Coronavirus and more

The Coronavirus has hit, and we are socially isolating.  Perfect time to start blogging again, right?  The law school is closing, my girls are in Boston, time to blow the cobwebs off the art studio and create something.

But first, Karlie has made it onto the national show of The Celebration of Music!  Filmed this past fall in LA!  When I have the on air date I will advise.

Ok...so what should I make?  Comment if you choose with ideas.  Or I will wing it, tomorrow.  Thanks for returning to my blog!❤️  Love you all.

Please vote!!

So here is the long awaited information regarding Rylie and Karlie being on tv in southern California.  

Ry's voting page, people can vote for her once daily with their email but have to remember to hit submit. Voting started on 1/10

https://celebrationofmusic.com/rylie-traversa

Karlie's

voting page:  

https://celebrationofmusic.com/karlie-traversa

PLEASE START VOTING DAILY NOW 

Starting next week, the episodes air on the LA PBS channel, then they will be loaded to Youtube.  This is what Rylie and Karlie filmed out in southern CA earlier this year.  After their episode airs, their singing videos become live on the internet. These were filmed in the tv studio.

They return to LA on 3/10 where they are on a live performance at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, CA and the winner of the online voting is announced.  

You can vote for them once daily with an email and click "submit".  If you have two emails you can vote for both girls once daily!  They are so blessed to be in this contest, love the host and all the new friends made!  Please feel free to share this post!

Karlie and Rylie's episode will run again in Feb..  Rylie and Karlie do not anticipate winning but the exposure in LA is amazing!  The winner does get a recording deal.

Please consider voting for Kar and Ry!  Thanks!!  

Retro Rubber Challenge Blog #75, fall color!

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by!  Today's new challenge is shown below. Simply use a stamp one year old or older, and create a new project in the theme below.  I created a card for this challenge over at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog, below:

To create my card I started with a blank pre-made card, invitation size, folded with corners trimmed.

Next, with some white card stock I stamped the leaf, used dies to create the frame, and cut a small strip to color and apply rub on letters.  I fussy cut the leaf, and colored it with Copic Markers.  I added Wink of Stella for sparkle.

I added the leaf to the card, using foam tape.  Next, after I die cut the frame, I colored it with Copics as well.  Then, I colored the sentiment strip with markers too.  I added the frame to the card, and a few plastic gems.  I added the sentiment panel, after I rounded one corner.  Then I tied on a bow.

This stamp set is from Stampin' Up, and is one of my all time favs!  I think it dates back to 2015, and is called "Lighthearted Leaves".   It is so beautiful.  The rub on letters are so old.  Surprised they still work.  Haha.  

Won't you join us?  Simply create a project per the instruction above, then submit over at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  Then join us the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the challenge winner!  Thanks for coming by!

50,000+ visits!

Hey there!  Just noticing (haha) my blog has over 52,000 hits!  Thanks for visiting so much!  I think this is sooooo exciting and I want to say thanks again! ❤️

Join us for a fun new sketch challenge!

Hello! Thanks for dropping in!  Today we have a new challenge from the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  It is a sketch challenge!  So fun!

I adapted the challenge into a Halloween theme, because 'tis that time of year!  And, I used one of my most favorite stamp sets of all time, I honestly feel like it is one of those sets that no stamper should be without.  It is older, but still very available!

Here is the challenge graphic and the card that I created for this challenge:

To create this card, I took a blank white invitation size folded card.  I added trimmed black paper to the top, and patterned paper trimmed to the bottom.  I got these papers from a card kit that I just bought from Krazy Kreations.  Next, I had some old Teresa Collins banner style stickers that I thought resembled the banners in the sketch.  And they were the perfect colors!

I added them to the card.  Next, using the stickers that came with my card kit, I placed three stars (black outline stickers) onto sparkle white paper supplied.  I colored the paper with an orange Copic marker, then fussy cut the stars.  I glued them onto the banners.  Next, I added more black star stickers in two sizes to the black paper, it is subtle, but fun!

