OCC Challenge - Vintage....

This week our hostess, Lori Rider, is challenging us to create something with a Vintage Flair. Use something vintage, or vintage-inspired, on your card or project. Raid your drawers for old buttons and trims, an old tag or photo, or anything else you find.

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For a close up view on the OCC's great projects for this week please visit the OCC Ladies on their blogs -Silke Ledlow, Jennifer Meyer, Loretta Lock , Joycelyn Turner, Cindy Burgess, Dana Grothaus, Linda Coughlin, Lori Rider, Melissa Young, and Wendy Janson
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This is one of my favorite stamps, the edges of the wood are black and ink stained. The rubber will never be red again.... it is one of my "go to" stamps.... meaning, it always works for me! My friend Miriam introduced me to this image and all the possibilities it has -- you can color the dress, paper piece, embellish.... so many choices.

I kept it kind of simple, paper piecing the dress and embellishing with a silk ribbon bow (white silk ribbon, colored red with a Copic Marker) and a gold metal piece. All of the DP is from Graphic 45 and I didn't want to clutter it up too much, allowing the background piece of paper to be seen.

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I used Spellbinder's Labels Nine, as my base to stamp the dress, then gluing my cut out polka dot dress over the original stamping. I sponged Black ink and Brown ink around the edges. Then I also airbrushed a little yellow around the edges as well to help kinda make it feel a little more aged or "vintagey". I highlighted some of the creases with a red Copic on the dress too, as well as adding a tiny hint of sparkle using a red Spica pen on the polka dots. I trimmed one additional layer from a Hounds tooth Patterned paper to finish the stamped center piece. Final size is 6" Square.

• Stamps: My Mother's Dress (Item #: LM808353) by Inkadinkado
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Versafine Sepia Brown
• Paper: Red, Black, Neenah Peppercorn, All DP by Graphic 45
• Other: Gold Hardware Bits, Cuttlebug Folder, Copic ABS, Spellbinder's Labels Nine, Red Fine Tip Pen

Stamp Simply #111 - Accordion Fold

Stamp Simply #111 - October 30- ssnotime111 - Today's challenge is all about Accordion Folding. How ever you want to create it - But you have to incorporate some kind of accordion type fold in to your project. Upload your project to Spiltcoast and use the keyword "ssnotime111". Check out all the Challenge Details and see Sharon's creation on her blog No Time to Stamp.
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Please check out the great samples from the Stamp Simply Challenge today on the blogs of these totally creative designers: Janine, Julie, AJ, Tammy, Deb and Barbara, also Barb Schram (Barb is kindly filling in for a bit as Jennifer Buck takes some time off.) and we have the talented Amy Rohl as our special guest stamper for October!

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So this is my accordion fold card for the challenge. I made a simple paper band to secure it and hold it flat for mailing (in the top picture). The band can be easily slid off to display the open card (bottom picture). This card features way more cutting than I like to do! But it was a fun card and a great challenge to get me to make something different for a change!

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The measurements to create the folding card base are as follows:

Start with a piece of card stock 10.5"x 5".

Score at these intervals, to create the folds: 1.25", 2.5", 4.25", 6" and 8.25".

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My folded card base is white card stock, I then trimmed the DP to fit in each panel. All stamps are from The Cat's Pajamas. I stamped the images and added some color, then I trimmed everything out using my craft knife. I created the moon with a circle punch, using Copics to add color. The BOO is made with the new Alphabet from TCP called "Babydoll". I stamped each letter in black, I added some highlights with a Copic Marker and some little dots with a white gel pen. I then punched each letter out, sponged some black around the edges and also added some black stitch marks. I embellished with a ribbon running through each letter tag at the bottom.

• Stamps: All stamps by The Cat's Pajamas: Mummy Sprinkle # D-6330, Babydoll Alphabet, Fright Night Clear Set #S-8550
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Versafine Sepia Brown
• Paper: DP by Best Creation Inc #GP319, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Black Card Stock
• Other: Label Punch, Circle Punch, Misc. Ribbon, Copics, Black Micron Pen, White Gel Pen

SNOW!

