Sunday, August 31, 2014

CAS(E) this Sketch! Challenge Entry

I'm making a valiant effort to participate in more challenges. I enjoy them. First, they give me a great starting point for a card. Sometimes, I don't know where to begin, but challenges usually have  parameters to follow, which narrows down the possibilities and gives me a place to start.

Second, challenges force me to take a really critical look at my work and try to raise the bar. There are so many talented designers and in order to compete, I have to really step up my game. I like that. I like trying to better myself.

And, if I'm lucky enough to win, they give me a little more confidence in what I'm doing. We all need a self esteem boost now and again, don't we?

So, here is a card I made for the CAS(E) this Sketch! challenge. I was going to enter it into the Runway Inspired challenge, too, but I just noticed I missed the deadline. Bummer!




Here is the sketch:

Friday, August 22, 2014

Case This Sketch #89

Now that my kiddos are both in school all day, I have a little more time to play, which means I will be able to enter challenges and submit to magazines - both of which I've been wanting to do more often. I don't know how these talented designers with young kids have the time to design, play in challenges and submit work for publication. I'm impressed and, admittedly, a little envious.

Today's card is for the CAS(E) This Sketch challenge.


Products
Stamps and dies - Paper Sweeties
Ink - Stampin' Up!
Markers - Copic
Accessories - Eyelet Outlet, Paper Sweeties
Paper - Simple Stories


Saturday, August 16, 2014

Paper Sweeties August Release Rewind!

The releases went live yesterday. You got to see all the new sets and ways to use them. Now, you can see ways to use them with existing Paper Sweeties sets. I think you'll find they complement each other very well.


In this card, I stamped the hearts and circles image from the new Be Happy set onto the card base, and very loosely watercolored them. The flowers are also from another new release - the Party Time stamp set and Sweet Cuts. The polka dotted label was cut with the existing Beautiful Little Wishes Sweet Cut. The black label and sentiment come from the Welcome Spring stamp set.

There are so many ways the new sets can be used with the old. Check out how the rest of the Paper Sweeties design team used them together.
 
Don't forget. There is a challenge going on at Paper Sweeties.  Click here for more information and a chance to win prizes - extra prizes to celebrate Paper Sweeties' second anniversary!

Friday, August 15, 2014

Paper Sweeties August Release Party!

It's release day, which means you get to see the products I used in my last two posts and you can buy them! But, first, here's another look at a card I made with them.


I love the sweet, feminine images in the Paper Sweeties collection, but I'm thrilled that this release includes images that can be used in masculine cards, too. I used the Party Time and Be Happy stamp sets and Sweet Cuts for this card.

And speaking of masculine birthday cards, I have to divert off track for just a moment to share a picture of my hubby, who turned 50 yesterday. Yep, I'm married to an old guy, but I love him. (And, I'm not far behind him, which kind of scares me.) Happy birthday, honey!!

The kids and I surpised him by decorating the porch and front yard. As soon as he got home, we doused him with silly string!!

Now, back to my regularly scheduled post. The new releases are available. Check out the other projects made my very talented design team mates. They are so stinkin' good.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Paper Sweeties August Release Countdown!

We're counting down to release day, which is TOMORROW! Yippee! It's also Back-to-School season. My kids return on Monday. This summer has flown by so quickly.


 Just in time for the start of the season, I made some adorable lunch box notes, which I plan to put in my kids' lunches. The are small little notes (2"x3") that can be easily tucked into a lunch bag. What kid wouldn't want a little something to boost their spirits during the school day?


The sets will be available tomorrow for purchase. In the meantime, don't forget to visit the rest of the design team's blogs.


Annette Witherspoon--That's me!
Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Paper Sweeties August Release Sneak Peeks!

August 15 is almost upon us, which means Paper Sweeties will be releasing its new sets for the month! Yay! We're starting to share sneak peeks today.

I recently noticed I didn't have many masculine cards. Fortunately, some of the images in the new sets are non gender specific. Check out my card below. The banner, sentiment, and stars are all from the new releases. This card works for a male or female!


I'll be back tomorrow with another sneak peek. I made several lunchbox notes just in time for back to school!! In the meantime, please check out the rest of the design team's creations.


Annette Witherspoon -- That's me!
Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Paper Sweeties August Inspiration Challenge #22 - 'Let's Celebrate'

The monthly challenge for Paper Sweeties is happening right now! This month is particularly special because Paper Sweeties turns 2 years old! Happy Birthday, Paper Sweeties! I'm honored to be a part of the design team.

To celebrate this epic event, I made a birthday card, of course! The card, created with this month's inspiration photo below, uses two Sweet Cuts dies and one stamp.

The birthday banner is from the Sweeties Wagon Sweet Cuts. I cut it in blue, pink and green, adhered them in alternating colors onto some twine and applied alphabet stickers.

The dog came from the Sweeties Pets set. I stamped it twice; once on blue polka dotted paper and once on solid blue paper. I fussy cut the polka-dotted dog and only the ears, eye, paws and tail from the blue dog before adhering them on top of the polka-dotted dog.

Here's the kicker. I didn't have any balloon dies, so I improvised. I used the egg die from the Hippity Hoppity Easter Wishes Sweet Cuts to create the balloons!

And, it's not a birthday party without presents - lots of presents! Click here to learn more about the prizes and how to win them!

If you haven't yet hopped along, please visit the blogs below to get even more ideas. We have several guest designers this month for extra inspiration!


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