Bold and Bright (TSOT #660)

Try a Sketch on Tuesday Challenge #660 is open, and there is a fun sketch to go along with it, as seen below.

I had great hope for my card but as usual, photography is the bane of my existence. My card sparkles and shines and reflects prismatic light and the colors coordinate beautifully together. My photograph does not capture all of that. So, use your imagination, and picture the sparkle from the glitter paper.

Once the colors and types of paper were decided, the pieces were cut, and the card was assembled. The final step was to add the festive tree to the card center with foam tape. The inside of the card is decorated with tiny punched trees using green glitter paper.

Another view:

The TSOT Design Team is eager for you to view interpretations of the sketch, so click on the TSOT660 Blog to view them. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Melanie

Materials

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & Foiled Cardstock (silver)

Paper: Recollections Glitter Paper (blue and green)

Die: Spellbinders "Stitchmas Tree"

Misc.: Honey Bee pearls and gems stickers, SBC thin foam tape (1 mm.)

It's the Freezin' Season! (DTC #181)

The year is almost over. How quickly they seem to go. This is the last Double Trouble Challenge of 2024. If you still have cards to finish, this is the challenge for you, or just make a few cards for upcoming occasions.

Over at the DTC#181 Blog, Trouble Maker has declared this challenge theme to be "Anything Goes."  And, our challenge will be extended through Sunday, December 29, 2024.

There's one "thing" you should know. Twisted Sister is insisting on having her optional twist:  Include at least one of the following on your project - ribbon, bow, string, cord, twine, Washi tape... OR, even a die-cut bow!

Double Dare is hoping you will link your last-minute holiday cards at the Jingle Belles Challenge to celebrate 'Wrapping Up 2024'.  And if you have created non-holiday cards multiply the fun by linking your projects with other previous partner(s).

Using an old sketch to get started, I created this Santa card. I think it's easy to discern how my card was made. The inside was decorated with paper scraps and a die-cut bow.

Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas... and remember

that Jesus is the reason...

Melanie               

Materials

Stamp: LDRS "Baby, It's Cold Outside"

Ink: Stampin' Up! Mossy Meadow

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Real Red; SBC very dark green from my stash

Patterned Paper: SBC Patterned Collections ("Christmas" and "Merry")

Die: Kokorosa - Octagon Nesting Dies

Misc.: SBC thin foam tape, Recollections "Gold Bling" Stickers, JIJA Gold String Twine (Amazon)

Just a Note (CD #629)

 

Time marches on and it's time again for the bi-weekly Color Dare Challenge #629. This challenge runs from Friday, November 29, through Thursday, December 12, 2024. Following is the color board for this challenge. Select at least three of the colors and use them when creating your project. I used five colors from the board plus white.

Using an alcohol marker, I applied three of the colors to an area that I masked off. Alcohol markers were also used on the white die-cut leaves and a flower. The sentiment was die-cut from dark green cardstock that was in my stash. A white panel was die-cut into a stitched rectangle and the various elements were added.

To a white card base, I added a panel of dark green cardstock that matched the sentiment, then adhered the white stitched rectangles with the elements. The inside of the card was decorated with a flower and a few leaves that coordinated with the card front. 

The Color Dare Design Team has cards on display to inspire you, so visit the CD#629 Blog and join in the challenge fun. Thank you for stopping by to view my card.

Melanie

Materials

Ink: Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & SBC scrap in very dark green 

Dies: Birch Press Design (sentiment), Spellbinders (flower and leaves), LDRS Stitched Rectangles

Fa-la-la (DTC #180 and AHSC #605)

Dec 2, 2024: This card was a weekly favorite at Splitcoast Stampers.

The second week of the Double Trouble #180 Challenge is underway. We have one requirement: Add any type of stitching to your project. This also means you will be entered into our random drawing.

We also have an optional element that includes our partner, Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge: Use our partner's sketches posted below. 

