Happy Anniversary!

Hi Everyone.  Yesterday was our family dinner and we were to celebrate the 1st anniversary for Evan and Nikki (DS and DDIL).  Next week will be their anniversary ... can't believe how quickly the past year has gone.  The years are flying by faster and faster as I get older!

In the end, we all got together, but there wasn't much of a celebration.  Hubby fell off a ladder yesterday, injuring his back ... so off in the ambulance to the hospital for tests.  Luckily, no major problems and they released him several hours later.  He's in terrible pain and it's going to be a long time before he's feeling good again.  I'm thinking of selling the ladder while he's laid up and can't protest too much :)

On the card above ... I used a sweet digital image from Bugaboo, covering up the original pot for the flowers and replacing it with a stitched pocket.  The hearts and leaves are colored with copics ... and the sentiment is from a digital stamp set from Lisa's Doodley Doos.  I scored two lines at both ends of the banner to fold it back and create some dimension.

I'm entering this into the challenge at Inkspirational #62 (use markers or pencils).

This card is for a number of challenges at SCS's Dare to Get Dirty Challenges (you must be a Fan Club member to join in).

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Just a quick other thing ... haven't posted a picture of Cooper for a while so wanted to share this with you.  He's 7 1/2 months old now and able to sit up on his own and is starting to move around a bit, but not crawling yet --- it won't be long!

Also wanted to mention about the sweet baby bandana bib Cooper is wearing.  His mom (Nikki) is so creative and crafty and she has designed and sewn several bibs, teething rings, etc. and has started her own on-line business call "Cooped Up Creationz" ... isn't that adorable!! :)

CLICK HERE to find Cooped Up Creationz on Facebook ... or HERE'S the link to the Etsy shop.

Digital Stamps:  Flower Pot 4 (Bugaboo Stamps); Pal Penguins (Lisa's Doodley Doos)
Paper:  White (Neenah)
Ink:  Copics; Real Red (SU!)

Challenge:
Inkspirational #62

Thanks a Latte!

Hi everyone.  Today I am the Guest Designer for CAS on Sunday!  I won their challenge a few weeks back, so they asked if I would like to guest design - of course!! :)  Thanks to the team at CAS on Sunday for this wonderful honor!

Today's challenge is this fun sketch ...

Right away I thought of the three, stacked coffee mugs from Bugaboo Stamps.  I kept it simple by coloring with Copics, adding a little shimmer to the designs on the mugs with my Wink of Stella Pen, and adding faux stitching around the edge of the main panel.

Since I have faux stitching on my card, I'm also entering this into the current challenge at Virginia's View #3 - stitching.

I hope you'll join in the challenge at CAS on Sunday #33.  The challenge is open for two weeks, so there's lots of time to play.

Stamps:  Espresso Yourself (Bugaboo); sentiment is computer generated
Paper:  110 lb. white (Neenah)
Ink:  Copics:  R27, R29, E77, Y32, G43, YG67, V09, V25, W4; Real Red marker for stitching (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Wink of Stella pen

Challenges:
Virginia's View #3

Baby Thanks

Hi everyone.  Time for the latest challenge at Addicted to CAS.  It's amazing how quickly the weeks are slipping by and we're already into March!  We had so many fabulous entries for the Coffee challenge that just closed - thanks to all who played along with us!

On to today's challenge ... the host this time is the talented Harriet (Ally Cat Cards) ... and she chose this code word:

This challenge's sponsor is

Prize:  5 free digis
(please follow the rules to be eligible to win)

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Now, as most of you know that follow my blog, my DDIL Nikki gave birth to a baby boy back in December.  Cooper is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen ... of course, this is his Nana talking :)  Two baby showers were given in Cooper's honor, so I made up a few thank you cards for Nikki to use.

I had a lot of fun making these cards ... I used my Silhouette Cameo cutting machine to cut out the onsies, then made little hangers from wire and a piece of paper (here's the link to the instructions by the muli-talented Jackie Topa!).  So cute.  I added a thank you sentiment to hang the onsie from and some stitching lines to finish.

I hope you'll join us for this fun challenge (ATCAS Challenge (#33 - code word: Baby).  As always, the challenge is open for two weeks so there's lots of time to play along.  Click on the link to find out about the challenge and see the wonderful Design Team cards by the rest of our team, including our new Guest Designer for March ... Karen (Made by Meadie)  - you'll be glad you did!

