Sketch 3 - Card #3

Today is a busy day so I've only got time for a quick post, a quick card and a quick recap of the challenge rules.

Happy crafting!

Sketch 3 - Card #2

Well, in case you are wondering why I haven't posted a winner for the 2nd challenge, it is because no one entered!  My crafty sister has encouraged me to keep up the challenges so I'm hoping one (or more) of you will enter this one! 

You'll find all the info you need to post your card here.

There are only seven cards for this sketch so your window of opportunity is a bit shorter than the last two sketches. 

Sketch 2 - Card #10

Well, 2 sketches down and 4 more to go!  This card is a very loose interpretation of the original sketch but a cool card just the same.  I'm off to Marco's for my fall extravaganza make-it /take-it (and maybe a little shopping during the special sales???).

A die cut ornament (Accucut) and snowflake (Cuttlebug) make quick work of this card.

You have until 5p ET tomorrow (10/5/09) to post your entry! 

Sketch 2 - Card #9

This particular card was created in a spring theme but could easily be transformed for fall by simply changing the color scheme to oranges, golds, reds and browns.  The maple leaf was cut and embossed using a Spellbinders die.

There is only one more card to go for this sketch which means your challenge entry needs to be posted by 5p (ET) on Monday (10/5/09).  If you need the challenge details or the button for the posting, click here.

Sketch 2 - Card #8

While I like the original sketch with its layered ovals, I found myself drawn to the "staggered" approach for several of the card variations.  The butterfly (Accucut) is die cut from bronze Stardream card stock (available from Marco Paper).  I added a few pearls for the body and hand drew the "flight pattern" with a ultra fine line Sharpie marker.

Only a few days left to enter the sketch challenge!

Sketch 2 - Card #7

 You'll notice that this card is very similar to card #2.  Some times, simply changing the orientation of the card can provide a different perspective.  I used a different die cut border (Accucut) in a different color as well.

Today's blog and the next few will be fairly short as I've got a long list of classes to prepare for over the next few days.

Don't forget that Saturday is World Card Making day.  Why not use one of these easy sketches to get you started on your contribution?  And, if you make a spare, enter it into the sketch challenge.

Sketch 2 - Card #6

My friend and I just came back from a day of knitting at our local yarn shop.  We're working on a very cool wrap that can be buttoned in the back and made to look like a vest. 

Now that the weather is getting cooler and I'm back into knitting, this card is quite perfect for today, with the little bit of fuzzy fiber at the top for interest. The card itself was die cut using an Accucut die.  The front was then embossed with a Cuttlebug folder that had been inked prior to embossing.  I also used a marbled paper to give it added interest.  The hearts were made using the Marvy "giga" punches.  The verse is from Rosie's Roadshow.

Don't forget to post your winning entry for the Sketch 2 challenge - only a few more cards to post before the deadline is here!

Sketch 2 - Card #5

As you can see from this card, the creative juices were really working the day this card was designed.  An embossed background (Cuttlebug), a few die cut shapes (Accucut), a touch of Pearl Ex (Jacquard) and a few pearls for the body of the butterfly make a great card in an elegant color scheme of eggplant, black and gold.  I used glossy black card stock for the scalloped square to add an extra special touch.

If you don't have matching striped paper for your project, make your own using a sponge dauber and your favorite ink pads.  Using strips of Eclipse masking paper (Judikins) makes it easy to get perfect stripes every time.

Now, let's see how your creative juices are flowing today.  Join in the challenge for this sketch (details can be found here).

Sketch 2 - Card #3

This variation is the result of a "happy accident."  I was holding the ovals and fanned them out to look at the colors and decided I liked what I saw.  Another die cut (Accucut), a quick stamped verse (unknown source) and a few green skittles finish off the card.

If you find yourself with nothing but clear skittles, take a little Copic refill ink or your Copic marker and custom color them to match your project.

You still have time to enter the challenge for Sketch #2.  Click here to get all the details.

Sketch 2 - Card #2

A printed card front, a quick die cut border, a few ovals from coordinating cards, finished off with a silk flower and matching button and you have the second card made using Sketch #2.

Today is another busy day for me - teaching a Copic class featuring fall images in the morning and then helping my "sis" with a Cuttlebug class in the afternoon.

Check out yesterday's post if you're interested in participating in the challenge for Sketch #2.

Sketch 2 - Card #1

Time to move on to the next sketch.  This sketch uses layered ovals with an image in the middle.  Its also time for the Sketch 2 challenge.