I have been wanting to play along in Mercy's Sketch Challenges that she puts out every Tuesday and finally I got one done in time! This is Tuesday Sketch Challenge #45 <---- you can click on this link to go see the sketch and all the details

on Mercy's blog.
I used part of an image from a Whipper Snapper Stamp, the scene also has a little house too, but I just wanted the tree and snowman. The sentiment is from TCP, it is a clear stamp, so I was able to curve it on my acrylic block so that it fit inside my circle design. I airbrushed the background. The tree is colored with Copics and I also added a layer of Spica pen to give it a little sparkle. I used Liquid Pearls to create the snow. Instead of applying the Liquid Pearls directly to my paper, I put a blob on a piece of scrap paper, then I used a toothpick to just pick up a little bit allowing me to be able to make smaller and larger snow dots. Also, this eliminates the possibility of an accidental large "plop" from the squeeze bottle. We've all had that happen, right?! I used a toothpick to poke and dab at the layer that I put down for the ground snow. I didn't want it to be smooth and shiny, so I gave it just a minute or two to start drying, then went in and added some texture. I added some punched out snowflakes, doodles and some ribbon to embellish. Finished card size is an A2.

• Stamps: Snowy Scene #CW773 by Whipper Snapper, Sentiment by The Cat's Pajamas: Clear Set "Deck the Hall" #S-8547
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: DP from Basic Grey "Eskimo Kisses" Collection, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Green, Blue
• Other: Snowflake Punch by Punch Bunch, Crystals, Bow Easy Tool, Silk Ribbon, Green Ribbon by Basic Grey, Cuttlebug Folder, Spellbinder's Classic Circles and Petite Scallops,
  Spellbinder's Fleur de Lis Borderability, Liquid Pearls "White Opal", Copics/ABS, White Gel Pen, Green Spica Pen

OCC Challenge - Hallween Frights

Our hostess for this month, Lori Rider, has a fun challenge for us this week: Make a card/project inspired by your favorite scary (or Halloween-themed) book or movie. Of course, you can pull out those Halloween images, but if you end up going with another occasion, that's great, too! We just want to see where your imagination takes you. Don't forget to share where you got your inspiration!

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For a close up view on the OCC's great projects for this week please visit the OCC Ladies on their blogs -Silke Ledlow, Jennifer Meyer, Loretta Lock , Joycelyn Turner, Cindy Burgess, Dana Grothaus, Linda Coughlin, Lori Rider, Melissa Young, and Wendy Janson

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I pulled inspiration for my card from Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven". I printed the poem out on card stock to use as my home-made DP. The branches and bird are from Inkadinkadoo. I embellished using just some buttons topped with pearls. I masked the moon using Eclipse tape, then airbrushed the background of the stamped panel. I also added some sponging around the edges using black ink. Finished card is an A2. I think my card turned out more bleak looking than Frightening!

• Stamps: All stamps by Inkadinkado - Delicate Branches, Item #: LM808974
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Neenah Classic Solar White, Black, Grey, Printed Poem
• Other: Buttons, Pearls, Copic Airbrushing, Eclipse Tape

Stamp Simply #110 - It's hip to be Square

Stamp Simply #110 - October 23- ssnotime110 - Today's challenge is all about Squares. How ever you want to create it - But you have to keep the elements of your card square, no ovals, circles, no rounded corners..... Upload your project to Spiltcoast and use the keyword "ssnotime110". Check out all the Challenge Details and see Sharon's creation on her blog No Time to Stamp.

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Please check out the great samples for the Stamp Simply Challenge today on the blogs of these totally creative designers: Janine, Julie, AJ, Tammy, Deb and Barbara, also Barb Schram (Barb is kindly filling in for a bit as Jennifer Buck takes some much needed time off — enjoy your break, Jennifer — we’ll miss you!) and we have Amy Rohl as our special guest stamper for October!

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OK, this is not a scene you would see passing by my window! LOL!!! If I had baked a pie, believe me, I don't think it would have time to make it to the window to cool! Isn't that what the Ice Cream is for?? To cool it down??

