Happy Easter!

I've been on Pinterest quite a bit lately, but I have also been OFF Pinterest, creating my own art using inspiration found on the site. This type of card caught my eye, so I knew I had to make one for this week's challenge at Squigglefly. I like the unusual folds and the way it looks both closed and slightly open.
I took a 5x12" piece of cardstock and scored it at 2", 4", 8" and 10". I folded in at 4" and 8", and folded out at 2" and 10". That's the base.
I used a Squigglefly digi image called Easter Tree by artist Carmen Gamble.  I colored it with Copics, distressed it with Tim Holtz Distress inks and popped it onto cardstock that I diecut with my Epic Six. I attached the whole thing to the left
panel of the front of my card.

Here's a better photo of the lovely Easter Tree image.
You can find lots of inspiration at the Squigglefly Challenge blog, where the challenge is to make an Easter-themed card. If you use a Squigglefly image ( there are freebies at the Store) you have a chance to win a prize!

I am also entering this card in the Outlawz Monday Greeting Card Challenge (Happy Easter theme).

Here's another card just to show you how easy it is to create this multi-folded card.  It isn't an Easter card, but it uses the Squigglefly image called "Dove" by artist Diana Garrison.

I made it for a dear friend of mine, who today celebrates his 25th anniversary of being ordained a priest. He is a great preacher, awesome counselor and has saved my soul numerous times. Congrats, Fr. Steve!

Impatient for the Bright Colors of Spring

I am so impatient for Spring to arrive. Last month we went to Seatlle to check out the university there with our daughter.  When we landed, our eyes were dazzled by all the GREEN on the ground and in the trees.  Flowers were blooming in a riot of color. It was awesome.
When we returned to the Chicago area, we were happy that almost all of the snow had melted, but it was so BROWN and dull and blahh...
So in anticipation of my location getting a much needed change of season, I have used a Squigglefly digi image by artist Pamela Lehto called Dogwood Angel and Spring's brightest colors.  In fact, the challenge on the Squigglefly Blog is to make a card using a Squigglefly image and bright Spring colors.
I embossed yellow cardstock and popped it onto green cardstock base. My image is colored with Copics I used part of the image, which comes with wings and extra dogwood flowers.
I went a little crazy with embellishments, but I am so sick of winter, I just had to jazz my card up with jewel flourishes and flowers and a butterfly.  I even highlighted my card and the angel's wings with white gel pen!
I think I achieved my goal of using bright Springtime colors, don't you?!  So, get out your inks and papers and markers, grab a Squigglefly image and brighten up your day with a new card.  Show it off at the Squigglefly Challenge blog for your chance to win free digis.

Say It with Flowers

Easter is a big holiday for someone like me who works in a church.  I make more Easter cards thatn I know what to do with, but they all seem to be gone by the time Spring Break rolls around!

Today my Easter card showcases new images from Squigglefly to inspire crafters to play in this week's challenge: Add some Flowers to your card--this can be IN your image, or as embellishments; they can be paper flowers, floral brads, floral die cuts, flowered paper--really, any flowers you want to share!

Both of my Squigglefly images are from artist Pamela Lehto.  The image is called Easter Praying Hands and the sentiment is called Even Today.   I colored the image with Copics and framed it with cardstock. The sentiment was diecut with my Nestabilities die and my Epic Six machine.  the patterned paper is from K & Co.  So already we have flowers in the image and patterned paper.  But NO, that wasn't enough! LOL

I added a creamy white rose to the mis, and even the charm in the upper corner looks a little like a blossom.  So I think I've said it with flowers, and now it's your turn!  Come play in the challenge at Squigglefly this week!

Heartfelt Greetings

Happy Monday, crafters!  Time for another challenge from Squigglefly, just in time for Valentine's Day!  The theme is HEARTS-use heart paper, embellishments, shape the card into a heart-and don't forget the Squigglefly digi image!

I used a January new release from Pammie Lehto called "Country Kids Set 3."  I decided to create a Z-fold card.  When the card is closed, my two kids are holding hands and the boy has flowers for his girl. When the card is open, the girl is left holding the flowers.  The sentiment reads: "Life is good...When you are in it."
I kept my embellishments simple, adding a bit of trim at the bottom, and a flower and sequins at the top.
My digis are colored with Copics, of course!  The patterned paper is from a stack from Marcella.

Want a chance to win Squigglefly digi's?  Just create with a Squigglefly image and link it at the challenge blog!  Don't have one yet?  Click HERE for a freebie.

Snowgal with Rose Wishes You a Merry Christmas

Today I strayed from the tried and true Christmas colors of red and green.  I have a passion for all shades of teal, so my Christmas card sports those shades in my patterned paper background, as well as the snowflake diecut behind my image.

Speaking of images, this is a December new release from Squigglefly called Snowgal with Rose by the lovely Pamela Lehto.

The sentiment is also from Squigglefly, which I framed with coordinating cardstock after giving it some winter pizzazz with a snowflake border punch.  I used the tiny punched snowflakes to decorate my card, along with a string of pearls.  Simple but pretty.

