Happy Valentine's Day

I whipped up this quick Valentine card after I got home from work...am thinking this one will go to my dad in Ohio. I used the Viva la Verve sketch for week #2. Designer papers are all from Echo Park's "Yours Truly" 6x6 pad - my fave one for this season of love!  No frills and no bling on this one...keeping it more masculine.

We are having what feels like a monsoon today with wind and ongoing rain...coming down in torrents at times!  Now we have flood watches going on.  I was glad I was so familiar with the roads coming home from work at 11 PM, because it was difficult to see at times.  It's bedtime now...thanks for stopping by...

Color Throwdown

This week's Color Throwdown Challenge is being hosted by the talented Lynn!  Isn't that a fabulous inspiration photo?!  This happens to be one of my all time fave color combos, too!

I was inspired by the scalloped tablecloth, so layered up some punched scallops (EKSuccess) using papers from Martha Stewart's Holidays mat pad.  I die cut a pair of hearts (Cheery Lynn Designs) and added 3 new Die-Namics by MFT: Mini hybrid heirloom rose, Keys and Locks, Leaf Filled Flourish.  A couple of crimped cardboard shapes by Jenni Bowlin were used.  The sentiment is from Verve's "Tag Time" set and the sentiment flag was stamped using Lil Inker Designs' Sentiment Flags stamp set.  Edges of the rose, leafy flourish and lock/key were all sponges in their respective ink colors.  This was a fun collage to create!  

If you need some more inspiration...head on over to the Color Throwdown Challenge blog or you can visit each of the design team members in the list below:

Barbara Anders  
Broni Holcombe
Denise Marzec
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen  (you are here)
Miriam Napier (December/January Guest Designer)  

Trio of Valentines

Several co-workers asked me to create some masculine Valentines, so I came up with 3 different cards this morning.  This first card uses the layout for the Retrosketches Challenge #48 and I think I can squeak it by for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge to create a vintage card or project.  The type print of the sentiment (Flourishes' "Just My Type" set) speaks "vintage" to me...along with the white ink sponging on the heart and over the black layer for the chalkboard technique.  The embellishments also have a bit of a retro feel.  I hand doodled some cross stitching along the top of the flags.  Papers are from Echo Park's "Yours Truly" pad.

These next two cards were totally inspired by a gorgeous card by Mary Fish - LOVE her clean lines in her creations!  (my apologies that the link wouldn't work from Pinterest).

The XOXO border is a Die-Namics die by MFT.  Sentiments are from Verve's "Stronger Love" set.

Heading out to work shortly, so need to run...always appreciate your visits and comments!

Wanda

CAS Poppies

Burning the midnight oil here after seeing both the CAS challenge (to CASE one of mamaxsix's cards - I chose this card) and the Technique Lover's Challenge (play with balance) were posted early.  Joan is asking us to pair up a large stamped image with a small one to create a balanced look, so hope I got that accomplished.  I love this big ole BG stamp and thought it would be sweet to add the sentiment via a tiny tag.  I colored with Copics and die cut the shape using the Rounded Banner STAX Die-Namics by MFT.  The textured coral/orange CS is by Bazzill and was in my scrap pile, so do not have a clue what it's name might be.  Thanks for stopping by...

Seaside Window

I needed a birthday card for my BIL tomorrow and decided to browse the gallery of Bonnie (aka Bon2stamp), the Featured Stamper on SCS this week, for my inspiration. She had a window card HERE that spurred me to create this beach scene. My BIL and his wife vacation every year at Myrtle Beach, so thought he would love a beachy card.  Had to dig into my SU "archives" for this oldie but goodie set.  Colored it with Copics and die cut some grass using 2 different shades of green in my scrap pile.  Some jute twine and a silver charm topped it off.  I used a cloud stencil to sponge some Soft Sky ink onto the sky, but it doesn't show up too well in the photo.

