Riley and Company - Fall Colors

It is time for another challenge over at Riley and Company. Our theme is Fall Colors! They are starting to show in many parts of the country. So in honor of this colorful Season, we want to see your colors.


In order to play along, you need to use a Riley and Company image. Now, if you do not have any Riley images, be sure to check out Riley and Company Designs.   I am sure you will find something you will love! 



For my card, I used Pilgrim Riley and embellished him with some great leaves and of course Fall colors. 



I used my tri fold cards that I love so much! 

Want to play along?



If you would like to play along with us of course we would love to have you!

To play create a card using Riley and Company images. If you upload your card/project to SCS (Splitcoast Stampers) don't forget to include the keyword RILEY 2014. We can't wait to see what you create.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Design Teams blogs today to see what they created for this challenge.




I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:




A New Toy!

Boy I love when I get knew toys! I just can't wait to get it home to see what I can do with it.
With the cooler weather, I have been aching to put together a fall card with some leaves.
I haven't been playing with my stamps too much recently, so I decided to get them out and see what i could do.


The stamp set I used is called Four leaves Solid by Close to my Heart. It has a great Maple Leaf that is perfect for fall cards.  I stamped the background using Walnut Stain Distress Ink. I punched out the leaves and used the same distress ink on the edge of the leaves.

The tag is from Spellbinders called Back to Basics. That set has some great tags! Added a greeting and a brad and that was it. A pretty quick, simple card. My mind is already racing with all the wonderful creations I can make using this new punch. Should be fun!


I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Items I used:
Ranger Ink - Inkssentials - Ink Blending Tool - For Ink Application and BlendingFiskars - 12 Inch Personal Paper Trimmer with Cut-Line - Blade Style IFiskars - Intricate Shape Punch - Autumn Flair
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad

Ranger Ink - Inkssentials - Reusable Non Stick Craft Sheet - 15 inch by 18 inch

A New Challenge Blog



As you know, I recently celebrated my 1 year anniversary as a blogger. Prior to that, I never realized what a fun "Big community is involved in crafting and blogging on line. I have loved playing in the challenges and being a designer on various teams and thought someday I would love to have a challenge of my own...

One of the link ups that I participate in is called The 12 months of Christmas Link up for 2014 and is run on my good friend Lisa's blog over at Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. She has had a lot of success with the link up and had 400 cards entered in just the first six months (from January to the end of June). that is pretty impressive since this link up has never been advertised. Lisa approached me mid summer and asked if I wanted to co-coordinate this new challenge blog taking it from a link up to an actual challenge blog with prizes and all. I jumped at the opportunity. If you know Lisa, she puts 150% into everything she does. She has been a great mentor and source of inspiration since I have started blogging and though this was a great way to get my "feet wet" so to speak in running a challenge. So, for the last two months we have been very busy working at all the behind the scenes stuff we need to get ready before we launch the new blog.

Now, don't worry, the premise behind the link up is staying the same, we're just adding an extra incentive. You'll still get the chance to link up as many cards as as you want; each month that you link up a minimum of two cards, you'll still earn a free digital paper; and there will still be a bonus gift for a random winner at the end of the year.  However, now we're adding some changes that hopefully will provide an incentive for even more people to play along.

We are expanding the link up to include and optional theme each month and are workig on bringing on some sponsors. Anyone who submits a card adhering to the monthly theme, will have the chance to win a prize from that month's guest sponsor. We'll also be bringing on a team (stay tuned for a DT call  coming soon), offering up tutorials and bringing you facts each month on holiday traditions and customs from around the world.

The link up will stay over at Decosse's dynamite Doodles until the end of this year, so that we can start fresh in January on the new blog.  However, we will start posting on the new blog in a few weeks and we sure hope that you will become a follower so that you do not miss out on any of the pre -challenge posts. Lisa and I are really excited and hope that you will stick by us during the transition and pop over to our new challenge blog to say hi over the next few months. You never know, there just might be some goodies...


A Halloween Sweetheart

I sure hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday! I am here today to provide some inspiration for our challenge over at 613 Avenue Create.

