Citrus Circus

Yesterday afternoon husband John experienced firsthand the circus that occurs in my office around 4 pm nearly every day. I had him drive me to work this morning since the parking lots atop the campus hill were closed for snow removal. (Technically it is just snow MOVING - since we're probably stuck with the stuff until JULY!) He came to my office and sat contentedly in a chair with his Christmas gifted Nook. (Ridiculous man thought he was going to be sitting in a serene location reading for an hour while I finished up!)

Then the college kids appeared...Casey, Amanda, CeCe, Dillian, Trayna, and Frank. My office is about 10' by 10'. It contains my nice size desk, my desk chair, a two-butt bench, two office 'guest chairs', a very small desk for an additional computer (for students to use) with another wheeled office chair, two file cabinets, and ME. Now add six boisterous we-just-got-out-of-class college kids. They were jostling for seats, sitting on laps, watching you tube, and laughing so hysterically that I think I heard the crystal bowl of candy on my desk actually start to vibrate.

Luckily John got there first so he had a chair. He also had a ring side seat to 'the circus'. Needless to say he got no Nook reading done. I on the other hand managed to tune them out and complete a task. Except for the occasional outbursts of "Nancy! Nancy! You HAVE to watch this!" (On YouTube.) There were, as there are most days, several different conversations going on. I guess when you live in a 10' by 15' dorm room with another person - cramming seven people into an office isn't such a big deal. Sometimes I wonder what my boss thinks of my afternoons as we share an office wall but he doesn't have visual access to my college 'playground'. To add to the confusion I have a basket of toys on my desk that they play with and toss around to each other.

While they are in my office there is this sweet companionship and friendship that I love to watch. At one point as they were hooting over something on YouTube, CeCe (who is a very tiny long distance runner and pre-med major) said "Amanda" and stood up from the chair she was sitting on. Without any further actual conversation - Amanda (biology major) sat in the chair and CeCe sat in her lap and they continued to giggle and snort at the YouTube video. It was silent choreography based on deep relationships and thorough understanding. Amanda who had been leaning against my desk knew exactly what CeCe meant when she stood up....Just like magic - there was seating (a lap) for one more person. BTW Amanda does not provide a chunky lap - she is probably a US size 10 to CeCe's US size 0.

This is the usual scene at 4 pm. There is a second wave of characters that arrive in full voice and chorus once the choir kids arrive.

Speaking of my boss's office...he had water in it. A toilet on second floor was clogged...no...not with what you would maybe expect. It was plugged with an ORANGE!!!! Yes...an orange. Word from the 'kids' is that there is one toilet in particular that flushes with a vengeance - the Tsunami Toilet - the guys (yes this happened on the men's side of the dorm...) take great pleasure in seeing what they can and can't get to flush down the "Tsunami". Well, an orange from the cafeteria managed to clog the pipes enough to cause water from the second floor dorm to end up in my bosses ground floor office. There is only one word for an event like this...FRESHMEN! Need further clarification? Here's TWO words. MALE freshmen.

Best part of the day...I got to spend time in the Bubble! Here is how I spent my time.

Sweets
~Base card PaperTrey Ink Kraft paper
~Layer of BasicGrey Sugared
~Digital image Torico's Digital Gallery (freebie) printed a large, medium and two small hearts, paper cut the smallest hearts, colored with Copics, and fine point Sharpies, dotted with Stickles: Diamond, Cotton Candy, Black Diamond, Fruit Punch, Diamonds, printed buttons highlighted with Stampin' Up Crystal Effects; dots of Smooch - Sassy Pink and Gold Lame
~Layer of variegated wired edged ribbon
~Two red metal brads
~Two pink metal brads
~Two pink metal heart brads - one iridescent white - one flocked red
Challenges
Digital Tuesday (95) - sketch
Moxie Tuesday Trigger - photo inspiration
Fab n' Funky (57) - Delight in Your Digi
A Spoon Full of Sugar (136) - Valentine
Bunny Zoe's Crafts (8)  - Love is in the Air
Woodware USA (11) - Anything goes

I'm off for a new day of work and circus antics sans the toilet fruit I hope! That is after my early morning doctor's appointment to check my pacemaker...gotta make sure it's in good working order - I've got grand kids to hug, college kids to corral, weekly chores to do for my mother, and cards to make!

All good wishes,
Nancy in Iowa

P.S. You can get up close with the card by clicking on the image.

Bubble Time and Sunshine

Another cold day here in Iowa. At least the sun was out for a bit. My Netflix entertainment choice of the day while working in my Bubble was the Discovery Channel Deadliest Catch. I'll never eat another piece of crab without thinking of all the work and danger that goes into catching it. YIKES! And just to mix up my viewing pleasure I also watched National Geographic Beyond the Movie; National Geographic: The Lord of the Rings. Yesterday I got a history lesson watching a PBS documentary Greeks: Crucible of Civilization. I watch an odd mix of movies but rarely does it include a 'chick flick'. Not sure what's up with that.