I kept it square and clean and simple, for me anyway! I thought the image had enough elements in it that I did not want to fuss it up, adding only some silky ribbon to embellish. I colored everything with Copics, cutting it it out and embossing the edges with a Square Nestie. I added the gold silk ribbon, using a slot punch on the left side to bring it through the panel, and then using my Bow Easy tool to tie the little triple loop bow. My favorite thing to use for bows has to be silk ribbon, it cinches down so beautifully to knot in the middle. Finished card size is 5" Square.

• Stamps: What's Cookin by A Muse, Pie in the Window #2110 by Lockhart
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Misc. DP, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Brown
• Other: Spellbinder's Square Nesties, Ribbon Slot Punch, Silk Ribbon, Bow Easy Tool

Blog Hoppin' with TCP!

Welcome to your third stop on The Cat's Pajamas Blog Hop. Alma has released two new swanky sets: a new alphabet called "Babydoll" and also a Thanksgiving collection featuring all the usual characters, which is called "Gobble it Up"! Both will be available on Ocotber 20th! For a chance to win both of the new sets -- follow the ten stops on the blog hop and leave each person a comment. One winner will be chosen and announced on Alma's Blog "Dancing in Pajamas" this Friday, October 23rd.

Now, if you need to start at the beginning then please hop on over to see Toni, as she is the starting point for this all this FUN!

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I always seem to use Sprinkle, 'cause I do love that cat... so I wanted to do something different today! My card is made up of simple elements all put together. I paper pieced the tablecloth and then added some piercing around the edges of it. I used three different Cuttlebug folders to add texture to different pieces of the card stock, all though it's not easily seen in the pic. The layered triangles in the right side corner's are photo corner punches, two punched from brown card stock and then one from the DP that is turned the opposite way. Some buttons embellished with embroidery floss to complete. Final card size is an A2.

Leave a comment below on this post for your chance to win both of the NEW RELEASE sets!

And, then the next stop on the hop is Amy's blog "Ink about Me"

• Stamps: All Stamps by The Cat's Pajamas
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Orange, Brow, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ivory, Misc. DP
• Other: Spellbinder's Labels Eight, Cuttlebug Folders, Misc. Ribbon, Buttons, Embroidery Floss, Copics/ABS, Orange Fine Tip Pen, Photo Corner Punches

The black cats are on the prowl again....

Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps has started a new sketch challenge this week. I am thrilled to be working as a Guest Designer for them, I have really fallen in love with this Halloween release. I also have gotten a glimpse of things to come... and let me tell you-- there are some fantastic designs on the way! To kick off the Sketch Challenge they are having a contest -- Create a card using the sketch and you will be entered to win a grab bag of 25 unmounted stamps! You can find all the details on the Prickley Pear Blog <-------- click here

I know I have been on overload with Halloween cards -- what can I say?? I just have fun with them! And of course -- I do have a little favoritism going on on when it comes to kitty cats, especially black ones, like my bad little cat Peppercorn. I flipped the sketch on it's side and used buttons for the three square details. When I saw the wavy border on the sketch, I knew immediately I would be using my Martha Stewart Drippy Goo Punch!

Look, I left white space! Always challenging for me. No airbrushing, no doodles, just clean white edges! Something about using just black ink on white -- I like the bold contrast. The little kitty image is just one cat, but I stamped him three times. (Making a light line with a pencil on my paper to keep my stampings "some what" straight, then erasing it after the ink dried.) The crazy multi-colored DP is from Basic Grey's Eerie collection. I added my drippy goo edge (love that punch!) and popped it up with some foam tape over the stamped panel. Some jute string to dress it up on the edge and I also added some through the buttons. I used the tiniest slot on the Bow Easy to create the bow. I gave each kitty some different colored eyes using some teensy weensy crystals. In the end, I had to add some doodles around the green panel. I can't help myself. Finished card size is an A2.

• Stamps: All stamps are from Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps:Black Cats Prowl #GG0063M, Black Cat #CC0086M
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: DP by Basic Grey "Eerie Collection", White, Purple, Green, Black
• Other: Jute String, Bow Easy Tool, Small Crystals, Misc. Buttons, Martha Stewart's Drippy Goo Edge Punch, Micron Pen

OCC Challenge - Color Challenge

This week our October OCC hostess, Lori has issued a color challenge: So grab some paper, get some stamps and join us! You don't have to have these exact Stampin' Up colors -- use what you have that is close enough to fit the bill!

