Nuts About You

Today I get to share a card as guest designer for 2 Cute Ink!  Heidi, the talented artist behind all those adorable images, gave me a cute squirrel to work with and I rather like him!

Stamps:  2 Cute Ink (squirrel), Paper Trey Ink (sentiment)

I've been playing with my Copic markers again over the past week or so and remembering that I do like to color when I have the time!  There is something so relaxing about sitting down with an image and coloring away, bringing it to life!

I stuck with my usual clean and simple card making style after coloring the image.  I added the sentiment as a little banner and then took forever trying to decide how to best arrange those little gemstones hearts!  Aargh!  Why, oh why, do I fret over such little things?!  I'm sure those of you who create CAS cards can relate!  I finally made myself stop and left them as you see them!

I hope you'll stop over to Heidi's blog and her store so you can see just how many cute images she has added in recent months!  She's one busy gal and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in the months ahead!  Oh, and she's on Facebook regularly too, so go stop in for a visit!

Today is a rather quiet Sunday here on the home front.  Everyone is sleeping, but me.  I caught a quick cat nap when DS3 was settling in for his nap, so I'm good to go!

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Seeing Red

Two days.  It's crunch time here in our house!  Valentines are prepared for classmates, but I'm still working on completing some simple gifts for teachers and other adults that we love!  Being my favorite holiday of the year, I can't resist going just a little beyond sanity's limits in my creative endeavors!  So fun!

Today is the beginning of a new cue word challenge over at CASology and how appropriate to think about...

 

 

For me, I couldn't resist using a 2 Cute Ink digi image since that is who is sponsoring us this week!  Heidi's images are absolutely adorable and make me smile every time I see one!  She's been releasing new images quite a bit lately and I'm loving it!  Be sure and check out her blog and Facebook page for updates!

 

I used the Bee Mine digi image to create this clean and simple card.  The sentiment is from Paper Trey.

 



 

It's been a while since I've used my Copic markers!  I really enjoyed sitting down and coloring!  Maybe I'll have to get back to coloring a few more images soon!  I couldn't resist adding some clear Stickles to the little bee's tutu.  Glitter makes me smile.  Every.  Time.

 

Be sure and check out this week's creations made by the talented CASology design team and guest designer!  Then, be sure and link up your own RED creation on the challenge blog by Sunday at 4:00 p.m. (CST)!

 

Tracey McNeely

Rosemary Dennis

Meghan McMillan

Maureen Merritt

Judy Marino

Jen Wills

Ardyth Percy-Robb

 

Guest Designer:  Lucy

 

 

Have a terrific Tuesday!



 

2 Cute Ghostly Greetings

It's a Fun Friday here at our house and the boys and I are doing some crafty things together this morning before we head out for some pizza in town.  I love the relaxed atmosphere of no school days!  No dragging sleepyheads out of beds and rushing to the bus!  Just good ole easing into the day and enjoying each other's company!

I decided to create a card for 2 Cute Ink's sketch challenge that ends shortly!  I'm going to be getting this posted just under the wire!  Love the cute images Heidi sketches!  She's got new ones coming quite regularly too, so be sure and take a peek now and then on the 2 Cute Ink blog!

Stamps:  2 Cute Ink (Ghostie Sucker), Paper Trey (sentiment)

I added some Crystal Effects to Ghostie's sucker and popped him up after cutting him out!  There are actually two colors behind the black panel, but I wanted to keep them thin and subtle.

Here is the sketch:

Now it's off for more Friday fun!  I'll be back tomorrow for a new color challenge at Dynamic Duos!

Have a fabulous Friday!

This Little Pig

Pigs have become more a part of my life than I ever thought they'd be.  DH grew up on a farm with pigs, cattle and wheat and whenever we go visit his parents' farm, our boys want to go out and see the animals!  DS3 is in that stage of childhood now that includes practicing his animal noises and pigs are one of his favorite to mimic!

2 Cute Ink released an adorable baby pig image today and I tried it out on a card!  I am stepping down from the design team in preparation for the busy, warmer months.  I know there are many exciting things yet to come at 2 Cute Ink, so be sure to stop by and visit now and then!  Heidi is one talented artist and I can't wait to see more of her adorable creations in the future!

Turtle-y Sweet

Happy Friday!  I hope you're ready for the weekend because it's almost here!

Well, we did end up making those plans I mentioned for the weekend and then last night, those plans were promptly changed!  DS2 woke up with a croupy cough and I don't like spreading that kind of joy (especially to other little ones), so we'll be staying home (at least some of us will...).  He'll be more comfortable (and I will be too) with the humidifier and all those comfort tools at hand!  Poor kid.  Of all the boys, he doesn't tolerate sickness very well.  Lots of snuggles ahead...

