Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #699

Happy Wednesday!  

I hope you're having a fantastic start to your week!  The summer is flying by!  I am wondering how we're almost at the middle of August already!  We still haven't had a lot of summery weather yet but we're trying to make the best of what we have had.  

We've got a brand new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the amazing Verena Shapiro!  Verena's cards are spectacular so make sure you head over to her Instagram to check them all out!  

I needed a couple of sympathy cards this week and I thought this sketch worked perfectly for them!  So I'm not so great at background blending but I gave it my best.  I added some trees and some blooms and called it a day. I kept the cards simple.  Sometimes I start off simple and then it spirals into complicated!!!  

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill Coverstock, Basic Black

Stamps: Essential Sentiments (MFT), With Sympathy Duo (Waffle Flower)

Ink: Detail Black (Pink Fresh Studio), Twisted Citron, Salvaged Patina, Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Uncharted Mariner, Scattered Straw, Fossilized Amber, Carved Pumpkin (Distress Oxides)

Dies: With Sympathy Duo (Waffle Flower), Harvest Dies (SU), Scenic Adventure Dies (SU), Circle Dies

Other:  Black Rhinestone Jewels (SU), Neutral Matte Dots (SU)

Thought I'd include a few photos from our adventure on the weekend.  

Our adventure started by seeing 5 Grizzlies!  A big male bear ran across the road in front of us and then we came across these three little ones and their mom.  Mom was grumpy (I would be too if I had triplets).  

A gorgeous paddle on Upper Kananaskis Lake.  It was so calm and the weather was perfect!  It was 8 degrees C when we started!!!  But it warmed up fast!

Our first paddle this year which is quite shameful!

This picture just doesn't do the water colour justice!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and join in our challenge this week.  

You have until 1 PM EST to get your card entered into this week's challenge!

Next week we're celebrating our 700th sketch!  I can't believe we're at 700!!!  I joined the Design Team at Sketch #31!!  That was a really long time ago!  I can't believe they've kept me all this time!!  You won't want to miss out on our challenge next week so be sure to mark it on your calendars!!!

Have an amazing day!
Jen

 

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #692

Hello!

Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a good week!  We have had the craziest weather here.  We finally got some rain.  A lot of rain.  It rained for about 36 hours straight.  That is unheard of here (at least for the past few years).  We ended up with a lot of water!  The mountains however got a lot of snow.  My friend Annie and I got to hike in that snow on Sunday.  You can check out those photos below.  Let's just say that hiking for hours and hours through knee deep snow towards the end of June seemed absolutely crazy.  You can check out some of the photos below!

We have a brand new sketch this week over at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the amazing Narelle Farrugia!  Narelle's cards are gorgeous so head over to her blog to check them out!!  Narelle would have liked the hike I just did.  Climbing, snow oh and some bears too!!!!

I had made a recent trip to The Paper and Ink Boutique!  I had some gift cards from Mother's Day that were begging to be used!!  I saw these pretty butterfly dies and I couldn't resist!  Who can resist a good butterfly?!  I knew they would be perfect for this sketch!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill White Coverstock, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Black Foil Cardstock.

Stamps: Hello Sunshine (Waffle Flower)

Ink: Detail Black (Pink Fresh Studio), Scattered Straw (Distress Oxide)

Dies: Butterfly Blossom Die (Waffle Flower), Hello Sunshine Piercing Dies

Other: Cobblestone Stencil (Hero Arts)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you'll join in our challenge this week!  Head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and you'll be inspired to create!!  We always love to see how unique each card is!  You have until Monday at 1 PM EST to get your card entered into this week's challenge.

Hope you enjoy some photos from our hike on Sunday!  This was a 4 peak day - Little Ware, Mount Ware, Surveyor's Ridge and Prospectors Ridge!

The view from the top of Mount Ware

Another view from the top of Mount Ware

Hiking to our next destination - this was a 4 peak day!

That mountain behind us is what we have to hike up!

We made it up peak 3!!!  

The first bear we came across on our way in

The third bear we saw!

The second bear we saw - all three are black bears.  This one is a cinnamon bear!

I hope you have a wonderful day!
Jen

 

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #691

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great week so far!  I've spent a lot of time in the mountains since last week and it was so amazing.  The wildflowers are blooming and the views are amazing.  I won't even mention how good it smells!  My favourite time of year!  I always find it amazing that so many beautiful flowers can grow in such a harsh environment! 

