Card Patterns and More Challenges

Finally got some time to myself today to make some cards. I really wanted to participate in the Card Pattern Sketch 126 this week. So I used the sketch as my base for several challenges.

I love the mimi in paris stamp set! I recently purchased it from Simon Says Stamp online store. When I can't find a stamp here in Canada, I know I can find it there. I was so excited when it came in the mail!

I started with the navy paper from MME's Lime Twist. Then added a few more patterns from the same paper pad. The first die cut (Spellbinders Label 16) was stamped with PB Paisley Swirls in Broken China, then distressed with Broken China and Faded Jeans. The second die cut (traced) was coloured with Faded Jeans distress ink. The third die cut was coloured with Antique Linen distress ink. The flower stamp (from mimi in paris) was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa - I first stamped the image on scrap paper and then on the die cut so the image wouldn't be quite so dark.
I paper pieced the image, using MME's Lime Twist papers and cut it out. The sentiment is from PB's Fun in the Sun. My idea of summer fun is an exciting vacation to Paris, France! I really do wish I was there.

Challenges I am entering:
Allsorts Challenge Blog - Free and Easy
Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Penny Black/Ground
Penny Black at Allsorts Challenge - August Free and Easy
Card Patterns - Sketch 126

Sweet Sunday Sketch

I really wanted to make a card for the Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge this week at The Sweetest Thing. I think the sketch is great.

I just got in my new 6x6 MME's Lime Twist paper pads! I love this paper. I used paper from Life of the Party (the patterns and colours are so pretty). The stamp is from Unity, Itty Bitty: Time and Season and the sentiment is from Hero Arts.

I love Penny Black Stamps!

Near the end of June, I received a newsletter from Penny Black (to join the club click here). It had a preview of the most adorable stamps - mimi the mermaid and Fun in the Sun. I have been anxiously awaiting the release of these stamps and last week, on the Penny Black Blog, they were giving away five (a set a day) Fun in the Sun stamp sets!!! All I had to do was leave a comment for a chance to win - which was easy to do since the design team's cards were all awesome!
They announced the winners today and I am the Monday winner!! I am so excited about this. I LOVE the stamps and I can't wait to start using them. Plus, they are also sending me some of their wonderful Mix & Match cardstock. Thank you Penny Black!
What a great way to start the day!

Next week, they are featuring their new catalog. Check out Monday's post for the information. Isn't Jill's card beautiful? I love the new "Christmas Pride" stamp.

Blog Candy by Nancy

Nancy, at Happy Heart Studio, is giving away some wonderful blog candy!

All you need to do is visit her blog for the details. And don't forget to check out her great cards!

Week 4 at Summer Card Camp

It's hard to believe that this is the last week of Summer Card Camp. I've learned so much from the instructional videos and inspirational cards from everyone.
For my week 4 card, I've tried to use Jennifer's fingerinking technique. Had a little trouble with it, but it is my first attempt...so I'm sure I'll improve with practice. :) I used clear embossing powder (on IO Cover-a-Card Flourishes stamp), instead of white - I don't like the white I have, it makes the image look a little blotchy. I should have started with my darker colour (peeled paint)and then my lighter colour (shabby shutters). I also added a little bit of Tumbled Glass.
The image is Hero Arts Three Flowers (CG128). I embossed it with gold - love the gold embossing powder - and coloured it with my copics. I used Spellbinders die Labels 4 and added Antique Linen distress ink to the edges. I coloured the ribbon to make the flower and punched out a smaller Labels 4 for the senitment.

I'm going to practice the fingerinking, but I think I'll use my white embossing powder to make the image stand out more. :)

Anything Goes for SimonSaysStamp Challenge

It's the last couple hours of the SimonSaysStamp challenge where they are giving away 2 extra prizes for reaching 1000 entries. I made this card for Week 4 of the Summer Card Camp, but I just don't have enough time to do a proper post. :)
The picture did not come out as nice as I would have liked it to - the lighting is very bad. I should have borrowed my daughter's camera. I will try to get a better picture tomorrow, before I put a link to it for the SCC.

It looks better in real life - without the washed-out colours and shine from the light.