Sketch #604 was open from Monday, November 18, through Sunday, November 24, 2024, and can be seen HERE. 

Sketch #605 is open from Monday, November 25, through Sunday, December 1, 2024. Play along to earn another chance in our random drawing.

If you have added stitching and followed at least one of the sketches, you can link your project(s) to the respective AHSC Challenges, and earn yet another chance at the random drawing.

Below is the sketch for AHSC #605. It has a holiday theme but is adaptable for any occasion. This sketch applies only to the one-week challenge at AHSC but may be submitted to DTC #180 during the entire two-week period.

To make my card, seasonal patterned paper was used. A few elements were made using dies and fussy-cutting images from the paper. Following the sketch, the elements were placed using foam tape. This was assembled onto a green card base. The inside was lined with a panel of stitched white cardstock and decorated with coordinating paper scraps and a few fussy-cut flowers.

Side note: Once my card front was finished, I realized I had forgotten to use my stitched rectangle die on the "Falala" paper. Therefore, my stitching was die-cut into the white panel for the inside of the card.

My card was also entered into the November Colorful Options Challenge, "Red".

I hope you will play along with us at DTC 180! Thank you for viewing my blog. Your comments are welcome. 

Melanie

Materials

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Real Red, Garden Green, & Vellum

Patterned Paper: Spellbinders "Handmade Holidays"

Dies: LDRS Scalloped Rectangles (card front) & Jade Blossoms Stitched Rectangles (card inside)

Misc.: SBC Thin Foam Tape (1 mm.)

Happy Freezin' Season - (DTC #180 & AHSC #604)

The new Double Trouble #180 Challenge Challenge is underway. We have one requirement: Add any type of stitching to your project. This also means you will be entered into our random drawing.

We also have an optional element that includes our partner, Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge: Use our partner's sketches posted below. Sketch #604 is open from Monday, November 18, through Sunday, November 24, 2024. Sketch #605 is open from Monday, November 25, through Sunday, December 1, 2024. This is another way to earn a chance in our random drawing.

If you have added stitching and followed at least one of the sketches, you can link your project(s) to the respective AHSC Challenges, and earn another chance at the random drawing.

Below is the sketch for AHSC #604, which runs from Monday, November 18, 2024, ending on Sunday, November 24, 2024. It has a holiday theme but is adaptable for any occasion. This sketch applies only to the one-week challenge at AHSC but may be submitted to DTC #180 during the entire two-week period.

To make my card seasonal patterned paper was used. A few elements were made using dies as well as fussy-cutting images from the paper. Following the sketch, the elements were placed using foam tape. The gems were added, and a tiny stamped sentiment followed. This was assembled onto a white card base. The inside was decorated with coordinating paper scraps and a few fussy-cut Christmas presents.

I hope you will play along with us at DTC 180! Thank you for viewing my blog. Your comments are welcome. 

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: LDRS "Baby, It's Cold Outside"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & Real Red 

Patterned Paper: SBC "Merry" Patterned Collection

Dies: Spellbinders "Modern Ovals" & Kokorosa "Fancy Stitched Rectangles"

Misc.: SBC foam tape (1 mm.) & Honey Bee sticker gems

Happy Birthday with Moroccan Paper (CD #627)

Here is my project for the Color Dare Challenge #627, which is open through Thursday, November 28, 2024. The color board is below. In this challenge, you must use all three colors on your project without adding additional colors. But... black, white, other neutrals, plus metallics are free to use. 

You may use the closest match from your stash if you don't have exact colors. The only color addition to my design is the Kraft color as a neutral and a thin strip of gold foiled cardstock. 

Using a sketch from the past, scraps of Moroccan-inspired patterned paper were cut into strips and adhered to a scrap of copy paper. Using a white card base, the remaining cut elements were added and topped off with the patterned piece. The sentiment was added with thin foam tape. The inside was decorated with additional patterned paper scraps.

