Thinking of You (CD 658)

This was an interesting color challenge! Check out Color Dare Challenge #658. The color board is below. 

I selected the colors pink and green to go with two shades of gray. My neutral choice was white. I don't usually make square cards, even with square dies, but the symmetrical design worked out well. The front was matted with white and then adhered to a light gray card base. The sentiment was die-cut three times and stacked before being added. The inside was decorated with scraps from the card front.

The Design Team invites you to visit the Color Dare #658 Blog for guidelines and to view their lovely cards. This biweekly challenge ends on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Thanks!

Melanie

Materials

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Basic Gray, Smoky Slate, Petal Pink & Just Jade

Dies: A Pocket Full of Happiness "Swirl Background" & Sizzix "Thinking of You" #661578

Lovely (TSOT #673)

Try a Sketch on Tuesday Challenge #673 is open! This biweekly challenge will run through Sunday, July 6, 2025. Although a fun fold is not required, this design lends itself well to a gatefold card. In fact, you could use this sketch as inspiration for Double Trouble Challenge #194, so check out their guidelines and play along.

I kept the making of my card quite simple. Into a white card base, I added a full panel of foiled gold cardstock as a mat, then added the two strips of foiled specialty paper I found in my stash. 

The gold flowers, acquired from 'who-knows-where', were adhered staggered down the front of the card. Five gems were added - three in the flower centers and two randomly placed. The sketch requires a sentiment, so "lovely" was stamped using Stazon ink on a small die-cut gold oval and adhered with foam tape.

The inside of the card was decorated with the same papers used on the card front, along with a companion sentiment, "Thank you for your kindness."

Thank you for taking a look.

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Pink Fresh Studio "Just a Little Lovely" 

Ink: Stazon Jet Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White and Foiled Gold

Paper: Stampin' Up! Specialty Foil (name unknown)

Die: Hero Arts Infinity (ovals)

Misc.: SBC Foam Tape (2 mm); gems from stash; gold metallic flowers from stash

Celebrate... the best day ever! (DTC #194 )

I love Independence Day in the USA! As Americans, we should remember it's more than just the date, "Fourth of July." Descended from immigrants and raised in a military family, it's pure and simple for me—I love my country and am proud to be an American. We aren't perfect, but we are blessed.

So Thing 1 has given us the following recipe for Double Trouble Challenge #194. This biweekly challenge, "Summer Fun Fold", runs through Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Summer Fun Fold Challenge #194

Servings - Unlimited Portions of Fun

Ingredients:

     3  Red, White + One Other Color

I used blue as my additional color and substituted vintage ivory paper for white. I also used silver holographic paper for the optional twist.

     2  Shapes 

Shapes depicting stars and an oval were used.

     1  Fun Fold

This is "Interlocking Gatefold". The card "locks" when the red oval is inserted into the blue oval frame. This card will stand up for display. 

View while slightly open.

THING 3:  Twisted Sister 

says, "My optional twist is for you to add fireworks, glitter, or sparkle to your project..."

Silver die-cut elements and sparkly rhinestones were added.

THING 2: Double Dare

says, the TSOT #673 sketch is below if you wish to participate. Their challenge opens on Tuesday, June 24, so use caution that you don't unintentionally publish your card before that date. Although the three elements are aligned differently, this sketch inspired me to make an 'interlocking gatefold' card.

The card was decorated inside by lining the blue card base with a white panel and stamping a companion sentiment. Additionally, two cut-aparts were added and a few small stars. 

We also have an Alternate Challenge. Creative Creases "Anything Goes Fun Fold" is a monthly challenge starting on the 1st Friday of each month and ending the Thursday before their next challenge begins. Use the links below according to your post date for your Fun Fold entry:

     June 23 - July 3rd - Click HERE for June Challenge #104 

     July 4th -  July 6th - Click HERE for July Challenge #105 

Please join our challenge at the DTC194 Blog, and check out TSOT673  and Creative Creases 104/105. 

Thank you for looking. I appreciate your comments. Thinking about Independence Day, I have included a personal photo below that I enjoy. 