Basic Thoughts of You
~Base card Stampin' Up Close to Cocoa
~Layer of Gina K Designs Pure Ivory edges roughed up using a metal ruler and smudged with Tim Holtz Old Paper
~Three layers of BasicGrey from the Basics Kraft Paper Pack
~One thin strip of Basic Grey from the Basics Manila Paper Pad
~Assorted vintage seam binding from Simple Treasures on Etsy (a gift from sister Gail)
~Vintage button
~Scallop circle dark brown cardstock using Spellbinder Nesties
~Digital sentiment freebie from Sentimental Sundays, circle punched, smudged with three Tim Holtz inks
Challenges
Card Patterns - sketch
Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger - photo inspiration
Mark's Finest Papers - sympathy card

All good wishes,
Nancy

Hits and Misses

Another quick post before I turn in the for evening. As 'they' say..."sometimes you're the pigeon...sometimes you're the statue".

A hit (?) and a miss (?) pair of cards. The first one I am pretty happy with (I could change up a few things) but for the most part I like it. The second one...well...I'll let you be the judge.

Thank You Tulips
~Base card PaperTrey Ink Rustic White cardstock
~Layer of brown cardstock
~Layer of BasicGrey Basics Manilla Paper Pad
~Twine
~Three metal brads
~Sentiment - stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black
~Digital image (freebie) from A Day for Daisies, colored with Copics, distressed with Distress Ink Old Paper, die cut using Spellbinders Oval Nesties
~Larger oval cut from handmade paper that I made a while back
Challenges
A Day for Daisies (10) - Organic Soul (handmade paper and twine)
BasicGrey - use BasicGrey/Flower Power
Copic Creations - Copics/Something new (new digital image)
Sweet Stampin' - Clear as Mud

This is one of those - 'it was better in my head than it actually turned out' kind of cards... Ever have one of those card making moments?  I couldn't figure out what to do with this little guy. He looks so forlorn. Maybe he is just tuckered out from Christmas.

Inside the card reads "And may you remember to separate your whites from your reds! Here's to a stress free Christmas!" Poor little guy his green and white stripe socks are now pink and green and his collar and hat cuff turned a girly pink!

Forlorn Freddie
~Base card PaperTrey Ink white cardstock - edges smudged with Stampabilities Cotton Candy
~Base layer of PTI Polka Dot Parade
~Two coordinating layers of PTI Polka Dot Parade, edges smudged with more Cotton Candy and sandwiched between layers of black and red cardstocks
~Assorted ribbons
~Image by Bugaboo, colored with Copics, highlighted with Stickles and Sharpie white poster paint pen
~Bells and belt buckle colored with gold metallic marker
Challenges
Do You Stack Up - Pink
Meljens - Pink and Red
My Time to Craft - spots and dots
All Sorts - male

All good wishes,
Nancy in Iowa

Turning 21

I have what I call 'my special peeps'. The frequent squatters in my office. For my VERY special peeps I make birthday cards. This week is Sherin's birthday and next week is Trayna's birthday. Both turn 21 and both are very excited about it. Currently university junior status both girls have been regulars and 4th floor 'daughters' since they arrived as wee freshmen. Sherin, a pre-med major, is also granddaughter Bailey's math tutor. I picked a teddy bear greeting because she is familiar with ButterBear - Bailey's much loved teddy bear.

Sherina
~ White base card
~Layer of K&Company Happy Birthday 2U balloon designer paper edged smudged using Stampabilities Cotton Candy
~Three metal balloon brads from Oriental Trading
~Wire balloon 'strings' attached to one pink glitter brad
~Green cardstock using Spellbinder Nestabilities scallop circle - dots added using white Sharpie Poster Paint
~Digital image by Di's Digi Downloads printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen Iridescent cardstock (you can really see the shimmer of the cardstock on the detail photo); colored with Copics, dots added using black Sharpie fine point; balloons coated with Inkssential's Glossy Accents, Sherin's name written on the tag
~Happy birthday sentiment stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black colored with Copics, punched using Stampin' Up circle punch
Challenges
Fairy Fun Friday - Happy Birthday
Dutch Dare (96) - Sketch
Raise the Bar (50) - Nestie/Embellishment/White
Tuesday Morning Sketches (77) - Heavy Metal
Fuzzy Wuzzy Challenges (5) - Anything Goes (plus animal)
Cooking It Up with Katie (45) - Cute, Green, Brads (one of the balloon brads is green)
Fab 'n' Funky (56) Animal Magic

Both of the young lady recipients of these cards LOVE Naked Cupcake Night and haven't missed one since their freshman year. Since Trayna is the Resident Assistant for my floor parent floor...She and I scheduled the three Naked Cupcake Nights for the year. I thought a cupcake birthday card would be especially appropriate for her.

The best thing about making these gals cards is that they really appreciate them. They both still have the cards I made them for their freshman and sophomore birthdays.

Mathematic Cupcakes
~Base card - white cardstock
~Layer of K & Company Happy Birthday 2U (gift from sister Gailey)
~Stamped Inkadinkadoo Birthday Cupcakes using Memento Tuxedo Black, colored with Copics, highlighted with Stickles
~Layer of green cardstock and coordinating K & Company Happy Birthday 2 U
~Sentiment stamp - Inkadinkadoo - inked with Memento Tuxedo Black and highlighted with glitter
Challenge
Crazy for Challenges (71) - Sketch
Totally Gorjuss - Hot Hot Hot (warm background color and the candle has a Stickles flame)
Crafty Catz - use a forgotten stamp (Inkadinkadoo Birthday Cupcakes)
Stamp Something - cute somthings (cupcakes)
Delightful Challenges - Celebration (Twenty First Birthday!)
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Birthday

Here's hoping we all have a little sunshine in the upcoming week. The high temperature today, here in my neck of the world, was a whopping 9 degrees F.  Maybe I should just hope for double digit temps.

