Final OWH Sketch #259 and Last ODBD Challenge

Good Monday Afternoon,

Well the end is near - that is for OWH - August 1st.   I sent my last box in to OWH last week so I decided to make the last sketch for another hero.  It is a K-9 by the name of Koda and he had been battling cancer and fought a good and courageous fight but his health had deteriorated and they had to make a heart breaking decision to lay him to rest.  He served with the Vacaville PD in California for 8 years.  This is the town we raised our family and many family and friends are still there - so I decided to make a card for Officer Kelli Gottlieb in honor of Koda.

I also made the a card for the last ODBD Challenge - last I looked they were still short of reaching their goal.  We are to make a "Thank you" card.

I am wishing Sandy the best in her new endeavors and want to say Thank You to Sandy and all the many volunteers that gave so much to OWH.   I've learned so much through OWH and I feel the quality of my cards improved from those cards I first sent to Sandy.  I bet she shuttered when many of first started sending cards.  LOL

May you have wonderful journeys and I know many of us our paths will cross as we find other challenges to stretch our creative talents.

Blessings to all,

Sharon

I used ODBD strawberry stamp for the strawberries.  I have another
challenge for a local Club in the area to make something with
whatever grows and thought these would be perfect.

OWH Sketch #256 and ODBD Challenge - Miss You card

Good Friday Morning,

This is a great sketch -- this will be one that I will use often.  This card will be for both this sketch and this months ODBD Challenge.   I have a busy day ahead so this will be short ... I want to get this card posted before this month is totally gone.  Hard to believe July is just next week.  Where has these past 6 months gone?  Only one more month left for OWH :-(

Wishing everyone a wonderful crafting weekend.

Blessing to all,

Sharon

This little puppy says it all in his expression.

OWH Sketch Challenge #255

Good afternoon......

Wanted to get my challenge card posted before the next sketch.  I am going to use this sketch for a few more cards....  I used my new die from Spellbinders.  A friend and I were out on a craft shopping day and we stopped in Blue Moon Scrapbooking (check out their website) - it is actually an online store but they do let crafters like us stop in and by at the brick and mortar site.  It is set up like a warehouse so you really need to look at everything.  Well my friend found this die for me and I couldn't resist.  We have a yellow lab and I love making doggie cards.  My little Sadie was helping me today too -- sleeping at my feet in my tiny craft room while making some cards.

Hope everyone has a good rest of the week.

Blessings and hugs to all,

Sharon

Sketch 255 

Sadie - busy sleeping while I make cards.

OWH Mid-month throwdown - His & Hers

Good Afternoon,

Hope all is well with all of you -- all is well here in the desert -- beautiful weather -- warm and not too hot (yet).   The theme is to make a Masculine and a Feminine card using the same card layout/design. I used OWH sketch #197, the same DS paper pack and I decided to use the same stamp as well. (I really like challenges LOL)

I used some retired SU from their Print Poetry DS paper for Mid-month Throwdown Challenge.   I am doing my best to use up some of my old stock of paper so I can justify buying some of the new wonderful paper this spring.  Are any of you like me.... save my paper cause I might want to use it on something special later.

I also am posting a couple of cards that I made for two challenges for a local paper crafters group.   The first challenge is for an exchange card is Polka Dots Galore and the second one is a Mystery Item Challenge.  We were given 4 black photo corners to create a card.   I thought you might enjoy seeing these two cards too.

Thanks for stopping by -- blessings to all.

Remember:  OWH final cards are due August 1st and no later...... and don't forget OWH's Blog Hop this Saturday, May 23rd.  I am looking forward to visiting everyone's blog - I have a class on Saturday so it won't be until late Sat or early Sunday -- I know there will be lots and lots of wonderful cards and inspiration.

OWH Mid-Month Throwdown - His & Her

Mystery Item Challenge for Salsa Group
The mystery item 4 photo corners (hint - I made the bat wings with them)

Card Exchange Challenge - Polka Dots Galore for Salsa
I also used OWH sketch 197 for this card too.

OWH Sketch Challenge 254

Good Afternoon ..... Sort of

I just finished reading Sandy's Situation Report and I am filled with mixed emotions.  I am happy that our many of our deployed heros are soon to be home but I am going to miss the fellow OWHers and all that we have learned together and of course I will miss our fearless leader Sandy -- who I have admired for all that she has done and continues to do.  I really appreciate the opportunity she shared with all of us -- to touch the lives of those who have served this great country -- keeping us safe and out of harms way.

