Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #268


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  Can you believe it's the Wednesday before Christmas!  It's also the first day of winter!  Now, that only makes me happy because it's the longest day of the year which really means that every day from now until June 21 just get longer!!!  

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches! Our hostess this week (actually for two weeks!) is the amazing Jen Mitchell!  Jen makes such beautiful cards!  Her card this week is absolutely gorgeous!  Head to her blog and check it out!


I couldn't wait to use the new Detailed Dragonfly thinlits and the Dragonfly Dreams stamp set!  They are so fun and you're going to love them!  Who doesn't love dragonflies!   I think for the next few months you may only see dragonfly cards here!!!  Sorry about that!!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Watermelon Wonder, Silver Glimmer
DSP:  Carried Away
Stamps: Dragonfly Dreams
Ink: Night of Navy
Other: Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits, Softly Falling Textured Embossing Folder, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you will head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the beautiful cards the Design Team has created for you!

Have a great day and a Merry Christmas!

Jen

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #267


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  Can you believe how fast Christmas is coming?!  We are now blanketed in white here in Southern Ontario.  I am going to say that I'm not a big fan of the snow.  I know that coming from a Canadian that may sound strange but honestly, snow isn't my favourite thing.  Our new kitten however seems to thoroughly enjoy the snow. Great.  Just what I need!  A cat who wants to go outside and play in the snow all winter!

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches! Our hostess this week if the amazing Jen Timko!  Did you see Jen's Christmas wreath cards the other day?  They're just beautiful. Head over to her blog to check them out!
 I couldn't bear to make another Christmas cards so birthday it is!  I pulled out my Amazing Birthday stamp set and decided that this image would work the best.  I kinda wanted to add some colour so decided to do some crazy cutting rather than using markers to colour.  I don't colour well!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black
Stamps: Amazing Birthday
Ink: Stazon Black, Perfect Plum, Tempting Turquoise, Crushed Curry, Cucumber Crush, Watermelon Wonder
Other: Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the fabulous cares the design team has created for you!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen



Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #266


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great week and your Christmas preparations are going well.  I'm slowly trying to get some gift wrapping done.  I had some "help" from our kitten with the wrapping and I'm thinking she may be as bad as having a toddler!    I guess it will get done soon enough!!!

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches.  Our hostess this week is the one and only Amy O'Neill!  Amy is our resident colour expert and makes such amazing and creative projects!


I needed to make a baby card - well a twins card for a friend of mine who's wife recently had two beautiful little girls!  Now, this card may change between now and when I give it to them!  I am not totally happy with the background!  I really should have either used some texture or some different paper.  I was a little frustrated when I made the card and decided that it would be better to have a card finished than to not have one finished!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Smokey Slate, Basic Grey, Pink Glimmer (Recollections)
Stamps: Something for Baby, Itty Bitty Banners
Ink: Smokey Slate, Pink Pirouette
Other: Baby's First Framelits, Botanical Builders Framelits, Basic Pearls, Bitty Banner Framelits, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the amazing cards the Design Team has created or you!

Have a fabulous day!
Jen



Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #265


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  Can you believe it's the last day of November?!  Are you ready for Christmas?!  We have our tree up and the lights on but I have been having some difficulty training our kitten to stay out of the tree.  Yes, I know you can use a squirt bottle on them but this kitten loves water and the squirt bottle is just another toy!  I'm going to try putting a few decorations on tomorrow and working with her to stay away from the tree.  Should be interesting.

We have a great new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches this week courtesy of the lovely and extremely talented fussy cutter Narelle Farrugia!  The sketch is super versatile and perfect for any season.  Of course because I'm slightly behind on my Christmas cards (like extremely behind!) so I wanted to get a simple design that I could very easily recreate!

Now, as I was putting the image of the sketch into my blog I realized I forgot the rectangular block on my card.  I guess my "merry" could work but I'm a little disappointed in myself!  I also used the silver ink which I smeared, quite a bit.  Sometimes I frustrate myself!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Shiny Red
Stamps: Holly Jolly Greetings
Ink: Real Red, Encore Silver
Other: Christmas Greetings Thinlits, Basic Rhinestones

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the amazing cards the design team has created for you!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen!




Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #263


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  Can you believe we're midway through November already?!  How does that happen?!  I hope you've started your Christmas shopping.  I've slowly started mine and am trying to get things now before the shelves get emptied and picked over!  Sometimes it's easier said than done though!

We have a great new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches today.  Our hostess this week if our fabulous French designer Cecile Ribon!  Cecile makes beautiful cards and you need to head over to her blog to check out those gorgeous creations!


Now, I need three cards this week.  It's already Wednesday and only one is done.  I'm doing really well!  This is the first card I need so thankfully it's done.  I'm part of a bootcamp "group".  We have class every Wednesday and sometimes on Sunday mornings.  One of the girls in our group is having her last chemo treatment tomorrow.  She has made it to bootcamp almost every week since her diagnosis. We are so proud of her and amazed by her strength.  We have a little surprise for her tomorrow to congratulate her on this accomplishment!

This sketch did stump me.  It wasn't even the circles, it was that bottom panel.  I won't tell you how many "draft" versions are sitting on my desk.  The creativity sure hasn't been flowing lately.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Basic Grey, Smokey Slate, Whisper White
DSP: A Little Foxy DSP Stack
Stamps: Itty Bitty Banners
Ink: Versamark
Other: Bitty Banners Dies, Botanical Builders Dies, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Wink of Stella, Basic Rhinestones, Silver Embossing Powder, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out all the fabulous cards the Design Team has created for you!

Have a great day!

Jen

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #262


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great week!  The weather we've been having here has been so beautiful that it doesn't feel like November at all.  It's been fabulous!  I wish it wouldn't end but soon (too soon) we will start the slippery slope into winter!

Being Wednesday, we have a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches!  I am excited to be this week's hostess.  Being the sketch creator can be very nerve wracking since you're never too sure how people will feel about your sketch.  I decided to keep it simple and even threw a circle on there to add some spice!


I had this snowflake sitting on my desk from a card I wanted to make before.  It was just too pretty to leave sitting there another week so I decided I would use that as my circle!  Honestly, I love that copper.  It is just such a lovely colour!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Copper Glimmer Paper, Copper Shiny
Stamps: Star of Light
Ink: Versarmark
Other: Star of Night Thinlits, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Copper Embossing Powder, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog to see the amazing cards the Design Team has created for you!  You will not be disappointed!
I can't wait to see what you come up with this week!

Have a great day!

Jen

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #261


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  Can you believe it's November?!  Where did September and October go?  I guess that means we are one step closer to Christmas!  Maybe I should get started on my Christmas shopping!  Better yet, I should get started on my Christmas cards!  I don't make too many these days so I don't think I have too many to do!

We have a great new sketch today at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the fabulous Cindy Hall!  Cindy makes amazing cards and you need to head over to her blog to check them out!  Her sketch is so fun this week - except that I totally didn't follow it properly!  The girls may boot me off the team!!!



I really wanted to use my Christmas Pines stamps and Pretty Pines dies for this card.  I didn't really relish the thoughts of cutting out that banner but alas, it's cut out!  I thought the pine cones needed a little sparkle so I used some glimmer cardstock.  I opted to use some greenery instead of patterned paper for my strip behind the rectangle.  I totally forgot to offset my mat though.  Ugh.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Gumball Green, Gold Glimmer
Stamps: Christmas Pines
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Other: Pretty Pines Thinlits, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head on over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the beautiful cards the Design Team has come up with!  We can't wait to see what you create!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen




Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #260


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great week so far!  I have had an exciting start to the week.  It was Harvest University at our church here in Canada.  I was able to work with the volunteers and make sure we had people helping out where we needed them.  Such a fun time! I love getting to know new people!  I also had the opportunity to help a set of parents out from Grand Olive, Michigan and watch their sweet little princess.  Snuggliest baby I have ever held!