Before the excitement began, I did get a card made for today using 2 Cute Ink's Turtle Sundae image.  The turtle images make me smile every time I use them!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Turtle Sundae - digital), MFT (sentiment)
Paper - My Mind's Eye DP, SU cardstock (Chocolate Chip, Lucky Limeade), Copic blending card
Ink - SU (Basic Black)
Accessories - red button, baker's twine, red gemstones, Stickles (on green layers of ice cream)
Coloring - Copic marker

Challenges entered:

1.  Sundays with Crissy:  Animals

2.  SCS Sketch Challenge #378 

Dino Celebration

Ah, Friday!  I'm happy you are here.  This week feels like it has been rather busy and I'm ready to slow down and ease on into the weekend!

What about you?  How was your week?  Now that the weather is warming up, it seems like life is gearing up for a fast, crazy spring and summer!  Better get my ducks in a row!

For a card today, I used the new Birthday Dino that was released by 2 Cute Ink earlier this week!  Isn't he adorable?!  Remember, 2 Cute Ink is going to be giving away a freebie digi image every two weeks along with their new challenges, so be sure and stop on over to the design team's blog and play along to qualify for the next one!

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Birthday Dino - digi), Paper Trey (sentiment)
Paper - SU cardstock (Lucky Limeade), Paper Trey cardstock (Kraft), Copic blending card, My Mind's Eye DP
Ink - SU (Lucky Limeade, Basic Black
Accessories - orange gemstones, SU ribbon (Chocolate Chip grosgrain), Nestabilities (oval, scalloped oval) 

Challenges entered:  Sundays with Crissy & Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge #377

Challenge and a Freebie!

Today is the beginning of challenges over on the new 2 Cute Ink Design Team blog.  Every other Monday, a new challenge will be posted.  To get things started, Heidi (2 Cute Ink's owner) is offering a free digital image, so head on over and check out the details!

The first challenge is an Easter/Spring theme.  I used the freebie to create a spring card.

 Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (digital), SU (sentiment)
Paper - SU cardstocks (Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue), Paper Trey Kraft cardstock, Copic Blending Card
Ink - SU (Real Red, Basic Black)
Accessories - red gemstones, Nestabilities (oval, scalloped oval), Cuttlebug embossing folder
Coloring - Copic markers

U Rock

It's been a busy week here!  We spent a good portion of it at my DH's parents' farm.  It's spring break for our boys, so we thought we'd create a trip full of grandparents for them!  I think we visited two sets of grandparents and two other great grandparents within four days!  Whew!  The boys had a blast, though, and DS2 has now put a four wheeler on his birthday wish list!  LOL!  Good luck with that, Son!

I made a masculine card last night using an older 2 Cute Ink image.  Both DS1 and DS2 like outer space themed things, so I'll be saving this little card for one of them.

 

Hootin' for Spring!

With the spring-like weather we're having already, I am feeling a lot of anticipation for what's to come:

• green grass
• green leaves on the trees
• beautiful blossoms on the Magnolia trees
• the smell of freshly mowed grass
• tulips & daffodils
• song birds welcoming the mornings
• putting winter coats and gear away
• lazy outings in the local parks
• hikes & long walks as a family
• grilled food
• popsicles & other frozen treats eaten outdoors
• water fun
• sitting on the deck, enjoying the fresh air

My list could go on and on!  What about you?  What are you looking forward to as the weather gives way to warmer temperatures?

To celebrate the welcome changes spring brings, I used the Owl Sparklers digital image from 2 Cute Ink.  I think he'd make a rather cute cheerleader or Fourth of July enthusiast!

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Owl Sparklers - digi), Pink by Design (sentiment)
Paper - SU cardstocks (Crumb Cake, Real Red, Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight)
Ink - SU (Night of Navy)
Accessories - SU (red button, Real Red polka dot ribbon, star punch, circle punch, Night of Navy marker), baker's twine, paper piercer, Stickles, Nestabilities (oval, scalloped oval), foam dots (popped up main image oval & star)

Hello, Cupcake!

Anyone who knows me well, knows I am a sucker for cupcakes.  White ones.  With frosting.  And sprinkles.  Lots of them.

I couldn't resist making a card with this adorable cupcake from 2 Cute Ink!  I colored it with Copics, cut it out and then popped it up with a foam dot after applying some red Stickles to the sprinkles.  Gotta love baker's twine!

