Let Freedom Ring!

I am descended from families who arrived in the New World beginning in 1620 and from others who arrived on our shores as recently as 1930. Celebrating a 244-year birthday on Independence Day is an important occasion in our family. I am proud to be an American.

It's time for Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge #401. This biweekly challenge began on Friday, July 3, and will end on Thursday evening, July 16, 2020. 

I adhered patterned paper to a panel of scrap cardstock then I created three small pinwheels from 1.5" squares. Using brads, the pinwheels were added to this decorated panel. The panel was adhered to a red card base using foam tape so there was space to allow the pinwheels to turn. Small strips of red cardstock were added as handles for the pinwheels. The inside of the card was lined with white cardstock and decorated with coordinating patterned paper. Using a die with the word Freedom, I hand-printed additional words to read, "Let Freedom Ring".

Be sure to join us at Color My Heart Color Dare by visiting our Challenge Blog! We'd love to have you share your project with us.

Materials
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White & Real Red
Patterned Paper: Doodlebug "Patriotic Parade" Collection
Die: Frantic Stamper "Freedom"
Misc.: Brads & foam tape from stash

Happy Birthday USA!

I am descended from families who arrived in the New World beginning in 1620 and from others who arrived on our shores as recently as 1930. Celebrating a 244-year birthday on Independence Day is an important occasion in our family. I am proud to be an American.

It's time for Double Trouble Challenge #60. Because this is the fifth Monday of the month, the challenge theme is Anything Goes and lasts only one week. This challenge begins on Monday, June 29, and ends on Sunday evening, July 5, 2020. There is an optional twist where we are asking you to use red, white, and blue on your card. Other colors are also permitted. And, as a reminder, you may submit your card to any of our partners from past challenges. Visit our blog for a current list.

I decided to partner with Crafting Happiness Challenge #55. Their theme is Anything Goes. 

Onto a green-blue card base, I added a panel of cloud-patterned paper then added coordinating patterned paper along each side. The balloons were die-cut, the sentiment was computer-generated and adhered with foam tape. Enamel dots were added. The inside was lined with a panel of white and some coordinating paper. 

We hope to see you at our fun challenge - you could win a prize! Visit the DTC60 blog for the details.

Materials
Stamp: Computer-generated sentiment
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Pool Party, Real Red & Not Quite Navy; foiled cardstock in red & blue, white glitter paper
Patterned Paper: Doodlebug "Patriotic Parade" Collection
Die: Paper Smooches (balloons)
Misc.: Enamel dots and foam tape

Celebrate 400 Challenges!

We are celebrating our 400th challenge at Color My Heart Color Dare and you are invited! You could win a prize! Our challenges begin each Friday and last for two weeks so there is always an active challenge underway. This challenge begins on Friday, June 26, and ends on Thursday evening, July 9, 2020. We always provide a color board or inspiration photo so you can play along. Here is the board for this special occasion:

Using a "smooshing" technique, I was able to accomplish a watery blend for the background. Once the watercolor paper was dry, I applied a tropical leaf stencil and sponged the same colors onto the background. I finished it off with a spatter of water. Onto a light gray card base were added two panels - one white, one purple. Trimming the stenciled panel to size, I added it with foam tape. The stacked die-cut sentiment was adhered to the card along with a few clear droplets. The inside was decorated with coordinating paper scraps.

To mark our special celebration, we are offering prizes but you have to be in it to win it. Visit our Color Dare Challenge Blog #400 and join the fun!

Materials
Inks: Ranger DOX Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet, Twisted Citron, Lucky Clover
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Whisper White & Elegant Eggplant; W+9 Dove Gray
Paper: Canson Cold Press for Watercolor
Die: Spellbinders "Celebrate"
Stencil: Crafter's Workshop "Mini Ferns"
Misc.: Rhinestones & foam tape

Celebrate with Dahlias

Biweekly Challenge #399 at Color My Heart Color Dare is open Friday, June 19, through Thursday evening, July 2, 2020. The color theme is to create a monochromatic card using yellow. The rules also allow for the use of black and white.