I'm entering my card into this week's Squigglefly challenge, which is simply to make a Christmas card with a Squigglefly image. Now it's your turn.  Go play at the Squigglefly Challenge Blog for your chance to win a free digi!

Leftover Lace Makes a Great Embellishment

This week fits in well with my stash of leftover lace, as the newest challenge over at Squigglefly Challenge blog asks card makers to use LACE or RIBBON.

Today I am continuing to add to my collection of Christmas cards this year.  I used a lovely new November image from Squigglefly called Santa Cone by the equally lovely Pamela Lehto.

After coloring Pamela's digi image with Copics, I added a bit of Stickles for some shine, then fussy-cut it and adhered him to my card front.  I added a white frame and embellished with white rub-ons.  Of course, the side of my card showcases the lace I used.  A couple pearls finish off my card.

Time for you to play in the Squigglefly challenge. All you have to do is use a Squigglefly digi image and follow the challenge requirements for your chance to win a free digi from their store!

If you need a freebie, you can "try before you buy" HERE.  Have fun!

I'm Seeing Dots and So Will You

What's more fun than using a Squigglefly image on a card?  Using TWO!!
I made a Christmas card with two new Squigglefly images.  The one toward the front is from Cheryl Alger, called Christmas Bauble Trouble; the second is called Christmas Tree with Candles & Holly by Pamela Lehto.

I colored both images with Copics. After using Stickles to give her bauble some bling, I used a corner punch on Cheryl's image and framed it onto green cardstock.  I fussy cut Pamela's image of the Christmas tree and adhered it directly to my polka-dotted patterned paper.  Since the new Squigglefly challenge this week is to use Polka dots on your project, I piled it on by adding some dotted ribbon as well.

Ready to get dotty?  Make a project with a Squigglefly image and use polka dots for your chance to WIN!

Squaring Off on the Christmas Card Front

Have you started your Christmas cards yet?  I know, I know, it's only October!  But...November is tight around the corner, and you know how fast the days fly!  That's why when I read that the Squigglefly Challenge this week was to make it square-make a square card or use square-shaped embellishment.

My card is square-shaped, as well as showcasing several square-shaped patterned papers and a sentiment framed in a square.  I used a November new release from Squigglefly called Candles Angel by the very talented Pamela Lehto.  I colored Pamela's image with Copics.

I kept my embellishments down to a few rows of jewels, since there are a lot of patterns on my card.  And I think the jewels are enough, as they play into the silvery circles on the black patterned paper.

You can play in Squigglefly's new challenge, and make any card you desire--just use a Squigglefly image and "make it square!"  One random winner will get to choose a free digi!! Need some inspiration?  Check out the Squigglefly Facebook page.

Good luck and Happy Crafting!

Trick or Treat with Squigglefly Digi's

This week's challenge is to make a Halloween card.  Very appropriate for the season, but I wanted to use a new October release from Squigglefly.  The one I chose is called Candy Jar by artist Pammie Lehto.  The image is meant for the Christmas season, but I thought it would work well for Halloween, too.  After all, Halloween is all about the candy, right?!

I printed my image three times, cutting out the first colored image in its entirety.  The second colored image I cut out the rim of the candy jar along with the candy, while the third colored image I cut only the front-most candy cane.

The original image has a beautiful bit of holly on the front of the candy jar.  I used a circle-punched piece of candy corn patterned paper framed with some black cardstock to cover this obvious Christmas design.

I embellished my card with foam stars and 3D stickers.  The patterned paper on the card face is from Creative Memories.  I hope you like my Halloween card.  There are lots of seasonal digis at the Squigglefly store.  Open your mind to the possibility of using specifically themed designs in a new and different way, like I used      .

And as always, happy crafting!

To Paper Piece or to Paper Pierce, That Is the Question

This week brings a new challenge from Squigglefly:

  "Challenge this week to either do a Paper Piecing or Paper Piercing....or if you are super creative, do both!"

The BandAids on my fingers tell me I am NOT a paper piercer, so I stuck to a card featuring paper piecing.

I am showcasing a July new release from Squigglefly called "Cup with Cherry" by artist Pammie Lehto.  I printed the image three times-once on card stock and twice on patterned paper.

After coloring the contents of the cup, I fussy-cut the images on my patterned paper.  One is the full cup and saucer; the second is just the cup, which I adhered with dimensional tape for a more 3D effect.  The sentiment is another separate digi from Squigglefly that I thought looked and sounded right for my card.

I embellished with a leftover sprig of flowers, a couple silk leaves and a "pebble" sticker.

Remember, if you use a Squigglefly image in the challenge, you can win a free digi!!  So get out your patterned papers or your piercing needle and come play in the Squigglefly Challenge this week!!

