Celebrate You!

 Good day, Fine Feathered Friends!

OK, so you're not birds but I am glad you're here!

Today's card has been posted and hopefully received ~

I fell in love with the Color Hues challenge Cream & Gold, and couldn't let it go by without another card, even though I was too late to enter so this will be sent to Triple B - July.  It features an older rose bouquet, heat embossed in gold on alabaster cs.  I then used the stencils to use a light cream ink to blend all of it, making the buds a bit darker.  After inking, I quickly applied Gold Perfect Pearls to add color and shine to the buds.  It was added over/under/between a golden glitter frame, in varying heights using glue and foam tapes.

The sentiment was heat embossed as well and popped over the stems.  Another Birthday card wishing someone special a great day!

While using blooms, I obviously opted not for the patriotic content or look on this card.

Supplies:

   PFS - Delicate Rosebuds suite, Fancy Rectangle Frame dies

Thanks for the visit, I'm so glad you stopped by!  Have a wonderful day.

Fishing You a Happy Birthday

 Hello, hello!

Well, I love that title, I do wish I had a stamp to go along with it!  Maybe next time I'll think of it and print it to use...  Anywhoooo, a masculine Birthday card was needed, and since he's a fisherman, I figured this would work perfectly.  I used the sketch at FMS #742 but that one came and went before I could post the card.

This card is pretty simple, it only took me two tries - ha!  I cut a strip of brushed silver cs and embossed it before gluing it to the base to ground the rest of the card elements.  I also cut the hex frame, fishing lure and bobber, then assembled them.  I did a bit of blending to add some depth, then arranged everything to my liking.  This will go to my SIL this Friday.

Supplies:

   HB - Diamond Plate e/f, Fishing Lures dies

   EH - Hex frames die

   Alt - Birthday Greetings sentiment

I seem to be on a roll.  Some cards I had made but not posted, but a few got made during my chaos.  I'm glad to be finally getting everything posted but hope I can continue creating too!

Have a great Fourth of July but stay safe!  I know the fires have started here already, and we're aware of a HUGE fire on the UT/CO border, that is somewhat near and visible for family members' homes.  Our prayers are with everyone for safety!

Hugs,

TK

No Ordinary Day

Welcome, Friends!

My family has been going through a lot lately, but today is no ordinary day, so let's celebrate it like we mean it!

Today's card is for the illustrious Darnell, and we all know that means it's no ordinary day.  What's better than celebrating someone else, so we can push all the ordinary (life) to the background, and have some fun?!

Ok, first of all, I used the beautiful Color Hues challenge colors (gray is a shade of black), but not in time to get it into the gallery -- I'm perfectly ok with that!  The NBUS sentiment & images were stamped, colored with Copics, detailed with a fine liner, plus black and gold shimmer added to the center of each flower.  Everything was cut and then the design decisions...  I found that Penny Black's challenge is to optionally use patterned paper - check; then I decided I wanted more yellow so I used a scrap of yellow (perfect size I might add), and rounded the lower corners to mimic the bottom swag.  A couple silver pearls were added for pizzazz.

I love this card!  (are those polka dots magic?)

So there it is, Happy Birthday, Darnell, and many more unordinary/extraordinary Birthdays ahead!  And I hope it brought you that smile...

 

Supplies:

   PB - Floral Smile stamps/dies

   MFT - Dots & Stripes pp

Hugs, Everyone, and have an Unordinary/Extraordinary Day!

TK

Dancing With The Heart

 Hello and welcome!

Today I have an adorable card to mark the Birthday of the very person who inspired me along the Penny Black trail!  In fact, I don't think I could mention this person without PB coming up...

Stamped, coloring with Copics, shimmered with WoS and cut out.  Then what to do with the background?  In PB&J's latest video series, Jill had a layout like the one above, I just changed out the products.  However, I did another "Jill-ism" and added a light ink blending to spotlight the little girl.  What I couldn't catch was the elusive shimmer on her heart headband, plus the hearts on the wrapping and ribbon.  I have had this gal on my desk FOREVER!  I love her, kept meaning to use her but now is the time.  I mean, who else deserves her but Loll -- Happy Birthday and best wishes!!!

SORRY - this wasn't supposed to post until Saturday!  Yikes - HB2U anyway!

This card will enter Penny Bslack June - AG (no patterned paper), and NBUS #87 ~

 

Supplies:

   PB - Heart Dance & die (NBUS), Gentle Swell Frame (NBUS) and Background Basics stencils

Thank you for the visit and have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

TK

Wish Big with Peonies

 Hello!

