tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82582006489310087622024-03-17T20:07:58.032-04:00Stitches and SmudgesMelanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.comBlogger863125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-39276179470461891582024-03-15T06:00:00.071-04:002024-03-15T06:00:00.131-04:00Spring Florals - Anemone Easter Card (DTC #162)<div style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWaHA6K0avdFyPx2ADacW19dj9vkW1sr4WxQ_aQg4MtnESiZwg5a8W9-JUUB9JsakSUkvf_TSavJCdbKdn1hs0dlxyziuzD8T6KqLWIYntqQX-ohjpJGdL8bfoldtW1ZW2Tgo8yoHbrFeh9ttk6KiNnGkKTUOEl4GucIg22J2ojqWXRQ-8wOvUuQL4sw/w413-h518/Melanie%20DTC%20162.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span>Double Trouble Challenge</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHySqcHiDm3qHSC1f075xURFmwVJSec4HMCiIPp_-O9WqRupCC53d24tEmf5coIRah0myqM6IdSMy9HFZrs9w6jRo1OQ1U_sfMcFm8XkcEXRng8HFKPr2-GUkb6Bc0QlE11j1CKhQwNwincPs38RFmhSqeG3n8N6QnIFDIgMRxccIBZ2-1l99Y-G-eyM/s320/DTC%20162%20clip%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="227" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHySqcHiDm3qHSC1f075xURFmwVJSec4HMCiIPp_-O9WqRupCC53d24tEmf5coIRah0myqM6IdSMy9HFZrs9w6jRo1OQ1U_sfMcFm8XkcEXRng8HFKPr2-GUkb6Bc0QlE11j1CKhQwNwincPs38RFmhSqeG3n8N6QnIFDIgMRxccIBZ2-1l99Y-G-eyM/w337-h476/DTC%20162%20clip%20art.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for viewing my Spring Floral Easter card and welcome to <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/Challenge-162.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble Challenge #162</a></b>. This biweekly challenge ends on Sunday evening, March 31, 2024. As always, there are three elements to this challenge. Be sure to visit the <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/Challenge-162.html" target="_blank">DTC162 Blog</a></b> for specific details. Our partner for this challenge is <b><a href="https://beautifulblossomschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beautiful Blossoms #15</a></b>.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQrXO9Y2J921IQT0UIPCs4_stYToymNvcxbHn0jhEIf06ldnAs5cgtZ3Tl1mE7O_clOV-v1pgdArEtwVN_YE3rrySxLrm2tZTg4fjOsUergV2oyeY2MDaIm8M1e0L_s6t1G9pufyPMvdYVXx7ZZ6bIvd0RLOVKvrkRWy3pVB24ieWFGxQrDPDK7vC-9A/s977/Beautiful%20Blossoms%20Badge.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="977" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQrXO9Y2J921IQT0UIPCs4_stYToymNvcxbHn0jhEIf06ldnAs5cgtZ3Tl1mE7O_clOV-v1pgdArEtwVN_YE3rrySxLrm2tZTg4fjOsUergV2oyeY2MDaIm8M1e0L_s6t1G9pufyPMvdYVXx7ZZ6bIvd0RLOVKvrkRWy3pVB24ieWFGxQrDPDK7vC-9A/w465-h202/Beautiful%20Blossoms%20Badge.png" width="465" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since purchasing a new die set with pretty Anemones I was eager to use it for this challenge. The style of the flowers appealed to me - sort of Art Deco. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Although not required, our partner's Mood Board provided direction for my selection of colors, however, the</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> layout is directly from the Spellbinders packaging but adding the textured background was my personal choice. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After die-cutting the images and assembling the flowers the items were brushed with ink. A panel of cardstock was embossed and the elements were adhered. A layer of scrap cardstock was added behind each flower to elevate them slightly. (Even thin foam tape would have been too thick for the look I wanted.) For my optional Easter element, I simply added a meaningful sentiment in keeping with the solemnity of Easter.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In keeping with one of the challenge options I am linking my card with </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://beautifulblossomschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beautiful Blossoms Challenge #15</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;">. Here is their Mood Board. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq8e27So2ChwAbY3UqEvbdBQXqSYE4HluYhYEM1JPgfHCnd4-dGyNXwKz-Vb9_kpN-Jzl3JLqKWmwqwcHf8yzlwgYqhooQkwGIekj5FTnMahbXF61im18OxApo8xoEZlEqeSU2lMSG_SwvDuseMaJZaz83QKH57mg47quVjEjSluWd06Nqb36hMEgn4Q/s243/BEAUTIFUL%20BLOSSOMS%20INSPIRATION%20PHOTO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="192" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq8e27So2ChwAbY3UqEvbdBQXqSYE4HluYhYEM1JPgfHCnd4-dGyNXwKz-Vb9_kpN-Jzl3JLqKWmwqwcHf8yzlwgYqhooQkwGIekj5FTnMahbXF61im18OxApo8xoEZlEqeSU2lMSG_SwvDuseMaJZaz83QKH57mg47quVjEjSluWd06Nqb36hMEgn4Q/w207-h261/BEAUTIFUL%20BLOSSOMS%20INSPIRATION%20PHOTO.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Did you know that Anemones have deep meaning in many cultures? They symbolize love, affection, and good luck. The ancient Greeks thought they were the tears of Aphrodite and Adonis. Since my Anemones are purple, they also symbolize royalty.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to visit the Blogs for <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/Challenge-162.html" target="_blank">DTC #162</a></b> and <b><a href="https://beautifulblossomschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beautiful Blossoms #15</a></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp: Stamps of Life "Easter Statements"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Inks: Stampin' Up! Shaded Spruce & Rich Razzleberry</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White (card base), Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Pale Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Mint Macaron, Just Jade</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Die Set: Spellbinders "Fresh Picked Anemones"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Embossing Folder: Spellbinders "Optical Arches"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEFAcERNrLUgzAi_m4PoLIHXibs-aVV3WpPlIACNU0CrtXFmP60nXKvDAicUza07rhByrjqKjUKW9JURCavcwlmz0uHBMkAkkbIGcBPHmsNl5gJ0faIGVStHjCxJcd1fPhtFQHnxaMOmBzCUtDukWl7AsYZ9ZQ-uIWFOQ7ryizCJ2ZT_cdswz8og1zIs/s120/Flourish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="120" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEFAcERNrLUgzAi_m4PoLIHXibs-aVV3WpPlIACNU0CrtXFmP60nXKvDAicUza07rhByrjqKjUKW9JURCavcwlmz0uHBMkAkkbIGcBPHmsNl5gJ0faIGVStHjCxJcd1fPhtFQHnxaMOmBzCUtDukWl7AsYZ9ZQ-uIWFOQ7ryizCJ2ZT_cdswz8og1zIs/w235-h132/Flourish.jpg" width="235" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-13343671785022694592024-03-08T06:00:00.053-05:002024-03-08T08:55:42.782-05:00With Love (Color Dare 591)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRVikbZvOnOK7xGPnxFBocE6vPm7uS0IwlAQa-Lw40YPg243q-ug4jnN0_AQNrntxu3Y1joFghx9Mq-J3ospyrCLAKyIo5DfQakmh4LQsQFVZUWEtTzi375mmqN0YUreWKDyNNelPzyZliRmbESLpYp7OKGHkUAG6y078OTajQMeDVGTuPaUYlgceSwI/s668/Melanie%20Color%20Dare%20591.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="531" height="513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRVikbZvOnOK7xGPnxFBocE6vPm7uS0IwlAQa-Lw40YPg243q-ug4jnN0_AQNrntxu3Y1joFghx9Mq-J3ospyrCLAKyIo5DfQakmh4LQsQFVZUWEtTzi375mmqN0YUreWKDyNNelPzyZliRmbESLpYp7OKGHkUAG6y078OTajQMeDVGTuPaUYlgceSwI/w407-h513/Melanie%20Color%20Dare%20591.jpg" width="407" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for stopping my to see my card for <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2024/03/Challenge-591.html" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge #591</a></b>. The color board is below and demonstrates that this challenge requires the use of the colors black and white with the addition of only one color. I chose an orange color. I originally planned to use a soft peach but decided to use a stronger color.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA682t70qC5tmVijxb2SuqG4ibO-iQIDVm68SYHZ82eVZHN8yZWbPIVYHHIYXUX_ZwItzpsAk0i3vvSKYaGrnd574oE3xzbmXqSXGH5og_innXhV9BgbH_fItUqAUWCxlK39ZBKNdjvS6uo09YLHHPxHc3B4Lu90pkvmFftXOELt7kvWvygTIdgF6Y1Eg/s360/CD%20591.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA682t70qC5tmVijxb2SuqG4ibO-iQIDVm68SYHZ82eVZHN8yZWbPIVYHHIYXUX_ZwItzpsAk0i3vvSKYaGrnd574oE3xzbmXqSXGH5og_innXhV9BgbH_fItUqAUWCxlK39ZBKNdjvS6uo09YLHHPxHc3B4Lu90pkvmFftXOELt7kvWvygTIdgF6Y1Eg/s320/CD%20591.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The image was stamped onto white cardstock, partially fussy cut then placed onto a panel of black cardstock. The sentiment was then stamped. The ink was brushed onto the flowers and sentiment. This was adhered to a white card base. The ink was also brushed onto white scraps to create the striped elements.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The inside was stamped with another sentiment and a smaller flower that coordinates with the larger image on the front. This was also brushed with ink.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Because this is a large image, the card was created using an A6 size so that the image would not appear crowded.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamps: Gina K "Sweet Memories"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & Basic Black</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Size: A6 (4.75" x 6.5")</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtt2Cbfq2SlM7iJs8-GbhsfT4nyvrncaXa-EqPKdQHMd_5Ke1Cedy29cRkOsnSgf7kqGYEcc1aLibkT36l_Rxm-ibz2PAD2cYvAf1VOzIuS7D5gEU4c2tdp9Wx1feSeBPZHFwKnulCxJyxm3PiEYr5RINmaLfIMleXtErHoVb983lYurSkcb3kwjwk-w/s120/Flourish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="120" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtt2Cbfq2SlM7iJs8-GbhsfT4nyvrncaXa-EqPKdQHMd_5Ke1Cedy29cRkOsnSgf7kqGYEcc1aLibkT36l_Rxm-ibz2PAD2cYvAf1VOzIuS7D5gEU4c2tdp9Wx1feSeBPZHFwKnulCxJyxm3PiEYr5RINmaLfIMleXtErHoVb983lYurSkcb3kwjwk-w/w183-h120/Flourish.jpg" width="183" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-25582750706578646142024-03-01T06:00:00.296-05:002024-03-01T06:00:00.140-05:00Good Luck Card for St. Patrick's Day<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahNOSHhkByZ-evuzXNn9MUnAMOJYfYqU35IAR3Q80uGB7Dw6PDBjdlqXH_PvcGCj3xGkUdM1rBathMxWLa1yEwlecfoOLDL1VhegWl-ukn4hSG3PKc9_Bsk-_JfqDHw2FndSzJa0dnd-Vs9gz0yiQxj12AWpwi0M6k2LLRoNkVjXi18L8dmrSsIsOflw/s959/DTC%20161.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="745" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahNOSHhkByZ-evuzXNn9MUnAMOJYfYqU35IAR3Q80uGB7Dw6PDBjdlqXH_PvcGCj3xGkUdM1rBathMxWLa1yEwlecfoOLDL1VhegWl-ukn4hSG3PKc9_Bsk-_JfqDHw2FndSzJa0dnd-Vs9gz0yiQxj12AWpwi0M6k2LLRoNkVjXi18L8dmrSsIsOflw/w377-h485/DTC%20161.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht42wHb5JX8FhgIdQ5BiaKIiuyPA_QMGvxSwVL5m5opydjeRPIb4bpsyw5QmvZxPDsd48iClaNyUApsaLgpbhE-UseAcQu6PGAjkOKaNK99CTc4K3bqBqyPNQi2Wp6Yv-zD53YfS-Lg2Nzkx8BCbBGqT7OouZ0CHIeW9DRwjSkE3QriqGt_aJyFFfmpLE/s576/dTC%20161%20clip%20art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht42wHb5JX8FhgIdQ5BiaKIiuyPA_QMGvxSwVL5m5opydjeRPIb4bpsyw5QmvZxPDsd48iClaNyUApsaLgpbhE-UseAcQu6PGAjkOKaNK99CTc4K3bqBqyPNQi2Wp6Yv-zD53YfS-Lg2Nzkx8BCbBGqT7OouZ0CHIeW9DRwjSkE3QriqGt_aJyFFfmpLE/w444-h444/dTC%20161%20clip%20art.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's time to play along with another biweekly challenge at Double Trouble. This is <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/Challenge-161.html" target="_blank">Challenge #161</a></b>, beginning on Friday, March 1, 2024, and ending on Thursday, March 14, 2024. For details, visit the <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/Challenge-161.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble Blog</a></b>.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Our partner for this challenge is </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://festivefridaychallenge.com/festive-friday-card-making-and-paper-crafting-challenge-ff0154/" target="_blank">Festive Friday #FF0154</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;">. Their inspiration board is below. There are ten items to choose from but you only need three. Using the color green for Double Trouble was my first element. I included four additional items on my card - Gold, Gold Embellishments, Clover, and the Good Luck Sentiment.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVlm3zDN5_z4mjFJyGbLftvHAql45kFiK-N93W6BdWCfminReExnjkv4n32R6TdgqLjHFqWv9O9zDU5VMxXcAOHffx-ngkBgZeSVKrIAgy4mAbEMi0FekCFw1z1GNLBVtutHeI3hOf9-fqOtvxbTGcsS_REXwES2uFM7YAOzuLsjy8jPABAOqM7e-Ek8/s295/Festive%20Friday%20%23154%20Sait%20Patricts%20Day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="295" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVlm3zDN5_z4mjFJyGbLftvHAql45kFiK-N93W6BdWCfminReExnjkv4n32R6TdgqLjHFqWv9O9zDU5VMxXcAOHffx-ngkBgZeSVKrIAgy4mAbEMi0FekCFw1z1GNLBVtutHeI3hOf9-fqOtvxbTGcsS_REXwES2uFM7YAOzuLsjy8jPABAOqM7e-Ek8/w340-h340/Festive%20Friday%20%23154%20Sait%20Patricts%20Day.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>I decided to use a stencil to create an Argyl pattern on my card but once the orange ink was applied, I changed my mind and added green ink without adding the additional Argyl lines so it looks more Harlequin than Argyl. Then the stenciled panel was cut into two pieces. Onto a panel of green cardstock, a white panel followed by an inked panel in Pumpkin Pie were added. Then I added the stenciled strip, matted in Parakeet Party. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The sentiment was die cut from gold glimmer paper, shadowed by vellum. The four-leafed clover was created by stamping a small heart four times, fussy-cutting the image, and adding a stem. The clover was popped up with foam tape. Gold metallic pearls were added. The inside of the card was decorated with the second strip of stenciling. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We hope you will join us for this challenge. Just click <b>HERE</b> and you will be connected to the Double Trouble Blog.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp: Concord & 9th "Sweet on You" (small hearts for clover)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Inks: Stampin' Up! Parakeet Party & Pumpkin Pie</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Parakeet Party, Garden Green, Glimmer (gold), & vellum</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stencil: Pink Fresh "Argyle"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Die w/shadow (sentiment): Photoplay "Good Luck" </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape, Honey Bee Gems</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqixTU8TkJcxpqQCp2gU8JE5oQoyIujdTwZR7sNoE39vB1yzTVN8AqXh7RW75Zy3QyqicBKZFOAOI2x1ymC9zv_tVHFH_Ms4PbTyreFhMUEMVy5Tx-KHYbWsV2O6bkmZRpfWFOOib_SQoqf8nQaelJFafIx4-QwzoHr_hos6KI4fuGpfjuLWVpiyI5No/s120/Flourish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="120" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqixTU8TkJcxpqQCp2gU8JE5oQoyIujdTwZR7sNoE39vB1yzTVN8AqXh7RW75Zy3QyqicBKZFOAOI2x1ymC9zv_tVHFH_Ms4PbTyreFhMUEMVy5Tx-KHYbWsV2O6bkmZRpfWFOOib_SQoqf8nQaelJFafIx4-QwzoHr_hos6KI4fuGpfjuLWVpiyI5No/w184-h184/Flourish.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-18075296781320600052024-02-16T06:00:00.254-05:002024-02-19T14:02:01.060-05:00Spring Card with a Fun Fold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1MR2NZa6dmVEKx_FxFO2fub12z2qLgvkLYIkE-Z7XoX4J8TwMCGJbM-NpmbfKfgNbiP_4W_izPQMwlc5-l_5oD1Cn8Q77pZ4CbMVbvcqVrL2XehN7ItOK8yeO80Nk8Zrg_3gMSCR0I6wq0gMbOCLc8jMGM11dysJ0t3auSPDAiIvURSE5cSaCktIg4M/s2911/IMG_0528Y.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1883" data-original-width="2911" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1MR2NZa6dmVEKx_FxFO2fub12z2qLgvkLYIkE-Z7XoX4J8TwMCGJbM-NpmbfKfgNbiP_4W_izPQMwlc5-l_5oD1Cn8Q77pZ4CbMVbvcqVrL2XehN7ItOK8yeO80Nk8Zrg_3gMSCR0I6wq0gMbOCLc8jMGM11dysJ0t3auSPDAiIvURSE5cSaCktIg4M/w462-h299/IMG_0528Y.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/02/Challenge-160.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble Challenge #160</a></b> is temporarily on a different schedule by opening this challenge on Friday, February 16, 2024. Our format, however, has not changed so this challenge is based on three "Things". <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/02/Challenge-160.html" target="_blank">Challenge #160 Blog</a></b> provides an explanation in detail of the requirements and options.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Creating a fun fold is the required element. Recently, a correspondent of mine shared instructions with me on creating a "Diamond Tent Fun Fold" card. I decided to create the card for this challenge and play along with Thing 2 by submitting it to our challenge partner, <b><a href="https://secretstamper.com/2024/02/anything-goes-with-a-fun-fold-for-creative-creases-76/" target="_blank">Creative Creases #76</a></b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The instructions began with a card base of 6" x 12" but I typically use cardstock no longer than 11", so I made it work. It meant the landscape card now stands at 3.5" tall rather than 4" tall but the width remained unchanged at 6", about the size of a mini-slimline design. Once the base was completed, the card was quick and easy to decorate. One of the challenge options is to recognize Leap Day, which falls on February 29, 2024. The option is to include a creature who leaps, so rabbits were added, which works with my spring theme. My niece's paper collection with matching ephemera came in handy by using two different paper patterns and two different green-colored cardstock panels to complete the card. