Paper Players Sketch #92 and Color Throwdown #188 {Happy Day to You}

April is flying by! I can't believe how quick the days are getting, so much to do everyday and suddenly it is 9pm and I need to get to bed. It is actually Thursday night and I managed to get my Paper Players Challenge card done before the weekend! Woo-hoo! I am usually "Last Minute Lesley" and making my card on Saturday night, so I am pretty pumped to have my ducks in a row! At least for this week anyway...

This week's challenge comes from my pal Nance. She did up a sketch for us this week and I love all the possibilities it holds!  My inspiration comes from the colours at the Colour Throwdown.  I love the soft, springy hues and decided to get out my favourite stamp combo from Stampin' Up..."Elements of Style" and the "En Francais" background stamp! I also used my newest sentiment set called "Friendly Phrases". I liked the look of the modern script with the romantic roses.

We hope that you will join the Paper Players Challenge this week!  Please be sure to visit the other DT Members to see their wonderful creations! I also created a brand new FACEBOOK page for us! Wahoo! I hope you will "LIKE" us!!

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy
Jenn Picard
Heidi Boos

Shirley Pumpkin (April GD)

Paper Players #69 {Shabby Birthday}

Sunday already! Wow! This week at the Paper Players, the lovely Nance has challenged us with a gorgeous sketch!  Her sketch had me inspired right away and I decided to continue with the shabby, vintage style I have been exploring.  I made THIS CARD yesterday in the shabby vintage style too.

Pool Party is one of the new "In Colours" from Stampin' Up and I thought it would like pretty on my roses from "Elements of Style".  So I inked them up with my Pool Party Marker. Then I inked the leaves in another new In Colour called "Lucky Limeade".  The Designer Paper is from the In Colour Designer Paper Pack.  I inked the edges with my Soft Suede ink and a sponge.  For some reason, I am really loving butterflies and so out came the Beautiful Wings embosslit die again.  I added some pearls as accents.

We hope that you will join the Paper Players Challenge this week!  Please be sure to visit the other DT Members to see their wonderful creations!

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

Julie Marshall

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy

Tara Bilbao
Cindy Hall (GD)

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Friday Mashup #14-Vintage Flowers

This week at the Friday Mashup, Kathy is our hostess and she is challenging us to go Vintage with Flowers!  I decided to draw inspiration from fellow Paper Player Ann Schach. I love her distressed, vintage style!

So, this week for the Mashup Challenge we invite you to:
       1. Create a project with Flowers.
       2. Create a Vintage project.
       3. Or "Mash It Up!" and create a project with Flowers and a Vintage feel!

I inked up my favourite again, "Elements of Style" and watercoloured the image with Tangerine Tango and Peach Parfait inks.  I also used the "Music Wheel" and "Oval All".

Please stop by the Friday Mashup Challenge Blog and join us for this week's challenge!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Smiles,

Lesley

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Today's the BIG day!!!

I am so honoured to be the Guest Artist over at Pals Paper Arts this week!  This week they have a terrific colour combo that is one of my favourites!!!! I just LOVE working with blues! 

I decided to create a "clean vintage" styled card. I was trying to capture my "Style", but I am not sure if I did?  My favourite stamp set is the "Elements of Style" set and I knew that I wanted to watercolour the floral image with Bashful Blue and Marina Mist.  The bottom of the card is covered with velum and the sentiment is stamped in Marina Mist.   

I used the French Foliage set too, for the script writing and the postage stamp.  I love that set too and I recently realized that I need to get more of those realistic styled stamps.  I think they are so pretty! I used my scoring blade and added some score lines to the whisper white base piece.

On a personal note, I have had the most wonderful surprise this week. I received a job that I had applied for and never thought I would win!  It is very exciting yet bittersweet.  I loved my school this year and it is hard to leave. My new school is minutes from my home and somewhere I have happily worked at in the past. I never thought I would make it back there!! Amazing!