We have a great new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the amazing Kim Singdahlsen.  Kim is one of the most creative people I know.  Her cards and projects are just fabulous.  Head over to her blog and check them out!
I haven't felt very creative lately.  I don't get to spend as much time in my craft room as I would like so when I'm there I often feel rushed and pressured to get a card done.  I'm hoping in the near future to spend some extra time in there!  I think I'll have to force myself to!!!  This card took forever to make.  I do love the jar set though.  It's really fun to play with!  Of course the flowers and fish are coated in Wink of Stella!  I couldn't help myself!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Pool Party, Whisper White, Basic Black
DSP: A Little Foxy DSP Stack
Stamps: Jar of Love, In A Big Way (Reverse Confetti)
Ink: Pool Party, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, Mint Macaron, Smokey Slate, Versamark Silver, Stazon Black
Other: Everyday Jar Framelits, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Wink of Stella, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping in today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the amazing creations the Design Team has posted!  You will be amazed!!!!  I love working with this creative group!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #259


Hi!
Hope you're having a great week so far!  We have had some great weather here.  You'd almost think it was summer!  The leaves on the trees are beautiful and with the gorgeous sunshine it's amazing!  I guess this is why I love fall!!!

Today we have a great new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the super talented Linda Callahan!  Linda makes such fun cards!  I love them!  You'll have to head over to her blog and check them out!


Now, there is a big ol' circle on this card.  Circles aren't as scary these days but overall I struggled to come up with a fabulous idea for this card.  My craft room is a disaster and will soon be torn apart to do some repairs so I'm feeling less than creative!

I do love my pineapple stamps from Concord & 9th.  I decided that they would work for this card!  I started with just a plain white background but it was too boring so I added some embossed polka dots!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Melon Mambo
Stamps: Pop Art Pineapple
Ink: Versamark, Melon Mambo
Other: Pop Art Pineapple Dies, Double Stitched Circles, Wink of Stella, Basic Rhinestones, Polka Dot Textured Embossing Folder, Dimensionals


Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the amazing cards the Design Team has created for you!  You will love them!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #258


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great week so far!  We celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada this past weekend.  We are still enjoying some delicious turkey!  Tomorrow will be Turkey soup!  I can't wait!!!  Today however is a very special day at our house.  My husband and I are celebrating our 14th anniversary!  It's funny how that happened because I'm pretty sure I'm just 25 which means I must have gotten married awfully young!!!

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is our colouring Queen, Rita Wright!  Head over to Rita's blog and see the magic she works with ink and markers!
I knew I needed to make an anniversary card with this sketch.  Our wedding colours were raspberry and gold and I wanted to tie that in.  I originally wanted to put a maple leaf on but the leaf I had was far too big.  I opted for an oak leaf because we refer to my husband as an oak tree and my youngest son as an acorn!  I figure this card truly reflects our family!  As I look at this picture here, I realize that both acorns were stamped on Whisper White instead of Very Vanilla!  Oops!  Hope my husband doesn't notice!!!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Gold Glimmer
Stamps: Acorny Thank You, Autumn Acorn Stamps (PTI)
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Other: Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Acorn Punch, Acorn Die (PTI), Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head on over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the beautiful cards the design team has created for you!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Wednesday, October 5, 2016


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great week!  Pepsi is adjusting very well to life here and you'd think she'd been here her whole life!  Sometimes I wonder if she's a dog!  Let's just say gracefulness isn't her strong suit!!  The kids sure love her though and she loves it when they get home from school and play with her!

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the talented and extremely creative Jen Mitchell!  Jen creates beautiful cards and tags!  You'll want to head over to her blog to check it out!  We also have a great new look at the Freshly Made Sketches blog so make sure you get over there to check it out!


I didn't really know what to do this week for a card.  I decided a Christmas card would be in order.  I started with one colour theme and then ended up with navy and silver.  I tired to be different but I just couldn't do it!  You can all be thankful it's not black and white!!!!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Silver
Stamps: Star of Light
Ink: Versamark
Other: Silver Embossing Powder, Silver Sequins, Starlight Thinlits, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Thanks again for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out our new design and the fabulous new cards the design team has created for you!!!