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Three rabbits were die-cut in different colors and tucked into the card's fold</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> along with adding a floral image and a butterfly. I thought the card needed more color so touches of pink ink were </span><span style="font-family: arial;">brushed onto a few elements, including the rabbit ears. There is an inside fold to this card, which was embellished with a die-cut rabbit. The sentiment was omitted for now and there is sufficient space for a personal note. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I think I need to take some lessons in photography. I am constantly disappointed with my photographs! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to join this fun challenge and try your hand at creating a fun fold - it can be rewarding! Visit </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/02/Challenge-160.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble #160</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> and </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://secretstamper.com/2024/02/anything-goes-with-a-fun-fold-for-creative-creases-76/" target="_blank">Creative Creases #76</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to play along.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for looking.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Melanie</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: CTMH "Rosy"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Crumb Cake, Smoky Slate</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper & Ephemera: Echo Park "Good to Be Home" Collection</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Die: Jaded Blossom Gnome Collection (rabbit)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-91926072966137239772024-02-09T06:00:00.153-05:002024-02-09T07:13:36.863-05:00Wild Meadow All Occasion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXcP8v5CFM8HDUy7wzCDho5vpnUZB7N0yTpcYrZdIYWvE9CIuA2vJcQ5c3WEhsoBe-mJj-rNhFdL8tPz1_TNe16-2FwnRQkm8FwOyQ3TnJTb70nf3yuXbxnV0fbci7n9KU3f5ZAy3iKbT8BNJTkPL4xDxNMtSxM0KWVet3Evm5PLTstMtv5zmPSt1C1w/s600/CD%20587%20MelanieR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="460" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXcP8v5CFM8HDUy7wzCDho5vpnUZB7N0yTpcYrZdIYWvE9CIuA2vJcQ5c3WEhsoBe-mJj-rNhFdL8tPz1_TNe16-2FwnRQkm8FwOyQ3TnJTb70nf3yuXbxnV0fbci7n9KU3f5ZAy3iKbT8BNJTkPL4xDxNMtSxM0KWVet3Evm5PLTstMtv5zmPSt1C1w/w362-h473/CD%20587%20MelanieR.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's time to join the <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2024/02/Challenge-587.html" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge #587</a></b>. I love the color called Rosy, especially paired with Capri and a touch of metallic gold ink. Below is the Color Dare Board. All you do is choose at least three colors and create. You may not add colors that are not on the board. Black, white, and neutrals are free to use. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLbYtzQ6yy0ALEjz67BoaVF1EIzARpBK0v_YJJCqIDYTOxalNlCNU1XDcJiL8op-rgaH2bjGkx35NZ6cZ014UfmMMZ6oHXhUlFmXeTG60nklVna13l168aViFzE4Xv5dJGr1AiPOb4gcwy0VMz1f31zJYFxStrsfZQOAkyRfQCNcFWs7-SOlKQqh6csQ/s360/Color%20Dare%20587.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLbYtzQ6yy0ALEjz67BoaVF1EIzARpBK0v_YJJCqIDYTOxalNlCNU1XDcJiL8op-rgaH2bjGkx35NZ6cZ014UfmMMZ6oHXhUlFmXeTG60nklVna13l168aViFzE4Xv5dJGr1AiPOb4gcwy0VMz1f31zJYFxStrsfZQOAkyRfQCNcFWs7-SOlKQqh6csQ/s320/Color%20Dare%20587.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Onto a panel of white cardstock, the square shapes were randomly stamped in three locations without considering if the large stamp would coordinate. I had no idea if any of the flowers or leaves would end up in a good place with the random squares. Once stamped, I was content with the result but thought the top of the card was devoid of interest. Using a tiny circle stamp, I added metallic gold ink to the three wildflowers. The panel was popped up on foam tape and added to a white card base with the edges inked in Rosy. The inside was decorated with a few more stamped squares, leaving space for a personal message.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This was a quick and easy card to create - perfect for producing a large quantity of cards.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please visit the <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2024/02/Challenge-587.html" target="_blank">Challenge Blog</a></b> and play along with us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate your comments.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Melanie</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamps: Woodware "Wild Meadow", Waffle Flower "Color Swatches"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black; CTMH Rosy & Capri; Delicata Metallic "Golden Glitz"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWMx9JHqy0An0VO_BbK6rg1ZxTVA3_7tYvBOwUa5ComloS0uL4NYbChvQKxGSjRRVy2FYPjQxu185z92P5DvnTWWOu1rx8weJnGFVFkP7qVKnVQPqj-4rE3q-LRnUEokClpqskcuBYavXWcC7tyKOXKeT2mIHL7RKndGXwUYGdDv98jaJnpy_p_cZa4s/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWMx9JHqy0An0VO_BbK6rg1ZxTVA3_7tYvBOwUa5ComloS0uL4NYbChvQKxGSjRRVy2FYPjQxu185z92P5DvnTWWOu1rx8weJnGFVFkP7qVKnVQPqj-4rE3q-LRnUEokClpqskcuBYavXWcC7tyKOXKeT2mIHL7RKndGXwUYGdDv98jaJnpy_p_cZa4s/w132-h131/th.jpg" width="132" /></a></div></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-89393167736361947532024-02-02T05:00:00.003-05:002024-02-02T10:16:41.414-05:00My Heart Misses You (Valentine Card)<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn0SAsbIe7BP2yI5Ojg-zqzMwpPLtEKBlPlPKhVnm3ZRF8VEBeUlzEXM6-sQkuihAZDGepEA0YF1UW393ZL0QbOdj1nFxVNGMZNSDAq8S0e1D8GP13k9xau9y_IFSIegxPqpv6QeC-V_95rtA5HPS_NraDNAAhuN2eovnDyiMptiitrE71QfsI1l-xTs/s654/DTC%20159%20MRichards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="529" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn0SAsbIe7BP2yI5Ojg-zqzMwpPLtEKBlPlPKhVnm3ZRF8VEBeUlzEXM6-sQkuihAZDGepEA0YF1UW393ZL0QbOdj1nFxVNGMZNSDAq8S0e1D8GP13k9xau9y_IFSIegxPqpv6QeC-V_95rtA5HPS_NraDNAAhuN2eovnDyiMptiitrE71QfsI1l-xTs/w335-h414/DTC%20159%20MRichards.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Welcome to my blog. Here we are again for another <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/02/Challenge-159.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble Challenge</a></b>. This is <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/02/Challenge-159.html" target="_blank">Challenge #159</a></b>, which will run
through Thursday evening, February 15, 2024. There are three "Things"
that make up the challenge:</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Thing 1 (required):
Trouble Maker has assigned the theme as "Love Is in the Air". Your
project must be related to the subject of love. While hearts and flowers are
symbolic of love, we encourage you to use an "air" element, such as a
bird, butterfly, cloud, etc. My card using the theme, "Love Is in
the Air", is posted above.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 2 (optional):
Double Dare is looking forward to you linking your project with the challenge at <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare #586</a></b>.<br /> <br />Thing 3 (optional):
Twisted Sister is challenging you to use the color board below. I used
Ballerina, Bluebird, and Candy Apple plus the free colors of black and white.</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKauL4AZNf_za68dIMGoYJwbAAIz5_GuPwdqgiVz6VtuPq1zezIxSDaemvqkwME1BcPnBp1Jj8Ta8edCIcYRVUvZGeqRMIAzxF240XekTYqNl2dD7bbF1aR2fsm2Dc07Dsn1nCuFrSPcaWIn9c3B7Mtq2hIS_JHmiLkOv1fjTYcX7xDyapWCPzEtCm4rM/s360/Color%20Dare%20586%2001-31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKauL4AZNf_za68dIMGoYJwbAAIz5_GuPwdqgiVz6VtuPq1zezIxSDaemvqkwME1BcPnBp1Jj8Ta8edCIcYRVUvZGeqRMIAzxF240XekTYqNl2dD7bbF1aR2fsm2Dc07Dsn1nCuFrSPcaWIn9c3B7Mtq2hIS_JHmiLkOv1fjTYcX7xDyapWCPzEtCm4rM/w240-h240/Color%20Dare%20586%2001-31.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The stamp set has been around for a while and I have used bits of it here and there but it was by accident that I came across it for this challenge. I CASE'd a card I saw on Pinterest when I recognized this as a stamp in my stash. I don't have a link to the original card but I wanted to disclose that I am not the original designer of this layout. I changed the colors and sentiment when creating my own card.</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The cloud outlines were stamped, pink ink was added to the clouds with a blending brush, the tiny person was stamped and colored, and I hand-drew the rope. The sentiment, different from the original card, was also stamped directly onto the card front. The heart was stamped on red cardstock and fussy cut then added with 2 mm foam tape for dimension. This was added to a card base of blue cardstock.</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The inside was lined with a panel of white cardstock, stamped and inked with clouds and a stamped, fussy-cut heart, leaving plenty of space for a message. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I am going to send this card to my sister-in-law, whom I have not seen in a very long time, although we chat regularly. I know she'll enjoy receiving it.</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to check out the challenges at <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/02/Challenge-159.html" target="_blank">DTC 159</a></b> and <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CD 586</a></b> and join in with our "Love Is in the Air" theme using three colors from our Fancy Five color board!</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting - please leave a comment.</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Melanie</span></b></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp Set: Simon Says Stamp "Just Miss You"</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH "Ballerina", Copic markers (for the tiny image)</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Real Red, CTMH Bluebird</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com7Tennessee, USA35.5174913 -86.5804473-44.5140052185409 132.7945527 90 54.0445527tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-62891238013990763262024-01-29T09:00:00.002-05:002024-02-15T07:53:52.923-05:00 A Wee Bit o' Love - Valentine<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMejdRx8in1VDisCLoXBxIi9eivd_p88L-wvr9aOMnaF16r3EzitBdUE7JRGqmHDyHHfJCpeg2U4iyWwBsOmH14Iz7YV_A9ICuWc4SO9b4Rj_NoBSLV8TupBtNODnuCY90wUb9zaqs14dNY1AWe39TI9odR7x8-3SPB7EFruKspuiatZWfQhODqp44pvI/s625/AHSC%20562%20MelanieR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="625" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMejdRx8in1VDisCLoXBxIi9eivd_p88L-wvr9aOMnaF16r3EzitBdUE7JRGqmHDyHHfJCpeg2U4iyWwBsOmH14Iz7YV_A9ICuWc4SO9b4Rj_NoBSLV8TupBtNODnuCY90wUb9zaqs14dNY1AWe39TI9odR7x8-3SPB7EFruKspuiatZWfQhODqp44pvI/w408-h339/AHSC%20562%20MelanieR.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My grand-nephew, "Penny", loves animals and always enjoys receiving mail so I created this Valentine for him using </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sketch #562</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> from </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenges</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;">. This weekly challenge runs from Monday, January 29, 2024, through Sunday evening, February 6, 2024. (I also made a card for Penny's brother, "Oz", that can be viewed <b><a href="https://stitchesandsmudges.blogspot.com/2024/02/LoveTrain-Oliver.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOd8JgFtfl2UdQnKDwMrjTbQTSxqXci-uINOBt1EfjJxXY0bjfSgwIapmHw1D78jz9bgtkDnORxzBl6NC9I1VZI21Ygd_SfFD7WXMie6vIhBj8Y4YTMUwSzo9uZqGxvIH-sJwKyH-bLZbU0c6EHvga4Q5kaQxmY70awscg9gHPQ9vnsHtipvFdYh0gEog/s223/AHSC%20562%20Jan29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="160" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOd8JgFtfl2UdQnKDwMrjTbQTSxqXci-uINOBt1EfjJxXY0bjfSgwIapmHw1D78jz9bgtkDnORxzBl6NC9I1VZI21Ygd_SfFD7WXMie6vIhBj8Y4YTMUwSzo9uZqGxvIH-sJwKyH-bLZbU0c6EHvga4Q5kaQxmY70awscg9gHPQ9vnsHtipvFdYh0gEog/w188-h262/AHSC%20562%20Jan29.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have had this border die of Scottish terriers and knew it would be a hit with Penny. My family runs deep with Scottish heritage so I selected tartan paper for the strips. The variety of tartans seemed to work with the Scotties perfectly. In keeping with the sketch, I added a stamped sentiment. I wish that stamp had said "A wee bit o'love." The hand-drawn hearts represent the cord element seen in the sketch. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Also included was a strip of patterned paper with "x" and "o" symbols, then tiny gem stickers in four colors (red, silver, gold, and green) were added to the dogs as collars. The inside was lined with a panel of white cardstock decorated with tartan strips and one Scotty left from the border strip on the front. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For fun with sketches, stop by the <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">AHSC Blog</a></b>!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp: Concord and 9th "All Wrapped Up"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Midnight Muse</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Doodlebug "Hello Again", Paper Rose "Winter Plaid"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Cottage Cutz "Scotty Dog Border", Hero Arts Infinity (ovals)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Honey Bee Gem Stickers; CTMH thin foam tape</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFpeaVi3SdqGmH5-QoAaRXfoe4mrrvS8NRh_UrTfdl1pu-QH1M4PqW5XC2L0p6d4iDdn3rcr9me-M6TQQ3HOfa2IOQfS8vdFlXGxhLbbFS0oNvecrTgDyVmkd0h7LvypMXMnT2eOxDYvRMp3C5zojpwAex_KnPJJutTtjbW5aSNyN9Z26mjrmvMBmeBM/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFpeaVi3SdqGmH5-QoAaRXfoe4mrrvS8NRh_UrTfdl1pu-QH1M4PqW5XC2L0p6d4iDdn3rcr9me-M6TQQ3HOfa2IOQfS8vdFlXGxhLbbFS0oNvecrTgDyVmkd0h7LvypMXMnT2eOxDYvRMp3C5zojpwAex_KnPJJutTtjbW5aSNyN9Z26mjrmvMBmeBM/w120-h146/th.jpg" width="120" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-74267819034342441662024-01-29T08:30:00.003-05:002024-02-10T10:21:38.558-05:00Sending Good Vibes - Valentine<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>February 7, 2024: Top Three at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #562!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDcGAyxs3JDO4k8bIxlCTmKyaeDYfrbtiVag0vNyXH2t9IsrazA9HaPi_4fVGHpyZAldyX4CsaG-dB0qWUvoIMRWEwbk-6-hzpsJg6V8vDN5beWk4iPSRBvy8iiY2R6_CQrdrbMSmUzNfVl0oMHBQPFwKhA-Q2JLgBLuwhEpgtzvBIrTHp0iHz3oELK8/s550/DTC%20158%20MRichards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="550" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDcGAyxs3JDO4k8bIxlCTmKyaeDYfrbtiVag0vNyXH2t9IsrazA9HaPi_4fVGHpyZAldyX4CsaG-dB0qWUvoIMRWEwbk-6-hzpsJg6V8vDN5beWk4iPSRBvy8iiY2R6_CQrdrbMSmUzNfVl0oMHBQPFwKhA-Q2JLgBLuwhEpgtzvBIrTHp0iHz3oELK8/w429-h351/DTC%20158%20MRichards.jpg" width="429" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Welcome to another <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-158.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble Challenge</a></b>. This is <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-158.html" target="_blank">Challenge #158</a></b>, beginning on Monday, January 29, 2024, and running through Sunday evening, February 4, 2024. Let me remind you that this challenge begins on the fifth Monday of the month so is only one week in duration. Most importantly, this is an "Anything Goes" event - but read on for more information.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ELqm9_wDqlqVo7hAAnfsJGj7Of_J2EsZV5j-Fgdy995_5R1z1xajDZ3AvS7D2sfUZUmXkR9cFsi-HBNmcgii6qDx_p46XT7aKR1Re-gG4Ie1KVDK3qTf47ucMk6rOKBogf1Bq3NdN8S2AEwQhNZ4uzsbatHNSrdVh5E3LgsmIQ8CkSO33-sEHX51-hw/s320/DTC%20158%20Thing%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="227" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ELqm9_wDqlqVo7hAAnfsJGj7Of_J2EsZV5j-Fgdy995_5R1z1xajDZ3AvS7D2sfUZUmXkR9cFsi-HBNmcgii6qDx_p46XT7aKR1Re-gG4Ie1KVDK3qTf47ucMk6rOKBogf1Bq3NdN8S2AEwQhNZ4uzsbatHNSrdVh5E3LgsmIQ8CkSO33-sEHX51-hw/w125-h176/DTC%20158%20Thing%203.jpg" width="125" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our challenges are comprised of three "Things":</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 1: Trouble Maker is giving us a little break. She's making this a Something-Anything-Everything Challenge. That means Anything Goes! You will earn one chance in the random drawing by submitting an Anything Goes project.