We have a brand new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is one of our newest team members, Michele Ferguson!  Michele makes absolutely stunning cards so you'll want to head over to her blog to check them out!  

I have wildflowers and other spring flowers on the brain and this one reminded me a bit of an Alberta Wild Rose.  I thought it would be perfect for this card!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill White Coverstock

Stamps: Special Moments (SU)

Ink: Detail Black (Pink Fresh Studios), Distress Oxides

Dies: Woodland Tales Floral (Spellbinders), Stitched So Sweetly (SU)

Other: Iridescent Rhinestones (SU), Subtle Texture Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and join in our challenge this week.  We always love to see the amazing cards that you all come up with!

I thought I'd share some photos from our hike on Saturday.  With the G7 Summit taking place our hiking trails are a little limited as they have a big area shut down but we found the perfect location and tackled two peaks - Belmore Browne and Boundary!

If you're wondering where the G7 is being held - basically it's at the bottom of those ski runs!  

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Remember, if you want to enter a card in our challenge this week, you have until Monday at 1 PM.

Jen

 

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #682

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great week so far!  We had a mix of snow and rain today which was just a reminder that winter isn't quite finished yet!  Though my husband took the winter tires off of my car today so we shall see what happens!!  I won't hold my breath but the forecast is looking more positive!  

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is our favourite airline captain, Jennifer Timko!  Jen's cards will make you envious (but in the best way) so head over to her blog and give her some love!  

I really loved Jen's sketch this week!  I also really love the DSP from Stampin Up!  I paired it all with the Lovely Layer Daisies from Honey Bee Stamps and we were off to the races!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill White Coverstock, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party (SU)

DSP: Floral Delight

Ink: Scattered Straw, Fossilized Amber, Antique Linen, Gathered Twigs (Distress Oxides)
Dies: Lovely Layers Coneflower (Honey Bee Stamps), Bitty Buzzwords Honeycuts (Honey Bee Stamps)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and join in our challenge this week!  If you need any inspiration at all, you'll find it on the blog! You have until Monday at 1 PM EST to get your card entered into this week's challenge! 

Trevor and I tackled our first bigger hike of the season.  There is still avalanche risk in most areas but this area thankfully didn't have any risk.  There was still a bit of snow at the top but it wasn't too bad.  What it did have was ticks.  I have found 3 in our bathroom since we've been home.  I'm not too impressed.  It was a lovely day to get out and get some exercise and fresh air.

Have an amazing day!
Jen

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #681

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great start to your week!  We've been enjoying some gorgeous spring weather!  I know it will eventually come to an end and winter will probably return for one last hurrah but we will get out and enjoy it while it's here!  I love to be outside in this weather (actually all weather) and find it so hard to stay inside even if it's to craft!!!

We have a great new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches this week!  Our hostess if the amazing Amy O'Neill!  Her cards are always fabulous so please head over to her blog and give her some love!  

I really loved Amy's sketch this week!  It reminded me of a little pocket!  Who doesn't love pockets?! I used the Stitched Nested Labels Dies (SU) and then just cut one in half to make my little pocket!  I cut out some leaves, made a little sunflower and used some texture paste to make the background!  Easy peasy!  

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill White Coverstock

Stamps: Itty Bitty Birthdays (MFT)

Ink: Early Espresso (SU), Daffodil Delight (SU), Scattered Straw, Fossilized Amber, Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs (Distress Oxides)

Dies: Itty Bitty Strips (MFT), Stitched Nested Labels Dies (SU), Branch Out (Spellbinders), Fall Florals (Spellbinders), 

Other: Linked Together Decorative Masks (SU), Texture Paste (Ranger)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  

Thought I'd share some photos from our ski adventure on Saturday!  We had such a great time out!  The conditions were fantastic and I even went all the way to the top and took a fun black diamond down!  I'm not an expert skier (or even a mediocre skier) so tackling a black diamond is always something to celebrate!!!

We hope you'll join in our challenge this week!  Please head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog to get your card entered into this week's challenge!  You have until Monday at 1 PM EST to get your card into the challenge!  If you need some inspiration, please head over to the blog and check out the beautiful cards the Design Team has posted!  

Have an amazing day!

Jen

 

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #678

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  Are you having a great week so far?  Spring is being very tumultuous here.  I can't say I'm surprised.  The mountains are getting snow and we're getting cooler weather but nothing that accumulates.  Avalanche risk is crazy high here and so hiking has to be done at slightly lower elevations.  We have passed on hiking the last few weekends and hit the ski hills instead!  I'm excited to get back on the trails soon!

