Just Us Girls Challenge #48

Hi everyone :]  I just got home today from Lauren's house, and I have to say the past week was the BEST vacation I've had in a LONG time.  We are definitely cut from the same cloth and we get along in person just as well as on the phone.  I adore her and her sweet family and cannot wait to go back for a visit!  We had so much fun!!!!  I'm already missing them :[  Oh, and YES, stamping with her was amazing!  She has so much knowledge that I wish I could just absorb by being in her home...but I had to settle for the few things she showed me while I was there :]

Okay, onto my JUGS post!  Today our JUGS team is being sponsored by Clear and Simple Stamps.  We used their Halloween set called "Spooky Sweets".  I decided to go completely against the grain and create something that did not look like a typical Halloween project, and this is what I came up with. 

I used the free Basket of Thanks template, and filled it with some saltwater taffy.  The paper I used on the outside is actually a sneak peek of one of the digital paper packs I'm releasing on 1 September at MTME :]  I printed it double sided with the pink Ga Ga for Gingham sheet.  I stamped the Sweet Treats sentiment in SU Always Artichoke, and used two of the "star" stamps to create a pink (SU Pretty In Pink) background of sorts.  I stamped "Got Candy" several times and punched them out using the same SU label punch that I used on the main sentiment.  I also stamped them with the pink star images.  Afterward, I adhered them to individual pieces of candy to make the presentation a little more personalized. 

Wouldn't this be cute at a dinner party either as place settings or arranged around the room for guests to partake?  Or, as a thank you "favor" for the guests to take home!  I think it would be adorable :] 

It was really quick putting this together...soooo simple!  I punched some Couture Cardstock Blushing cs for the panel under the main sentiment (SU punch), add some pretty coordinating ribbon I stole from Lauren (sorry, I didn't write down the brand), added a paper rose, and adhered everything!  Not much to it, but it sure is pretty.

So, now the challenge is on you!  Create a template, any template, and remember, CSS offers free template downloads on their site, and post a direct link to your project on JUGS.  We love to see your projects each week ♥

Don't forget to stop by our very talented JUGS DT blogs!  You'll definitely be inspired to get crafting :] 

Andrea

Dana

Kathryn

Lisa

Maria

Pam
Jo Westfoot ~ August Guest Designer

Thanks for swinging by today!  Hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

Color Throwdown Challenge #107

Happy Wednesday everyone!  I'm happy to announce I'm the hostess with the mostess of the Color Throwdown challenge (CTD107) today.  Check out our palette...so fresh:

Here's my take on my colors...

I was inspired by this patterned paper collection, but I don't own it...so, being a paper desinger, I created a collection that I could use :]

This is a SNEAK PEEK of a pack we're releasing on the 1st, so I can't link to it. I used the Killer Curves stamp set (again :), and the So Sentimental set for my sentiment on the front and the inside. 

For the main floral image, I stamped the silhouette flower in white Staz-On on textured acetate (Print Works) and colored them with Pebbles Pearlescent Chalks.  HUGE thanks to Lauren for the idea and the supplies :O)

My layout came from the Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO153)...and I took the liberty of modifying it slightly...but it totally worked for my card :]

Please be sure to swing by our CTD sistah's blogs and our sistah of the month, Chupa.  You're sure to be inspired!

Bar

Broni

Danielle

Laura

LeAnne

Tammy

Chupa

Sure hope you can play along with us this week!  If you do, please post a direct link to your project using the InLinkz widget on the CTD blog.  You don't have to use the exact colors in the palette...just try to come close :O)

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back on Friday for our JUGS challenge...

Just Us Girls Challenge #47

TGIS!  LOL  I'm so happy it's the weekend.  This was a tough week at work and at home.  BUT, it's Saturday...my day to sleep in, my day to organize, and clean, and PACK to go see my very dear friend, Lauren Meader tomorrow!  I'm so excited :]  We talk all the time but we've never met in person, so FINALLY we can hug and talk face to face...and craft together.  I can't wait to soak up her ideas and learn a bunch of the techniques that she uses (that I never have).  I also cannot wait to meet her sweet family ♥

So, onto today's JUGS47 challenge!  It's a color challenge hosted by Lisa that took me out of my comfort zone!  I don't think it's a secret that I favor an earthy palette...so check this out and imagine how challenging this was for me:

I figured it out by using some cutesy paper I created months ago (MTME Fun Flowers and Darling Dots) that ended up working well with the Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO152).