Stamps:  Many Thanks (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White; designer paper (unknown)
Ink:  Island Indigo
Accessories & Tools:  Silhouette Cameo, wire

Java Great Day!

Hi everyone.  Time for the latest challenge at Addicted to CAS.  This challenge is being hosted by the very creative Deepti (Dee's Art Utopia) ... and she choose this fun word ...

This challenge's sponsor is

Prize:  7 free digis
(please follow the rules to be eligible to win)

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I have to say that Bugaboo has an incredible selection of fun digital images.  It is one of my favorite places to look for digital stamps and I have several that I have used over the past few years.  I have three of their "coffee" stamps.  This one is call Java Great Day ... don't you love it??!! :)  I used the image of the coffee cup, but didn't use their sentiment, instead I used the same words, but printed it in a fun font that I downloaded called Celebration Time.  Having fun experimenting with the different fonts that are available for free on the internet :)

I used a layout that I have seen several times over the past few months ... a partial die-cut circle surrounding the focal image - it's a great way to highlight your image.  I added a line of stitching to give it even more impact.  Simple paper pieced image ... I had so much fun making this Clean and Simple card.  FYI, I printed off the "foam" onto white card stock, smeared it with dazzling diamonds glitter and once dry cut it out.  I gave it a little shape using my stylus and mat so that it has a bit of dimension - not sure if that comes across in the photo, but it was a small effort to give it a bit more oomph!

Just a reminder that the ATCAS challenge (#32 - code word:  Coffee) runs for a full two weeks, so there's lots of time to enter.  Come join in the fun ... and check out the inspiring cards from the rest of the Design Team!

Stamps:  Coffee Time - Java Great Day (Bugaboo)
Paper:  White, Snap Life (Simple Stories)

Ink:  Real Red

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Circle Nestability (Spellbinders), dazzling diamonds

Patchwork Christmas

Hi everyone.  Just a reminder that my friend Nonni is holding a challenge on her blog right now - Scrap a Happy Christmas - use scraps to create your Christmas card.  There's still lots of time to play - the challenge runs until Dec. 24th ... and there are some great prizes from Stamplorations up from grabs.

I still have bits and pieces of SU! Christmas papers from last year which are now retired (Be of Good Cheer).  I love these papers and want them to last as long as possible, so I keep every little scrap. :)

I took some of my small scraps and and cut them into 1/2" x 1" strips.  Then I glued them onto a white card stock backing in a pattern to create my own "quilted" Christmas designer paper.  I used the paper to die-cut a stocking, added two holly leaves and a rhinestone berry to the top ... and placed it on my main panel which has faux stitching.

Here's a close-up:

I was so happy with how this turned out that I made a second card the same way.  Great to be able to use lots of tiny scraps that I had kept ... :)

This card is the exact same layout and design and I made the same "quilted" paper for my tree.  I've added a little glittery star at the top to give it some shine.

Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  Christmas Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White; Be of Good Cheer DP - retired, silver glimmer (SU!)
Ink:  Real Red, Gumball Green (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Christmas Stocking die (Sizzix), Christmas Tree die (C.C. Designs), Holly Vine die (Memory Box), tiny red rhinestone, glue, adhesives and dimensionals

I hope you'll come and check out the challenge on Nonni's blog and join in the fun!!

Edited to add:  I'm going to enter this in the CAS-ology Challenge (#70) - triangle ... thanks Anita! :)

Birthday Candles

Hi everyone.  Here is my Design Team card for the latest challenge at Addicted to Stamps & More #43 - Addicted to Colors (or use the closest you have to these colors).

I wish I could take credit for coming up with the idea for making these candles - they are so cute.  I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was perfect for the color challenge.

This week's sponsor is

Prize:  2 sheets of digis (8 images)

(please follow the rules of the challenge to be eligible to win)

Whoopsi Daisy will be sponsoring the whole month of May 2013

Stamps:  Make a Big Wish (studio g)

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Lined DP in Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)

Ink:  Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  White hemp twine; piercing tool, mat and template; Stamp-a-ma-jig, glue, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I cut the lined DP on the diagonal; each piece is 2 1/4" x 3 1/2".  I put a straight line of glue on one short end and a sticky strip on the other (leaving the cover on the strip).  I placed the hemp twine in the glue and held for a couple of seconds until it was adhered.  Then I rolled up the paper, making sure the top and bottom remained lined up, and then removed the cover of the sticky strip at the end and secured.

