Mark's Finest Papers Scrapbook Challenge#43

Hello everyone, so glad that you took the time to stop in!  Be a sweety and become a follower too!

I haven't done a scrapbook page in months and months!  The number one reason being that I was without a printer for quite some time.  It was fickle...worked when it wanted to work. And when I decided or should I say "broke down" and bought a new one, I got lazy about actually connecting it to my computer.  And thirdly, whenever I thought about doing a layout, I remember that I didn't have pictures.  Lame, but true. LOL.

I've been hanging out at Mark's Finest Papers a lot.  It's been a really nice change of pace.  There are lots of daily challenges to keep the scrap-craft-blood flowing and of course you can pick and choose what you'd like to participate in.  Love that!

Anyway, I did this layout for http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/scrapbook-challenge-43

And like most times, I'm unable to tell you what paper line I used for this project as I've had it for quite some time and there is no longer a cover.  I kept the embellishments at a minimum and just added several white and green Trico flowers and leaf stickers.

I seem to be having problems with the electronics in my life lately....Now my cell phone is on the fritz...my camera lens keeps getting stuck and my computer has been slow...geez....I really could use a lottery win right now! LOL

Until next time

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest Papers / Inspiration Challenge #39

Hi all my crafty people!

At Mark's Finest Papers, http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/inspiration-challenge-39-interesting-tattoo-s-november-28th, the challenge was to create a project inspired by one of these images


Just so happens, I was working on this canvas!  So, I'll be entering this into the challenge.

Inspiration Challenge #39 

 Interesting Tattoo's - November 28th

The owl is paper pieced using several different patterned papers from Color Bok and ModPodge.  The 'eyes'are pieces of metal from my scrap stash.

Until my next project,

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest Papers/Oriental Sketch 11.30.13

Hi crafty people!

This card is being entered into the http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/oriental-sketch-challenge-13-11-30-2013. To qualify for the drawing for a free stamp set you must use an Oriental image/character or paper that makes the card obviously oriental in nature. You can add to this sketch, switch directions, make it a square card, or add embellishments. Keep in mind that we would like the submissions to be recognizable as this sketch.

I haven't had the time or energy or patience to sit down and hook up my new printer, and unfortunately couldn't find any images that I already have that were oriental in nature.  But I did find an old ATC that I did for a swap a few years back with an oriental theme.  I flipped the sketch to the horizontal position though and added "cherry blossoms and a fan."  Hopefully it's recognizable as the sketch to the hostess of this challenge.

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest Papers /

Hi all:

I've learned a new technique. Yay! Would you believe, using masking tape? It's quick, fast, cheap and easy.  I can see an assembly line already forming....

At Mark's Finest Papers, I've been participating in the tutorial-time-on-speedy-tv-challenges.  I'm always up for learning something new. And  I'll try anything crafty at least once.  Sometimes I like it. Sometimes I don't. Sometimes I decide that it takes too long to product a project. And sometimes I fall in love with the technique because it's so simple and easy and just go crazy with it!  This is one of those "fall in love with techniques."

You can find the tutorial here http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/masking-tape-background by: Lis Robson.

As you can see, I made three cards, because the technique was so easy to do! LOL

Entered into this challenge

http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/tutorial-time-on-speedy-tv-challenge-77-11-29-13

Until next time.

Hugs+Kisses+Blessings!

Renee

MFP / Simple Salutations #73

Hi all:

I hope that you have been blessed today, tomorrow and always!

This card was created for MFP's Simple Salutations Challenge.  This  challenge is all about embossing - wet or dry.  And this is the card that I created.  A very simple card. But pretty!

Products used: 6x6 white card stock blank, ribbon, flowers and tag from my stash.

No matter what angle I took the picture from, I still couldn't 

get a great shot of the embossing.  Hopefully you all can see it though.

I pulled out my eBosser to make sure that the impression covered the entire card before I added the embellishments.  Not sure which embossing folder brand it was...an old one...the writing on it is gone. LOL. But yes, a very easy-peasy card!

