Lovely Amazing You (DTC #166)

It's another Double Trouble Challenge. This biweekly Challenge #166 runs through Sunday evening, May 19, 2024. Our challenge has three "Things".

Thing 1 (required): Trouble Maker has decided we need to celebrate "Lost Socks Memorial Day". This occurs annually on May 9. The point is to honor all the socks that have disappeared and are no longer with us. Crazy, right? Take a look at the DTC #166 Blog for the details.

Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare would like to see your project posted at our partner's challenge. Visit Tuesday Morning Sketches #756 for their requirements.

Thing 3 (optional): Twisted Sister has suggested you create your card using our partner's sketch (below) for inspiration.

In honor of "Lost Socks Memorial Day", I used a favorite paper collection that is almost depleted. I was sure I needed more paper to follow the sketch successfully but I used a few tricks in piecing to complete the card. I was thinking, "Missing paper = missing sock." I know... it's a stretch, but it's fun.

Scraps were layered in keeping with the sketch. Each layer was backed with cardstock scrap to add dimension rather than using foam tape. (Most of my cards are mailed so I keep them low profile.) The layers were adhered to a white card base decorated with a panel of wood grain paper. The top layer was stamped, adhered, and decorated. The inside of the card was decorated with a coordinating paper scrap.

Here's hoping you'll join us for these challenges so be sure to include the sketch. For all the details, visit the blogs for DTC #166 and TMS #756!

Thank you for stopping by.

Melanie

Materials

Stamp: Stampin' Up! "Lovely Amazing You"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White

Paper: Honey Bee "Modern Spring" Collection

Misc.: Honey Bee "Winter Pearl" sticker gems

Spring Card with a Fun Fold

Double Trouble Challenge #160 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". Challenge #160 Blog provides an explanation in detail of the requirements and options.

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, Creative Creases #76.

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. 

Three rabbits were die-cut in different colors and tucked into the card's fold along with adding a floral image and a butterfly. I thought the card needed more color so touches of pink ink were 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. 

I think I need to take some lessons in photography. I am constantly disappointed with my photographs! Be sure to join this fun challenge and try your hand at creating a fun fold - it can be rewarding! Visit Double Trouble #160 and Creative Creases #76 to play along.

Thank you for looking.

Melanie

Materials

Ink: CTMH "Rosy"

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Crumb Cake, Smoky Slate

Paper & Ephemera: Echo Park "Good to Be Home" Collection

Die: Jaded Blossom Gnome Collection (rabbit)

Misc.: CTMH thin foam tape

Scene of Serenity (Sympathy Card)

Upon seeing the sketch for the Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge #634, I was pleased to see the optional theme was trees. In my stash, I have had an unused die with a silhouette of trees for some time so I was able to use it here.

I redesigned the orientation to be landscape to fit the die-cut image. I used the circles to represent a blue sky and a yellow sun and otherwise kept the background clean to create a serene mood so I could use this as a sympathy card in the future. The original sketch is below.

Option: Trees

The inside of the card was decorated by lining the lemon card base with a panel of white cardstock framed in green, cutting a second die-cut tree image, and adhering a few of the trees individually. I left sufficient room for a personal note.

There is always an open challenge at TSOT. Challenges are biweekly in duration, beginning every Tuesday morning. This challenge runs through Sunday evening, December 3, 2023. We welcome you to the TSOT Blog #634 to view the Design Team's cards and to try our challenge.

Please join us! Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate your comments.

Melanie

Materials

Stamps: Stampin' Up! "Gingko Branch" (sentiment on front); GinaK "Natural Silhouettes" (sentiment inside card)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Lemon Lolly, Mossy Meadow, Boho Blue

Dies: Hero Arts "Infinity Circles"; Stampin' Up! "Gingko Branch"; Kokorosa "Trees in Silhouette"

So Beautiful

Double Trouble Challenge #111 is up on the blog. This challenge runs through Sunday evening, May 29, 2022, and, as usual, there are three "Things" to our challenge.

Thing 1 (required): If you're like most crafters, you are probably a packrat - even just a tiny bit. Trouble Maker would like you to use a paper bag you've been hoarding (or Kraft paper) to create your project.

Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare is thinking that while you're working with that old paper bag, you may consider linking up with our partner, The Crafter's Cafe Challenge #285. Be sure to read their guidelines.

Thing 3 (optional): Twisted Sister has come out from under her stash after finding patterned paper in spotted and striped designs. Be sure to use spots or stripes on your project so we can all keep her happy.

I recently spent a long weekend away from home at a friend's summer cabin in the mountains of northern Arizona. The fresh air and mountain scenery was wonderful. I had no craft supplies for this card so used what I found in my friend's stash at the cabin.

