Seize the Birthday GSD Happy Birthday Swim Piggy

Hello, friends!  I'm here today for a quick share...very busy weekend but wanted to share my card!

This darling image is called "Swim Piggy" and right now he is available for free download at Gerda Steiner Designs shop.  I think he is so cute...and such a perfect image for a summer birthday card! 

The sentiment is from another GSD stamp set called "Happy Hoppy" and I also stamped a Hero Arts cloud background stamp using tone-on-tone yellow for the card base.

I really enjoy these cute critters from Gerda Steiner...and I have lots of nieces and nephews who appreciate birthday cards with these cute critters on them!

This one is going in the 22nd Share Your Designs Challenge at Gerda Steiner Designs.  It goes on until the end of the month in case you want to join in the fun...she has some really cute digi images available for free in her shop, too!

This is also headed to the pool for the current "Anything Goes" challenge at Seize the Birthday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Judy

A Special Announcement!

Hello, friends!  I am so excited to stop by today to announce some good news...I am joining the Design Team at Stamping Smiles Designs Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge beginning in July!

For more information about Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge, check out the blog HERE and read THIS link to find out all about how the challenges work.

I look forward to sharing my designs with you for each challenge and I hope you will play along with us!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing in my excitement!
Happy stamping!
Judy

Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop - Thinking of You

Hello, friends!  I'm sure you've heard by now that the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop is up and running, now through Friday, June 24th.  This is my sixth and final card for the hop!

I am also playing along with the Gerda Steiner 22nd Share Your Design Challenge since I used this adorable "Coffee Chick" image.

For my card, I printed the chick and colored it in with distress inks and Copic markers. Then I fussy cut the image, went around the edges with a black marker, and mounted it onto a die cut square of summery patterned papers.  The final touches included Glossy Accents on the mug and white gel pen accents on the chick and mug.

Supplies:

Gerda Steiner Designs "Coffee Chick"

Simon Says Stamp "Handwritten Borders"

Crate Paper "Farmhouse" 6x6 paper pad

Here is a close-up of that glossy mug...

I have really enjoyed the Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop and hope you have enjoyed my cards.  Happy hopping and thanks for stopping by!
Judy

GSD Surfing Duck Instagram Surf Challenge

Hello, friends!  I'm stopping by to share a card I'm adding to the Gerda Steiner Designs Instagram Surf Challenge!

Gerda shared this adorable duck image free (see HERE) and challenged us to make a card and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #surfingducky for a chance to win the next clear stamp set release!

I thought he was absolutely adorable and I had to play along!  I paired this inlaid die cut image with a sentiment from the "Gopher It" set.

(I'm not sure if we are allowed to enter our cards in multiple places, but if we are then I'll add it to the 22nd Share Your Designs Challenge at Gerda Steiner Designs, too!)

Of course I filled up those awesome sunglasses with Glossy Accents!

You have until June 28th to download the image and play along! 

Thanks for stopping by,

Judy

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop - Thanks A Latte

Hello, friends!  Just stopping by today to share another card I made for the Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop using a free digi image offered by Super Sponsor  STAMPlorations called "Latte for Two."

I'm also entering this card into the current Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge #199: CAS.

I used the image and paired it with a free digi sentiment from Verve Stamps, then mounted on a kraft card base embossed with the Sizzix "Coffee Cup" embossing folder by Tim Holtz. Easy, quick, and fun!

STAMPlorations is also our sponsor this week at CASology...be sure to check out their store and the sales currently going in there.  They have some really cool coffee and tea images!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
Judy

CASology #203: CONGRATULATIONS

Hello, friends!  Welcome back for our next cue at CASology!

In honor of graduation season currently in full swing, I decided to use the "Noteworthy - Shery Russ Designs" set from our sponsor this week, STAMPlorations, to make a graduation card.  So many of the sentiments in this set would be perfect for a graduation card! I bought a set of Jolee Boutique graduation cap stickers so I can make a set of cards to have on hand.  I also stamped "congratulations" on the inside of the card.  This is a simple, quick, CAS card -- and you could make this in any colors if you wanted to personalize it using the graduate's school colors!

Supplies:

STAMPlorations "Noteworthy" stamp set

Stampin' Up "Framed Tulips" embossing folder

DCWV glitter paper

Scallop and circle punches

Jolee Boutique Stickers  - graduation cap

I'm also linking up my card to the STAMPlorations Never-Ending Anything Goes Challenge.

Be sure to link up your CONGRATULATIONS card by noon on Monday (Central time). You will also be inspired by the many ways our Design Team and Guest Designer interpreted the cue this week...be sure to check out their blogs, too!