Next, I had a coordinating Teresa Collins brad with a witch figure, that I added to the bottom of the card.  Finally, I trimmed white card stock and stamped onto it using an old stamp sentiment from the favorite set mentioned above.  The set is from a Tim Holtz set, Stampers Anonymous, Smple Sayinss CMS155.  This set is dated 2013 on the nternet.

I used Versamark ink, and black embossing powder which I heated.  I added this panel to the card.

This card was so simple but fun to make.  Join us, you will have fun also!  Then share your card with us, and join us back at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog the Sunday following the end date of the challenge to learn the winner!  Thanks for stopping by!

Halloween Challenge, come join us!

Hi and thanks for coming to my blog!  Today, I am introducing a new crafting challenge for the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  This new challenge involves using a stamp one year old or older, and the theme below:

Above is the card that I created for this crafting challenge.  I used a pre-assembled woodgrain card from Lawn Fawn.  I stamped two creepy characters from an old Inkadinkado stamp set, 98546 Ghouls & Goblins, dated 2008.  I stamped the characters onto patterned paper, which is something I never do!  I like how it turned out.  I colored one of the character's eyes, and the other one's nose.

I fussy cut the figures, and placed the carrot nosed fellow on the card.  On top of him, I added a metallic word sticker strip. Next, I placed a trimmed white card stock box on the card, added more pieces of the stickers and the toilet paper cat.  I received these glossy letter stickers in a kit from Altenew, love them!  I spelled out "BOO", and added black gems in a row, and also as the carrot nosed figure's eyes.

I do not think I am very good at creating Halloween cards in general, but I really like this card!  It is simple, but has some punch!  

Won't you join us for this fun challenge?  Then visit the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog the Sunday following the end date of the challenge to learn the winner.  

Thanks for stopping in!

A new challenge at the RR Blog! #72!

Today there is a new challenge over at the RR Challenge Blog!   I love this challenge!  It involves a "transportation theme".  Simply use a stamp one year old or older, and the theme below.  

For this challenge, I created the project beneath the challenge graphic:

The older stamp I used for my project is from Technique Tuesday.  They have long been one of my favorite stamp companies!  The stamp is is dated 2014.  In addition, I used the newer stamp set named "City Girls Retail Therapy" from The Ton.  Love The Ton also!  And I also used a city building style embossing folder.

I embossed pink paper using the folder, then trimmed it down.  I took a plain white invitation sized card and rounded the lower corners.  I put black paper behind the pink paper, and added it to the card.  I stamped the sentiment using black archival ink on the pink paper.  I added some washi tape, and a yellow planner tab and gem.  

I stamped the taxi on white paper, and colored it.  I added the balloons, and colored them also.  I fussy cut the images, and added them to the card using foam tape.  I added gems and more washi tape.

This card has flaws and I almost passed on using it.  But isn't that the special part of hand made cards, the imperfection?  So I share it here with you!

Please join our challenge, then visit the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog the Sunday after the challenge to learn the challenge winner!  Thanks for visiting!

Retro Rubber Challenge 71! Anything goes!

It is time for a fun, new crafty challenge!  An easy one, the theme is "Anything Goes"!  Just use a stamp one year old or older, and this theme, and make something and share it with us at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!

Here is the challenge graphic and the card I created for the challenge:

I used a pre-scored, pre-cut invitation sized white card.  I ran it through my embossing machine with an embossing folder.  Next, on plain white stock I stamped the flower image, it is an old stamp, a favorite, from Studio 112, dating to 2013.  I used dark black archival ink, then using my Zig markers I colored the circles, then added Wink of Stella.  I added this panel to the card using foam tape.

Next, I used a hello sticker on pink paper, trimmed, and applied this element to the card.  I added some Wink of Stella here also.  I trimmed a pink paper strip and added it, rounded the card corners, and placed some gems on the card.  I added some Wink last minuted to the embossing also.  Quick and super simple and fun!