The rules are the same as for Sketch 1, which I've repeated below:

• The challenge is open to everyone
• Cards are to be based on the original sketch (if you didn't take the class, you'll have to figure it out on your own!)
• The winning card will be selected based on overall appearance and creative interpretation of the sketch
• You can post your challenge card beginning on the day the first card is posted; each challenge will end at 5 p.m. (ET) on the day following the posting of the last card (I'll note it in that day's posting) - approximately 10 days per card
• You can enter all six sketch challenges but you will be limited to one card per sketch challenge
• Use the "Mister Linky" link at the end of this posting to add your card or, if you're having trouble with the link, simply email your entry to craftjunkies@gmail.com

Sketch 1 - Day #9

I know this looks like a repeat of Day 7 and it is very close.  I only changed the ink colors and the mat color.  Apparently, by this point in the process, I was beginning to lose my creativity!  Oh well, it happens to the best of us.

Don't forget that tomorrow is Day 10 and that you will only have until Friday to enter your card in the challenge drawing!  Click here to get more info.

Sketch 1 - Day #8

Another day, another version of Sketch #1.  This one is similar to Day 6 in that it uses patterned paper as the background.  I inked the verse stamp with Marvy brush markers so that I could make the paint brush and palette a different color.  I also used a corner punch from EK Success to coordinate with the paisley design in the paper.

Check out this post for all the challenge details.

Sketch 1 - Day #5

Well, so much for scheduling a post!  I had prepared my day 5 post and scheduled it to automatically post on the blog yesterday but it didn't work.  So, today you will get two for one.  First, day 5.  Using an A2 card with a pre-printed front helped make this a super simple, super quick card.  Stamp and mat the verse, add a heart punched out of red shimmer paper and you're done!

Don't forget to add your challenge entry for Sketch 1 - go to this post for all the contest details and the link for adding your card.

Sketch 1 - Card #4

I'm thinking about renaming this segment of my blog to "a new card idea a day keeps the creative blockers away" - what do you think?

I remember when I was working on all of the cards for the "Cards With Versatility" class.  Having to come up with so many ideas in such a short amount of time really did push me to my creative limits - and, yes, I did take a few prisoners with me!  My friends Kelly and Peggy traveled with me on the journey.  At various points along the way, each of them commented about how much I was testing their creativity.  Oddly enough, they said they not only enjoyed it but thanked me for including them.  Who would have thought I would be thanked for challenging (some may say torturing) my friends???

If your creativity is currently blocked, check out this post for all the key to unlock it (aka "the challenge details").  I hope you join in the fun today!

Sketch 1 - Card #3

This is another card from Sketch #1.  If you are interested in participating in the challenge, go to this post for more information and the link to upload your card. 

I used the same stamp for all of the Sketch 1 cards - it is from Verses Rubber Stamps.

While you are working on your card submission for the challenge, I'm off to the studio to finish several designs for my upcoming Copic and Cheaper by the Dozen classes - check out the schedule to the right for more information.

Happy crafting!

Sketch 1 - Card #2

It is Day 2 of the Sketch 1 cards and challenge. One thing you will notice is that there isn't a lot of variance in the card designs from Sketch 1. This was intentional and part of the teachings from the class. If you stick around for each day's posting, you will see that the creativity grows with each sketch and each card.

If you are interested in participating in the challenge, please see this post for the details and the link to upload your challenge entry.

The verse stamp is from Verses Rubber Stamps.

Good luck with your challenge entry!

Cards with Versatility - Card Samples and a Challenge!

At long last, today is Day 1 of the posting process for the cards from my Stampaway class. For those of you who attended the class, I'll identify the sketch number with each posting so you can link it to your class handout and card kit. If you have any questions about the cards, you can email at craftjunkies@gmail.com.

The stamp used in this card, based on Sketch #1, is from Verses Rubber Stamps.

I've also decided to issue a challenge based on the class concept:

• The challenge is open to everyone
• Cards are to be based on the original sketch (if you didn't take the class, you'll have to figure it out on your own!)
  
• The winning card will be selected based on overall appearance and creative interpretation of the sketch
  
• You can post your challenge card beginning on the day the first card is posted; each challenge will end at 5 p.m. (ET) on the day following the posting of the last card (I'll note it in that day's posting) - approximately 10 days per card
  
• You can enter all six sketch challenges but you will be limited to one card per sketch challenge
  
• Use the "Mister Linky" link at the end of this posting to add your card

The winner of each challenge will receive a card sketch kit, which will include a new card sketch and the materials to make at least 4 cards from each sketch.

A grand prize winner will be chosen from all sketch entries. The grand prize winner will receive all 6 card sketch kits!

Ready, set, go!