Rosemary *Day3*

Welcome back! If you are starting to get in the Christmas spirit, then you will love this card by Rosemary:I love Rosemary's nontraditional colors on this card. Her mixture of textures--twine, gems, embossing- really makes this an eye catching card! I love the way she stamped part of the sentiment next to the gems. This card makes me want to decorate my Christmas tree with sparkling ornaments and orange and pale blue ribbons!

Here is my card:

Thanks for looking! See you tomorrow!
Supplies
Stamps: Sentiment (Papertrey Ink), Outline Flowers (Hero Arts--thanks Heather!); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Misc. Black Ink; Other: Musical Paper (Michelle Underwood Vintage Holiday Memories Digital Kit), Misc. White Cardstock, Clear Epoxy Stickers (EK Success), Twine (Jewelry Essentials Naturals by Darice), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), White Gel Pen (Sakura)

Rosemary *Day 2*

Here is today's inspiration card by the talented Rosemary:Rosemary's flower made from button circles takes creativity to the next level! Imagine all of the posibilities... :) I love the grid of squares in the background. The innovative flower, button center, and subtle textures all add up to one eye-catching card!

Here is my card: (Another Christmas card done...a LOT more to go..)

Thanks again for stopping by. See you tomorrow!
Supplies:
Stamps: Tree (Autumn Leaves Stampology Wild Trees), Text (Hero Arts Digital Long Script); Ink: Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Distress Ink (Tim Holtz); Other: Perfect Pearls mixed with water and spritzed with a mini mister (Ranger), Corner Rounder (EK Success), Pearls (Recollections), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Misc. Cardstock and Thread

Inspired by... Rosemary!

Hi everyone! I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for my blogging and Hero Arts flickr friends. Your sweet comments and encouragement always make me smile. :)

I just couldn't wait to post this week's featured stamper---

Our featured stamper this week is Rosemary! (Rosemary D. to us Hero Arts flickr folks) If you are looking for inspiration, be sure to check out her flickr photostream. It is full of inspiration and she posts new, fabulous cards often!

You are going to love this first inspiration card by Rosemary:

Isn't it gorgeous?? First of all, I love the purple--so bright and royal looking! It looks really great against the kraft background. Rosemary's butterfly is stunning. It is so dimensional. It looks like it just landed on a beautiful piece of text paper! The shading behind the butterfly makes it appear as if it is glowing in the sunlight. The glitter on the butterfly adds to this affect. This card is just so stunning!

Here is my take:

I was inspired by Rosemary's bright colors, dimension, touch of ribbon, and white edge at the bottom of her stamped text.

Thanks again for stopping by! Be sure to come back tomorrow for more inspiration and gorgeous cards by Rosemary!!

Supplies

Stamps: Quilt Blocks (Papertrey Ink), Snowflakes (Inkadinkado), Snow Family (Penny Black thanks Heather!); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Perfect Medium (Ranger); Other: Scallop Punch (Fiskars), Perfect Pearls, Watercolor Pencils (Stampin' Up), Ribbon (Celebrate It), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media)

Sneak Peek

Hi everyone! Thanks again to the oh-so-talented Alice for a wonderful week of inspiration!

I will be back tomorrow with our next featured stamper. I just love her style and I know you will, too! :) Here's a sneak peak of a couple of upcoming cards...

Alice *Day 6*

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!

Hi! Here is another fab card by Alice:

First of all, I love the shape of her card. What a fantastic idea to have part of the ferns extend beyond the circle! Her colors are just stunning- the bright red and green just pop! Alice's distressing is perfection! This card is a beautiful showcase of her amazing cardmaking skills!

Here is my take on her card:

Thanks for stopping by! I hope everyone enjoyed seeing Alice's amazing cards this week! THANK YOU to Alice for allowing me to post her beautiful creations on my blog!