This card is kind of plain, but I like it that way!  Please submit some projects to us!  We would love to see your artistry!  Then join us back at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the challenge winner!  Thanks for stopping by!

Challenge #70, Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!

Hi and thanks for stopping in!  Today starts a new challenge over at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  Use a stamp one year old or older (tell us the age) and the following theme, school.  Make a project and share it with us!  Easy and fun!

Here is the challenge graphic and the project that I created for this challenge:

I do not think I am so good with making school themed cards!  But I gave it my best effort!  I used an invitation sized white pre-made card, and added patterned paper, that already had the adorable school lines and holes!  Next, I added several stickers from SRM, bordering stickers, love them!

Next, I stamped using a set I have had forever from Hero Arts.  It is called "Just a Note" and is from 2011.  I stamped the pencil onto white card stock and colored with Copic Markers, then fussy cut.  I stamped the "Just a Note" sentiment and the notebook paper image, then trimmed.  I added these images to my card and also added another snippet of red patterned paper, and more stickers from SRM.  I also used a bit of dimensional adhesive.

I put some gems on the card, and hand tied a bow with ribbon.  Sort of a collage card!  Anyways, I had fun and felt creatively challenged.  That is what it is all about right?

Please join us!  We would love to see your projects.  Then join us back at the Retro Rubber Blog the Sunday after the challenge to learn the winner!  Thanks for stopping by!

Retro Rubber Sketch Challenge!

There is a fun new challenge over at the Retro Rubber Blog!   Challenge #69 involves using the sketch below, and a stamp one year old or older (please tell us the age).

Below is the challenge graphic, and a card that I created for the challenge:

To create this card, I used a white card stock invitation sized plain card.   I trimmed a piece of Kraft paper for the middle, in an asymmetrical fashion.  I added it to the front of the card.  I then used a cityscape die with a border on it, a piece of black card stock, and my die cut machine to create the black city view.  I added an EK Success heart sticker, and some gems to the card after adding the die cut image.  Next, I used a sentiment stamp and some Memento Ink to stamp the words.  I used my Mini Misti for perfect stamping placement.  Finally I used a corner rounder to round the card edges.  

The sentiment stamp was retired in 4/2106.  I saw this information online.  It was brought out of retirement after that.  I obtained it prior to 4/2016.  It is from Sweet Stamp Shop, the Beary Much stamp set.

I love sketch challenges!  From my card, you can see it is ok to use the sketch as a guide in creation, but your card doesn't have to be 100% the same.   We want to see your interpretation of the sketch, a sense that you did indeed use the sketch as a guide in creation of your project.

Please join us!  Then join us back at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the challenge winner.  Good luck!

Loving this new challenge from the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!

It is time for a new crafty challenge over at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  Simply use a stamp one year old or older (be sure to let us know the age) and the challenge graphic image, below!  Too fun!

I used the graphic to make my card above.  I took a white card, precut and scored, invitation size, and added patterned paper from My Favorite Things and Ms. Sparkle & Co..  Next, I took a stamp set, a newer one from 2017, from Create a Smile, and stamped the sentiment in bold black ink, archival ink, and trimmed it to fit the front of the card.  I added this element to the card front using foam adhesive.

Next, I used an older stamp, a flower, from Prima Co., dated 2015.  I stamped it onto white card stock using deep black archival ink, then fussy cut the image.  I placed it on the card behind the sentiment, using a thinner foam adhesive.  Finally, I added red gems about.

I think this is one of my favorite cards that I have ever created!  I had fun, join us and you will too! Then stop back by the Retro Rubber Blog the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the challenge winner!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hi everyone! There's a new challenge over at the Retro Rubber Blog!

Thanks for dropping in!  There is a fun new challenge, over at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  It involves using a stamp one year old or older, and the theme below (rainbow):

The card above is one I created for this challenge.  I used soft rainbow colors.  There have been multiple rainbows around here lately, from the bright bold, to the soft colored.  I thought a soft rainbow would be good on a summer rainbow ice cream cone!

