Drink Coffee!

Here we are--this is the Double Duty Day!  This is the 30th month, so we are now in year #3

Each month, we get to pick a stamp set from a predetermined company. Then, we will use that one stamp set and make two cards from the set.  Different images and sentiments from the same set can be used, or use the same image two different ways—Double Duty either way!  But, as an added challenge, one item must be used on both cards—same color cardstock, same ribbon, same stencil, same something.  Double Duty Again!  We will post both cards on our blog on the the 22nd of each month.  See-Double Duty again!  We will be sure to have fun getting doubly inky each month with a different stamp company.  Let’s have fun!

For June, the company we showcasing is Simon Says Stamp.  This is a very fun company and has so many brands to pick from.  But, they also have wonderful products with their own line, so that is what we are picking this month!

The stamp set I picked is a sentiment set called Drink Coffee.  It comes with a variety of funny sayings--some large like the one I picked and then some smaller ones too.  I think this sentiment is perfect--just like a great cup of coffee with a bit of cream, or an almond milk latte!

For the first card, I picked some fun patterned paper from Moxie called Perfect Blend--coffee beans and made a gate fold card.  I stamped the sentiment in Taylored Expressions Chocolate Truffle and die cut it with Sizzix Dotted Rectangle dies, along with a backer of Early Espresso with the same die. I added some linen thread between the die cut layers.    

For the second card, the patterned paper of coffee cups from Bo Bunny was cut at a diagonal.  I used a Darice embossing folder called Coffee Pot for some texture on the background panel, under the patterned paper.  The sentiment was die cut with a Memory Box die called Matinee Rectangle and some brown baker's twine was placed behind it. 

Both cards use the same coffee sentiment and they were both die cut.  I also used some patterned paper that highlights coffee in some form and some twine behind the sentiment.  

I hope you enjoyed my cards for our group.  Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards. Here is a link to Jeanette's, Darlene’s  and  Carol's blogs.   I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards.  

Next month the company we are using is Honey Bee Stamps.  So be sure to check out our cards on July 22nd!  

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Says Stamp Drink Coffee

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Basic Black, Pecan Pie; Moxie Perfect Blend and Bo Bunny Coffee Patterned Paper

Ink: Taylored Expressions Chocolate Truffle

Accessories:  Darice Coffee Pot Embossing Folder; Brown Baker's Twine; Linen Thread; Memory Box Matinee Rectangle Die; Sizzix Dotted Rectangle Dies

Team Coffee or Team Tea?

Today is the 15th and that means the Dueling Darlings are back to post their fun cards!  This group was founded 10 years ago and there are a few of us that are the original members.  Kelly and Jeanette are still our team leaders and they try so hard to keep us all in line and going strong!  On team Kelly are Terry, Carol and me.  Team Jeanette consists of Lorraine, Darlene and Tracie.  And, we are all Dueling Darlings!  

Lorraine and I sent out the March kits. The theme this month is Team Coffee or Team Tea!  I am team coffee as I have a latte every morning, made by Rebecca followed by a cup or two of regular coffee.  And Lorraine is a tea drinker so she is team tea. Side note--as I type this up on Monday, I too am sipping a cup of tea..........  Which team are you?  Be sure to tell me in the comments are you team coffee or team tea?  

I sent out some sweet coffee images and sentiments from a fun Gina K Designs set called Perfect Blend. I also included some fun coffee themed patterned papers, along with some cute ribbon and twine. And, of course embellishments for the bling!  I hope there were enough options for some fun cards!

I picked the traditional coffee cup and colored it with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the image and black layer with a set of Gina Marie Cross Stitched Circles.  I then added one of the cute sentiments and also backed that rectangle with black.  The fun patterned paper are coffee beans from Moxie called Perfect Blend-Coffee Addict. I went with a layer of the sparkly brown ribbon, topped with brown baker's twine. The bling are jewels from Pinkfresh Studios and the color is Sparkling Champagne--another great beverage!   This was fun card to make!

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of the fun coffee bean patterned paper.

I hope all of the Dueling Darlings enjoy my card this month and that my team liked their coffee themed kit. Please be sure to stop in to see what fun morning beverage creations are posted!  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.  Our teammate Lorraine does not have a blogs, so please check out her card in her SCS gallery.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the wonderful creations this month!   Darlene and Terry are up for April, so be sure to check back on the 15th to see all of our creations.

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Perfect Blend Stamp Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:   The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White Stampin' Up Basic Black, Early Espresso;  Moxie Perfect Blend-Coffee Addict Patterned Papers; 

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Circle Dies; Brown Baker's Twine; Brown Sparkly Ribbon; Pinkfresh Studios Sparkling Champagne Jewels; Copic Sketch Markers

No Coffee?