 

I primarily honed in on the pink and lime colors...so much so that I almost forgot to add my contrasting, teal butterfly :]  The pretty bloom is the Rambling Rose cut file I created a while back for MTME.  I used white cs and sponged Pink Pirouette 1st, then Regal Rose, and finally just around the edges of each petal, Melon Mambo (all SU colors).  My sentiment is framed using the So Sentimental Frame cut file that Lauren created (I shrunk it to about 2" wide).  The sentiment is from the MTME Sensational Sentiments stamp set.  The oval panel and the scalloped border on the Fun Flowers paper are also cut files I created for MTME called All Tied Up - Ovals and Border Builders Elegance Scallop.  Ribbon is from May Arts and the embossing folder is from Cuttlebug.

We hope you can join us this week and show us what you can do with the fun palette!  Be sure to post a direct link to your project over at JUGS and use keyword JUGS47 in any online galleries.  Check out the rest of the team's awesome projects also!  You're sure to be inspired :]

Alicia

Andrea

Dana

Lisa

Kathryn

Maria

Pam

Jo Westfoot ~ August Guest Designer

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back throughout the week while I'm visiting Lauren :]  Have a fantastic weekend!

Color Throwdown Challenge #106

Happy THURSDAY everyone!  Yes, the day AFTER the Color Throwdown challenge...CTD106 to be precise :]  I'm a day late simply because I could not switch creative gears yesterday from designing paper to designing a card.  I know it sounds like it would be easy enough to do, but I just overthink everything when I get to that point.  So, today I struggled again with coming up with something and was stumped...until I called Lauren and started chatting.  She must have passed some creative juice through the phone because I at least thought of an idea and finished a card!  LOL 


This is the fab color palette that Danielle chose!

And...my card. 

I used the new SU! paper on my card...mostly because I just received it and it's adorable, but secondly because I don't have Soft Sky or Certainly Celery cs :[  The stamps are from MTME (Tending the Garden and So Sentimental), ribbon is from May Arts, and the button is from my stash.  Faux stitching was done with a Signo gel pen.  Layout is from a card I remember seeing in the blogosphere a while back, but I can't remember where!

Okay, sorry for the short post but I MUST go to bed...it's another late night.  Hope you all can play along with us this week.  It's a fun color combo!!!  If you do play, please be sure to link your creation to our InLinkz widget on the CTD blog and use keyword CTD106 in any online galleries.


Don't forget to check out the rest of the team's amazing creations!  They will definitely get your creative juices flowing! 

Broni - Splashes of Watercolor

Tammy - Stamp Happy

Barbara - Paper Pursuits

Danielle - Wild Dragonfly Designs

Laura - Lil’Inker

LeAnne - Wee Inklings

Chupa Palamountain - Random Acts of Creativity ~ August Guest Designer

Just Us Girls Challenge #46...and a birthday SURPRISE!

Hi all!  It's Saturday which means it's time for some JUGS!  Just Us Girls challenge that is...#46 :] 

Today our challenge is to create a project with a Wild Wild West theme in honor of our beloved teammate, Alicia, and Ethan's Rodeo.  Alicia's son, Ethan, fought a cancer called Neuroblastoma from 2007-2009, and at the tender age of 5, he lost that fight...last year after the first rodeo held in his name.  Alicia and her husband Dave are continuing the fight against this horrible disease through the establishment of "Ethan's Rodeo".  You can read all about Ethan on their Caringbridge site and all about Ethan's Rodeo HERE.  I only wish I could be there with them to help out and enjoy the festivities while remembering such an AMAZING little guy ♥ 

The card I made showcases the Cowboy Ethan (now known as Cowboy Billy) Weiman Wrangler image from Pink Cat Studios that was created to raise funds for the family. 

The image is colored with Copics except for the black areas and the sponged background.  I used SU ink (no black Copic yet...I think it's time :)  Here's a close up that shows the paisley dry embossing :]  I also added a little faux stitching to the main panels.  The layout is courtesy of Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge (MTSC86).