All good wishes,
Nancy in Iowa

Kosher Velveeta Shopping

I took my 93 for year old mother grocery shopping today. Two hours and a cart full later we had completed the task. As I mentioned in previous posts she is totally blind in one eye and nearly blind in the other. She shops by getting very very close to the items. I read LOUDLY all the choices. I don't know who was  more wore out...her or me. She initially told me she only needed a couple of things...we ended up nearly needing a second cart. I'm not sure how I would have handled that - as I need to hang on to the side of the cart to keep her from plowing into unsuspecting shoppers...She is somethin' else!

We stocked up on olives and pickles. As she said, "I really like pickles... (as in large jar of dill - "no NOT those Kosher ones I don't like Kosher"...I just looked at her with a quizzical expression; a large jar of bread n' butter pickles, a jar of green olives, a can of MEDIUM black olives, and a large jar of sweet pickles!) She also bought Velveeta cheese...frozen toaster waffles...half and half cream...real butter....butter pecan ice cream...French vanilla ice cream...(did I mention she is 93?) Well...she did buy 3 apples and a bunch of green bananas... If I live to 94 I'm gonna eat whatever I want too (but it WON'T include Velveeta or frozen waffles).

Shopping Spree
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Rustic White cardstock
~Layer of  My Mind's Eye Signature Christmas (stripes placed vertically)
~Layer of My Mind's Eye Signature Christmas (stripes placed horizontally)
~Strip of Paper Trey Ink Ocean Tides
~Stripped ribbon
~Image from Di's Digi Downloads printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen Iridescent - colored with Copics, boots coated with Stampin' Up Crystal Effects, 3 glitter flowers with rhinestone centers (transfer of treasure from daughter Amy), coat fur glittered with Stampendous Ultra Fine Crystal Glitter, hat pom pom coated with Marvy Liquid Applique and more glitter, dog collar highlighted with Stickles red, outline of image shadowed with Copics B00 and blue watercolor pencil
Challenges
Shabby Tea Room (44) - sketch
Creative Inspiration Paint - bling
2 Sisters Challenge - flowers
Tip Top Tuesday (17) - anything goes

You can get up close with the card by clicking on the image.

Thanks for clicking by.

Nancy in Iowa

Very Very Vino

Watched two movies this afternoon while in the Bubble making a card. Okay this card didn't take four hours to make - I got caught up flipping through a GIANT package (100 sheets) of BasicGrey that sister Gail gave me for Christmas. It is AWESOME! I colored the image about a month ago. When I Copic'ed the image I really had no idea what type of card she would be gracing or if I would have any design cardstock to 'embrace' her. I think she looks right at home on all the glitter and swirls.

Back to my afternoon of laptop cinema....I have 'a thing' for WWII movies so I 'Netflixed' Defiance. It is a movie based on actual events - a real life sanctuary in a forest. There are interesting parallels to Robin Hood Prince of Thieves without the really bad Kevin Costner British accent (now you hear it now you don't...) Defiance stars Daniel Craig portraying one of four Jewish brothers who escape from Poland into the forests of Belarus during World War II to lead a band of resistance fighters and create a safe haven for Jewish refugees. The Bielski brothers saved more than 1,000 Jews. It is a compelling (albeit bloody) movie.

To lighten things up I watched Bottle Shock. Cindy over at BlueBirdFlats  cards and crafts blog mentioned how much she enjoyed Bottle Shock. What a fun flick! It is a keeper! I really like the theme song...it is a combination of classic with an upbeat twist featuring the sound of bottle clinking, chimes, strings. The movie stars Alan Rickman, Chris Pine (Star Trek), Dennis Farina, and Bill Pullman.It has a little of something for everyone...'born in the USA' pride, family ties, friendship, a boxing ring, the coolest little intern shack, lovely vineyard cinematography, a neighborhood bar, people from 'the sticks', a little romance and spittoons! To quote Cindy it is "a gem".

Might try to fit in one more movie before going to bed...what a day. Two hour presentation at school followed by a movie marathon in the Bubble. Yea me!

Very Very Very
~Base card Stampin' Up Elegant Eggplant
~Layer of My Mind's Eye Penny Lane
~Horizontal strip of more Penny Lane
~Scallop circle (using Spellbinder/Cuttlebug) of even more Penny Lane with three metal brads
~Digital image by Mo Manning colored with Copics highlighted with Stickles and Inkssential's Glossy Accent
~Sentiment Flexible Friendship Wishes by Stampendous stamped on white cardstock and layered on red, purple, green cardstocks
~Purple and green sheer ribbon
Challenges
Daring Cardmakers - recipe: 1 image, 2 ribbons, 3 different design papers
Delicious Doodles (8) - three colors plus skin tone
Fairy Knoll - thank you
Crazy for Challenges (70) - thank you
Fussy and Fancy - sketch
Raise the Bar (49) - use a kid image
Fairy Tale (6) - use flowers
Crafty Catz Weekly (65) - thank you

In the words of my "very best friend in the whole world" Sharon, "That's it and that's all."