Using a set of dies, I cut duplicate images of all the layers. The bottom layer was cut from a deep hue of yellow cardstock, the middle layer was cut from white cardstock, the top layer was cut from a light hue of yellow. I stacked the cardstock into the two dahlia images then adhered them together. Onto a white card base, I adhered a panel of dark yellow cardstock then a panel of black cardstock. The dahlias were added to the card front. A die-cut sentiment was added using white cardstock backed with black. The inside of the card was decorated with cardstock scraps.

Be sure to visit the Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge Blog for inspiration and guidelines.

Materials
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Basic Black, Hello Honey & Daffodil Delight
Dies: Birch Press Design "Dahlia Mini Frame" (three layers) & Spellbinders "Celebrate"

Merry Christmas - Iris Folding

It's time for a biweekly visit to the Double Trouble Blog - Challenge #59, We are partnering with the Retro Rubber Stamp Challenge #137. To play along with both challenges, you are required to use a stamp - it may be rubber or clear but it must be at least one year old and identified in your blog post. Digital images are not permitted for this challenge.

I used an Iris Folding technique to create a triangular image using five patterned papers. Using the sketch, which I reversed, I added patterned paper to the right one-third of the card and then added the tree with foam tape. The snowflakes were stamped and embossed with gold EP for a bit of sparkle. (The snowflake stamps are from 2014.) Part of the sentiment was stamped and embossed. The word "Joy" was die cut and adhered to complete the sentiment. The star was punched and added to the treetop. The inside was decorated with coordinating cardstock and stamped, embossed snowflakes.
                                Original                           Flipped

   

Note: Although this is known as Iris Folding, I did not use origami paper, but rather heavier patterned paper, meaning the paper strips were not folded and only a single thickness was used. Click HERE for a tutorial. 

In addition to the aforementioned challenges, I found another that interested me, therefore, I am adding this card to Papercraft Challenges #59. Their theme is Geometric.

For details on joining these challenges, visit the PC59,  DTC59 and Retro Rubber #137 blogs. You'll be glad you did! 

Materials
Stamps: Stampendous "Build a Snowman" (snowflakes) & Stampin' Up! "Endless Wishes" (part of sentiment)
Ink: Versamark
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Real Red, Coastal Cabana, Gold
Patterned Paper: Dare 2B Artzy "Snow Much Fun" Collection
Die: RCD (Joy - part of sentiment)
Punch: Stampin' Up! (star)
Misc: Embossing Powders - Recollections Gold Glitter & Stampin' Up! White, foam tape & embellishments from stash 

Birthday Celebration Fun Fold

It's the start of a new challenge at Color My Heart Color Dare. This is biweekly Challenge #397, beginning on Friday, June 5, and ending Thursday evening, June 18, 2020. Instead of the usual color board, we are offering an inspirational photo as a color guide.

During the Covid-19 stay-at-home period, I have been participating in a Zoom group and this is the card fold we decided to make. Everyone's card was made using their own supplies so I chose to make a card using colors from the above photo. "Double Delight", also known as a Double Pocket card, is not a new fold. It's quick and easy with the opportunity to keep the card clean and simple or to add plenty of bling. I later found a tutorial for the fold HERE.

When I first saw this suite of products that included the Eiffel Tower and other French elements, I was reminded of a fabulous summer vacation I enjoyed in France in 2005. Paris was so charming! I hope you have a special vacation memory, too. 

While following the tutorial I added foiled cardstock (gold) along some of the edges to provide more contrast between the paper patterns. I added a die-cut "Celebrate" in gold. The tags were created using coordinating paper. The aqua tag has a die-cut birthday sentiment in gold along with fussy cut flowers from the patterned paper. The pink tag was cut from coordinating paper to feature the Eiffel Tower. A personal message can be added to the back of the card. This card fits easily into an A2 envelope if the tags are tucked into the pockets.