Here's what I used:
STAMPS: Lighthouse (SU)
PAPER: Neenah Solar Crest White, X-Press It Blending Card
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky
ACCESSORIES: Square Lattice EF by SU; Grand Madison die, Grand flower box die and Grassland border die - all by Poppystamps; Jute twine, Silver charm, Copics

Viva la Verve

How ironic that's it's a super gloomy day with more snow in the forecast this afternoon and I'm creating a card with a sentiment talking of brighter days ahead - lol!  Charmaine has a really CAS design for the Viva la Verve week 5 challenge in the Verve forum on SCS.  One layer cards are a REAL challenge for me, but have to say, I was really happy with the end result of this card.  I used Tim Holtz' "rays" EF for the BG and added Lil Inker Designs' rainbow and clouds die cuts.  I especially love the little stitching details on the clouds!  I paper pieced the sentiment to add a little "oomph" to it.  Thanks for stopping by...off to get some groceries and fill up the van with gas before heading out to work.

STAMPS: Brighter Days by Verve.

Deconstructed Sketch

Good Thursday morning friends!  We were greeted with another inch of snow on the ground when I woke up.  The positive thing about winter is having more stamping time because there are no outside chores on the to-do list. :-)  I'm a big fan of the weekly Deconstructed Sketch Challenge every Thursday and actually created this card late last night after getting off work.  Love that I can get an early peek at the sketch on FB! So...instead of actual circles, I went with a grouping of rolled roses instead!  Very little stamping this time...only a quick little sentiment flag.

Here's what I used:
STAMPS: With Love (Verve), Sentiment Flags by Lil Inker Designs
PAPER: The Sweetest Thing "Honey" pad by MME, White (PTI)
INK: Versafine Onyx Black
ACCESSORIES: MFT Die-Namics: Mini rolled roses, mini hybrid heirloom rose, and leaf filled flourish; Satin ribbon; Bow-Easy.

I recently read that a must-have accessory is humor!  Henry Ward Beecher says it like this..."A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs.  It's jolted by every pebble on the road."  William Thackeray once said "Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society".  Even the Bible has advice for us when it comes to humor: "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance" Proverbs 15:13.  So, my blog post today is ending with a smile for you! :-)

Sketch Challenge

Decided to get inky between laundry loads this morning. Janette has a different than my norm layout for the Sketch Challenge on SCS, but it was perfect to play with some new images from Paper Smooches. I used SU's Honeycomb EF on Lemon Tart CS for the BG.  Some quick Nestie circles, a paper-pieced beehive using DP from MME's Breeze pad, a couple of leftover sparkly hearts and this CAS card is completed!  I'm off to layer up clothes to head to work this afternoon.  It's a busy flu season with our students at the rehab center, so there's never a dull moment and always lots of hand washing going on!

Color Throwdown

It's time for another Color Throwdown Challenge and you will LOVE these gorgeous colors Denise has chosen for us!  It is some kind of cold in VA this week, but I'm thinking warm thoughts of sunshine and flowers and wishing spring to get here asap!

I brayered Certainly Celery ink on my EF then inserted white paper and ran it through the Big Shot.  I love the subtle hint of color added to the BG with this technique.  I decided to stamp the image using Memento London Fog ink instead of black, but found I had a horrible time coloring it well, so I redid it in Memento Tuxedo Black - much better!  While the image was still in the Nestie, I lightly sponged it with some celery ink.  I initiated my new MFT Leaf Filled Flourish Die-Namic (I cut it into 3 sections) and of course, used my trusty MFT Fishtail Flags STAX Die-Namic to layer the Wisteria Wonder and Perfect Plum flags.

You don't want to miss the other great cards from the rest of the design team and our talented January guest designer, so head on over to the Color Throwdown blog or you can click on the names below:

Barbara Anders    
Broni Holcombe
Denise Marzec
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen  (you are here)
Miriam Napier (January Guest Designer) 

I'll be looking forward to seeing what you create!