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For a close up view on the OCC's great projects for this week please visit the OCC Ladies on their blogs -Silke Ledlow, Jennifer Meyer, Loretta Lock , Joycelyn Turner, Cindy Burgess, Dana Grothaus, Linda Coughlin, Lori Rider, Melissa Young, and Wendy Janson

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This was a tough color challenge for me, but in the end I always enjoy the challenge and the nudge to do something different. Using the same colors, it amazing to see how different our creations turned out, depending on what colors we emphasized.

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I reached for my TCP stamps-- knowing that they always bring a smile when I use them, and the second reason is they are fun and versatile.... Not knowing what direction this color combo was going to take I knew something from TCP would work. And it did, of course.

I just made a quick and fun little card. Cuttlebugging the two background panels and adding a few stitch marks and a few layers of card stock - card base is done. I colored my little cowboy with Copics. I added just a little under shadow using Copic W1. I lightly airbrushed a little E02 Color around the edges of my Nestie and also on the sentiment to take away the white brightness. Also this was a close match to the Blush Blossom Color, so I was trying to bring a bit more of it in. This was the challenging color for more -- greens, browns -- oh Yeah! Those colors are right up my alley -- throw a shade of pink in there and WHOA -- I have to think about it! The layers of Blush Blossom card stock on my card all have roughed up edges! I had to rough it up and distress it a tad -- it is a cowboy card!! Finished card size is 5" Square

• Stamps: All Stamps by The Cat's Pajamas Clear Set #
  S-7511Havin' A Pow Wow
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Soft Suede, Handsome Hunter, Blush Blossom and Sage Shadow
• Other: Spellbinder's Labels Two, Copics/ ABS, Brown Micron Pen, Jute String, Buttons, Cuttlebug Folder

Stamp Simply #109 - Gatefolds

Stamp Simply #109 - October 16- ssnotime109 - Today's challenge is all about gatefolds. How ever you want to create it - Gatefolds are cards that fold in from each side, meeting in the middle, so it opens like a gate. The folds don’t have to be symmetrical, your opening can be off center if you like. Upload your project to Spiltcoast and use the keyword "ssnotime109". Check out all the Challenge Details and see Sharon's creation on her blog No Time to Stamp.
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Please check out the great samples for the Stamp Simply Challenge today on the blogs of these totally creative designers: Janine, Julie, AJ, Tammy, Deb and Barbara, also Barb Schram (Barb is kindly filling in for a bit as Jennifer Buck takes some much needed time off — enjoy your break, Jennifer — we’ll miss you!) and we have Amy Rohl as our special guest stamper for October!

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My card stock is 8" long -- I scored my folds at 2" and 6" - did they meet evenly and exactly in the middle..... NO! Did I fret? NO! I just found some pretty ribbon to cover up! This Bo Bunny Paper made a gate fold easy as it is heavy card stock and also double sided. I did do an insert for the middle panel which you can see in the opening. A simply stamped sentiment and a few little buttons and stitch marks to complete it. This is a simple one and a bit heavy on the color aqua! I used thin red line tape to adhere the ribbon, then on the edges of the ribbon I added a dab of clear drying glue so the edges would not unravel from the clean cut. Also I used Ivory embroidery floss and just ran the tip of my Copic over the floss to add a little color but not cover all the strands with ink-- leaving me with the multi-color floss. This challenge call was a great nudge to create a fun card!

• Stamps: by Papertrey Ink
• Ink: Versafine Sepia Brown
• Paper: Neenah Peppercorn, Bo Bunny DP
• Other: Buttons, Embroidery Floss, Martha Stewart Edge Punch on the inside panel, Brown Micron Pen, Misc Ribbon, Red Line Tape, Copic Airbrushing, Spellbinder's Label Die

One Sweet House...

The DT for Impression Obsession has two challenges a month and we create something with the chosen theme and then share it on our blogs. Today's theme is WINTER.