Today's card features a press/foil plate that I've had for quite some time, but it's coming out today to play.  I was gifted this by the illustrious Michele, and honestly, I'm not sure why I waited so long to use it...  I hot foiled it today, then used the stencils to ink blend in the colors.  Thanks, Michele!

After die-cutting the piece down, it was mounted flat, pre-foiled sentiment added, then a leftover butterfly placed.  I love the vellum butterfly and how she adds in beauty but doesn't detract from the colors.

Since this press plate and stencil suite has never been used, I'll enter this in the NBUS #87 and Trible B - June, obviously I didn't use the wonderful violet color as an option.

Oh!  And Happy Birthday, Verna!

 

Supplies:

   PFS - Blooming Peonies pp/stencil (NBUS)

   SU - Textured Notes Frames

Thank you for the visit and have a great rest of your week.  May your temps not be in the near 100's like we're having!

Hugs,

TK

Happy 1st Birthday, Gator!

 Hello!

I'm popping in for a quick post.  I actually made a card!

Well, when the good things come along (May was not a nice month for our family - and yes, it came in 3s), you just have to celebrate the joyous things ~

Our youngest grandson turns 1 today!  Gator is his nickname.

My scene is lacking, but I think it represents him well, plus it was what I could do in the time alotted.

The "gator" (truly I don't know if it's a croc or a gator) and other elements were stamped and colored with Copics.  The scene was then made with masking and blending, and a sentiment computer generated, cut and popped up.

We'll be celebrating today with the usual festivities, for those who can attend, and the others will be missed dearly.

Supplies:

   MFT - Cloud & Make Waves stencils (NBUS, believe it or not...);Sunshine & Friendship stamps; Penguins In Paradise stamps.

   

Thanks for the visit and enjoy the day!

Hugs,

TK

Hap-BEE Birthday!

 Hello!

Today's post is for my Mom's 86th Birthday, and her 94 year old brother who will be celebrating Birthdays today!  Mom's Birthday is today, her brother's was May 18th, and since he's from California, we'll honor them both today.

Mom's card ~

The image(s) were stamped, Copic colored and cut down with different dies.  They were layered over coordinating designer papers, then popped up one layer.  The sentiment was stamped, cut and added.

The wings were sparkled with WoS, and the hearts had GA added.

A close-up ~

... and together.

Supplies:

   Hip Hop Honeybee (NBUS, but not sure I'll have time to add this into the challenge) - Unity

   Nesting Postage die - WF; Elegant Rectangle Stax - MFT

   Buzzing w/Happiness & BP27 - MFT

   Designer papers - Scbk.com & HoneyBee

  On a serious note:  Our eldest daughter and SIL were in an accident Sunday, daughter was ambulanced while SIL was Life Flighted to local hospital.  Daughter has since been released with wound care, SIL was then Life Flighted to Seattle 3 1/2 hours away.  Our initial trip to him was double the time due to the holiday weekend.  SIL's had 2 surgeries, possibly more to come and a long road to recovery.  Best news today was no broken back, he was finally able to sit and stand just for seconds; yet he still has breaks and internal bleeding.  We will likely be traveling back and forth for a bit, while also taking care of their house and dogs here.  A lot of things are happening moment to moment so I will not be visiting blogs much, nor posting but I wanted you to know that I will be back.

Hugs to you, and hug the ones you love!

TK

A Surprise Post

 Hello!

Is it a surprise that I'm posting at all?  Probably, especially so soon.  Is the card a surprise?  Not really.  You see, while life got busier, I was able to make a couple of cards before I tore into my room for a re-do/clean-up.  However, I was less than efficient, in other ways.  In fact, I also made two masculine Birthday cards, and while Hubbs was so excited that I got them done before the Birthdays, he forgot to let me photograph and post the cards before sending them off -- oy!!

So while I can't post those cards, I do have another one that I found matches the FMS #733 sketch - SURPRISE!!  While I actually made this card at the end of March, it works great ~

First, a base was heat foiled in Opal on soft pink, then a doily cut in white, and a partial ink blended panel, cut down to size and a sentiment pressed to match.  I also cut an additional sentiment panel in white and offset it -- hindsight, maybe it could've worked better in a darker color, perhaps pink?

Other than a few minutes for the inking, this card was relatively quick!

Oops!  I missed it - drats!

And speaking of SURPRISEs... here's another QAS card made back in March ~

An ink blended panel, the same as above except in a different color, then cut down with the NBUS frame die.  After placing the stamped/die cut sentiment, I decided that before adding it, another smaller vellum panel would work nicely for its mat.  A few gems were added for bling.