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 2: Double Dare is hoping you'll link your project to any one of our previous partners. A list with links is provided on the <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-158.html" target="_blank">DTC 158 Blog</a></b>. You will receive a chance at our random drawing for each previous challenge partner. (I have linked my project to <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #562</a></b>.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 3: Twisted Sister never rests from her duties. She has decided that National Kazoo Day needs recognition. To accomplish this, and for another chance at our Randomly Drawn Prize, use something musical in your project. This can include a Kazoo or other instruments, sheet music, musical notes, etc., using stamps, dies, embossing, etc. (I decided to create a piano keyboard, which was inspired by the <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">AHSC</a></b> sketch below.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK33SJdWxLaMV6OQkQ8oZqFwyBY57Z2ofo39KcuQDYfmTO0t-jICEOmDoTIshiUvB0IQFDcunqRg9raIR09EtXtB6yS8LEGZuMyxXLIAbtcND9YygWaCkTYmcSNhT2a8Bxj4tJpysO-_AXoS21b3RqnJ1-OqSGYkLPgit6WJIdFkTQ2y1_X3jTHdwwx_4/s223/AHSC%20562%20Jan29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="160" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK33SJdWxLaMV6OQkQ8oZqFwyBY57Z2ofo39KcuQDYfmTO0t-jICEOmDoTIshiUvB0IQFDcunqRg9raIR09EtXtB6yS8LEGZuMyxXLIAbtcND9YygWaCkTYmcSNhT2a8Bxj4tJpysO-_AXoS21b3RqnJ1-OqSGYkLPgit6WJIdFkTQ2y1_X3jTHdwwx_4/w132-h184/AHSC%20562%20Jan29.jpg" width="132" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Double Trouble Design Team has created projects based on the above information. Be sure to take a look at the <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-158.html" target="_blank">DTC Blog</a></b> and join in!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I come from a family of musicians so I knew my keyboard had better be accurate or I would have to hide my card! To create my Anything Goes card plus a musical theme, I hand-cut 11 white strips to a width of 7/16" each so they would fit evenly across the card. I adhered them to a panel of black cardstock. Next, I cut eight black strips. Based on the dimensions of a traditional piano keyboard, I calculated the black keys should be cut at a width of 5/16" each and greater than 67% of the length of the white keys. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I carefully placed and adhered the black keys as found on a piano. My niece pointed out that black keys should not all be centered between white keys. Who knew? So I had to correct my mistake and slightly move six of the eight black keys to their correct positions. Then I learned that black keys are actually slightly tapered and not perfectly rectangular, but I did not make that change. When did this younger generation get so smart? And, by the way, I am the only member of a large family who does not play at least one musical instrument.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The panel of pink patterned paper was added followed by a black horizontal strip as seen in the sketch. The sentiment was stamped and then combined with a fancy die-cut heart in silver glimmer paper. A few silver gems finished off the design. The front panel was adhered to a white card base, decorated inside with pink and black paper and a silver flourish.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We look forward to seeing your project! Thank you for visiting my blog.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp: Simon Says Stamp "Just Miss You"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Basic Black, Silver Glimmer</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Doodlebug "Hello Again" (pink)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Die: Unbranded Fancy Heart</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Honey Bee (gem stickers); CTMH thin foam tape</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-59784927824561885342024-01-26T06:30:00.096-05:002024-01-26T07:26:26.899-05:00Simply Geometric - Masculine Card<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHVnXAdh5jkkEUAF1Oy5kyJyoWU6_bQpcl_4cT7IYOADpiz0RmLEOlVnZpZ_mKk9TNp_eh5v7-6uNlWNeyWsFnWW6v8bA-4eIUoqS1-JdvPZhIV5NFhyphenhyphenZZNfY8jwn1HnhZ1KCAQraNmcG7un9KZqA1F1r5b1-Jsc4pHxxRH2MfAtWuufW4uMEJiz7y34/s600/CD%20585%20MRichards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="444" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHVnXAdh5jkkEUAF1Oy5kyJyoWU6_bQpcl_4cT7IYOADpiz0RmLEOlVnZpZ_mKk9TNp_eh5v7-6uNlWNeyWsFnWW6v8bA-4eIUoqS1-JdvPZhIV5NFhyphenhyphenZZNfY8jwn1HnhZ1KCAQraNmcG7un9KZqA1F1r5b1-Jsc4pHxxRH2MfAtWuufW4uMEJiz7y34/w321-h433/CD%20585%20MRichards.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-585.html" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge #585</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> is open for some card-making fun. This biweekly challenge runs through Thursday, February 8, 2024. Our challenges always include color and this time we're asking you to play Tic Tac Toe using our color board below. Just pick three colors in a row and use them in your card design. Once you have selected the three colors, you may select additional colors but they must be on the color board. If you use colors not on the board your card will be disqualified but you are free to add black, white, neutrals, and metallics to your card. Your colors do not need to be a precise match with CTMH products but please use the closest colors from your stash.</span></div><p></p><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQjqOSbn3gIWReUlQEJ_e9wO-uIIm4Bld9JK7k30M7V4nFvBJDXlFFwCiR0VpvYCHJDKMUeZUImu9fkX2Ad0pRfiOEQtUP5-8uq9Qvg4nHvtNZmL5Aq4yZYOJHPU6XGq_j-Fq4oMCsHZ56Yb9Y4pwdO1QgIAchHMINO6qz7c21kD-ZCauvn4lfsyWB6Y/s360/Color%20Dare%20585%20Challenge%2001-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQjqOSbn3gIWReUlQEJ_e9wO-uIIm4Bld9JK7k30M7V4nFvBJDXlFFwCiR0VpvYCHJDKMUeZUImu9fkX2Ad0pRfiOEQtUP5-8uq9Qvg4nHvtNZmL5Aq4yZYOJHPU6XGq_j-Fq4oMCsHZ56Yb9Y4pwdO1QgIAchHMINO6qz7c21kD-ZCauvn4lfsyWB6Y/w283-h283/Color%20Dare%20585%20Challenge%2001-24.jpg" width="283" /></a> </div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">My color choices work in two directions on the color board. I selected a diagonal - Papaya, Limeade, and Lagoon, then added Harbor and Shortbread, which meant that the third column was also included. The framework and shapes of my card were cut using a die set. The frame was adhered to a panel of Papaya cardstock, followed by the shapes. As I assembled the card, I thought it was taking on a masculine appearance so just continued with that idea using a simple die-cut greeting and coordinating shadow with foam tape for dimension. I also added the metallic studs to the card front. The completed panel was adhered to a white card base decorated on the inside with a bit of scrap cardstock.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We hope you will join us at the </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-585.html" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge #585</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;">. The Design Team has cards displayed to inspire you. A biweekly challenge begins every Friday morning so there is always a challenge in progress - that's non-stop paper crafting!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog.</span></div><div><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Melanie</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><u style="font-family: arial;">Materials</u></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Pool Party (sub for Lagoon), CTMH Shortbread, Papaya, Harbor, and Limeade</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Photoplay (dotted scrap)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Altenew "Hello and Hugs" (hello greeting & shadow), Kokorosa (framework die)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Honey Bee (metallic studs); CTMH thin foam tape </span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzONbGVEKpeVMI2gWMme5kTO5QFSGr5SCTEzKPkLpeHqbdEn8ioFElSR-7cpQX2iD2XKEiQyQ672wWS5GoUfSfmkO50pc2Az4PHGWU6shlPRwPOw3bvyoMlUc7RB6Jnr2jL40_w9HMBIzmOv3YYEMkZgcXoR7HOnqr9hKyIkgJ_VBtAn4Ep-j2cKIm3Q/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzONbGVEKpeVMI2gWMme5kTO5QFSGr5SCTEzKPkLpeHqbdEn8ioFElSR-7cpQX2iD2XKEiQyQ672wWS5GoUfSfmkO50pc2Az4PHGWU6shlPRwPOw3bvyoMlUc7RB6Jnr2jL40_w9HMBIzmOv3YYEMkZgcXoR7HOnqr9hKyIkgJ_VBtAn4Ep-j2cKIm3Q/w204-h108/th.jpg" width="204" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-49471529229730418442024-01-22T10:30:00.009-05:002024-01-24T10:07:01.935-05:00Love You - St. Valentine's Day <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkFdI3I3n96PzDiu-Ca_14ia46iett4cKRQ3VSUoHqLhI7GlFeJr9aPNBBMhPBldAMqD3oNF7NcmZBOANW8HLvhtTFkt5ebEqsq2K1ZqKbgJeSfEN9IQtHEQM18nPnZuor_HRLz3RI_OhvHuDBXVQ5yzSiGORGBhNFnpWY41813XNDA41WcY9A6sOF4M/s650/AHSC%20561.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="510" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkFdI3I3n96PzDiu-Ca_14ia46iett4cKRQ3VSUoHqLhI7GlFeJr9aPNBBMhPBldAMqD3oNF7NcmZBOANW8HLvhtTFkt5ebEqsq2K1ZqKbgJeSfEN9IQtHEQM18nPnZuor_HRLz3RI_OhvHuDBXVQ5yzSiGORGBhNFnpWY41813XNDA41WcY9A6sOF4M/w310-h395/AHSC%20561.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's time to make cards for family members to celebrate St. Valentine's Day, so I have been making a few Valentines in advance. This sketch, from the weekly <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/sketch-561.html" target="_blank">Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge</a></b>, offers the opportunity to create another Valentine. This is <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/sketch-561.html" target="_blank">Challenge #561</a></b> and is scheduled to run through Sunday evening, January 28, 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVfLaXNWVwPkx8BFgeTGhvuPNLQLhG_Q5Ykfxs98KF-VQlSRMkThaIu5CqpTJweFfHRqoZPYXAm3_DvEV-hiptRn7eiQSnAXenucqaNwxa23bML0jbsa7SpLhyphenhyphenFm0Ex5EcPB5MCcLpdTA9v3aaHR08FRW5YvjqthPKMN-up9nrivqQKwL3xB09N4ODcY/s223/AHSC%20561%20Jan22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="160" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVfLaXNWVwPkx8BFgeTGhvuPNLQLhG_Q5Ykfxs98KF-VQlSRMkThaIu5CqpTJweFfHRqoZPYXAm3_DvEV-hiptRn7eiQSnAXenucqaNwxa23bML0jbsa7SpLhyphenhyphenFm0Ex5EcPB5MCcLpdTA9v3aaHR08FRW5YvjqthPKMN-up9nrivqQKwL3xB09N4ODcY/w198-h276/AHSC%20561%20Jan22.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Flowers are always appropriate on cards so that paper was my first selection, and then finding additional patterned papers was next. After cutting the shapes, they were adhered to a panel of scrap cardstock. I thought my careful selection to fit the majority of two large flowers into the largest shape was just right because I had also managed to capture a bit of the leaves. That is... until I added the additional elements. My sentiment circle was going to cover the leaves. The color of the leaves, a deep blue-green, was the reason I selected the pinstripe paper. It was time to tweak the plan. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The silver metallic circle was adhered along with the stacked hearts stamped with a tiny sentiment and then a set of leaves fussy-cut from the floral paper was adhered. This was still in keeping with the sketch and added the color I wanted. A few silver pearls were added and the card front was adhered to a white card base. The inside of the card was decorated with leftover paper scraps and another silver circle with a dragonfly silhouette. The dragonfly was originally die-cut to use with the sentiment but I went with the leaves instead.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I think this sketch design is a great way to use up scraps from my stash so I am planning to use it again. I am also sure that my sister-in-law in Florida will enjoy receiving her annual St. Valentine's card!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to visit the <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/sketch-561.html" target="_blank">AHSC 561 Blog</a></b>!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So glad you stopped by to view my card. Your comments are welcome.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp: The Stamps of Life "Candy Hearts 2"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Silver Foiled, Bravo Burgundy (retired)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Altenew "Enjoy the Ride" Collection, Honey Bee "Pinstripes & Polka Dots - Winter"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The Stamps of Life "Candy Hearts 2", Hero Arts Infinity (circles), Kokorosa (dragonfly on the inside)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Honey Bee (silver pearls)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe-QmSvk3J6iOmcGAJ6Oy3FWUmtfNaYwyK27KRyKQ2pTWytwoIjeuZqCAUNgUyiSyJtcwr_3J2y0XzJ3r2eFOXRVcv17ZCeQ6gOBpc7TBh-btWR_C_zEGy-shrb-ci1LRoV4r9IfcwrdFRxcnhveQqhU2bZaC_4zgv0Eil8FvHWLjOwcHW0lbNkd-LMA/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe-QmSvk3J6iOmcGAJ6Oy3FWUmtfNaYwyK27KRyKQ2pTWytwoIjeuZqCAUNgUyiSyJtcwr_3J2y0XzJ3r2eFOXRVcv17ZCeQ6gOBpc7TBh-btWR_C_zEGy-shrb-ci1LRoV4r9IfcwrdFRxcnhveQqhU2bZaC_4zgv0Eil8FvHWLjOwcHW0lbNkd-LMA/w140-h153/th.jpg" width="140" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-39079274382281101762024-01-16T06:00:00.192-05:002024-02-15T07:54:51.816-05:00Thank You (Tulips and a Dragonfly)<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOJB-KPHW2EhnNXfhevgVSjhFftXCOHc4tOUmp29sCLsXfYma28czCS7khrhXMo_Bqy2sPtJZzbZs_keOjvqUe5qtihQIqH8ebaGtg2vMC4uLPQqxzAM4qeg99nb_qSElEZ5XgTlE89UE4jnfiTh2BFyI_W4oAt5J6MtJ4s-IMkz9qtB8Si5k9-p50Ic/s600/TSOT%20639%20A%20MRichards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="456" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOJB-KPHW2EhnNXfhevgVSjhFftXCOHc4tOUmp29sCLsXfYma28czCS7khrhXMo_Bqy2sPtJZzbZs_keOjvqUe5qtihQIqH8ebaGtg2vMC4uLPQqxzAM4qeg99nb_qSElEZ5XgTlE89UE4jnfiTh2BFyI_W4oAt5J6MtJ4s-IMkz9qtB8Si5k9-p50Ic/w391-h515/TSOT%20639%20A%20MRichards.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">01/21/2024 - Weekly Favorite at Splitcoast Stampers</span></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97cELzXflip3qRg5MOYk_hzz-jTtxTpKReaSYH9JXJ-FHWX8WJZ7MfqPWwR5L68yBrC_lNZKCU1bocy8bjbJoIs33cSThS5Qr5TduPUwgHZY-1uICCX4zFxR2E9k0aBct5bXixiZPAp_jqYeODlyHUkXew3MDIK7CO71ZY0Kf9HlSkAJQjlxyuIwNxb4/s200/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="200" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97cELzXflip3qRg5MOYk_hzz-jTtxTpKReaSYH9JXJ-FHWX8WJZ7MfqPWwR5L68yBrC_lNZKCU1bocy8bjbJoIs33cSThS5Qr5TduPUwgHZY-1uICCX4zFxR2E9k0aBct5bXixiZPAp_jqYeODlyHUkXew3MDIK7CO71ZY0Kf9HlSkAJQjlxyuIwNxb4/w326-h114/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" width="326" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Welcome to Stitches and Smudges. Join me in creating a card using a sketch for inspiration. The sketch is shown below. You are free to interpret the sketch as you wish regarding colors, shapes, themes, etc., so have some fun with it! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to include a sentiment - or space for a future sentiment - as shown in the sketch. Details and guidelines are available at the <b><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-639.html" target="_blank">Try a Sketch on Tuesday Challenge Blo</a><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-639.html" target="_blank">g</a></b>. This is <b><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-639.html" target="_blank">Challenge #639</a></b>, running through Sunday evening, February 4, 2024.</span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2403409050225790030" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 590px;"><div data-value="2" jsaction="keydown: I481le;JIbuQc:JIbuQc;rcuQ6b:rcuQ6b" jscontroller="wPRNsd" jsname="kHwtoc" jsshadow="" role="radiogroup" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span class="oJeWuf" jsname="bN97Pc" jsslot="" role="presentation" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"><div class="li7UXd" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"><div class="TPrGFe" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; display: flex; margin-top: 4px;"><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Automatic Permalink