Supplies:

Stamps: Sentiment (Hero Arts CL230), Flower (Stampin' Up! Nature's Wonders), Border (Stampin' Up! Darling Dot Frame); Inks: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Alcohol Ink (Tim Holtz); Other: Pearls (Recollections), Stickles (Ranger), Misc. Cardstock, Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media)

Alice *Day 5*

Good morning everyone! Check out this cute card by Alice:

Now isn't that the cutest thing you have ever seen??!! I love Alice's pair of owls in their pretty sweaters. The google eyes are so fun and whimsicle. Alice's color scheme is great too- I love the pairing of pink and green. Finally, the shape of her card is unique and suits her design perfectly!

Here is my take on Alice's card:

Thanks for coming by today! And thanks so much for your fun comments. They always make my day!!! :)

Supplies:

Stamps: Butterflies (Hero Arts Digital Winged Friends); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz); Other: Misc. Cardstock, Leave Die Cut (Sizzix), Top Note Die Cut (Sizzix for Stampin' Up), Pearls (Recollections); Stickles (Ranger), Perfect Pearls (Ranger)

Alice *Day 4*

Here is the next fabulous card by Alice. She used a sketch to create her card. The sketch can be seen here on her blog.
Alice has a wonderful knack for mixing patterned papers and stamping. This is not easy to do! I love the purples, greens and yellows on this card. So fun! And Alice's coloring on the main image couldn't be more perfect! Finally, her stitching around the patterned paper is a lovely addition to an already fantastic card.

Here is my take:

Thanks again for stopping by!
Supplies:
Stamps: Background Script (Hero Arts Digital Long Script), Dragonflies (Hero Arts Digital Winged Friends); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz); Other: Gold Perfect Pearls, Misc. Cardstock and Thread, Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media)

Alice *Day 3*

Hi! Thanks for stopping by. Here is Alice's inspiration card today:

Now, even though Halloween has passed this card has so many fabulous elements that I found inspiring. First, I love the bright yellow moon with the bat that extends beyond the circle. What a great focal point! The design of this card can be adapted to so many different types of cards. The text behind the moon is a great design element. Finally, the color scheme of this card is unexpected and so fun!! Oh! And I almost forgot- the little spiders at the bottom are perfectly spooky! :)

Here is my take: (I actually made a Christmas card!!)

Thanks again for stopping by!

Supplies

Stamps: Flower Etching (Hero Arts Digitial Free Etchings), Text (Hero Arts Digital Long Script); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Making Memories; Other: Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Misc. Cardstock and Thread, Pearl (Recollections), Stickles (Ranger)

Alice *Day 2*

Hi! Here is Alice's card that I chose for inspiration today:

Alice's handmade flower is truly beautiful! I love how she layered the orange and violet papers. The barely there flourishes and pretty blue color create a soft and delicate sky. And you know me and butterflies... I just LOVE Alice's family of fluttering butterflies! Finally, the pattern on her torn grass adds another layer of texture to this already amazing scene!

Here is my card:

Thanks for stopping by! And thanks again for all of your lovely comments yesterday!! :)

Supplies

Stamps: Sentiment (Hero Arts C3016), Background Text (Hero Arts Digital Dictionary Page), Butterfly (Hero Arts Digital Winged Friends), Butterfly Trail stamped, punched, then stitched (Hero Arts JS173); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Black Ink (Stampin' Up!); Other: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug for ProvoCraft), Misc. Cardstock, Thread, and Gems, Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media)

Inspired by... Alice!!

I am so thrilled to feature Alice this week. For my fellow Hero Arts flickr crew you know her best as "Aliceh83." If you are ever in need of some major inspiration, you have got to run, not walk, to Alice's blog or photostream. She is a master of cardmaking! SO...without making you wait any longer - here is the first inspirational card by Alice:

I don't know where to begin! The first time I laid eyes on this card I had to do a double take. This Christmas card is simply stunning --from the rainbow scalloped edges to the bright unexpected pinks and teals! Finally, I just love the way Alice "laced up" the card!!

Here is my take on Alice's fabulous card. I decided to make a set of 3 cards:

Thanks so much for visiting today! Be SURE to come back tomorrow for more inspiration from Alice!