Week 3 of Summer Card Camp!

As soon as I saw the colours, I thought of the Bo Bunny Timepiece papers. The stamp I used is from Greeting Farm - Special Autumn.

Week 2 at Summer Card Camp

I finished my card yesterday, but I wasn't sure if I was happy with it or not. I had some trouble with the distress ink background - I need more practice. :)

Still working on my blog background/layout...

I'm stuck. I haven't been able to come up with any ideas for my blog background. My oldest hasn't had time to help, so now I'm going to seek the help of my second oldest - Bella. :) For the moment, I am using a picture she made a few years ago. I had to drop the quality to get the file size small enough. I'm hoping, now that school is over for the summer, that she'll have some time to work with me on this.

I want to thank Kathy for her comment on my last post (and for following me!) I will keep checking SimonSaysStamp for those new PB stamps!

New Penny Black Stamp Set

Kathy at The Daily Marker, is giving away Penny Black's brand new stamp set, 'fun in the sun'. I would love to win this stamp set. I've contacted some of the stores I buy from, but so far they haven't been able to find anything out about this (and mimi the mermaid) new stamp set. I received an email from Penny Black (sign up here to join their club and receive emails about new products) about pre-ordering these stamps, but no luck so far on doing that. Now that they are released, I hope to have a better chance.
If you haven't stopped by Kathy's blog to enter, just click on the link above, otherwise...cross your fingers that I win!

Gallery Idol 2011

I wish I had more time to make cards for Gallery Idol 2011, but it has been a very busy few weeks and I managed to get only one card made.

The theme was Congratulations, so I made a wedding card. The stamps are from Recollections and I used Antique Linen distress ink and Walnut Stain distress ink. I used my gold embossing powder and really like how it looks.

Week 1 of Summer Card Camp 2011

It has been a very busy week. I haven't had a lot of time to make cards, but I did manage to make my first card for Summer Card Camp.

The colour combo was a great one with lots of bright, happy colours. I used my copics to stamp the dragonfly, and then layered some bright pink and orange paper underneath.

New Lily Pad Contest

I became a Member of Lily Pad Cards today! Go become a member for a chance to win a collection of Hero Arts stamps. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, July 15!

Have a great day!

Ladybugs!!!

Here is the inspirational photo for Challenge #116 at Cupcake Inspirations:

I just love ladybugs. They are so cute! I was so excited when I saw the challenge that I found my CC Designs EZ Mounted Gingersnaps Oh Baby Set and started stamping and colouring the baby. The papers I used are from Echo Park Essentials Metroplitan Dots & Stripes.

Sorry about the picture quality. It has been raining, so the sun is hiding.
I am entering my card in the Cupcake Inspirations Challenge.

My First Follower!!

I have a follower! Thank you so much, Archana for following me. :) I visited her blog and her cards are beautiful. I saw a few from the Card Patterns challenges (1, 2)and they are amazing. As well as the rainbow coloured ones from her Trigger Tuesday post.
Thanks again!!!

Card Patterns Sketch 120

This week at Card Patterns, I was inspired by the sketch and created a water-themed card. The pp was from my Echo Park Summer Days 6x6 pad. I really love their beautiful papers. I wish I could find a store around here with a greater selection - there are so many that I want to buy!!! I used the masking technique to make my water area (with Tumbled Glass and Faded Jeans - also adding a light misting of water) and added the Imaginisce Rub-ons that were a bonus gift from an early order from my favourite scrapbooking store. I coloured my ribbon orange (Copic marker) to match my pp and then tied my bow with the bow easy tool.
I love the bright colours of the Echo Park paper pad!

Too late for LIM challenge

I was originally creating this card for the LIM one layer challenge, but I did not get it finished in time.
It involved a lot of masking and I really enjoyed the process (and results).
Once I knew that I was too late to enter the challenge, I paper pieced the bird. :)

Where does the time go?