It is bitter sweet - but we must carry on and help Sandy and OWH -- "Finish Strong" -- from now until August 1st, 2015.

So -- here are my cards for this challenge.

Thanks for checking in -- blessing to all,

Sharon

April Mid-Month Throwdown - Stitching Challenge

Good Sunday afternoon....

It is a beautiful day here in the Southwest -- cactus are all beginning to bloom - I really love to see the Saguaro in bloom - their blooms remind me of daisies.

I used the sketch 252 to make my card today with a little variation ... using a single ribbon instead of two strips under the circle.  The patchwork sunshine and the little corner patches are from Copper Leaf stamps and the sentiment is from Stampin' Up - "You Brighten My Day"

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Hugs and blessings,

Sharon

I'm Back with OWH Sketch Challenge 252

Well it has been a long, long, long time since my last post.  Lots of things have gone on in our lives, moves, surgeries and traveling.  You all know -- that's what they call life.  I have really missed participating with the challenges and sending in my cards and seeing everyone's beautiful creations.

So without any further mumblings ...... I prepared two cards using this sketch.  Let me know what you think --

Thanks for checking in and God Bless to all.

Sharon

OWH - Stars & Stamps Sketch Challenge

Hello,

Hope everyone had a good day and Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms too.  I enjoyed my day -- did a little card making, little bit of laundry and most important spending time with hubby and talking with my two grown kids and my sister on the telephone.  All-in-all it was a great day.

Thanks for stopping in to say hello.  I really appreciate your comments and enjoy hearing from you.

Hugs and blessings,

Sharon

OWH Sketch #172

I made two cards using this sketch.  I changed it a bit -  I off set the
stamped image just for something different.  For both of these cards
I used SU stamps - Feeling Sentimental for both images and the
sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  The DSP is This & That Epic Day
The button was punched from MS button punch.  

I was casing one of Jane's cards from Friday's OWH Featured Cardmaker post.
In honor of her and all she accomplished for our heroes we were asked to
case one of her cards.  I varied it a little and hope I captured a little of
her spirit and talent in my rendition.

I embossed SU soft suede card stock with one of Tim Holtz Allerations
embossing folder.  The watch stamp is from Stampers Best and I believe
the sentiment is too.  I heat embossed the watch with gold embossing
then stamped the face with black ink and fussy cut the watch face out.
The metal gear I had in my supplies - not sure where purchased.
I used SU oval framelit dies to cut the ovals.

OWH Midweek Throwdown Challenge His & Hers

Good Friday Evening,

Just a taking a few minutes to get two cards posted for this challenge.  Our challenge is to make two cards this week, one for a man and one for a woman using the same layout.  I picked OWH sketch #32 to make these two cards.

Been busy making cards I promised for a local organization's raffle/door prize -- so as I make one for them I make a duplicate for OWH.  So you guessed it -- I made these two for OWH and then made two more for the local organization.  Hope to have a nice batch ready to send off to OWH too.

Tomorrow I am going to case one of Jane's card in honor of Jane for our heroes.  Jane was a cardmaker for OWH who sent cards since January 2010.  Sadly she lost her battle with cancer.  Jane's cards are featured on the Stars and Stamps blog today with a little bit about Jane   Please take a minute to go visit and see her beautiful work.

Thanks for checking in --  I so appreciate your visit and comments.

Hugs and blessings,

Sharon

All supplies are Stampin' Up with the exception of the small strip of background
DP - it is from my scrap stash.  The sentiment - Teeny Tiny Wishes - using the Itty
Bitty Banner dies to cut out.  The flower image is from Best of Flowers.  I used
Egglplant and Wisteria Wonder card stock.  The embossing folder is Vine Street.

All supplies are Stampin' Up -- Image - Lovely as a Tree.  Background DSP
is First Edition (retiring), Sentiment - Teeny Tiny Wishes and the Banner
and Itty Bitty Banner dies to cut out the sentiment.  The embossing
folder is Woodgrain and card stock - Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and
Very Vanilla

OWH Challenges

Good Wednesday Morning

Just doing a little catching up on some of the past challenges.  Hopefully I can find a little more time in the next few days to do today's challenge.  Sure don't know where all my time goes -- anyone else feel that way sometimes?  -- Just doing a quick post  -- I'll come back this afternoon and post the supplies used on each of the cards.  Being pressed for time I tried to combine a few of the challenges.