We have a great new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is our favourite French woman Cecile Ribon!  Cecile's cards always blow my mind so please head over to her blog to check them out!  You won't be disappointed!  

I'll admit when I first saw Cecile's sketch I was a little nervous.  That splotch is very splotchy and I didn't have a clue what to do with that.  Then I remembered that I had some stencils from Stampin Up that would work perfectly for this card!  I grabbed my favourite distress oxide yellows and went to work!  Since the Be Bold Blooms worked so well last week I decided to use them again!   I already had the sentiment on my desk so we put it all together!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill Coverstock White, Gold (SU)

Ink: Scattered Straw, Fossilized Amber (Distress Oxides)

Dies: Be Bold Blooms (Spellbinders), Happy Parents Day (Spellbinders)

Other: Linked Together Decorative Masks, Gold Foil (Spellbinders), Happy Parent's Day Hot Foil Plate (Spellbinders), Glimmer Hot Foil Machine (Spellbinders)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and join in our challenge this week!  You have until Monday at 1 PM EST to get your card entered into this week's challenge.  If you need some inspiration, you'll definitely find it on the blog!

Have an amazing day!
Jen

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #677

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  As much as I have been feeling super tired after the time change, I'm totally loving the extra daylight!  Right now, it gets dark about 7:45!  It's amazing!  The days are getting longer and longer and that has my outside loving heart very happy!

We have a brand new sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  I am your hostess this week!  It's always exciting to come up with a sketch and then see what everyone comes up with!  I love how different each card is!

With the beautiful weather we've been having and all the lovely sunshine, our snow has melted and it's feeling more and more like spring.  Don't get me wrong, I know it won't last and winter isn't gone but with the warmer weather, I feel more like creating springy cards!!!  I pulled out my Be Bold Blooms dies and decided to use those for this card!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill White Coverstock

Stamps: Itty Bitty Birthday (MFT)
Ink: Detail Black (PinkFresh Studio), Scattered Straw, Fossilized Amber, Shabby Shutters, Mowed Lawn, Rustic Wilderness (All Distress Oxides)
Dies: Be Bold Blooms (Spellbinders), Itty Bitty Strips (MFT)
Other: Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder (SU), Low Profile Dots (SU)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you will join in our challenge this week!  If you need some inspiration, please head on over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the cards that the Design Team have posted!

You have until Monday at 1 PM EST to get your card entered into this week's challenge!

Have an amazing day!
Jen

 

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #675

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you've all had a wonderful week so far!  The warm weather has arrived here.  It has been so lovely!  It's almost felt like spring!  I know that winter is far from over and we usually get most of our snow in March/April!  We will bask in the sunshine and warmth while it's here!

We have a brand new sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the amazing Linda Callahan!  Linda makes such fabulous cards so please head over to her blog and show her some love!  

I had this fantastic DSP sitting on my desk and knew I wanted to use it for my next card.  I just find the yellow so happy!  I added some flowers from the Delightful Wishes.  I blended some Distress Oxides and called it a day!  In hindsight, I think the flowers should have been white but it's a little too late now!

Supplies:
Cardstock:  Hammermill White Coverstock, Daffodil Delight (SU)

DSP:  Floral Delight (SU)

Stamps: Bitty Birthday Wishes (MFT)

Ink: Scattered Straw and Fossilized Amber Distress Oxides, Detail Black (Pinkfresh Studio)

Dies: Delightful Wishes (SU)

Other: Champagne Rhinestones (SU)

Thanks so much for stopping today!  I hope you'll enter into our Freshly Made Sketches challenge this week!  You have until Monday at 1 PM EST to get your card entered into this week's challenge.  If you need some inspiration head on over to our blog and check out the cards that the Design Team has posted!

I hope you have an amazing day!

Jen

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #674

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week has started well!  We are early awaiting the arrival of a chinook and with it some warmer temperatures!  It has been soooo cold here lately!  We left the house this morning at 6:15 am for a hike and it was -26C feeling like -36C.  Thankfully the trailhead was warmer because the chinook has already started to blow into the mountains!  We had the most wonderful hike and you can see those pictures at the end of this post!  

We've got a brand new sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess is the lovely Jen Mitchell!  Jen's cards are so pretty so please head over to her blog and give her some love!  