Onto the Kraft card base, I added a die-cut oval using foam tape then added some lovely ephemera from a paper packet. The banners are cut from patterned papers with spots and stripes so I could enter my card at our partner's challenge. 

We look forward to seeing your entries on our DTC111 Blog and at The Crafter's Cafe #285.

Materials

Cardstock: CTMH Toffee & New England Ivy

Paper: CTMH "Hope and Kindness" Paper Packet

Dies: Kat Scrappiness (ovals)

Sending Hugs

Join us at Color My Heart Color Dare #467 for a "Color Trio" challenge. This is a biweekly challenge that runs through Thursday evening, November 4, 2021. There are three required colors - Sundance, Papaya, and Sage. Black, white, and silver metallic are free colors. No other colors may be included. As long as your colors are a close match to the color block below, you may use any product.

Desiring a simple card, I masked off a 3/4" margin along the left side and lower edge of a white panel then brushed on yellow ink. I die-cut the flower from Papaya cardstock and adhered it direct to paper. The leaf was a leftover die-cut from my stash. The white panel was added to a green mat and then to a white card base. The sentiment was stamped, matted, and added with foam tape and a few pearls were added. The inside was decorated with a small die-cut flower in Papaya.

Visit the Challenge #467 Blog for guidelines and inspiration to play along. Our biweekly challenges begin every Friday morning so there is always an active challenge.

Materials

Stamps: Altenew "Frosted Garden" (sentiment)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black & Distress Oxide Fossilized Amber

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White & Mint Macaron; CTMH Papaya

Die: RCD "Floral Variety"

Misc.: Pearls & foam tape from stash

Sweet and Swirly

Thank you for visiting my blog! The biweekly sketch challenge at Try Stampin' on Tuesday's Challenge #527 runs from Tuesday, October 5, through Saturday, October 16, 2021. The sketch is a required element but we also have an option for you to try, "Script/Text".

I was puzzled about developing the option so used the sketch to inspire my script-y, swirly background. Using a die, I created the background on white cardstock and then brushed on a bit of blue ink. I adhered it to coordinating blue cardstock and then to a white cardstock card base. The sentiment was die-cut from silver glittered cardstock and adhered to a die-cut shadow of the word, "love". The sentiment was added to the card using foam tape. A few small hearts were created with a punch to create the tiny glittered hearts. The inside was decorated with additional hearts.

The Design Team invites you to visit the TSOT527 Blog where you can find additional cards and guidelines. We offer a new biweekly challenge each Tuesday so there is always an active challenge to enjoy.

Materials

Ink: Stampin' Up! Marina Mist

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Marina Mist, & Silver Glimmer

Dies: Frantic Stamper (Stitched Sweet Swirls) & Pink & Main (word and shadow)

Punch: Stampin' Up! "Confetti Hearts"

Misc.: Foam tape

Smooth Sailing

The Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #440 is coming to a close soon. With my Internet down this afternoon, I was frantic that it would not be restored in time for the deadline. This challenge began last Monday, September 27, and ends this evening, October 3, 2021. 

I enjoy making masculine cards and there are plenty of men in my family who receive my cards for every occasion. Using some old paper and a bit of new, I cut the pieces according to the shapes on the sketch. I stamped the sailboat scene and colored it with Copic markers and adhered each circle with a layer of thin foam tape. The sentiment was stamped and also added using foam tape. The card front was adhered to a white card base and the inside was decorated with nautical images.

Be sure to check back on Monday, October 4, to view AHSC #441.

Materials

Stamps: Stampendous "Nautical Anchor"

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black & Copic Alcohol Markers

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

DSP: SU! "Whale of a Time" (waves) & Maritime (fish)

Dies: Whimsy (stitched circles)

Misc.: Foam tape

School Memories

It seems as if it's time again for "Back to School" so that's the theme at If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #160 for September.  It's back to school at Use Your Stuff #431, too, with both challenges ending on September 30, 2021. 

I originally created this card for a sketch challenge but missed the deadline. I tossed it in my stash until today when I realized these were "Back to School" challenges so I decided to add it to my blog and publish it.

I found the elements for my card after a search through my stash. Onto a card base of brown cardstock, I added a panel of green cardstock, embossed with the alphabet. With brown cardstock, I matted the yellow-pencil paper and placed it onto the card with thin foam tape. 

Next, I stamped the book stack with the apple and colored the image with markers. I purposely colored the apple green to match the cardstock but in retrospect, I got thinking, "Nobody ever gives the teacher a green apple!" I guess I should have colored it a bright red. The sentiment was stamped in brown ink and adhered with thin foam tape. The inside was lined with white cardstock and decorated with coordinating paper.

If you're looking for a fun challenge, be sure to check out these blogs: IYGCC160 and UYS431.