Ardyth Percy-Robb
Deidre Payne

Hannelie Bester
Hazel Hodgkins
Jacquie Southas
Jen Wills
Joyce Mehrberg
Judy Marino --> that's me!
Kymona Tracey
Melissa Chipperfield
Sherrie Mannion
Tracey McNeely

Guest Designer: Angela

Our Sponsor This Week:  STAMPlorations

Thanks for visiting,

Judy

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop - Coffee Understands

Hello, friends!  I'm sure you've heard by now that the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop is up and running, now through Friday, June 24th.  This is my fourth card for the hop...I'm having a blast making summer-themed coffee cards!

For today's card, I used the awesome digital stamp called "Birdbrain Needs Coffee" by From the Heart stamps.  The fun floral paper is from the Crate Paper "Farmhouse" 6x6 pad.

Hard to see, but I added white dots all over the mug with a white gel pen, then covered it in Glossy Accents.  I also added Wink of Stella to the eyelids for some fun!  Since it adds sparkle, I'm also adding this card to the current i{heart} Sketches with a tWist #157 -- I didn't follow the sketch, but I twisted and made it sparkle!!

I'll be back tomorrow with our next CASology cue...and again later this week with some exciting news...stay tuned!  :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Judy

PP300 & Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop - Three Cheers

Hello, friends!  I have been enjoying the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop and couldn't help but play with some of the free digi images that some of the sponsors have offered this week.  Many of the sponsors are also having sales, so be sure to check them out!

With July 4th right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to play with the free digi set offered by Verve Stamps.  I used patriotic colors and used three coffee cups for my "three cheers!"

I am also sharing this in the current The Paper Players CAS Challenge #300: Celebration.  We will be celebrating Independence Day very soon!

I colored in the images with Copic markers and added Glossy Accents to the lids and Wink of Stella to all of the stars.

That's it for today...I'll be back again tomorrow with another card for the hop.  As I said, I'm really enjoying this coffee-loving kick-off to summer!

Thanks for stopping by,
Judy

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop - What's Perking?

Hello, friends!  It's that time again, the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop is up and running, from Friday, June 17th through Friday, June 24th.  This is my second card for the hop!

Today's card uses some summery coordinating papers from Basic Gray ("Piccadilly" 6x6 paper pad) and an old Hero Arts stamp set ("What's Perking?").  I paper-pieced the coffee pot and added black enamel dots for fun accents.  The shadow under the coffee pot is from Paper Smooches ("Shadows") stamped in khaki dye ink.  The Antique Linen distress ink around the edges of the white panel adds some interest, too!

I hope you are able to hop along in the Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop.  It is amazing to see how this hop has taken on a life of its own...each hop has more participants than the last!  I am always amazed at how many generous companies sponsor and offer prizes, and how many participants actually comment on every entry!  What a fun event each season...and what an amazing feat to pull off each time!  Kudos to Amy and all those on the team who make it all possible.  I'm thrilled that I haven't missed one yet!

Thanks for stopping by,
Judy

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop - Hot Java Mama

Hello, friends!  It's that time again, time for the next Coffee Lover's Blog Hop...this time in honor of Summer!

This Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop runs from Friday, June 17th through Friday, June 24th.  Projects must be of a summer theme and should include a coffee, tea, or cocoa image or theme.

In order to usher in my summer vacation (which officially starts later next week), I am hoping to share several summer-themed coffee cards throughout the week of the hop!

For today's card, I am also playing along with the Art Impressions Challenge #186: "Aging with Attitude!"

I had to get the Art Impressions "Hot Java Mama" set when I saw it released a few weeks ago...I fell instantly in love with this java mama!

Yep, this could totally be me in a few years.

Thanks for stopping by...and happy hopping!
Judy

Gerda Steiner Designs June Progressive Challenge

Hello, friends!  I'm so happy that I can see the end of another year of work in sight...two days of work next week and then I'm OFF for the summer!  My kids are already off, so it makes it tough to get up and go in the morning, let me tell ya!

However, with things concluding for another school year, I have been able to find the time to make a few cards that I'll be sharing in the next few days -- and that is GOOD!

For example, I made this card for the current Gerda Steiner Designs Progressive Challenge for June using the adorable "Picnic Penguin" digi image.  How fun is this???  Nothing says summer to me like a picnic does!

After I printed the image I realized I made him kind of big...but once I colored and fussy cut the image, I rather liked it!   Paired with a Hero Arts sentiment and cloud background as well as a Lawn Fawn grass die, this card was quick and simple to make.

And, if you know me, you know I added Glossy Accents...this time to the penguin's beak and the grapes!

There are some really cute penguin cards in the monthly challenge pool using this fun fella...be sure to check it out and play along if you can!  If you buy this image and play along, you will receive the image for next month's challenge for free!

I'm also adding this to the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Animal Magic since this penguin is one adorable animal!

I'll be back on Friday with my first card for the kick-off of the Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop!  (Yay!)

Thanks for stopping by!
Judy

Merry Monday and Addicted to Stamps & More

Hello, friends!  I'm here today with a card I made for two current challenges.
For my CASology post, click HERE.