I picked up this sentiment about a year ago from one of the $1.50 bins at Michael's ... it's just perfect for today's card ... I stamped the sentiment using my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.  I pierced a border around the edge of the card front and then used my Black Stampin' Write marker to add stitch lines.  I adhered the candles using sticky strips, and then popped the card front up onto the card base for added dimension.

For interest, I added a band of each striped DP on the inside, cutting the blue 3/4" wide, the pink 1/2" wide and the orange 1/4" wide.  I layered them together and adhered them to the inside.

Here's a close-up of the candles:

I hope I have inspired you to join us for this fun challenge.  Check out the other fabulous creations by the Design Team at ATS&M!

Rainbow Birthday

Hi everyone.  Quick post today.  Here is my card for three challenges today:  SCS - Ways To Use it (WT423 - Somewhere Over the Rainbow) ... use a rainbow or rainbow colors on your card;  CASology #40 - cue word:  Word - what a fun challenge!!; and CAS[E] This Sketch #24

I bought this candle stamp at Michael's a few years ago and haven't inked it yet ... it was in the clearance bin and I think I paid $1.50 - don't you just love those bins??!!  I have found lots of fun things in them, including glitter glue, stamps ... and some lovely journals that I gave out to my girlfriends.

Stamps:  Candles (Studio G); Vintage Labels and A Word for You for the sentiments (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Neenah white
Ink:  Basic Black, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Gumball Green, Pacific Point, Elegant Eggplant, Rich Razzleberry (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, gold glitter glue, corner rounder, and dimensionals

I stamped the candles and then colored them with my Stampin' Write markers ... all the colors of the rainbow. I added gold glitter glue to the flames to give them some sparkle ... and then a little bit of faux stitching to give the card a little more character.  I rounded the bottom corners of the card base and card front and popped up the card front for dimension.

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A warm welcome to two new followers ... Lisa and The Crafty Laydee.  Thanks for joining us!!

Happy Easter

Hi everyone.  Time for another challenge at Addicted to Stamps & More - Addicted to Colours #38 (regal rose, sahara sand, tempting turquoise).  You can make any style of card you like ... but please keep it to the colours from the challenge as well as neutrals (brown, black, white, ivory).  You don't have to use the specific colours mentioned above from SU! ... use whatever you have that is close to those three colours ... and have fun!

Stamps:  Critter Balloons - Bunny (Bugaboo); Teeny Tiny Wishes (SU!)
Paper:  White, watercolor, Regal Rose polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:   Black, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise, Sahara Sand (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Puffy Clouds die (Memory Box), Crystal Effects, blender pen, sponge, glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I used this sweet digital image from Bugaboo, sized it to what I wanted and printed the image three times (card front, watercolor paper, polka-dot dp).  I cut the image out of the watercolor paper and used my blender pen and inks to color it (marker layering technique).  I cut out the balloon from the polka-dot paper and then covered it with Crystal effects.  When everything was dry, I glued it onto my card front on top of my printed image (paper piecing).  I added some faux stitching with my Stampin' Write marker and then stamped the sentiment onto a large cloud.


Here's a close-up of the main image:

I hope I have inspired you to join us for this fun challenge.  Check out the other fabulous creations by the Design Team at ATS&M!

Hello, Joe

Hi everyone.  It's been a busy weekend ... well, busy all last week.  My DMIL was released from hospital on Tuesday.  She has cancer, which the surgeons found after they went in to remove a blockage only to find a large tumor that they weren't able to remove.  She is doing very well, considering the circumstances and has moved in with us for now.  I say for now, because she has the hope that she'll build her strength and then move back to her condo where she lives alone.  Did I mention that she's 90??!!  She is amazing, and the fact that she has a goal to become independent once again shows her strength of character.  For now she'll stay with us, and we're hoping to convince her that she should remain with us until she requires the care we can't provide.  We'll see how that goes - she's very head strong and that's probably why she is doing so well at this age!

So it's been a busy time getting her settled, but things are starting to smooth themselves out.  I didn't get much time in the studio this weekend, but I made a card a while back and didn't get time to write up the post ... so here it is.  And the timing worked out perfectly because this week's Paper Players challenge (PP#135) is "In Stitches".  :)

Stamps:  Morning Cup (SU!); Chit Chat (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White, Summer Smooches DP (SU!)
Ink:  Black (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  corner rounder, glue and adhesives

A super simple CAS card using paper piecing.  Love these bright and cheerful papers and they work perfectly with this coffee pot and cup.  I added "faux stitching" with my Black Stampin' Write marker.


Here's a close-up:

You make life so Sweet!