Can you believe that it is already June 17th? I can't. My kids are almost done school (except for my oldest in College - her ECE program continues over the summer months.) The days are finally drier and warmer, and the flowers (including the weeds) are growing rapidly. My peonies started blooming earlier this week and I didn't even notice until the Mailman made a comment about how pretty they were. I looked at the plant and saw the large deep pink blooms and agreed they were beautiful. I thanked her and continued to admire the flowers. I don't know how I missed them - I walk by them every day. I guess I just need to slow down and start paying attention to all the wonderful things spring is bringing us.

I barely made it into the Penny Black Blog's challenge last week. I managed to make and upload my card a couple hours before the deadline. The challenge was 'fun folds'.

I also had a little time Sunday afternoon to participate in the Hero Arts Flickr group Scramble. It was to make Scraplings. So I dug through my big bag of scrap papers and got to work. The cards are approx. 2.25" x 4". It was my first time playing along and I really enjoyed making the smaller cards.

Still haven't had a chance to work on the look of my blog. I guess I'll have to wait until the summer holidays to work on it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and Happy Father's Day!

Cupcake Challenge

I was checking through some blogs this morning and saw this week's challenge (Challenge #113) at Cupcake Inspirations. Their challenges are based on some yummy-looking treats. :)
Take a look for yourself at how delicious these look:

Recently I bought a gift card for someone and purchased the $1.00 card sleeve. I used that as a template to make my own. When I saw this challenge, I thought I would create one based on the cupcakes and use it for my sister's birthday. :)

I am entering it in the challenge.
I wish I had one of the delicious cupcakes right now...

Upgrading my template

I wanted to make some changes to my blog, so I've upgraded from my Classic template. It will probably take me some time to get everything the way I want, but if enlist the help of my oldest daughter, I might get done by the end of the week. I'm not sure what I want for the background, but I'm sure she will have some wonderful ideas for me. :)

Pretty and Pink

When I was young, my favorite colour was pink. I had pink shirts, pink shorts, pink skirts, and pink dresses. My sister preferred blue. Her loss - pink is an awesome colour. Although I have very few pink clothes as an adult, I still love pink! When my girls were little, I would find the most adorable pink fabric and make them clothes - usually dresses. Unfortunately, they have outgrown wearing pink - and dresses.
So when I saw the Penny Black Saturday Challenge was "one for the girlies" it took me back to my pink days, which was the inspiration for the main colour on my card. I used the sketch from this week's challenge at the Penny Black Blog...that ends tonight.
The majority of paper I used was from My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose 6x6 paper. It has such beautiful patterns and colours. The stamp is from Penny Black - 'sealed with a kiss'. The sentiment is Hero Arts.

Photo Inspiration at Allsorts Challenge Blog

The inspirational photo at Allsorts Challenge Blog has me wishing summer was here - instead of the wet, cool spring we're experiencing. It's raining, again, as I'm posting this.
I used Stamping Bella images Arthur and Annie. The clouds were made with a little doodle-type stamp from Hampton Arts. I started with white cardstock and used distress inks to make my beach/sky background. I used dimensional foam on Annie and the little sand pile, just to add a little extra dimension to the card.

I am entering this is at Allsorts Challenge Blog. There is also an extra part to the challenge this week, that I've already completed and emailed, so check out their site! (But it ends soon.)

Happy Birthday for my sister...

My sister's birthday is coming up this month and I thought I would make her a card with my new HA stamp, Tall Flower. I coloured it with copics and paper pieced the darker part of the flower. The sentiment is also from Hero Arts. I am entering it the Hero Arts May contest.

Flowers Amongst Flowers...

The Penny Black Blog’s weekly challenge is to “lift” a card by one of their designers. I choose this card. I used my Marvy brush markers to colour the PB stamp. I misted it with water and stamped it on some watercolour paper. To get most of the image, I had to rotate my square die to cut this out. I used Antique Linen to ink up my letter stamp and stamped it on the patterned paper underneath the image and mat. The pp is from MME Stella and Rose collection.
I am entering this card in three challenges: Penny Black blog, Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog (Anything Goes) and Penny Black Saturday Challenge (Milestones – I am celebrating 19 years of marriage to a wonderful man.)

