Better to be REAL than PERFECT!

 Happy Saturday! I hope the sun is shining for you wherever you are today!

We have a new Polkadoodles Challenge - always Anything Goes! Play along for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate or one of 3 $10 gift certificates to the Polkadoodles store!

I'd like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Sending Flowers

Creative Moments #272 - Use a Die Cut

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything Goes

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes

My image is called Thinking Rebel Girl - I printed her out and colored her with Copics, then used a fancy-edge circle die cut to cut her out, sponging the edges. I used the same die cut on the digi papers for the background - digi papers are from the Happy Cactus Succulent pack. Sentiment is from the Rebel Messages with Attitude pack. I finished it off with a giant button in the corner.

And then - just to make you laugh - when I made my card for this challenge, I didn't catch that Nikky asked us to use a specific color scheme, so I actually made the "wrong" card at first!  LOL  She's super cute though - I had fun paper-piecing her hat & dress on this one:

Papers, digi stamp (link above), and sentiment are all from Polkadoodles. I used a die cut frame to cut her out and a larger one for a matted background behind her, and a smaller one for the sentiment. I used a waffle die cut behind the matted piece. Peace.

Happy 4th and Botanical Butterfly

 Happy 4th of July!  I have to say, I'm not feeling very "patriotic" this year. At all.  I'm very disappointed in our country, in our poor excuses for leaders, and it's just really hard to celebrate being an American. So just know that if you're from another country wondering what the Hell is happening over here - most of us who are still sane (or have hearts) are wondering the same damn thing.  I try to keep politics out of my blog but today just screams for me to be able to voice my opinion. So that's that. I'm having a cookout today - my first real "party" since my baby grandson passed away unexpectedly in March, so I'm keeping it small and hoping I can get through it without crying. Too much. The girls will be with their dad this weekend so that makes it harder - they make everything better, or at least they keep me busy enough that I don't have time to sit around crying or feeling sorry for myself! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!

I'd like to enter the card below into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Red, White, and/or Blue

Wednesday's Creative Inspiration - Stars and/or Stripes

I Love ProMarkers - Anything Goes/Optional Magical

Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes

Shopping Our Stash - Red, White, and Blue

(my "stash" item is the paper - I tend to hoard my Doodlebug Designs papers!)

Color Dare #659

I find that Doodlebug Designs papers go so perfectly with images from The Greeting Farm. I combined images from 2 digi sets - 4th of July and Birthday Girls, colored with Copics and paper pieced. I had fun creating this. I used a heart die cut for the sentiment and layered another one behind it.

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And then I have one more that I'd like to enter into these challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes

Dragonfly Dreams - One or More Butterflies

Triple B - Birds, Butterflies, or Blooms

Sunday Stamps - Colors (choose at least 3)

For this one, I ink smooshed the oranges, green, and light blue onto watercolor paper, leaving a pastel-type look for the background. I then stamped the large stamp from Woodware Craft Co. called Paper Nib Butterfly with Chipped Sapphire Distress Oxide Ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. Simple but effective. Peace.

sending love your way

 I loved the colors in the Sunday Stamps challenge this time (see below) and just HAD to play along! I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Dragonfly Dreams - 1 or More Butterflies

Morgan's Art World - Anything Goes

A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything Goes

Alphabet Challenge - F is for Feathers

Sunday Stamps Challenge #363 (choose at least 3 colors from the board)

I stamped the postcard and sentiment on a piece of watercolor paper with Versafine Dazzle and embossed with white embossing powder, then blended  Distress Oxide Inks over it and spritzed/wiped with water/paper towel to create my background, then used a postage stamp die to cut it out. I stamped the feathers from Woodware Craft. Co's Paper Feathers set the same way and blended each color ink on one feather, then fussy cut them and attached with foam dimensional tape. I attached the postage frame die panel to a plain white card base.  Peace.

The Paper Shelter - Christmas in July!

 We have a new challenge for you today at:

The Paper Shelter

Theme is Christmas in July or Anything Goes

I would like to enter this into

The C.R.A.F.T. Challenge- Christmas 

The 12 Months of Christmas Link  Up #124 - Anything Christmas Goes

Merry Little Christmas #63 - Anything Christmas Goes

Peace on Earth #90 - Anything Christmas Goes

Girlz Creative Christmas #131 - Anything Christmas Goes

I created my background by ink blending Candied Apple and Rustic Wilderness Distress Oxide inks on watercolor paper, then spritzing with water. I tied a piece of twine around the bottom to attach the metal sentiment piece to and added some green buttons down the side. I printed out Xtreme Xmas! and colored with Copics and Fluffy Stuff and used a postage stamp frame die to cut it out. Peace.