I hope you get the chance to come over to the Pals Paper Arts blog this week to join in on this wonderful colour combo!! Thank you so much to Mary, Ann and the entire Pals team for having me on board this week!  I am excited to see what everyone creates!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Smiles,

Lesley

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Paper Players Challenge #50-Kind Thanks

Lobster!  Yum!  Last night I was fortunate to be invited to Lobster Fest and I had a great time! There was fresh lobster, yummy summer salads and a rockin' band!  Corey and I danced, I boogied with my father-in-law Glen and tore up the floor with one of Corey's workmates!  It was really a good night!!!  The dancing helped burn off those garlic butter calories!!!

Today I have a card I would like to share that I created for the Paper Players Challenge, hosted by the lovely LeAnne.  She is challenging us to make a thank you card or project.  I decided to go Vintage with my card and used the "Elements of Style" stamp set that is one of my favourite SU! sets!!!  We are also welcoming three new Guest Designers to our team: Cindy Beach, Lauri Ingram and Sandra Appozardi. Welcome ladies!!

I used my trusty crimper to make a waffle effect on my cardstock after I stamped the floral image in Stazon and coloured my flowers with a Bashful Blue and a Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker.  The ribbon is the Marina Mist Satin ribbon, which is being retired. I also used a Kiwi Kiss button to pick up the green leaves I coloured in the image.

My butterfly is from the "Strength and Hope" set. I stamped it in Night of Navy Ink on Bashful Blue cardstock then cut it out with my snips.  I used the sentiment from the "Bold Blossom" set and my new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch.  The scallop edge punch was used to create the pretty edge on the Night of Navy Paper and I wheeled the Music Notes small wheel onto the Marina Mist card base.

We hope that you will join the Paper Players Challenge this week!  Please be sure to visit the other DT Members to see their wonderful creations!

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

Lauri Ingram

LeAnne Pugliese

Nance Leedy

Sandra Azzopardi

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Smiles,

Lesley

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Supplies Used:
Stamps: Bold Blossom, Strength and Hope, Elements of Style, Music Wheel
Inks: Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz, Night of Navy
Paper: Marina Mist, Whisper White, Night of Navy
Accessories and Tools: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Scissors Plus, Snips, Dimensionals, Crimper, Pearls, Button, Scallop Edge Punch

A la Card Monkey and Stampin' Up Only

Hello!  It is me again!  Yes I am posting for a third time today and no my laundry is not getting done!  But my husband actually asked me to make a card today.  I gasped in amazement and then caught myself, "Sure honey...no problem", I responded nonchalantly as I raced down to my craft room to get started!!!  Yippee!!  The birthday card is for one of Corey's co-workers.  She is turning 29 again (50!!) and they wanted a special, pretty card for her. 

I was unsure of where to start!  I am someone who loves to create "efficiently" so I went looking through my list of challenge sites and saw some wonderful inspiration for my card!  The Colour Q has some pretty colours this week.  I had already made a card with these colours this week and I loved them so much I made another!!!  Then I noticed that the Stampin' Up Only Challenge was having a Birthday Card Challenge and there is a brand new challenge blog out there!!!  It is called "A la Card Monkey".  Their challenge this week is "Nature" and so I tailored my card to be "All About Nature".  You should get over and try out these challenges this week!

So here is my card...what do you think?  Okay...I am off to do laundry now!!!

Thank you for stopping by!

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All supplies are Stampin' Up:

Stamps: Strength and Hope, Elements of Style and En Francais

Inks: Celery, Espresso, Pink Pirouette and Crumb Cake

Paper: Same as above

Tools: Scissors, clear block D, Ribbon Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, sponges

Handstamped Sentiments Colour Splash

The gals over at Handstamped Sentiments have a terrific colour challenge happening this week!  They are looking for projects that use Cajun Craze, More Mustard and Pear Pizzazz.  I LURVE this colour combo!  I got out my favourite stamp set called "Elements of Style" and inked it up! 