Ok, enough for tonight.  

No shopping tomorow or should I say today? (unless I get a great offer that I just can't pass up!) .  And I plan to sleep late! Yes!

Nighty-nite!

With hugs+kisses

Renee

MFP / SWAT Challenge #74

Hi all and Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope that all of you spent time with your loved ones, ate until your bellies were full and truly enjoyed the day and what it meant to all of you.  I know I did.  I spent yesterday preparing dinner with my daughter and my grandson and dog Maxx kept each other company and out of my way.  LOL. I'm one of those people that likes having company, but not in the kitchen while I'm cooking!  Today, was cold and blustery, but we were determined to catch some sales....

And today, this Thanksgiving, dinner was a little earlier in the day, as we didn't have any outside guests.  It was our usual strategy though.  Get the meal out of the way; then prepare to hit the streets looking for Christmas bargains.  The only thing that we didn't do was go out into the streets at 3:00am!  Which is the norm for us this time of year.  I do love the hustle and bustle of Black Friday shopping though.  Although this year, many stores had sales on Thursday evening.  We scoured the circulars, used the desktop computer and notepad to look for sales that we were determined not going to miss!  Like everyone else, I think that the economy plays a part in the sales at stores.  They've got to get ahead of the retail game!

Anyway, enough of that...on to the project.

This is the sketch for the week

And this is the card that I came up with.  I kept it pretty simple as I felt that the patterned paper was enough.

Well, it's been a very long 24 hours...and although I want to head down to the kitchen and make a plate of more delicious food...I'm feeling lazy...so I think I'm gonna head off to bed.  Hey, that kind of meal tastes even better for breakfast! 

Again, blessings to you and yours!

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Chocolate, Coffee & Card Challenges

Hello sweeties:

It's that time of year again.  Where we are able to give thanks for the things that matter most in our lives. And at CC&CC the fun challenge topic is to create a project that says "So Grateful."

http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/2013/11/challenge-53-so-grateful.html

And so I created this tag for my BFF to say that I am so grateful and thankful to have her in my life.  To let her know that I appreciate that she's always there for me; through my good times and my bad times. Through my ranting and raving too.  She makes me laugh, laughs at me, and with me; understands me, cries with me and for me.  Sometimes I don't think she knows just how much I love her.  It always amazes me that we've only actually have known each other for almost eleven years.  My mother always said that I would know who was a real friend and who wasn't.  And I see her as a real friend; one that I could call in the middle of the night if I needed to.  The one that the joke "...real friends help you bury the body" is about.  LOL.  We counsel each other.  And tell the truth to each other; something that only real friends do.  I'm sure that sometimes we get on each other's nerves; but we're not afraid to say so...and then laugh about it.

Ok, enough of the sappyness.  On to the tag....

Products used: mulberry and various other flowers, scrap lace, Prima Doll stamp, India Mat Stack

Plus, she's one of my biggest fans when it comes to my 

crafting....which is just one more thing to love about her.

Bye-Bye for now!

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Less is More #147

Hi crafty "peeps!"

Over at http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com/ - a clean and simple challenge blog, the challenge is Christmas Cards, but this time with the added proviso to use a bird! Sounds like fun, right?And this is what I came up with ... 

Isn't it cute!?

I think that this may be my "easy-peasy-assembly-line" Christmas card this year!

Until my next project...

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

MFP Inspirational Challenge#38

Hi crafty people!

The challenge for Mark's Finest Papers Inspirational Challenge #38 was  inspired by these photos/images:

The photos/images reminded me of how we used to dress when we were younger.  How much fun we had going to penny and weight parties held in friend's basements.  The music.  Dancing. Finding our first loves...or at least our first "deep likes." Hahaha.  It just reminded me of a much lighter time in my life when I didn't have so many responsibilities! Nothing to worry about except going to school. And being on time for dinner.....sigh.....

