Inspired by...Michelle Zindorf!

I am so thrilled to announce that the featured artist this week is the one and only Michelle Zindorf! I'm sure most of you are familiar with Michelle's work, but for those of you who aren't- Michelle has a style all her own. She is a true artist in every sense of the word. And her BLOG is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Period. Almost every day she posts an incredible photo tutorial to go along with her card. In fact, this week, I will share a link to her blog to a tutorial for EVERY one of her cards! Shall we begin?? :) Check out this card by Michelle:

Okay, carefully lift your jaw off the floor, my friends. :) This card is such a beauty! Check out the detailed coloring on the flowers, including the white highlights. I adore the warm colors. The circular shape catches your eye and seems to glow. This is truly a "happy" card! Click HERE to visit Michelle's blog for a step by step tutorial detailing how she created this stunner. Oh, and if you are in the market for some Stampin' Up products, Michelle can help you out, too. :)

Here is my (very humble) take:

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll see you tomorrow with a truly unique card by Michelle!

Stamps: Flowers (Purple Onion Designs: Doodle Flower Sentiment Set), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL342), Grass (Stampin' Up), Polka Dots (Martha Stewart)

Purple Onion Designs

Just thought I'd pop in and share a couple more Purple Onion Designs cards. In the upcoming weeks, I will be sharing my POD cards on Saturdays. I will still be sharing in the same "Inspired by..." format I always do---featuring inspiration from other POD design team members. Anywho, today here are a couple by yours truly. :) They both feature THIS great blossom stamp.

For the next card, I used distress ink and the word "bloom" from THIS set to create the background. I inked the blossom with distress ink, spritzed with water, then added Distress Stickles.

Thanks again for visiting! See you tomorrow with our next "Inspired by..." stamper. Let me tell you, she is one AMAZING artist. Simply AMAZING. ;)

Deirdre *Day 5*

Hi everyone! Today is our last day of inspiration with Deirdre and I've got a stunner picked out for you. Check this lovely creation:This may just be one of the most elegant cards I've ever seen! I love the monochromatic color scheme. Deirdre's mix of patterns and textures is superb as well. The soft bow and beautifully framed focal point round out this excellent example of Deirdre's skill and creativity!

Here is my take: Thanks again for stopping by this week and thanks, Deirdre, for playing along! Be sure to check out Deirdre's BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM as she frequently uploads more eye candy! Hope you all have a beautiful weekend with family and friends!
Stamps: Vintage Butterflies (Purple Onion Designs), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL156), Polka Dots (Martha Stewart), Lace Background (Hero Arts S5341)

Deirdre *Day 4*

Happy Friday everyone! I am back with another stunner from Deirdre:This card is the perfect example of how simple stamping can be so elegant when it is done just right! I love the simple color scheme and beautiful antique brocade in orange. The flower is a great accent and the button makes the perfect center. Finally, Deirdre NEVER forgets all of the little touches, for example, on this card I just adore the way she added the string-subtle and FAB!

Here is my take:

Thanks again for stopping by and leaving such amazing comments! I have been so overwhelmed (in a good way, of course) with your kindness, my friends. I can't tell you how much it means to me! :)
All Stamps Hero Arts

What did I do last night?

What did I do last night instead of working on a new card and post for today?? I was extremely busy grinning from ear to ear after reading all of your incredibly sweet and supportive comments here and over on flickr! Seriously, you all know how to make a girl feel really good! :)

Unfortunately, with all of that grinning, I didn't get a card made for today. So, please, stay tuned!! :) I'm so sorry Deirdre--I promise, one is coming S.O.O.N.

BIG HUGS, my friends!

Announcement and Deidre *Day 3*

Hello, my friends! To begin with, I have a SUPER exciting announcement to make-- I have accepted a spot on the design team for Purple Onion Designs! I love their stamps and am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this creative team. Here is a peek at my first two Purple Onion Designs cards (featured HERE ).

Oh, how I love that butterfly!
Next on the agenda, I have a truly elegant card of Deidre's to share:

Here is my take:

Thanks for stopping by and for leaving such sweet, sweet comments!

Stamps: Butterfly (Purple Onion Designs), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL342)

Deirdre *Day 2*

Here is another beautiful card by Deidre:You know I can't resist a card with beautiful butterflies; right? :) This is so cute! I love the coloring Deirdre has done on each butterfly--so many nice details! The greyish background really makes them pop. Finally, the unique placement of the sentiment and border punch takes this card to the next level.
Here is my take:Thanks again for popping by! HUGS!
All Stamps Hero Arts: CG130, CL351, CG125

Inspired by...Deirdre!

Welcome back to another week of "Inspired by..." cards! This week's inspiring artist is none other than Deirdre (Deirdre IRL on flickr)! I love Deirdre's simply elegant style and can't wait to share a few of her cards this week. And don't forget to pop by Deirdre's PHOTOSTREAM and BLOG to see more of her creations! Here is our first inspiration card by Deirdre:

The golden color scheme is what first caught my eye when looking at this card! Isn't it bold and beautiful?! I love how Dierdre has spotlighted the pretty flower on the circle. The text in the background adds to the elegant design. Finally, the simple ribbon embellishment finishes out this beauty perfectly!

Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Deirdre's color scheme and circle focal point.

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek! See you tomorrow!

All Stamps Hero Arts: S5316, C2961, CG125

Franziska *Day 5*

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! TGIF!!! I don't have much time to write today, but I wanted to send a BIG thank you to everyone for visiting this week and to Franziska for allowing me to share her artistic creations! Be sure to check out Franziska's PHOTOSTREAM to see more of her great cards!
Here is our last inspiration card by Franziska: And here is my take:Have a stampy weekend! HUGS!
Stamps: Hero Arts (K5344, CL351), Butterflies (Martha Stewart)

Franziska *Day 4*

Here is our inspiration card by Franziska for today:

Isn't this a fab color scheme? I love the distressed look of the stamping. The geometric patterns are a great contrast to the natural flowers and leaves. Finally, the subtle text in the background really takes this card to the next level!
Here is my take:See you tomorrow!!
Stamps: Hero Arts (Digi Kit Winged Friends, K5344, CL342), Splatter (All Night Media)

Franziska *Day 3*

Today's card by Franziska is another example of her beautiful collage stamping: Franziska always does such a lovely job of combining background colors and images. Her collages are easy on the eyes and always so natural! I love the way she has divided this one into a grid- great design!
Here is my take:Thanks again for stopping by. Hugs!!
All Stamps Hero Arts Cl298, CL351, K5344

Franziska *Day 2*

Check out this unique card by Franziska: The simplicity of Franziska's design speaks volumes. I love the mini scene against the expanse of blue background paper. This card has that great, handmade, homespun quality. And the scene reminds me of driving across the South Dakota plains as a little girl when going to visit my grandparents.

Here is my take:

See you tomorrow, my friends! I hope you are having a FAB week so far!
Stamps: Quote (Penny Black), Trees and Splatter (All Night Media)

Inspired by...Franziska

Hi everyone and welcome to another week of "Inspired by..." creations. Our featured artist this week is Franziska (Franziska2010 on flickr). I love Franziska's earthy style and beautiful collage stamping. This is the first card of Franziska's that I saw and I guess you can say the rest is history. :)

The colors and layers on this card are outstanding! I love the rich, golden yellow with the unexpected purple leaf. Wouldn't this make the perfect fall/Thanksgiving card? This card, especially the stamped center panel, is like a mini painting ready to be framed!
Here is my take:Thanks soooo much for stopping by. I can't tell you how much your kindness and encouragement mean to me! HUGS, HUGS, HUGS! :)
Stamps: Hero Arts (CL342, CL298, K5344, S5316); Splatter (All Night Media), Leaf (Making Memories)

Vera *Day 5*

Happy Saturday and thanks for stopping by! Here is our last inspiration card by Vera: I always love Vera's scalloped cards and this is no exception! The soft purple is a treat to the eyes. I love the way she has embossed the scallop, too. The light polka dot background is the perfect backdrop for Vera's beautifully colored flower. And what a great design idea to have it extend beyond the circle!
Here is my take:Thanks again everyone for stopping by and for your sweet, sweet comments!! Special thanks to the talented Vera for allowing me to share her cards this week! See you on Monday with our next "Inspired by..." stamper! HUGS!
Stamps: Sentiment (Hero Arts CL272), Flowers (Tim Holtz)

Vera *Day 4*

Hi everyone! I hope you're having a good week- it's almost Friday!!! Here is our next truly amazing card by Vera:I love her vibrant orange and yellow colors! Don't all of Vera's cards just shine?! The texture on the sentiment proves to be a unique touch while the plaid on the apron is another fab texture. Finally, Vera's creativity really shows on this card design with the apron and cooking gear hanging from the brads.
Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Vera's warm orange and yellow colors:

Thanks for stopping by!! Hugs!

Vera *Day 3*

Here is the festive card from Vera that I promised yesterday:This card is just too cute, cute, CUTE! I adore the colors! Vera's card is also full of dimension which adds to its appeal. Finally, Vera hasn't left out any details---from the pretty gems on the paper lanterns to the pretty fan!
Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Vera's colors and use of the lantern stamp:

See you tomorrow! HUGS!
All Stamps Hero Arts Cl272, CL228

Vera *Day 2*

Here is our next inspiration card by the oh-so-talented Vera:

Vera's card is the definition of sunshine! I love the subtle text in the background. The bright yellow is fun and looks beautiful on that flower. Once again, Vera has done a wonderful job combining various stamps into a cohesive design. Finally, I just LOVE her simple sentiment!
Here is my take:

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow with a festive card by Vera!
Hugs, Jill
Stamps: Hero Arts (CG125, CL228, CL342), Grass (Stampin' Up)

Inspired by...Vera!

