A Three-Fer Challenge Card

Normally I don't get too excited when I read "LAST DAY". I just delete and move on. But today, as I was browsing blog challenges, I saw today was the last day to play the Hero Arts June challenge. EEEP! I really wanted to play that one, too.

So I took the three or four challenges I had earmarked as maybes, and headed to ye olde craft room. Had to blow some dust off the table, but I managed.

Here is my card, then I'll explain:

I'm a little rusty in the craft room lately. I think the reason I managed this one is I haven't slept in over 30 hours, and I'm kindof speeding, waiting for the crash. Just taking advantage of the opportunity. :)

In addition to the Hero Arts challenge, I also played Cardz 4 Guys challenge to use something beginning with B. That would be Balloons. And the colors were inspired by the current Nacho Average Challenge.

So first, I heat-embossed some circles, stars, and the balloons using Versamark ink and Hero Arts white embossing powder.

Then I got a hair-brained idea that I could water color them using dye inks, so I squished the inks onto an acrylic block, spritzed them with water, then painted. In hind-sight, the balloons should have been outlined in black, but it was too late. I wasn't starting over. I should also have used water color paper, but ... I wasn't starting over.

Since my photography skillz are even worse than usual, here is an attempt to show you the embossing.  You'll maybe also notice some splatters, Those were done on purpose. Well, the first few weren't, but the card needed to be saved.

To summarize: Hero Arts June challenge:

I think I managed to do both diagonals: Circles+Birthday Theme+Your Favorite Color (Pool), and also Heat Embossing+Birthday Theme+Watercolor.

The Cardz 4 Guys challenge: Use something beginning with B: Balloons.

The Nacho Average Challenge to use these colors:

I used Hero Arts Tide Pool, Wet Cement, and Soft Cantaloupe. I hope that's close enough.

I'm off to link this up before they cut us off. Nothing like waiting for the last minute to light a fire under you, eh? In all fairness, I usually miss the deadlines by a day or so, so I'm actually pretty pleased with myself right now. Or that could be the false euphoria from lack of sleep. Whatever, I'll take it!

Thanks for stopping by!

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SOS #208: Baubles, Buttons & Bows

It's Tuesday, and time for a new challenge at Shopping Our Stash. This week's theme is Baubles, Buttons & Bows, and we'd like you to use a bauble, or button, or bow (or multiples) on your project.

I chose to use a bauble, which in my mind is something you have that at some point you thought it might look good on a card.

Here's my card, then I'll explain:

That watch thing came in a packet of other ... things, and I thought it would be fun to pull out an old Hero Arts clock background so it looked like I meant to do that.

I stamped the background in grey in onto grey card stock, then played with paper pieces from my still-out Fancy Pants paper pad to add a little color.

So, got some baubles in your collection? Or maybe buttons or bows is easier for you to get your head around. No matter, come on over and play at SOS!

Thanks for stopping by!

CSSC #5 WINNERS

Thank you to all who played my fifth sketch. And good luck to those who linked up on both this blog and the Little Tangles blog to double your chances to win!

I do apologize I didn't change my link-up end date to match the Little Tangles end date. I hope none of you who got tangled in that web (see what I just did there?) are too disappointed. Coordinating across blog schedules can be challenging!!!

So, without further ado, here is my winner for June's challenge: Lorelle, with this card:

Sorry about the quality of the image - my fault. Flickr and I are not on speaking terms.

I was immediately struck by the colors she used, and the stamping of the very graphic triangles that were then showcased through circles. Just love it.


And the two honorable mentions are: Anita:

What's not to love about these summery colors? And her blog name is the cutest!

and Barb:

I was impressed at how Barb flipped the sketch. Also, that she figured out a way to use those four-stamp trees-of-all-seasons sets we all have (or had, *ahem*) and make it look good. Her coloring isn't too bad, either! :)

Congratulations, ladies! Feel free to grab your badge from the CSSC Rules & Badges page, and display it proudly on your blog. You've earned it!

The Little Tangles blog posts their winners on the 1st, so make sure to stop back there to see if you've won. 

And Lorelle, please email me (link on the right) so I can hook you up with the Little Tangles Prize Patrol! 

I'll be back on the first with a new sketch!

Thanks, again, for your support! xo

SOS #207: For The Boys

It's Tuesday, and time for a new challenge over at Shopping Our Stash. This week's theme is For The Boys, and we'd like to see a masculine project.

I fell behind and didn't get a card made for this week, but you should totally stop by the SOS blog and check out what the rest of the team has created!

I hope to be back next week with a new crooked creation. :)

SOS #206: Out On A Limb

It's Tuesday, and time for a new challenge at Shopping Our Stash. This week's theme is Out On A Limb, and we'd like you to use trees, foliage, or something similar.

For my card, I chose to use an old Hero Arts stamp I don't think has ever seen ink. Here's my card, then I'll explain:

I stamped the tree on a piece of white card stock, then water colored it with Distress inks. I may or may not have made a mess, and had to cut off the right side of the white panel, so I used the Simon Says Stamp A2 Card Curved Edge die. I think it looks more finished, and less like I just hacked it off, which I did, but don't tell anyone.

You can see some orange splotches on the tree. Those are left over from the last time I used my Big Shot and the ink on the card stock I cut was still wet. Apparently it's still wet on the cutting plate, too. ;/

I broke open one of my collection of Lawn Fawn note cards for the base, and it miraculously is close enough in color to the Distress Cracked Pistachio I used on the leaves to work.

For the sentiment, I cut a slit on the right side of the tree and slipped it in. It just fit. Phew.

So, do you have some unloved (or favorite) tree or foliage stamps? Why not break them out and play along over at SOS this week?

Thanks for stopping by!

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