Theme:  Use a Heart
Sponsor:  Lacy Sunshine

Now when I saw what the theme was, I knew I would be making a sweetheart card, but when I saw this Lacy Sunshine image called Lizabeth Key to my Heart, well, I just got so excited because I had a great idea for a Halloween Sweetheart card.

Why not right? Love can be present for all celebrations, even Hallows Eve.


I had a lot of fun with this card because it was not my typical Halloween card, it had a mix of steam punk and a dark side. Purple and black colors worked great, don't you agree?


And I had the perfect sentiment for inside. Great for any sweetheart!

SO...are you inspired? come on and play along. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Supplies:

  • Tim Holtz idea-ology Laboratorie Paper Stash
  • Purple & White card stock
  • Quick Kutz - Key to my heart die 
  • Black  Ribbon & brad
  • Momenta Stickers- inside of card




  • I would like to enter my card into the following challenge:

    It's a Riley Blog Hop!

    Hi everyone!

    The big day has finally arrived and it is time for our Riley and Company Blog Hop!  Come join us as the Riley and Company Design Team take you on a journey discovering all sorts of Riley fun! If you did not start at the beginning of the hop, you might want to head on over to Riley and Company blog so that you don't miss out on anything.

    This time around Riley and Company will be releasing 49 new funny bone sayings.

    Here are the specials this month:

    Special #1:  Buy the entire unnounted set of 49 new Funnybones (3 full plates) for only $125! (Save $120!) (Offer not available to wholesale customers.) Limit one per custome. Offer ends October 12th.

    Special #2:  You can also get a set of 3 FREE Funnybones stamps (our choice) AND a limited edition of logo stamp during the release by simply placing an order of $30 or mor (before tax) in the first 24 hours of the release! (One per customer please.)

    Special #3: But wait - there's more! As an added bonus, we are giving EVERYONE FREE SHIPPING from Thursday night at 9 pm CST until Sunday night at midnight CST! Just enter FREE SHIP in the coupon code section,


    BLOG CANDY

    Riley and Company will be offering a $20 Gift Certificate to the Riley & Co online store! You will need to comment on the Riley & Company Blog post during the Blog Hop to be eligible to win, so don't forget to leave a comment. 


    For my first card I am using Santa's Checklist. This is one of my favorites. 


    1 day of coal worked perfect for this checklist...another one of Riley & Company's new releases.




    For my second card I used Holiday Cookie Swap. Now this is the kind of swap I can get into!

    Well I sure hope that you liked my cards. Now it is time to hop on over to Sandye's blog and check out her creations. 

    Enjoy the rest of the hop and thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to leave comments on all the blogs, so that you have a chance to win some candy.



    Creative Knockouts - Use a Charm

    It is that time again! We have a great challenge in store for you over at Creative Knockouts.

    Theme:  Use a Charm
    Sponsor: Lacy Sunshine.

    Heather's images are always so fun to work with. This one was no exception. 

    I had this pink LOVE paper in my stash and she sure looks like a love child to me. It is funny how you can look at an image and just have a vision of where you want to go. I think this digi is quickly becoming one of my favorites!


    If you can believe it, the tape o the side is actually printed paper. I found them on line and just love them! It was a great addition to this fun card.


    I also decorated the inside of the card to match. The flowers were punched with two of my punched and completed my card with a charm. LOVE IT! If I do say so myself.

    So what do you think? Have I inspired you to play? If I have, my job is complete!

    Hope to see you over at Creative Knockouts!


    I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:



    Riley & Company Sneak Peak Day 4

    Our week long sneak peak continues today over at Riley & Company. You only have to wait one more day to get your hands on these great new funny bones that will be released tomorrow.

    Hopefully we have given you a taste for all the wonderful things you can create with these great stamps.

    This is a great one for Halloween!