Hero Arts April Contest B

I managed to finish my entry for the second half of the Hero Art April Contest. It is a masculine Gift Card holder. I made two of these earlier this month for my dad and nephew - they each received a Tim Horton's gift card. I forgot to take a picture of them, so I had to make a new one for the contest. Luckily, my new Bo Bunny paper arrived in time for me to use it on the card. :) I used my Hero Arts sentiment stamps for the inside and front. Check out the Hero Arts Flickr Group to see all the wonderful entries!

Emboss it!

Well, here it is Tuesday night and I am just submitting my entry for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog (which ends tonight). It has been another busy week and I was lucky to find a little time while baking buns to finish my card.
The theme this week at Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog is Emboss It. I embossed a square piece of cardstock and turned it so it stood out more. I stamped the sentiment in black and embossed it with clear embossing powder - gives it a little shine. :) The image is one of my new ones from Penny Black. You might have noticed that the button does not have any thread through it...the first button broke and I had to add a new one after the card was done. I guess I could have glued a piece of floss on...I'll have to try that later.

I just noticed that the sentiment looks a little blurry. If you click on the picture and see the larger image, you can see it clearer - I guess the shine is what makes it blurry.
Edit: Sorry, the contest ends Wednesday at 8:00am CET, not last night.

For a Child and Masculine...

It is another busy week and unfortunately I don't have as much time as I would like to make some cards. Luckily, yesterday I was able to find a little time and made a card to enter into two challenges: Hero Arts April Challenge - Masculine and Simon Says Stamp Challenge - For a Child.

My daughter was home yesterday and told me what image I should use and how to lay it out. It was nice to see her show an interest in it. :)
I'm off to school to help the kindergarten kids make some Easter cards for their families. Have a great day!

The Daily Marker Blog Candy

Kathy, at The Daily Marker, is giving away some wonderful blog candy! I have a picture of it on my sidebar. Check out her awesome blog, full of beautiful cards and great tutorials!

New MME papers!

I just got my new papers from MME and I'm really excited to use them! I bought Stella and Rose Gertie (the one I used for this card), Hattie and Mabel. I coloured the ribbon with my copic YR23 - after hearing so many other people say they colour their own ribbon I had to try it myself. It is definitely easier than having so many different coloured ribbons to store.

I'm entering my card this week in two challenges: Card Patterns Sketch 110 and Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Say it with Flowers.

While Searching for New Ideas....

I came across a link to Cathy's blog, Ellieskeepers Creations. She is giving away some awesome items and I thought I would enter for a chance to win.
I really like her blog (from what I've had a chance to read so far) and she has made many beautiful cards! While reading through, I realised that I have seen some of Cathy's wonderful cards on other blogs (like Basic Grey).

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Domi's Sketch

This week at Simon Says Stamp, the challenge was to use a sketch by design team member, Domi. I made a slight change to it because I like using the scalloped dies and don't have any rectangular ones. :) I used a Penny Black Christmas stamp (I bought them recently and have been wanting to use them!) The paper is from Bo Bunny. I made a mistake and put adhesive on the wrong side of the inside square...and I couldn't change it. I really wanted to use the side with the purple and green Christmas trees. The center paper blends in too much and the snowflakes don't have quite the same effect. I didn't have time to re-do it, though, and I really wanted to enter this week's challenge.

Penny Black Challenge

For this challenge at The Penny Black Blog, the theme is background stamping. I used my new paisley stamp on the green cardstock to add the pattern behind my stamped image. The green and yellows I used make me think of spring and sunny days - something which we haven't had a whole lot of lately. :)

Birthday Challenges

Quick post today. I only have a little time before I have to leave and pick up my daughter.

I am entering my card in Simon Says Stamp Challenge and Hero Arts March Contest. The sketch is from Card Patterns - sketch 107. I am also entering my card for that challenge.

The cupcake is Hero Arts. The sentiment is Recollections.

Penny Black Challenges

The theme for this week's challenge is Green at Penny Black Saturday Challenge . I used PB's Yearning. I know I use that stamp a lot, but I only have a couple PB stamps . . . for now.

I am also going to enter it in the Penny Black at Allsorts March Challenge - Welcome Spring.

