Word Power Challenge - May

Hello, my crafting friends! Today I have the honor of being the guest designer for the Word Power Challenge Blog! 

The Challenge for WORD POWER is to showcase the many sentiment stamps and dies we all have in our crafting stash, however the sentiments (or word art) must be the FOCUS of the cards entered..

A new challenge will be posted on the FIRST THURSDAY of each MONTH, which will run until the LAST Thursday of the month. Winners are announced on the Wednesday before the beginning of the new month's challenge.

The main reason that I have been playing with my word art stamps in the past few months was to get ready for this challenge. I have so many large stamps, many with scripture on them, that need to be used! This challenge is the perfect opportunity! 

The card is a 5" x 5" top fold card. I used to make this size almost exclusively years ago. For some reason, the size became less popular and I moved away from it. I am moving back, because to me this is like a perfect sized canvas for paper art!

The word art stamp is from Verve Stamps and is from a set called Potter's Clay. Verve is not around any more, but Julee is still designing stamps under her new brand J. Tilman Designs. Her word art is some of the best you can find. 

I stamped the sentiment with black ink and then placed a rectangle die cut over the image. I sponged on some pink distress ink, then cut the image out with my die cut machine. So pretty!  

The printed papers are from an Authentique Flawless 6x6 pad. Such pretty pinks! I used black cardstock to make each layer stand out. I also have one layer of white cardstock that I inked the edges with the pink distress ink. 

I had the card assembled, then decided that the left side was very empty. I had recently purchased some flower dies from Elizabeth Craft Designs, so I pulled those out to try. The leaves are from a very old die by Cheery Lynn, which might still be around in some format. 

I created my blooms and leaves from cardstock. I had a sheet each of pink and green that were two-tone - lighter color on one side and darker color on the other. Who knows what brand that could be??! I didn't ink the flowers, and I am not sure how I feel about that. Next time, I will add some ink shading and see how I feel. {smile}

I hope you liked my card and that you will give this fun challenge a try! I got my start in design team work via challenge blogs back around 2008 or so. I am mostly "retired" from design team work now, but I still enjoy  keeping my hand in with LOW KEY responsibilities. I have really had fun being part of the Triple B: Birds, Butterflies, and Blooms Challenge Blog since April, and a new card for that challenge will drop TOMMOROW!

Please visit the Word Power Challenge Blog to read all the rules and information on the challenge! You have until the LAST Thursday of the month to enter.

Cardstock: ColorMates Black, Neenah White, colored unknown

Printer paper: Auithentique Flawless 6x6

Stamp: Verve Stamps Potter's Clay

Inks: Ranger Distress Spun Sugar, Memento Tuxedo Black

Die cuts: Elizabeth Craft Designs Florals Six, Floral Minis, Everyday Elements: Lace Borders; Cheery Lynn Flourish Leaf Strip; Heartfelt Creations Rectangle and Basics

Adhesive: Art Glitter Glue, ATG 1/4" tape, hot glue

Tools: flower shaping tools, MISTI stamp platform, ink brushes, score board, trimmer

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop - April 2024

   

Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon April Blog Hop! Our hop theme this month is Mother's Day and/or Flowers. Each of the design team ladies is going to be creating a project in this theme or style, using ribbon! 

You should be coming to my blog from Ginny's Blog. After visiting me hop on to Kathy's Blog next! (The full blog list is at the end of the post.)

At the end of the hop, comment on the RRR Blog post, answering the question listed, for a chance to win a $10 Gift Card to the RRR Shop, plus one digital stamp set of your choice from Bonnie Garby Designs. The Design Team appreciates your comments, too!

I lost my mom in 2015, but still I try to make a card in colors that she used to enjoy. She loved blue, so I incorporated blue ribbons into the card I made to share today. I mostly donate the Mother's Day cards I create, which brings me joy and spreads joy to others. 

I made a 5" x 6 card base from a dark periwinkle cardstock that I found in my stash of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock; which I have been trying to use because it is taking up too much space in my craft room! I used Graphic 45 Cottage Life and Botanical Tea papers and images. 

I created the sentiment on my computer and printed it out, then used some sentiment strips die cuts to trim out the greeting. 

I used lots of layers for the card, including two banner shapes cut from printed paper and coordinating cardstock. 

The ribbons used are 5/8" Capri Blue Taffeta and 3/8" Capri Blue Swiss Dots Satin. I love when I find coordinating ribbons in my stash! I created bows, which I glued to the card. I topped the bows with a large pink button tied with a piece of Baker's Twine.

I didn't care for how my bows were looking, so I decided to add some paper flowers, too. I used Mixed Pink Peony Flowers, which I deconstructed and then put back together to make smaller buds.

I used a leaf die to cut some leaves from scraps of green cardstock. 

I added some enamel dots here and there as well to finish the card. I did line the inside of the card with off-white cardstock, making it ready for stamping or writing an inside greeting.

Thanks for joining me today! Have fun hopping!