    Our blog hop starts Thursday, so make sure you come back and join in the fun. Now what would a blog hope be without some blog candy:

    Riley and Company will be offering a $20 Gift Certificate to the Riley & Co online store! Riley Fans will need to comment on the Riley & Company Blog post during the Blog Hop on September 25th to receive their prize.
    •  Don’t forget to check out all the Riley and Company Design Team’s blogs for more sneak peeks everyday!
    • Join us for our release Blog Hop this Thursday 25th September 10 PM EST, starting on the Riley and Company Blog.
    • 49 Funny bones Sentiments to be released
    • New Release Stamps available in the Riley and Company Store from Thursday 25th September 10 PM EST.
    Be sure to check back tomorrow for another sneak peak of the new Funny Bones!


    Riley & Company Sneak Peak Day 3

    We have some exciting news...it is time for another release over at Riley & Company. And of course with every release we have a week long of sneak peaks to give you a little taste of what is about to be available over at Riley & Company.

    Our sneak peak continues today and runs through the 24th with stamps going on sale September 25th. There will be 49 new Funny Bones

    Now you know how I love my Coffee Cards - I am sure this is sentiment we can all relate to.




    Now what would a blog hope be without some blog candy:

    Riley and Company will be offering a $20 Gift Certificate to the Riley & Co online store! Riley Fans will need to comment on the Riley & Company Blog post during the Blog Hop on September 25th to receive their prize.
    •  Don’t forget to check out all the Riley and Company Design Team’s blogs for more sneak peeks everyday!
    • Join us for our release Blog Hop this Thursday 25th September 10 PM EST, starting on the Riley and Company Blog.
    • 49 Funny bones Sentiments to be released
    • New Release Stamps available in the Riley and Company Store from Thursday 25th September 10 PM EST.
    Be sure to check back tomorrow for another sneak peak of the new Funny Bones!


    Tim's 12 tags of 2014 - September



    I am here today to share with you my tag for Tim's 12 tags of 2014. When I saw the design this month, I was very excited because I knew that I had most of the tools/supplies necessary to play along with the theme. I even had the stamp (smaller version) and that rarely happens.



    Now as Tim said, with this technique with the blending solution did not turn out exactly like I had imagined. When I ran my tag through the alcohol ink, my letters disappeared. So I put my stencil back on top of the tag, put some alcohol blending solution directly on my blending tool and dabbed away. This lightened up some of the color so that my stenciled letters were now visible.



    The rest was pretty easy. I stamped my image, put on some of my remnant rubs. I did not have the exact ones Tim had, but this was about creativity, not duplication.


    For my Butterflies, I used six of my alcohol inks, (listed below) and applied two tones of ink to the felt, added some blending solution, and dabbed away.


    I used my butterfly punch from ek tools and punched away. This is becoming my favorite tool! I stamped the lettering on the butterflies after they were punched (Tim did it before) and it seamed to work just fine. You can see my green tissue paper underneath the butterflies that I am saving for another project (idea) I have.

    Supplies:
    • Stampers Anonymous -Nature Walk Stamp Set
    • Remnant Rubs - Numbers
    • Idea-ology CHITCHAT VERBIAGES
    • Alcohol inks: Butterscotch, Red Pepper, Egg Plant, Stream, Meadow, Oregano, Cranberry
    • Alcohol Blending Solution
    • Recollections Stamp 
    • EK Tools Butterfly punch
    • Rayon Ribbon

    I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:



    Riley & Company Sneak Peak Day 2

    I am back to introduce another new Funny Bones over at Riley & Company. This of course is a sneak peak, but no worries, all image will be available at the start of our Blog Hop on September 25th

    There will be 49 new Funny Bones released and this is one of them.

    This is one of my favorites!




    Now what would a blog hope be without some blog candy:

    Riley and Company will be offering a $20 Gift Certificate to the Riley & Co online store! Riley Fans will need to comment on the Riley & Company Blog post during the Blog Hop on September 25th to receive their prize.
    •  Don’t forget to check out all the Riley and Company Design Team’s blogs for more sneak peeks everyday!
    • Join us for our release Blog Hop this Thursday 25th September 10 PM EST, starting on the Riley and Company Blog.
    • 49 Funny bones Sentiments to be released
    • New Release Stamps available in the Riley and Company Store from Thursday 25th September 10 PM EST.
    Be sure to check back tomorrow for another sneak peak of the new Funny Bones!