" aria-posinset="1" aria-setsize="2" class="zJKIV A2ZHsc i9xfbb" data-checked-veid="78433" data-value="1" jsaction="keydown:I481le;dyRcpb:dyRcpb;click:cOuCgd; mousedown:UX7yZ; mouseup:lbsD7e; mouseenter:tfO1Yc; mouseleave:JywGue; focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e; contextmenu:mg9Pef;touchstart:p6p2H; touchmove:FwuNnf; touchend:yfqBxc(preventMouseEvents=true|preventDefault=true); touchcancel:JMtRjd;" jscontroller="EcW08c" jsname="Kzxsnf" jsshadow="" role="radio" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: content-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.54); cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 20px; margin: 4px 8px 0px 0px; outline: currentcolor; position: relative; transition: border-color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0s; user-select: none; vertical-align: middle; width: 20px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="-1"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="IHWLbd" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"></div></span></div></div></div></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSh8kDLGU6OaExmk7OJJmSbuqbyBoBquEB7NUfKbPQJhW0tAbLeUZanlRYHbV45aLHvvj0VQf1nw8H9yL6ioQdy6jwhpXX5AKBZg0wLhM3tbsc5-h7W-UVYVKlPPm7ITXtqwgh3zoI8ZUcBkp2LI_WMEmE4Kq8EAqnPyhEHbLSpOEViMqQ-nJ1ATfYEE/s400/TSOT%20639%2001.16%20copy.jpg" style="color: #249fa3; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSh8kDLGU6OaExmk7OJJmSbuqbyBoBquEB7NUfKbPQJhW0tAbLeUZanlRYHbV45aLHvvj0VQf1nw8H9yL6ioQdy6jwhpXX5AKBZg0wLhM3tbsc5-h7W-UVYVKlPPm7ITXtqwgh3zoI8ZUcBkp2LI_WMEmE4Kq8EAqnPyhEHbLSpOEViMqQ-nJ1ATfYEE/s320/TSOT%20639%2001.16%20copy.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="252" /></a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lately, I have been trying to reduce the volume of paper in my stash. I have a large area for my hobbies but I have reached the point where enough is enough. I found this paper pad - it's not very old and I thought it would work nicely for a few cards. </span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">background strips were created </span><span style="font-family: arial;">from floral paper. The edges were sponged with ink to give them depth and then matted with coordinating patterned paper. To a white card base, a panel of coordinating paper was added, followed by the three strips. The strips were added directly to the card front without foam tape so I could pop up the sentiment and not add too much height. </span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The sentiment was stamped and added to a strip of dotted paper then adhered with 2 mm. foam tape. Finally, the dragonfly was die-cut from more of the dotted paper. The inside of the card was decorated with paper scraps, leaving sufficient space for a personal message. To finish off the card, crystal gem stickers were added.</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB7M_EY9c2XSQjZBXb2W4vNHDgjVRdal6pMx4U7dxNtVVVwUsgcvMfRYMolRQnlHU5xrZ4aAgzmRhQxgIA3LiQINm7vrOXBQ3xqJ-mGy-5qYqnS-ImX7PpqWnsOisR9TAPlDaBDfrkijUS1U8YMX-VuWu2Xg8ZcMscA1l5RMmcyO_EXQX_o_CPD0j3ZA/s600/TSOT%20639%20B%20MRichards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB7M_EY9c2XSQjZBXb2W4vNHDgjVRdal6pMx4U7dxNtVVVwUsgcvMfRYMolRQnlHU5xrZ4aAgzmRhQxgIA3LiQINm7vrOXBQ3xqJ-mGy-5qYqnS-ImX7PpqWnsOisR9TAPlDaBDfrkijUS1U8YMX-VuWu2Xg8ZcMscA1l5RMmcyO_EXQX_o_CPD0j3ZA/s320/TSOT%20639%20B%20MRichards.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Be sure to join me at <b><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-639.html" target="_blank">Try a Sketch on Tuesday Challenge #63</a><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-639.html" target="_blank">9</a></b> to share your crafting talent with the Design Team.</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog. When you leave a comment, it makes my heart happy. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Melanie</span></b></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp: Altenew "Elegant Sayings"</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Stampin' Up! Crisp Cantaloupe</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Patterned Paper: Honey Bee "Modern Spring" & PhotoPlay "Autumn Greetings" (dotted paper)</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Die: Kokorosa (dragonfly)</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Foam tape; Honey Bee Crystal Stickers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BnnXYBubbkDagoWptD0o1gsR5LGHet0N3DK83C64_e-LgnWUl99g4C-Iqo7dHC9vrTrHCmzFXuqGd_qbqI5b9z4PnDAqRdjcmCGkr0vnz0aklxvad6zrT7rJkGS3IkYAcIeBFJ7loYVAyPfG9ypqljoJYd6wMyruI2C6HIeIVPE0SQkY8A1_1hdMXwQ/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BnnXYBubbkDagoWptD0o1gsR5LGHet0N3DK83C64_e-LgnWUl99g4C-Iqo7dHC9vrTrHCmzFXuqGd_qbqI5b9z4PnDAqRdjcmCGkr0vnz0aklxvad6zrT7rJkGS3IkYAcIeBFJ7loYVAyPfG9ypqljoJYd6wMyruI2C6HIeIVPE0SQkY8A1_1hdMXwQ/w107-h151/th.jpg" width="107" /></a></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-25663175017067641362024-01-15T10:30:00.162-05:002024-01-16T08:52:49.316-05:00Love You - Valentine<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmKiZ4F_P7hyphenhyphen3hRBF1746DNm_lqPyviNIHUmWPFzBXBhmt8_prmaVA12ySZm1AbqqX2cOABg1-i9EE5bdHkD9rKXYXEOz6zhDVL8mvrqtjIQheMWcVBfTlf9jLTK2LOCqGQqsDAGj_7NXkmX4QpsKyka9xZBvNt1dWJZuBPIqOXUA9676U5KOxW5Pv8A/s679/AHSC%20560.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="520" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmKiZ4F_P7hyphenhyphen3hRBF1746DNm_lqPyviNIHUmWPFzBXBhmt8_prmaVA12ySZm1AbqqX2cOABg1-i9EE5bdHkD9rKXYXEOz6zhDVL8mvrqtjIQheMWcVBfTlf9jLTK2LOCqGQqsDAGj_7NXkmX4QpsKyka9xZBvNt1dWJZuBPIqOXUA9676U5KOxW5Pv8A/w321-h420/AHSC%20560.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sometimes I find it challenging just to keep up with my favorite challenges, which is often the case with <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/sketch-560.html" target="_blank">Atlantic Heart Sketch Challenges</a></b>. A weekly challenge, beginning every Monday morning and ending on Sunday evenings, following is the sketch. This is <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/sketch-560.html" target="_blank">Challenge #560</a></b> ending on Sunday, January 21, 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3dGd2TJvxf0PlanOhcZRaSjKXGbazTNpz_Xvi75kKyrfDptXbgYkie8hWhQ3H98Ffyp2liFXXPOt3CbRBL8iMdSQBxA8Qr-Bhc0n4nun4b4EMRR7xcHcrbYcUGgFIgDrzHmVhgnEm7bsyKOrK5MhW_a_T2tmUiM74fvrqgTA7gJynyy1zv_foLOBHqk/s223/AHSC%20560%20Jan15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="160" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3dGd2TJvxf0PlanOhcZRaSjKXGbazTNpz_Xvi75kKyrfDptXbgYkie8hWhQ3H98Ffyp2liFXXPOt3CbRBL8iMdSQBxA8Qr-Bhc0n4nun4b4EMRR7xcHcrbYcUGgFIgDrzHmVhgnEm7bsyKOrK5MhW_a_T2tmUiM74fvrqgTA7gJynyy1zv_foLOBHqk/s1600/AHSC%20560%20Jan15.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After selecting a pretty striped paper to cut on the diagonal for the first layer, the yellow linen-textured cardstock backed with black pearlescent cardstock was added. The squares in the sketch were replaced with hexagons, my favorite shape in cardmaking. The smaller hexagons were die-cut from patterned paper, also backed with black pearlescent cardstock.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The center hexagon consists of black pearlescent cardstock. The paper pattern was an unusually large image for cardmaking use so I trimmed away a small portion to adhere to the hexagon. I did not care for the plain white portion above the three flowers the white portion was cut away, leaving part of the black hexagon exposed. I was satisfied with the result so left it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The completed card front was adhered to a white card base and the inside was decorated with a bit of scrap paper and die-cut hexagon rings. The five black hexagon-shaped stick-ons were added for interest.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for stopping by... please leave a comment. Happy New Year!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White; Doodlebug (textured yellow); Paper Papers "Pearlescent" (Black) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Doodlebug "Hello Again" Collection; Paper Rose (preprinted sentiment)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Spellbinders Hexagons</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Stampin' Up Hexagon Stickers, CTMH thin foam tape</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-hUTZn1UjS4yRcLYgOQjEg70UDMi_jm_XrkQlotYpuM6AuilaUWe9W1zSz5IkSBVzS5Yzgg-DEz6JgDISgfbrAGeGJgLv5VJ97UuwsHwF2RVY_jCqvFkKZ8Ve1pCHMzHSPw_DmF4E4vAyTMlXf-cbkidr2grGH_7EeMkYHIo1IRxaYKNswcIp5K64A4/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-hUTZn1UjS4yRcLYgOQjEg70UDMi_jm_XrkQlotYpuM6AuilaUWe9W1zSz5IkSBVzS5Yzgg-DEz6JgDISgfbrAGeGJgLv5VJ97UuwsHwF2RVY_jCqvFkKZ8Ve1pCHMzHSPw_DmF4E4vAyTMlXf-cbkidr2grGH_7EeMkYHIo1IRxaYKNswcIp5K64A4/w108-h120/th.jpg" width="108" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-81007936863005077742024-01-14T06:00:00.213-05:002024-01-14T09:09:13.297-05:00Wishing You Frosty Fun (Winter Card)<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zlmnJdAf6LnZ6FUJwN_NsKYuHQ1YjphvGkE0eMTnq5pW8LHywwVpSg5sjXL5mgzNEQllUbfeB5tpw5gVK8VFu3pELb8tETjVZOrQiCyKuVQi9z2MIOYvSCJetrJQk9JECjaNUf19zCqSbeuLWVCxvbiXYZQXTr3Z6JfuwXlsjR0hOg_ga6KvjyjRINE/s650/DTC%20157%20MRichards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="616" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zlmnJdAf6LnZ6FUJwN_NsKYuHQ1YjphvGkE0eMTnq5pW8LHywwVpSg5sjXL5mgzNEQllUbfeB5tpw5gVK8VFu3pELb8tETjVZOrQiCyKuVQi9z2MIOYvSCJetrJQk9JECjaNUf19zCqSbeuLWVCxvbiXYZQXTr3Z6JfuwXlsjR0hOg_ga6KvjyjRINE/w369-h390/DTC%20157%20MRichards.jpg" width="369" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Time for another challenge at <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-157.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble #157</a></b>. This challenge runs through Saturday evening, January 27, 2024. As is customary, there are three "Things" to our challenge:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 1 (required): Trouble Maker has decided on a Wintry Country Feeling using either a stencil or embossing folder.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNwky46wg6jFMIm-l9PpOiBsK_iPFnD5rBOiXxhqp6oo8fE-OljegF5OeiqxLEHFk-fQs_pXdtajJDXfzveWng4nSLTugg2q_u7PojEO8aC8vJK8ud2q3LK-ftTttUyC2PGz3_IHqm7aDl_PDyJVwhXlSbNGUWljaOrm6vcw9saCth6yga8Y-8vKDe8I/s320/DTC%20157%20Thing%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="227" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNwky46wg6jFMIm-l9PpOiBsK_iPFnD5rBOiXxhqp6oo8fE-OljegF5OeiqxLEHFk-fQs_pXdtajJDXfzveWng4nSLTugg2q_u7PojEO8aC8vJK8ud2q3LK-ftTttUyC2PGz3_IHqm7aDl_PDyJVwhXlSbNGUWljaOrm6vcw9saCth6yga8Y-8vKDe8I/w294-h414/DTC%20157%20Thing%202.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare is hoping you'll link your card to our partner's challenge at <b><a href="https://farmquestchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/fqcb-44-winter-sports-theme-plus.html" target="_blank">Farm Quest Challenge #44</a></b>. Just be sure to check out their guidelines.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksgs8MudTIyllOzkbnIOvRYJ8_naJrFEyZbRCMJ_QswYCwlAQxt4YvO-aPc3H7ZM6im7u8pVE36Ot19r4w6Vulvrz4Qzbypa-7Ta_2SPZfMjT2W09xPkajSJiMC70jWDOb5VTszQrsgDuV5fpDZnthMZoyZXDqZzkae3qqwJ3W42lg0lYUrgkiww1aoo/s752/FarmQuest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="752" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksgs8MudTIyllOzkbnIOvRYJ8_naJrFEyZbRCMJ_QswYCwlAQxt4YvO-aPc3H7ZM6im7u8pVE36Ot19r4w6Vulvrz4Qzbypa-7Ta_2SPZfMjT2W09xPkajSJiMC70jWDOb5VTszQrsgDuV5fpDZnthMZoyZXDqZzkae3qqwJ3W42lg0lYUrgkiww1aoo/w213-h120/FarmQuest.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 3 (optional): Twisted Sister is suggesting that you include a winter sport in your design. She wants to see one of the following: skiing, sledding, sleigh riding, tobogganing, or skating. There is also a "January Special" - include a hat in your design in observance of National Hat Day on January 15 to be entered into a special random drawing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This was truly a challenge for me because I didn't have much in my stash that represented winter sports. I have also been trying to use up my existing supply of patterned paper so have not purchased much lately, which can be limiting. Using an evergreen stencil, I used two shades of green ink, then fussy cut the resulting image and adhered it to patterned paper representing a night sky. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Two snowbanks were added and popped up with foam tape in both 1 mm and 2 mm heights. The skate in the foreground was die-cut from white cardstock and trimmed with glitter paper. The skate blade was cut from silver holographic paper. The entire card front was adhered to a card base of blue cardstock. The blue color is also present in the night sky but did not photograph well. The inside was lined with a panel of white cardstock and decorated with glitter paper. The sentiment was stamped and adhered along with the winter hat, and tiny rhinestones were added to the sky and the evergreens.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to visit the <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-157.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble Blog</a></b> to view the Design Team's cards and to play along with us. Don't forget to visit our partner's blog, too, <b><a href="https://farmquestchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/fqcb-44-winter-sports-theme-plus.html" target="_blank">Farmquest Challenge Blog #44</a></b>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for stopping by.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp: The Stamps of Life (sentiment and hat)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Stampin' Up! Boho Blue, Shaded Spruce, Parakeet Party</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Basic White,</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Boho Blue</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: CTMH Glitter Paper (Mulberry), Stampin' Up! Glimmer Paper (silver), Honey Bee "Winter Wonder" (sky), SBC "Holographic" (skate blade)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Kokorosa (ice skate and bow)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Stencil: Newton's Nook (Evergreens)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH Bitty Sparkles, CTMH thin (1 mm) foam tape, 3M (2 mm) foam tape</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Size: 5.5" x 5.5"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-2305964550850797642024-01-12T06:00:00.199-05:002024-01-12T14:05:57.150-05:00Hello - Color Challenge<p><br /></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX5VRGQUpOFXOQ1HUr_Az0ARITfW8gs_JmqPszG6cz2HjlByX7w04ENwkmmD1y9qZsqTht0wJt5ZVQvPhrEq3oJsvbgvdJKqwkF_cxlyejGRuMQ1uYttsY404p-YkHoxlvOm3AL3_yh8mcpYSaoqnyeiPcqw8vI4WVRmMjR87pXOy8muVGA9HCMZ38ik/s600/CD%20583%20MRichards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX5VRGQUpOFXOQ1HUr_Az0ARITfW8gs_JmqPszG6cz2HjlByX7w04ENwkmmD1y9qZsqTht0wJt5ZVQvPhrEq3oJsvbgvdJKqwkF_cxlyejGRuMQ1uYttsY404p-YkHoxlvOm3AL3_yh8mcpYSaoqnyeiPcqw8vI4WVRmMjR87pXOy8muVGA9HCMZ38ik/s320/CD%20583%20MRichards.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's time for another biweekly challenge at <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challengeo-583.html" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare</a></b>. This is <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challengeo-583.html" target="_blank">Challenge #583</a></b>, running through Thursday evening, January 25, 2024. The color board is shown below and features a Fancy Five color array. At least three of these colors must be used.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kuSaNlp9prpKQgSgQcgsf-yhfd69XJgAcUd8kF5B2kwm46BCq902Na-0s0Th_J-MO1MmkUErxuGuTBNRuzhxw1XZyellE9Kwj4km3QGajLmrHz2L0qb7P6wyTcp57F0ClJGbHR7Sah4hJvYzMYp6OiqXBh7u5Cl2Oe1L6R2H_gyhNlIT18KhkFoUdto/s360/Color%20Dare%20583%20Challenge%2001-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kuSaNlp9prpKQgSgQcgsf-yhfd69XJgAcUd8kF5B2kwm46BCq902Na-0s0Th_J-MO1MmkUErxuGuTBNRuzhxw1XZyellE9Kwj4km3QGajLmrHz2L0qb7P6wyTcp57F0ClJGbHR7Sah4hJvYzMYp6OiqXBh7u5Cl2Oe1L6R2H_gyhNlIT18KhkFoUdto/w244-h244/Color%20Dare%20583%20Challenge%2001-10.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I was on the horns of a dilemma because I had placed an order for some of these colors and to replenish others but my order was delayed at the FedEx Hub in Kansas. What to do since I did not have "at least three" of the required colors? As my deadline approached I finally went to my scraps and selected papers that I believed were a close match to the color board and quickly constructed the challenge card. My colors may not be a precise match to Mulberry, Periwinkle, and Mink, but they're as close as I could get them using my existing stash.</span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I thought about keeping this card 'Clean and Simple' but as I discovered a few patterned paper scraps, I just had to use them. The white cardstock panel was embossed for texture. A few strips of paper were adhered to a scrap of cardstock then trimmed to size and adhered to the white embossed panel as if to underline the greeting. I wanted to add dimension to this decorative unit keeping it at less than 1 mm. By backing it with another scrap of cardstock I was able to keep within that measurement.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The greeting was die-cut from black pearlescent cardstock and added to a coordinating die-cut shadow of patterned paper. This was popped up using 1 mm foam tape. Five pink-ish gem stickers were added for interest. The card front on the black mat was adhered to a "Mulberry-ish" colored card base and lined with a white cardstock panel. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The inside of the card was decorated with a few banners from the same scraps as used on the card front.