This is my April card for the monthly themed swap that Terry is hosting on SCS. Each month she will post a theme and we make cards using any stamp set we believe follows that thought. This is our 59th month and the theme for April  is "Coffee, Chocolate, Cravings".  

I went with a fun, older stamp from the Funny Bone Collection of Riley & Company called Depresso!   I die cut the sentiment and the layer behind from my  Gina Marie Designs Stitched Square Dies.  I picked a fun coffee bean patterned paper from the Moxie Cup O Java Perfect Blend Line.  I added a strip of Stampin' Up Early Espresso Grosgrain Ribbon and a coffee cup brad.  I think this is a fun card.

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Terry and the others swappers like my card this month too! Terry has already posted the May theme and the ones for the rest of the year.  Be sure to come back in to see what we create!  

Image/Sentiment:  Riley & Company Funny Bones Depresso

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 110# Ivory; Stampin' Up Early Espresso, Basic Black; Moxie Cup O Java-Perfect Blend

Ink:  Stampin' Up Early Espresso

Accessories:   Stampin' Up Early Espresso 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon; Coffee Cup Brad

Espresso Yourself

Today is the 10th and is the 4th month of the Stamp What? challenge with the three collaborators you have seen many times in the past--Kelly, Jeanette and me!  Kelly came up with the challenge to randomly pick a Stampin' Up set and make a card with that set.  Get the dust off of those forgotten Stampin' Up sets! 

I randomly picked a Stampin' Up set off of my shelf and this time I went to the one shelf I have of wood mounted sets.  I randomly picked Espresso Yourself---one of my oldest and most loved sets!  

I stamped the mug and steam with Early Espresso ink.  I now remember how hard it is to line up a stamp over a stamped image--I had a practice a few times with the steam and cup!  I then colored with my Copic Sketch Markers and added some Wink of Stella on the heart and the liquid in the mug.  I think it is a Latte!  The background paper is from Moxie called Perfect Bland Delight and are coffee beans in the shape of hearts!  

Here is the inside of my card, with some beans stamped in the corner:

Please be sure to check out the other Stamp What? cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards! I hope Kelly and Jeanette like my card. I hope you will stop back next month on the 10th to see our creations from dusty, old stamp sets!

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Espresso Yourself

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# Ivory; Stampin' Up Bermuda Bay, Early Espresso; Moxie Perfect Blend Delight Patterned Paper

Ink: Stampin' Up Bermuda Bay, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Wink of Stella; Copic Sketch Markers; Stampin' Up 1/8" Bermuda Bay Stitched Ribbon

Pink and Positive!

It is the 10th of the month and that means it is time for my card for the monthly themed swap that Terry is hosting on SCS. Each month she will post a theme and we make cards using any stamp set we believe follows that thought. This is our 45th month and the theme for October is "Pink and Positive".  

Since October is breast cancer awareness month, I went with a Paper Inspirations sentiment and Moxie Cure For All Awareness patterned paper.   I am sure there will be some wonderful cards this month. 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Terry and the others swappers like my card this month too! Terry has already posted the November theme.  Be sure to come back in to see what we create!  

Image/Sentiment: Paper Inspirations Survivor Calligraphy

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Lovely Lipstick, Rocco Rose; Moxie Cure For All Awareness Patterned Paper

Ink: Stampin' Up Rocco Rose

Accessories:  Stampin' Up Whisper White 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon;

Opposites......... Attract?

Today is third Wednesday of the month and this is my Ready, Set, Go Challenge Card! The 3 Musketeers--Kelly, Jeanette and me--are back with another challenge for July-our 27th month!  That means we are into our third year--YAY!

Kelly provided the challenge for August when she said: One of the fun parts of creating is making sense out of things that don't always make sense!  Mom used to say when my brother and I were growing up "one of these things is NOT like the other!"  I think he was the other, LOL!  But we were thick as thieves and the best of friends.

So here’s the August theme…  Opposites ....... attract? 

 Your challenge this month is to take two things that do not necessarily belong together and add them to your card in a creative way.  Now, I'm sure you're saying "that girl got too much sun on her vacation!   What does she mean!?"  Think of two OBJECTS, as opposed to a color (like black and white) or a unit (big and small.)  For example, a sun and a moon ...fire and water ...you get the idea.  Use at least 2 opposing stamps that you would not normally pair together on the same card.  With a little thinking, and a LOT of creativity, you can make two opposite things work together.  

Ready? Set? Go!