Anyway, this is what I came up with

Entered into this challenge

http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/inspirational-challenge-38-going-to-the-hop

I used a Prima doll to make this approx. 8x8 card.  I've had the patterned cardstock that looks like an LP or record for a long time.  Never thought I'd get the chance to use it. But ha! MFP to the rescue again.  The red dots patterned paper is from Teresa Collins' World Traveler pad.    The black rosette and white ribbon trim was a gift from my friend Sharon.

Ok, bed time....I've been getting up later and later and later.....retirement is so far away!!!!

Lawd? I need a big lottery win right about now! LOL

Nighty-nite all!

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest: FOSTV#100

Hi all:

I don't know about you, but I've been making a few Christmas cards whenever I get the chance.  I figure that I'll have just the right amount to send out in plenty of time for the holiday.

I don't plan on making a gazillion cards this year....too lazy...don't have enough time in the day, etc., etc., etc. LOL.  But at least I'm getting some done.

I find that this year, I've been making more and more non-traditional Christmas cards.  This is one of  them:

Entered into FOSTV#100 / 11/25/2013

http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/friends-of-speedy-tv-challenge-100-anything-goes

I just love these doll stamps! Don't you? 

Luckily, I'll be taking a couple of days off for the Thanksgiving holiday, and I can get a chance to use them some more.....I have an idea for the canvas project at Scraps of Color....

Bye-bye, later, until next time...

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Simon Says Use Heather's Sketch & 613 Avenue Create Challenges

Hi - all my crafty friends:

It's time for another challenge at http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com.  This week we get to

Use Heather’s Sketch  

And  at http://avenue613.blogspot.com/2013/11/challenge-47-anything-goes-optional.html it's  

Challenge #47 - Anything Goes 

Optional Twist: Create Your Own Challenge

In this challenge you use 1-3 items from all of the columns

And this is the card that I came up with

 I actually did two versions of the card in which I didn't add Glossy Accents, lace, and the flower on the left.  I just really liked the colors that I chose (I used a very similar layout and colors on another card) 

and just love, love that Inkadinkado rose stamp.  

I think that I prefer the second version  better.

Unfortunately, I don't have a recipe to give you for the making of this card.  I'm trying to use up the bits and pieces that are scattered all over the place and my room.  But all the same, I like how it turned out.

What do you think?  

As always Simon Says Stamp will be giving away a $50 voucher to shop at the fabulous  Simon Says Stamp Store and 7 Bugaboo digis is up for grabs at http://avenue613.blogspot.com/2013/11/challenge-47-anything-goes-optional.html if you win!

Ta-ta lovely ladies!

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Simon Says Stamp Glitter Experiment

Hi all:

Not a lot to post.  But, thanks to Michelle Zerull,  I did a quick glitter comparison with some of the glitters that I have on hand.  Most of them are "no name" brands that aren't even in marked containers (that's how old they are!).

Anyway, I grabbed a few and did a little experiment of my own.  I used a napkin to make this quick tag to check how some of the glitters compared.

I like the chunkiness and grittiness of the Dollar Tree glitter, it reminds me of sand, and it takes TH inks very well.  The sparkle of the MS glitter never disappoints. I love how soft and fine the Stickles Dry Fine glitter is.

And the "I have no idea" brand doesn't seem to want to stick very well unless used with Glossy Accents to put it on. The slightest tap on the tag and the glitter fell away from the tag.

If I had to pick a favorite, I think that it would definitely be the Stickles glitter.  I did a quick coloring job with the glitter using ink and like that it colors easily and you can make it as light or dark as you choose.

Anyway, that's my little experiment for the night!

Nighty-nite

Hugs+Kisses, Renee

Arts Studio D's 12 Days of Christmas

Happy-No-Work-Saturday Sweeties!!