First, I created a white card, invitation sized, folded and scored, and rounded all four corners.
Then, I used a piece of kraft paper and a die and cut the background with the holes.  I added this item to the card front.  Next, I stamped the cone onto white card stock using Versamark embossing ink (clear) and sprinkled brown embossing powder which I then heat set.  I fussy cut the cone and added it to the card with one layer of dimensional adhesive.

Next, I stamped the ice cream layer onto white card using embossing ink again, and white powder which I heat set.  I used very soft Copic marker colors to create the soft rainbow ice cream effect.  I put the ice cream on the card using double layered foam adhesive.

I used a sentiment stamp with dark brown ink in the lower right corner, and tied on twine with a plastic white "gem".  All stamps are from an older set that I own, from Wilson Designs.  It is dated 2011.

Be sure to submit your projects to the blog, and indicate the age of your stamp(s).  Thanks!  Cannot wait to see your creations!  Stop back by the Retro Rubber blog the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the challenge winner!  Best of luck and have fun!

It is time for Retro Rubber Challenge #66! Wedding project!

Hi and thanks for joining me!

Today Retro Rubber Challenge Blog has a new challenge, involving a wedding theme, and a stamp aged one year old or older.

Simply create a new project using a stamp one year old or older and the theme of wedding.  Be sure to tell us the age of the stamp!  Here is the challenge graphic and the project that I created this time.

I was so excited to do this challenge, because I just recently acquired a new wedding stamp set.  I had not realized I have almost no wedding themed stamps at all!  I also had a new stamp pad from Tim Holtz, Distress Oxide in Worn Lipstick color.  Happy day!

I created a white card, folded, scored with corners trimmed. I took a piece of patterned paper that is from a pad from Altenew.  I just love the watercolor look!  Onto the paper, I stamped with the flowers in my new wedding stamp set, using black ink.  I colored the flowers using Copic Markers on the colored paper, new territory for me!  I added a tied cord.  And then, I took out sentiment stamps from the new set and stamped in black onto the paper.  I then added the three heart stamped image, this is an old stamp.  It is from a Valentine set from The Cutting Cafe Shop, dated 2016.  So not that old, but old enough to qualify for this challenge!  I trimmed the patterned paper's corners, and added it to the card front.  I added cording as trim.  Finally I stamped using the new ink with the "Wedding Day" stamp from my new stamp set.  This ink is creamy and delightful.  If you have not tried it, try it!

So there you have it, a new challenge and my challenge card.  Will you join us?  Hope so!  Just visit the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog for more detail and to submit your project.  Then join us the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn who is the challenge winner!  Good luck!  

Please join us for Retro Rubber Challenge Blog's Challenge #65!

Hi and welcome!  Today I am posting about Retro Rubber Challenge Blog's new challenge!  It is number 65 and the challenge involves using a sketch!  So fun!  Won't you join us?  The only requirements are to use the designated sketch and a stamp one year old or older.  Easy!

Here is the challenge graphic and the card that I created for this challenge:

To create this card, I used a large piece of pinkish paper, die cut the ballerina twice (Hero Arts) trimmed her from the paper, layered one image atop the other using dimensional adhesive, added Wink of Stella to her hair, skirt and shoes.  I adhered her shoes to her feet.  When I saw this die I had to get it, it reminds me of my youngest daughter who is a pointe dancer, studying for 6 years.

On a silver metallic piece of paper I trimmed, I stamped the sentiment (from 2010 or earlier, I saw it on a blog post on the internet from Lawn Fawn in 2010.  It was a free giveaway stamp I was lucky to receive with an order back then.)  I used black colored Stazon ink on the shiny paper.

Next, I applied the silver strip to a white card stock,  I rounded the corners of the white paper, then added the dancer, and floral and round sequins.  I glued this whole assembly atop a black folded card. I really love this dancer, she is so elegant!