All good wishes,
Nancy in Iowa

A Quick Hello

I survived the presentation I had to give today. Not sure the students did...

Slidin' Out to Say Hello
~Base card Stampin' Up Elegent Eggplant
~Layer of DCWV Pocketful of Posies
~Small envelope - hand dotted glitter swirls and flowers and black faux stitches
~Three buttons with purple metallic thread
~Hello image by Meljen's Designs (freebie) colored in with Copics, highlighted with Stickles, edges smudged with Stampabilities Cotton Candy ink, cut into tag shape
~Assorted ribbons
Challenges
Little Red Wagon (63) - use an envelope
CRAFT Challenge - card with moving parts
Pixie Dust Studio (57) - let's play tag
Sassy Studio Design (55) - use something in your stash that you've been hording (I LOVE the striped orange/white/pink ribbon - and I admit I only have a couple of the small manila envelopes so hoard them...)
Stampavie (124) - glitter
Oldie but a Goodie (10) - bright and cheerful (OOPS my bad - have to use a stamped not digital image...I didn't read the directions - my MAN side must have kicked in momentarily!)
Meljen's Designs (40) move it

You can get up close with the card by clicking on the image.

All good wishes,
Nancy

Dicey Valentines

Oh my goodness! I just realized I have to give a presentation in the morning and I don't have my PowerPoint ready! What am I doing playing in the Bubble? I have WORK to do...how sad for me (even sadder for students stuck in a Saturday morning class...listening to me...) Wonder if I could just give a presentation on card making instead of re'sume' writing and interview skills...hmmmm

Oh and they also get to hear me on my Facebook soapbox. College kids, Facebook, and trying to get a job...sometimes a dicey equation.

Heart O' My Heart
~Base card - PaperTrey Ink
~Layer of red cardstock
~Layer of BasicGrey Blush Crush
~Red metal brad and gold metallic thread (thread is transfer of crap from sister Gail)
~Necklace from the mega size Transfer of Crap from sister in law Jayne (yes she knows I call it Transfer of Crap - yes she knows the RULES of Transfer of Crap)
~Polka dot ribbon
~Layers of black, white, red curved edge cardstocks
~Digital image by Create with TLC colored with Copics
~Stampin' Up! Love It - stamped using Versamark and embossed using Ranger Rich Red
Challenges
Southern Girls (10) - romantic
Phindy's (38) valentines
Cooking it Up with Katie (44) - embossing with a touch of pink
Scrapbook Sisters (18) - Hearts desire
Some Odd Girl - embossed
Pals Paper Arts - valentines
Scrap-Creations - love is in the air

You can get up close with the card by clicking on the image.

Have a great weekend!

Nancy in Iowa

Georgia on My Mind (Mixed with Snow)

This photo could easily have been taken in a neighborhood close to my house. For those of you who frequent my blog or see my submissions to challenges - you know I live in the heartland of the USA - the Midwest...Iowa to be specific. So a photo like this in my 'neck of the woods' would be a dime a dozen. THIS photo however is of my sister Judy's home - located in Atlanta, GA. HOW freaky is that???? Check out all that snow! She definitely needs to use this for her Christmas cards next year! Niece Linda could photoshop a bit of garland and a few twinkle lights - and POOF - the card will scream Merry Christmas to All!

Since the sidewalk and the driveway aren't visible - I can only assume they don't own a snow shovel! Wonder if you can even buy a snow shovel in the greater Atlanta area....

I was so glad she sent this photo. Not only is it a great photo - but it made me stop and remember all the great memories we've made at her house!...grand kids by the car load, giggles and laughter, comforting chaos, killer Bloody Marys, a zippered rosary keeper (which - yes I still have - it is in my purse cradling my 3rd grade rosary), Sunday breakfasts, red beer, dinners on the deck, Martha Stewart folded guest towels, guest room treats, holy cards, laughing hysterically, reliving travel memories - Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Czechoslovakia, Southern coastal Georgia, Florida, North Carolina - kids swinging on the tree swing, cheesy potatoes, bird watching, fabric fondling, quilt show and tells, unfinished projects, nieces, nephew, in-laws, conversations, sitting on the deck, lessons in septic tank protocol, reliving memories of growing up, sharing snarky comments about relatives not there to defend themselves, did I mention AWESOME Bloody Marys and out of control laughing?

So in keeping with the spirit of the week...We've had plenty of snow ourselves up north too....I put together this card. I used this layout from Critter Sketch:

Let it Snow
~Base card PaperTrey Ink Aqua Mist
~Layer of My Mind's Eye Holiday Glitter Book
~Doily with center covered with snowflakes using punch and scrap of My Mind's Eye Holiday Glitter Book - dots of Stickles Diamonds
~Layer of blue cardstock stamped with snowflake stamp using Versamark, embossed using turquoise embossing powder, edges smudged using Color Box Blue Lagoon Chalk
~Two brown photo corners
~Meljen's freebie digital stamp laser printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen Iridescent, colored with Copics, corners rounded using paper punch, edges smudged with Color Box Blue Lagoon Chalk, dots of Stickles Turquoise
~Small paper punch used to make the six small snowflakes with dots of Stickles Turquoise
Challenge
Critter Sketch - layout
Paper Take Weekly - snow/ice
Tip Top Tuesday (17) - anything goes
Ooh La La (71) - bling it on
Stamp with Fun (93) - snow
Stampin' B's (92) - use an old favorite (old favorites - Stickles and Versamark) and something new (Meljen's image is new to me)

That's all for tonight. Thanks for clicking by.