Have a fabulous day!!!

Jen!


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #256


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're all having a great week!  It's been a super busy week here so far with all fall programs now in full swing.  The boys have had a very exciting week so far.  On Saturday, we added a new member to our family.  We have adopted a little, 12 week old kitten!  This little girl is Jacob's cat and he's named her Pepsi!  We've decided she lives up to her name - sweet and spicy!   She was so timid at first and wouldn't come out of hiding but she has gotten over her timidness and is now our best friend!  She loves to cuddle and I have never heard a cat purr so loudly!!!

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the amazing Jennifer Timko!  Jen creates beautiful cards and you need to head over to her blog to check them out!


Now, this is not the first card I created.  I started with one idea and made a card that I totally thought I would go with.  It sat on the counter for Monday afternoon and part of Tuesday when I realized I didn't like it.  It was also just black and white.  I seem to only make black and white cards.  Not that this card is too much different!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red
DSP: Stacked with Love DSP stack (retired)
Other: Botanical Builders Dies, Banners Framelits Dies, Hello Confetti Cuts (Reverse Confetti), Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog to check out the amazing cards the Design Team has created!

Here's a sweet picture of our Pepsi to start your day!


Have a fabulous day!
Jen

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #255


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week has started out well!  We've had some beautiful summer weather here which has been lovely!  This weekend my youngest is having his "friend" birthday party.  Even though he has a summer birthday we wait until fall to have his "friend" party.  I've been busy trying to get ready for that!  We are doing a baseball theme!  Should be a fun time!

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches courtesy of Amy O'Neill!  Amy makes the most delightful cards!  She is so creative and just amazes me with her creativity!  I want to be like Amy when I grow up!!!!


Of course I realize now I put my sentiment in the wrong spot.  That's what happens when you're trying to make your card quickly.  This card was supposed to be a beautiful fall card with gorgeous leaves.  As you can see that card didn't quite turn out the way I wanted it to.  So I ended up with some black pine cones and black pine boughs.  Real festive colours!!!  I think the girls on our DT just set the bar so high with their amazing cards!!!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Red Glimmer
Stamps: Star of Light (sentiment)
Ink: Versamark Black
Other: Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies, Silly Stitched Dies (Lil' Inkers)

Thanks so much for stopping in today!  I hope you will head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out all the beautiful cards the Design Team has created for you!

Have a wonderful day!

Jen

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #254


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're all having a great week!  We've had some great summery weather which has been nice for the beginning of school!  The kids are having a great time at school so far.  They both really enjoy their teachers!  What more could a mom want?!

We have a great new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the amazing Narelle Farrugia.  Narelle's cards are famous for their gorgeous flowers and indicate layers!  Head over to her blog to check those amazing creating out!
Now, as you know, my Big Shot had been giving me grief.  I was playing in my craft room on Sunday afternoon and it died.  I mean it totally refused to turn no matter how hard I tried to turn the handle.  Thankfully, my husband is fabulous and he took my Big Shot apart Sunday night and fixed it!  It's not working like it was brand new but it's working and it cuts things!  Yay!!!  I am a happy girl!

I couldn't figure out what to put on this circle.  I tried many different things.  Many, many different things.  I finally decided on the Botanical Builder Dies.  I mean, who doesn't love flowers - especially if they have Wink of Stella on them?!  Oh, I'm so ashamed I used it again!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Grey, Smokey Slate, Calypso Coral
DSP: Fox and Friends DSP Paper Stack
Stamps: Crazy Birds (Tim Holtz)
Ink: Smokey Slate
Other: Botanical Builder Dies, Wink of Stella, Basic Rhinestones

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out what the design team has come up with for your creative inspiration!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #253


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you are having a great week!  It is the first day of school here in Southern Ontario.  Don't even ask why we are starting so late.  The kids had a PA Day yesterday.  Yes, before the first day of school.  The boys are so ready go back to school despite their whining about it.  Caleb begged me to homeschool him.  I don't think so!