Hero Arts Monthly Contest

Last month I never got the chance to make and enter a card for the Hero Arts Contest. This month I have finished in time to enter the contest for the first half of the month. All I had to do was use a Hero Arts stamp and upload it to their Flicker Hero Arts group.

Card Patterns Sketch 106

I really love this paper, called 'Up, Up and Away', from Kaisercraft. I thought I would use it to make my card for the Card Patterns Sketch 106 challenge this week.

Penny Black Sparkle Challenge

Well, I won't miss entering this week's PB Challenge. I used glitter around my image (PB's Yearning) and also on the hearts around the sentiment (Hero Arts). I don't have any sentiments from Penny Black yet.

Anything Goes....

The current Simon Says Stamp Challenge (which ends tonight) is 'Anything Goes'. I originally made this entry for a different challenge that wanted a colour combination (teal, purple and orange), but I ran out of time. So I figured I would enter it for the Simon Says instead.
I used my PB stamp Yearning, added a couple orange flower brads and a bow over the stamped 'Hello'. It's hard to tell in the photo, but the watering can is purple and the blue mat is the closest I had to a teal colour.

Card Patterns Sketch 105

I bought some beautiful paper from MME a few weeks ago and finally decided to use it to make a card using Card Patterns Sketch 105.

No Cook Recipe Challenge

This week at Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog, the challenge is a no cook recipe. The entries require: 1 image, 2 patterned papers, and 3 different types of embellishments.

I almost missed submitting my entry (it's been a busy week!)

I used a PB stamp, "...your birthday", two different papers - but from the same pack (sorry, can't remember where I got them from) and for the embellishments I used red brads, ribbon and a red button. :)

Coffee and Cream...

Inspired by Simon Says Stamp challenge - Coffee and Cream, I made the following card:

I used my PB stamp, Yearning, and coloured it with my copics (warm grey and earth tones). I used My Mind's Eye Union Square "Perfect" Damask print paper.
I am entering my card in the Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Coffee and Cream) and the Penny Black @ Allsorts challenge (Say it with Flowers).

Card Patterns Sketch 103

Happy 2nd Anniversary to those at Card Patterns! I've only been visiting their blog for a short time, but it is such a great blog - great sketches, wonderful designers.

For sketch 103, I have chosen to make a card that can be used for a boy's birthday. I haven't made a lot of those and find them a little trickier to make - as I tend to want to add flowers and gems.

I am also entering this card for the Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Mens Cards.

Sorry about not having a different title on this post to include the Penny Black challenge! I realised too late.
I just realised that I did not use a PB image/sentiment for this card. So I cannot be part of the PB Saturday challenge. Sorry about that.

Cardabilities Card Sketch #25

I bought a new PB hedgehog stamp yesterday and wanted to try colouring it a little differently than normal. I stamped the image in Memento Rich Cocoa and coloured it with my Copics (W-3, W-5, E08 and E11). I started making the card with another image in mind, but once I bought this one I knew it was perfect for the card.

I'm entering it in Cardabilities Card Sketch #25. I really liked the DT's cards - Holly's and Rhonda's especially.

Sorry it looks a little crooked - I photographed it on the same colour background as the base of the card and when I trimmed the picture I realized I couldn't trim it exactly square, and it's hard to tell the background from the base. :)

Penny Black Saturday Challenge Week 138

The challenge this week at Penny Black Saturday Challenge is 'Pretty in Pink'. I used PB's hegdgehog stamp, 'Yearning'.

Simon Says Stamp Challenge

"LOVE IS IN THE AIR" is the theme at Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog. I've entered my card in their challenge.

Card Patterns Sketch 101

I really like the sketch this week at Card Patterns and wanted to make a card with it as soon as I could.

I have also entered this card in the Penny Black Winter White Challenge.

Sketch Challenge 100

It is the 100th card sketch challenge at Card Patterns. I liked the sketch and decided to make a card(I have a few family members who have birthdays coming up.)

Penny Black Stamp

I really love the Penny Black stamps. They are hard to find around here, so I ordered my first one from a store near London. I just love it and can't wait until I get some more!