While it's true that today's JUGS challenge is dedicated to Ethan's Rodeo, we are also spotlighting another beloved teammate...PAM!  Her birthday is Monday, but we wanted to surprise her today and celebrate by making a birthday card also!  This is the card I made for Pam:

For some reason these colors are just calling to me the past two weeks with JUGS.  I printed some of my MTME paper on kraft, stamped and embossed a couple of MTME flourishes in white, added a Border Builders cut file accent (scalloped border), some ribbon with a SU hodgepodge ribbon slide, another MTME cut file accent (All Tied Up - Rectangles label), and adhered all of my elements.  What a quick and easy birthday card that looks like it was much more labor intensive!  I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday, Pam!  I'll put this card in the mail this weekend for your big day ♥  HAPPY BIRTHDAY girlie!!!

That's all I have for you today...we certainly hope you can play along this week!  Please post a direct link to your project over at JUGS and use keyword JUGS46 in any online galleries, and we would really love it if you could post a link to Ethan's Rodeo as well ;]

Be sure to check out the rest of the team's eye candy for additional inspiration...and to wish Pam a very happy birthday!  Links to their blogs are in my left sidebar.  You should also swing by the Color Throwdown team's blogs...some of the girls will be playing along this weekend to help promote the rodeo (thanks, ladies!)...links to their blogs are in my left sidebar also :]

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!  Can't wait to see what kind of Wild Wild West project you come up with!

Color Throwdown Challenge #105

Today is Wednesday which means another fun Color Throwdown challenge!  Bar is our hostess with the mostess this week and she chose an awesome combo:

I decided to go for a very fresh, light look since the colors comprised a darker palette...kind of a challenge to myself.  I did it, but fear I may have went a tad overboard :|  LOL

My card is also missing something...maybe my mojo is taking a break with everything else life is throwing at me right now.  Who knows.  I am in dire need of thank you cards, so I knocked one out and think it's good enough to give away, so I will :] 

I used the Killer Curves stamp set (again) with So Sentimental - both sets from My Time Made Easy.  I also used the Mini Leafy Stripes digi paper that Sara made, and my digi Picket Fence paper - also from MTME.  I colored my silhouette flowers with SU Watercolor Crayons, misted them with water, and pressed to the Pretty Pieces Killer Curves Cut File (I designed for MTME).  I stamped the frame and the sentiment using SU Soft Suede, Elegant Eggplant, and Always Artichoke ink.  I cut the bottom, Picket Fence panel using the Build a Border - Scallop Dot Cut File (I designed for MTME).

I used the There She Goes sketch #67 (TSG67) for my layout.

Hope you can join us this week at the Color Throwdown!  I can't wait to see what you come up with...show me how to knock it out of the park with this palette ;]  Maybe I'll take another stab at the colors this week!  Remember, you don't have to use these exact colors, just try to come as close as possible.

Be sure to check out the rest of our amazing design team as well!  They are sure to inspire, as they always do ♥

Bar

Broni

Danielle

Laura

LeAnne

Tammy

Chupa ~ August Guest Designer

Thanks for stopping by today!  Hope you are having a fabulous week ♥

Back with JUGS!

After a long hiatus, I'm FINALLY back with JUGS!  I took a break for a couple of months before I was notified that I was leaving for a military school for another 2 months.  I had just moved into a new house and between my career, designing digital paper and cut files, being a mom, and setting up a new home, I just couldn't keep up with everything.  I'm not even sure I'm keeping up now that I'm back, but I'm giving it a go!  Wish me luck ♥

So, today's challenge is brought to you by Kathryn and it's a fun sketch! 

I had two totally different ideas jotted down for this sketch, but I only had time to bring one to fruition :]  I stamped the cat tails from the MTME Killer Curves set and used flock for the tips (hard to see in the photo, BUT my photo light box arrived today so hopefully future shots will be much better).  My tag is from the MTME All Tied Up - Circles collection.  I printed the Get Graphic Sprinkle in a smaller scale on One Sheet Wonder from Couture Cardstock.  Cut my windows with nesties, distressed most of my edges, sponged around my sentiment with Antique Linen Distress Ink, adhered with a ribbon and hodgepodge hardware slide, and done.  Pretty simple really...the window was probably the most difficult part of this card and it was easy! 

Don't you love the chocolate and kraft with sprinkles??  I think it's fresh but still masculine...just what I was hoping for.

Okay, I'm SOOOO ready for bed, so I'm going to close.  We sure hope you can joing us this week!  If you do, be sure to post a direct link to your project on JUGS so that we can check out your work.  Also, you don't want to miss our design team's inspriational projects...why not pay them a visit and leave some love?? 