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Visit the <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challengeo-583.html" target="_blank">CD 583 Blog</a></b> to see the Design Team's cards. We hope they inspire you. Color Dare Challenges begin each Friday and run for two weeks so we always have an open challenge.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog. </span></div><div><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White plus scraps; off-brand of Pearlescent (black)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Patterned Paper: Scraps from various collections</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Die: Pink & Main "Hello" w/shadow</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">EF: Spellbinders "Loops"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Honey Bee gem stickers & CTMH thin foam tape</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNXR421-TnzYZ4LsEY_QjKBRGcIpu8aJph4ec7iyhPXHU7D9bLwgwKxZuC_-lLKfgCyxPtNA99rx3Y5dK_koGDkn0Mv3axmg1dqmELGl6mGIITv5IRaTmdzvMthce9xOGyr6Md5Qff1HoKgf4nGMhKtObXUMb2nJ9u2viHTm2p52aeNYBGwESu4ueTno/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNXR421-TnzYZ4LsEY_QjKBRGcIpu8aJph4ec7iyhPXHU7D9bLwgwKxZuC_-lLKfgCyxPtNA99rx3Y5dK_koGDkn0Mv3axmg1dqmELGl6mGIITv5IRaTmdzvMthce9xOGyr6Md5Qff1HoKgf4nGMhKtObXUMb2nJ9u2viHTm2p52aeNYBGwESu4ueTno/w152-h96/th.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-25822206682608620082024-01-08T11:00:00.031-05:002024-01-08T14:27:08.075-05:00Feel Better Soon<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ2c21ETKHXWkEufOkV92yM6G9rnH7KhlgHHdZkUbGLLptNZh58j2mEhxwNu9m6E6i10HgueOo-wDKypFdILX6KFA14w8UffN1eovIl2f2yvlG1bR0HB81_RQf56DUlKrMYd7xmQ_Ikr8P0RigLj3MKUkjLOJLL_3-5y_0a7PONr0GVfPn_J_ZJzqL6M/s590/AHSC%20559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="442" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ2c21ETKHXWkEufOkV92yM6G9rnH7KhlgHHdZkUbGLLptNZh58j2mEhxwNu9m6E6i10HgueOo-wDKypFdILX6KFA14w8UffN1eovIl2f2yvlG1bR0HB81_RQf56DUlKrMYd7xmQ_Ikr8P0RigLj3MKUkjLOJLL_3-5y_0a7PONr0GVfPn_J_ZJzqL6M/w290-h387/AHSC%20559.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's time again for another weekly challenge at <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/sketch-559.html" target="_blank">Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenges</a></b>. This is <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/sketch-559.html" target="_blank">AHSC #559</a></b>, closing on Sunday evening, January 14, 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw57XMPSs4c9PmSS_KcqO-SemWn83KdcLi3LHJBROcXfzol_pxECrzYlvPNnSlhxMpRd9sW3hP6QjvKX_-qjoQj61HMdSSS92nWb8oCNCN9AZRmMdcKpPGgLkXPLaaRq2q4EerJA1B272qzBBUqk-JEtOhc2Q75ee4hiQ23g-lLRPlQDhFOQNEwPkgj8/s223/AHSC%20559%20Jan08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="160" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw57XMPSs4c9PmSS_KcqO-SemWn83KdcLi3LHJBROcXfzol_pxECrzYlvPNnSlhxMpRd9sW3hP6QjvKX_-qjoQj61HMdSSS92nWb8oCNCN9AZRmMdcKpPGgLkXPLaaRq2q4EerJA1B272qzBBUqk-JEtOhc2Q75ee4hiQ23g-lLRPlQDhFOQNEwPkgj8/w209-h291/AHSC%20559%20Jan08.jpg" width="209" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Several weeks ago, a family member, Susan, age 82, fell down the stairs in her home, resulting in a concussion, broken shoulder, and numerous bruises and sprains. She recently returned home from her stay in the hospital and is undergoing a long recovery. A few family members decided to send her cards or call her every few days. My turn to send a card is next week, so this sketch presented the perfect opportunity to make my card for Susan.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">From patterned paper, the image was die-cut into an arched window shape, then backed with black cardstock, also die-cut. The background panel was embossed for texture, and then three strips of coordinating patterned paper were adhered. This was added to a vanilla card base. The image was added with thin foam tape. To finish, the pearls were added along with the pink die-cut bow and a sentiment. The inside of the card was decorated with paper scraps and another pink bow.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you enjoy sketch challenges then <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/sketch-559.html" target="_blank">AHSC #559</a></b> is for you!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog and I enjoy reading your comments. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Sweet Sugarplum, Boho Blue</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Patterned Paper: Altenew "Enjoy the Ride" Collection</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Hero Arts Infinity (Nesting Arches), Kokorosa (Bows)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Embossing Folder: Spellbinders "Loops"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Other: Paper Rose preprinted sentiment</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape, Honey Bee (pearls)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYMzgL-x4Qo5sr8f3ZBomAcEcoENdrJtmh2YV9VWFTm7Ba7A-eCmVU1dUaqaB5Zf9d1Cd4P79j3RmfsPosnX1v1IeONqZRIaMYBFPV8IoPaPovX80J_dWjdfc2oyPggP-gwPFJOWuK9Jbnac7tZ3Gn3pfrKR43wPt6YZ0HQL2RSO99qILvEh8-fMlUiA/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYMzgL-x4Qo5sr8f3ZBomAcEcoENdrJtmh2YV9VWFTm7Ba7A-eCmVU1dUaqaB5Zf9d1Cd4P79j3RmfsPosnX1v1IeONqZRIaMYBFPV8IoPaPovX80J_dWjdfc2oyPggP-gwPFJOWuK9Jbnac7tZ3Gn3pfrKR43wPt6YZ0HQL2RSO99qILvEh8-fMlUiA/w153-h120/th.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-69173051366593441092024-01-01T00:30:00.009-05:002024-01-02T08:48:23.778-05:00Extrovert or Introvert?<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Extrovert or Introvert?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Probably more of an Ambivert!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1YAJZ-4TyUUWVrtwGIvZZe3T5TY4TdQZvwz2e_sDYIV4fa2P0sOerl2m226NoYXJo37W0i_2f65lsnpBFWJ6wct2wiMAQF_dmEe0ooxqzHqiP8pU1H2G8XNoLMODdKx3CLDHaNYtq4VsTPMrP9XIVjCLLrZ4yj_AAjVB3Y3LCr7zSROz3zf8SX4iuug/s536/Extrovert.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="395" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1YAJZ-4TyUUWVrtwGIvZZe3T5TY4TdQZvwz2e_sDYIV4fa2P0sOerl2m226NoYXJo37W0i_2f65lsnpBFWJ6wct2wiMAQF_dmEe0ooxqzHqiP8pU1H2G8XNoLMODdKx3CLDHaNYtq4VsTPMrP9XIVjCLLrZ4yj_AAjVB3Y3LCr7zSROz3zf8SX4iuug/w204-h277/Extrovert.jpg" width="204" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXoZEIpmocsEInr25DWMCdlDiJNs4PFjhVOG40LCuh4JPGe-EGAjqsnZUtj_PUdlxRH8TiN1oEhA14rWevLLbtrIo_0KHuSP38oda3sBPlWXoeZyy_0g6tUCp9iBgbd3sEnCdgwKvp1YTWJ6rGBgph2Rd_reef-4bAKrbolPT63SZyuaopbUvjPdeUlY/s528/Introvert.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="397" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXoZEIpmocsEInr25DWMCdlDiJNs4PFjhVOG40LCuh4JPGe-EGAjqsnZUtj_PUdlxRH8TiN1oEhA14rWevLLbtrIo_0KHuSP38oda3sBPlWXoeZyy_0g6tUCp9iBgbd3sEnCdgwKvp1YTWJ6rGBgph2Rd_reef-4bAKrbolPT63SZyuaopbUvjPdeUlY/w208-h276/Introvert.jpg" width="208" /></a></div> <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u>Introvert or Extrovert</u>? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-156.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble</a></b> team is having a bit of fun with you and hopes you will play along. Here is a summary of their <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-156.html" target="_blank">Challenge #156</a></b>:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 1 (required): Trouble Maker says, "</span><span style="font-family: arial;">January 2 is World Introvert Day.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether you are introverted or extroverted,</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 1's requirement is to create a project to show us your personality through one of these two background choices. These choices are the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Introvert - calm, soft, pastel OR the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Extrovert - loud, bold, bright."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Most people are actually ambiverts - people who kind of exist in between introversion and extroversion depending on the situation. Being an ambivert myself, I decided to create two cards - one for my extrovert side and another for the introvert. Both cards are for both challenges - participants are </span><b style="font-family: arial;">not</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> required to submit more than one card. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare has the link to <b><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2024/01/Challenge-638.html" target="_blank">Try a Sketch on Tuesday #638</a> </b>so you can join our partner's challenge as well and earn another chance in our random drawing. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Both of these challenges are biweekly and will end on Sunday evening, January 14, 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 3 (optional): Twisted Sister will give you another chance in the Random Drawing if you use the sketch below, provided by our partner. This sketch was used to design both of my cards.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTP_jMS6KFRpfGGgY1zjMjT6LY4sFhPl_3BShjlfON4lGDsgfz3gw7jieRMp2SEzdueH1Z2YZU_PbJVnPff62hJ1GE-IA7B-n1iW7CV72kPUgGb7B5E0RLQoFRCZq0N1qWEUFH2nEMW9D2Ud_-4iw_AjnC1XJxZnoQ1-agfjW7avDV6zMpBl9toDz1kA/s420/TSOT%20638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="330" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTP_jMS6KFRpfGGgY1zjMjT6LY4sFhPl_3BShjlfON4lGDsgfz3gw7jieRMp2SEzdueH1Z2YZU_PbJVnPff62hJ1GE-IA7B-n1iW7CV72kPUgGb7B5E0RLQoFRCZq0N1qWEUFH2nEMW9D2Ud_-4iw_AjnC1XJxZnoQ1-agfjW7avDV6zMpBl9toDz1kA/w156-h199/TSOT%20638.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To create the extrovert card, I used bold striped patterned paper for the background. Instead of using two squares from the sketch, I switched out the shapes by using a rectangle from patterned paper and a die-cut ring from cardstock. After all, extroverts aren't fearful of making changes in the sketch design shapes. The flowers and leaves were fussy-cut and adhered using thin foam tape to create additional levels of dimension. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The card front was adhered to a white card base, decorated with coordinating paper.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials for Extrovert Card</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White; Cardstock Warehouse Blu-Raspberry</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Altenew Collection "Enjoy the Ride"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Hero Arts Infinity (circles)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape & Pink Fresh pre-printed sentiments</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To create the Introvert card, I selected a soft tone-on-tone patterned paper for the background, adding the squares cut from coordinating patterned paper. The top square was backed with cardstock and I used a round sticker for the floral design, adhering the square with thin foam tape. The sentiment was adhered, also with foam tape, then enhanced with a fussy-cut butterfly. The card front was adhered to a white card base, decorated with coordinating paper.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials for Introvert Card</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White; Cardstock Warehouse - Blu-raspberry</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Doodlebug "Hello Again"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape, Paper Roses pre-printed sentiments</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog. I enjoy reading your comments. Wishing you a Happy New Year!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNXfLqN111ClOxMdivzL8V_gIJevOC0meB-cUa_7rc9Yu8ZMrVFt_ys81PoX2vENi_QgdhQZ4_qA3kuqp9bp931uemBaso2n71YWZWezXq-DhnOrCgVeYnVICE39P3f9RLMRnjnJmwr_Q838GsKF_tEmjRj5fhT69piLzboe-lZo7kN_qtW63G9b-HF8/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNXfLqN111ClOxMdivzL8V_gIJevOC0meB-cUa_7rc9Yu8ZMrVFt_ys81PoX2vENi_QgdhQZ4_qA3kuqp9bp931uemBaso2n71YWZWezXq-DhnOrCgVeYnVICE39P3f9RLMRnjnJmwr_Q838GsKF_tEmjRj5fhT69piLzboe-lZo7kN_qtW63G9b-HF8/w148-h114/th.jpg" width="148" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-3952027036961421172023-12-29T06:00:00.107-05:002023-12-29T09:10:13.408-05:00Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2r91_azFcwsKvALluCtwGFfjD1BQafbbjJW_EJFKpfzQlvq6y0w8b1MWjSM9l3HMJLDGBL6BTQDyuxVcCznXG4U440pZPe4QnltEwec82HX4FzfMDIHHSWcU-fhAlTp1SOfPZNESr8L049WT0oE0NdGReHww8kEzbxuDlqmEMtH2g3-Uj-yQmmApGVN0/s600/Color%20Dare%20581%20Card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="443" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2r91_azFcwsKvALluCtwGFfjD1BQafbbjJW_EJFKpfzQlvq6y0w8b1MWjSM9l3HMJLDGBL6BTQDyuxVcCznXG4U440pZPe4QnltEwec82HX4FzfMDIHHSWcU-fhAlTp1SOfPZNESr8L049WT0oE0NdGReHww8kEzbxuDlqmEMtH2g3-Uj-yQmmApGVN0/w343-h465/Color%20Dare%20581%20Card.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The biweekly color challenge is up on the Blog at <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2023/12/Challenge-581.html" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare</a></b>. This is <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2023/12/Challenge-581.html" target="_blank">Challenge #581</a></b> and runs through Thursday evening, January 11, 2024. I love these colors together, choosing Rosy, Peach, and Lagoon plus a bit of silver metallic. You may substitute colors that are a close match so I selected </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Melon Mambo, Blu-raspberry, and Petal Pink as substitutes for the original colors.</span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwJZ0c6p04IYxU8FtTWaXN6DmiS0QqdxAnSb0bwVDb-IoShyphenhyphenr6RUjo_oNpiXkbcVZTElsLtb-rmGG6nBfp5J3noHL-PLnuIkDlQpz29dS7sw7VQvZbSRIVN7fqzbfbtDT1s3KdckG4C7tMVMn3OOSwYJzEfNJXgTFJTiGQsnMynAdZ2O85C8YEksJ7uI/s360/Color%20Dare%20581%20Challenge%2012-27%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwJZ0c6p04IYxU8FtTWaXN6DmiS0QqdxAnSb0bwVDb-IoShyphenhyphenr6RUjo_oNpiXkbcVZTElsLtb-rmGG6nBfp5J3noHL-PLnuIkDlQpz29dS7sw7VQvZbSRIVN7fqzbfbtDT1s3KdckG4C7tMVMn3OOSwYJzEfNJXgTFJTiGQsnMynAdZ2O85C8YEksJ7uI/w262-h262/Color%20Dare%20581%20Challenge%2012-27%20.jpg" width="262" /></a></div></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">First, the front of the bright pink card base was embossed for texture. The silver die-cut band was added along with two hand-cut strips of blue-green paper. In addition, the poinsettias and leaves were die-cut. A circle was die-cut from vellum. The poinsettias were inked with a touch of bright pink ink. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">It seems there is almost always a lesson to be learned when crafting even if you're not a beginner. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The sentiment, "Rejoice", was stamped three times on the vellum circle with Versamark ink and silver embossing powder.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">As I assembled the elements, I realized that the small sentiments on the vellum did not show up well against the bright card base, so I die-cut a smaller circle from peachy cardstock and colored it with a bit of ink. I inserted it behind the vellum so the sentiments were more visible. I also added five silver pearls. The inside of the card was lined with a panel of white cardstock and stamped with a silver embossed sentiment. A poinsettia was added for decoration.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for stopping by and be sure to join us at the <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2023/12/Challenge-581.html" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge Blog</a></b> to read the guidelines. Our challenges are biweekly in duration and begin every Friday morning so there is always an active challenge in the works.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy New Year!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamps: Honey Bee "Heart Be Light" (sentiments on front and inside)</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Inks: Stampin' Up! Melon Mambo; Versamark</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Melon Mambo, Petal Pink; Cardstock Warehouse Blu-raspberry</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Stampin' Up! Vellum; Scrapbook.com "Holographic"</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Kokorosa "Three Poinsettias", Spellbinders "Winter Borders", Hero Arts Infinity (circles)</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">EF: KWellam Christmas Snowfall</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">EP: Wow! Metallic Silver Super Fine Powder</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Pink Fresh "Matte Silver Pearls"</span></div></span></div><div style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iVlHcYrCvFCcG0xjmrSHEnH7Dvpr7nzNt1hyAodizJtqKYzsXS2qaUsjdsfMXOHPBtL38qF7VJA4PoCcCiolRjX3SG60x69lChn_pm5KA5PxUVqANWYwGB2DQZBqPdSFcebxPm7F2x3ySSfgkK88xQBiovAJC5TJWTumWtlINUIR5XoidfatzuXrkeA/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iVlHcYrCvFCcG0xjmrSHEnH7Dvpr7nzNt1hyAodizJtqKYzsXS2qaUsjdsfMXOHPBtL38qF7VJA4PoCcCiolRjX3SG60x69lChn_pm5KA5PxUVqANWYwGB2DQZBqPdSFcebxPm7F2x3ySSfgkK88xQBiovAJC5TJWTumWtlINUIR5XoidfatzuXrkeA/w163-h134/th.jpg" width="163" /></a></div></div></span></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-867461862187338362023-12-27T21:31:00.054-05:002024-02-15T07:56:08.768-05:00Celebrating the New Year's Ball Drop<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Dec 31, 2023 Update: Weekly Favorite at Splitcoast Stampers!