Thanks for stoppin' in.  It really means a lot to me to have your feedback.

Hugs,

Sharon

OWH Sketch Challenge 171, VCMP Challenge #5 and Sandy's challenge - Romantic card

OWH Sketch #171

OWH Sketch #170

OWH Sketch Challenge card for Sketch 170 and ODBD - challenge - Miss you

VCMP Challenge #2 - Paula's Challenge - Kids card

Midweek Throwdown - Thank You challenge

VCMP #4 - Nancy's Blog --Cards from scrapbooking sketches and
VCMP #6 - use a photo and make a Any Hero Card

OWH Sketch Challenge #169

Good Sunday Afternoon,

Well I managed to get one card completed today.  Been busy in the kitchen and catching up on filing.  I made some wonderful Granola - my sis sent me a sample and it was so yummy -- hubby and I just love it so I had to get the recipe.  Now about every ten days it is granola making day.  It isn't hard -- just have to remember to stir it every 15 minutes so I can't get involved in my cards -- the granola would burn up -- I get so intense and block out everything else -- LOL  Anybody else like that?

Anyway - on to the challenge for today -- as I said I completed one card and have a couple more in the works - I found I had purchased some digis from Doodle Pantry some time ago and now I want to make a card or two using those digis.  I'll post those tomorrow or the next day.  It is very nice of them to sponsor this week's sketch challenge.  They made some fun sample cards too.

Today's card was made using all Stampin' Up products.  I list the supplies under the card.

Thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts.  It really means a bunch hearing from you.

Hugs & Blessings,

Sharon

OWH Sketch Challenge #169

Supplies:  Stampin' Up, Stamp - Just Thinking,   crumb Cake,  Expresso and
Midnight Muse card stock, DP - Print Poetry, Buttons Sizzlits for the buttons,
Window Frames Collection - Framelits Dies,  Stitched Satin Ribbon,
Scallop Trim Border,  Square Lattice Folder, Ink - Midnight Muse

OWH Challenges

Hello --

I can't believe how time flies by so fast.  I've been busy creating cards and a new wreath for the front door and just don't get to my blog.  I did manage to do a few of OWH challenges -- Last Sunday's Sketch Challenge 168, Bootcamp - Using Odd Numbers in Design, Tuesday Tutorial:  Mirror Image Stamping, Midweek Throwdown - A Bugs Life and ODBD - April's Challenge - Things That Fly

OWH Sketch Challenge 168 - I used all Stampin' Up products unless noted DP for the two background
pieces from their Print Poetry 6 x 6 pad, SU card stock - Wild Wasabi and Midnight Muse, and Very
Vanilla.  I used Vintage Wallpaper EF and the image and Sentiment is from Clearly for You (retired)
The ribbon is a scrap from my stash.

This card I made for the Tuesday Tutorial - Mirror Image. The image is from Hero Arts --
For some reason I had a hard time finding something in my collection that would do the job.
I colored these two (not my specialty) - the polka dot DP is from Stampin' Up Sunshine & Sprinkles,
I used Pacific Point and So Saffron card stock.  The Pacific Point and Polka Dots are
brighter colors than what I usually work with -- so this is a big change.  I also used -- three
strands of Tim Holtz striped cord.  (This goes with our Bootcamp lesson - odd numbers in our design).
The sentiment is from SU - Short & Sweet and used SU punches.

This card and the one below are for the Bootcamp lesson - I put three items for
a focal point to the right of the sentiment -- thread spool,  pin with 3 pearls and the scissors.
I used Stampin' Up card stock - real red, black; oval & Labels  Collection framelits.
All images and sentiment are from Clearstamps - 2010 Material Girl.  The wood look
DP is Bramble Rose by My Mind's Eye -- the red DP I don't remember the manufacturer.
I added some bling to the neckline with pearls and black gems at the waistline with
some red Offray Tulle for the skirt.