This sketch is so fun to follow!  Come play with us!  Then come back to the Retro Rubber Blog the Sunday following the challenge end date to learn the winner!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Retro Rubber Challenge 64, anything goes!

You have waited for it, here it is!  Another "anything goes" challenge!  You are free to do whatever you want!  Just make something crafty using a stamp one year old or older!  That is it!  Here is the challenge graphic and the project that I created for this Retro Rubber Blog challenge:

I had so much fun with this one!  I have a stamp set that I just got with the three bird image, It is from Winnie & Walter and called "So Tweet".  It is dated 2016, so technically I guess it is one year old.  lol

I also used another stamp set new to me, from Sunny Studio named "Sock Hop", it is also dated 2016, so there's that!  haha  Then, I used a very much older set, from Create a Smile "Uplifting" I do not know an exact date but I see images made with the set online dating to 2015.  

I made an invitation sized white card and folded it in half, then rounded the corners.  Next, I stamped the car onto a piece of card stock using Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored the image with Copic Markers.  I also accented the image with Wink of Stella Clear.  Then, I cut out the windshield and fussy cut the car.  Next, I stamped the birds and colored them with markers.  I fussy cut them as well. I placed the birds behind the windshield, and added the entire image to the card front using double layers of foam adhesive.  I stamped the sentiment on white cardstock, trimmed and applied using one layer of foam adhesive.

At this point the card really needed accents so I used sequins and still something was missing.  So I pulled out the CAS stamp set with the little star/flower image.  I typically never use little stamps, but I have now changed this philosophy, because this little stamp made this card complete.  I randomly stamped this image around the card in black ink.  

I am entering my card in the following challenge also, come check it out!  Bitten by the Bug

I had so much fun with this project and know you will also, so join in the fun!  We want to see your creations!  Then stop back at the Retro Rubber Blog on the Sunday after the challenge closes to learn the winner!  Thanks for stopping by!

Color challenge at the Retro Rubber Stamping Challenge Blog! Too fun!

There is a new challenge over at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  A color challenge! Simply select a stamp one year old or older, and make a new creation using the stamp and the following color graphic:

Here is the card that I created for this challenge:

To create this card, I created a plain white invitation size folded card.  I stamped onto a scrap of white card stock the floral hello image, a new stamp from Mama Elephant, I used a light grey color ink from Memento.  Then, using the color graphic as a guide, I selected Copic Markers that matched and colored the stamped image.  I attempted to add shadows but I need a lot more practice!  :)

I fussy cut the hello flower image.  I trimmed a small piece of My Favorite Things colored paper, placed a stitched rectangle die on three sides, then glued it to the card front.  Then, I placed the floral hello on top using foam tape.  I trimmed a small strip of white card stock and added it to the bottom of the card.  I took a stamp that says "Beautiful" from an older Technique Tuesday set dated 2012, named Pretty Petals.  I stamped that word onto the white card stock strip, and onto the adjoining paper using the same grey ink.  I then added a small strip of the colored paper on top the white strip, and added to small grey accents.  I tied some American Crafts twine onto the card, and made a bow, then added a gem. 

Won't you join us?  We would love to see your creations!  Enter a project at the Retro Rubber Blog today!  Then return to the website the Sunday after the challenge to learn the winner.  Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to Retro Rubber Challenge Blog's 62nd Challenge!

Hello and thanks for stopping in!  It is time for the Retro Rubber Challenge number 62!  Won't you join in the fun?

The challenge this time involves using a stamp one year old or older and the theme of "flowers".  Here is the challenge graphic and the card that I created for this challenge:

To create my card, I used a stamp from Darkroom Door dated 2015.  It is called Tulips and it is one of my favorites!  I love DD!  I stamped the image onto card stock, trimmed the rectangle, and colored with Copic Markers.  I cut some patterned paper from My Mind's Eye and adhered two pieces to the front of a pre-made and pre-scored card.  I added the stamped image with dimensional adhesive.  I then rounded the corners of the card, and added ribbon and a sticker from SRM.