You can get up close with the card by clicking on the image.

All good wishes,
Nancy in Iowa

Let it Snow Let it Snow

It is still snowing...it started yesterday. Of course the campus didn't close today. All the public and parochial elementary, middle, and high schools are closed. But in true Franciscan form - Briar Cliff University NEVER closes!

Did I ever mention the college is situated atop one of the highest hills in the city? Of COURSE it is - the land was donated to the nuns 80+ years ago...because it is a HILL!!! I have to admit however the snow is beautiful. There are many many evergreens on campus and the edges tipped with snow...well it is a lovely scene. As I was passing one of the students outside on the sidewalk I said, "isn't this snow beautiful?" In his Texan drawl he said, "Miss Nancy I have different words for it but my mama wouldn't want me to share them with you." Of course he was wearing long shorts, a hooded winter parka, high top tennies, athletic socks and heavy gloves. I'm not sure any of the students from Texas own long pants...I'll have to think about that for awhile...

I also can't believe the number of students who complained about having to go to classes today. REALLY? You LIVE here - on campus! All you have to do - is roll out of bed - and go to class - in your jammie pants like you do any other day! KIDS!

Found Another One
~Base card - Stampin' Up
~Layer of DCWV Pocketful of Posies
~Triangle layer of hot pink cardstock
~Triangle layer of DCWV Pocketful of Posies
~Doily dotted with Lavender Stickles
~Additional layer of DCWV Pocketful of Posies cut using circle scallop Marvy punch - dotted with Stickles Fruit Punch
~Digital image (freebie) from Elizabeth O Dulemba colored using Copics, eggs coated with Inkssentials Glossy Accents, printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White cardstock
Challenges
Little Red Wagon (62) - use a doily
Sketch Saturday (136) - sketch
Paper Sundaes (51) - circles

Hope this finds you warm and toasty.
Nancy

Naughty List

Funny image. Couldn't resist doing it. Now to figure out who the perfect person to give it to...  I may need to make SEVERAL of these...hmmmmm.

Santa Called
~Base card Paper Trey Ink
~Layer of BasicGrey Boxer Fedora
~Layer of silver foil cardstock American Craft Specialty Paper - Foil (thank you sista Gail for the present)
~Layer of Bazzill green cardstock
~Layer of gold foil cardstock - American Craft Specialty Paper - Foil
~Layer of Bazzill green cardstock
~Digital image by Bugaboo Stamps, colored using Copics
~Stickles: Lime Green, Icicle, and Black Diamond
~Three metal brads with gold and silver metallic threads
Challenges
Play Date Cafe - grass green, silver and gold
Creative Cowgirls - use something new (the foil cardstock)
BasicGrey Challenges - BasicGrey paper plus spots/dots (three round metal brads)
A Spoonful of Sugar - Christmas

You can get up close with the card by clicking on the image.

All good wishes,
Nancy

Bunches and Bunches of Tulips

Mission accomplished! Friend Mary Lee requested five Easter cards. I really had trouble finding digital images to represent Easter - unless I wanted all goofy looking Easter bunnies. I found one cute bunny with a basket of eggs - the rest....were a little too cartoonish for the direction I wanted to go with the cards. Since I had difficulties finding just the right images (maybe I didn't look far and wide enough) I decided to go with one image for all five cards. The tulips image is from Paper Garden Projects. I've used it before (here) and I really like it.

Yellow Tulips
~Base card Paper Trey Ink
~Layer of Tim Holtz design paper Lost and Found
~Three metal brads
~Sheer green ribbon
~Digital image from Paper Garden Projects printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White colored with watercolor pencils

Pink Tulips
~Base card Gina K Designs white
~Layers of no name coordinated design papers
~Assortment of ribbons
~Digital image by Paper Garden Projects printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White colored using Copics - edges curved using punch and smudged using Cranberry and Pretty in Pink inks
Challenges
Friday Sketchers - layout
Crazy 4 Challenges - color inspiration

Coral Red Tulips
~Base card Gina K Designs
~Layer of green cardstock
~Layers of coordinating design papers from Paper Trey Ink Pink Patterns
~Layer of green cardstock to frame image
~Digital image from Paper Garden Projects colored with Copics
~Three metal brads
~Green sheer ribbon
Challenges
Create 4 Fun - sketch
Cute Card Thursdays - Use something old (I've had this design paper sitting unused for a long time)

