BYSH Cardmakers April Linky Party ~ Spring into Christmas

Hi Crafty Friends,
Our spring Linky party is open at Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers.  We have so many amazing sponsors and some fabulous prizes to be won by those who link up their projects on our blog.
Here's my project using my Glimmer Foiling system and a Betterpress plate (yes, you can foil using your Betterpress plates!!!)  By using an alcohol ink-compatible cardstock, I was able to use Copic markers after foiling the image.

You may enter as many projects as you'd like during the event; more chances for you to win and you'll be putting a dent in your holiday cardmaking - woohoo!!

So, what are you waiting for? 

Cut it Up Challenge #302 ~ Starts with a B

Hi Crafty Friends,
So glad you're visiting.  Today I'm sharing my project for Cut it Up's challenge 302 ~ Starts with a B
Here's my Butterfly project.

I have been participating in the PinkFresh Studio's Create and Connect cardmaking events.  During our last event, we were introduced to their amazing Washi tape designs.  In the Fluttering Butterflies product suite, there is a die that matches both the clear stamp set and the Washi tape!  All of the stems and butterflies are cut at once - LOVE IT!!

I also used the PF Daisy Chain coverplate for the background which I ink blended using PF inks.  The sentiment is from the PF Extra Special sentiments set and I added some PF glitter dots.

I hope you'll play along with us.  Just follow the link above.

Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers ~ Sketch Challenge # 44

Hi Crafty Friends,
Our newest challenge at BYSH has been open since April 1.  Here is my first design team project for #44. 

I finally got my Copic markers out to color this cute little image using a stamp that has been in my stash.

The challenge is open through the end of April.  You can find inspiration on the BYSH blog and in our Facebook group.  Then you can enter your own project HERE.

Here's the challenge sketch.

We hope you'll play along.

Cut it Up Challenge #301 ~ 3-2-1

Hi Crafty Friends,
We have a fun new challenge for you at Cut it Up Challenges.For Challenge #301 we're asking you to use 3 gems, 2 die cuts, and 1 sentiment on your project.
Here's my card.

I used my Betterpress letterpress system for this card.  The plates are from Spellbinders and included the sentiment die cut as well.  I added a frame from Pinkfresh Studio's essential frame dies.I used black Betterpress ink on Betterpress paper.  I love the deep impression made by using this system.  I considered adding water color but decided the 3 red gems added just the right "drama."
I hope you'll play along.  Please upload your project to our challenge blog (link above.)

Outlawz Challenge ~ Festive Friday April Challenge

Hi Crafty Friends,
I'm so excited to announce that I have joined the Outlawz Challenge - Festive Friday design team.It will be fun being a part of another challenge blog and I hope you'll join me by playing along.
This challenge has FOUR themes for you to choose from each month.  April's themes are:Christmas (always a choice)Happy EasterSpring is in the AirClean and Simple (CAS)
I have some new crafty tools that I've been playing with.  My newest is the Glimmer Foil systemso I decided to follow the CAS theme with this card made using the Glimmer and plates from Spellbinders (sentiment) and Pinkfresh Studio (design.)

Please visit the blog (link above) to read the challenge guidelines and upload your project.

We're also on Facebook HERE where you can read about All of the Outlawz challenges.

Thanks for stopping by.

Pearly Sparkles April Challenge ~ For Men or Boys

Hi Crafty Friends,
Happy April!  Here in northern California our March roared in like a lion, but it sure didn't go out like a lamb.  Our weather still can't make up its mind whether it's winter or spring.  I'm truly ready  to wear my flip flops but . . . 
Our Pearly Sparkles April challenge is "For men or Boys."  Sometimes those masculine cards can be a struggle but I think the Betterpress plate I chose to use works well.

The sentiment is also a Betterpress plate.  I love the deep etching these plates produce.  I inked up the background before I pressed and actually cut the mat apart so that more of the design would show after adding the rather large sentiment.  The finished card is 6x5.
I hope you'll play along with us this month.  Just follow the link above to add your card to the challenge.

BYSH Cardmakers ~ March Challenge #43, project 2

Hi Crafty Friends,
 Sketch challenge #43 is open on the Build Your Stash Holiday CardmakersFacebook page.  You'll find the sketch below and you may visit the BLOG and the Facebook page for more inspiration and then upload your challenge project HERE.
Here's my second project for this month's challenge.

The papers and embellishments are from Echo Park.

Here's sketch #43 for your inspiration:

I hope you'll play along and keep building your holiday stash.

Cut it Up Challenge #300 ~ Happy Birthday!

Hi Crafty Friends,
It's time for Cut it Up's 300th challenge!  Wowzers, I remember when we celebrated our 100th and thought it was a really big deal.  So many cards, so many challenges and now I've been the blog owner for a little over a year.  Time flies when you love crafting.
Our 300th challenge theme is Happy Birthday.

For this birthday card I decided to use some new crafty products.The card base and window were cut from Spellbinders Make a Wish Arch Labels.The flowers are from Pinkfresh Studio's Breezy Bloons.  I used the stamp, die, and stencils from this set.  There is also a press plate but I heat embossed the stamp instead.  The gems are also from Pinkfresh Studio.  The sentiment is Jaded Blossom's So many birthdays 4.  I used Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes and design papers from Authentique.
I hope you'll play along with our 300th challenge.

Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers ~ March Challenge, Sketch #43

Hi Crafty Friends,
 Sketch challenge #43 is open on the Build Your Stash Holiday CardmakersFacebook page.  You'll find the sketch below and you may visit the BLOG and the Facebook page for more inspiration and then upload your challenge project HERE.
Here's my first project for this month's challenge.

Here's sketch #43 for your inspiration:

I hope you'll play along and keep building your holiday stash.

Cut it Up Challenge #299 ~ Colors of Spring

Hi Crafty Friends,
It's time for a new challenge at Cut it Up Challenge Blog.
Those of us in the USA are truly ready for spring so to help it along, our theme isCOLORS OF SPRING.
Here's my card:

I recently participated in Pinkfresh Studio's Create and Connect Cardmaking event.This card was inspired by one of the techniques we used - partial die cutting to create the border.If you haven't used Pinkfresh Studio's stamp/stencil/die sets, I encourage you to give them a try.I used the Cosmos Bunch set and Pinkfresh cube inks.  I also used a coverplate for the inside background and inked the stripe to fill in the space.  I've used one of my favorite color combinations for this card, lavender and green.
I hope you'll play along and share your project through the link above.