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Mini Cupcake - digital), SU (sentiment)
Paper - Gina K white cardstock
Ink - SU Basic Black
Accessories - baker's twine, Stickles (red), foam dot, corner rounder
Coloring - Copic markers

Green Friday

It's Friday again and with fresh, new snow on the ground, I've got mixed emotions today.  While I love the clean look of brand new snow, I just can't shake the feeling of spring fever that's already begun to stir.  I have nothing to complain about this winter.  It has been unseasonably mild and dry, but winter is winter.  I'm looking forward to the return of color in the landscape.  To those of you who enjoy the cold, wet snow, I apologize for not seeming a bit more excited.

For today's 2 Cute Ink creation, I chose to use a little green.  St. Patrick's Day is coming up and, for me, it's the beginning of spring's return!  This Shamrock Turtle is rather adorable, don't you think?  My card, on the other hand, isn't one I'm extremely satisfied with.  There's "clean & simple" and then there's "too clean & too simple."  I think this one fits the latter category.  I fussed around trying to add one or two more elements to it, but my brain just wouldn't budge, so I had to let it remain as it is.  I'm posting it anyway.  It'll keep me humble.

Thinking of Spring

Now that Valentine's Day has come and gone, I'm starting to think S-P-R-I-N-G!  I can't say this winter has been all that bad with snow, but there is something about being stuck indoors for a few months that gets to me after a while, especially with three little boys.  Since today is 2 Cute Ink day for me, I just had to use this adorable spring themed stamp called Baby Chickie!  The nice thing about this particular image is that Heidi will send you two images, one with plain eggs and one with the eggs decorated for Easter!

I used my Nestabilities to create an oval shaped card, made some faux stitching with my paper piercer and black marker and then added some clear Stickles to the eggs to give them a little sparkle.

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Baby Chickie - digital), Elzybells (sentiment)
Paper - SU Daffodil Delight & Basic Black cardstocks, Copic Blending Card
Accessories - SU Basic Black marker, paper piercer, Nestabilities (oval, scalloped oval), Stickles, SU flower button, baker's twine
Coloring - Copic markers

Dachshund Valentine

Fabulous Friday!  I can't be happier!  The past couple days have been filled with a little toddler who was sick.  He couldn't keep anything down the first day and has just been keeping close!  I'm not complaining about the extra snuggles!  I just don't like it when my little ones aren't feeling well!  So far, no one else has come down with anything other than a cold.  Thankfully, no fever ever developed, so I'm counting my lucky stars this time around!

Today is 2 Cute Ink day, so I'm sharing the cutest little weiner dog (a.k.a. Dachshund) love note!

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Patches the Weenie Dog - digital)
Paper - SU Bashful Blue, Melon Mambo cardstocks, Copic blending card, My Mind's Eye DP (Love Me)
Accessories - SU Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon, pink gemstones
Coloring - Copic markers

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love Bug

It's 2 Cute Ink Friday, so I'm sharing a card I made with one of the newest nine digital stamps that were released.  I'm really liking black, white and red on valentines this year, so had to use more of that color combo on this card!  I'll also be entering this into this week's Sketch Challenge over at Card Patterns.

Supplies:

Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Love Bug - digital)

Paper - Echo Park DP (Yours Truly), SU CS (Basic Black, Real Red), Paper Trey white CS

Accessories - red gemstones, foam dots (popped up main image panel), Nestabilities (hearts, scalloped hearts), baker's twine, SU Real Red wide grosgrain ribbon

Coloring - Copic markers

2 Cute Ink New Release Blog Hop: Week 3

It's time for January's final Blog Hop over at 2 Cute Ink!  Three more Valentine's Day digital images are being released today, so join in the fun and hop along with us!  Leave a comment on the DT blogs for a chance to win all three of today's new releases!

Here is the order of today's Blog Hop:

2 Cute Ink Blog

*Melissa (You are here!)*

Suzanne

Sandy

Jenn

I chose to use the adorable new fish called Best Fins for my project!  With little ones in my house, I immediately thought of those popular kid snacks (I like 'em too...), Pepperidge Farm Goldfish!  The preferred flavor in our family is the Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar.  I'd bought some little buckets from the Dollar Spot at Target a little while ago, and thought I'd use one to make a little snack gift for a child!  I colored the image with Copic markers, creating the little dot pattern on the bigger fish with my colorless blender.  I used some strong sticky tape to adhere the pieces to the bucket.  The sentiment on the top says, "Big Hug."  After putting this together, I realized I could have put some Hershey's Hugs in the bucket instead.  Next time.

Supplies:
Stamps -  2 Cute Ink (Best Fins - digital), SU (sentiment)

Paper - Copic Blending Card, SU Melon Mambo CS

Ink - SU Melon Mambo

Accessories - SU oval punch, Nestabilities (oval), SU Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon
Coloring - Copic Marker


**Now head on over to the oh-so-creative Suzanne's blog for more fun and inspiration for the new digi stamp release!