My friend An'Jenic of http://anjenicgibson.blogspot.com is spreading the word about an event happening at http://atstudiod.blogspot.com.  Over there, Damaris is doing a 12 Days of Christmas where you can possibly win some great, yummy prizes.  Some of the sponsors include Bugaboo Stamps, Karber Digi Images, One Little Dreamer and Unity Stamps just to name a few!

All you have to do is become a follower, blog about the event and add her badge link to your blog sidebar.  Easy Peasy right!?

Any time that I can stick to my "no buying craft stuff, it's way too close to the Holidays" rule - you can surely count me in! LOL.

Oh! Did I mention that prizes are daily??? Yayyyyyyy!

More later...
Hugs+Kisses
Renee

Mark's Finest Papers FOSTV99

Hi all:

I'm entering this Thanksgiving card into the challenge for http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/friends-of-speedy-tv-challenge-99-thanksgiving.  I see so many turkey images used on cards that I decided to be a little bit different.   I've had this image for a long time and never got around to using it.  So this was the perfect challenge.

Yes, it's already that time of year! Summer didn't stick around long....sigh.  Pumpkins, turkey, sweet potato pie, the changing weather and  leaves, the beautiful colors of Fall.  That's the good stuff right?? And I usually look forward to big family dinners and love the smells and warmth.  However, I'm not really in the mood to make a really big dinner this year.  I'm feeling quite lazy about the whole thing.  I  guess my family would think it strange if I decide to not make a 30lb turkey with all of the traditional trimmings....What I'd like to do is make the turkey and stuffing, some kind of potato dish, a vegetable and dessert and call it a day.  But somehow, I don't think that's going to happen! We shall see......

The image used was a free digi.  And I used Copics, Prism, and Bic markers to color the scarecrow.  I also used scrap pieces of cardstock to back the image and added a piece of satin ribbon to finish it off.

See you around soon!

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest Papers SWAT #73

Hi, yup, it's me again!
Ok. One more post, and then it's off to bed for me.  This time of year is a killer for me.  I really do want to just sleep all the time between October and April.  I just want to stay snuggled up under my comforter and only get out of bed when I have to! But, alas, a working gurl such as me has no choice but to rise and shine...well, at least rise anyway.... And I do think that I could craft in my sleep! LOL.

This card was created for the challenge over at http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/swat-challenge-73.  We were to use this sketch.  The twist was to add a button or buttons.  I'm not a button kinda gur, so I was minimalistic with this one.  Only one button!

Entered into the challenge at

 SpeedyTV Sketch With a Twist #73 / Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps

I made this card rather large as it will be given to a six year old.  I'm thinking that I might add a sentiment that says "You're becoming such a big girl."  Not sure, will have a talk with her mom and get her opinion.  But I do like how it turned out.  I'll probably use this sketch a few more times too.

If you want to play along....You have until 9:00 p.m. on November 25 to get your submissions entered to win.  This is the prize up for grabs this week ...

I don't have many masculine stamps or images, so adding this to my stash would be great!

Ok, my friends.  No more talk outta me....
Nighty-Nite!
Renee

Mark's Finest Papers Simple Salutations #72

Hi crafty people!

Here again with a challenge entry card for http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/simple-salutations-challenge-72.
The idea here is to create a basically clean and simple card with a salutation.

Here is mine 

The patterned paper  is from K&Company Happy Trails Mat Pad.  I then used Perfect Pearls to trace around the flowers and added the sentiment Merry Christmas to a piece of Vellum.

Tata for now!

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest Papers Speedy Fox and Friends #186

Hi all:

I have a quick card project to share.

Over at http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/2013/11/speedy-fox-and-friends-challenge-186.html the challenge is to create a card using 'red.'

I'm really trying to be good not buying craft stuff, and so I've been using what's already in my stash.  I cannot believe how much stuff I have sometimes, but then again, this art is addictive and I always want more, more, and more.  That goes to show how much I love what I do! LOL

Anyway, this is the Christmas card that I came up with using scrap supplies already on my desk:

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending upon how you look at it....there's so much stuff sitting on my desk, I should be able to crank out a card a day! LOL.

