Christmas in July

I have been the guest designer for Lasting Memories during the month of July, and I have truly loved it!  I am excited to let you know that Karen has asked me to stay as a design team, and I am overjoyed!  This is a fabulous way to get layouts done, and I appreciate the challenge every week.    So now won't you play along with our layout challenge this week?  We are celebrating Christmas in July at Lasting Memories! 

These are pictures from last Christmas, and I so enjoy looking at them (even more so now that they are scrapped!)  Shane and Miss Chanel are such good buddies and she is alwaysright in there helping Shane with everything!

I used our new Christmas package from CTMH called Believe.  I have used the red and green sides, but if like blue for Christmas, you'll find that along with some whimsical Santas on the other side.  The trees, heart, flower, and star were cut with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and then stamped with the matching stamps.  I also cut the snowflakes with this fabulous new cartridge.  If you click on the photo and look closely, I used the blue side of the paper for the top layer.   I used a pattern from the Jeanette Lynton's Cherish book for this layout.  I go back to that book often because the layouts are simple with clean lines.  I love that!

Be sure to stop by Lasting Memories - the rest of the team has some great examples for you!

I'm So Proud of You!

I have been busy working in my craft room creating artwork for design teams and for my upcoming Open House (click on the tab on the top for more information).  But I thought there's only a couple of days left in July, so I am going to show you something I made with one of the new papers - Typeset. 

If you have school pictures to scrap, are a teacher or a Mom, you are going to love this paper.  It is very versatile for either a boy or a girl, and the distressed paper is gorgeous!

This paper packet and stamp set (Blue Ribbon) will be available on Monday, August 1st.  Only a few more days until you can view the new Fall/Winter Idea Book online!  Remember if you'd like a hard copy, just send me an e-mail at girlygirlrose43@msn.com, and I will get it right out to you.  It is simply $3.00 for shipping, and I give you a $5.00 coupon for a future purchase!

The Three of Us and a Couple of Sassy Lil Sketches

I am sorry I haven't posted in a few days! Shane has been home spending some time with us, and I set everything aside when he comes in order to just enjoy him. I know all you Moms out there understand!
There are a couple of sketches from Cherie at Sassy Lil Sketches that I wanted to work with. I think you all know I am very partial to her designs ;)  Here are the two I combined to make a 2-page layout.

I didn't want to hide these pictures in any way, so I didn't use much banner.  Rather on the left I used a large title, and on the right a small banner.  The left page also meets the challenge at Lasting Memories for a bold title.  I am so sorry for the crummy picture!  It's cloudy and dark here, so it's hard to get that perfect shot. 

Here are a couple close-ups of the embellishments.  Pop dots don't last very long around my house - LOL!  I like stickease because of the cardstock weight so that I can bend and move them.

This is the last of my Wings paper.  I have loved working with this!  It is retiring as of Sunday (July 31st), so I think I am going to have to order another packet.  As you can see, the colors were perfect for these pictures!  The only other two items I used on this layout were Wings Stickease and Black Mini Medleys.

On Monday evening, the three of us went out on the lake, and I had an opportunity to just snap pictures of wildlife.  This picture of a loon is my favorite.  

I hope you are having a great week so far!

Why I Love Close To My Heart

If you ever wonder why I (and so many more consultants) LOVE Close To My Heart, this video will give you a peek into our "why."

I'd love for you to join my team and become an awesome part of this journey!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - A Sketch!

I'd love for you to join us this week at Heart 2 Heart!  Our challenge this week is a sketch.

I grabbed a new stamp set that will be coming out August 1st called Love Life.  As you can see, I've flipped the sketch to the side.

If you click on this photo, you'll be able to see the background a little closer.  This is a stamp that I've used to create the paper.  The stars are also form Love Life.  The phrases are actually the strip at the top of the paper from a new paper packet called Elemental.  Colors used on this card are creme brulee and desert sand.

Be sure to stop by Heart 2 Heart!  There is some great inspiration waiting for you!!

Pearfect Love

This week at Lasting Memories, we are challenging you to use a bold title.  You know, something that stands out and speaks volumes about your pictures.  Be sure to stop by and see what the rest of the desing team has come up with for you. 

I took this picture of my nephew and his girlfriend a couple of weeks ago, and I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to scrap it.  They are a cute couple and seem to be made perfectly for each other.  I love this picture!