A Special Thank You

Today starts a new challenge over at Squigglefly Challenge Blog.  The theme is a "Special Thank You."  Who doesn't need a handful of thank you cards in their life, right?
Well, there is also a special surprise to this challenge--for the owner of Squigglefly Designs!  Unbeknownst to her, both teams got together to show her how much we love and appreciate her.  Every "Thank You" card that BOTH design teams have made are FOR HER.  (Yes, she is THAT awesome)

My thank you card features a new July release called Quilted Frame by artist Pammie Lehto.  I chose to cut it out and frame another amazing digi inside hers.  The hands shaping a heart is from artist Lynne Stansbery, another one of my favorite artist in the Squigglefly lineup. There are over fifty talented artists working with Squigglefly to give you the best of their creativity.
Now let me finish this post with a personal message for our dear leader, Holly:
  I am so lucky and blessed to be able to play with the lovely new Squigglefly images that come out every month.  The challenges have really stretched my creativity and imagination.  While a Design Team member, I have learned so much, met so many talented and friendly artists, and had so much FUN!!  You are a wonderful and generous "boss" to work for, and a true friend.
  So Thank you, Holly!!

Don't forget to play in this week's challenge with your own Anything Goes Thank you card--use a Squigglefly image for your chance to win!

Three Cheers for the Red, WHite & Blue

It's time to do some coloring! Squigglefly offers us this week's challenge:
Create a card using Red, White and Blue.
It can be 4th of July theme or not, as long as you use Red, White and Blue.

I chose another new release from artist Pammie Lehto called "4 Stars."  I colored her string of starts with Copics and although you can't see it in the photo, use Stickles to shine up the white stars.

My card is a Z-Fold, but unlike others I've made, I folded it on the horizontal, so my card is longer than it is tall.  I chose to use up more papers in my stash, and a few patriotic-looking serendipity squares on my card front.

I let Pammie's image decorate the inside of my card, although with a Z-fold, you see part of the inside whether it's flat or open.  That's what I like about this type of card!

A piece of adhesive-backed ribbon embellishes that back part, and hiding behind the card front is a toothpick American flag.  I haven't added the sentiment inside yet, because it's going to be a birthday card for my daughter.  yup, as Bruce Springsteen sang, she was "Born in the U.S.A." on the fourth of July.

I love my little Liberty girl, who has also graduated from high school this month.  Happy birthday, hon!!

Okay, crafters, time to get out your markers, pencils and inks and show your true colors with this week's Squigglefly Challenge.  Don't forget to use a Squigglefly image to be in the running for a free digi!!  And as always, have fun!!

In The Good Old Summer Time

Summer is just around the corner!  The pools are open, some schools have let their children escape for a couple months, and we can only hope the weather in Chicago plays nice for those who wish to dip their toes in chlorinated water this year.

Since summer is close, Squigglefly Challenge blog asks challenge players to make a "summertime theme card--think of the outdoors, beaches, playing, leaving school, vacations, summertime holidays.  All the great things we get during the summer time." 

I got to play with a brand spankin' new June release from new Squigglefly artist and crafting friend Pammie Lehto!!  The digi image is called "Fancy Cup With Rose."  I thought it would be perfect for the summer theme.

After coloring the image with Copics, I matted it with the same card stock I used to make the card base.  I used a piece of patterned paper from my stash (of which I keep using for cards and even giving away and I don't see any progress in decreasing the amount).

I kept the embellishments simple, finding organza ribbon in a matching color as well as white.  I tied one around the card front, and the other around the bottom of the tea cup.  A few flowery pearl strands that I received from a friend finish off my card.

Alright, grab your suntan lotion and paper cutter and join the fun at Squigglefly Challenge Blog!!

Let Freedom Ring!

It's that time of year when watermelons are chillin', grills are heating up, firecrackers are ready to light, and Americans celebrate with "Star-spangled happiness and banner waves of pride" (Cherishe Archer)!

Welcome to Your Scrapbook Place Patriotic Blog Hop!  

The theme is love of America and the color RED.  If you've come from Teresa's blog, you're hot on the trail!  If not, start at Your Scrapbook Place, and if you get lost the blog hop order is below.
Leave a comment on each blog, and you get a chance to win an awesome digital image, along with a patriotic-themed goodie bag!

My card is made with the digi, an original work of art by the talented Pammie Lehto.  I colored her image with my trusty Copics, added a little distress ink to tone down the white background, and framed it with blue cardstock.
I colored a mini paper doily with my RED Copic and slipped it behind my image.  I found the beaded trim in my holiday stash.  I finished my card off with a diecut dogtag sticker and leftover strips of white cardstock folded into little "ribbons" that I stapled onto the image's sides.
I hope you like my card.  I have a lot of embellishments for 4th of July and Army because my son is in Army Reserves, and I just finished updating his Army album.
Now, it's time to hop on over to Shannon's blog, where she's sure to have an awesome project for you.  Remember to leave a little love before you go!

Blog hop order

Melissa:

Karissa

Carolyn

Linda

Teresa

Pat

Shannon

Sue

Anna Nikander  

Pammie

Your Scrapbook Place