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Please check out these links to every one's blog to see what the Impression Obsession DT ladies created for today... Daniela Dobson - Laura Fulcher - Dina Kowal - Shirley Ross - Jeanne Streiff and Kathy Menzies .

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You are all invited to enter your creations for the Challenge and any future challenges we have too. A gift certificate is up for grabs! Please check out the details of how to play along and win on the Impression-Obsession Blog .

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I have been itching to ink up this sweet little gingerbread house, finally the time was right! I stamped in Memento Rich Cocoa and then used Copics to color. I airbrushed the sky in the background. I created some falling snow in the background just by touching my blender pen to the paper and removing color in spots. It's more pronounced in person than you can see in the picture. I added some simple jute string to embellish and a few crystals -- I didn't want to over do it, since I had lots of color and a busy background too. I also matted the white to a final layer of kraft card stock that is the card base, but the white overlaps on the sides -- kinda different.

• Stamps: Gingerbread House #G1750 by Impression Obsession
• Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
• Paper: Red, White, Kraft, DP by Basic Grey
• Other: Crystals, Copics/ABS, Jute String, Bow Easy Tool, Corner Rounder

and the WINNER is....

Thanks to everyone who left me wonderful comments on the Blog Candy this week. I have said it before -- I have some of the best readers and crafting sisters ever! You guys leave wonderful, inspiring and witty comments for me on my posts.... even when there is no candy! I just want to thank you all for the kinds words and the support of my blog! The wonderful comments really help keep me motivated to maintain my blog with regular posts. SO BIG THANKS! I wish I could send every reader some Blog Candy!

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Now, drum roll please....

76 wonderful comments were left for a chance at this sweet candy....

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Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:2
Timestamp: 2009-10-12 01:49:16 UTC

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The winner is comment #2:

cards4u said...
Great card!! Thanks for the chance to play!
October 7, 2009 10:43 PM

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Please email me with your info

so I can get your goodies out the door and on their way to you!

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Thank you to Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps for sponsoring this great give away!

OCC Challenge - a sketch, some stitching and stockings

Our October Hostess,

Lori, has issued a Sketch Challenge to inspire your project today.

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For a close up view on the OCC's great projects for this week please visit the OCC Ladies on their blogs -Silke Ledlow, Jennifer Meyer, Loretta Lock , Joycelyn Turner, Cindy Burgess, Dana Grothaus, Linda Coughlin, Lori Rider, Melissa Young, and Wendy Janson

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ALSO-- before you leave me,
check two posts down, Blog Candy is up for grabs!!!!

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I flipped the sketch upside down. Check out all my stitching on this card -- yes-- needle and thread hand stitching! I originally just added some paper piercing, but then decided it needed MORE and pulled out the sewing supplies to stitch around the edges with embroidery floss. You can see on the outermost edges of the card, I still could not resist some faux stitching too, using a silver gel pen! I colored my stockings with Copics and airbrushed a little Mint Blue to soften the edges. I chose colors for the stockings to try and coordinate with the DP in the background, which is from Basic Grey's new Eskimo Kisses Collection. I used my needle and embroidery floss to create a "hanging string" and then added a silver nail head to each string.

Check out that silver "Naughty or Nice" metal plaque, don't know where it came from but I KNOW it has been in my stash for at least five years!! See... I knew when I bought it I would need it one day!!! I also attached the plaque using green embroidery floss, then added some red crystals to cover up the holes. I added Spica and Clear Glaze pen to the stockings to help dress them up, but of course you can't see it in the picture. I used the Bow Easy to create my little bow -- here's a good one-- one side of the bow has four loops and the other five loops -- have no idea how that happened. I didn't bother to make another one -- I think it adds to the creative and unique part of card making, LOL!

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• Stamps: "Whimsey Socks" #1177F by Coronado Island
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Riding Hood Red, Green, DP by Basic Grey -Eskimo Kisses Collection
• Other: Crystals, Copics/ABS, Embroidery Floss, Paper Piercer, Misc. Naughty or Nice Embellishment, Silver Gen Pen, Clear Glaze Pen, Spica Clear, Spica Red, Bow Easy Tool

Stamp Simply #108 - Krafty Black CATS

Stamp Simply #108 - October 9- ssnotime108 - Today's challenge is all about using two things: Kraft card stock and Black card stock. How ever you want to use them - just include those two things on your project! Upload your project to Spiltcoast and use the keyword "ssnotime108". Check out all the Challenge Details and see Sharon's creation on her blog No Time to Stamp.