Additional cards are available on the CD#627 Blog, so take a look and play along. Thank you for stopping by!

Melanie

Materials

Stamp: Crafter's Companion

Ink: Stampin' Up! Petal Pink

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Petal Pink, Pretty Peacock, Gold Foil

Patterned Paper: Honey Bee "Pinstripes and Polka Dots", scraps from my stash

Misc.: SBC foam tape (1 mm.)

Beautiful Girl (TSOT #658)

Greetings. Welcome to my blog and to Try a Sketch on Tuesday Challenge #658. This semi-monthly challenge runs through Sunday afternoon, November 17, 2024. The sketch is pictured below. For guidelines and sample cards from the Design Team, visit the TSOT658 Blog.

 

Using elegant floral paper from my stash, the sketch was followed to make the card. Pinstripe peel-off stickers were used to create the silver strips. The sentiment was cut from the paper and popped up on a die-cut circle. To finish the card, silver gems were added. The inside of the white card base was decorated with additional patterned paper.

Another view of the card:

Thank you for looking and I hope you will join us at TSOT 658.

Melanie

Materials

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White

Patterned Paper: Paper Rose "Urban Garden"

Dies: Hero Arts Infinity (circles)

Misc.: Love from Lizi - pinstripe peel-off stickers, Honey Bee gems, SBC thin foam tape

Less Stress. More Happy (DTC #179 )

Double Trouble Challenge #179 is open and ready for your project. This challenge is biweekly and runs through Sunday, November 17, 2024. For details and guidelines visit the DTC 179 Blog. 

Thing 1 (required) for this challenge is to create a card in observance of National Nacho Day on November 6. It's simple because all we ask is that your project have "lotsa layers" (at least three). Food is not required for your project. My project has a card base plus four layers.

 

Thing 2 is an option for linking up your layered project with our partner if you were inspired by the photograph in Thing 3. To create my project, I needed something to brighten the day after the past week of cold, rainy weather so cheerful paper and an old stamp set from my stash were used. 

Thing 3 is an option to use the Photo Prompt (below) provided by Inspiration Station #67, our partner for this challenge. They hope you are inspired by the photo and that you let your creativity flow. I gained inspiration from the photo's comforting cup with a warm beverage. 

One of my favorite places is Inkspirational Challenges so I have also added my card to their blog for #328.

And, finally, drop by the Coffee Lovers Challenge and enter your project.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and I hope you enjoy the challenge at Double Trouble.

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Stampin' Up! "A Nice Cuppa"

Inks: Stampin' Up! Mint Macaron & Basic Gray

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Basic Gray, Mint Macaron, Daffodil Delight, & misc. scraps

Patterned Paper: Catherine Pooler "Color Pop" Collection

Punches: Stampin' Up! several for the small flowers

Misc.: Paper Rose sentiment strip, white gel pen, SBC foam tape (1 mm.)

Take Time to Rest (CD #625)

Look at this color board below — so many possibilities! Due to other obligations, I have had little time to create lately. I would have been disappointed if I had missed these gorgeous colors.

Several challenges ago I saw a card using a companion set of dies coordinating with a set in my stash. I was drawn toward the modern vibe of the flowers. When I saw this color board I thought about those dies sitting unused. This is Color Dare Challenge #625, which runs through Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Three challenge colors were selected, red, gold, and orange, adding white and gray tones as neutrals. I quickly realized that five bright flowers on an A2 card had created chaos so I used only three. As the card began to take shape, the patterned Argyll background was added but the background needed more. So the two additional flowers were included in gray stripes rather than bright colors, becoming part of the background and keeping with the modern vibe I was seeking.

The sentiment was added to a strip of paper and popped up with foam tape. Gems in red and gold were adhered. (Lately, for no particular reason I have been using five or more gems rather than three.) Very small partial matting was added to the upper left and lower right corners in orange and gold and then adhered to a red card base. The inside was lined with white cardstock and decorated with a flower.