I had this flower sitting on my desk!  It's the Waffle Flower Aster!  I do love these flowers from Waffle Flower!  They are so easy to use and you can make them whatever colour you want!!!  The picture didn't quite turn out the way I wanted but I was losing daylight!!  Though aren't you super excited that the days are getting longer - at least here in the North they are!!!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill White Coverstock, Elegant Eggplant (SU)

Stamps: Sketched Aster (Waffle Flower)

Ink: Memento Black, Villainous Potion Distress Oxide, Dusty Concord Distress Oxide, Milled Lavender Distress Oxide, Bundled Sage Distress Oxide, Mowed Lawn Distress Oxide, Scattered Straw Distress Oxide, Mustard Seed Distress Oxide.

Dies: Sketched Aster (Waffle Flower)

Other: Sketched Aster Coloring Stencil (Waffle Flower), Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder (SU), Basic Rhinestones (SU)

Here's a few photos from our hike to South Lawson!  Beautiful day but man this was a tough grind in the winter!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope that you'll join in our challenge this week!  You have until Monday at 1 PM EST to get your card entered into this week's challenge!

If you need some creative inspiration, please check out the Design Team cards posted on the Freshly Made Sketches blog!

Have an amazing day!
Jen

 

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #673

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great start to your week! The polar vortex is still visiting so we are enjoying another week of frosty weather.  It is supposed to blow out just after the weekend but we shall see.  I'm not holding my breath!  

We have a great new sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches!  Our hostess this week is the lovely Jennifer Timko!  Jen makes such amazing cards so head over to her blog to be inspired!  

I wanted to use some of my new flower dies on this card and then after it was done realized I'm still short a Valentine's Day card but what's done is done!!!  I wanted a card that reminded me a bit of spring since we are in the depths of winter!  

Supplies:
Cardstock: Hammermill White Coverstock, Early Espresso, 

Stamps: Delightful Wishes (SU)

Ink: Early Espresso (SU), Tattered Rose Distress Oxide, Saltwater Taffy Distress Ink

Dies: Delightful Wishes (SU), Double Stitched Circle Dies (Lil Inkers)

Other: Iridescent Rhinestones Basic Jewels (SU), Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder (SU) 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll join in our challenge this week!  If you need some inspiration, please head on over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and check out the cards the Design Team has posted!  You have until 1 PM EST on Monday to get your card entered into this week's challenge.

Have an amazing day!
Jen

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #657

Hello!
Happy Wednesday!  I hope you're having a great start to your week!  We're having a beautiful fall week!  I actually don't want it to end!  The sun has been warm and the skies blue.  I know the white, fluffy stuff is just around the corner so I'm going to embrace this weather while I can!  Fall hiking season is almost over and it makes me a little sad.  I'm sure we've got a few more weeks to go but we will need to start packing our winter gear!

We've got a brand new sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches courtesy of the amazing Karren Johnson!  You will love Karren's cards so head over to her blog to check them out!  

This card actually came together quite quickly - I know, I was shocked too!  I had a pack of fall paper that I think I got last year and hadn't opened at all.  I love fall paper and fall cards and since I needed an anniversary card for my husband (22 years on Saturday) I figured this would work perfectly.  I diecut some oak leaves from the Spellbinders Autumn Wonder set and we were ready to go!  I have no idea what set the tag is from.  It was in my storage binder and back then I wasn't too concerned with writing down the names of things.  Now I have no clue where things came from!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Baked Brown Sugar, Hammermill White Coverstock

Patterned Paper: Simple Stories Acorn Lane

Ink: Antique Linen, Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz Distress Oxides)

Dies: Autumn Wonder (Spellbinders), Tag

Other: Curved Everyday Sentiments (Spellbinders), Copper Foil, Twine, Rhinestones (Honeybee Stamps)

I thought I'd share some photos from a recent hiking adventure!  For this one I traded in my regular hiking partner for my friend Annie!  Annie's husband serves in our military and he's on a training exercise so she's been joining us or her and I hike together!  We had a hoot!  This is the Skoki area - behind the Lake Louise ski hill.  It was so beautiful!  The larches were robed in their golden splendor and looked amazing!  There were so many lakes and it was so fun to explore!  We put on 26 km and 1000 m in elevation gain!  It was one of the most amazing days!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you'll head over to the Freshly Made Sketches blog and join in our challenge this week.  We always love to see what you create!  If you need some inspiration, head over to the blog!  The design team has come up with some incredible examples!  You have until Monday at 1 PM EST to get your card entered in this week's challenge!

Have an amazing day!

Jen