Entered into 

http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/2013/11/speedy-fox-and-friends-challenge-186.html

Come back and visit soon!

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

It's Giveaway Time!

Hi all:

As you all know I love attending YouTube University.  There is so much to learn.  And it really is a community of people with the same interests.  I love connecting to the wonderful men and women that make videos that teach me, inspire me and lets me be a part of their worlds.  Making new friends near and far.  Love it!  It's just plain fun for me, when I have the chance to sit still and view the videos.

Anyway, there's a Giveaway going on over at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeFYkgvBmAs.  Isha is having a 55+Subscriber Giveaway.  She's giving away great prizes for becoming a suscriber and also for promoting her videos.  So come on, join in on the fun, you know you want to!

http://www.youtube.com/user/ishascraftyside 

http://www.youtube.com/user/ishascraftyside?feature=watch

Bye for now with,

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

CC&CC & Outlawz Paper a la Mode

Hi all:

The card below is being entered into the current challenge over at http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/.
This challenge calls for monochromatic colors in your design.   Also, over at http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/saturdayscarpbookingchallenge/forum/topics/paper-a-la-mode-november-16-22-stars-and-snowflakes.  Their challenge called for snowflakes and/or stars.  I chose to do a simple wreath card in light blue and white.  I love making this wreath in different colors, because it makes for a quick and easy card.  And no matter what size I decide to make it still has the dimension that I like in my cards.

The winner of this challenge - for CC -will win five digital images from http://robynsfetish.com/shop/.  And the winner for Outlawz Paper a la Mode will win  Bugaboo digis.  Both design teams there have made some lovely cards to get us started.

Here is mine...

Entered into this challenge

http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/ Challenge #52
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/saturdayscarpbookingchallenge/forum/topics/paper-a-la-mode-november-16-22-stars-and-snowflakes Week of 11/16/2013

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek! Take a moment to follow me, I'd appreciate it!

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest SWAT#72/SpeedyTV Sketch with a Twist

Hi all! 

At  http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/swat-challenge-72 the hostess, Vickie Yeakley, challenged us to create a card using this sketch. 

This is the card  that I came up with.  All of the products used were items that were bits and pieces that had been sitting on my desk.  I think that it would make a good card for a teen aged girl.

The prize for winning this challenge is a stamp from Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps, a Heinrich Co. WhooHoo!

If you'd like to play, there's still time as submissions are due by 9:00 on November 18th....just go here  http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/swat-challenge-72. 

Nighty-Night!

With Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest Papers Simple Salutations #71

Hi crafty people:

The card below was created for http://mfpspeedytv.ning.com/page/simple-salutations-challenge-71.  The idea is to create a clean, simple and feminine card with a  birthday salutation and this is what I came up with.

Products used:  Me & My Big Ideas black and white layered pad, red/gold ribbon, MS zig-zag embossing punch, and white textured card stock as the base of this card

(I kept the inside simple also.)

I like working with black and white.  It always makes for a very elegant card.  No matter how simple the design is.

Thanks for taking a peek at what I've been up to.  Please, take the time to become a follower so that we can play in each other's craft world!

Until next time

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Mark's Finest Papers 12 Days of Christmas Challenges

Whooooo-Hoooooo!  
Yay for me!!

I had a good time playing in the daily challenges over at http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/search/label/12%20Days%20of%20Christmas%20Challenge. 

And lucky, lucky me won TWO daily challenges!! Can I  get a Whoo-Hoooo?!    

I'll be receiving two different MFP Christmas stamp sets as my prizes for winning!!!! (And no, I can't get enough of using the exclamation point right now! LOL)  I-Am-So-Excited! Oh yes I am!

