How've You Bean Card for The Outlawz

This week over at The Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge, our twist is "Anything Goes!" I hope you'll share what you've "bean" working on with us this week! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

Our sponsor for July is the wonderful From the Heart digi stamp company! You'll want to check out their store and look at all the great digi sets Faith Skrdla has designed. There's something for every occasion, and you can find some freebies and $1 digi sets that are a fantastic bargain! Here's the link: http://fromtheheartstamps.com/shop/

My card base is a white A2 card blank. I layered a piece of yellow card stock die cut with Gina Marie Designs' largest X-Stitched Rectangle. Then I die cut a piece of purple card stock using the same die along with a Tim Holtz Sizzix die to make the next layer. 

For the digi, I used my Silhouette Design Studio software to size it up and do a print of it along with the sentiments on the card front and the inside of the card. Both these fun sentiments come along with this adorable image in the digi set "Full of Beans" found here: http://fromtheheartstamps.com/shop/birdbrain-chick/125-full-of-beans-birdbrain.html?search_query=Jelly+bean&results=1. I am using a precolored version of the digi I received for donating to the owner Faith Skrdla's daughter's hockey team. 

I added some orange ribbon and a few jelly bean cut outs made with my Silhouette. 

I used Gina Marie Designs' Stitched Square dies for the sentiment and purple mat behind it and added a few more jelly beans.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Birdbrain Needs Coffee Card for The Outlawz

This week over at the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge, our twist is to "Make something funny"! 

Our sponsor for July is the wonderful From the Heart digi stamp company! You'll want to check out their store and look at all the great digi sets Faith Skrdla has designed. There's something for every occasion, and you can find some freebies and $1 digi sets that are a fantastic bargain! Here's the link: http://fromtheheartstamps.com/shop/

For my card base, I made a Kraft card stock base a little bigger than standard A2 size. I added a layer of black card stock trimmed to mat by front panel which I die cut using a Gina Marie Designs' X-Stitched Rectangle die. I had a coffee cup paper clip I'd been wanting to use, so I added it to the top right side of the card here along with a die cut I made using one of Spellbinder's Cut and Fold dies. 

For my digi and sentiment, I used my Silhouette Design Studio software to make an offset file around my Birdbrain and then did a print and cut of him as well as adding a rectangle cut file around the sentiment and doing a print and cut of that as well. I colored my Birdbrain with Copic and MEXPY markers. Both the digi and the sentiment are from the set "Birdbrain Needs Coffee which can be found here: http://fromtheheartstamps.com/shop/birdbrain-chick/152-birdbrain-needs-coffee.html?search_query=Coffe&results=4

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

 

Mermaid Shaker Card

This month at the Gerda Steiner Monthly Progressive Freebie Challenge, Gerda created this darling mermaid scene for us. I decided to use some digital paper behind the digi to create an ocean backdrop for her. I drew a 4X4 inch box cut file using my Silhouette Design Studio software and colored it in with the sea animal background pattern. Then I sized up my mermaid scene by Gerda and added it using the "bring to front" feature. I printed it out, colored the digi with Copic and MEXPY markers and die cut it with a Gina Marie Designs Stitched Square die. I used the duplicate feature to copy just the box with the sea animal pattern and printed a second one out to make the frame for my shaker element. I die cut it using both the largest and second largest dies in the Stitched Square die set by Gina Marie Designs. I did the same with a piece of adhesive-backed foam and die cut a final piece using clear cardstock and the largest die in the set again. I adhered everything and added some beads and sequins for the shaker.
The top-hinge card base was made using a Spellbinder's Grand Square die. I also used a die from that set for the pink layer behind the shaker element.

Here's a look at the inside of the card (die cuts were made using Gina Marie Stitched Square dies):

 I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Gerda Steiner Monthly Progressive Challenge http://gsd-stamps.com/blogs/news/julys-challenge-mermaid

A Bit More Time to Craft  (2W,  P1/15, E3) #24 -  Always Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenges (2W, P15/last day of the M) #95 - Anything Goes + Option: Flowers + DT Call
Delicious Doodles Challenge (M, P1) July - Beside the Sea
Dies R Us Challenge (2W, P1/15, E3, die cuts) #53 Water and/or Beach
Happy Little Stampers AG with Dies (M, P9, dies) July - Use Dies

Lighthouse Shaker Card

This month at The Outlawz Progressive Monthly Challenge, we had the pleasure of playing with this lovely lighthouse digi created by our own DT member Laurian Macdonald! Thanks for sharing your art with us, Laurian!

