Sunflower Harvest at Penny Black

 I'm always surprised to see the back-to-school and fall decor items flooding the stores before summer is even over! And I'm usually not at all ready for the new season, even though FALL is my favorite! 

But the Sunflower Harvest is a brand new-to-me stamp set that I couldn't resist pulling out for this card. It's my reminder that The Penny Black Saturday Challenge is still in full swing! The  challenge is Anything Goes, with an Optional theme - flowers. I LOVE sunflowers!

Pairing them with a rustic fence and pumpkins makes it even better. I stamped the scene using light gray ink, and watercolored with Distress Ink re-inkers. After fussy cutting the image panel I layered it with patterned paper and twine. The sentiment is from the Delightful Day set, stamped onto brown card stock. 

I sure hope that you've already checked out the challenge blog and enjoyed the inspiration! Thanks so much for coming by to visit me. I end this post by sending autumn greetings your way - just a wee bit early!

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Color Hues #93 Super Bright Birthday!

 Hi friends, and welcome. Here we are again with a new challenge at Color Hues! Tracey gives us Orange and Yellow for our combo, a happy bright and super fun choice! 

I thought these colors were just right for making my own background. First, I 'll show you my card, and then I'll let you know how I did it. See what I mean? So bright, it could be neon! 

The technique is one I stumbled upon as I went. I really like how the colors came out without cancelling each other out. 

I began with Mixed Media paper from Vicky Boutin, and a stencil of the 3-pack of hers called Arts Layered Stencils. Sponging lightly with Altenew Citrus Burst Ink, I got this. 

My next step involved using the 3D EF from Sizzix adding medallions and texture. I added more sponging to the raised area of the large medallions with Distress Ink in Carved Pumpkin. 

Hmmm, how to get a blend of these colors while still retaining some white space? I inked the debossed side of the folder with the yellow ink and ran it through the machine again. 

Once I added the large sentiment, it took on a different look! It's my first time using the sentiment dies from from Heffy Doodle.  

Nuvo Gel (on the heart) and enamel gems added a bit of sparkle. Now it's your turn! What will you make using Orange and Yellow? Please join us for this fun challenge. The team's inspiration is amazing!

Thanks for your visit, it means so much that you come by! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Be Inspired for The Flower Challenge

 Hello, how are things going for you?  For me, it's going to be a busy month for challenge posts, and I'm here to share the new one at The Flower Challenge #94. We'd like you to be inspired by these colors when you create your card featuring flowers. Aren't they beautiful hues? You may also add neutrals. 

I chose to use supplies from The Greetery and Altenew to create this Anniversary card. The supplies are listed at the end of this post. 

The bulk of the flowers are done using the Floral Arches stencils. Details are added with the accompanying stamps. The Arched Sentiment set of stamps and dies provide the greeting. Finally, the A2 arches die cut the sentiment panel. You can find out about all of these elements HERE. 

We hope that you will be encouraged to join us in the challenge! Thank you for your visit today, let's do this again soon! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

The inks I used are from Altenew: Maple Yellow, Blush Rose; Coral Bliss, Heartbeat, Pink Pearl; Frayed Leaf, Forest Glades, and Evergreen. 

Flowers for You at Penny Black

 Hi there friends.

 I couldn't be more delighted to share this news! I've been chosen as the monthly Guest Designer for The Penny Black Saturday Challenge,  so of course I said, "Yes!" I've been loving my Penny Black stamps and supplies, new and old. Actually, the "new" products have been multiplying quickly in my craft area, so I'm glad to use them!

You'll find their challenge to be fun as it's often 'Anything Goes' and this month the optional theme is Flowers. Who'd have thought ????

My very simple card uses the Charisma Transparent stamps and dies. With the addition of circle dies, I cut a framed window and placed the bouquet on top. Using versa mark and one of the floral stamps, I created a subtle background, topping it all off with a sentiment circle. I found it refreshing to use only one stamp set for this card. The floral image was stamped in pale gray and colored with Distress Oxide re-inkers and a brush.

I sure hope you will check out the inspiration at the challenge and play along! I'm so happy that you've visited today. Thanks so much! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

On Your Birthday for Color Hues #91

 It's time for new hues at The Color Hues #91 Challenge.  Our dear Stef has chosen Pink and Brown for this fortnight. Let us see what these colors inspire you to create! 

I'm using some never-been-used Penny Black products to create a birthday card in warm shades of pink and brown. 

Starting with the LOVE Immense Die, I cut two layers out of water color card stock and brushed color on the top layer with Distress ink re-inkers. I colored the bear the same way, the image and the sentiments are from PB Have A Nice One transparent stamp set. After dry embossing white card stock with the Dashed Design EF, I sponged Tea Dye and Vintage Photo DOX inks to add color. The flower is from the Petals metal dies. I felt it needed just a bit more, so I added shimmer to the flower with spray.

I enjoyed keeping the pieces of this card on my desk, and doing just a bit of work on it over several days. That's a fun way for me to play! 

I hope you enjoyed the post, please have a look at the fab samples from my team! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

I'm entering the NBUS Challenge today.