Hi everyone! I just know you will all love this week's "Inspired by..." stamper--it's Vera Rhuhay! Vera is a stamper who's cards are always filled with bright colors and cheer! Check out today's inspiration card by Vera:

Stunning; right?! I love the bright pink flower and butterfly with the yellow background. Vera has layered so many beautiful images and they all coordinate beautifully. Vera's coloring on the butterfly , flower, and leaves adds great dimension. I just know anyone who received this card couldn't help but smile BIG!
Here is my take:

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will visit tomorrow to check out another of Vera's gorgeous creations. Also, be sure to add Vera's BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM to your favs, as you will want to check them often for more of her great cards! Hugs, Jill

All Stamps Hero Arts (S5341, CG125, CL342, CL374)

Caardvark's Sketch

Hi everyone! Just popping in to share my entry for the Caardvark's sketch challenge this month. Here is the fun sketch: And here is my card:

Thanks so much for looking!

Stamps: Sunflower (TiffanyDoodles), Grass (Stampin' Up), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL342), Text (Hero Arts (K5344)

Jenn *Day 5*

Happy Saturday, my friends! I have lots of stamping planned for today and I couldn't be happier! :) Here is our last inspiration card by Jenn: Isn't this just lovely? The colors are so fun and the touch of pink really pops! I love the way Jenn has lightly stamped the heartwing butterfly on the yellow paper- such a perfect ghost image. Next, the black wire and stitching add a fun flair to this card. Finally, Jenn's distressing really warms up the whole design!
Here is my take:Thanks for stopping by this week! Be sure to check out Jenn's BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM for LOTZZZ more inspiration! See you on Monday with our next "Inspired by..." stamper. Hugs!All Stamps Hero Arts CL390, CG130, CG102

Jenn *Day 4*

Hi my friends! I've got a super quick post today--it's been a very hectic week for me so far, but I did manage to get in a little "Jenn inspired" stamping!

Here is Jenn's GORGEOUS card:

And my take:Thanks for looking! See you tomorrow -- wahoo tomorrow is FRIDAY! :)

Hugs,

Jill

Stamps: Butterfly (Martha Stewart), Flourish (Hero Arts CG119), Sentiment (Hero Arts CL272)

Jenn *Day 3*

Here is our next inspiration card by Jenn: Jenn has pulled out all the stops on this creation! So many lovely textures, colors, and patterns! I adore the distressing around the edges of the circle. The scalloped edges add a fun flair to this round card. Finally, Jenn has given all of the flowers such a lovely touch with pearls and that big button.
Here is my take:

See you tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by my lil' ol' corner of blogland! :)
Stamps: Hero Arts (CG125, CL272), Grass (Stampin' Up), Splatter (All Night Media)

Jenn *Day 2*

Here is our next inspiration piece by Jenn. It's a GORGEOUS layout:
Where do I begin--this is just too pretty!? First of all, I love how Jen's handmade flowers mimic the beauty of those in her great photos. The distressing on the edges of the flowers give them such nice dimension. Next, Jenn's color choices are superb and draw the eye in immediately. Finally, the little touch of ric rac on the "seam" of the paper finishes this design perfectly!

Here is my take: Flower (Hero Arts CG ), Fleur de Lis (Just Rite- thanks Lucy!), Sentiment (PTI), PP (Cosmo Cricket)

Thanks again for stopping by! And again, thanks for all of your encouragement and positivity!

Hugs, Jill

Inspired by...Jenn. B!

Hi friends! Welcome to another week of "Inspired by..."! This week the featured artist is none other than the accomplished Jenn B.! Jenn's work has always caught my eye. Her attention to detail and innovative ideas combine for some fantastic scrapbook layouts and to-die-for cards! Make sure you stop by her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM- you are in for a real treat!
Here is our first inspiration card by Jenn:

Don't you love this unique and earthy color scheme? I love that crochet butterfly. This card design is so versatile. I can imagine lots more great creations using this basic layout. Finally, Jenn always knows the perfect sentiment and font to add to her cards. The simple cursive "hello" on this card is a great compliment to the overall design!

Here is my take:

All Stamps Hero Arts (Digi Kit Winged Friends, CL272, S5316)
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will pop back tomorrow to see an inspiring layout by Jenn! Hugs, Jill

Michelle *Day 5*

Today is our last day of inspiration by Michelle and I've saved one of my favorite "Skrappergirl" cards: This card is the perfect marriage of image and sentiment! It evokes such strong emotions for me in that it ties the changes we see in nature to the changes in our lives. And while change can be scary, this work of art is a reminder of the beauty in change, too! The warm shading of the focal point tree draws the eye in. This card has that fabulous artsy feeling that just makes me want to hang it up in my house. And did you notice the fine stitching and distressing on the central panel? Great touch, Michelle!

Here is my take:

Hero Arts Stamps (K5344, CL342), Trees (All Night Media)
I want to send a special thanks to Michelle for allowing me to share her wonderful cards on my blog this week. Thanks also for all of your patience with me as I have been under the weather this week! Be sure you check out Michelle's great PHOTOSTREAM and BLOG to see lots more of her creations!!! Hugs and see you tomorrow with the next "Inspired by..." stamper!