We have a new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches.  I am honoured to be this week's hostess.  I always get nervous when I'm hostess.  You just never know how the sketch is going to go over.  The girls have already commented on the fact that I put a circle on my sketch!


We were on vacation last week and my order from Concord & 9th arrived!  I always love to come home to some fun new goodies!  I must say I love the Pop Art Pineapple set!  I just think it's just so fun!  As soon as I saw it I knew that pineapple would work perfectly as my "circle"!  Of course I had to add a little Wink of Stella glitter to the flower.  I just couldn't help myself!  While making this card I discovered that my big shot is dying.  Well, it sounds like it's dying.  It sounds awful.  I think that handle has been turned one too many times.  It may be on it's last legs!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White
DSP: A Little Foxy DSP Stack
Stamps: Pop Art Pineapple (Concord & 9th)
Ink: Stazon, Calypso Coral
Other: Double Stitched Square Dies (Lil' Inkers), Pop Art Pineapple Dies (Concord & 9th), Wink of Stella, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!   I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog to check out that beautiful cards the Design Team has created.  I can't wait to see what you create!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #251



Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're enjoying your week!  To my American readers, I hope your kids have made it back to school and are enjoying their new year so far!  My kids don't go back until September 7th which seems like it's really far away but there are only two weeks left and they will fly by!

We have a great new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches this week courtesy of the lovely Cindy Hall!  I love Cindy's cards!  She is so creative and creates some amazing backgrounds for her cards!  I have background envy!!!
Cindy's sketch stumped me for a bit but I was in a bit of a rush so I had to throw the card together quickly.  Sometimes pressure works for me, other times it doesn't!  I wanted to give the new Star of Night stamp set and dies a try.  They are so lovely and perfect for Christmas!  You'll want to get your hands on these babies!

I used some silver glimmer cardstock and some regular silver cardstock.  Every card needs some glimmer!  I added some Wink of Stella to the stars too.  I mean, can you really have too much glimmer?!  My oval is is a string of silver thread!  I am not good at creating random circles or ovals with thread but it's a learning process right?

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Silver, Night of Navy
Stamps: Star of Night
Ink: Night of Navy
Other: Stitched Rectangles, Starlight Thinlits, Wink of Stella, Silver Thread, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you have time to head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the beautiful cards the Design Team has created for you!  You will be inspired!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen


Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Freshly Mae Sketches Challenge #250


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you are having a great week so far!  Jacob and I are heading to the Ontario Science Centre today with friends today!  Jake isn't so sure about it yet but I'm sure we'll have a great ol' time!

We have a great new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches today courtesy of our amazing guest designer Cecile Ribon!  She makes beautiful cards and we have been so fortunate to have her join us!  You can head over to her blog to see exactly what I'm talking about!

I finally got around to ordering some SU stuff from the new catalogue.  I know, it's shameful but I don't really get a lot of crafting time in the summer!  I couldn't wait to get the Botanical Builder Dies and the Copper Foil cardstock from the upcoming Holiday catalogue is just amazing!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Copper
Stamps: Another Thank You
Ink: Versamark
Other: Botanical Builder Dies, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Copper Embossing Powder, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping in today!  I hope you'll hop on over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog to check out the beautiful cards the Design Team has created for your inspiration!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Monday, August 15, 2016

Flowerly Thanks


Hello!
I hope you've had a great start to your week!  It was a quieter day around our house today.  Caleb went to his first day of Goalie (hockey) camp!  He was exhausted when I brought him home.  He will be some tired tomorrow when he gets up!

I made a quick card up for a friend.  She requested a few thank you and birthday cards and while I have a stack of birthday cards, the thank you cards were lacking!  I saw the sketch at CAS(E) This Sketch and thought I'd give it a whirl.

The sketch is a little intimidating but I had just received the Botanical Builders stamps and dies and I couldn't wait to use them so decided to try and make it work for this sketch!  I added a little Wink of Stella to the flower's centres.  Who doesn't love a little sparkle?!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Smokey Slate
DSP: A Little Foxy DSP Stack
Stamps: In a Big Way (Reverse Confetti)
Ink: Smokey Slate
Other: Botanical Builders Dies, Basic Rhinestones, Wink of Stella, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you have a fabulous day!