Like to Colour?  This stamp set inks up beautifully and it a cinch to colour!  A little trick is to rub a versamark ink pad over the image after it is coloured...this gives the image a smooth, sleek finish.  Then I used the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz to really make the flowers sparkle and heat set the shimmer with my heat gun.

I wanted to make a set of 4 matching cards and a box to hold them!  Christmas is all about handmade gifts and this would be a lovely gift for a friend or co-worker! 

A little note...

I used the Naturals Ivory Cardstock (101849) for my card base and the box.  It is a heavier cardstock than Very Vanilla and would make beautiful Paper for Wedding Invitations!

Thanks for stopping by!  If you have any questions please feel free to email me by visiting my profile!  I would love to hear from you!!  And please let me know what you think by leaving a comment.  I appreciate it so much!

Smiles,

Colour Dare and Pals Paper Arts

I am inspired by Ann Schach and LOVE the way she puts cards together.  I promised her I would try to play along with the Pals Paper Arts Challenge tonight which was to use a button on your card.  I confess, I am a buttonless stamper...I need to get my hands on some of those great new buttons in the Holiday Mini.  Instead I dug out my Buttons Die to use in the Big Shot and cranked out a button made of Daffodil Delight Paper and sponged it with Chocolate Chip.  This card was also made for the current Colour Dare Challenge to use Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla.  I really love those colours together!  I chose those colours because of Nance Leedy and her inspirational cards!!  She often awes me with her work. 

So there it is...I am posting to see what you all think.  Is it a too busy or am a close to creating something adequately Vintage?

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Elements of Style, Because I Care

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight and Very Vanilla
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight
Tools: Crimper, Big Shot, Buttons Die, Retired Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Sponges, Distressing Tool

Thanks for stopping by...

Smiles,

Lesley

Guest Designer for Stampin' Royalty

This week I am a Guest Designer for the Stampin' Royalty Design Team.  I was so excited to be asked by Sandra Farrell to play along with her team this week!  I love their challenges!!  This week's challenge is Monochromatic Neutrals...I did my first card for the challenge in traditional neutral colours...Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and Soft Suede.  I used three new sets on this one card..."Word Play", Friends Never Fade" and "Elements of Style".  I created my own DSP on the Crumb Cake cardstock using the En Francais BG stamp and Soft Suede. 

After that, my mind got thinking of using all Blues as a Monochromatic Colour Scheme and I pulled out the "Because I Care" Hostess Set.  I love this set and the way it stamps.  I was also excited to use my new Marina Mist Satin Ribbon!!!  OH it is SO beautiful and shiny!!  I used Bashful Blue, Marina Mist and Not Quite Navy on this card.

Come and join the fun challenge this week at Stampin' Royalty and play along with the Goddesses!  They have created superb samples to share with you!  Please click HERE to play along with the challenge this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Just Us Girls Sketch #40

I saw the sketch challenge at Just Us Girls and had to play along! Here is the sketch we were to use...I really liked this sketch.

This is the card I created! I wanted to make something using my retired Bella Bleu Paper...I never used it enough!  I also wanted to play with my "Elements of Style" stamp set that is in the summer mini catalogue as well as the new catalogue.  I inked it up in the new Crumb Cake ink...and used some Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon.  I also inked up the inside of my card!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley

Supplies:
Stamps: Elements of Style
Paper: Bella Bleu DSP (retired), Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla
Ink: Crumb Cake
Tools/Extras: Scallop Oval and Oval Punches, Circles #2 Die, Circle Scissors Plus, Word Window Punch, Clear Blocks E and C, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Big Shot

Colour Dare and Cards for Mum

This card uses the "Elements of Style" set and I wanted to make a card for the current Colour Dare which was to use Yellow, Green and a Lighter Green. I covered the flowers in Dazzling Diamonds and it is all glittery!!  What mom wouldn't love a little glam and glitter!