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Please check out the great samples for the Stamp Simply Challenge today on the blogs of these totally creative designers: Janine, Julie, AJ, Tammy, Deb and Barbara, Barb Schram (Barb is kindly filling in for a bit as Jennifer Buck takes some much needed time off — enjoy your break, Jennifer — we’ll miss you!) and we have Amy Rohl as our special guest stamper for October!

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ALSO-- before you leave me,

check one post down for some Blog Candy!!

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So.... I had the words "Krafty" and "Black" floating around in my head for this challenge -- and of course the next word I thought of was CATS! So this fall kitty image was perfect! I colored using Copics adding a little airbrushing around the edges. I wanted the mailbox to look kind of weathered so I blotted some ink off using the Blender Pen. Look close at the DP in the background -- see the tiny little black cats (and skulls, yuk). I love the little kitty cats!!! The paper is from Basic Grey's Eerie Collection and it was a greenish beige color -- but then I airbrushed with some Orange, lighter and darker-- here and there, changing it up to go with my card. I had to get some Kraft paper in there too, so I added two blocks that I cuttlebugged behind my image and the card base is Kraft card stock as well.

I used the paper piercer to add some pricks around the edges of my Nestie. I love jute string and thought it was a good pairing with the card, using my Bow Easy to make a five loop bow, then tying on some extra tails and fraying the hanging strings. Finished card size is 5x7.

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• Stamps: Special Delivery #SDM1 by Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: DP by Basic Grey: Eerie Collection, Kraft, Black, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
• Other: Black Jute String, Bow Easy Tool, Spellbinder's Labels Eight, Paper Piercer, Copics/ ABS, Eyelet, Black Micron Pen

trick or TREAT!

No tricks here!

It's time for some Blog Candy!!!!

First I wanna share a card with you,

then on to the candy details....

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This card sums up why I love making Halloween cards.... Crazy colors mixed together and more is always better, not less when it comes to embellishments! Prickley Pear had an awesome release of Halloween images this fall, I have enjoyed creating with them thoroughly!

NEW Fall Release <---- use this link to check 'em out!

I colored the scene with Copics, masking the moon using a circle punch and Eclipse tape, then airbrushing the creepy colored sky. I combined a few odd marker colors for the house, then added some highlights with a white gel pen - after the white ink dried I scraped it off so it would be dull and not shiny. 'Cause shiny houses are not very spooky looking! I stamped the little ghosts and then cut three of them out adding one along the winding path and two more peeking out from behind the main scene panel.

I love this Halloween sentiment! The scratchy broken up font is just perfect! Now I'm thinking I should have also added a black cat image along the path!!! Of course, I added some stitch marks as a finishing touch.

• Stamps: All stamps by Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps - Haunted House in Graveyard KK0026M, Witches Go Riding #GG0064M, Small Ghost #AA0045M
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Orange, Black, Green, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Basic Grey DP - Eerie Collection
• Other: Cuttlebug Folder, White Gel Pen, Misc. Ribbon, Misc. Gems, Micron Black Pen, Eclipse Tape, Circle Punch
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Now for the CANDY!!! Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps has put up these fun stamps and also two different packages of eight images of ATC transparencies as a treat! I will also be adding a few of my cards to the Candy pile! Leave me a comment on this post for your chance to win. I'll post the winner, using random.org, this Sunday night at 8PM.

A Holiday song....

How cute are these little singing kitty cats!! And that little mousey at the bottom!! This is another digi image from Mo's Digital Pencil. I think probably one of my biggest coloring challenges is fur. I tried to make the orange guy a tabby, I could not tell you how many markers I used trying to get the right colors. It looks better in the picture than it does in person!! Grey is so much easier, lol!! Not a lot of fancy stuff going on here -- with Mo's images they are all so stunning and vibrant I hate to clutter the card up with all my fussy details. I did add some Spica Glitter to the red portions of the hats, and then some Liquid Applique to puff out the white trim on the caps. I added some simple pricking and one little ribbon strip to complete the card. Finished card is 5 1/2" Square.