Materials

Stamps: Echo Park "Star Student"

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip, Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Chocolate Chip, Hello Honey, Pear Pizzazz

Paper: Echo Park "Pencil Pushers"

Die: Whimsy (stitched circle)

Punch: Stampin' Up! (scalloped circle)

Misc.: Sizzix Embossing Folder (alphabet) & thin foam tape

Squeeze the Day

Join us for another biweekly challenge at Color My Heart Color Dare. This is Challenge #455. This challenge is a little different because you must use shades of yellow. You may select two colors of your choice with yellow but no additional colors are permitted. (Black and white are free.) I selected green and purple as my additional two colors after I discovered this patterned paper collection in my stash.

There is nothing complicated about my card design. Onto a white card base, I added a panel of purple patterned paper, followed by paper patterned with lemons. I added a horizontal "zip strip" in a diagonal pattern backed by a strip of green. I die-cut two circles - one in a yellow stripe and another with tiny white flowers on a green background. I added them to the card using thin foam tape. The sentiment was stamped and added with thin foam tape plus two pale green "gems". The inside was decorated with additional lemon-decorated paper.

We invite you to our challenge blog at Color My Heart Color Dare #455. This challenge begins on Friday, July 30, and ends on Thursday evening, August 12, 2021. A new challenge starts each Friday and runs for two weeks so there is always an active challenge.

Materials

Stamp: Dare 2 B Artzy "Lemon Zest"

Ink: Distress Oxide "Seedless Preserves"

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White

Paper: CTMH "Taste of Summer" Collection

Dies: Sizzix "Circle Sentiments"

Misc.: Stampin' Up! Genial Gems & foam tape

With Deepest Sympathy

Welcome to Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge #495! This is a biweekly challenge beginning on Tuesday, February 23, and ending on Sunday evening, March 7, 2021. The challenge sketch is below and the optional theme is "Sympathy".

Lately, I have been trying to use up small pieces of patterned paper that are retired or discontinued and found these old favorite designs. Onto a card base, I added a die-cut rectangular gray panel, followed by two smaller panels and a horizontal strip of coordinating paper. In keeping with the sketch, I added a butterfly, fussy-cut from the paper. The sentiment was stamped and cut with oval dies then added with foam tape. The inside was lined with white cardstock and decorated with coordinating paper and a small butterfly. The last item was to add Glossy Accents to the butterfly.

Try Stampin' on Tuesday has great sketches for biweekly card challenges beginning each Tuesday so there is always an active challenge. Check out the Challenge Blog!

Materials
Stamps: Stampin Up! "Peaceful Moments"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Basic Gray & Soft Sky
Paper: CTMH "Chelsea Gardens"
Dies: Hero Arts Infinity Ovals & Paper Rose Infinity Rectangles
Misc.: Glossy Accents & foam tape

Sending XOXO

St. Valentine's Day will be here before we realize it! I have an aunt who is in her nineties and who loves to receive cards and letters. She is the last of her generation in our family and a generous, loving woman. I include her on my card list for every occasion so this is a Valentine for her.

I was inspired by a sketch at Try Stampin' on Tuesday's biweekly challenge. Below is the required sketch for Challenge #489. The optional twist is to include die cuts on your project. This biweekly challenge runs from Tuesday, January 12, through Sunday evening, January 11, 2021. A new biweekly challenge begins each week so there is always one active challenge underway.

Using a circle die I cut a floral image from a sheet of patterned paper, adhered it to the pink card base, and added a bit of faux stitching with a white gel pen. A strip of metallic gold cardstock was added next and decorated with a tiny scalloped edge along the edge. The backside of the floral image had these casual hearts printed on white, so I matted a strip with dark red cardstock and adhered it to the card using foam tape. With a gold gel pen, I colored in a few of the hearts. To finish the card I added the die-cut xoxo sentiment and some gold metallic pearls. The inside was lined with white cardstock and decorated with the same floral paper.

There are always inspirational cards created by the Design Teams to encourage you to enter the challenges. Check out the TSOT489 Blog for the sketch and guidelines.

Materials

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Gold Metallic

Paper: Simple Stories "Kissing Booth"

Dies: Spellbinders Classic Circles, Cutplorations (XOXO), Memory Box (scalloped border)

Misc.: Stampin' Up! Metallic Pearls (gold), Boxun Gel Pens (white & gold metallic), foam tape

Side-Step Schommelkaart with Sketch

Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge #479 is a biweekly challenge beginning on Tuesday, October 13, and running through Sunday, October 25, 2020. This time we have a unique challenge called a "Mix-Up". Our challenges usually require the use of a sketch and then there is an optional element that can be added if you choose. With a Mix-Up Challenge, the choice is either the sketch or the element or a combination of both. 