The sketch is from Cherie at Sassy Lil Sketches.  I'll also be entering this into the Sketches in Thyme open challenge and the Shopping Our Stash which is using a technique and your stash.  For my technique, I pulled out that circle chipboard that's been on my shelf for a couple of years.  I covered it with paper and inked the edges.

CTMH items used: Mayberry WOTG; Mayberry Stickease; paper flower; New England Ivy ribbon

simple pleasures

Have you wondered if I was ever coming back with some artwork?  Our whole house has been busy this month of July, so I have really had to cut back on my craft time a little.  Oh my goodness!  That is not an easy thing to do!  But this week looks good, so I should (fingers crossed) be back with something new every day!

Today I've got a circle card to show you using some new CTMH product.  I can hardly stand the wait for you to see the new Idea Book, so my artwork will have to suffice until August 1st!  This is from the Elemental paper pack - love it!

The scalloped circle, flower, and sentiment are from a new stamp set called Love Life.  The ribbon is Creme Brulee grosgrain, and that is a mocha opaque gem in the center of the flower.  Quick and easy card, but oh, such beautiful colors!!

On Monday, there are going to be examples of circle cards on Practical Scrappers,  Be sure to drop by for some wonderful inspiration!

Book Reviews

I recently received Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller for review.  This story focuses on Emma and the family around her.  They all have to come to grips with death in the family, lost love, and even loss of property.  One of the greatest thing they all have to learn is that they are not in charge, but rather that God provides and has a greater plan.
This is a well woven piece of Amish fiction.  What I really enjoyed about this book is that the characters are not always proper and perfect.  So many times Amish fiction eludes to that type of character and it ends up being a good read, but very predictable.  This novel had enough real feelings that it was not always so easy to guess what might happen.  If you'd like an easy read that's entertaining, this is a great choice!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I also read Dinner With a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory.  This is a story of a man that has little time, loads of skepticism, and receives an invitation from Jesus to go to dinner.  Thinking that his friends were playing a trick on him, he goes to dinner only to find that it was no trick at all.  This is a gift-sized book and a very quick read with about 100 pages.  I was really anticipating reading this book.  I read it for Blogging for Books for an honest review, though, so that is what I will give you. 

There were several pages in this book that spent time disproving religions other than Christianity. Although I am a Christian, I did not appreciate that about this book, and I could understand how my friends of other faiths would be put off by this reading.  If I were having dinner with Jesus, I would not want to a theological discussion, but rather I would want to talk to him about his life, my family's life, and some (well many) Scriptures that I have questions about.  It wasn't until the very last pages that some of these things were touched upon.  I didn't understand many things about this book, and I guess in the end, I wondered whether or not I would believe that was Jesus sitting across from me.

With that being said, I have to point out that faith is a very personal journey.  I pretty sure we all have different questions we'd like to ask Jesus.  While I am sure there are some that would love this book, it just didn't fit for me.



Sneak Peek!

I cannot wait until you have access to the new Close To My Heart Idea Book!  It is bold, beautiful, and filled to the brim with fabulous product!  Here's just a little peek at the cover ~

Well, I said it was just a peek - LOL!!  But to those that know CTMH product, you can see a few new things just in that little tiny picture. 

Now if you would like yours by August 1st, please click on the PayPal button below for your copy.  It is $3.00 (to offset shipping), and I will be including a $5 coupon for a future purchase!

But I can't leave you with just that peek!  Remember the other day I told you about the Cricut Art Philosophy package available August  1st?  (Click HERE if you would like to buy that video again.)  I have to tell you a little something about our stamps that match the Cricut die cuts. 

Yep!  The stamps that match one of the die cuts have a black line around them on the carrier sheet.  To make it even easier, CTMH has also put the size you need to cut your image.  AWESOME!!  I have to tell you that my club members are going to love this.  I make them fussy cut a lot - and how fast and easy this is going to be for them!!  (If you are one of my club members and reading this, are you happy?!)

So that's it for today!  But I am looking forward to answering any questions you might have and getting that Idea Book out to you!

Sassy Lil Sketches Card Reveal!

Time for a new sketch at Sassy Lil Card Sketches.  I am so excited to tell you that I will be staying on this wonderful design team for another term!!  I have been wiht SLS for a year now, and I just love this team.  The leaders, Cherie and Katie, are amazing - and the people I've met are just wonderful!!

All items used CTMH unless otherwise noted: Caboodle Level 2; Card Chatter - Sympathy stamp set; Sweet leaf buttons and swirl clip; Sorbet ribbon; Pearl opaque gem

Our sponsor this month is Cup Cards to Go.  Each time you play along with us, you earn an entry for the month.  Sketches are revealed on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.  You have until the 5th of August to play.  I hope to see you!