Fun at the Beach

Fun at the beach!  I never go to the beach anymore - I used to love it when I was young but the older I get, the more I get grouchy when I get sunburned or sand up my butt, etc.  ;)  LOL  I would like to go at least once with my daughter and the girls this Summer though!  I'd like to enter my beachy card into the following challenges:

Cut it Up - Critters (must use a die cut)

AllSorts #826 - Anything Goes/Optional Seaside

Cardz 4 Galz - Welcome to Summer

Make My Monday - Summer Fun

Sisterhood of Crafters - Fun in the Sun

Passion for Markers - Beach Vibes

Papers and stickers are all from Doodlebug Designs, I used a fun inlay die cut for some dimension. I stamped Beach Bundle Girl in a Pinch from Stamping Bella with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder. I colored with Copics, and fussy cut her before attaching with foam dimensional tape. Peace. 

All Dressed Up - We Have Wings

 We have a new challenge for you today at the All Dressed Up FB group! Theme is:

We Have Wings

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything Goes

Crafter's Cafe - Anything Goes

My papers are from a very old My Mind's Eye 6x6 pad. I die cut the word celebrate from the same paper. Digi stamp from All Dressed Up is called Sparkle - I colored with Copics and glitter. Peace.

Happy Summer & find art in imperfection

I've got 2 cards to share - for this first one, I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Red, White and/or Blue

Try it on Tuesday - Add Some Text

Creatalicious - Anything Goes/Optional Stars

My Favorite Things - Color Challenge

I used 3 different stamp sets from My Favorite Things - have you heard they are closing?  It's so sad - I've been a customer for so many years... probably 20?  I'll miss them for sure - this is the last challenge on their blog, so I decided to play along. Anyway, 2 of the sets I used are old ones - one is called PI and the Pinwheel, one is called Capture Each Moment Jolinee and the newer set is Unicorns and Glitter.  I stamped the girl with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder, then I stamped the stars & sentiment with Versafine Dazzle and embossed with white embossing powder. I did all of my stamping directly on the watercolor paper, then die cut it and sponged the blue ink over the stars & text and rubbed it with a paper towel. I sponged the edges with some Candied Apple Distress Ink and I colored the Pinwheel Girl with Copics and a white gel pen.  I added a couple of firecracker stickers from Doodlebug Designs.

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I've got one more card to squeeze into the Time Out photo board challenge for June:

I'd also like to enter this into the following challenges:

AllSorts #826 - Anything Goes/Optional Seaside

Cardz 4 Galz - Welcome to Summer

Inkspirational - Use Stencils

I created the background with the brand new Sea Net stencil from the July release at A Colorful Life Designs - you can use code JennFan10 for 10% anything in the store! I used Scorched Timber Distress Oxide Ink on a blue cardstock for the stencil background. I used Kraft for the card base and another strip of Kraft to attach the sand dollar die cut to, which I sponged the edges of with more of the Scorched Timber ink. Finished off with some pearl stickers and Kraft sticker sentiments from a Tim Holtz sticker book. Peace.

Happiness blooms from within

 Hello all!  I had some leftover paper from my first submission, so decided to make another card for the:

Color Dare #657

I'll also enter this into the following challenges:

A Place To Start - Anything Goes/Optional Recycling

CAS on Friday #312 - Botanical

As You Like It - Fave 2 Color Combo and Why

(I love this combo of coral and bright green because it's so bold and stands out!)

Just Add Ink - Inspiration Photo (I used the plants!)

I created my background by blending Distress Oxide Inks on watercolor paper, spraying with water and blotting with a paper towel. I die cut the tag from Kraft cardstock and attached it with a very old flower brad from SU! I stamped the potted plants from the Bloom From Within set at Unity Stamp Co. with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder directly on the tag/background. Peace.

Take time to make your soul happy

 Beautiful day today! My daughter is taking the girls to the beach, she's the most patient and amazing little mommy ever. I couldn't be more proud of her. 

I'd like to enter the card below into the following challenges:

Path of Positivity #132

I am using the twist - I'm sending this to a local friend who absolutely loves dandelions!

Try it on Tuesday - Add Some Text

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - SUNSHINE

Inkspirational Challenge #344

Just Us Girls - Stencil Week

I created my background by using a reverse stencil technique on watercolor paper with my Gear Mask stencil from A Colorful Life Designs June release (use code JennFan10 for 10% off at the store!).  I love the watercolor look of the background!  I printed out Dandelion Pixie from Tiddly Inks, colored with Copics and fussy cut before attaching with foam dimensional tape. I stamped the sentiment directly on the background. Peace.

Be Amazing, Be You

 I love this mood board from the choices at the Art Nudge challenge this month:

I would like to enter my card into these challenges as well:

AllSorts #826 - Anything Goes/Optional Seaside

Cut it Up #333 - Critters (must use die cuts)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Time Out #291

I used Lindy's Magicals to create my background on watercolor paper. I painted the entire piece of 6x9 paper, then cut it in half and used half to die cut the mermaid scales cover plate. I stamped the adorable mermaid and turtle from the set Let's Make Waves (new release at Pink & Main) with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder. I colored it by painting with the same color of Lindy's Magicals then used a deckled edge die cut and attached it with foam dimensional tape. I used a die cut banner for the sentiment and added a die cut seashell and some pearl stickers. Peace.