Supplies

Stamps: Text (Inkadinkado), Focal Images (Stampin' Up Nature's Wonders), Sentiment (Unknown--I lost the original packaging- so sorry!); Inks: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Misc. Cardstock and White Thread, Scallop Punch (Fiskars), White Gel Pen (Gelly Roll Medium), Prairie Gold Marker (Martha Stewart), Pearls and Gems (Recollections), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media)

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday! Thanks again everyone for stopping by! Be sure to come back tomorrow to find out who the next inspired stamper will be. I am so excited -- her cards are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!!!

Nancy - Day 6

Hi! Today is our last day of inspiration with Nancy and I know you will love her beautiful card:

The first thing that is so striking to me about this card are the colors! I love the combination of blues, browns, reds, and oranges. Nancy's beautiful arrangement of flowers and leaves creates a pretty focal point. The use of twine goes perfectly with the distressed patterned papers and is a fun way to attach the sentiment. I know we all would be thrilled to receive this birthday card!

Here is my take on Nancy's card. I am so sorry for the wonky picture--I think this is one of those cards that definitely looks much better in real life. (even if it arrives a couple of days after your birthday; right mom? *wink* *wink* oh wait, didn't we decide it was 363 days early for next year's bday?? )

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Nancy for allowing me to feature your cards on my blog. It has been a fun week! :) Thanks also to everyone who has stopped by!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Plaid (Martha Stewart), I don't have a company name for the sentiment or flower images--so sorry!!; Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Pearls (Recollections), Ribbon (Offray), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Die Cut (ProvoCraft), Glue Dots, Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), Circle Punch (Paper Shapers), Scallop Punch (EK Success), Misc. Cardstock

Nancy - Day 5

Welcome back! Here is Nancy's next inspiration card:

I love the sky blue colors with the pop of orange around the sentiment. And isn't Nancy's background the prettiest? She mixes different shades of blue with different images to create a beautiful, subtle collage! Finally, you know me and butterflies... :) Nancy's tone-on-tone butterfly is gorgeous!

Here is my take on Nancy's soft, pretty card:

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Stamps: Butterfly (Hero Arts Digital Winged Friends) Background Text (Hero Arts Digital Long Text); Ink: Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), VersaMagic Pumpkin Spice, Making Memories; Other: Pearls (Recollections), Misc. Cardstock and Black Twine, Scallop Punch (Fiskars), Watercolor Pencils (Stampin' Up!), Ultra Thick Embossing Powder (Ranger)

Nancy - Day 4

Hi everyone! I just know you are going to love this card by Nancy:

Her three dimensional tree is out of this world! I love, love, love the way she intricately paper pieced the leaves of the tree. The punched cirles not only provide the fall colors of the leaves, but also add to the shape of the tree. And finally, the apples have great texture and colors! The touch of purple/burgandy looks so nice with the yellow background!

Here is my take on Nancy's innovative card. Nancy's card was so incredible that I was inspired to make two cards:

Thanks for stopping! Your comments always make me smile! :)

Supplies

Stamps: Clear Pattern Stamps (Martha Stewart), Apples (Hero Arts CL320), Sentiment (PaperTrey Ink Boards and Beams); Ink: Alcohol Ink (Tim Holtz), Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Making Memories; Other: Misc. Cardstock, Kodak Photo Paper, Pearls (Recollections), Gems (Brenda Walton), VersaMarker, Die Cut (ProvoCraft), Scallop Punch (Martha Stewart), Embroidery Floss (Mouline Special), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media)

Nancy - Day 3

Hi! Hope everyone is having a great week--I am having so much fun sharing Nancy's cards! Here is Nancy's next inspiring ATC:

Nancy has such a knack for picking out the perfect sentiment go with her design. I love how she has repeated the her sentiment so that it becomes a part the background. Nancy has designed the perfect scene of grass, bright flowers, and blue skies! I love all of her little flowers which seem to overflow over a white picket fence. Finally, Nancy's flower scene really "pops" against the rich, black background.