    Riley & Company September Release and Sneak Peak

    We have some exciting news...it is time for another release over at Riley & Company. And of course with every release we have a week long of sneak peaks to give you a little taste of what is about to be available over at Riley & Company.

    Our sneak peak starts today and runs all week with stamps going on sale September 25th. There will be 49 new Funny Bones

    Here is my first card. This is a great Funny Bones for the Holiday Season.



    Now what would a blog hope be without some blog candy:

    Riley and Company will be offering a $20 Gift Certificate to the Riley & Co online store! Riley Fans will need to comment on the Riley & Company Blog post during the Blog Hop on September 25th to receive their prize.
    •  Don’t forget to check out all the Riley and Company Design Team’s blogs for more sneak peeks everyday!
    • Join us for our release Blog Hop this Thursday 25th September 10 PM EST, starting on the Riley and Company Blog.
    • 49 Funny bones Sentiments to be released
    • New Release Stamps available in the Riley and Company Store from Thursday 25th September 10 PM EST.
    Be sure to check back tomorrow for another sneak peak of the new Funny Bones!


    I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

    613 Avenue Create Facebook Contest Alert!!!!

    613 Avenue Create Facebook Contest Alert!!!!
    Today we reveal our official Facebook Feature Badge.  In celebration, we will award one lucky Commenter the chance to work with Graphic / Digital Designer Kathyrne Elizabeth and develop their personal watermark. Best of all...We are footing the bill.
      Visit our Facebook Page and leave a comment.
    Here is our new FB Feature Badge.  It will be awarded only on our FB page.




    Recycled Butterflies

    Whoa! It is good to be back in Phoenix. I had quite a week. I hope to have some time home and that always means more crafting.

    So I have been thinking about recycling. Every time I Open a new toy or product, I always recycle the cardboard that come with the packaging. When I get advertisements in the mail, I recycle those too. But the card board is so sturdy, I think to myself, there has got to be something I can use these for in crafting.

    Well today I am here to show you what I have done.



    I made these using recycled cardboard from a few items around the house. The blue one is from an advertising mailer. The other two are the back of a pudding box.  I will show you what I did.


    For the blue butterflies, the colors were already so vibrant, I just punched them out. I had to work around the words, but in some cases, you may want to keep the words. 

    Now for the pudding box, I turned it over and decided to try and distress it as well as stamp it.


    This worked pretty well. I was very happy with how the butterfly turned out.



    I wasn't sure how the distressing would work, so I just started using it. First I used Tim Holtz Distressing paint. That is on the left. It worked pretty well, but I wanted to add some colors since these are butterflies. So I also added some of Tim's Distressing stain. I found that it worked best to just dab on the color. But this is all about trial and error, so try different techniques. 



    Can't you just imagine these colors on butterflies? I know I could.


    Here is a closer look at the finished product


    So when you get those advertisements in the mail, or see anything with color and texture, think about what it could be, not what it is. It is a lot of fun creating with imagination!

    I found the Distress Stain and Paint over at BlueMoonScrapbooking. They are currently on sale and shipping is free if you spend $50. The Butterfly punch I found at Michael's and used a 40% off coupon. Gotta love those!
    Supplies:
    • Tim Holtz Distress paint - Vintage Photo, Forrest Moss, Rusty Hinge
    • Tim Holtz Distress stain - Broken China, Victorian Velvet
    • EK Tools Butterfly punch
    Have fun!






    Pattie's Creations - Vintage Wedding Gown

    It is Friday and I am home from a week of travels. Hopefully I will get well rested since I will be home for a couple of weeks this time.

    I am here to share my DT inspiration for the challenge over at Pattie's Creations.


    Theme: Vintage

    Vintage is one of my favorite styles to design. I had some Wedding labels I got on clearance a while back so I decided to make a Bridal Shower Card.



    This is one of my Tri Fold cards that I have designed and I use this template regularly.


    Here is the inside and side of my card.
    I use matching paper when I use this template as the paper will all show once the card is folded. 





    So get out your lace and pearls and anything else that creates a vintage flare and lets see what you come up with . Can't wait!
      


    I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

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    Challeng Winners - February & March 2023

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