Oh!  Another card that will work for JUGs #820 Stencil week and NBUS #85.

Yep, another win on a QACAS card!  

 

Supplies:

   Card #1 - Splb Diagonal Stripes hfp; MFT Scalloped Doily; PTI In The Meadow stencil; Splb A Little Message sentiment pp

   Card #2 - PTI In The Meadow stencil (in a different color); PB Antique Frame die; sorry, I forgot where I got the sentiment!

I hope your week is an amazing, crafty one.  I have another busy week, then Hubbs will be leaving for a week or so.  Will that leave me extra time?  Not likely, as I'm really late in getting my garden set out!  I hope your week is more relaxing, but thanks again for the visit.

Hugs,

TK

Two Cards for A Few Challenges

Hello and Welcome!

It's been a hot minute since I've posted, I apologize, but life has gotten busier around here.  Sometimes I wonder if it's gotten busier or I've just gotten older and slower!  Either way, I'm glad you stopped by!

Today's card all started from the Color Hues #131 - Coral and Green.  I wanted to use another product that  been has neglected, so today it has. The first step was hot foiling, then Copic coloring, a selective "haircut", and an embossed panel.  Finally, I cut a few NBUS tiny butterflies, secured them from their mid-section and lifted their wings, so it'll be entered over at NBUS #85.  It took me so long to get this completed, that a new sketch challenge worked perfectly.  So this particular card will go to FMS #733.

After finishing this card, I realized a had a previous panel colored with the same colors from Color Hues #131, so I challenged myself to get it done before that challenge goes away!  Again, I used an embossed panel behind, strategically cut the flowers with a die and popped up the center with two additional layers.  I had the foiled sentiment already in my stash, so this one was also QACAS, after adding the gems.

Supplies:

   Card #1 - Splb Leafy 3d e/f, More Sentiments hfp; LDRS Breezy Blossoms pp; Ps Bunches of Butterflies (NBUS)

   Card #2 - Splb Leafy 3d e/f, Altenew Sisters of the Heart stamp/stencils; You Are Everything sentiment pp; PFS clear Gold                         Dust gems

Well I must get with the post so I can get these added to the challenges.  Thanks so much for your visits and wonderful sentiments!

Hugs,

TK

Mortal Sparkle

Welcome, welcome!

I'll make this a quick post, as I have a lot to complete before I lay me down to sleep...  An NBUS stamp (which didn't sit in the bin for too long - yay), colored with Copics and sparkled with WoS, which elusively decided not to show up.  I took many pics and thought I finally had one, but nope!  I fashioned this after Michele's past sketch over at FMS, but lo and behold, a round of illnesses kept me from posting it until I could actually give it to my sweet neighbor.  I even used a little "a la Michele" by adding a little something to the edges ~

The tutu and stars on the hat have the sparkles IRL, plus the cake platter was colored with silver pen and the candle flames colored with gold pen.  It definitely shows better IRL, but that's my lack of skills with a camera and PS!  This'll be entered over at NBUS #84.

Supplies:

   Unity - Mortal Sparkle stamp

   MFT - Stitched Edge dies, Blueprints 27 die

   WF - Nested Dome die

That's it for today.  I haven't been in my craft room much, but I hope to be getting back there soon, or else I'll be sending Easter cards for Christmas!

Have a great week!

Hugs,

TK

Someone We Love

Welcome, welcome!

Today's card is for Daughter #2's Birthday today!  Since she has her card and gift, I can post it now ~

I've been wanting to use this NBUS stamp, and this particular daughter loves oranges, so I knew it would go over well.  I also used a new tag die and a new sentiment set, so I guess I got a three-fer?  No?  Okay, but I'll just triple enter this at NBUS #83 - lol.  I also had been wanting to use my postage collage die, though this isn't what I had in mind, it came together well, I'd say.

I stamped and colored the sunflower image, then winked it WoS.  It was then die-cut and mounted on the card panel.  Two tags were cut, the one stamped (and corrected), then tied together with gold thread and mounted on the lower panel.  While you can't see the WoS, I assure you it's there, just hiding as usual.

Supplies:

   UN - Radiant Resilience stamp, Perfect Layered Tags (both NBUS)

   PB - Carefree Wishes sentiment

   WF - Postage Collage die

Again, no posting lately.  We've had the dreaded COVID rip through our house.  We believe our poor Grandbaby got it first (so I was watching him to protect daycare), then Hubbs came down with it really bad, and lastly (I hope) I came down with it.  It hit me light and while I try to keep my distance from recovering Grandbaby and Hubbs, we still all live in the same house.  We are fortunate that currently Daughter #2 and SIL have evaded its grip.  This was the first time Hubbs and I have gotten COVID, so we did evade it for awhile.  Hubbs is recovering, but now has the cough that just won't go away.  I have a bit of congestion at night, but no dreadful extreme sore throat nor extreme night headache.  Yep, those were the two worst symptons for both of us.