First up...the current Inspiration Challenge #209 at Merry Monday Christmas Challenge using this amazing inspiration photo chosen by Lesley:

I saw those stacked cups and immediately thought of a few stamp sets that I have in my stash begging for some ink!

The second challenge is Challenge #198 "Holiday" at Addicted to Stamps & More. Hard to believe I am making a Christmas card with the 4th of July right around the corner, but I am!

For my card, I inked up a favorite Purple Onion Designs stamp ("Cups of Joy") and colored in with Copic markers.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts ("Very Merry Christmas"), and the background burlap is from My Favorite Things.  The framed dies are from Mama Elephant ("Index Card Creative Cuts").

That's it for today...off to get ready for work.  Only four work days to go until simmer vacation!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
Judy

CASology #202: MASCULINE

Hello, friends!  It's that time again, and our new cue at CASology is up!

This cue couldn't have come at a better time, with Father's Day (here in the US) right around the corner.  I took this opportunity to make a card for my husband...I think I'm safe posting it as I don't think he reads my blog!  ;)

I am really loving the Art Impression images lately...they appeal to my love of puns and sarcasm!  I kept this larger image clean and simple by stamping it in the bottom corner of the card and leaving lots of white space around it.  The green sentiment serves as the grass!

I'm linking this up to the current challenge at Art Impressions Challenge#186: "Aging with Attitude."  This old guy is definitely sporting some attitude with those cool shades and toothy grin!

I'm also linking this card to the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Father's Day/For a Guy.

The inside sentiment says...

Funny, but in all honesty my husband has not actually been the "lawn ranger" for several years now...my son has taken over cutting the lawn.  My husband used to joke around when the kids were younger, saying he couldn't wait to be able to watch his son cut the lawn while he sat back in a lawn chair and watched with a drink in hand.

Well, the other day, I managed to catch this picture out the kitchen window...his dream has come true!

(In all honesty. my husband went out to help my son move the swing so he could mow the lawn under it, and they had just moved it back.)

Be sure to link up your card by noon on Monday (Central time). You will also be inspired by the many ways our Design Team and Guest Designer interpreted the cue this week...be sure to check out their blogs, too!

Ardyth Percy-Robb
Deidre Payne

Hannelie Bester
Hazel Hodgkins
Jacquie Southas
Jen Wills
Joyce Mehrberg
Judy Marino --> that's me!
Kymona Tracey
Melissa Chipperfield
Sherrie Mannion
Tracey McNeely

Guest Designer: Milka

Our Sponsor This Week:  7 Kids College Fund

Thanks for visiting,

Judy

Paper Smooches June Challenge: Layers

Hello, friends!  I'm stopping by today to share a card I made for my niece's birthday...and I'm playing along with the current Paper Smooches June Challenge: LAYERS.

                       

   

I used several layers of paper -- patterned paper base, white die cut, and then a patterned paper-pieced balloon.  I also layered Glossy Accents over the colored images on the bunny's eyes and the cat's nose.  

Stamp: "Party Pals"

I'm usually a one-layer, clean-and-simple style card maker, but I have to admit this was fun to make!  It's good to mix things up a little bit very now and then, right?

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Judy

CASology #201: SUNSHINE and a Winner!

Hello, friends!  Wow, what a wonderful week we had celebrating Clean And Simple (CAS) cards during our 200th Challenge at CASology last week.  Thanks so much for playing along with us!

As part of the fun last week, the Design Team members offered a chance to win some blog candy to those who left comments and participated in the challenge.  With the help of Random.Org, the winner of my blog candy was Lisa from Lisa's Creative Niche!  She entered a lovely card in the challenge, too.  Congratulations, Lisa!  I will e-mail you for your mailing address so I can send out your goodies!


OK, so it's time to start our next cue card...get out your sunglasses!

I knew exactly what sentiment I would use as soon as I saw the cue card this week...I immediately thought of my Technique Tuesday set by Ali Edwards.  I paired the sentiment with a die cut sun using two colors of glitter paper.  Quick, easy, lots of open space, limited embellishments...definitely a CAS card!

Supplies:

Technique Tuesday "Bring On the Sun" by Ali Edwards

WPlus9 "Sunshine Layers" dies (sun)

DCWV glitter card stock

I'm looking forward to a week full of SUNSHINE!  Be sure to link up your card by noon on Monday (Central time).  Check out some added sunny inspiration at our Guest Designer and Design Team blogs!

Ardyth Percy-Robb
Deidre Payne

Hannelie Bester
Hazel Hodgkins
Jacquie Southas
Jen Wills
Joyce Mehrberg
Judy Marino --> that's me!
Kymona Tracey
Melissa Chipperfield
Sherrie Mannion
Tracey McNeely

Guest Designer: Diana

Our Sponsor This Week:  Rubber Dance Stamps

Thanks for visiting,

Judy