Tiddly Inks - Friend

 Hello all! I would like to enter the card below into the following challenges:

AllSorts #826 - Anything Goes/Optional Seaside

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything Goes

Addicted to Stamps - Die Cuts and/or Stencils

Tic Tac Toe #273 (I used square, stripes, and button)

I used some fun designer papers from Authentique, I have about 5 of their pads in my stash and I use them very sparingly. I won't let myself buy new paper because I have so much of it, but most of it is from Doodlebug Designs and very cutesy. I printed out Bee Mine Love Bug from Tiddly Inks directly on the DP and colored her with Copics. I fussy cut her and attached her to my die cut tags with foam dimensional tape. I added the die cut "friend" sentiment and a little wooden button to finish it off. Peace.

Every Move Must Have a Purpose

 I joined the Design Team for A Colorful Life Designs last Fall. I have since fallen in love with stencils - Mary Kay comes up with the coolest ideas for stencils and the DT members always create the most fabulous projects. And I get to offer a 10% discount to all of my friends and blog followers - JennFan10 will get you 10% off at the shop here. My fellow DT members totally inspire me and I love that I've gotten so much more comfortable using stencils in my cards. Check out the FB page here for even more inspiration. I'd like to enter this first card below into the following challenges:

Inkspirational - Use Stencils

Krafty Chicks #774 - Masculine

Wednesday's Creative Inspiration - One for the Boys

Just Us Girls - Stencil Week

Addicted to Stamps - Die Cuts and/or Stencils

I created the background with Lindy's Magicals on watercolor paper.  I used Versafine Black, applied through the Chess Pieces stencil, then embossed the chess pieces with Sparkly Clear Embossing Powder. I printed out the sentiment and sponged the edges before attaching to the card. 

Here's one more using the same stencil on a 5x7 card:

For this one, I combined the Chess Pieces stencil with the Square Cut Out stencil. Stamped the sentiment directly on the card, keeping it a one layer card. Peace.

Wishing You a Magical Day

Happy Saturday! I would like to enter the card below into the following challenges:

Color Dare Challenge #657

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

I Love ProMarkers - Anything Goes/Optional Magical

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

Try a Sketch on Tuesday #673

I created my background by blending Distress Inks on watercolor paper and spraying with water, then dabbing with a paper towel. I die cut the circles from each piece and layered them on opposite sides. I printed my digi stamps from Digi Stamp Boutique (no longer in business unfortunately!), and die cut the sentiment with a larger circle, then sponged the edges. I colored the sweet dragons with Copics and fussy cut before attaching to each circle with foam dimensional tape. Added some gemstone stickers to finish it off (my favorite embellishment!). Peace. 

Swear Word Background - Ink Road Stamps

 Happy Friday! I've got no plans at all this weekend and I'm actually excited about that. LOL I tend to pack my weekends with stuff, especially in the Summer, so it's nice to have a leisurely weekend planned!

WARNING: Swear words. If you are easily offended, leave now. ;)  LOL

I'd like to enter my card below into the following challenges:

Inkspirational - Use Stencils

Craft Rocket - No Designer Paper

Try it on Tuesday - Add Some Text

Addicted to Stamps & More - Die Cuts and/or Stencils

Color Throwdown #835

I created my background by blending Distress Oxide Inks through my Deco Fans stencil from A Colorful Life Designs *use code JennFan10 for 10% off at the shop*. I then stamped the swear word background stamps from Ink Road Stamps in Versafine Dazzle and then embossed with white embossing powder. Peace.

Relax - Read - Repeat

 Hello all! I'd like to enter the card below into the following challenges:

Inkspirational - Stencils

Paper Funday - Embossing Heat and/or Dry

Just Us Girls - Anything Goes with Stencils

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Inky Paws - Sunny Days Mood Board

I applied Picket Fence and Mustard Seed Distress Oxide Inks on a piece of black cardstock through my Ringed Daisies stencil from A Colorful Life Designs *use code JennFan10 for 10% off at the shop* - then embossed the daisies and added yellow glitter to the center of them. I stamped the image from the Newton's Book Club set at Newton's Nook with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder. Colored with Copics and stamped the sentiment underneath before cutting and attaching with foam dimensional tape to my die cut deckled edge circles. Finished off with some black gemstone stickers. Peace.

hugs

 Whew - that was a hot few days!  Today is going to be slightly less hot (like BARELY hitting 90) but still humid and gross. I have a quiet week so I plan on catching up on my DT projects for the rest of the Summer. I'd like to enter the card below into the following challenges:

Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything Goes

Heart's Quest Fantasy - Anything Fantasy/Optional Focus on Fairies

A Place to Start - Anything Goes/Optional Recycling

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes

Color Dare #656

My card was made from a scrap piece after I made a larger card - I have a huge collection of these pre-made small scrap cards! I created my background by using the ink smooshing technique on watercolor paper. I love the way it looks like alcohol inks on yupo! I die cut the word "hugs" and stamped my little fairy from CC Designs with Versafine Black and embossed with clear embossing powder. I colored her with Copics & some glitter, fussy cut her, and sat her on top of the little scrap piece of cardstock. Finished off with some gemstone stickers. Peace.