Be sure to join in the paper crafting fun at the Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge #397 Blog. 

Materials
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Pool Party, Petal Pink & Gold
Paper: Stampin' Up! "Parisian Blossoms" Collection
Dies: Paper Rose "Happy Birthday" & Spellbinders "Celebrate"
Punch: Stampin' Up! Tag Topper
Misc.: Stampin' Up! ribbon & pearls

Just Cruisin' By...

The next biweekly challenge at Double Trouble #58 is up on the blog beginning Monday, June 1, ending Sunday evening, June 14, 2020. This challenge has one required element and two optional elements. Here is a summary but be sure to visit their blog to clarify the requirements and guidelines. Please note, that our partner is Use Your Stuff Challenge #399.

I enjoy making masculine cards perhaps because I grew up with three brothers and I have six nephews plus a husband and a stepson. To a gray card base, I adhered a panel of vanilla cardstock and then a panel of patterned paper that has little images of cars. I added a patterned strip for interest. To this, I added some die-cut gears in silver foiled cardstock and a few metallic "gems". The sentiment was computer generated and printed on vanilla cardstock. The sentiment and largest gear were popped with foam tape. The inside of the card was lined with a vanilla panel, a few die-cut gears and a VW Bug.

Be sure to check out the challenge blogs for DTC#58 and Use Your Stuff #399.

I am entering this card at Cardz 4 Guyz Challenge #246. The theme is Father's Day. I made this card for my stepson. Be sure to visit their blog!

In addition to the aforementioned challenges, I discovered a challenge that is new to me and decided to play along. Be sure to check out Two Sisters on the Blog. This is monthly challenge #40 ending on June 30, 2020. The requirement is to include at least two circles.

Materials
Stamp: Computer generated sentiment
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, Silver, Hello Honey
Patterned Paper: Stash
Dies:  RCD Gears & VW Beetle (inside)
Misc.: Foam tape and silver "gems"

Let's Celebrate!

Today is the last day for Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #370. This is a weekly challenge that begins on Mondays. I love using flowers on cards but have been trying to use other elements just for a change.

Onto a white card base, I added a panel of blue cardstock and then a die-cut panel of patterned paper sliced in keeping with the sketch. I liked the little butterflies fluttering about, using a white gel pen to emphasize their paths. I die cut the balloons from white cardstock and then sponged them for color, adding Wink of Stella for a little shine. The balloons were added with foam tape and the strings were hand-cut and glued directly to the card. Some tiny iridescent gems were added for sparkle. The sentiment was stamped, die-cut and matted then added with foam tape. The inside was decorated with additional balloons and hand-drawn strings.

Be sure to visit the AHSC Blog to join the weekly sketch challenges. You'll be glad you did!

Materials
Stamp:
Inks: DOX Peacock Feathers, Picked Raspberry, Ripe Persimmon & Lucky Clover
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White; CTMH Sapphire
Patterned Paper: CTMH "Sweet Girl"
Dies: Frantic Stamper "Deckled Rectangles" & Paper Smooches "Let's Celebrate" (balloons)
Misc.: Gems & foam tape

Saddle Up & Celebrate

Today marks the start of the second week of Double Trouble Challenge #57, "Brown Bag-It Day". This biweekly challenge will end on Sunday evening, May 31, 2020.  There are three "Things" to the challenge:

Thing 1 (required): Trouble Maker wants to see Kraft paper (or a paper bag) on your projects. Visit the challenge blog for inspiration and clarification.

Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare dares you to link your project to Crafting Happiness. Because these are weekly challenges, you may create something for either or both Challenge #49 and Challenge #50. Be sure to check their guidelines, too. This blog posting is for Challenge #50. To view the project for Challenge #49, click HERE.