Picture Perfect

I have been (im)patiently waiting for my new product, so I've been in my craft room today.  When new product comes, it's always a great time to take inventory and start using up what you've already got.  So today, I took out some Wings and grabbed one of Liz's sketches from The Scrappiest.

I love this photo.  The grey butterfly is just so pretty!  Now I've almost worked my way through all of my Wings paper.  I want to let you know that it is retiring as of July 31st, so if you'd like this paper, be sure to get yours today.

Items used (all CTMH unless noted):  Wings Level 1; Wings My Stickease;  Wings pleated ribbon; Juniper wacy flax; sparkles; ivory ribbon; Liquid Glass

Close To My Heart New Consultant Kit

I am so excited to show you the brand new Consultant Kit!  This kit contains the perfect mix of products and business tools to help begin a successful Close To My Heart business. The kit price is only $99!

Wonderful business and creative products to launch your career. Over $280 retail value!

 Includes a Read Me First Letter, current Idea Books (qty.10), You Are Welcome Here Brochures (W1151), The Rewards Come Now Hostess Brochures (W1150), Studio J® Brochures (W111), Hostess Rewards Order Forms (W122), Customer Order Forms (W101), Studio J® Customer Order Forms (W1102), Studio J® Membership Cards (W1103), Studio J® 5-Pack Cards (W1104), Close To My Heart Color Wheel (W470), Autumn/Winter 2011 B&T Duos® Sampler (W1109), Cello Bags (W1152), Petite Perks™ Loveable Incentive Stamp Set (W2021), My Acrylix® Wonderful You Incentive Stamp Set (W332), Double Scrubber (Z1163), My Acrylix® Spritz Cleaner (1778), Bonding Memories® Glue (1512), Sponge (Z697), Liquid Glass (Z679), Micro-Tip Scissors (Z534), Black My Legacy® Faux Leather Album (Z1345), My Creations® Memory Game (Z1614), Workshops on the Go™ Typeset Kit (G1024), Typeset Complements Canvas Shapes (X7139C), Milepost Shapes (Z1464), Juniper Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2165), Bamboo Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2103), Crème Brulee Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2167), My Acrylix® Trinity Alphabet Stamp Set (E1021), My Acrylix® Vintage Type Stamp Set (D1481), 2" * 3V" My Acrylix® Block (Y1009), and a 3" * 3" My Acrylix® Block (Y1006).

Additionally, new Consultants can choose to enhance their kit by purchasing one or more of three add-on collections for only $40 US & CAN each at sign-up. 

Does this sound appealing to you?  There are so many exciting things happening at Close To My Heart, and I would love to talk to you about them!!  Whether you want the discount for yourself or you want to start a business, Close To My Heart has a place for you.  Please e-mail me at girlygirlrose43@msn.com or call me at (763) 227-0583 if you have any questions.  If you are ready to take the leap and join today, please visit my website HERE to purchase your consultant kit.  You would not only be a welcome addition to Close To My Heart, but I would love to have another "bud" on my Rose Blossom team!

Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Time for a new challenge at Heart 2 Heart!  This week we want to see you use doilies or lace.  Here is the sample I created using some old lace I found at a thrift store. 

I misted the flower with a mixture of CTMH pearl paint and desert sand ink.  It turned out so lovely - matching the paper beautifully.  I love getting lace from the thrift store because you never know what it's going to look like.  You can find it on doilies, vintage dress, vintage hats.  Great place to find old buttons, too!

I'd love to see what you come up with for the challenge!

A Little Splendor

I am busy using up my discontinued CTMH Splendor paper, so I've got a few cards to show you today.  The first is for a sketch at Sassy Lil Card Sketches.  It's such a great sketch to work with!

The taught this lovely bloom at my flowers class on Saturday.  Such an easy and flower to make!  Basically you create a rosette and snip on the folds.  Makes a fun weather-beaten summer flower.

The second card is using the sketch at Cardabilities:

Another flower I taught that was really a hit!  It's just 8 crumpled scalloped circles put together with a brad.  Then you bring the crumpled layers up to form this shabby creation.

The last card I made was just for the fun of it because I had the paper out.  I love that cloud paper!

What a Nice Hubby!