For my card, I made a top-hinge square card base using a Spellbinder's Grand Square die. I purchased the shaker box embellishment in the clearance aisle at JoAnn Fabrics yesterday with the express purpose of using this digi behind it. As soon as I saw that anchor on the transparent element, I knew it would be perfect with Laurian's lighthouse! One of the things I love about using digi stamps is that I can size them up to fit anything I want, so I knew I could make this shaker box work.
I used my Silhouette Design Studio software to size up and print out the digi. Then I colored it with Copic and MEXPY markers and adhered it to the back of the shaker element. Then I adhered it all to the card front. You can't tell in the picture, but the cardstock has a pattern of shells on it. 

For the inside of the card, I used a CTMH stamp set and stamped the seagulls and sentiment on the same cardstock I used for the card base. You can see some of the shells on it if you look closely. I added a piece of net behind the sentiment panel (cut with a Gina Marie Designs Stitched Square die) to add to the nautical theme.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

The Outlawz Progressive Monthly Challenge
Pink and Main Challenge (M, P1, C3, SIO) #11 - Shakers
Share Joy Challenge W,C5 #44 Sketch & CAS

FTHS Bethlehem Card

This week over at the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge, our twist is "Christmas in July." That seems to be a popular theme this month! 

Our sponsor this month is From The Heart Stamps, and this digi comes from their set titled "Bethlehem." They have lots of great digi sets including many Christmas-themed ones to choose from. Take a look around and you're sure to find something you'll like at http://fromtheheartstamps.com/shop/

I sized up my digi and did a print and cut of it using my Silhouette Design Studio software. I also did an offset file so I could back the digi in black. I colored the digi with Copics, MEXPY alcohol markers and yellow Wink of Stella for the star. I adhered the digi elements to the black mats behind them using foam squares to pop them up a bit. I adhered them to the music page I had torn and distressed with ink using glue tape. 

For the card base, I made a top-hinge square card using a Spellbinders Grand Squares die. Then I die cut some other Spellbinder dies to decorate the card: Gold Elements One, Parisian Motifs, Persian Motifs, Victorian Medallion Two, and Delicate Doilies. I also used the "Christmas" sentiment from Memory Box's Stitched Merry Christmas Frame die set. I added some cheesecloth, ribbon and a lace bow for texture, too. Some pearls in 2 sizes completed the embellishments.

I hope you will join us over at The Outlawz Twisted Thursday group this week. It's great to get a head start on all those Christmas cards! 

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Crimbo Crackers 2W #111 Anything Goes (W1 of 2)
Crafty Ribbons W,must include ribbon #160 Christmas
Cardz 4 Guyz W, 3E - #128 - Christmas in August
Crafty Boots - 2W, SIO - (Week 2) Christmas
Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge 2W, 2E, C10, Must be Christmas - #76 - Inspired by a Song (Week 1)
Ike's World 2W, 1E - #67 Christmas in July (Week 2) 
Scrapy Land Challenges -1st and #3rd Wed of Month, Must use a die sold by Scrapy Land -#45 Anything Goes - PLUS Use Any Brand of Die Scrapy Land Sales (Week 2 of 2)

Broken Fairy Designs 2W, E2 #6 - Anything Goes with a Christmas in July twist (W1 of 2)

ABC Christmas Challenge - 2W, Christmas -  'N' is for No Rules (Week 2 of 2)

Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - M, 2E, must be Winter Holiday (May) - Anything Goes  (Week 1 of 4)

Butterfly Sympathy Card

A friend of mine from my Bible Study Fellowship class lost her mother last week, and I wanted to make her a sympathy card. We had prayed for her mom a few months ago when she had to have surgery, but complications from the surgery led to her death last week. Because her mom put her faith in Jesus as her Savior, my friend has the comfort of knowing her mom is with the Lord in heaven now, and she will see her again one day. I chose John 11:25 for the verse inside the card because it is such a beautiful reminder that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. 

The card base is a 5x7 inch Kraft card. I followed the sketch over at Your Next Stamp for the card design and used a couple of Spellbinder dies for the little butterflies on the front of the card. 

For the sentiment, I die cut some of the same paper I used on the card front using a Sue Wilson die. Then I stamped it with a clear stamp from JustRite Papercrafts' "Easter Blessings" set. 

Here are a couple of close up photos of the beautiful paper I used. I just love the fibers and textures here! 