Thing 3 (optional): Twisted Sister hopes you will include a favorite item or toy from childhood. I remember wearing red cowboy boots. How special they were! I never wanted to remove them.

I hope to see your projects posted at Double Trouble Challenge #57 and Crafting Happiness #50!

Materials
Stamps: My Favorite Things "Saddle Up & Celebrate", Scraps of Love "Cactus Doodle"
Inks: Stampin' Up! Soft Sky, Baked Brown Sugar, Perfect Plum, Memento Tuxedo Black & Copic Alcohol Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Baked Brown Sugar, Real Red & Perfect Plum
Stencil: MFT (sky/clouds)
Punch: Stampin' Up! (cloud)
Misc.: Foam tape

Congrats - Say It with Flowers

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #369 closes today, Sunday, May 24, 2020. I wanted to play along so hurried to finish my card because time was running out! I am also going to use this sketch as inspiration for another card that will not be submitted for this challenge. 

A die-cut panel of black cardstock was adhered to a pink card base, followed by a die-cut floral panel. I added a length of black satin ribbon and stamped the sentiment onto a scrap of white The die-cut circles were stacked and adhered together and attached to the card front with foam tape. The inside was lined with white cardstock and decorated with a piece of a die-cut circle in black.

Be sure to visit the AHSC Blog for weekly sketch challenges. 

Materials
Stamp: Sizzix Circle Sentiments #662347
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Basic Black & Strawberry Slush
Patterned Paper: Dare 2B Artzy "Bright Blooms"
Dies: Sizzix Circle Sentiments #662347 & Kat Scrappiness Scalloped Stitched Rectangles
Misc: Foam tape

Just Flyin' By...

With Father's Day almost here plus a few family birthdays, I have been making masculine cards. I made this card in response to the Tictactoe Challenge #065. I selected the second row - Blue, Square and Outdoors.

I trimmed the navy blue cardstock to a 5" x 5" square card base and added a few panels. I have been whittling away at my huge paper stash so I chose two patterned papers for this card. The final two panels were added using foam tape along with the sentiment. The inside was decorated with coordinating paper. I kept the card low profile for ease of mailing.

Be sure to visit the TTTC065 Blog and play along with the challenge. The weekly challenges begin on Thursdays.

Materials
Stamp: Sentiment computer generated
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla, Night of Navy & Cajun Craze
Patterned Paper: Stampin' Up (gold dotted paper from stash) & Authentique "Explore" (aircraft)
Dies: Frantic Stamper Deckled Edge Rectangles (I adapted them to create squares.)
Misc.: Foam tape

To a Stand-up Friend - Masculine Birthday

Another biweekly Tictactoe Color Challenge began today, Friday, May 22. Color My Heart Color Dare #395 runs through Thursday evening, June 4, 2020. The rules are simple - just pick a row from the Tictactoe board below and use those colors on a paper crafting project. Once you have decided on the three-in-a-row colors, you may add additional colors from the grid. Only colors that appear on the board are acceptable. Black, white, silver and gold may be used as neutrals. I selected the first column, Eggplant, Peacock and Sage then included Linen and Charcoal (light).

Onto the card base, I added a simple frame stamped with a design. The Meerkats were stamped and colored with Copic markers. The sentiment was stamped. Two strips were added across the card front and the focal image was added with foam tape. Enamel dots finished off the card front. The inside was lined with cardstock and decorated with a stamped Meerkat and a birthday sentiment.

Be sure to visit the Color My Heart Color Dare #395 Blog to review the challenge requirements and to join in the challenge!

Materials
Stamp Set: Stampin' Up! "The Gang's All Here" (Meerkats & interior sentiment), "Under My Umbrella" (sentiment), "Memorable Mosaic" (design on frame)
Inks: Stampin' Up! Island Indigo; Memento Tuxedo Black; Copic Alcohol Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla (Linen), Elegant Eggplant, Pistachio Pudding (Sage), Island Indigo (Peacock)
Misc.: Enamel dots & foam tape