I've been taking my time deciding which events to get involved in there;  because as you know my life will no doubt get in the way of my crafting. Haha.  One thing for sure is that I'll try to only join in on the challenges that will give me at least a few days to get the required project done, that way there's no rush and I can take my time with my entries.  I like it there, there's always a challenge, plenty to sign up for, and different tastes for everyone.  That will surely help to keep me on my crafting toes.   So you should pop in. You'll have fun too at http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com.

Again, thank you to all of the good crafty people at MFP for allowing me to play in their craft world! 

Again I say "yayyyyyyyy me!!!!"

Ok, ok....must slow heartbeat down.....LOL
Hugs+Kisses
Renee

More Challenges: Week of 11/13/2013

Hi crafty people! Nice to see you again!

As always, Hugs+Kisses to you all for taking a peek at what I've been up to.

Ok, there are a couple of  challenges that I'd like to enter this wreath Christmas card into

http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/

http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/

Products used: DCWV Foiled Elegance stack, pearl, ribbon, white card base

Until next time

Bye!

Renee

Challenges

Hi all:

It's been a long weekend from work....but in my own words..."never long enough!" LOL

Anyway, I got a chance to do some card making over the weekend, and this one, which was created using a sketch, is being entered into a couple of challenges.

Products used: DCWV Mariposa card stock, mulberry flowers,

 Kaiser Craft lace, doily, pearl brad, MS card base

I'd like to enter these challenges

http://avenue613.blogspot.com/ Anything Goes

http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/sketchchallenge Wednesday Sketch

http://totallygorjuss.blogspot.com/ Remember

Until next time

As always, Hugs+Kisses

Renee

It's late, and I keep forgetting that I DO have to get up pretty early in the morning....sigh.  So with that said

Nighty-Night!!

Craftyhands Challenge Blog

Hi all:

I've found another challenge blog - http://craftyhandsdevon.blogspot.com/.  They are an Anything Goes Challenge Blog.  Their challenges run every two weeks.  Bonus? Prizes. More bonuses? Blog exposure, meeting new friends from all over and practice, practice, practice.  I have the feeling that I'll get a lot of inspiration from there.

I've made this tag for their latest challenge in creating a project that is "Vintage."

Products used to create this tag: scrap feathers, fabric flowers, scrap lace, pearls, chipboard, and pp

Entering this project into this challenge

http://craftyhandsdevon.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2013-01-01T00:00:00Z&updated-max=2014-01-01T00:00:00Z&max-results=3

Until next time

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Pinque Peacocks Milestone

Hi all:

Just a quick post from me tonight!

Another one reaches a milestone:  http://pinquepeacock.blogspot.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/PinquePeacock

So make sure you stop by... and become a follower for their 

  300 Follower Giveaway 

There's scrappin' goodies to be won by one lucky scrapper....Me? LOL

Gooooooooooooooooooooo Pretty Little Peacocks!

Hugs+Kisses
Renee

4 Crafty Chicks, Charisma Cards, Crafting By Design

Hi ladies & gents:

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek at what I've been up to.
It's been a busy week for me, but I managed to sit at my desk at least three times this week to scrap so that I could enter some challenges.

I've been seeing the birds nests being created using tea cups and just fell in love with the idea; and so I just had to sit down and do one of my own, which led to me liking the quick process (at least for me) and doing five altogether.

My daughter and I took a trip to a New Jersey flea market last weekend and I managed to find some old fashioned tea cups to work with.  This one isn't one of the older versions, but I wanted to see how I could alter it.  I really like it!

(Notice the "eggs"?)

(...and the acorn)

 Products used

  floral moss, string pears, mulberry flowers, styrofoam bird, 

Stampin' Up! Early Expresso ink, and faux leaves

I'd like to enter into these challenges:  

http://4craftychicks.blogspot.com/ Anything But a Card #167

http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/ Anything Goes Challenge #44

http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com Anything Goes 

Again, thanks for stopping by.

While you're here, please help increase my followers list and sign up!  I hope that we can inspire each other.

Until next time

As always....Hugs+Kisses

Renee