Card Sketch #22 Challenge

I'm new to making cards, and I'm really enjoying it. I've been finding all kinds of amazing cards on blogs and I also found this challenge. It is Cardabilities Sketch Challenge. It is my first challenge, and I had a lot of fun making the card.

New Year

With the new year comes new goals. My first was to join SCBWI, and I did - a few weeks ago. I also joined the listserv for the Eastern Canada members of SCBWI. :)

As for my writing goals, I need to finish editing my first mg novel and find an agent. I already have one in mind - but I need to make sure my novel is ready. Then I can continue writing my second mg novel.

I still plan to write and submit short stories, but I have been enjoying writing longer stories.

Long overdue post...

Benches are very uncomfortable. It wouldn't be so bad sitting on the hard benches if the temperature was more reasonable - not a muggy 90+F. The only reasons to keep me from moving to the comfy couch in the air-conditioned lobby are my kids. I enjoy watching them during their swimming lessons. Some parents read, some watch...I sometimes write, though.

Last week, during the swimming lessons, I got a few more characters written - I need to develop 8 characters. I figure the best way to do this is to write an introduction for each one. I can then see how they react to the MC and interact with the other characters. I wrote a couple lines describing them, but that didn't help me understand their personalities. I need to see how they behave and the only way to do this is to start writing a couple pages of the story. Each character meets the MC in the same way - at the MC's front door. So far I have five completely done and I have a better grasp of how each of the children think and behave. I don't know if I'll use any of those pages in the story, but it definitely helps me understand each of these characters.

I have strayed from my goal of submitting this year. Once I have all my characters written, I will have to start submitting again. :)

Great start to the new year!

A few weeks ago, I got my first acceptance of the new year. The story I sent to Stories For Children was accepted. I am very excited and cannot wait for the May issue to come out!

The New Year...

With the new year comes a new goal - a goal to edit and submit the manuscripts that I have been neglecting over most of the past year. I have already submitted one story and have two more that just need to be printed and mailed.
In November I attempted to write a 50000-word novel (Nano) and did not succeed. But I did find that I really wanted to finish a novel that I started writing several years ago. I read through the chapters I already had and the long timeline I wrote (so I wouldn't forget who all my characters were and how they were related to the main character.)
I would also like to continue editing my first complete novel. I did submit it once - but was rejected. Part of the problem was that I did not submit it to the right publisher. Although the guidelines said they accepted humour, I could not find any humourous novels in the books they have already published in that category.
The publisher I think would be perfect for this book is currently not accepting unsolicited manuscripts or queries. So I am watching patiently for an update on their site, while also looking for another publisher for this novel.

Updated my links

I have updated all the links at the side by removing the links that no longer work. I have also edited a few of my past posts, but not all of them.

If you would like to read one of my stories whose link is no longer available, just post a comment and I can post the story.

My story is out in Wee Ones!

This will be my last story published with Wee Ones; they will be closing at the end of the year. My first story was published in Wee Ones in July 2004. I want to thank the editor, Jennifer Reed for giving me the courage I needed to continue submitting my stories. I will miss Wee Ones.

Don't forget to stop by Wee Ones and read my story, Close To My Heart.

Thanks!

In April...

Earlier this month, I was sent an email from V.S. Grenier, editor of Stories For Children online magazine. She informed me that I won a "Granny Award" for my September 2007 story, Wind-Song. I'd like to say thank you to the Editorial Staff. :)

In their April issue, they will be announcing all the winners in the different categories. Congratulations to all the writers and illustrators receiving this award.

Happy New Year

Over the last few months I have had to put my writing on hold. Now that the holidays are over, I plan to get right back into writing. I'm also working on another course through ICL.

Hopefully I will get a chance to update my blog this week. I'll add the links to my stories from September, October and November. :)

As summer holidays come to an end...

I look forward to the month of September. In Stories For Children online magazine, my story Wind-Song will be available to read. It is a touching story about a young girl who remembers the day she had to say goodbye to her grandmother.

I also look forward to their October and November issues that will include my first article A Life Saving Plan and my story Matt's New Bike. This is a wonderful e-zine to share with your family and friends. :)