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Retarte 2W, E3 - #81 - Anything Goes (Week 1) 
A Gem of a Challenge  2W  #173 - Let's Get Krafty (use Kraft CS) (W1 of 2)
Digi Choosday Challenge -W,E2, - #28 - For the Girls
Inspiration Destination - W, F- #91 Always Anything Goes
Creative Moments - 2W, 3E - #94 Always Anything Goes/ optional twist of Ribbons and/or Bows (Week 1 of 2) 
Crafting-With-Friends - 2W, 3E - (W2 of 2) Anything Goes
Your Scrapbook Place (M, P1, E3) Anything Goes (extra entry if you use sponsor image)
Petal Lu (M, P15, E3) #17 - Anything Goes
A Bit More Time to Craft  (2W,  P1/15, E3) #23 -  Always Anything Goes
Not Just Cards (M, P11, F) #34 - Always Anything Goes
Paradise of Stamps (2W, P1/15, E3, F) #45 - Anything Goes
Craft Rocket Challenges 2W,3E #19 ANything Goes (W1 of 2)  
Artistic Inspirations - 2W, E3 - (Week 2) Anything Goes  
Craft Your Passion - W, E3 - Always Anything Goes
Scrapbook Stamp Society Challenge Blog - 2W, 3E - (Week 2) Anything goes with option of Butterflies
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - W, 5E - Flora and/or Fauna
The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge - M, E2, SIO - (July) Always Anything Goes
Simply Papercraft - 2W, E3 - No. 32 (W2 of 2) - Anything Goes
Jo's Scrap Shack - W, 3E  - No.146 - Anything Goes
Brown Sugar – W, E2 - No. 206 - Monochrome
Cut it Up- 2W, 1E, Must have Die Cuts - No. 100 - (W1 of 2) - Anything Goes
YNS Challenges - 2W , SIR (Top Pick) SIO, (Winner and Stand out) - No.43 - (W1 of 2) - Sketch* and Inspirational Photo* use either the sketch or the photo or use  both

Psalm 147:4 Card

The Word Art for this card comes from the Word Art Wednesday challenge blog. If you haven't dropped in over there, you should stop by and look around. There is a wealth of free scripture word art and loads of beautiful inspiration. 

I used a white A2 card base for this card. I downloaded the word art to my Silhouette Design Studio software and sized it up before adding a label cut file around it. I then did a print and cut of the file. I used a blue gelato to color the label a bit so it stood out on the white background. I wanted to add some stars to go with the theme of the verse, so I used PoppyStamps "Stacked Stars" die and some of the cut out pieces from Memeory Box's "Star Flourish" die. 

I really love this verse as it reminds me of just how amazing God is and how nothing escapes His knowledge. He knows the number of stars in the universe and the number of hairs on our heads! 

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Crazy 4 Challenges W,1E #344 Cards of Encouragement
Fantasy Stampers Challenge Blog  2W, E3 No digi #66 Wish Upon a Star (W2 of 2)

Crafty Sentiment Designs W, 1E, SIO - Anything Goes
WordArt Wednesdays - W,5E , scriptural word art freebie offered each week- #238/239(Week 1 of 2) - Family Friendly/Anything Goes 
Love to Scrap - 2W, 3E, F, digi or real stamping - (Week 2) Star(s)

Creative Corner - W, 3E  - Anything Goes

• Creative Fingers -  2W , 3E, No totally digital projects - No.113 - (W1 of 2) Anything Goes 
  

Cut it Up- 2W, 1E, Must have Die Cuts - No. 100 - (W1 of 2) - Anything Goes
STAMPlorations Challenge Blog - M, 3E  - (1st Friday of the month) July - Sketch* and theme: Stamps and Stars*
Jo's Scrap Shack - W, 3E  - No.146 - Anything Goes
Crafting-With-Friends - 2W, 3E - (W2 of 2) Anything Goes
Crafting from the Heart - W, E3, F - Always Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion - W, E3 - Always Anything Goes

Card and Scrap (2W, P1/15, Winners P13/28)  #121 - Anything Goes

Crafts and Me (M, P1, SIO) July - Anything Goes /optional Summer Memories

Crafts Galore Encore (M, P1, E3) July - Anything Goes + DT Call

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper (M, P1) July - Anything Goes

Creatalicious Challenges (2W, P15/last day of the M) #94 - Anything Goes + Option: CAS

Simply Papercraft - 2W, E3 - No. 32 (W2 of 2) - Anything Goes

Creative Loops Challenge (M, P1, JFF) July - Stars and/or Stripes

Digistamps 4 Joy (M, P1, E3, SIO) #126 - Anything Goes optional twist: Dies and/or Punches

Cut it Up- 2W, 1E, Must have Die Cuts - No. 100 - (W1 of 2) - Anything Goes

Happy Little Stampers AG with Dies (M, P9, dies) July - Use Dies

• Not Just Cards (M, P11, F) #34 - Always Anything Goes
• Paradise of Stamps (2W, P1/15, E3, F) #45 - Anything Goes
• Petal Lu (M, P15, E3) #17 - Anything Goe
• Scrap N' Challenge (M, P15, 1E/2E with Scrap N' Dipity image) June/July - Anything Goes                                                                  
• Sunsational Stamps (M, P last day of M, E3, freebie) June - Anything Goes
• Sweet Stamps Anything Goes Challenge (M, P1, E3, SIO) Anything Goes
• The Sisters of Craft (M, P1, E3, no Besties) July - Always Anything Goes
• Sketch Saturday W, 3E   #420 Sketch*