Jen

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #249


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great week!  We went to our first Major League Baseball game on Monday night!  The boys were in Heaven!  The Blue Jays took on the Tampa Bay Rays!  Thankfully the Blue Jays came out on top!  It was a great game and a fun trip into downtown Toronto on the train!  The boys can't wait for the next game!  What they don't know is it will be an afternoon game!!!  Late nights aren't my favourite thing!

We have a great new sketch today at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our amazing hostess this week is the one and only Kim Singdahlsen.  Kim's cards are beautiful and she is so creative!  Head over to her blog to check them out!

I had to think about this sketch for a while.  I wasn't sure what to do.  Then I decided that I wanted a nautical theme and went from there.  I opted for red, white and blue.  It seems to be a nautical colour scheme doesn't it?   I used The Open Sea from SU.  I love that set.  I think it will be one of the ones I keep forever!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whipser White, Real Red, Night of Navy
Stamps: The Open Sea,
Ink: Night of Navy
Other: Embossing Folder, Circle Punch, Warm Welcome Dies (Lil' Inkers), Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the amazing cards the Design Team has come up with for your inspiration!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen!

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #248


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're enjoying your week!  I know some of our American readers have kids heading back to school next week!  We are still in summer vacation mode and are enjoying a week long visit at my mom and dad's.  The boys are in Grannie and Papa Heaven!  Hockey, baseball, soccer, basketball oh and don't forget Monopoly!  They are getting their fill of attention and games!

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches.  Our hostess this week is the incredibly talented Linda Callahan.  Linda makes amazing cards!  She also has a great sense of humour and her blog posts pretty much always make me laugh!



Okay, so I saw the feathers on Linda's sketch and knew I needed to use my Lil Inkers Fancy Feathers set.  I decided to use some white embossing powder on vellum (after a few tries of other colours on other paper didn't work!).  I love black, white and red so I decided that would be my colour combination.  At first I didn't have an embossed background but the card needed something so I used the Softy Falling embossing folder to give the background some texture.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, Vellum
Stamps: Fancy Feathers (Lil Inkers), LJD Pretty Poppies (MFT - sentiment)
Ink: Stazon, Versamark
Other: Softly Falling Embossing Folder, White Embossing Powder, Fancy Feathers Dies, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and take a peek at the beautiful cards the Design Team has created!

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #247


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great start to your week!  We have had a hot start to our week here.  Our air conditioner broke on Saturday so we've been fighting some extremely hot days and nights at our house.  The boys have been troopers and have slept so well given how hot their rooms are.  Thankfully, installation of a new AC unit is scheduled for first thing this morning.  I'm praying we have a nice cool sleep tonight!!!

We have a fun new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the fabulous Shannon Jaramillo!  Shannon is one of our new Guest Designers for a while and she makes the most beautiful cards!  Please head over to her blog and check them out!
Our sketch this week has a giant circle on it!  I guess the team forgot to give Shannon the notice about how I feel about circles!!!  Actually, as soon as I saw this sketch I knew I wanted to use my Wondrous Wreath set from Lil' Inkers!  I opted for some fall coloured flowers though this isn't actually intended to be a fall card.  I just love those rich colours!  Embossed the background and voila!  I stamped a sentiment on a banner and called it a day!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Early Espresso,  Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Vellum
Stamps: Wondrous Wreath (Lil Inkers), LJD Birthday Greetings (MFT)
Ink: Early espresso, Crushed Curry, Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green
Other: Warm Welcome Dies (Lil Inkers), Woodgrain Textured Embossing Folder (SU), Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out what the Design Team has created.  They've knocked it out of the park!

Have a fabulous day!
Jen


Saturday, July 23, 2016

CAS(E) This Sketch Flower Power


Good Morning!
I totally forgot to get this post up last night!  With the kids being gone I lose all attention to what day it is and when things need to happen!  It's good and bad all at the same time!  We will be meeting my parents today and will bring the boys back home much to the dismay of my oldest who wants to stay with Grannie and Papa for another two weeks!  I love how much he loves being with them.