Well, I hope your days are better, and that warmth is coming your way.

Hugs,

TK

 

 

Wonderful Friend

 Welcome!

The sun is shining, the crocus and bulbs are popping through the soil and I'm squinting - lol!  Boy, it's amazing what happens when the sun comes out.  We've had an extremely mild winter, with no snow and only some rain but I miss the snow!  Come on, can we have a bit of weather before the yardwork starts up again?  I know, I know, I should be thankful because there are plenty that got hammered this winter by cold and snow but I actually miss it.

On to the card, shall we?  Today's card was needed for a friend, a thank you of sorts, well kinda!  She'll get it...  It all started with Color Hues #126 challenge - Pink & Red, which was quickly emphasized by Triple B - January.  Okay, two in a row!  Who could I say no to those colors?!

 

Right!

Lots of red, pink and some white, plus don't forget about those "allowed" neutrals!

My press plate was foiled with Splb Prism foil, then I blended with a light shade of pink, a deep red and two lighter shades of gray.  The center was cut with the center die from the set and a pressed sentiment in medium gray was added over the opening.  While I started with a red pressed sentiment, it was quickly decided that the gray would be a much better color -- bingo!

Now, while this close-up appears to be a green-gray, it is indeed not!  I had to hunt around for the perfect grays to avoid that.  I like!  And it's off to the recipient and hopefully received.

Supplies:

   PFS - Splendid Florals pp/die/stencils

   Splb - Yana's Special Sentiments gfp (yes, I pressed with a glimmer plate!)

I hope you've had a magnificent and short week, thus creating what feels like a lovely, long weekend!

Hugs,

TK

You Make Everything Bloom

Welcome, Friends, cold or warm!

Today I have a card that I hope will fit a couple of challenges, Double D - Friends, Freshly Made Sketches #721  and NBUS #82 ~

Now, wouldn't you say that sentiment to a Friend?  I hope so!  Either way, it'll work for me and I think he's adorable.  I used the sketch at FMS, over a stamped background and a colored strip.  I do hope my heart is ok, I didn't want to obscure it so I placed it out a little.  My other addition is the sentiment to give him a base to balance over.

Yep, he's pretty cute!  Li'l Bloomer and Faithful Letter background are both on their maiden outing.

 

Supplies:

   Unity - Faithful Letter bg stamp, Li'l Bloomer stamp

   LF - Inside Out Stitched Hearts die

   MFT - Blueprints 27

We've officially entered the weekend, I hope you have a great one planned.  Those of you socked in with snow, may your days be freer to venture out.  Stay safe!

Hugs,

TK

Three Challenges and a Bonus!

 Hello, my Friends!

Today I'm here so excited about this card.  It all started with a Double D - 10th year Birthday (Go Double D!!!), since I'm in need of Birthday cards.  Then I strolled over to Triple B - January to see their beautiful inspiration photo with gorgeous blues and whites.  As per usual, I took a stroll through my NBUS products and was able to come up with a press plate and die plus a hot foil frame, then got quickly to work.

Here's my card ~

Initially, I tried to foil on the blue cardstock (darker than it appears), but it did not work on the MFT card.  I didn't want to waste the beautiful blue cs, so I cut off the foiling to save the outside strips and inside rectangle for another day.  I used the "new-to-me" double rectangle frame and foiled in Aura on Hammermill, then foiled the "new-to-me" centerpiece floral too.  I colored it with Copics, then cut it using the die.  Once I had done this, I realized one strip of blue would be nice behind the floral piece, but lo and behold, if I used the floral die again, I could also fill in the inner circle with the remaining blue -- cool!  Sentiment  pressed, cut and mounted.

Now, the Bonus!  After photographing my card (trying out a new light, which is why I got so many other colors in the foiling), I read Marcia's latest post.  Ta Da -- bonus challenge with Color Hues #125 - Blue and White!  Yay!

 

 

ETA:  I was invited by Carol to join them over at Inspirational #359 - Shades of Blue

Supplies:

   Splb - Essential Duo Lines hfp, New Beginnings Timeless Sentiments pp

   PFS - Floral Round Frames pp/die

   Aura foil

Thanks for the visit, have a blessed day!

Hugs,

TK