Orange Tulips
~Base card Paper Trey Ink
~Layers of BasicGrey Kioshi Ume and Carmelia (solid is back side of one of the papers)
~Layer of orange cardstock using Spellbinders square scallop diecut and Cuttlebug
~Digital image Paper Garden Projects colored using Copics
Challenges
CRAFT Challenge - sketch
Dutch Dare - new beginnings (nothing says fresh and new to me like the first crop of tulips)
Moving Along with the Times - something old and something new (new BasicGrey design paper) (image that I've had for quite some time)

Purple Tulips
~Base card Stampin' Up! purple
~Layer of BasicGrey Urban Culture - Cashmere
~Paper Garden Projects digital image printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White colored with Copics, dotted with Inkssentials Glossy Accents as dew drops
~Edges of Cryogen White smudged Stampin' Up Mellow Moss and Almost Amethyst inks, edges punched and embossed using Fiskars Emboss Plus Punch
~Flourishes die cut using Cuttlebug
~Two sparkle metal brads (transfer of treasures from daughter Amy)
Challenges
Catch the Bug - emboss it
Mark's Finest Papers - embossing
Our Daily Bread Designs - Something Old (dusted off the flourish die cut); Something New (BasicGrey paper new. (Gift from sista Gail)

I've never done this before - use the same image over and over - hope Mary Lee likes these. I may have to resort to cartoon bunnies...

You can get up close with the cards by clicking on the images.

All good wishes,
Nancy

Mucus Marathon

Why do students feel the need to stop by my office, plop down in a chair, and announce between nose blowing, and coughing that they are sick? Maybe it's because they know I have 'good' (Puffs) tissues and not the generic slivers of wood that pass for off-brand tissues. Maybe it's because they know I'm just getting over a cold so I can't possibly get any sicker. Maybe they just like the comfort of a motherly litany they know they will hear from me..."oh you sound just horrible, are you drinking plenty of water, are you drinking lots of orange juice, be sure you are getting enough rest....

This card is an homage to mothering and mucus! A card perfect for the season of coughing, sneezing, and anti-bacterial hand slathering!

Be sure to join the inaugural challenge over at Do You Stack Up. There are heaps of prizes from many different sponsors! The challenge from Do You Stack Up is to use buttons.

I made a square card for an actual square card envelope this time! Too bad if my sisters don't want to pay additional postage for square cards - guess I'll have to keep this one for myself! (Sorry Judy and Gail - but I really liked working on this size/shape of card...too bad Santa didn't bring me any square envelopes for Christmas! The middle photo is a detail of the image the last photo is a detail of the tissue popping from the tissue box.

AhhhhhhChooooo!
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Berry Sorbet; 5.25" x 5.25"
~Layer of BasicGrey Oh Baby Girl - Natalie
~Two layers of vellum squared and scalloped using Spellbinders die cut and my Cuttlebug - edges dotted using a fine tip black Sharpie
~Three buttons with silver metallic thread
~Diagonally placed sheer green ribbon
~Sentiment from the dollar bin at Michael's - Studio G - hanging by silver metallic thread
~Layer of square navy blue cardstock
~Digital image by Di's Digi Downloads printed on Cryogen White from Paper Temptress colored with Copics; tears and thermometers highlighted with Inkssentials Glossy Accents; pink tissue paper 'threaded' from the back of the image through to the front as if it is popping from the tissue box
Challenges
Do Your Stack Up Challenge #1 - use buttons
The Sweet Stop Sketch - SSS87
Stamp Something - use a digi
Scrapbook Sisters - anything goes
Delightful Challenge - use buttons

Thanks for clicking by. Be sure to check out the challenge and a chance to win over at Do You Stack Up.
All good wishes,
Nancy

Wee Bit More

Here are the three remaining wee St. Patrick's Day cards for friend Mary Lee. That brings the total to five. The first two are featured in yesterday's post.

Wee Bit
~Base card Gina K Designs white
~Layer of Reminisce Stroke of Luck
~Sheer dotted wired ribbon down the side topped with layer of Bazzill Crushed Kiwi cardstock topped with strip of background design paper
~Last scrap of ribbon scrunched and held into place with orange button
~Two green metal brads
~Orange and green cardstock cut using circular scallop dies from Spellbinders using Cuddlebug
~White Sharpie Poster Paint dots added to edge of scallops
~Baby Bud image laser printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White colored using Copics
~Stickles Lime Green
~Added to strip of ribbon is layer of cardstock and leftover strip of background design paper
Challenges
The Sweetest Thing - sketch
Little Red Wagon - leftovers (the remaining snippet of re-purposed ribbon) (ToC item from Omaha)
Simon Says Stamp - celebration
Bugaboo Stamps - anything goes
Crafty Emma - anything goes
Fairy Fun Fridays - new beginnings (new challenge/request for five St. Paddy's day cards from friend Mary Lee)
Digital Tuesday - anything goes

Wee Too
~Base card Gina K Designs white cardstock
~Layer of Bazzill Crushed Kiwi
~Layer of Reminisce Stroke of Luck
~Sheer polka dot ribbon
~Orange glitter cardstock (DCWV) topped with layer of Crushed Kiwi oval cuts using Spellbinder die cut and Cuttlebug
~Baby Bug image printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White colored with Copics
~Flower stamped round white brad

Wee Me
~Base card Gina K Designs white cardstock
~Layer of orange cardstock
~Layer of Reminisce Stroke of Luck
~Layer of green cardstock and another layer of Stroke of Luck
~Ribbon
~Rectangle of DCWV orange glitter cardstock
~Rectangle of Bazzill Crushed Kiwi cardstock with edges curved using punch
~Baby Bud Designs laser printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White, colored with Copics, collar dotted with Stickles Diamonds
~Three green flower shape metal brads
Challenge
Just Us Girls - sketch

Now to get busy on the five Easter cards she requested.