STAMPS: Because I Care (SU)

PAPER: Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Wisteria Wonder, Perfect Plum, X-Press It Blending Card

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Certainly Celery

ACCESSORIES: Circle Nesties, Pearls, Oval punches by SU, Leaf Filled Flourish Die-Namics by MFT, Victorian EF, Fishtail Flags STAX Die-Namics by MFT.

Forever and Always

Mary has some great colors for us on the SCS Color Challenge with the dessert option to create a Valentine card from these non-traditional combo. I used Karen Giron's layout for the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge (those flag elements always make me a happy camper)!

STAMPS: No Matter What (Verve)
PAPER: Everyday Enchantment DP by SU, Soft Suede, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Vintage Cream
INK: Chocolate Chip
ACCESSORIES: Heart circle Nesties, Circle Nesties, Die-Namics Fishtail Flags STAX by MFT, Heart border die by PTI, Pearls.

Here's wishing you a terrific Tuesday!

CAS Thoughts

I created this card for the SCS CAS Challenge to use a sketch and the Technique Lover's Challenge to use dies as a focal point.  I sprayed Dylusions "Vibrant Turquoise" ink on the BG stamp and used Verve's Pennant Trim die and the Chloe Stem die by Memory Box - cut from Early Espresso CS - to be the focal point.  Sentiment is from SU's Whimsical Words set.

 As we look at today's holiday to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr., I'm reminded of these memorable words...

Mojo Monday

It's a cold Mojo Monday Challenge day here in VA! Hope you're keeping warm in your part of the world! Our sketch was created by Carole and I thought it would be a fun one for a baby card!  I knew I wanted to color Emery with Copics and cut him out to allow him to "hang" over the top of the panel.  It's been awhile since I gave the little ellie some love. :-) 

 If you want more inspiration from the rest of the mojomakers, check them out below or go to the Mojo Monday blog HERE.  Hope to see your creation in the gallery soon! 

Carole Burrage

Debbie Carriere

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Stephanie Kraft

Wanda Cullen (you are here)

STAMPS: "To the Moon" by Verve
PAPER: "Bramble Rose" 6x6 pad by MME, Basic Gray, White, X-Press It Blending Card
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black
ACCESSORIES: Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack by SU, Kaiser Pewter pearls, Tiny Sweet Scallop die by Verve, Baker's twine, Copics (T2, T4, T6, RR11, R20).

Viva la Verve

Janelle has a versatile sketch for this week's Viva la Verve challenge in the forum on SCS. I used some papers from a new pad (yes...I caved when I visited Mike's today and saw two new MME pads...sigh!).  I think you might get tired of seeing these roses on my cards...just LOVE the hybrid heirloom rose die from MFT!  I think I got a bum large Romantic Rectangle die, because I can't seem to get a good cut no matter what sandwich I run through the Big Shot.  I didn't want to waste the sides which cut OK so I pieced them together to form this border, then layered two more Retro Border dies by MFT.  The leaves are a die cut by Cheery Lynn Designs.

STAMPS: Treasured Words (Verve)
PAPER: "In Bloom" 6x6 pad by MME, White, Basic Gray
INK: Basic Gray, So Saffron (to sponge edges of rose)
ACCESSORIES: Basic Gray satin ribbon (SU), Heart charm, Romantic Rectangle Nestie, Fern die by Cheery Lynn Designs, Hybrid Heirloom Rose Die-Namic by MFT, Retro Squares border Die-Namic by MFT.

Deconstructed Sketch

Loved this new Deconstructed Sketch by Jen Shults! Banners are so trendy right now and I love using them on cards! In fact, I've nearly worn out my MFT fishtail flags set from using it so often - lol!  I also wanted to play along with Wendy's Free 4 All Challenge on SCS to use banners and flags.  Don't you just love these new lock and key dies by MFT?!  And...their new Mini Hybrid Heirloom Rose die is...to die for! :-) It's now my fave new rose die!  I sponged the edges with Riding Hood Red ink and all papers, except the Vintage Cream base, are from a Martha Stewart pad that I bought last year and never used.  How pathetic is that?!  I'm trying to use up my existing paper before buying new (yeah...right!...and who just ordered a new pad online last night?...yes, I have a problem!). 