Here is my take on Nancy's ATC:

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to hop on over to Nancy's blog--it is always brimming with inspiration! :)

Supplies

Stamps: Sentiment (Hero Arts JS143), Flower (Hero Arts Digital Poetic Petals) Leaves (Hero Arts Digital Delicate Leaves); Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Black Ink (Stampin' Up!), Fresco Chalk Ink (Stampa Rosa); Other: Misc. Cardstock, Pearls (Recollections), Dimensional Adhesive (All Night Media), Misc. Thread and Button, Watercolor Pencils (Stampin' Up!)

Nancy - Day 2

Welcome to day 2 of inspiration with Nancy. Here is her sweet card:

This card is sure to brighten anyone's day who receives it! It just feels like it comes from the heart. I love Nancy's use of bold colors like the dark blue with the yellow flower. I also love the way she added the green color to the background stamped with text. Her bright yellow flower goes perfectly with the kind sentiment.

Here is my take on Nancy's card:

Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments!

Supplies

Stamps: Sentiment (Hero Arts JS143), Flowers (Hero Arts CL290), Leaves (Hero Arts CL298); Ink: ColorBox Pigment Stamp Pad Cyan and Moss Green, Black Ink (SU!), Tim Holtz Distress Ink, VersaMagic Chalk Ink Night Sky; Other: Dimensional Adhesive, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug by ProvoCraft), Misc. Cardstock and Pearls

Inspired by... Nancy!!

Hi everyone! I am so excited to featured Nancy (nancyljk on the Hero Arts flickr site) this week! Her creations are always so fun, cheery, and one-of-a-kind. Not only is Nancy a talented cardmaker but she is sweet and always has an insightful "thought of the day" on her blog. If you are ever in need of some inspiration, you must visit her photostream on flickr!

Here is Nancy's beautiful card for today:

I love so many things about this card, I'm not sure where to begin!! First of all I can't get enough of Nancy's bright red butterfly! I love the way she created a border using the circles with flowers on them. Nancy's color choices are unique. They create both a fun and elegant feeling for this card. Finally, all of the wonderful textures on this card add to its appeal!

Here is my take on Nancy's beauty:

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Make sure to come back tomorrow-- I can't wait to show you more of Nancy's FABULOUS cards!!!

Also, my sweet friend, Lori, came over last night to make some cards. She is a talented artist and drew her own digital mermaid to use on her card! Yes, I said drew her own digital image! She posted her first entry into the Hero Arts challenge on flickr. I'm trying to get her hooked as it is so fun to have a crafting friend to create with!! Especially when she happens to be as sweet and fun as Lori! :) I'm sure she would love your sweet comments so be sure to stop by here.

Supplies:

Stamps: Clear Butterfly Stamps (Martha Stewart), Sentiment (DOCCO25), Grass (SU! Inspired by Nature); Ink: Black Ink (SU!), Chestnut (Memories Dye Ink Pad), Tim Holtz Distress Ink, VersaColor Ultimate Pigment Ink 68 Atlantic; Other: Misc. Cardstock and Pearls, Dimensional Adhesive, Watercolor Pencils (SU!), Pink Paper (Cosmo Cricket), Scallop Punch (Fiskars), Flower Punch (Punch Bunch), Corner Rounder (EK Success), Star Dust Stickles (Ranger)

Thanks!

Hi everyone! Thanks to all of you who have stopped by this week to peek at Lin's wonderful cards! I want to think Lin especially for letting me share her work with you this week on my blog!!!

Here are my glittery cards for the Hero Arts challenge this week. I finally caved and downloaded some Hero Arts digital kits which I used on these cards.

Thanks so much for stopping by. See you tomorrow with the next "Inspired by.." stamper!!

Lin- Day 6

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by for our last day of inspiration with the very talented Lin! I know I will be checking her flickr photostream often as her creations are always filled with beauty and creativity! Here is today's card by Lin:

This card is so elegant and charming. I love Lin's roses which are colored perfectly- such amazing highlights and shading! The embossed background almost reminds me of a pretty linen tablecloth and the roses are the beautiful centerpiece. Finally, I love the way Lin has showcased her sentiment with the punched paper! I know this card would bring a smile to anyone's face!