Alicia

Andrea

Dana

Kathryn

Lisa

Maria

Pam 

Jo Westfoot ~ August Guest Designer

Color Throwdown Challenge #104

Happy Wednesday everyone :]  Thanks so much for all of the kind "welcome home" messages I received over the past week.  It's so heartwarming to know most of you didn't give up on me and actually realized I WAS coming home after my two month hiatus!  I have to say I'm glad to be back and creating in my craft room and on my computer.  My creativity in regard to designing cut files and stamps is in high gear!  Hard to stifle it while I'm at work all day...but I can usually translate it to my computer as soon as I get home and relax.  So, hopefully you'll see more products from me in the coming months :]


Back to Wednesday and the reason for my post, I'd like to present an awesome Color Throwdown palette that Ms. Broni chose for today! 

For my card I printed some of my digital Pretty Printables paper from MTME, Fun Flowers and Picket Fence, cut an oval Pretty Pieces cut file from our All Tied Up: Oval collection, and cut the fairy by hand.  I used the Lost My Tooth, Killer Curves, and Sensational Sentiments Pretty Impressions stamp sets.  I am head over heels in LOVE with the fairy from Lauren's Lost My Tooth set!  I think she's so pretty :]  Can you see the angel Shimmerz I added to her wings? She needed just a little something to make her glow.

I made this card for a friend who is going through a very rough time and could use a boost.  Hope this card helps with that a little bit.  I kept it pretty clean and simple, but I didn't feel like it needed much more...so I left it.

This palette has so many possibilities...hopefully you all can play along this week...should be EASY!  Be sure to add a direct link to your projet on the CTD blog if you do play.  If you don't have these exact colors, just try to come as close as possible!

Check out the rest of the team for some added inspiration...their cards turned out beautifully as always! 

Broni

Barbara

Danielle

Tammy

Laura

LeAnne

Iwona Palamountain "Chupa", August Guestie

Okay, I'm off to bed!  Hope you have an excellent remainder to your week...you're half way to the weekend.

My Time Made Easy August Release Night!!!

I'm so excited that I was able to play along again this week for the My Time Made Easy release!  I have several birthday cards to make and today's post was the perfect opportunity.  I made use of the very cute, very EASY to assemble, Purse-onality Pretty Pieces cut file.  This will be the "card" for my mom's birthday. 

My mother's favorite color is purple...so I printed some Fresh Fabric Collection 1 paper for the front decorative panel of the purse.  I used Couture Cardstock textured paper for the other accent pieces on the purse.  The handle piece is included with the cut file, but I created the bottom corner pieces myself.  I basically cut out the main decorative panel (the piece that is the shape of the purse) and used the large SU oval punch to cut out the corners.  I adhered the handle and the corners to the Fresh Fabric layer before adhering to the purse so that I could create my faux stitching and add my brads (don't want them showing on the inside).  I used some vanilla SU hodgepodge hardware on the front.  I adhered a magnet to the front, inside of the purse so that the metal brad would hold it shut.

I also used the Perfect Pansy cut file that was released in July to make the purse more girly-girl!  Aren't the flowers pretty?  I based my flowers on this one that I found on the web.  Mine don't do it justice, but hopefully you get the idea ;]  I lightly sponged SU Almost Amethyst ink on the petals, then I added Elegant Eggplant to the centers and the edges.  I sponged almost the entire accent petal with Eggplant also.  I curled the petals and the leaves with a bone folder, then pinched the leaves in half before sponging them with SU Kiwi Kiss.  I decided to use the fun sun cut file included with the SCAL program to create my center and give the illusion of yellow streaks. 

Inside the purse I added a Robeks gift card just for the photo shoot...I'll put in a different gift card for my mom :]  Also notice that I adhered the propped up, interior base to the back side of the card, but not the front.  This simply allows the purse to open all the way (and makes for a better photo :)  LOL

I added a simple tag included with the versatile, Money Well Spent stamp set to the back side of the purse.  I paper pieced the small stamped purse image (from Money Well Spent also).  I kept it clean and simple so as not to detract from my pretty purse :]


Be sure to check out what the rest of the team has to share!!!  You're sure to be inspired and itching to get your hands on some of these goodies!! 

Lauren Meader

Katie Cotton

Lesa Rapp

Pam Imholz

Silke Ledlow

Stephanie Kraft

Tracey Cuccia

Hope you're having a super weekend!!!  Thanks for stopping by :]