Hi everyone.  Here is my Design Team card for the latest Addicted to CAS challenge #6.  Each challenge has a code word (selected by the design team) to inspire your creations.

It's Shana's turn to be in charge of this challenge and she chose this sweet word ...

This week's sponsor is

Prize:  New release stamp
will be awarded to the CAS PERFECTIONIST

(please follow the rules of the challenge to be eligible to win)

Stamps:  Sweet Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  Digital Design Paper - Eclectic Summer (Uniko); white, gray (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Lollipop die (C.C. Designs), 2-part owl punch (SU!), Pink Sorbet and Caribbean twine (the Twinery), Crystal Effects, glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I die-cut two layers of the lollipop die from thick white cardstock and glued them together.  I added glue to the top part and wound Pink Sorbet twine around.  I then covered the top part with Crystal Effects to make the lollipop shiny.  Here in Canada, we call these suckers, but the word has other meanings as well that aren't so nice, so I'm sticking with lollipop.  Besides, who doesn't love a word that contains their name??!! :) LOLL-i-pop! :)

The owl's vest is digital papers available from our sponsor, Uniko.  Love this design and thought it made an adorable vest for this sweet owl.

Used my Stampin' Write marker to add faux stitching around the card.  This card was fun and easy to make.

Here's a close-up of the owl and lollipop.  You can see that the Crystal Effects soaked into the twine, making it hard and shiny ... looks like a real lollipop to me! :)

I hope I have inspired you to join us for this fun challenge.  Check out the other fabulous creations by the Design Team members at ATCAS!

Snowy Mittens ... and Bird Balloon

Two cards to share with you today.  I'm playing catch-up on several challenges and my first card qualifies for four, count 'em ... FOUR challenges!! :)

I started with the colors in SCS Color Challenge this week (CC393 - Lucky Limeade, Primrose Petals, Pink Pirouette) ... and the dessert was to make it a Christmas card.  I thought these colors would make cute mittens, so started there.  It actually took me longer to figure out how to mount them ... I'm really pleased with the frame and snowflake embossed background - which qualifies this card for Simon Says Challenge - Emboss it! ... and Jingle Belles Challenge - Dashing through the snow.  And finally, this is for today's Less is More Challenge (LIM#86 - Take 3 - use three previous challenges).  The previous LIM challenges are:  #45 - Let it Snow; #55 - Punches or Dies; #77 - Sewing).  Whew!!  Here's the card ...

"Snowy Mittens"

Stamps:  Season of Friendship (snowflake on mittens) (SU!); Snowman Sayings (Amy R)
Paper:  White (Neenah); Primrose Petals cardstock (SU!)
Ink:  Kiwi Kiss - retired, Whisper White (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Mittens die-cut (Sizzix), Snowflakes embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Rectangle nestie (Spellbinders), Honeydew and Blossom twines (The Twinery), white gel pen, glue, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I die-cut four of each mitten (one in Primrose Petals cardstock and three in white).  I layered two white and the Primrose Petal layers on top using glue.  With the remaining white mitten, I cut off just the cuff.  I added glue to the front and back of the cuff and wound twine around until it was completely covered.  I glued the cuff on top of the mitten.  This makes thick, mitten die-cuts that stand out nicely against the embossed background.

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The second card is for this week's Hambo Hoedown Challenge 83 (Zig one Way, Zag the Other - Chevrons!).  I just love this bird ... he's the cutest image and makes me smile! :)

I got this digi free from Hambo for entering their challenge last week ... that's right, if you enter the challenge, you receive a free digi to use for the next challenge - so fun!!  Click on the link above to check out this great challenge site!

I also added a googley eye ... so this card qualifies for SCS's Free for All Challenge (F4A135 - The eyes have it!). 

"Looking Up"

Stamps:  Bird Balloon (Hambo digi stamp)
Paper:  White (Neenah); Citron DP (My Mind's Eye)
Ink:  Copics:  YR07, R17
Accessories & Tools:  Crystal Effects, googley eye, glue

I added Crystal Effects to the balloon to make it shiny and then paper pieced it onto my card front.  Quick and easy CAS card!

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Finally, I've had some happy news over the past week.  My Piles of Fun card received an Honorable Mention on the Addicted to Stamps challenge blog.

And my Delicate Branches won as Headliner on the Paper Players challenge blog ... and also was in the SHOWcase at the Less is More challenge blog.  Woo Hoo!!  Great challenges ... click on the links to see these fabulous challenge blogs and join in!!