I'm heading out to find some containers to donate some of my huge card stash to a charity silent auction at church.  Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave me a comment!

STAMPS: Stronger Love (Verve)
PAPER: MS "Key and Heart" pad, Sahara Sand, Vintage Cream
INK: Crumb Cake (to sponge key/lock), Riding Hood Red (to sponge rose), Chocolate Chip
ACCESSORIES: Keys and Locks Die-Namics, Mini Hybrid Heirloom Rose Die-Namics and Fishtail Flags Die-Namics by MFT, Rose leaf punch by MS, Rhinestone, Red jute twine, Heart border punch by MS.

Birthday Girl

This card is for MFT's Wednesday Sketch Challenge and I'm also entering it into the Simon Says Stamp challenge to use washi tape.
I used washi tape for the stripes and also for the punched balloon.  This little birthday girl was colored with Copics and I got to use a new embellishment button by Recollections.

STAMPS: My Balloon PI by MFT
COPICS: Hair-Y23, YR24, YR27
                Skin-E000, E00, R20
                Shirt-G40, G43
                Jumper-R81, R83, R85

I'm soooo happy our snow storm here in the valley didn't amount to more than a couple of inches yesterday!  My drive home from work at 11 PM was uneventful and now I'm looking forward to a Friday off!  Yay!

Timeless Tuesday & Sketch Challenge

I always love an excuse to play with my Flourishes stamps and this week, Broni has a great color challenge for us!  For more challenge details, you can visit the Flourishes blog HERE.  I thought these papers in the Madeline collection by Prima Marketing were perfect to capture the 3 color families.  I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black on X-Press It Blending Card, colored with Copics and fussy cut the image.  This card uses Korin's layout for the Sketch Challenge on SCS.  I wanted to soften the look of all the panels by rounding them with the 1/4" setting on my corner chomper.  Some chocolate pearls were used as accents.

STAMPS: With Gratitude (Flourishes)
ACCESSORIES: Sentiment Flags die (Lil Inker Designs)

Thanks so much for stopping by...

Color Throwdown 225

This month is flying by and we're all ready for another Color Throwdown Challenge! The sweet and talented Kerri Michaud has a fun color combo for us this week...check out this gorgeous table setting that gave her the inspiration!  So, here's what I came up with...

Pretty self-explanatory on this one.  I stamped different sized flowers from Verve's Doodled Occasions set in Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo and Positively Pink ink.  The tiny tag is a die by PTI and stamped with a sentiment from their Tiny Tags stamp set.  The daisy is a Sizzix die by SU.

For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the design team members' blogs:

Barbara Anders    
Broni Holcombe
Denise Marzec
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen  (you are here)
Miriam Napier (January Guest Designer) 

Or...you can go to the Color Throwdown blog for more challenge details!

Mojo Monday

It's time for another Mojo Monday Challenge! This week we have another great sketch from Carole and I decided to go with a flipped version on my card.  Love is in the air with Valentine's Day only a month away, so I had to use my Jotted Heart die as a focal point.  I embossed the heart and layered the sentiment using Verve's two Mini Classic Label dies and a 1" circle punch.   The colors are very muted and just couldn't resist pairing pink and gray from these papers in MME's Lost and Found 3 "Ruby" pad.  I tucked some silver cording into the collage using glue dots.

You can jump over to the Mojo Monday blog to be inspired by the gorgeous cards from the other mojomakers and to get more challenge details, or you can visit their individual blogs:

Carole Burrage

Debbie Carriere

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Stephanie Kraft

Wanda Cullen (you are here)

Thanks for stopping by...hope to see you playing along with us!

STAMPS: Love Notes (Verve)

INK: Blushing Bride, Versafine Onyx Black

ACCESSORIES: Tim Holtz floral trim, Heart Circle Nestie, Silver cording, Buttons by MME, Pennant Trim die, Jotted Heart die, Mini Classic Label dies - all by Verve, EF by Cuttlebug