This card is for three challenges (hmmm odd number) - ODBD Challenge - Things that Fly,
the Midweek Throwdown Challenge - Its a Bugs Life and our Bootcamp Lesson - Using
Odd Numbers in the Design.   I had different visions for this card -- I wanted to use the
sentiment -- I've had it for a long time and wanted to finally ink it up.  When I first started with my
idea - I thought I wanted to make the dragonfly and butterfly images lifelike - well guess what,
in my stash of stamps -- I have plenty of lifelike looking butterfly stamps -- but no life like
dragonfly. So I opted to use a flowery butterfly stamp from Stampin' Ups Papillon Potpourri set and
the dragon fly -- unknown.  The sentiment and the itty bitty dragon fly stamp is from Stampers Best.
The other itty bitty butterfly stamp is from SU  - The DP is from my scrap pile and the card stock
is from Stampin' Up - Wild Wasabi and the one blue square is Baja Breeze.  

Here is my Spring door wreath.  I used the Swallowtail stamp from
Stampin' Up to make the butterfly. I borrowed it from one of my fellow card makers --
I heat embossed the image on vellum then water colored on the back of each of the butterflies.  I used various colors on each of them.  The list of colors - not in any order on the Swallowtail, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry, Midnight Muse and Cajun Craze.  I fussy cut one of them out -- it wanted to curl up so I glued them on some white card stock and then finished cutting them out.   I think they add a nice touch to my wreath.

Thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts.

Hugs & blessings,

Sharon

OWH Sketch Challenges and the Paper Players Challenge

Good Sunday afternoon

I am playing catch up on all the challenges.  Life once again won out on my time - but that is okay one can't let yesterday use up today.

So on to the challenges -- I will list the most recent and work backwards.

I still have this past week's Midweek Throwdown Challenge to complete (Tags 'n Twine).  I'll do my best to get one completed and posted along with this Wednesday's Midweek Throwdown Challenge.

Well -- happy card making and crafting to all of you.  Thanks for stopping in a visiting.

Hugs,

Sharon

OWH Sketch Challenge 167

This card follows the OWH Sketch 167 - I added
the rounded upper corner and three tabs of ribbon for accent.
Supplies:  Stampin' Up supplies - Stamps - The Open Sea and
the sentiment is Teeny Tiny wishes.  DSP - Sunshine & Sprinkles,
Scallop Edge Border, Framelits - Window Frame Collection, Satin Stitched Ribbon
Card stock - Bashful Blue and Midnight Muse

This card is for both the OWH Sketch Challenge 167 and the paper players Theme Challenge #140
to use a re-purposed or recycled item on your project.  I used some netting from a sack of
potatoes.  I think it adds a nice touch with the fish theme.  The supplies used:
Stampin' Up card stock - stamp sets - By the Tide and Teeny Tiny Wishes.  Also used
Scallop Edge Border and Framelits - Window Frame Collection

OWH Sketch Challenge 166 

This card is for OWH Sketch Challenge 166, Midweek Throwdown Stripes from March 27th and
the Tutorial: Bubble Wrap Background

Supplies used:  SU card stock- crumb cake and midnight muse - DSP - stripes from the Patterned Stack
of neutrals.  Stamps - Lovely as a Tree (for the background trees)  and Truck image from Country side.
I used midnight muse and Early Espresso on the bubble wrap and stamped on crumb cake card stock.
The sentiment is from the stamp set - From My Heart.  The gears are from Tim Holtz Die

Food for thought:  A contented person enjoys the scenery on a detour.
                                              ~Anonymous~

Sketch Challenge #165, Challenge - Ombre` and Bootcamp -the Rule of Thirds

Good Monday afternoon (again) --wow my 2nd post for the day -- trying to get these all posted.  Also working on getting cards boxed up and off to OWH tomorrow. 

Wishing everyone a great week - thanks for stopping in and visiting.

Hugs,

Sharon

OWH Sketch Challenge 165 - 

Midweek Challenge - Ombre` colors/patterns - colors graduating from light to dark.
This card won't be going to OWH with the glitter paper -- this is for a friend
of mine that likes the bling.  :-)

This is for the Bootcamp lesson - the Rule of Thirds.  I used
this week's Sketch 165 but moved the center band up similar  to
what Patricia, this weeks sketch samples.

I made a template with vellum to help me find my third "sweet spot" -
this shows it over my card and below with any card.