My Dad's Aircraft (B-52) 

Now celebrate your country's specialness!

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Stampin' Up! "Birthday Blossoms" (sentiments)

Inks: Stampin' Up! Night of Navy

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Real Red & Night of Navy

Patterned Paper: Authentique Collection "Glory"; SBC Holographic

Dies: Hero Arts Infinity (ovals)

Misc.: SBC Foam Tape, gems from stash

Cone Flowers for You (CD #656)

Color Dare Challenge #656 is up on the challenge blog, and I loved the color trio. It hinted at the autumn season but I did not go in that direction. I have been sorting some items in my card room and wondering, "How many floral stamps and dies does one card maker need?" 

When I rediscovered this Cone Flower die set, I decided to use it. I used the closest color matches from my stash. My photography never portrays the colors well. I have been working on reducing the paper volume and was glad I had the cardstock. In addition, I added black and white, which are "free" to add. Here is the color board:

After die-cutting the elements, I added the white petals to the pink so they would stand out against the black background. I also intended to add texture by embossing the black panel but forgot about it until my card was fully assembled. The butterfly was adhered, then the sentiment was stamped and added with foam tape. 

A few "peachy" colored pearls were added to coordinate with the flower centers. The inside was lined with a white cardstock panel and decorated with another cone flower and a smaller butterfly.

I invite you to visit the Color Dare #656 Blog and view the fabulous cards on display by the Design Team. This biweekly challenge runs through Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Thank you for visiting.

Melanie

Materials

Stamp: Altenew "Extra Special" (sentiment)

Ink: Stampin' Up! Pretty Peacock

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Basic Black, Pretty Peacock, Melon Mambo & Pumpkin Pie

Dies: UNB "Flutter-by" & "Cone Flower Garden"

Misc.: SBC Foam Tape (1 mm), Honey Bee Pearl Stickers

Have an Epic Birthday, Dude (TSOT #672)

 

There is a new sketch waiting for you at Try a Sketch on Tuesday #672. This biweekly challenge runs through Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Because the sketch includes a plaid design, it inspired me to create a masculine card. Father's Day is less than a week away, but I really needed a birthday card for my nephew.

      

Following a sketch almost always requires a few tweaks so the card fits my interpretation and preferences. I added the balloon in place of the top panel and included two sentiments on the front.

In my continued quest to reduce my paper stash, I have a folder of Photoplay paper scraps from two different collections that I combined for this project.

I found that this sketch worked perfectly for Double Trouble Challenge #193, so check out their guidelines and play along.

Be sure to stop by the TSOT #672 Blog to view the cards created by the Design Team. This may inspire you to play along! Thanks for looking.

Melanie

Materials

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & Hello Honey

Patterned Paper: Photoplay "Birthday Bash" & "Explore" Collections

Misc.: SBC Foam Tape (1 mm)

You're So Special to All of Us (DTC #193)

Father's Day - USA falls on Sunday, June 15, 2025. I usually use the occasion to show appreciation to one of my brothers, David, who has two sons, Dave and Dan. My nephews are grown adults, but they still enjoy getting together with their dad for a day of fishing. Later, they can guzzle Mountain Dew soda pop while cooking those fish for supper with grits, fried okra, and hushpuppies.

Our biweekly Double Trouble Challenge #193 is a chance to recognize a special guy in your life - father, son, brother, nephew, etc. We encourage you to create a card or project with us and let him know he is appreciated. Your project doesn't have to be for Father's Day... any occasion for your favorite guy is acceptable. 

Here's what I did to stir up some trouble in Double Trouble's Kitchen for Trouble Maker: 

                          

3-2-1- Recipe for "My Guy"  

Ingredients:  

AT LEAST

   3  Layers - Do not count the card base. 

I have five layers - count 'em!

   2  Different patterned papers

There are three different patterns. 

   1  Kraft or color similar to Kraft.

My card base and sentiment are both Kraft-type.

Twisted Sister hopes you will use an element representing how your guy enjoys spending time. Be sure to mention it in your post. See my introduction to read about "My Guy".