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep0WmtNtprXx645n2ZbyyE550fdSbBDfPuRiIWtGoUite-Ci0SReUrR9RVzfduUaTF-QNVIp6aKBkHHcB3gyV7MHtKNIEtSTpWnnRRRjKGwbMB_aB9PIxAkpx0hXYi164fSRxD-u02xqsCJGMBuKktKiNosv5w_xpWGBXNakAGJk7LZMI8J05AgoRB-U/s200/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="200" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep0WmtNtprXx645n2ZbyyE550fdSbBDfPuRiIWtGoUite-Ci0SReUrR9RVzfduUaTF-QNVIp6aKBkHHcB3gyV7MHtKNIEtSTpWnnRRRjKGwbMB_aB9PIxAkpx0hXYi164fSRxD-u02xqsCJGMBuKktKiNosv5w_xpWGBXNakAGJk7LZMI8J05AgoRB-U/w343-h120/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" width="343" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IXbniOdmpjiMt_vpQcl-ahdo9iRSaIW0Doc4WQnyPRSZ5jBQIJJFzffrwHrhrTy_J6EdGDbjdls83pEsiK7P767LG4MEsLdPvZ0fZh5_h0N3LbfegSShJdlf9VRV7QolJkWZ3IJcvb7OcSdAWb5BJl8X23iTGtGYIspcLUybhHb1FeX_-48aOHoD4O8/s600/Card%20557X%20AHSC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="459" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IXbniOdmpjiMt_vpQcl-ahdo9iRSaIW0Doc4WQnyPRSZ5jBQIJJFzffrwHrhrTy_J6EdGDbjdls83pEsiK7P767LG4MEsLdPvZ0fZh5_h0N3LbfegSShJdlf9VRV7QolJkWZ3IJcvb7OcSdAWb5BJl8X23iTGtGYIspcLUybhHb1FeX_-48aOHoD4O8/w312-h407/Card%20557X%20AHSC.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Dec 31, 2023 Update: Weekly Favorite at Splitcoast Stampers!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep0WmtNtprXx645n2ZbyyE550fdSbBDfPuRiIWtGoUite-Ci0SReUrR9RVzfduUaTF-QNVIp6aKBkHHcB3gyV7MHtKNIEtSTpWnnRRRjKGwbMB_aB9PIxAkpx0hXYi164fSRxD-u02xqsCJGMBuKktKiNosv5w_xpWGBXNakAGJk7LZMI8J05AgoRB-U/s200/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="200" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep0WmtNtprXx645n2ZbyyE550fdSbBDfPuRiIWtGoUite-Ci0SReUrR9RVzfduUaTF-QNVIp6aKBkHHcB3gyV7MHtKNIEtSTpWnnRRRjKGwbMB_aB9PIxAkpx0hXYi164fSRxD-u02xqsCJGMBuKktKiNosv5w_xpWGBXNakAGJk7LZMI8J05AgoRB-U/w343-h120/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" width="343" /></a></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Time again for another </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/sketch-557.html" target="_blank">Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;">. This is </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/sketch-557.html" target="_blank">Challenge #557</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;">, ending on Sunday evening, December 31, 2023. Following is the sketch:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiiiCtONmPisr3sGl-icQSw9R4-YiZX910hSfygCUWOoUJ5qJJt1NeIEBXTmbnNiCMz78W8bRAjAssPUZ4ge1cABzFBAKbzhS8fcRQkgFQESQCEUhQfuLLlkQJGdzNheYEimPOk5PW4JE6cjt-lr6gm5RcD0933fo0SnDbqyJKEOpnjgNS6CxYlE3uNw/s980/AHSC%20557%20Dec%2025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="704" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiiiCtONmPisr3sGl-icQSw9R4-YiZX910hSfygCUWOoUJ5qJJt1NeIEBXTmbnNiCMz78W8bRAjAssPUZ4ge1cABzFBAKbzhS8fcRQkgFQESQCEUhQfuLLlkQJGdzNheYEimPOk5PW4JE6cjt-lr6gm5RcD0933fo0SnDbqyJKEOpnjgNS6CxYlE3uNw/s320/AHSC%20557%20Dec%2025.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After looking at the sketch several times, I was reminded of a die-cut that I had in my stash. I thought it would work quite nicely for "my interpretation" of the sketch, which is somewhat avant-garde. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This image was cut from gold-patterned holographic paper last year but never used. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A walk down Memory Lane:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I lived and worked in Manhattan, a borough of New York City, many years ago. I was a young woman, fresh out of college, and eager to begin my career. It was an exciting time for this girl from a small village in Central New York State. I loved everything - the shopping, the subways, the diversity of cultures, and the food. I love to explore museums and there is no shortage of them. In addition, I was living only a block from Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Opera. The musicals on Broadway were fabulous, even from the cheap seats. Celebrating New Year's Eve was another unforgettable experience, which seems to have inspired me to create this card!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Onto a panel of pink cardstock, a stencil representing fireworks was used </span><span style="font-family: arial;">instead of adding patterned paper</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. The die-cut ornament</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> was backed with vellum so the fireworks are somewhat visible through the ornament. A few other gold elements were added to represent a party atmosphere and the traditional dropping of the ball in Times Square. (They have been doing that since 1907.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The finished panel was adhered to a pearlescent black card base and gold bling was added. The inside was lined with a panel of white cardstock and decorated with a touch of fireworks stenciling and a few elements in gold holographic paper. I am not a great photographer but it is so difficult for me to photograph sparkly cards!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Every Monday there is an excellent sketch on display at the <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/sketch-557.html" target="_blank">AHSC Blog</a></b> so be sure to visit and play along. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's hoping the Design Team "gets" my avant-garde sketch interpretation because that's what a sketch challenge is all about.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Having recently discovered <b><a href="https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2023/12/cookie-challenge-187-december-gold.html" target="_blank">If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #187</a></b>, I am submitting just one more card to their December Challenge to use gold or silver.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbmkZHE43tdZTbSZp2u3AxcCygQw5GtlarSdURO7cH3Ph92p_3TzRNaVGGB3xr8V4YGq1o90ffNSDyiGQXlXJ66vgjDVZ2LUzY-KK74iQ95h90FraRo8iem6Jq1SX0yz_8AG5XZocQ2B9zOitPK4FZJVb98xi1vMb-V7eoRM1KMQn8ypceOKdIUCx1W4/s400/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbmkZHE43tdZTbSZp2u3AxcCygQw5GtlarSdURO7cH3Ph92p_3TzRNaVGGB3xr8V4YGq1o90ffNSDyiGQXlXJ66vgjDVZ2LUzY-KK74iQ95h90FraRo8iem6Jq1SX0yz_8AG5XZocQ2B9zOitPK4FZJVb98xi1vMb-V7eoRM1KMQn8ypceOKdIUCx1W4/w147-h196/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" width="147" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting and I appreciate your comments. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy New Year!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff00cc; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Stampin' Up! Melon Mambo</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' up! Basic White, Pretty in Pink; Cardstock Warehouse Pearlescent Black</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Stampin' Up! Vellum, SBC Holographic paper</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Die: Kokorosa (New Year Ornament)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stencil: Tim Holtz "Burst"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Recollections Gem Stickers</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4yYlPD7EAwxvUTB3mYn0xPXuSOSFqDSeXE4L4vfpVbt-P9w8tv-gdmHkqfl8cH1_SOVXniT8VH3uJ2k6VjxZZ_HU0Y5MBEWDw2YwAdIMT6G3xkp-6dRRIeLvwt3qI8wmB9NTzFDBGLUb7wiCSMhLONhrViZIIIFEezh895G3cJpa3xfesNTZtwyn39k/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4yYlPD7EAwxvUTB3mYn0xPXuSOSFqDSeXE4L4vfpVbt-P9w8tv-gdmHkqfl8cH1_SOVXniT8VH3uJ2k6VjxZZ_HU0Y5MBEWDw2YwAdIMT6G3xkp-6dRRIeLvwt3qI8wmB9NTzFDBGLUb7wiCSMhLONhrViZIIIFEezh895G3cJpa3xfesNTZtwyn39k/w176-h107/th.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-78916075003656680872023-12-22T19:39:00.006-05:002024-02-15T07:55:34.915-05:00Love & Christmas Cookies<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN2DBunwX_y8uhH8I8eenK8pFcH6oC7wrEVWbj-MpxMWyjJ_B9rCvYOVPICA765GlrUtFDAp7J0uNCcpJCREZj1fRqQwS7P6PGqFn0xFMxQqs-8XFJ1h4PDVp6hlqZGhSuiHW8ryy_Nulb4AEjOAGeQMo3fU4D_Y6SZptCk1fla2jOffDVbPWYAPROGc/s675/Oliver%20-%20Xmas%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="514" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN2DBunwX_y8uhH8I8eenK8pFcH6oC7wrEVWbj-MpxMWyjJ_B9rCvYOVPICA765GlrUtFDAp7J0uNCcpJCREZj1fRqQwS7P6PGqFn0xFMxQqs-8XFJ1h4PDVp6hlqZGhSuiHW8ryy_Nulb4AEjOAGeQMo3fU4D_Y6SZptCk1fla2jOffDVbPWYAPROGc/w295-h387/Oliver%20-%20Xmas%202023.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>12/24/2023 Update: Favorite of the Week at Splitcoast Stampers!</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ01qUCg-d2u2YUym1hCEaUfwrU4L0SpTbx7-fcAnk1Zv2wBebeLt5WqkcmZfnimVmJpd-viC9O9JJCgqH1vGqYL5qvfl9QMWfwZ6GN7rqt6QFkbys8byA4R4Gr1DtazjGkEXRp2ubTEyLz8ZKR69P9HcwKkxf2xf3nCmySWTbVzZxarDgJEvWRNxNB5o/s200/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="200" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ01qUCg-d2u2YUym1hCEaUfwrU4L0SpTbx7-fcAnk1Zv2wBebeLt5WqkcmZfnimVmJpd-viC9O9JJCgqH1vGqYL5qvfl9QMWfwZ6GN7rqt6QFkbys8byA4R4Gr1DtazjGkEXRp2ubTEyLz8ZKR69P9HcwKkxf2xf3nCmySWTbVzZxarDgJEvWRNxNB5o/w249-h87/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" width="249" /></a></div></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once the children in our family become teenagers, it's gift cards or cash instead of a wrapped gift. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It's now down to the wire and I realized I was short one Christmas card for the cash gift for my 13-year-old nephew. I don't often use ephemera and stickers on my cards because I like to create the elements myself, but </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I had Christmas paper and accessories on my desk so decided to make something quickly.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">My nephew enjoys learning to cook with his mom, so this suite of Gingerbread Christmas paper worked well for a cooking theme. A cut-apart was trimmed and backed with gum-drop patterned paper, then adhered to the red card base, adding a strip of green plaid paper behind the cut-apart. The cute garland of gingerbread cookies was added across the top of the card and a green gumdrop was adhered on the lower left.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The inside of the card was lined with a panel of dark green cardstock and then another panel in white. A sticker with "Official Cookie Tester" was added along with a Merry Christmas sentiment. This was a quick and easy card but I'm sure my nephew will be more interested in the cash than in the card making!<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog.<br /></span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Melanie</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Real Red, Mossy Meadow</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Echo Park "Gingerbread Christmas" Collection</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRGkrke2ay1F4m3JjhZlDmzRiY-3gR_LmIj0pqZb42vxQvkjd0sS5bgFGVXkw_Vkbt8movJI_OKq4Lcr8FvreCWia78wyUXoVWwU66R5a1Pqjum4y52KDQ3qKI_9e3_KYd_N1MR154PE1HhZZlTMspHXN6FXoIfzWRBJb-j3icujaQEKHpMCTwRiWwYM/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRGkrke2ay1F4m3JjhZlDmzRiY-3gR_LmIj0pqZb42vxQvkjd0sS5bgFGVXkw_Vkbt8movJI_OKq4Lcr8FvreCWia78wyUXoVWwU66R5a1Pqjum4y52KDQ3qKI_9e3_KYd_N1MR154PE1HhZZlTMspHXN6FXoIfzWRBJb-j3icujaQEKHpMCTwRiWwYM/w167-h103/th.jpg" width="167" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-10682280176546008722023-12-18T10:30:00.211-05:002023-12-30T21:55:08.587-05:00Celebrating You - Birthday<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9aBCSZvU1BcLz0oE9DPr36Poab8tFMzx8RfilsMsMRMzdCcxCUwLHWTA7nRsmvUsPzXNcau92OcyMVgkKkoVeuxy20j1G4-_FqpPjCkX1c0u5Voq8RLLQJltftM-hqaeGPG7TFdfboUSPelw6rE7FO2tsh1KWIPua4n1vQvhReO53b8g3Y930ynFqO0/s600/Card%20556%20AHSC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="435" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9aBCSZvU1BcLz0oE9DPr36Poab8tFMzx8RfilsMsMRMzdCcxCUwLHWTA7nRsmvUsPzXNcau92OcyMVgkKkoVeuxy20j1G4-_FqpPjCkX1c0u5Voq8RLLQJltftM-hqaeGPG7TFdfboUSPelw6rE7FO2tsh1KWIPua4n1vQvhReO53b8g3Y930ynFqO0/w374-h515/Card%20556%20AHSC.jpg" width="374" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The weekly sketch challenge is up on the Blog at <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/sketch-556.html" target="_blank">Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge</a></b>. This is <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/sketch-556.html" target="_blank">Challenge #556</a></b> and runs through Sunday evening, December 24, 2023. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Although the inspiration for this card came from the sketch below, I elected to go with a birthday card, rather than one for the holidays.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfqqW9xch1R9am1z0yxmd4xfxr1ofURFvguUHlusMJEECVwif3i22rvrBuUQSLV9wwJWQ1mabYQBvBOyZY9t6KjT1hBzsI9pof_OKYseqa0aXK7AGn7TbvglKU_xELfrkngqyg7sjlRdpYP0SLM0Z3qvtnknU8mKcO1mBonGPyeC_7yoDixOUTnzQC9U/s980/AHSC%20556%20Dec%2018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="704" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfqqW9xch1R9am1z0yxmd4xfxr1ofURFvguUHlusMJEECVwif3i22rvrBuUQSLV9wwJWQ1mabYQBvBOyZY9t6KjT1hBzsI9pof_OKYseqa0aXK7AGn7TbvglKU_xELfrkngqyg7sjlRdpYP0SLM0Z3qvtnknU8mKcO1mBonGPyeC_7yoDixOUTnzQC9U/w211-h274/AHSC%20556%20Dec%2018.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Following the sketch, I cut and adhered the various elements to a panel of violet pearlescent cardstock. The circle was added using thin foam tape and I selected black gems because the flowers in the patterned paper have black centers. I added a little bit of hand embossing to the right edge of the violet paper. This is an old technique done with a stylus but my cardstock is heavyweight preventing the embossing from showing in the photo.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you enjoy using sketches or have been wanting to try a sketch challenge, be sure to visit the <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/sketch-556.html" target="_blank">AHSC #556 Blog</a></b>. Although they have many Design Team members, they are not forthcoming with comments, which is disappointing, but I continue to play along because I enjoy the sketches.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's time to explore other challenges and I have discovered <b><a href="https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2023/12/cookie-challenge-187-december-gold.html" target="_blank">If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #187</a></b>. Their December challenge is to use gold and silver.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsQa3B5JuIzBdq1rXLmnn8sk0atmTwTXKeZnbbFbuzZsvukP-Hvg7xOZBK8DXbJXKRzLT8Kt8aqYI7_NaqnEm4SnGKDYSOqXm7wLQ5Rtd2DBBO0xZbbtTl3YU93GazYMczU7zS7WAwYyja-e-VgmGn9uw77NUhjle4EulNQzv-2gs6J9ZPLhmAYrbMAo/s400/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsQa3B5JuIzBdq1rXLmnn8sk0atmTwTXKeZnbbFbuzZsvukP-Hvg7xOZBK8DXbJXKRzLT8Kt8aqYI7_NaqnEm4SnGKDYSOqXm7wLQ5Rtd2DBBO0xZbbtTl3YU93GazYMczU7zS7WAwYyja-e-VgmGn9uw77NUhjle4EulNQzv-2gs6J9ZPLhmAYrbMAo/w160-h213/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog. I enjoy reading your comments. Merry Christmas!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Pretty in Pink; Paper Papers Pearlescent Satin (Violet)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Catherine Pooler "Paper Hearts" Collection; SBC "Holographic" </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Hero Arts Infinity (circles), Spellbinders "Winter Borders"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sentiment Sticker: Pink Fresh "Celebrating You" (silver)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape; Spellbinders Fashion Jet gems</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUTDRncriDXR2N0ylMplgjk2H3PSeyMlsqVQlcAx8Lm2EoYzkBek6djQRzTlshtXWc2gga_4U4wY3gMpQrk2MfcWZhh4P1OmIQalD-4v-unFLnnah8bpaj-rjlkTUZoFHpiDNmovF4dG9U_fQ0G0vkMqCGOJ5_jU-wWMVW2jOwqtAMNMlBiTHkyh0HOw/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUTDRncriDXR2N0ylMplgjk2H3PSeyMlsqVQlcAx8Lm2EoYzkBek6djQRzTlshtXWc2gga_4U4wY3gMpQrk2MfcWZhh4P1OmIQalD-4v-unFLnnah8bpaj-rjlkTUZoFHpiDNmovF4dG9U_fQ0G0vkMqCGOJ5_jU-wWMVW2jOwqtAMNMlBiTHkyh0HOw/w166-h158/th.jpg" width="166" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-64318771081789489912023-12-15T06:30:00.008-05:002024-02-15T07:57:13.413-05:00Bold, Bright, and Merry<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1iyGlpY5TtO4u5LNgEB35AHanUw9Plz_H8r1v0Ydks4ajT25Spsys0qABKKJBqFSaluGbsOTYkgOkt0cklqzbZWvL4xeP0EvAY5leGPfNML4rNq8jVsC0emeuV8-A44c6ovc9YwQwJ3gZsNjoMZpKv6bBU4ZPo0eN4kj-HIHEKyGqznskmBzGbkiuEU/s600/Color%20Dare%20579%20Card%20A%20X.