This card came together so quickly and easily!  It was fun to make and now I have a thank you card to give a friend!  Please join us!  Then come back to Retro Rubber the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the winner!  Thanks for stopping by!

I entered my card at this "Touch of Pink" challenge page:  Simon Says Stamp, come check it out!

Retro Rubber Challenge Blog #61! Please join us!

Today Retro Rubber Challenge Blog has another fun challenge, number 61!  This challenge involves using a stamp one year old or older, and the following theme:  buttons.

Here is the challenge graphic and the card that I created for this challenge:

To create this card, I first folded and cut a plain background card, and positioned it to stand upright. I rounded the corners using a corner rounder.  Next, I stamped the coffee cup image onto the front and the sentiment.   (Darcie's Milk & Cookies Stamp Set 2015)

Next, I colored the image using Copic Markers.  I used a circle die from Spellbinders to cut the circle off the front of the card, then placed the cut circle with the image inside the card using very tall dimensional adhesive.  This makes the image pop through the front of the card.  Then I added sequins and accent stars and the button.  The ink I stamped with was Memento.  Finally I added clear Wink of Stella to the accents.

Won't you join us?  I'd love to see your creations!  Enter your card at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog, then check back the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the challenge winner!

Psst..I entered my card in the Casology challenge.  Go check it out!

Casology Challenge

It is time for challenge 60 at Retro Rubber Craft Challenge Blog!

It is time for another challenge over at the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  Number 60!  The challenge this time involves using a stamp one year old or older, and the challenge theme.  This time the challenge theme is "baby critters".  Too fun!  Here is the challenge graphic and the card that I created for this challenge:

I used an old piece of patterned paper that I had from My Mind's eye, and trimmed it and rounded the corners.  I stamped onto white cardstock using black ink the little clouds (Lawn Fawn Sunny Skies 2012) and the cute dogs (Jane's Doodles Dogs at Play 2015).  I then colored them with Copic Markers.  I added them to the patterned paper using dimensional adhesive, cutting the one little dog's head so he could "hold" the other dog, like a baby.  I used some larger cloud stickers from my collection of supplies, then layered the little clouds on top.  The banner sticker is from Amy Tangerine Remarks and I cut the edges to points.  I added this to the card.  I adhered the patterned paper to a cut and folded white card, then added some twine, making a bow then wrapping the twine onto the card.

Won't you join this fun challenge?  We would love to see your creations!  Simply follow the instructions above and enter!  Then, join us back the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the winner!  Come on over to the Retro Rubber Blog!  I also entered my card in City Crafter's challenge,  http://citycrafter.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/city-crafter-challenge-blog-birthday_11.html?m=1.  Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you for joining us for Retro Rubber's 59th challenge!

The big 59!  Challenge number 59!  Retro Rubber has a fun sketch challenge in store for you this time!  Just use a stamp one year old or older and the following sketch!  Easy and fun!  Here is the sketch graphic and the project that I created for the graphic:

To create my project I used a lacy type floral die.  It is so large it almost covers the whole invitation sized card.  I used watercolor style paper from MFT for the die cutting.  Next, I adhered this die cut to the front of an invitation sized pre-folded white card.  

Next, I stamped four butterflies with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto white cardstock.  I colored them with Copic Markers and fussy cut the images.  I added foam adhesive to the butterflies for dimension.  I bent the butterflies at the center to make them appear to be resting from flying.  Resting in a flower garden.  Next, I added the hello sticker from Krazy Kreations.  The stamp set is from Hampton Arts and I have had it a long time.  The date is from 2010.  I will never part with this set.  It comes with 6! butterflies of different sizes and designs!  

Please join our challenge!  Then join us back at the Retro Rubber Blog the Sunday after the challenge ends to learn the challenge winner!  Thanks for joining the fun!  

I also entered the challenge at the Simon Says Stamp Blog, come join me there also!