And, last, but not least, my name was picked and I won $25 shopping at Clear Dollar Stamps for participating in their September Blog Hop ... just loved all the wonderful creations from the Design Team - it was fun!!  Thank you to CDS ... I'll be shopping soon! :)



Sweet Rainbow Day

I'm having a lot of fun with my Puffy Cloud Dies from Memory Box ... just can't get enough of them!!  Created another summery card using the fun colors from the Throwdown Challenge ... thought they would make a pretty rainbow.  And I love my polkda-dot DP - it just screams cuteness!

Today's card is for three challenges:
Free For All (F4A132 - birthday cards)
Addicted to Stamping CAS #2 Challenge, and
Color Throwdown (CTD207 - Melon Mambo, Barely Banana, Peach Parfait, Gable Green)

I don't have the exact colors of the Throwdown challenge, but substituted ones that looked similar to the inspiration photo. 
Hope you like.

"Sweet Rainbow Day"

Stamps:  Sweet Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  White (Neenah); Polka-dot DPs in Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie and Melon Mambo (SU!)
Ink:  Melon Mambo, Baja Breeze (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Large Classic Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Puffy Cloud dies (Memory Box), glue, adhesives and dimensionals

The rainbow was made using the largest oval and die-cutting pieces from each of the polka-dot DPs.  I then layered them on top of each other and cut away the excess from the bottom and sides.

The clouds are three layers of white cardstock, glued together to form thick dies.  I added faux stitching with a Baja Breeze Stampin' Write marker.

Happy Birthday To You

Today I'm making a card for the Color Throwdown Challenge (CTD200 - pink passion, chocolate chip, certainly celery, pumpkin pie, tempting turquoise).  Whew!! ... five beautiful colors that really scream "summer".  I thought about making an ice cream cone card ... but settled on making a birthday card with lots of gifts, all pretty with their ribbons and bows.  This is an old, retired set from SU! called "Something to Celebrate".  Hope you like.

"Happy Birthday To You"

Stamps:  Something to Celebrate (SU!); Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs); Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Stazon Black, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  corner rounder, adhesives

I stamped the gifts in Stazon Black ink onto a Whisper White card front.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color the gifts and I stamped the sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink.  I mounted the Tempting Turquoise strip to the top of the card and then used my Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker to add faux stitching all around the card.  I mounted the card front onto a heavy white cardbase (for stability).

I added one gift to the bottom right-hand corner of the inside panel and colored it.  I added a strip of Tempting Turquoise polka-dot DP to the top inside panel and then added the faux stitching to the inside of the card as well.

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I am thinking of re-vamping my labels (again!).  They just don't seem to make sense to me anymore ... and they are such a huge list that I'm sure it isn't helpful when trying to find something on my blog.  So, my plan is to actually take off all the stamps sets that I list in the labels, and add labels by subject (example:  baby, christmas, masculine, winter, etc.) and by technique (example:  technique - paper piecing; technique - watercoloring, etc.).  I think it will make it easier when searching my blog for a particular card.

I would really appreciate feedback on this if you have time.  Thank you!!!

Summertime Fun!

This morning hubby and I headed to our son's townhouse to be there for some workers that were coming in to clean the vents.  Not very exciting, I know ... the exciting part was stopping at Country Lane Crafts in Cloverdale on the way home.  I had been there a long time ago and saw their collection of punches (Punch Bunch) for making different flowers, along with an instructional book.  I took the plunge today and bought four punches, the book and a McGill tool set for shaping the petals (different sized ball ends on stylus).  So excited to get started playing ... more to come on these flowers later!  :)

For today, I made a card for a "new-to-me" challenge at Paper Players.  Theme Challenge #98 is "Summertime" ... and I thought, what better way to celebrate summer than flying a kite.  Hope you like today's CAS (clean and simple) card.

"The Sky's the Limit"

Stamp:  Up, up & away (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Baja Breeze polka-dot DP (SU!); Brioche DP (Memory Box)
Ink:  Real Red, Basic Black (SU!); kite is computer generated
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Clouds die (Memory Box), Maraschino twine (The Twinery), Stamp-a-ma-jig, adhesives, glue dot, and dimensionals

I printed out the kite from my computer and then taped a piece of the multi-colored DP (Brioche from Memory Box) over top of the my image and ran it through the printer again.  I outlined the kite in black ink and then cut it out.  I attached a piece of twine to the back of the kite with adhesive.