It is HOT here today.  Rainforest hot.  The temperature is 99 degrees right now, and the humidity is in the high 70's.  Needless to say, it's an indoor day for me, and I'll be crafting this afternoon.

Not for my husband, though!  He went out fishing for a few hours this morning.  That, I tell you, is a true fisherman!  He brought me back a surprise from the lake knowing these are one of my favorites:

The large one is bigger than my hand!  Aren't they the most beautiful water lilies you've ever seen?  While I was taking pictures, I found this sweet little butterfly hanging around my flowers:

God gives us such wonderful gifts to enjoy every single day!

Lasting Memories - Distressing

The challenge this week at Lasting Memories is simply to distress.  Can you see the distressing in my layout?  I even "distressed" the fire with some cracked Liquid Glass.  What a fun technique!

Be sure to pop over and see that the rest of the DT is up to!  I am sure you will be inspired!

Pickles Anyone?

I found a recipe in this month's Weight Watcher's magazine for refrigerator pickles. I thought that would be great fun to make them. We love Clausen pickles, but have you noticed the price of them? There was no harm in trying to make something garlic-y with a bit of a crunch.

Here's the recipe:

20 fresh dill sprigs
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
12 medium pickling cucumbers, quartered lengthwise
2 cups cider vinegar
1-1/4 cups water
1 T. kosher salt
1 T. sugar

• Divide 12 dill sprigs and garlic among 4 canning jars (1 pint jars).  Divide cucmbers among jars, packing to withing 1/2 inch of hte top.  Divide remaining 8 dill sprigs among jars, tucking between spears.
• To make the pickling liquid, combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in medium saucepan.  Bring to boil, stirring occasionally, until salt and sugar are dissolved.  Boil 2 minutes.
• Divide pickling liquid among jars to cover cucumbers.  Cover tightly with lids.  Let cool 30 minutes.  Chill at least 24 hours or up to one month.

Now how easy is that?  Jerry LOVES them and says that's the pickle he'd like from now on.  Yay!!

I haven't updated my artwork in a couple of days, but I'll be getting back to that tomorrow.  I had a flowers class to prepare for this morning so I've been working on that.  What a fun time teaching people to make 10 different flowers!

The temperature is supposed to be 99 tomorrow with a heat index of 115.  It's supposed to stay that way through Thursday,  I'll be in my craft room a lot, so keep checking for new artwork!

Close To My Heart and Cricut!

You will hear much more from me in the coming days, but I wanted to share this video right away!

Thinking About a New Venture?

Now is the time to join Close To My Heart!  The brand new Idea Books were released to the Consultants today, and you are going to love what you see!  I can't spill it all, but I can say that now is the time to join!  The new consultant kit will be available through my website tomorrow (Friday, July 15th) - and you are going ot love it!!

In this time of rising prices, it's so good to say that Close To My Heart has lowered it's stamp prices - YAY!!!  Here's the breakdown of prices now for those of you that are familiar with the sets. 

• A stamp sets - $6.95 (used to be $7.95)
• B stamp sets - $9.95 (used to be $13.95)
• C stamp sets - $13.95 (used to be $18.95)
• D stamp sets - $17.95 (used to be $22.95)

Can you say WOW!  I can't believe the prices - these are the best acrylic stamps on the market!  The Idea book now shows stamp sets at actual size and includes samples for every paper and stamp set!

There's lots more, but like I said - I can't tell everything yet!  Well, one more thing - do you love your Cricut?  Because Close To My Heart now has an exclusive cartridge with matching stamps and chipboard.  Are you excited yet?!!!

If this sound interesting to you, contact me so that I can give more details about the consultant opportunity and the new consultant incentives.  Call me at (763) 227-0583 or e-mail me at girlygirlrose43@msn.com.  I can't wait to share this information with you!!

Enjoy Life Every Day

I have had this journal from Pinecone Press in my stash for about a year.  I got it on clearance somewhere for about $2.00, and it has six double-sided pocket pages.  I have been working on some personal goals, and I wanted something pretty to keep everything in. 
I pulled out the rest of my CTMH Veranda paper and stickease.  When the new Idea Book is released on August 1st, I know there are going to be some more favorite papers, but I have really enjoyed working with Veranda.  It's just so pretty!  I added some CTMH paper flowers and ribbon along with some random gems.  I covered the front and back covers with Martha Stewart decoupage.  This is my favorite because the lid has a brush attached.  No messy clean-up!  I even decoupaged the flowers and stickease so that this book will stand up to some wear.