Here is my card:

Thanks again for everyone who has stopped by this week and for all of the kind comments! A big thanks to Lin for playing along and allowing me to share her inspiring cards on my blog.

Supplies

Stamps: Sentiment/Tag (Hero Arts CL197), Flowers (Hero Arts H2965), Splatter Pattern (All Night Media); Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Black Ink (Stampin' Up); Other: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug by ProvoCraft), Watercolor Pencils (Stampin' Up), Misc. Thread, Stitching, and Cardstock, Dimensional Adhesive, Hero Arts Gems

Lin - Day 5

Good morning! Here is Lin's card for today:

This beautiful card is a great example of Lin's distinct style. The pastel colors are so soft and delicate. She weaves together many subtle patterns into a cohesive whole. What a fun idea to layer the text heart stamp with the bird! This card makes me think of sweet springtime.

Here is my take on Lin's card:

Thanks for visiting!

Supplies:

Stamps: Butterfly (Martha Stewart), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL320), Butterfly Trail (Hero Arts JS173), Amy Butler Lotus Floral, Stem (Hero Arts CL298), Woodgrain (All Night Media), Text (Inkadinkado); Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Black Ink (Stampin' Up), ColorBox Chalk Ink; Other: Misc. Cardstock, Thread, and Gems, Dimensional Adhesive

Lin - Day 4 and LONG POST

Hi! Welcome to Day 4 of inspiration with Lin! Check out this beautiful fall card:

Lin has such a keen eye for color. I LOVE those purple mums with the orange pumpkins. The polka dot texture on the pumpkins looks great with Lin's subtle shading to give the pumpkins dimension. I also really like Lin's design choice to feature this vignette on a simple white background.

Here is my card inspired by Lin's pretty card: And, my friends, I have an exciting announcement! Lin has just started a blog! You are going to want to hop on over there and add it to your favs! Here's the link.

Okay, next thing on the list. (I warned you this was a long post!) One of the most innovative stampers I know, Sue, gave me my first blog award!! How fun!

It's for people who bring smiles into your life. Now I have to share five things about myself and pass it on to 5 people who make me smile.

1. I grew up in South Dakota, but I left the Black Hills for the Arizona desert. I miss my family, but I definitely do NOT miss the snow.

2. My husband and I have three very spoiled dogs. They are quite the crew--

Meet Dafne (yes, she sleeps with her tongue hanging out!):

and Toffee:

and Loki:

3. I am a middle school teacher.

4. I hardly ever cook. Good thing my hubby is a great cook and doesn't mind frozen dinners!

5. I am afraid of heights and HATE driving through mountains.

Now for 5 people who make me smile. This was so hard because I think I could list 50! Here we go:

Lynda

Deborah

Alice

Nancy

Jacqueline

Thanks again for stopping by and for all of your sweet comments. I have to say, I just grin ear to ear when I read all of the kind things you guys say! :)

Supplies

Stamps: Flower (Tim Holtz Visual Artistry), Text (Inkadinkado); Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Fresco Chalk Finish Dye Inkpad (Stampa Rosa), Making Memories; Other: JoAnn's Craft Essentials Clear Embossing Powder, Misc. Cardstock, Thread, and Pearl, Dimensional Adhesive

Lin - Day 3

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by today! Here is Lin's inspiration card:

This card is classic "quilterlin" style! I love the soft purple and blue colors. Lin is so great at incorporating many different stamps together into a cohesive, well-designed card. Finally, I love the border on the left hand side--it seems so delicate like a vintage piece of lace!

Here is my card inspired by Lin:

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek at Lin's pretty cards!

AND If you are looking for more inspiration, I'm sure you would love to check out this post on Deborah's blog--she comes up with the best ideas! :)

Supplies

Stamps: Friends Text (Hero Arts G2991), Flowers (Hero Arts F4699, F4700, F4698, F4701) Sentiment (Hero Arts JS143); Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Black Ink (Stampin' Up), Other: Misc. Cardstock and Button and Gems, Butterfly Punch (Fiskars), Ribbon (Offray), Misc. Stitching Thread