Double Dare has a great sketch from our sister challenge, Try a Sketch on Tuesday #672, shown below. I tilted the sketch on its side and used it for my fishing theme. If you use the sketch, you will be awarded an extra chance in our random drawing.

Original sketch:                     Tilted Sketch:

   

Here's a second glimpse of my card:

Join us for card-making and paper-crafting fun at the DTC #193 Blog, where our Design Team has created their own cards for you to see. 

Thank you for visiting, and I hope you'll leave a comment!

Melanie

Materials

Stamp: Paper Smooches "Baby Birds" (sentiment)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Baked Brown Sugar (for Kraft), & Cajun Craze

Patterned Paper: CTMH, Stampin' Up!, and Photoplay scraps from my stash

Die: Hero Arts Infinity (circle)

Misc.: SBC Foam Tape (2 mm)

Size: A7 (5" x 7")

Hello in Pink and Black (CD #654)

 

There's a fun color challenge awaiting at Color Dare #654. Who doesn't like pink and black together? The real challenge for me was selecting that color of choice. I could have gone with a metallic but they were already free and I wanted something that would add a punch of color. After trying several colors I decided that this bright green worked for me.

Just about every element was die-cut, keeping it simple. The pieces were layered on, and foam tape was used for the stacked sentiment. The inside was decorated with another green dragonfly and a bit of the watercolor pink paper. 

Visit the CD 654 Blog to review the guidelines and the design team's cards. I know you will find inspiration to play along. This biweekly challenge runs through Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Thanks for dropping in.

Melanie

Materials

Cardstock: SU Basic White, Basic Black, Parakeet Party

Patterned Paper: Colorbok "Bright Splash"

Dies: PinkFresh Studio "Curvy Foliage", Lawn Fawn "Fancy Scalloped Rectangles", Kokorosa (dragonflies), Spellbinders "Handwritten Sentiments"

Misc: SBC Foam Tape (1 mm)

A Day All About You (AHSC #630)

 

The weekly AHSC Challenge is almost finished. Nearly every week, I think about creating a card, but time gets away from me, and nothing gets made. This has long been a personal favorite sketch challenge for me. This is Challenge #630, and the sketch is below.

It's a versatile sketch with many possibilities, but in the interest of time, I stuck close to the graphic, not stepping outside the parameters. 

The stamped elements were colored with alcohol markers and fussy cut. The scalloped panel was die-cut and adhered to the pink panel. A small frame was hand-cut, backed with vellum, and adhered with thin foam tape to the floral die-cut panel. Two of the fussy-cut flowers were stacked and adhered along with the leaves. The sentiment was stamped and adhered to the card front, and pale green gems were added for interest.

The completed panel was adhered to a white card base. The inside was decorated with one of the flowers and the leaves. I was going for a light-hearted mood, and I am sure I accomplished that.

I submitted my card to the Triple B Challenge.

I have also submitted my card to Beautiful Blossoms Challenge #29, which is open until Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Be sure to stop by the AHSC #630 Blog to view the cards by the Design Team. A new sketch challenge begins on Monday, May 26, 2025. Thank you for viewing my card. I appreciate your comments. 

Melanie

Materials

Stamp Set: Stampin' Up! "Birthday Blossoms"

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black; Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Melon Mambo, Vellum

Patterned Paper: Echo Park "Life Is Beautiful"

Die: Lawn Fawn "Fancy Scalloped Rectangles"

Misc.: SBC Foam Tape (1 mm), Honey Bee gem stickers

All Occasion Card (CD653)

 

Attention card makers and paper crafters! Color Dare Challenge #653 is up on the blog. This biweekly challenge runs through Thursday, June 5, 2025. Here is the color board:

My color selections include three different shades from the purple family, plus a soft mint green print. I also used white and black cardstock. With only two required colors, I kept the card simple.

First, I die-cut two rectangles from patterned paper and two branches with filigree leaves in black cardstock and the mint patterned paper, stacking and adhering them to the purple shaded paper. The mint rectangle was adhered directly to the black panel, followed by the purple panel using foam tape for dimension. The silver metallic gem stickers were adhered. The finished panel was adhered to a white card base. The inside was decorated with a few mint die-cut sprigs. I elected not to add a sentiment at this time.