I am entering this in the Shopping Our Stash challenge.  (Thanks Marg!)

Hope you are having a great day today!

Marvelous Minis Card Workshop!

Marvelous Minis Workshop:
First Date: Monday, August 1st at 6:30 pm
Second Date: Wednesday, August 3rd at 10:00 am
Cost: $12.00
Sign-Up Deadline: Saturday, July 30th

You have the choice of whichever class works for you. I want this to be fun and easy so that you come, relax, and have some laughs!

In this class, you will make 8 mini cards that are loaded with technique. Flowers from stamps and banners are just a couple of the fun ideas you'll learn!

Workshop kit includes:

• Pre-cut materials for 8 cards
• 8 card bases and envelopes
• 7 feet of ribbon
• Loads of gems
• 25 kraft borders (You will only be using a few, so you will have LOTS leftover!)
• Glitz Glitter Gel (You will be putting this wonderful sparkle on some of your flowers, and then you will bring the bottle home!)
• Written instructions so that you can re-create these cards again!
• BONUS - FREE new Idea Book when you attend the class!

 Tools needed for the class:

• Micro-Tip Scissors
• Foam Dots or Foam Tape
• Tape Runner
• Glue Dots
• Craft Knife (or some other tool for placing gems)
• Bone Folder (optional)

You can sign up by e-mailing me at girlygirlrose43@msn.com or calling me at (763) 227-0583. Hope to see you there!
By the way, don't be afraid to sign up if you are long distance.  I will send you the instructions and your stamping will be done for you.  Easy peasy - and you'll have 8 fabulous minis and learn some new techniques!

Marvelous Mini Card Class

Card Class $12.00

Picnic Card

I found a sketch over at OWH Stars and Stamps that I wanted to use.  I paired it with the challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon which is a picnic-themed card using ribbon. 

I love making those little strawberries!  It is one tiny little stamp, and I stamped it in two colors - olive and smoothie.  When I put them on the circle, I used a few little pop dots so they become a little focal point.  The strawberry is from the from the Summer Days stamp set.  Such a fun little set!  Other items used are Mayberry Level 2 and stickease, i-Rock gems, and Really Reasonable Ribbon baker's twine.

This worked out great because it is also another example for my picnic-themed challenge at Sassy Lil Sketches.  I love to see you join in on that challenge during the month of July to win a RAK from me!

Splash Zone

I have wanted ot scrap these fun pictures of Shane.  4th of July weekend was so unexpected for us.  We really didn't have any plans, and Shane called on Saturday morning to say he was coming home for the weekend.  Yippee!!  It was a perfect weekend weather-wise, so the first thing we thought of was heading out in the boat.  Shane dug out a big inflatable, and we had a perfectly relaxing afternoon on the water!

I made this layout on Studio J because I like this paper, and it is exclusive to Studio J.  While I was putting this together, I learned something about Studio J that I wanted to share.  Mind you, you may know this, but I thought it was a great discovery!  Do you see my buttons on the top left and bottom right?  Embellishments are built into Studio J as a gray kind of ghost image.  You can use them or remove them - whatever you like.  Well, I used to think I had to drag my embellishments over, but no you don't!  You can click on the gray image and change it to whatever color you want.  What a time saver!!  I put this layout together in about 30 minutes.

I still love my handcrafted layouts and you'll most likely see more of them than you'll ever see Studio J layouts.  However, I have been in a card-making and altering kind of mood lately.  When I am in "one of those moods" (and all you crafters know what I mean!) I find it very easy to pop over to Studio J and get a few layouts done.

Heart 2 Heart Challenge

We are bringing a new challenge to you this week at Heart 2 Heart, and we want to see what inspires you.  Show us a photo of your inspiration and your artwork.  I am going to love seeing what inspires you!!  I chose this picture that is really fitting for summer:

Red, white, and blue just feels like a fresh summer day to me, so here is what I came up with:

I've used the July Stamp of the Month, American Celebration.  This is one of the best sets.  I love everything about it and how versatile it will be all year round.  I created the toppers by stamping 5 stars for each topper.  I stamped white daisy cardstock with another stamp for the fruit cup.  What a sun way to eat fruit!

Now it's your turn to play with us at Heart 2 Heart!

Cupcake

Tomorrow (Monday, July 11th) Practical Scrapper is doing a feature on cupcakes.  Be sure to head over there for some great inspiration.  I thought I'd share my cupcake card today to get you in the mood!