I decided to do the full Mix-Up. When you look at my card you can see evidence of the sketch. Schommelkaart is believed to be a Dutch technique. It's not difficult to make in that it is simply a side-step card shaped like a circle. "Schommel" means to sway or rock and "kaart" means card. So here it is - a swaying or rocking card. I am providing two links to YouTube (in English) that were helpful in providing me with measurements.

Circle Step Card           Circular Side Step Card

I had no circle dies as large as 6" in diameter, which is the starting point. I cut a 6" square and went about turning that into a circle with a ruler and a pencil. Once the shaped card base was completed from white card stock, I added the patterned papers. The images were stamped, colored, and die-cut along with other elements. The elements were added to the card, sometimes with foam tape for dimension. Once the card was completed, the blue enamel dots were added to provide the necessary balance so the card would stand evenly. (After all that, my photograph is off-kilter and the card looks slightly crooked!) There is sufficient space on the back of the card to leave a message for the recipient.

We would enjoy seeing your creations at our TSOT Challenge Blog.

Materials
Stamps: Sunny Studio "Plane Awesome"
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Alcohol Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Hello Honey & Chocolate Chip
Paper: CTMH "Penelope" scraps & Photoplay "Twila & Norbet" scraps
Dies: Sunny Studio "Plane Awesome", Paper Smooches (zigzag circles), & Memory Box (clouds)
Misc.: Enamel dots & foam tape

Say It with Patterned Paper

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #389 is live as of Monday, October 5, closing in one week, on Sunday evening, October 11, 2020. They have fabulous sketches with which to work. 

I used three patterned papers for this card, four if you count the flower. The background paper is obvious but the yellow and pink papers have patterns that are more difficult to discern because they are color-on-color designs. I have tried to show the patterns in my photos. The multi-color patterned paper was added to a black card base. Onto this, I added the pink triangle with the one edge of black trim, as I interpret the sketch. I die-cut the two long hexagonal pieces - one in black and one in yellow, adding them with foam tape for dimension. The whimsical flower was fussy cut from a scrap of paper and adhered with foam tape. I added the green gems to balance the colors of the leaves. The sentiment, required in the sketch, was stamped and punch-cut from white cardstock. The inside was lined with white cardstock and trimmed with patterned paper.

If you're new to sketch challenges, this is the place to play along and enjoy the fun, and if you like sketches, be sure to visit the AHSC Blog for inspiration and a new sketch each Monday. I also submitted my card to an Anything Goes challenge at Crafting Happiness #69.

Materials
Stamp: Hero Arts "Greetings" (CM351)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White & Basic Black
Paper: CTMH "Blue Skies" Collection & "Craft On" (flower)
Dies: Stampin' Up! "Stitched Nested Labels"
Punch: Stampin' Up! "Petite Curly Label"
Misc.: Gems and foam tape

Saddle Up & Celebrate

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

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

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

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

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

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

To a Stand-up Friend - Masculine Birthday

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

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

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

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

Showers of Love

Update: This card was a Favorite of the Week at Splitcoast Stampers for the week ending April 25, 2020.

Double Trouble Challenge #55 is up on the blog beginning Monday, April 20, and ending Sunday evening, May 3, 2020. This is a biweekly challenge that offers you options and twists. Our theme is "Spring Things".

For specific details, visit our blog but here is a photo, which serves as a brief explanation of the requirements.

As you can see from the photo, we are partnering with Artsy Stamper Digitals, owned and operated by artist, Beverly Cole. When you post your card to Challenge #14, we urge you to browse through her Etsy shop - you won't be disappointed!

Artsy Stamper Challenge Badge

For my card, I used a stamp and die bundle that I've had for two years and never used. When I read the challenge description, I knew these were the stamps for my card. I was inspired by an artist and paper crafter named Jan Tink and shamelessly CASE'd her card. I do not have a link to her card. 

I stamped and colored the image then added the background and rain effects. The image was cut using a circle die. The clouds were created with a stencil. Once the clouds were completed, I die cut the panel with zigzag stitches. The sentiment was stamped and trimmed to size. Onto a white card base, the layers were added, mostly using foam tape. I added the banners toward the right edge to bring color to that side of the card. The inside was decorated with a sun and two ducklings, leaving sufficient space for a personal message.

Be sure to join us at Double Trouble #55 for this fun challenge and don't forget to link up with Artsy Stamper's Challenge #14 and visit the Artsy Stamper Shop. 

Materials
Stamps: My Favorite Things " Rain or Shine"
Inks: Stampin' Up! Marina Mist; Copic Alcohol Markers
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry
Dies: My Favorite Things " Rain or Shine"; Spellbinders Classic Large Circles; Whimsy "Stitched ZigZag Rectangles"
Misc.: Gelly Roll Pen #10 (white), foam tape