I absolutely LOVE the "Elements of Style" set, can you tell?  Geez, I can't stop using it and I am ok with that!  I used Rich Razzlebery and Mellow Moss.  I also must tell you, I finally broke down and bought the Word Window Punch!  I LOVE IT!!!  I am so silly sometimes, thinking I don't need something and just making do with what I have.  But the Word Window Punch goes beautifully with the Modern Label Punch and my Teeny Tiny Wishes Set!  Now my options seem endless!

For this card I pulled out my Vintage Vogue Set and inked it up in the Plum colours from the Soft Subtles colours.  This is one of my favourite colour combos and I need to remember to use it more.  I made some other cards with these colours last week and since then, I have been looking to use them more.  This card measures 5x5.  The pretty Mother's Day Sentiment is from "All Holidays".

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles, Lesley :)

10 Minute or Less Challenge #119-A Sketch

It's Friday and that means it is time for the "10 Minutes or Less" Challenge over on Carole'Anne's Blog.  This week we were given a sketch.  I decided to pair it up with the pretty colour combo over at Stacey's Curtain Call Colour Challenge which was to use Crushed Curry, Going Gray, Basic Gray and White.  Once again I inked up my new "Elements of Style" Set.  I stamped the main flowers in Mustard and then inked up the swirly stamp in Going Gray, stamping over top of the yellow flowers.  The entire front panel was then put through the Big Shot with the Texturz Plates to add some detail.  I cut out the Hummingbird and popped it up on a dimensional.  I worked fast and had all my supplies and pieces on the table ready to go before I started.  I still didn't make it in 10 minutes but I was quicker this week!  I was in the 20 minute realm!!!

Please stop by the "10 Minutes or Less" Challenge Blog and be sure to play along this week.  I am looking forward to seeing your creations.

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Elements of Style, Watercolour Trio

Paper: Whisper White, More Mustard, Basic Gray Cardstock

Ink: More Mustard, Going Grey, Basic Gray

Tools: Perfect Details Texturz Plates, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Scissors, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, More Mustard Ribbon, Scallop Trim Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Elements of Style

I was playing with the new "Elements of Style" Set again! I just love this set and how it stamps.  I also stamped on the inside of my card, for some visual interest.  I used Pale Plum as my card base and I am so sad it is leaving, I am all about soft purple!  Oh well. I am also excited about the new colours coming. 

Here is a close-up of the flowers. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)

Vintage Thank You

I love my new Elements of Style stamp set from the Summer Mini!  I stamped it in black, coloured the flowers and leaves.  Then using the backing strip that came was on the back of this clear stamp, I masked the image and stamped over it with my French Script BG Stamp.  Then I spread crystal effects all over the entire front panel with the flowers on it.  I added some Iridescent Ice Embossing powder and heated the entire front panel with my Heat Tool.  Can you see the shimmer on it?  It is really sparkly!

I got this idea from Andrea and her beautiful card can be found here.  I love the simple layout of this card!  In fact the whole card took so little to make it!  This stamp set is an easy one to use!  I also used the sentiment from the new "Watercolour Trio" Set that I am hoping to ink up today!

Last night I played with some other new stamps! I can't wait to share my new creations!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Smiles,
Lesley :)

Elements of Style Preview

My demo order with all new sets from the Summer Mini Catalogue came in tonight!  Oh boy!  I quickly assembled my "Elements of Style" set and went to work.  I wanted to make some pretty Mother's Day Cards for my mom and my mother-in-law.  I stamped the floral image in Elegant Eggplant and then used my Blender Pen to colour the blossoms.  I didn't use any ink on the Blender Pen, I just let it bleed the ink that was already on the page!  The leaves are coloured in with Mellow Moss.

I stamped the hummingbird in the Elegant Eggplant again and then cut it out and popped it up with dimensionals.  I added some Elegant Eggplant Ribbon to the top left hand corner.  I also stamped the inside of the card with the floral image.  The flowers are covered in glitter, that really makes them look pretty! Oh!!!  I love this set!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Lesley :)