I ran the cloud dies through my Big Shot with Whisper White cardstock and then used my Baja Breeze Stampin' Write marker to add stitches.

I mounted all the pieces, popping up the three polka-dot background squares and the kite with dimensionals.  Quick and easy card!

Masculine Birthday card and another CAS Challenge card ...

Yesterday I spent the afternoon in the studio with Heather.  We had a lot of fun making cards ... I made a birthday card for my hubby (even though his birthday isn't until April, I had an idea and wanted to use some new DP I just purchased called "Well Worn" from SU!), and Heather made a beautiful card for her mom's birthday, which is this Wednesday.  I forgot to take a picture of Heather's card, but will ask her to send one to me and will post later ... she has such a fun sense of style and her card is very creative.

I'm posting the birthday card I made yesterday and also another card for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS158) - stitching or faux stitching.  I'm not sure that this card is considered CAS ... I got a little carried away :)  Both cards are made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Happy Birthday Gord"

Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree, Bitty Birthday (SU!)

Ink:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, River Rock; Stampin' Write markers:  Early Espresso, Cajun Craze (SU!)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, watercolor paper, Well Worn DP (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  sponge dauber, Aqua Painter, sponges, distressing tool, Cogs punch, 3/8" Early Espresso quilted ribbon, adhesives, glue, and dimensionals

I used the sponge dauber to add River Rock ink to my watercolor paper.  I used the Aqua Painter to add lots of water to create a wash with the sponged River Rock.  I let the piece dry thoroughly.  I randomly inked the Oak Tree stamp with Early Espresso and Cajun Craze inks; I stamped on top of the dried River Rock wash.  I used the Aqua Painter to add a little water to the stamped image and then let it dry thoroughly.  I lightly sponged Early Espresso ink around the outside edges of the main image and then framed it with Early Espresso cardstock.

I punched out the cogs from Soft Suede cardstock and sponged around the edges with Soft Suede ink to give them depth.  I also sponged around the card base of Soft Suede.

I cut two panels from the Well Worn DP.  I used the distressing tool to rough up the edges.  I wrapped the Early Espresso quilted ribbon around the bottom of the large piece and then mounted both strips to the card base.  I mounted the framed, main panel to the card front, popping it up with dimensionals.  I added the two cogs, also popping them up with dimensionals.

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to placement and stamped my sentiment in Early Espresso ink on the bottom right-hand corner.

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Another card for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS158 - Stitching or Faux Stitching).  This one has a little more to it ... not sure if it's CAS - but I'm hoping it will pass :)  Another paper pieced card using the fabulous DP "Just Add Cake" - such fun colors!  Made with all SU! products plus a tiny piece of Peapod twine (The Twinery).  Hope you like.

"Stitched Birthday Gifts"

Stamps:  Happy Moments; Bitty Birthday (SU!)

Paper:  Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP, Just Add Cake DP (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Sizzix Large Scalloped Circle die-cut, Sizzix Large Circle Die-cut, 1 3/4" circle punch, Peapod twine (The Twinery), 1/4" Garden Green grosgrain ribbon, 1/8" hole punch, adhesives, sticky strips, glue dot, and dimensionals

Made a card base from Wild Wasabi cardstock with the large scalloped circle die-cut (cut two pieces, score 1/2" from top of back piece and fold to use as a hinge; line pieces up and secure with sticky strip along 1/2" folded top).  Cut another large scalloped circle die-cut from the Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP; mounted it to card front.

Ran a piece of orange-dotted DP and yellow-striped DP (both from Just Add Cake DP package) through Big Shot with the large circle die-cut.  Cut yellow circle in half and mounted on top of orange circle.  Used Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker to add faux stitching lines around circle.  Wrapped Garden Green ribbon around circle and tied a knot on one side.  Secured the knot in place with a glue dot.  Mounted the circle on top of the scalloped circle, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Stamped the stack of gifts in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  Stamped the gifts again onto three different DPs.  Cut out of the gifts from the DP and mounted onto the Whisper White card front, using Tombow glue to adhere.  Used the 1 3/4" punch to punch out the stack of gifts.  Added faux stitching around circle with Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker.  Mounted the main image onto the card front, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Stamped sentiment with Wild Wasabi ink onto Whisper White cardstock and cut out as a tag.  Added faux stitching on tag with Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker.  Used hole punch to add small hole at top of tag.  Tied small piece of Peapod twine into a bow, securing it through the top of the tag.  Mounted bow and tag onto card front using rolled glue dot.