I wanted to play along with this week's CAS(E) This Sketch challenge before the kids came home and craft room time becomes non-existent!  I decided I would take a liberal approach to the sketch.  I hope that's okay!


I didn't really have a swirly stamp so I opted for the flower from Blooming with Kindness (SU).  I decided that a single colour just wouldn't do it so I went with a double colour flower!  I used some stamps from Tim Holtz's crazy birds, threw on some bling and called it a day!  Shockingly this one didn't take me too long - which was nice for a change.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White
Stamps: Blooming with Kindness, Crazy Birds (Tim Holtz - From Michaels)
Ink: Black Stazon, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie
Other: Dimensionals, Basic Rhinestones

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you have a fabulous day!

Jen

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #246


Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week is going well!  I must say that I tried to make a card yesterday but did not feel the creative juices flowing at all.  Sadly.  Oh well.  I guess that's okay!  This morning I'm heading on a bike ride with a friend!  Maybe that will get some creativity flowing!

We have a great new sketch today at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the amazing Rita Wright!  Rita is our colouring and tag making expert!  Head over to her blog to check our her beautiful creations!


I must say this card gave me a run for my money!  It took a few tries but I opted for a Lil Inkers tag and a little daisy!  I embossed the background because plain black just looked too boring then I threw on some rhinestones and called it a day!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
Stamps: Coffee Talk
Ink: Black Stazon
Other: Anytime Tags Die Set 2, SU Daisy, Tribal Chic Cover Up Die, Basic Rhinestones, Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon (SU Retired), Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you will head on over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the amazing cards the Design Team has created for you!!

Have a fabulous day!
Jen



Monday, July 18, 2016

Celebrate with Triangles!


Hello!
I know!  Another post!  Don't get too excited though...I didn't get any cards made today!  I did buy a new stamp set though and spent the afternoon practising my colouring.  I am not gifted in the colouring department but my husband did say that I was doing a pretty good job!!!  I think that's a good thing!

I saw the sketch at CAS(E) This Sketch and decided I wanted to play along.  At first I wasn't sure what I was going to do and then I discovered my dual stitched triangle dies I had recently ordered from Lil' Inkers!


It took a little playing with these guys to get them to work but in the end I'm pretty happy with the bright, cheery triangles!  I added a sentiment from the LJD Birthday Greetings (MFT) and the card was ready to go!  It may seem like it took 5 minutes to make and may even look like it took 5 minutes to make but it didn't!!!  I wish!!!

Supplies: 
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive Pumpkin Pie
Stamps: LJD Birthday Greetings (MFT)
Ink: Black Stamen
Other: Dual Stitched Triangle Dies, Dimensionals

Thanks again for stopping by!

Have a fabulous day!
Jen



Sunday, July 17, 2016

Happy Birthday!


Hello!
Happy Sunday!  I bet you're wondering what's going on and why I'm posting on a Sunday!  Well, my boys have gone to spend a week with my parents and so I have a little bit (okay a lot) of extra time on my hands.  I used that time this weekend to make a few cards!!  I'm pretty pumped about that!  I haven't been feeling too creative lately so I'm hoping that this week my creativity returns a bit while I have time!!!

I decided to play along with this week's Global Design Project Challenge.  This week is a "Case the Designer" challenge.  I love the butterfly and I love the background and decided to case the general design of the card.
I kept with the gold/neutral theme and used the wreath from the Warm Welcome Set (Lil Inkers) and add some gold flowers and a little green butterfly!  I threw some splotches in the background, added some sequins and embossed a sentiment in gold!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Gold
Stamps: Gorgeous Grunge (SU), Butterfly Basics (SU), Warm Welcome (Lil Inkers)
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso, Versamark
Other: Warm Welcome Dies (Lil Inkers), Sequins, Gold Embossing Powder, Dimensionals

Thanks again for stopping by!
I hope you have a fabulous day!!
Jen