• Stamps: Digi Image from Mo's Digital Pencil - Singing so Beautiful, Sentiment is from A Muse
• Ink: Printed image on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White /HP Inkjet, Sentiment stamped with Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Riding Hood Red, Green DP by SU, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
• Other: Misc. Ribbon, Copics, Paper Piercer, Red Spica, White Liquid Applique, Eyelets

OCC Challenge - Inspiration and Imagination

Welcoming in a new month and new OCC Hostess for October: Lori Rider. Lori has issued an Inspiration Challenge. Create a card or project finding inspiration and using your imagination from one or both of these pictured journals by Monique Duval.

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For a close up view on the OCC's great projects for this week please visit the OCC Ladies on their blogs -Silke Ledlow, Jennifer Meyer, Loretta Lock , Joycelyn Turner, Cindy Burgess, Dana Grothaus, Linda Coughlin, Lori Rider, Melissa Young, and Wendy Janson.

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So this is what I came up with..... My background paper is from the Basic Grey Collection "Indian Summer". I used a clear floral swirl stamp to create the background, stamping in Versafine Sepia Brown on the DP and then outlining the stamped images with a gold gel pen. Since it was a clear stamp I was able to bend the image/reshape the swirl on the acrylic block so each stamping did not look exactly the same. I used Spellbinder's Labels Nine to frame my quote, outlining the edges with a micron pen and Copic Markers. I then stamped a little of the floral image around the edges as well. I mounted the quote on a piece of gold card stock that I embossed with a Leaves Cuttlebug Folder. Keeping it rather simple and letting the quote and bold colors speak for themselves, I only added three little pearls to embellish. Finished card size is an A2. I don't know if my mojo has returned - but I had fun making this card - and that's what this hobby should be about! Happy Weekend!

• Stamps: All Stamps by Impression Obsession -Clear Stamp Set Solid Floral CL#124, The Landscape #C5157
• Ink: Versafine Sepia Brown
• Paper: DP by Basic Grey -Indian Summer Collection, Neenah Environment, Gold, Brown
• Other: Copics, Gold Gel Pen, Spellbinder's Labels Nine , Cuttlebug Leaves Folder, Pearls

Stamp Simply #107 - ABC/123

Stamp Simply #107 - October 1- ssnotime107 - Today's challenge is all about focusing on alphabet letters and/or numbers, and incorporating them in to your project some way. I went with numbers. Upload your project to Spiltcoast and use the keyword "ssnotime107". Check out all the Challenge Details and see Sharon's creation on her blog No Time to Stamp.
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Please check out the great samples for the Stamp Simply Challenge today on the blogs of these totally creative designers: Janine, Jennifer, Julie, AJ, Tammy, Deb and Barbara, and we welcome Amy Rohl as our special guest stamper for October!

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WHERE is my mojo??? Seriously, have you seen my last card and now this one?? No design elements going on... nothin. Nothin. nothin. This is all I could come up with tonight. I know this is the Stamp Simply Challenge but.... whew, I'm cutting a little close on the simply! I started out with the Cuttlebug Numbers Embossing Folder -- you don't see it on my card because things went south with that idea. Too far south to even show you for a giggle. I call this little guy my alien bean, that's what I call him. Don't know why. The DH flew the coop today to go see my brother, who lives conveniently next to a casino.... so the bad cat and I have the house to ourselves for the weekend.... plenty of stamp time for me -- and NO MOJO. I hope I can turn the corner tomorrow. Or at least by Sunday.... I'm going to a Copic Certification class on Sunday-- anyone in Atlanta also going? I'll be the one in the back of the class wearing the NO MOJO Dunce cap!

• Stamps: Numbers by TCP, Sentiment and "Alien Bean" by Inkadinkadoo
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Bsic Grey DP, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Black
• Other: Grey Copic, Google Eyes, Toothpick, Micron Black Pen