All good wishes,
Nancy

Wee, Wee, Wee all the Way to Ireland

It's a new year. And along with the new year - a new request from friend Mary Lee. She needs five St. Patrick's Day cards. I decided to make them using Baby Bud designs because they are so wee and so darn cute! So I spent the day coloring Baby Buds using Ireland's flag colors rather than putting away Christmas dishes. The dishes shall remain stacked and ready for a trip to their storage area for another year. They are such beautiful dishes - a gift from my sister Judy. Too bad they get used so little. Maybe I will have to host a Christmas in July - just so I can use them again before a year passes by.

Wee One
~Base card - PaperTrey Ink white
~Layers of orange cardstock
~Layers of Reminisce Shamrock Confetti
~Layers of two green cardstocks with three orange brads
~Baby Bud Designs image laser printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White, colored with Copics
~Ribbon assortment
Challenges
A Gem of a Challenge - Sketch
Paper Sundaes - Something new (the glitter dot paper was just newly used from it's lonely little spot in the stash)
Quirky Crafts - New beginnings (a new request for cards from friend Mary Lee)
Crazy for Challenges - Celebrate something
Southern Girls - Anything goes
Stampin' B's - Celebration (St. Patrick's Day)

Wee She
~Base card - Gina K Designs - white
~Layers of Reminisce - Stroke of Luck
~Layers of Bazzill Kiwi Crush cardstock
~Layer of Reminisce Shamrock Confetti
~Baby Bud Designs image laser printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White cardstock
~Ribbon assortment
Challenges
I Heart 2 Stamp - sketch
Aly's Sunday Challenge - anything goes
Stamp Something - glitter
Stamp Insanity - sparkle

Two down three to go...plus friend Mary Lee requested five Easter cards. So in checking my math (which if you know me at all - is a GOOD thing to do - the corrected total is two down eight to go.) This plus my commitment to the Do You Stack Up Design Team...won't leave much time for cooking or cleaning - DARN!

Here is sneak peek at the three other St. Paddy wee bits. Look for each of them to be used on a card later this week.

Erin Go Bragh and Bonne Année!

Nancy

Stirring Up Some Bubbles

Where have the days gone? Geesh...it's been weeks since I've had any ME time... I know the holidays are all about family - but this is ridiculous!!!! I NEED my Bubble time!

Wednesday is the Big Day over at Do You Stack Up. Challenge #1! Be sure to check it out on Thursday - as there are EIGHT Sponsors for the top EIGHT winners! How coolio is THAT????

Stirrin' Up a Good Time
~Base card - PaperTrey Ink white cardstock
~Layer of Daisy D's Sugar Plum Paisley Peppermint
~Oval Spellbinder die cut and Cuttlebug - edges smudged with Stampabilities Red and Color Box Chalk Blue Lagoon
~Free digital image and sentiment by Wendymade colored with Copics coated with Inkssentials Glossy Accents
~Circular doily folded to create oval
~Velvet lace edged ribbon
~Three white metal brads
~Green stitched sheer ribbon

Challenges
OLLCB - A Toast to 2011
Woodware USA - Anything goes
Aly's Sunday Challenge - Anything goes
Crafty Pad - Anything goes

Bonne année!

Nancy

Toasty Stacks

I can't believe it! I was actually selected to be a design team member for Do You Stack Up! I'm both nervous and excited. The best part is I now have a perfect excuse to state, "I NEED bubble time!"

Alison who manages the fabulous Free Digital Stamps blog, and sells digital images at Stretch 'n' Bubbles, created a new card challenge, has the design team in place, and has a calendar chock full of fun prizes!

Hop on over and sign up to follow - you don't want to miss the inaugural challenge on the January 6!

I've added the links to my DYSU Design Teammates to my sidebar so you can check them out too.

I've been preparing for the first few weeks of the challenges but in the meantime - here is a card I finished in time for Christmas.

Toasty Warm Wishes
~Base card Papertrey Ink white
~Daisy D's design papers
~Scallop punch circles using Spellbinders and Cuttlebug
~Toaster - Stampin' Up Furnished with Love - colored with Copics
~Warm Winter Wishes - freebie digial by Bird's Cards - colored with Copics and topped with Stickles Frosted Lace
~Word toasty - freehand
~Ribbon

Merry Christmas everyone!
Nancy

Trio of Grommets

Like most folks I can't believe it is almost Christmas. Who has time to shop when there are cards to be made and card making joy to be had? I hear a bit of Ol' Scrooge in my keyboarding (before his Tiny Tim transformation)...Bahh Humbug!

Detail:

What's in Your Stocking?

