed it using Simon Says Stamp White Sparkle powder.  You cannot see how sparkly the embossing is but it's lovely, perfect for a holiday card.  I ink blended over the stamping with Festive Berries Distress Oxide ink then added Nuvo Drops in White.

The background paper is from the Echo Park "My Favorite Christmas" 6x6 paper pad, the ribbon from my stash, the fancy circle die cut was given to me in a swap and the sentiment is from the Gina K. Designs Ornamental Snowflakes Stamp Set.

My Christmas card crafting is well underway.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Gina K. Designs Monthly Mix

ABC Christmas Challenge

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge

Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge

Sweet Stamping

A Gem of A Challenge

Polkadoodle

Creative Fingers

Cute Card Thursday

Craft Rocket

Colour Crazy Craft Challenge - Knitty Kitty

 Hello and Happy Fri-YAY!  Today begins a new challenge at Colour Crazy Craft Challenge and I'm extending my stay for another 3 months as a Guest Designer with the team.  I'm super excited about it and looking forward to creating some fun projects.

The sponsor this round is Knitty Kitty and I had the opportunity to create my team project using Balloon Kitty.  I chose to create a Birthday card with Autumn Colors.  

The designer papers are from the DCWV "Playful Pets" 6x6 mat stack, I colored the images with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, added layers using die cuts and Judi-Kins Diamond Glaze on the colorful dots.  Such a cute image and it was fun to color up.

Please join us this round at Colour Crazy Craft Challenge for your chance to win some fun images from Knitty Kitty.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Polkadoodle

Creative Fingers

My Time to Craft

Not Just Cards