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="485" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1iyGlpY5TtO4u5LNgEB35AHanUw9Plz_H8r1v0Ydks4ajT25Spsys0qABKKJBqFSaluGbsOTYkgOkt0cklqzbZWvL4xeP0EvAY5leGPfNML4rNq8jVsC0emeuV8-A44c6ovc9YwQwJ3gZsNjoMZpKv6bBU4ZPo0eN4kj-HIHEKyGqznskmBzGbkiuEU/w389-h481/Color%20Dare%20579%20Card%20A%20X.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">December 16, 2024 Update: Double Winner of the Weekly Favorite at Splitcoast Stampers!</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">December 17, 2024 Update: <span style="color: #45818e;">Featured Stamper at Splitcoast Stampers!</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjHeLyqEAmka2-3Wiab5fm57fZdihgkCghn6nWKlMSuFhjhZiihZ1F6HDRfm_5bmzdzDOM5xEW5TgFi9wv7G3A08of_Ol-N69kWJeAmiRw53HFazrYxPSkUUEoqDfDf9BHXPNkf4MBlOS5-hUswyKtuICcthAegidezh14rF_LZP_BLyTvJxsGUCnR00/s135/Split_featured_stamper.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="135" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjHeLyqEAmka2-3Wiab5fm57fZdihgkCghn6nWKlMSuFhjhZiihZ1F6HDRfm_5bmzdzDOM5xEW5TgFi9wv7G3A08of_Ol-N69kWJeAmiRw53HFazrYxPSkUUEoqDfDf9BHXPNkf4MBlOS5-hUswyKtuICcthAegidezh14rF_LZP_BLyTvJxsGUCnR00/w229-h80/Split_featured_stamper.gif" width="229" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpl5cPX5cHuG94htMiVZhp1srMy7bKMjbYFM09uiAkhNm4mQgf6q9KDpextE6H1dJjHMWn9sDktAek2qKuRKTsXRInjqMUFgkvNRJl-wejJTlk2roM7SeB1P9mDtufeaLNi5KrXxIjcwPxdr9NS6AHiVbY0_70MqUdMFDwsaWEDwSw8UL2feWaDbane0/s200/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="200" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpl5cPX5cHuG94htMiVZhp1srMy7bKMjbYFM09uiAkhNm4mQgf6q9KDpextE6H1dJjHMWn9sDktAek2qKuRKTsXRInjqMUFgkvNRJl-wejJTlk2roM7SeB1P9mDtufeaLNi5KrXxIjcwPxdr9NS6AHiVbY0_70MqUdMFDwsaWEDwSw8UL2feWaDbane0/w235-h82/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" width="235" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2UD3TN-CyJwVEUqiOJugzc0N3UREt0m3kB6ICHOLCYd6AiK7_KIEPj5RC8mQwOHP5OfjHNxptNog5oYVy12gYDfY60OCbD0DbLg6SkkeGTdDs3hIIpnTltSsaNHg64EW5eC6SfB1U4xav-1ovbSeeFLs7DY9klIK6B-NIgPcDG7qkXXh3j01ckLNmVw/s200/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="200" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2UD3TN-CyJwVEUqiOJugzc0N3UREt0m3kB6ICHOLCYd6AiK7_KIEPj5RC8mQwOHP5OfjHNxptNog5oYVy12gYDfY60OCbD0DbLg6SkkeGTdDs3hIIpnTltSsaNHg64EW5eC6SfB1U4xav-1ovbSeeFLs7DY9klIK6B-NIgPcDG7qkXXh3j01ckLNmVw/w230-h81/Split_Weekly-Favorite.gif" width="230" /></a></div></div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare</a></b> has a biweekly challenge that's just right for finishing up your holiday cards. <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Challenge #579</a></b> is open for fun, closing on Thursday evening, December 28, 2023. Below is the color board and it is bold and bright!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LadS-q6Gf5f1voMa_6GNVXikyPrYeEmSTEj2qfiKADtLYta7VgLJixqLD-5tV_CdJ9PHnRVBAig-Dqi5JpXrSD1NVb6fq44uJpJ8oWvlAtYnGu9IAwQwAweJIT-gex_0MBiZZj1RVsO3_QFvYaFGO8ZsTzQeQsQEgNkpb67lMfUVZ5eU5qtRSl3M4hg/s360/579.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LadS-q6Gf5f1voMa_6GNVXikyPrYeEmSTEj2qfiKADtLYta7VgLJixqLD-5tV_CdJ9PHnRVBAig-Dqi5JpXrSD1NVb6fq44uJpJ8oWvlAtYnGu9IAwQwAweJIT-gex_0MBiZZj1RVsO3_QFvYaFGO8ZsTzQeQsQEgNkpb67lMfUVZ5eU5qtRSl3M4hg/s320/579.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was short on time because my family surprised me with a birthday party forcing me to rush to make the card deadline. I decided to go bold and bright by adding metallic and holographic elements to my card base, using the prints and designs in the paper to reflect colors.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The circles and snowflakes were die-cut and adhered to the card base with thin foam tape. The sentiment was also adhered with thin foam tape. The inside of the card was lined with a panel of white cardstock and decorated with additional circles in holographic paper. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECCOPtFOtMXs848XfcW1EJAwaALTODK28hRm8XZV8CShZoxuqyl17aQKa9Mg8-6PCY_E5SBZCG89jFJSvgVB-i6gt_gCZZryB9zFZ3My5WPzwo8HnlmChik_wn2kORx7bxlq3XfIilUR_oHtk_j74M8sovJiRz71iXvA0E_v7BJsbY6yvRFuFWE4g0hQ/s4032/Color%20Dare%20579%20Card%20B%20Z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECCOPtFOtMXs848XfcW1EJAwaALTODK28hRm8XZV8CShZoxuqyl17aQKa9Mg8-6PCY_E5SBZCG89jFJSvgVB-i6gt_gCZZryB9zFZ3My5WPzwo8HnlmChik_wn2kORx7bxlq3XfIilUR_oHtk_j74M8sovJiRz71iXvA0E_v7BJsbY6yvRFuFWE4g0hQ/w352-h469/Color%20Dare%20579%20Card%20B%20Z.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Please join us at the <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Color Dare #579 Challenge Blog</a></b> to view the Design Team's cards.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">To add to the challenge fun, I am participating in the December challenge at <b><a href="https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2023/12/cookie-challenge-187-december-gold.html" target="_blank">If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #187</a> </b>with a fourth card!<b> </b>This challenge ends on December 31, 2023, but I will be joining in future challenges.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTyevPd_T3Kzd_EO2Fhj05Q7A6aIgVPzH6fs8gFX__n1PUpYtb5NS-vOA6215Dt1QAEDpzWH_YBY4a2MPnYC1Dw1de8IkH2SeQ9hk0OpYjNT6-x2ScRqusARaJ_gJRPGagi6yiTrasB9kTd1g1UdixwEsGiiVdq8edL1fh_nPS3wW0y4_AJ_eD1si3b0/s400/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTyevPd_T3Kzd_EO2Fhj05Q7A6aIgVPzH6fs8gFX__n1PUpYtb5NS-vOA6215Dt1QAEDpzWH_YBY4a2MPnYC1Dw1de8IkH2SeQ9hk0OpYjNT6-x2ScRqusARaJ_gJRPGagi6yiTrasB9kTd1g1UdixwEsGiiVdq8edL1fh_nPS3wW0y4_AJ_eD1si3b0/w148-h197/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog. Merry Christmas!</span></div><div><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Melanie</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamps: Paper Rose (sentiment on front) & Honey Bee "Mini Messages" (inside sentiment)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Versamark</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! "Basic White" & Cardstock Warehouse "Blu-raspberry" </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: SBC "Holographic" & various scraps of foiled gold and silver</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Hero Arts Infinity (Circles) & Honey Bee "Lovely Layers - Large Snowflakes"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">EP: Wow! Metallic Gold Rich Super Fine</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape & Honey Bee gem stickers</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTH90pLXmtIDy3ItmilNZE0LEs2q2-dGK9XKzOYxLe2-dOb56rK8QDWnc-WbK7O5E_HbCCgQj84PCIGmYRYEDICy3vj0NbNLmSTaqcCzKFLalqGW05jZega0nqZkmnn8rhfEup8FpJO043hg_7YAE-fY9TDiw8ClUpojUafKYrsUuiEMOVNs_zAABMHw/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTH90pLXmtIDy3ItmilNZE0LEs2q2-dGK9XKzOYxLe2-dOb56rK8QDWnc-WbK7O5E_HbCCgQj84PCIGmYRYEDICy3vj0NbNLmSTaqcCzKFLalqGW05jZega0nqZkmnn8rhfEup8FpJO043hg_7YAE-fY9TDiw8ClUpojUafKYrsUuiEMOVNs_zAABMHw/w176-h127/th.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-76584027189656531432023-12-11T08:30:00.007-05:002024-02-15T07:57:46.972-05:00Joy to the World (Sketch)<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6CCh6-Ou5DY3BxWw2BxtUqhuB2uyY1EfPyv0-d-uGOM1HwPgPYtQHT6cUJifHAIm8N_YA8-TMc2_-wB1U9_E-WFyyUPOQ1Qd-yWRsFkevpzAt0qF_N-UcUYzR_7QHKCxqG4VT5D-fY3hvJ81X3650GZvS7E0Pv86jdoX-O_iJkZEdC3TqZCn2UrRFNo/s641/Card%20555%20B%20AHSC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="641" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6CCh6-Ou5DY3BxWw2BxtUqhuB2uyY1EfPyv0-d-uGOM1HwPgPYtQHT6cUJifHAIm8N_YA8-TMc2_-wB1U9_E-WFyyUPOQ1Qd-yWRsFkevpzAt0qF_N-UcUYzR_7QHKCxqG4VT5D-fY3hvJ81X3650GZvS7E0Pv86jdoX-O_iJkZEdC3TqZCn2UrRFNo/w452-h370/Card%20555%20B%20AHSC.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>January 2, 2024 - Update:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This card was selected as a "Top Cookie" at <a href="https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2023/12/cookie-challenge-187-december-gold.html" target="_blank">If You Give a Crafter a Cookie Challenge #187</a>.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclXGcScinLnL2vkQYnfz8JZrMT57prSIFNXUCeVWy9dzXje9HwLZ_XSV4DnQ9Jblrh23F1rjJ4utbqqOTzlFMYyfuDeACxvSYnQvxa4zfIAboQFTrTRB3dOEpC7DkKcDx_ALIUpuW8WA0bO3LGD_xVOy271UVHFDbz8_AJJi9XYxm-UsgbCnZ33Wqy3o/s234/Top%20Cookie.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="200" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclXGcScinLnL2vkQYnfz8JZrMT57prSIFNXUCeVWy9dzXje9HwLZ_XSV4DnQ9Jblrh23F1rjJ4utbqqOTzlFMYyfuDeACxvSYnQvxa4zfIAboQFTrTRB3dOEpC7DkKcDx_ALIUpuW8WA0bO3LGD_xVOy271UVHFDbz8_AJJi9XYxm-UsgbCnZ33Wqy3o/w161-h188/Top%20Cookie.gif" width="161" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My holiday cards are completed so I was tempted to create a birthday card but was inspired by the snowflake on this sketch. I guess I could have gone with a wintry theme but I don't live in a climate with long winters so once the holidays are finished, it's not long before my tulips and daffodils show themselves. But it's time to write about this </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/sketch-555.html" target="_blank">Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;">!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillcS2t8vFhqCrnGsBAoj4GU4Qc5XdeGyRXey2EfmNOtC3isCRbBiAMcHTwhdhyphenhyphenSqhK0jGIfPn6St89m9sGK3kJ3xq2RZO_nHSkoxCIz8szt-hbSTmYHI-4t24Nlb9YGVi8nBcSRor2Xpgir2wMX3igssa24s2l1bnNiOTEh0Q4tKTUUNNVqsIA1alkcA/s882/AHSC%20555%20Dec%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="704" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillcS2t8vFhqCrnGsBAoj4GU4Qc5XdeGyRXey2EfmNOtC3isCRbBiAMcHTwhdhyphenhyphenSqhK0jGIfPn6St89m9sGK3kJ3xq2RZO_nHSkoxCIz8szt-hbSTmYHI-4t24Nlb9YGVi8nBcSRor2Xpgir2wMX3igssa24s2l1bnNiOTEh0Q4tKTUUNNVqsIA1alkcA/w188-h236/AHSC%20555%20Dec%2011.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Onto a green card base, I added white patterned paper with a design of scattered gold fir trees. A green band backed with gold was adhered to the card front. A square was cut from the same green cardstock and also backed with a panel of gold paper. The large snowflake was die-cut from gold holographic paper and adhered to the square element, which was then added to the card front with thin foam tape for dimension. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The sentiment was heat embossed with gold powder and adhered directly to the snowflake, and two clusters of three gold gem stickers were added. The inside of the card was lined with a panel of white cardstock and decorated with small die-cut snowflakes in gold holographic paper. I also added a sentiment that was heat embossed with gold powder, saying "Merry Christmas". I really like this sketch and see myself using it again, tweaking it here and there for other non-sketch challenges.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMYk9360VlWQKEqnByadkLndolgfB9hqRvSGqJsYCagrLW3KFIhvY_ydXIApeTkt1HCgdzK7h4P4a_XDuF5_8SYCDqSVPif_dJWE-4R-CkB-HM4eATURf-uzr3sgBPbWLSyKhHCTfOdKaIByxEfA2JqWgf9eP1v2hNJwrMUBGRawtAA4rQ74SU7gdpXo/s408/Card%20555%20A%20AHSC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="408" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMYk9360VlWQKEqnByadkLndolgfB9hqRvSGqJsYCagrLW3KFIhvY_ydXIApeTkt1HCgdzK7h4P4a_XDuF5_8SYCDqSVPif_dJWE-4R-CkB-HM4eATURf-uzr3sgBPbWLSyKhHCTfOdKaIByxEfA2JqWgf9eP1v2hNJwrMUBGRawtAA4rQ74SU7gdpXo/w343-h337/Card%20555%20A%20AHSC.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to visit the </span><b style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/sketch-555.html" target="_blank">AHSC Challenge Blog #555</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> on Wednesday, December 13, to view the Design Team's cards and if you haven't played along, it's time to try.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I recently discovered the challenge, <b><a href="https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2023/12/cookie-challenge-187-december-gold.html" target="_blank">If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #187</a></b>, so I am adding this card to their December challenge </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to include gold and silver</span><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkp6pIRyOGWDH9KtWVh3uXyUCQT-82bHoPALJw9SWAbo1-ic9ggysmdqrxabNJd6rQYorBFB3kRGRYcBvBQXue9gvk8Tam3t21UrcwdV9CQQHTYevqIJhyyERNo7jYXFfU6T421pCW9-3I-UtkMr7Xvr_Sds0tgfbM3w7FDyUJsvVawJeFWTOhK2uNT74/s400/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkp6pIRyOGWDH9KtWVh3uXyUCQT-82bHoPALJw9SWAbo1-ic9ggysmdqrxabNJd6rQYorBFB3kRGRYcBvBQXue9gvk8Tam3t21UrcwdV9CQQHTYevqIJhyyERNo7jYXFfU6T421pCW9-3I-UtkMr7Xvr_Sds0tgfbM3w7FDyUJsvVawJeFWTOhK2uNT74/w156-h208/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog.</span></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Melanie</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamps: Honey Bee "Mini Messages - Holiday" (both sentiments)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: Versamark</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Gold Foil; dark green (source unknown)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Honey Bee "Holiday Wishes" & Scrapbook.com "Holographic"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Die: Honey Bee "Lovely Layers - Large Snowflakes"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Embossing Powder: Wow! Metallic Gold Rich Super Fine</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape; Honey Bee gem stickers</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTH90pLXmtIDy3ItmilNZE0LEs2q2-dGK9XKzOYxLe2-dOb56rK8QDWnc-WbK7O5E_HbCCgQj84PCIGmYRYEDICy3vj0NbNLmSTaqcCzKFLalqGW05jZega0nqZkmnn8rhfEup8FpJO043hg_7YAE-fY9TDiw8ClUpojUafKYrsUuiEMOVNs_zAABMHw/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTH90pLXmtIDy3ItmilNZE0LEs2q2-dGK9XKzOYxLe2-dOb56rK8QDWnc-WbK7O5E_HbCCgQj84PCIGmYRYEDICy3vj0NbNLmSTaqcCzKFLalqGW05jZega0nqZkmnn8rhfEup8FpJO043hg_7YAE-fY9TDiw8ClUpojUafKYrsUuiEMOVNs_zAABMHw/w176-h127/th.jpg" width="176" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-57565049020176485982023-12-05T06:00:00.242-05:002023-12-05T15:07:57.369-05:00Happy Owlidays<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SMDBRIv2-DkoGb6iMBR-YaV1ZYHcw3iSl8kkIc-pdgFMPYBhmTSBkBU3LL4bEqp3bEPR3_Q7vC28rhDJiD7EHw6w6z6AHSsEh9WVgSq1WJxiUPc_OOMimA0C3U7apqDm6SdUvNCDzC1jP718sFohvdo17jpVid05tLWoq4BgFhHXRNoZg7C6i7tFYWs/s675/TSOT%20Card%20636%20YY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="520" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SMDBRIv2-DkoGb6iMBR-YaV1ZYHcw3iSl8kkIc-pdgFMPYBhmTSBkBU3LL4bEqp3bEPR3_Q7vC28rhDJiD7EHw6w6z6AHSsEh9WVgSq1WJxiUPc_OOMimA0C3U7apqDm6SdUvNCDzC1jP718sFohvdo17jpVid05tLWoq4BgFhHXRNoZg7C6i7tFYWs/w427-h554/TSOT%20Card%20636%20YY.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The challenge over at <b><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2023/11/challenge-635.html" target="_blank">Try Stampin' on Tuesday</a></b> is up on the blog, awaiting your card! Following is the required sketch - remember you can turn the sketch or substitute one shape for another if you wish. This is <b><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2023/11/challenge-635.html" target="_blank">Challenge #636</a></b>, scheduled to close on Sunday evening, December 17, 2023. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV4hBcaOBvJ-Acl6JAkDBn3Izaf6vwqh3uckkO7oE9hOCLdZ0-QvfyQh_5iIC_KG7qwt6VPfeIttizzDAWTKHSQxXnwAoDyNpgszxLSo5bFUpzu8xSa_iWY1HT0AvHIwcVbofkBiXwKquTRyyveNZsRlRflR4pZHVQ6OHc5I_EY4f67gR29yjztJR_tA/s320/TSOT636%20A%20Dec05%20BundleUp.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="247" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV4hBcaOBvJ-Acl6JAkDBn3Izaf6vwqh3uckkO7oE9hOCLdZ0-QvfyQh_5iIC_KG7qwt6VPfeIttizzDAWTKHSQxXnwAoDyNpgszxLSo5bFUpzu8xSa_iWY1HT0AvHIwcVbofkBiXwKquTRyyveNZsRlRflR4pZHVQ6OHc5I_EY4f67gR29yjztJR_tA/w193-h250/TSOT636%20A%20Dec05%20BundleUp.png" width="193" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our <i>optional</i> theme is "Bundle Up". It's your choice to include this theme with the sketch. I have had this cute stamp set for a time so decided it fit the optional theme perfectly. I stamped the "bundled up" owl along with a branch included in the set. After coloring the images, I fussy cut them. My Copic markers have been packed away for a long time and need to be cared for so I borrowed markers from a family member. Her markers are for Bible art and journaling and are a mix of different ink types but I made them work. In addition, an oval shape was die-cut from vellum, and three snowflakes from white cardstock. One of the sentiments from the stamp set was stamped in brown ink. I resisted the urge to use "googly" eyes because the sclera in the eyes of owls is not white. So I colored the sclera and added black gems for the pupils.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The snowflake patterned paper was adhered to a panel of dark green cardstock and the elements were arranged onto the card, following the sketch layout. The oval with the owl on a branch was adhered using thin foam tape along with the stamped sentiment including another branch. I added a few snowflakes for decoration. The inside of the card was decorated with a bit of scrap paper and a few more snowflakes. With brown ink, I added the sentiment, "Warm Wishes", which is also included in this stamp set.