Thank you for stopping by to view my card. Be sure to visit the CD 625 Blog for challenge guidelines and the Design Team's cards.

Melanie

Materials

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, & Tangerine Tango

Patterned Paper: Paper Rose "Urban Garden", Sunny Studio "Subtle Gray" (Argyle pattern), Honey Bee "Stripes & Polka Dots"

Dies: Sizzix Thinlits Wildflower Stems #3 (#665221)

Time for Tea (DTC #178)

It's the fifth Monday in October and at Double Trouble Challenge #178 we're enjoying an Anything Goes theme as the required element. Our usual challenges last two weeks but this one is only one week, ending on Sunday evening, November 3, 2024.

Be sure to visit the DTC 178 Blog for challenge guidelines and additional information about the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop.

Since the theme is Anything Goes, I just moved on to the options. Thing 2's option is to link up my card with a previous partner, so I went with Ellibelle's Corner - I Spy with my Little Eye - The Colors of the Season.

To create Thing 3's option for an autumn flavor, I used fall colors. Using a stamp set from 2016, the image was stamped onto white cardstock and matted. The plaid paper was added to a burgundy card base. Inspired by a sketch from the past, a curry-colored banner was placed on its side and layered with a simple rectangular scrap of burgundy. Next, using thin foam tape, the focal image was added. I decided to adhere more-than-the-usual gems in burgundy and gold to add sparkle and interest. To finish, I added a small fall leaf.

The inside of the burgundy card base was lined with a panel of curry cardstock then a layer of white, and stamped with a coordinating sentiment, "and spending time with you." Another small leaf decorated the inside.

The Design Team has posted their fabulous cards to offer inspiration so join DTC Challenge #178 and have fun!

Thank you for stopping by.

Melanie

Materials

Stamp Set: Stampin' Up! "A Nice Cuppa"

Inks: Stampin' Up! Crushed Curry, Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Crushed Curry, Bravo Burgundy

Patterned Paper: Craftsmith "Fall Plaids"

Misc.: Honey Bee sticker gems, SBC thin foam tape (1 mm.)

Ghostly Greetings (TSOT #657)

Try a Sketch on Tuesday Challenge #657 opened on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, and closes on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Visit our Challenge #657 Blog for details and guidelines.

Here's a sketch that's just right for any theme but the image inspired me to create something for Halloween. I am not a big fan of goblins, devils, and witches on my cards but I had these ghost dies in my stash that looked friendly enough.

To create the card, the ghosts were die-cut from white cardstock. Black cardstock scraps were adhered to the backs of the white images to darken the eyes and mouths. A black oval frame was added and a panel of purple was layered as a background for the oval aperture. The ghosts were added using thin foam tape.

The sentiment was stamped directly onto the card base. The inside was lined with a panel of white cardstock matted with purple cardstock and a tiny ghost was added. Another greeting was stamped inside, "What's up, pumpkin?".

My card will be given to one of my nephews. Thank you for stopping by to view it. I hope you will play along with TSOT Challenge #657.

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Brass & Bliss "Ghostly Greetings" & Wintertime Crafts "Spatter and Brush"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Perfect Plum

Dies: Brass & Bliss "Ghostly Greetings", Hero Arts Infinity (ovals)

Misc.: SBC foam tape (1 mm.) & Honey Bee gem stickers

"Spooky" Halloween card (DTC #177)

It won't be long before we hear the neighbor children calling out, "Trick or treat," while awaiting a bit of candy. The costumes are so cute. Plenty of eager superheroes or smiling princesses are at my door for a few hours. I plan on giving this card to one of my nephews who is about to outgrow this American tradition. 

Double Trouble Challenge #177 opened on Monday, October 7, 2024, and will close on Monday, October 28, 2024. Our challenges are usually two weeks in duration but this challenge is being extended. For guidelines and details about the challenge, visit the DTC 177 Blog.