~Base card Paper Trey Ink Soft Stone

~Layer of Daisy d's design paper by Moda Snowflakes Stripe

~Striped ribbon

~Large metal grommets attached using Crop A Dial II Big Bit Punch (gift from sister Gail)

~Free digital image from Sugar Creek Hollow printed on laserjet, stocking colored using Copics, distressing using Tim Holtz Old Paper, floral printed corner embellished with Sharpie Poster Paint Gold Metallic

Challenges

The Pink Elephant - blue, green red

Craft Your Passion - anything goes

Karber - Christmas

I Did It Creations - vintage feel

Dutch Dare - Christmas card

All good wishes,

Nancy

Merry and Bright

Only taking time to post a card...

Bright Greetings
~Base card - Paper Trey Ink white
~Snowflake design paper - Stampin' Up
~Image stamped using Memenoto Tuxedo Black, highlighted with turquoise Sharpie, edges punched with Martha Stewart edger and smudged with Color Box Fluid Chalk Blue Lagoon; star topped with Stickles Yellow
~Ribbon
~Faux rhinestones

Challenges
Card Patterns - Sketch
Prairie Fairy Fridays - Use a star
Cute Card Thursdays - Blues

All good wishes,
Nancy

It's Cool to be Square

I've been thinking about making some square cards but didn't really want to purchase square envelopes and far be it from me to MAKE my own envelopes (that just sounds like too much work and has the potential to involve MATH or WORSE - geometry). Well, that AND I can just hear my sisters in full course harmony "square envelopes need extra postage!"

Saturday I was clicking through Splitcoaststampers and read a tutorial on using A2 envelopes (of which I have an ample supply).

Daughter Amy's closest friend Jennie sent me a text message asking if I would make her 5 Christmas cards. I texted her (just what is the past tense of text??? why am I using a noun as a verb????) back in the affirmative. I decided to try out the square card in a rectangle envelope on Jennie. I used pretty much the same layout on all of the cards. Here is the result.

Side by Side
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Soft Stone
~Layer of red cardstock
~Layer of Paper Studio design paper
~Ribbon
~Another fabulous and free digital image from rural dwelling designer Wendymade & All Things Crafty (I had to look up the word culchie which she uses to describe herself - I read that word every time I clicked into her blog and finally gave up my obtusity  and decided to educated myself). Image printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White (the coolest cardstock EVER for printing and stamping). Copics used to color, edge of cardstock smudged with Stampabilities Kelly Green ink, red ornament topped with Ranger Inkssentials Crackle Accents, green ornament coated with Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents
Challenges
~Crafty Catz - Christmas
~Sew Many Cards - red and green
~Clean and Simple - sketch

Tinsel on the Tree
~Base card - Paper Trey Ink Pure Poppy
~Layer of design paper - I added a few dots of red Stickles
~Freebie digital image from Limited Runs, colored with Copics, gold metallic floss threaded through for garland, dots of red Stickles
Challenge
Clean and Simple - sketch
Crafty Sentiments - Christmas
Freshly Brewed Designs - Winter/Christmas theme

Merry Christmas
~Base card Paper Trey Ink white
~Layer of Stampin' Up design paper run thru the Cuttlebug with Swiss Dot embossing folder
~Ribbon
~Freebie digital image from Addii, scallop die cut using Nesties and Cuttlebug - outer edges dotted with black ink, image colored with Copics and topped flower soft
~Sentiment die cut using Stampin' Up Word Window punch
Challenges
Clean and Simple - sketch

Santa Scallops
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Confetti cardstock
~Layer of BasicGrey Boxer/Fedora
~Layer of red felt ribbon with white stitches
~Layers of red and green cardstock circle scallop die cut using Cuttlebug and embossing folder Swiss Dots
~Digital image from Digis with Attitude printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White colored using Copics, pom pom on hat coated with Sharpie Poster Paint Gold Metallic. Hat fur embellished with Liquid Appliqué , berries dotted with Copics and Stampin' Up Crystal Effects
Challenges
Clean and Simple Stamping - sketch
Craft Your Days Away - use texture (embossing dots/felt ribbon)
Little Red Wagon - use BasicGrey
Crazy 4 Challenges - use embossing folder
Alphabet - e is for embossing
The Taggers - Santa Claus

Warm Winter Wishes
~Base card - Paper Trey Ink Pure Poppy
~Layer of navy blue cardstock embossed using Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and dots highlighted with white ink pad
~Snowflake ribbon
~Free digital sentiment from Bird's Cards, colored with Copics and topped with Stickles Icicles
~Snowflake embellishment is a repurposed earring
Challenge
Lexi's Creations - blue and silver
Karber Weekly - use digi and sparkle
Corrosive - things that move (the dangling snowflake)
The Pink Elephant - blue, green, red
Simon Says - let it snow
Crafty Pad - snowflakes

Ho's to the 3rd Power
~Base card Paper Trey Ink Soft Stone
~Layer of black paper
~Layer of Daisy D's Winter Fun Pad
~Die cut scallop circles printed using free digital sentiment from Bird's Cards
~Three cuts of black satin ribbon threaded through a vintage slider (transfer of crap from sister-in-law Jayne)
Challenges
Just Us Girls - 3 D to a Christmas card
Creative Belli - R embellishment (Ribbon)
Clean and Simple - sketch

Now I wonder if daughter Amy is going to want some cards....
Thanks for clicking by.
Nancy