I incorporated a couple of challenges into this card.  CARDS is looking for cards with baker's twine, and CAS-ual Fridays is looking for shaped cards.  I made this card using my Slice - the Parties design card.  I created a white base and then paper pieced the wrapper and frosting.  The frosting is actually a white piece that I sponged with CTMH Smoothie ink.  Then I used some CTMH glitz glitter gel so for the sparkle. 

Items used are AC white cardstock; Lily Bee Donestic Bliss paper and chipboard; Pink Paislee and WeR Memory Keepers twine; CTMH smoothie ink and glitz glitter gel; 7Gypsies sticker; Slice Parties design card

Pretty as a Postcard and a Winner!

I'm having fun being a guest designer over at Lasting Memories!  Last week, it was really fun to see the summer-themed mini albums that were created for the challenge!  As promised, there is a winner of a $25 Close To My Heart gift certificate from me - and you'll find out who that is at the bottom of this post.  First, I want to tell you about the challenge for this week.
Have you ever worked with mosaic patterns on your layouts?  Well, that is the challenge this week.  I brought out some of my flower pictures for this one.

Like looking through a window, right?  I love this technique!

This is a mixture of Authentique (Gifted) and Lily Bee (Happily Lost).  Truly, it was the only pinkish paper I had in the house, and I love it!  This Lily Bee has a little bit of a warm tone, and that is exactly why I have it. 

What can you come up with for this challenge?  I'd love to see it!  Okay, now I need to get to the winner for last week's summer-themed mini album.  I will tell you that everyone that entered the challenge made gorgeous albums!  There is a lot of talent out there!!  The winner on my blog is Theresa!!!  Stop by her blog - even the background will make you happy!

Theresa, e-mail me at girlygirlrose43@msn.com to claim your gift certificate!

Christmas in July!

Remember I told you about the Bang for Your Buck special going on this month?  Basically, if you place a $50 order this month, you get one of five items for $1.  Click HERE to see the five items and to be refreshed on the exclusive bonus from me.

I will show you the items throughout the month, and here is the first one.  It is the Around the Holidays card kit.  It has the envelope flats, card bases, ribbon, stickease, and foam dots to make 12 holiday cards.

I made one of each style for you to see:

I used what was in the kit to make these.  All I added was a little Liquid Glass and Glitz Glitter Gel.  Aren't they pretty? (Feel free to click on the photo so that you can see them in more detail.)  It took me less than 30 minutes to make these four cards.  The beauty of card kits is that you can do what you'd like.  If you just want to add stickers and go, they are perfect.  If you want to elevate them with foam dots and then add some sparkle, you can do that, too!  This kit is surely a great special offer this month!

Now because it's July, I have to show you something summery, too!  My hollyhock bloomed yesterday, and it is absolutely gorgeous!

We are off to an outdoor artisan craft fair this afternoon.  Its hot and sticky out, but I just know it will be worth our time.  Check in with me tomorrow for the new challenge from Lasting Memories!

Couple Cards to Share

I needed to make some masculine cards, so I pulled out my favorite paper right now for boys and men - Lucky.  Such great colors.  They are both very simple - but all boy!

Along with Lucky Leve 2, I've use the Treetops stamp set, a Lucky Journaling tag, chocolate and bamboo waxy flax, and basic buttons.

These cards are perfect for the masculine card challenge at Sassy Challenges.

Sassy Lil Sketches Card Reveal!

It's the 7th of the month, so time to reveal a new sketch from Cherie at Sassy Lil Card Sketches!  It's a winner!

I took the sketch very literally and put together this card:

As soon as I saw the sketch, I knew what paper and stamp I wanted to use.  I stamped my butterflies (from Celebrate Life stamp set) with vineyard berry ink on vellum.  Now even thought this is dye ink, it takes a little longer to dry on vellum.  So I was able to emboss the butterflies with clear detail embossing powder.  I used Wings paper on a black cardstock base.  The letters are from the wings collection and the pleated ribbon is from CTMH.

Now it's your turn to play along with us at Sassy Lil Card Sketches!  You have until the 5th of August to play along with all of July's card sketches.  They are revealed on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.  The sponsori this month is Cup Cards to Go with a great prize package!

I also want to remind you about some challenges at the Sassy Lil Sketches forum thi month.  The challenges are:

• Ad Inspiration
• Picnic Themed Card
• Handmade Flowers
• Christmas in July
• Masculine Card

I bet you can fit these challenges into your crafting!  Come on over to the forum and join us!