My card was created using three of Double Trouble's required colors - purple, green, and orange. Neutrals are black and white. Typically, I avoid witches, ghouls, and goblins but found this friendly ghost acceptable. Neither stamp set had coordinating dies so everything was fussy-cut. Our partner for this challenge is A Cut Above. To meet our partner's requirement a set of deckle-edge rectangular dies was used for the green and purple layers. The card was also linked to our partner's challenge.

The Double Trouble Design Team has great examples to inspire you for this card challenge. We hope you will join the fun! Thank you for stopping by.

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Stampin' Up! "Fall Fest" & Brass & Bliss "Ghostly Greetings"

Inks: Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie & Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Garden Green, Perfect Plum

Patterned Paper: CP Designs "Color Pop"

Dies: Honey Bee Rectangles (Deckle Edge)

Misc.: SBC foam tape (1 & 2 mm.), Honey Bee gem stickers (green), Spellbinders Dots (black for ghost's eyes)

Hello Fall (CD 621)

Update 10/16/2024: This card was chosen as a Splitcoast Stampers Favorite of the Week.

Hello to all! The Tic Tac Toe format is my favorite of the Color Dare Challenge styles. This is Color Dare Challenge #621 beginning on Friday, October 4, 2024, and ending on Thursday, October 17, 2024. It's simple - using the color board below, select three colors in a row as if you are playing Tic Tac Toe, and use only those to create your card. You may use any number of colors but they must appear on the board. Neutrals and metallics are free to use.

My initial selection was from the middle row - Capri, Pumpkin, and Jade. As my card progressed I added Sundance, Peach, Desert Rose, Evergreen, and Honey Butter. I did not have precise colors but substituted them with similar colors from my stash. I found a piece of plaid paper with several colors from the board plus charcoal as a neutral and decided to use it. In the end, I have all of the colors except Scarlet.

Rectangular layers were adhered at an angle to a white card base. The sentiment was hand-drawn onto another die-cut rectangle and added with thin foam tape. Next, the die-cut elements were touched up with markers and added. A few gems were also included. The inside was decorated with a scrap of plaid paper and a few die-cut leaves.

We would enjoy seeing your card so visit the Challenge 621 Blog and join the fun!

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Your comments are appreciated.

Melanie

Materials

Stamp: None used - the sentiment was handwritten.

Ink: Copic Alcohol Markers & white gel pen

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Just Jade, Pool Party (for Capri), Hello Honey (for Sundance), Crisp Cantaloupe (for Peach), and Pumpkin Pie.  Also, W+9 Cashmere (as a neutral).

Patterned paper: Echo Park "Life Is Beautiful"

Dies: Leaves and Gourds (unbranded) & Jaded Blossoms Stitched Rectangles

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

Autumn Birthday - Masculine (TSOT #656)

Update 10/06/2024: This card was chosen as a Splitcoast Stampers Favorite of the Week.

It's the first Tuesday in October, so it's time to "Try a Sketch on Tuesday". This is Challenge #656 and runs from Tuesday, October 1, 2024, through Sunday, October 13, 2024. This is a great sketch providing inspiration for other styles and occasions. In fact, I turned it into a masculine fun fold card by placing the opening along the vertical line instead of at the usual right edge and using autumn colors and plaid papers.

Here is the sketch:

The card elements were cut and assembled, and the die-cut leaves were added along with the sentiment. The gold metallic bling represents the two small circles on the sketch. The inside was lined with white cardstock and decorated with patterned paper and additional leaves. Additional photos are included below.

                    Front Vew                          Inside View   

Thank you for stopping by. The TSOT Design Team looks forward to seeing your card. 

Melanie

Materials

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Old Olive, Delightful Dijon & Bravo Burgundy

Paper: Craftsmith "Fall Plaids"

Die: Altenew "Decorative Swirls" (Leaf)

Misc.: Paper Rose (sentiment sheet) & Recollections Bling stickers