Look at the Design Team's cards and join the Color Dare Challenge #653. Thank you for stopping by to view my card. I appreciate your comments.

Melanie

Materials

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & Basic Black

Patterned Paper: my scrap stash

Die: Creative Expressions "Mosaic Leaves" by Sue Wilson

Misc.: Stampin' Up! Metallic Gem Stickers (silver); SBC Foam Tape (1 mm)

 

Make Today a Great Day (TSOT #670)

There is a new biweekly sketch up on the Try a Sketch on Tuesday Blog. This is Sketch #670 and runs through Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Time to craft has been scarce lately. We all know how surprises can pop up when we least expect them. I encountered that while trying to complete several cards this week. So I created a card using a shortcut for the floral edge. I used a fun fold design that is often referred to as the "Simplest Fun Fold Ever." 

After decorating the card base with patterned paper, two strips of silver holographic paper matted with cardstock were added, keeping with the sketch. The sentiment was added with foam tape, and a few silver gem stickers were adhered randomly. A small panel of white cardstock was placed inside the card so that a message could be included. 

The Design Team has posted some great cards on the TSOT670 Blog, so be sure to visit. We hope you'll play along as well. And... there is a special prize available, so check out the guidelines for a special event at Double Trouble's Seventh Anniversary Celebration Challenge.

DTC Challenge #191 Seventh Anniversary

1. Anniversary or Wedding

2. Father's Day or Masculine  

3. Birthday or Baby  

4. Graduation   

and

The optional twist: Use Kraft-type paper.

Melanie

Materials

Stamp: Stampendous "Floral Blooms" SSC1423 (sentiment)

Ink: Stampin' Up! Blackberry Bliss

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Blackberry Bliss

Patterned Paper: Ink 'n Splatter "Journey", SBC Holographic (silver)

Dies: Hero Arts Infinity (ovals)

Misc.: Stampin' Up! Metallic Gems (silver)

Set Sail for Adventure - Masculine (DTC #191's Seventh Anniversary)

Welcome! In my little corner of the crafting world, celebrating the seventh anniversary of a card challenge seems almost colossal. But here it is!

Double Trouble Papercrafting is celebrating seven years of card challenges. Biweekly Challenge #191 runs through Sunday, May 25, 2025, and we have prizes!

The anniversary party starts with a raffle format. You have four choices for your project and may participate in any or all of them. I chose to create a masculine card. Be sure to visit the DTC Blog #191 for participation guidelines.

An optional twist to use Kraft-type paper in any category is also available. My card base is Kraft-style cardstock, although it is not visible in my photo.

Another option is to use the sketch at Try a Sketch on Tuesday #670 beginning Tuesday, May 13. It may inspire you.

I adhered patterned paper to a Kraft-style cardstock base to create my card. The patterned edge was stamped, colored, fussy cut, and adhered to the card front. The two woodgrain

strips were cut freehand to give them a more imperfect, worn look and smudged with various ink colors. 

The sailboat was stamped and colored, then stacked on five layers of die-cut circles to provide dimension. A few bird images were added. After some stamp surgery, only "Set Sail" was stamped and fussy cut, then added with foam tape. The sentiment on the inside says, "Set sail for a Fabulous Birthday Adventure," and was decorated with cardstock bits.

So there you have it. We welcome you to try the challenges, so visit the DTC Blog and view the cards created by the Design Team. Thank you for stopping by my blog. 

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Stampendous "Nautical Anchor" SSC1261

Inks: Stampin' Up! Basic Gray, Baked Brown Sugar, Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Baked Brown Sugar, Pale Papaya

Patterned Paper: Ink 'n Splatter "Summer Breeze" & Paper Rose "Rainbow Wood"

Dies: Hero Arts Infinity (circles)

Misc.: SBC Foam Tape

Seas the Day (Masculine) (CD #651)

Welcome to Color Dare Challenge #651. Below is the color board. I created a card using the required color, plus blue as my color of choice. I added white and metallic (silver) as well.