I thought and thought and thought a bit more...............  Hmmmmm, what would work together, but were not made for each other.  I saw this Unity stamp and immediately thought of the Monday Night Football song.  Then, I thought about high school and Homecoming.  And--the parade!  So, I found a musical stamp set that was actually gifted to me by Kelly a few years ago.  It has a saxophone image, the instrument I played in band along with a trumpet, what Rebecca played in high school and still does.  She plays in our Easter brass choir. Plus, she occasionally plays taps for military funerals as she is a member of Bugles Across America and they will provide a volunteer to play whenever asked.  

My card highlights two groups in high school that many times are in opposition to each other--athletics and the arts.  But, they also come together often to provide a great event, like the Homecoming parade and especially the half-time show!  I hope Kelly thinks my card shows that opposites do attract!

Here is the inside of my card.

Please be sure to check out the other Ready, Set, Go cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards! I hope Kelly and Jeanette like my card.  I is up for the next theme, so be sure to check back to see what we are up to on the 3rd Wednesday in September!  

Image/Sentiment: Unity-Are you Ready for Some Football; TPC Studio-Music

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip, Basic Black; Moxie Grid Iron Patterned Paper

Ink: Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip; Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: None

Comfort is a Latte

It is the 7th, so that means a Crafters of Faith post is due today.  This is a great group that my friend Kelly started on SCS. This is our 5th month and Sue gave us this challenge:   My favorite verse is:  "Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God." Psalm 90:2.

Whenever I feel like I can't make it through a tough time, I remind myself that whatever problem I'm facing is so teensy-tiny in the big scheme of things. God always was, He is, and He always will be...long before I was on this earth and long after I am gone. All I have to do is be still and let Him take care of things. Thoughts of His constancy comforts my soul, even in the most troubled times.

Comfort is the key word for May. Make a card of something that brings you comfort. It can be a bowl of chicken soup, a fuzzy pet, reading a good book or spending time with a special person.

Comfort?  There are many things that give me comfort or make me feel comfortable.  I decided that similar to last month, the outdoors give me comfort. So--this card shows off a new stamp set that I got a few weeks ago at the stamp show from a new company to me, The Stamps of Life.  Many of their sets have matching dies and I even signed up for a monthly kit that will be send to me.  Back to comfort....... I love coffee and latte's as I have an almond milk latte every morning at home, along with a couple of cups of favored coffee.  And--one of the best things about our green house is to go out on a Saturday morning during the winter when the sun is shining  and have our morning coffee and read the newspaper--comfort and very comfortable! 


Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Kelly and Sue along the others like my card this month!  We are to post between the 7th and 10th of each month, so if you look on my sidebar, you may see other creations.  I know that there will be many posted in the COF thread on SCS too!

Image/Sentiment:  The Stamps of Life Coffee 4 Two Stamp Set


Cardstock:  Recollections 110# Ivory; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake; Moxie Perfect Blend-Coffee Addict Patterned Paper


Ink:  Stampin' Up Early Espresso

Accessories:  SU Early Espresso 3/8" Quilted Ribbon, Black Candy Dots and Matching Brads, Ivory Doily; Red heart brad inside

Last Man Standing

This is the second of the two cards I made for Peggy Sue's Raining Ho-Ho-Ho Swap that she is hosting on SCS. My other card was posted last Thursday, if you want to check back. 

I inked up one of my favorite Whipper Snapper snowman images--Last Man Standing!  I also added some clear Wink of Stella on the snow flakes and on the snow on the trees for some glimmer! 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope Peggy Sue and the other swappers like my card!

Image/Sentiment: Whipper Snapper Designs Last Man Standing

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Early Espresso: Moxie Winter Wishes-Woodland Wonder Patterned Paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  SU Early Espresso 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Mini Banner Punch; White Snowflake Brad; Wink of Stella Clear Glitter; Copic Markers

Time for Football Melonheadz

I am back with another card for this week's Melonheadz Challenge.

The theme for this challenge is Add a Sentiment!

It runs from November 7th to the 20th

Melonheadz sure has the cutest images--I love every one of them and have a hard time choosing which one I want to use for each of our challenges!  Be sure to go and check them out!

 

Here is the inside of my card:

I hope you and my teammates like my card for this challenge! 

Image/Sentiment:  Melonheadz Football Clip Art

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Recollections 110# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango; Moxie Grid Iron-Extra Point Patterned Paper

Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon; 

I hope you will play along this week with the Melonheadz Challenge too! Be sure to go to the challenge blog and add your creations for the challenge this week! You can also check out the rest of the DT Creations with the links on the left sidebar.