Piles of Fun ... and Joy

I have two cards to share today.

The first one is for two challenges:  Clear Dollar Stamps (CIC59) - Leaves ... and Addicted to Stamps (Sketch Challenge #2).  Here's the sketch:

And here's my take on the sketch using the latest digi release from Clear Dollar Stamps - Piles of Fun by Lisa Lara (Lisa's Doodley Doos).  I love all of Lisa's digi stamps ... they are so fun to work with!  Even though there is a lot going on with the sketch above, I tried to simplify it to keep it CAS (clean and simple).  I used twine instead of another layer of designer paper, and having the white-on-white panels also maintains a clean feel to the card.  Hope you like.

"Piles of Fun"

Stamps:  Piles of Fun (Lisa's Doodley Doos - Clear Dollar Stamps)
Paper:  White (Neenah), Leaves DP (Piles of Fun Digi Stamps)
Ink:  Daffodil Delight (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Lilac and Pale Yellow Twine (The Twinery), sponge, adhesives, and dimensionals

The strip of leaves designer paper is part of the digital stamp set that I printed onto Whisper White cardstock - love it!

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The second card for today is for the SCS CAS Challenge (CAS187 - color blocking).  This is such a wonderful technique and there are lots of ways to interpret the color blocks (inked blocks, reverse masking, cardstock blocks).  I chose the latter and made blocks from two colors of green cardstock using my Postage Stamp Nestie (I do love this nestie!).  I also used my Bubble Alphabet die from C.C. Designs for the JOY.  Hope you like.

Edit:  I've also entered this card in the Jingle Belles Challenge - Going Postal.

"JOY"

Stamps:  Merry & Bright (Amy R Stamps)
Paper:  White (Neenah); Gumball Green, Certainly Celery, Cherry Cobbler (SU!)
Ink:  Real Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Postage Stamp Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Bubble Alphabet die (C.C. Designs), Stamp-a-ma-jig, glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I glued three layers for each letter for the JOY, two white with a Cherry Cobbler layer on top.  I stamped the "to the world" in Real Red because I find when I ink a small stamp like this using the Stampin' Write Markers, the Real Red appears darker than normal and matches the Cherry Cobbler cardstock perfectly.

Pink Blossoms

Today's card is for two challenges:  Color Throwdown (CTD208 - melon mambo, whisper white, pink pirouette, garden green) ... and CAS-ual Friday (CFC69 - embossing).  I used my new embossing folder from SU! called Fancy Fan for the backdrop to the spray of pink blossoms.  I love this new folder ... so pretty and the embossing is very clean and deep.  Hope you like.

"Pink Blossoms"

Stamp:  A Word for You (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette (SU!); Heavy White (Neenah)
Ink:  Garden Green, Melon Mambo (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Fancy Fan embossing folder (Sizzix), Flutter Vine die (Memory Box), 8 Petals & Branch die (C.C. Designs), medium oval punch, sponges, mat pack, stylus, glue and dimensionals

I sponged Garden Green onto the Whisper White Flutter Vine to mute the tone of the green.

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I've had a very exciting week!  My "Seas the Day" card was picked as one of the top cards for August for Clear Dollar Stamps.  As well, my "Sweet Rainbow" card was mentioned for the Color Throwdown  ... and picked as "Top Addict" at Addicted to Stamps.  And, my "Swirly Tree" card was picked by Jaydee as the "Headliner" for Paper Players.  I am so thrilled!! :)

Mouse Painter

Today's card is for this week's Hambo Hoedown Challenge (Splatter up!) featuring the adorable Mouse Painter digi image.  This is a lot busier in real life than it was when I designed it in my head.  I was hoping more for a CAS style, but I think the size of the background scene with the barn, etc. is quite large and the bold colors make it seem busier than it really is.  Anyways, I hope that you can figure out that my Mouse Painter just painted the barn and has splatters of the paint colors all over his overalls and hat ... at least, I was hoping it would be obvious.  Hope you like.

"Mouse Painter"

Stamps:  Mouse Painter and Farm Background stamps (Hambo Stamps)
Paper:  White, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Certainly Celery polka-dot DP, Garden Green polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  toothbrush (for splattering), glue and dimensionals

Apple of My Eye

Have been busy the past few days and not much time for card making ... but managed to make a card this morning for yesterday's SCS Challenge "Ways To Use It" (WT391 - Apples).  I used an adorable digi stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps that was created by Lisa Lara.  I love Lisa's whimsical style and just adore her creations - so much fun to work with!!  Hope you like.

"Apple of My Eye"

Stamps:  AppLicious (Lisa's Doodley Doos - Clear Dollar Stamps), sentiment is computer generated
Paper:  White, Holiday Treasure DP (retired) (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Crystal Effects, Honeydew Twine (The Twinery), and glue

I printed the image several times and paper-pieced the tree and apples.  I added Crystal Effects to the apples to make them shine.

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Just a quick update on my mom for friends and family.  Mom was released from the hospital on Wednesday and is now staying with me for the next couple weeks or so, until she is able to be on her own.  Mom is amazing and has been whipping around my house in her "red racer" walker.  For now the walker gives her stability but it won't be long before she's doing the laps on her own.  She's in good spirits, with little pain and is getting lots of much-needed rest.  Noodle has been over for a few visits, which makes mom very happy.