 

This card was fun and easy to create. I decided to search my paper stash for something related to water. The cardstock panel and patterned paper panel, including the holographic silver panel, were each added to the white card base. Several layers of green and blue die-cut circles were stacked together for the base of the holographic silver circle trio and adhered to the white card front. The panel was purposely offset on the white base to add some interest. The blue smudge was not intentional.

The sentiment was stamped in blue ink directly onto the green negative scrap from the die and added back into the die-cut aperture with foam tape. The inside was decorated with some patterned paper and small silver circles. Another sentiment, "Hello Summer," was also included in blue ink. Although this card took on a masculine vibe, I decided to add the rhinestones because they depict sparkle reflecting off the water. Leaving sufficient space for a personal note, I plan to give the card to my nephew. 

The Design Team invites you to visit the CD651 Blog and join the challenge. Thank you for looking.

Melanie

Materials

Stamp: Stamps of Life "Sandcastle 2" (both sentiments)

Ink: Stampin' Up! Blueberry Bushel

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Coastal Cabana, Blueberry Bushel 

Patterned Paper: Ink 'n Splatter "Summer Breeze" and SBC Holographic Mirror (silver) 

Dies: Paper Smooches "Ring Trio"

Misc.: Honey Bee Gem Stickers & SBC Foam Tape

 

Just a Little Note (TSOT #669)

It's time again at Try a Sketch on Tuesday to create a card using the new sketch below. This is TSOT #669, ending on Sunday, May 11, 2025. 

The card came together using the sketch and continuing to use elements from my stash. Foam tape was used to give dimension to the sentiment and the glass flower pot with the hyacinth inside. Tiny rhinestones were added for a bit of sparkle. The inside was lined with a white panel and decorated with coordinating ephemera. 

The sketch may also provide ideas for the Double Trouble Challenge #190, so be sure to visit their blog.

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Paper Rose "Bird Day" (sentiment)

Ink: Stampin' Up! Gorgeous Grape

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Old Olive, Perfect Plum

Patterned Paper & Ephemera: Paper Rose "Violet Garden"

Dies: UNB Open Scalloped Rectangles

Misc.: SBC Foam Tape (1 mm & 2 mm); Recollections Bling Stickers (tiny rhinestones)

A Day All About You (DTC #190)

Double Trouble Challenge #190 is open for your projects. This biweekly challenge requires the use of a 3-2-1 Recipe and also offers two options. Below is a graphic providing a summary of the challenge.

Thing 1: The only requirement from Trouble Maker is to follow the recipe below:

3-2-1- Recipe "For Someone Special"

Servings - Unlimited Portions of Fun

Ingredients

USE AT LEAST

     3  Layers - This does not include the card base.

There are four layers.

     2  Colors of Choice from the Clipart Color Wheel.

Purple, yellow, and blue were the colors used.

     1  Background - Must use Patterned Paper. 

I created my own patterned paper. 

Thing 3:  Twisted Sister 

says, "My optional twist is simple - use floral images."

My project has two styles of floral images, and the inside of the card is also decorated with florals.

Thing 2: Double Dare's optional dare is to use Try a Sketch on Tuesday Sketch #669 as inspiration for the DTC card. The TSOT challenge opens on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

The TSOT sketch provided inspiration for the DTC #190 project.

Alternate Challenge:  If you have met our 3-2-1 recipe and have included florals, visit the Beautiful Blossoms Challenge #28 through Monday, May 12, 2025. Check the rules for their challenge to ensure you have met their requirements and eligibility dates, and you will be awarded yet another chance in our random drawing.

In addition, my card was submitted to the Die Cut Divas Challenge for April 2025 and Make It Girly at Simon Says Stamp's Wednesday Challenge.

To view the Design Team's cards, visit the DTC190 Blog. Thanks for stopping by.

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Stampin' Up! "Birthday Blossoms"

Ink: Stampin' Up! Fresh Freesia & Berry Burst; Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & Berry Burst

Dies: Gina Marie Fancy Edge Rectangles

Misc.: Recollections Bling Stickers (tiny rhinestones), SBC foam tape

Size: A2