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Be sure to visit the <b><a href="https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2023/11/challenge-635.html" target="_blank">TSOT Blog #636</a></b> to view the Design Team's cards and join the challenge!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog. Please feel free to leave a comment. Merry Christmas to you and yours!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp set: CTMH "From Owl of Us"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Inks: Stampin' Up! Soft Suede & miscellaneous assortment of markers</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Vellum, Evening Evergreen</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Echo Park "Gingerbread Christmas"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dies: Honey Bee "Lovely Layers" (snowflakes), Kat Scrappiness (oval with embossed rim)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: Spellbinders black gems & CTMH thin foam tape</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSjek0zfiOo92eTUOuvxl5UO8YxRNQxRgvSDOLljwdeYJipvBXAXdpf3X2Pi4EswqvrQd2izRdf0fBHkYs6IEgqnAhu_CS2h7GlZ9FVYlnJwmgWuS8xW4U267LerjfVga1rvS4aOMQOB4nUXxi3tVb-t6bgR4RLYXZSwLuU24m9UFJzhrRBoI1lzVSGo/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSjek0zfiOo92eTUOuvxl5UO8YxRNQxRgvSDOLljwdeYJipvBXAXdpf3X2Pi4EswqvrQd2izRdf0fBHkYs6IEgqnAhu_CS2h7GlZ9FVYlnJwmgWuS8xW4U267LerjfVga1rvS4aOMQOB4nUXxi3tVb-t6bgR4RLYXZSwLuU24m9UFJzhrRBoI1lzVSGo/w188-h100/th.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-19257136776718002912023-12-04T06:00:00.351-05:002024-01-03T23:41:02.709-05:00Wishing You Joy<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Note: Part of the theme is to use a bow, ribbon, cord, twine, etc. In answer to a few questions I used Washi tape for the horizonal band with the stamped sentiment, which is permitted.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HU49IkVH2OZAWiThnNfO_OrfnOwc5g_JuffBQWZ7jPOhF3YFJxcrmDcgFbC2s2aCQCE1RJ_hUYnfMzGR5Ihw4SPr9xvCXQwfdPj3RdhAC4LvwbSf_hX0fqg-rrk5FCciKYgIwJlxLkU_bZv3dulnHR4pLzOMN9kd049lpRcOM2ZRbkhZ2tL0pdI5sKA/s570/DTC%20155%20Card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="348" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HU49IkVH2OZAWiThnNfO_OrfnOwc5g_JuffBQWZ7jPOhF3YFJxcrmDcgFbC2s2aCQCE1RJ_hUYnfMzGR5Ihw4SPr9xvCXQwfdPj3RdhAC4LvwbSf_hX0fqg-rrk5FCciKYgIwJlxLkU_bZv3dulnHR4pLzOMN9kd049lpRcOM2ZRbkhZ2tL0pdI5sKA/w330-h537/DTC%20155%20Card.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Greetings! It's almost the end of another year... where did the year go? And, as usual, it seems that nothing changes from year to year because I was still in a rush to wrap up the completion of my holiday cards for 2023. I am finally getting them in the mail.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/Challenge-155.html" target="_blank">Double Trouble Challenge</a></b> suggests you use this opportunity to "wrap it up" with the holiday cards with <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/Challenge-155.html" target="_blank">Challenge #155</a></b>. As is customary, we have three "Things" for you. In summary:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 1 (required): We don't want to drive Trouble Maker "die-lerious" so use at least one item on your card that has been cut with your favorite cutting tool. You may use a die, punch, scissors, or a cutting machine. I fussy-cut some flowers and die-cut some leaves for my card. By the way, entering our challenge means your name is in for a chance at the random drawing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXfb0ppiejpt_kmtwsFPr9wjwws4PmH8dYQFAAXxThp4cp3TgDc-NNpbzAzB1hzgebcnQEqaMzpTlXIg9VCc6xtucPxUK1yuVKVz82BP_JF0Wnk2naw1pppnqTbUvUGObHni54YHX92VEi-yFLZNfctSM1dkMmNSj2jfGQ65y6VMIL1YagRy42jM-tT8/s320/Challenge%20155%20Clip%20Art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="227" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXfb0ppiejpt_kmtwsFPr9wjwws4PmH8dYQFAAXxThp4cp3TgDc-NNpbzAzB1hzgebcnQEqaMzpTlXIg9VCc6xtucPxUK1yuVKVz82BP_JF0Wnk2naw1pppnqTbUvUGObHni54YHX92VEi-yFLZNfctSM1dkMmNSj2jfGQ65y6VMIL1YagRy42jM-tT8/w161-h227/Challenge%20155%20Clip%20Art.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare hopes to see your project posted at <b><a href="http://useyourstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Use Your Stuff Challenge #481</a></b>. This is our partner for this challenge and if you link up with them you will have another chance in our random drawing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLOUmmGGR3LLXEY3vpWxsx_CFcCnXmD7OLlLsG2iCGW3pVHxJXNW5rmThmBMmKZ9Hx9cP-9fUwhSReTmj2biLiJPEIdpL28ZWtos8lopV4c5qherKqB3DTy0sm1kJ527h2iaYtBnErNSy41JHNn0IT7g9117Vc-a2pWc9mAlvJ9jZ9gvECxdK7c6-VVA/s1160/Use%20Your%20Stuff%20Challenge.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="1160" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLOUmmGGR3LLXEY3vpWxsx_CFcCnXmD7OLlLsG2iCGW3pVHxJXNW5rmThmBMmKZ9Hx9cP-9fUwhSReTmj2biLiJPEIdpL28ZWtos8lopV4c5qherKqB3DTy0sm1kJ527h2iaYtBnErNSy41JHNn0IT7g9117Vc-a2pWc9mAlvJ9jZ9gvECxdK7c6-VVA/s320/Use%20Your%20Stuff%20Challenge.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thing 3 (also optional): This is where you can "wrap it up" and complete your </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to-do list. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Twisted Sister is looking for some ribbon, cord, twine, etc., for your project. I used a little Scotch brand Washi tape on my card, on both the front and inside. Play along with Twisted Sister to earn another chance in our random drawing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My card is a Slimline style and was inspired by a sketch. This sketch can be found at <b><a href="https://atlanticheartschallenge.blogspot.com/2023/11/sketch-554.html" target="_blank">Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #554</a></b>. This weekly challenge runs through Sunday evening, December 10, 2023, so don't miss out on sharing your talent with them. Here's the sketch:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlM1PftdRIXlh6zjkyse63WFeXBPHFl9GMAw4AUWCSW7vjKVcHGNh8ZyLtsYMbFtqb09fMz8BfD_VKgE740CzUn33kUt8lP9KK_5QeAkUU2g72bWVYy7vK8QbRRio2eC-Ia_dXCmbh5gjU4ZyNpT7LXv72ULIf9eqkCcCS0mXb8X6lEMKwEWKRSz2CoY/s1092/AHSC%20554%20Dec%2004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="704" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlM1PftdRIXlh6zjkyse63WFeXBPHFl9GMAw4AUWCSW7vjKVcHGNh8ZyLtsYMbFtqb09fMz8BfD_VKgE740CzUn33kUt8lP9KK_5QeAkUU2g72bWVYy7vK8QbRRio2eC-Ia_dXCmbh5gjU4ZyNpT7LXv72ULIf9eqkCcCS0mXb8X6lEMKwEWKRSz2CoY/w184-h257/AHSC%20554%20Dec%2004.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please join us at the <b><a href="https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2023/12/Challenge-155.html" target="_blank">DTC 155 Blog</a></b> and the <b><a href="http://useyourstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">UYS 481 Blog</a></b> as we close out another year of fun challenges. Double Trouble ends on Sunday evening, December 31, 2023, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">but we'll be back with a new challenge on New Year's Day, Monday, January 1, 2024. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Special Note: The <a href="https://useyourstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Use Your Stuff Challenges</a> will be closing down with this challenge on Sunday, December 31, 2023. This is your last chance to play along with them. You may also wish to post a farewell message on their blog.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will leave a comment. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stamp: Gina K "Under the Mistletoe" (sentiment)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ink: VersaFine Clair (Green Oasis)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Evening Evergreen, Pear Pizzazz</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paper: Honey Bee "Holiday Wishes"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Die: Honey Bee "Lovely Layers" (leaves)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape, Honey Bee gems, Scotch Washi Tape</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv7U9piDyAVhZd0TFbztdfbPiURz2j-OyQLhjTgJaxGBh4VRZyPP2ziomI7lCdk3XMzXvlqxldabGLDVeKvzH1w02nQqacXlu4B1q0GG0kHMoUJhCN6HphKHM3o04fzvB5Ne2lPdhyphenhyphenvjgch6hotDu1xyTrVfmJy8Uy08ULYRMuiDn5-3CQ6mECCTIaxA/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv7U9piDyAVhZd0TFbztdfbPiURz2j-OyQLhjTgJaxGBh4VRZyPP2ziomI7lCdk3XMzXvlqxldabGLDVeKvzH1w02nQqacXlu4B1q0GG0kHMoUJhCN6HphKHM3o04fzvB5Ne2lPdhyphenhyphenvjgch6hotDu1xyTrVfmJy8Uy08ULYRMuiDn5-3CQ6mECCTIaxA/w220-h107/th.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8258200648931008762.post-55127390799781226082023-12-01T06:00:00.003-05:002023-12-30T21:43:45.723-05:00With Love at Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokhdT3sZtvAk7Av4DCsjMlyd0EzCFk15-ORbn16ljh8uFBRIfN3j77SBf4T_YA1lbSkoZvfFlHwl2Ykvkcd47fl32m8GY6nanRMx1ty-0Ow4IufuybX0wO3FtVS4M4XRFPn6oVmaqgjzWkMZGx1aao72iaZt6C7kG5-fKdmCeY6o2JLca3wuTtAZtIT0/s750/Color%20Dare%20577%20Card%20X.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="616" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokhdT3sZtvAk7Av4DCsjMlyd0EzCFk15-ORbn16ljh8uFBRIfN3j77SBf4T_YA1lbSkoZvfFlHwl2Ykvkcd47fl32m8GY6nanRMx1ty-0Ow4IufuybX0wO3FtVS4M4XRFPn6oVmaqgjzWkMZGx1aao72iaZt6C7kG5-fKdmCeY6o2JLca3wuTtAZtIT0/w406-h494/Color%20Dare%20577%20Card%20X.jpg" width="406" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Welcome! It's time for another color challenge at <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2023/12/Challenge-577.html" target="_blank">Color My Heart Color Dare</a></b>. This challenge is biweekly and runs through Thursday evening, December 14, 2023. As you can see from the color board below, the required colors are shades of blue, pink, and purple, with black, white, neutrals, and metallics being free. You must use all three of the required colors. I used the three colors and added silver holographic paper to my design.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoTQewAJ0OOwy2wAQpFGvBWWgXI0W_y7McwyjC1rp9TZFbnBPZsQJzTshcLDiQGuu7I-saNJ2qzI2EJx_eLxUw9mcDLuH2dt-eGKFcW-4otaFTTXZGugUfJMhZbOo4EUjYrR5T9AzOQ8Ibzad1F5Un-9q_ypGuMke_EF_mqjHgbHVU2kPWFhV6CW84Ds/s360/Color%20Dare%20577%20Challenge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoTQewAJ0OOwy2wAQpFGvBWWgXI0W_y7McwyjC1rp9TZFbnBPZsQJzTshcLDiQGuu7I-saNJ2qzI2EJx_eLxUw9mcDLuH2dt-eGKFcW-4otaFTTXZGugUfJMhZbOo4EUjYrR5T9AzOQ8Ibzad1F5Un-9q_ypGuMke_EF_mqjHgbHVU2kPWFhV6CW84Ds/s320/Color%20Dare%20577%20Challenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Using watercolor paper, I began by embossing a design. Water was spritzed onto the paper and run through the embossing machine. Recently I discovered a product called mica stain. This product is sprayed onto paper and produces a soft shine. Having no purple mica stain, the pink and blue colors were sprayed onto the embossed watercolor paper allowing them to blend and produce purple. After letting it dry for about an hour the drying process was completed with a heat tool, taking care not to scorch the paper. Next, and this is optional, the embossed paper was inserted back into the embossing folder and run through a second time. I just wanted a better impression since this was not a 3-D folder.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Using a pad of silver metallic ink, I lightly swiped the embossed piece. This is optional but I liked the result. The finished panel was trimmed to card size, saving the scraps. T</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he embossed design was backed with a panel of silver holographic paper, and more of the silver holographic paper was placed for the sentiment. Using a cut-away scrap, I die-cut the word "hugs". Although it is cut from the background paper, it looks different in the photo. From deep blue/purple cardstock, a shadow for the "hugs" was die-cut. Onto another piece of that cardstock, a small sentiment was </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">heat embossed</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">with silver embossing powder. The die-cut word and embossed sentiment were adhered to the holographic strip. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The finished design was adhered to a card base in a raspberry-colored pearlescent finish and five silver pearl stickers were added. The inside of the card was lined with a panel of white cardstock, stamped with a sentiment, and decorated with a few scraps of holographic paper and background scraps. Plenty of score tape was used when adhering elements to the shiny paper.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I like the results but shiny and sparkly elements do not always photograph well. Since this is the first time I have tried this technique, other ideas popped into my head as I created my card so I am eager to experiment. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Be sure to visit the <b><a href="https://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2023/12/Challenge-577.html" target="_blank">Color Dare Blog</a></b> and try our color challenge. You need not use the exact colors as long as they are a near match to what you see on the color board.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I just discovered a challenge that I plan on doing in the future so I am adding my card to <b><a href="https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2023/12/cookie-challenge-187-december-gold.html" target="_blank">If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #187</a></b>. Their theme is to use silver or gold and ends on December 31, 2023.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTDV73J4tfOHqlbN46J-C_KdJPOkPo1utTajN9X_SdKrFyLODCH7h1W2kWF4a22uDFH7lWKBZL_ptcilPp8Cpi1YlUzHmclQY65nB5WvlUvt4UdK0dGufRZ7G2lbanBVvbLj02lnrn418ol9tG9uE1Y4yubRWiH9_BulLg5VxQe14hfNKVExQfpIZhrQ/s400/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTDV73J4tfOHqlbN46J-C_KdJPOkPo1utTajN9X_SdKrFyLODCH7h1W2kWF4a22uDFH7lWKBZL_ptcilPp8Cpi1YlUzHmclQY65nB5WvlUvt4UdK0dGufRZ7G2lbanBVvbLj02lnrn418ol9tG9uE1Y4yubRWiH9_BulLg5VxQe14hfNKVExQfpIZhrQ/w152-h202/giveacrafteracookiedec.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I also decided to play along with the challenge at </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://useyourstuff.blogspot.com/2023/11/480-shine-bright.html" target="_blank">Use Your Stuff #480</a></b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">. Their theme is Shine Bright and ends on December 9, 2023.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JljyroGWUyA2FQ95kYYa5X5CPnO2yYQULHc66PrOuVdKwf2km65L5uRntKFZuTdTiZZoMCBlA9spmcTrZX2EFwvGeH5hoBPkkc71nLQkvyAwBXSniyha8-MCgWkAV4ZlYGUpbeDSv22CoL7L8pre85VGVdQazVUOTtfd2w9s3qTXNz71WW4Kuankbww/s1160/Use%20Your%20Stuff%20Challenge.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="1160" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JljyroGWUyA2FQ95kYYa5X5CPnO2yYQULHc66PrOuVdKwf2km65L5uRntKFZuTdTiZZoMCBlA9spmcTrZX2EFwvGeH5hoBPkkc71nLQkvyAwBXSniyha8-MCgWkAV4ZlYGUpbeDSv22CoL7L8pre85VGVdQazVUOTtfd2w9s3qTXNz71WW4Kuankbww/s320/Use%20Your%20Stuff%20Challenge.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Thank you for viewing my blog. I appreciate your comments and questions.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>Melanie</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u>Materials</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Stamps: Honey Bee "Heart Be Light" (front and inside of card)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Inks: Stampin' Up Orchid Oasis (inside of card), Delicata Metallic (silver); Tim Holtz Mica Stain (Snow Flurries/blue & Cocktail Party/pink); Versamark</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & Orchid Oasis & off-brand of Mulberry Pink Pearlescent</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Paper: Strathmore watercolor paper & Scrapbook.com Holographic paper pad</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Die: Altenew "Hello & Hugs"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Embossing Folder: Spellbinders</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Misc.: Wow super fine embossing powder (Metallic Silver); Honey Bee Pearl Stickers; CTMH thin foam tape; score tape</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bVle_E90S9I_cBmkvt-8iF2aBqW4QjH0tHD6XRNkC_vMjGBHs1yth0rjzhqB1QAIoLNvAxuxVTLumAumsba07FisgLYyY9fxBZJ_wmZ4MO6Rvt_h_CGmmMw9OKUDKyoJWHodADKd6uOh_im5trlV8n36wlJmUU-LvJ1gpyS3btDr60houeqj-YNesV0/s220/th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bVle_E90S9I_cBmkvt-8iF2aBqW4QjH0tHD6XRNkC_vMjGBHs1yth0rjzhqB1QAIoLNvAxuxVTLumAumsba07FisgLYyY9fxBZJ_wmZ4MO6Rvt_h_CGmmMw9OKUDKyoJWHodADKd6uOh_im5trlV8n36wlJmUU-LvJ1gpyS3btDr60houeqj-YNesV0/w220-h113/th.jpg" width="220" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for visiting. Feel free to leave a positive comment, suggestion, or inquiry. </div>Melanie Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702775012171673978noreply@blogger.com6