Catching Up!

So.....where have I been you might ask?!! Truthfully, I needed a wee little break, had some computer issues, and then before I could post again, things got crazy and then I was struggling to keep up! Hopefully, you'll forgive my absence when you see all the little goodies I have in store for you with this post!!

First I have the Case Myself Challenge post from the Bloggers' Challenge last week. One of my favorite recent cards was this one made at the end of March. But, this time I turned it around... that meant that the greeting needed to move. As usual, I guess I took a bit of creative license! If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know that I just adore the Top Note Die! Used the Big Shot, of course...fun and easy!

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers, 3 For You (retired)

Inks: White Craft, Always Artichoke

CS: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Always Artichoke

Misc: Trio Flower Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlet, Top Note Die, Big Shot, Glitter Pen (by Sakura), Mini Glue Dots, Wide Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Filigree Designer Brads, Always Artichoke Mini Brad

Next is MaryJo's Lunchtime Challenge from last Monday....sigh!....yes, this one is from last week as well!! Also turned this sketch around, and used my Great Friend set again....oh! I sure hope it makes it into the catalog in July!! You can see MJ's original sketch here. My version features DSP from the Hostess Pack (Level 1) in Brocade Blue and the Kiwi Kiss Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon. Check out the butterfly antenna....they are the stamen from the Pretties Kit. (Thanks for the fabulous idea, Annette!) I really enjoyed watching this card come to life!

Stamps: Great Friend

Inks: Brocade Blue, Bashful Blue

CS: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper WhiteMisc: Large & Small Oval Punches, DSP (Hostess Level 1), White Stamen/Pretties Kit, Kiwi Kiss Button (Button Bouquet), 5/8" Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon in Kiwi Kiss

NOTE: If you use the stamen, be careful....they are fragile and crush easily to dust!.....ask me how I happen to know this!! LOL!

Next one up is this weeks Bloggers' Challenge.....Patriotic is the theme...in honor of Memorial Day, of course! I don't have any patriotic sets, but I do have this fun Jumbo Wheel and star punches. Pair these up with a red-white-blue color scheme and it sure meets the criteria, don't you think?!! This really is a simple layout, one of the basics....just dressed up some!

Stamps: Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel, Fundamental Phrases

Inks: Night of Navy, Real Red

CS: Whisper White, Bordering Blue, Night of Navy, Real Red

Misc: Rub On (White Star on Real Red cut out....Retired), 1/2" Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red Button (Retired), White Gel Pen (to create "stitching"), Large & Small Star Punches, Mini Glue Dot, Word Window Punch

And now, the last one for this post....it's a color challenge for the Late Night Stampers group. Ordinarily, I love this combo....Ruby Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, & Kraft.....but, I just can't warm up to it at this time of year. It just seems Fallish....or is that just me?!! But, I've succeeded in getting a card done for the Challenge....and although simple, I like how it came out!

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Thank You Kindly

Inks: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

CS: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

Misc: Paper Piercer (from Tool Kit), 1/2" Punch, Old Olive Mini Brads, Old Olive Wide Grosgrain Ribbon

Thank you for stopping by today....and I promise that I'll try to post again soon!

NOTE: ALL cards use SU materials, except where noted.