Here is the RRR Blog Hop Order in case you get lost!
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings
Ginny
Gloria - YOU ARE HERE!
Kathy
Cheryl
Bonnie
Misty
Karen
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings

Really Reasonable Ribbon Supplies Used:

Trims: 5/8" Capri Blue Taffeta, 3/8" Capri Blue Swiss Dots Satin, Baker's Twine

Flowers: Mixed Pink Peony Flowers

Adhesive: 1/4" ATG tape, 1/4" Scor-tape

Bow making tools: Zutter Bow-it-All

Other Supplies Used:

Cardstock: ColorMates Smooth Natural, blue and green unknown

Paper: Graphic 45 Cottage Life, Botanical Tea

Stamps: computer generated by me

Ink: Stampin' Up Old Olive (to ink the leaves)

Enamel dots: Simple Stories Enchanted

Die cuts: My Favorite Things Fishtail Stax and Layers, Frames; Cherry Lynn Flourish Leaf

Button: my stash

Adhesive: Art Glitter Dries Clear Glue, hot glue, foam tape

Other tools: paper trimmer, scissors, score board

Triple B Challenge - April 2024

Hello! Some fun news this morning! I am going to be joining Darlene and Diane for the Triple B Challenge each month! Triple B is a card challenge that is all about Birds, Butterflies, and Blooms! Plus, each month there is an Inspiration Board to help you get your creative juices flowing! 

Darlene asked me to join them in creating an inspiration card each month, just for fun. I have pretty much retired from the design team world, at least for now, but I like to have a little something to give me some incentive to make cards for my stash. The odd guest spot or little challenge like this is perfect for my life as it is currently. So, huge thanks to Darlene and Diane for inviting me!

Here is your inspiration board for April. Isn't this beautiful?!! I had so many ideas for this challenge! I have a container of paper labeled "Birds, Bugs, Fish." I pulled that out and picked through it for some inspiration for my card.

Once I decided on my papers, I sketched out a card idea, then selected the elements I wanted to use from my stash of embellishments. It is often hard for me to narrow things down because I just have so much stuff! Trying to use up this stash is a monumental task! But I am trying! {smile}

This is the card that I ended up with. I aimed for the soft colors of the inspiration board, trying to focus on the pale pinks and grays. I totally wanted to go vintage with my card, but I actually chose a more trendy paper pack! This paper is from the Authentique Dreamy collection. The soft colors in some of the papers, plus that lovely butterfly paper, just sold me! 

The card is 5" x 6" and made from off white cardstock with gray accent cardstock to make the printed papers pop. This size card fits into an A6 envelope, in case you are wondering. However, with this much embellishment, I would mail this in a padded envelope, a little box, or something to protect the flowers. 

The sentiment if from the My Favorite Things Rainbow Greetings set. I have had this set for a while and don't think I have ever used it until today. Well, maybe I used it once before. Shocking, I know! {giggle}

I added some of the butterfly paper and another sentiment to the inside of the card. I really like stamping in the gray ink! However, my ink pad was really dry...time to order an ink refill. Hopefully it is still available! That is the problem with an old stash...things get discontinued or the company goes out of business! If anyone has a recommendation for a great gray stamping ink, let me know in the comments! 

I added a bit of lace to the card, then assembled a big flower cluster. These are all pre-made flowers from my stash. I like making my own flowers, but sometimes it just takes so much extra time! I did die cut the leaves from some random green cardstock, so that is a plus. 

Note on the lace: Really Reasonable Ribbon is down to just a few styles of lace and has no plans to restock. If you are looking for lace, you will need to check your local stores, thrift stores, or scour online shops. Lace in card making is not popular right now, so sourcing it can be a challenge. I have a nice stash, but it makes me sad to run out! This style I am sharing today is the LAST of it in my hoard! 

Thanks for joining me for my FIRST Triple B Challenge! 

Remember you do NOT have to follow the board as it is just for inspiration, BUT YOU DO have to use 1, 2 or 3 of the B's ... Birds, Butterflies, and/or Blooms.

Now it's YOUR turn, so pull out those stamps, dies, stencils, or whatever other goodies you have in your stash and have some fun with us.

We won't always have a prize but periodically we will, you just never know! To link up your challenge project, click on THIS link to take you to the Triple B Blog. 

 

Challenge ends: 8 PM April 30th     

Winners announced: May 2nd.

You can read all the rules in the rules tab on the Triple B  Blog.

Cardstock: CutCardStock Flafours Gourmet Smoked Sea Salt, ColorMates Natural

Printed paper: Authentique Dreamy

Stamps: My Favorite Things Rainbow Greetings

Ink: Memento London Fog; Close to My Heart Heather, Pink Carnation; Stampin' Up Mellow Moss

Flowers: Petaloo Penny Lane Antique Rose; Prima (gray roses); Large flower with wood center unknown, Really Reasonable Ribbon Ivory Rose Buds, Two-Tone Baby Pink and Ivory Sweetheart Blossoms

Lace: Really Reasonable Ribbon Crochet Lace (style I used is out of stock) 

Dies: Cheery Lynn Flourish Leaf, Heartfelt Creations Ornamental Tags

Adhesive: Hot glue, Art Glitter Glue, Scor-tape, ATG

Tools: ink daubers, trimmer, score board, MISTI stamp platform

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop - March 2024

    

Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon March Blog Hop! Our hop theme this month is SPRING AND EASTER. Each of the design team ladies is going to be creating a project in this theme or style, using ribbon! 

You should be coming to my blog from Ginny's Blog. After visiting me hop on to Kathy's Blog next! (The full blog list is at the end of the post.)

At the end of the hop, comment on the RRR Blog post, answering the question listed, for a chance to win a $10 Gift Card to the RRR Shop, plus one digital stamp set of your choice from Bonnie Garby Designs. The Design Team appreciates your comments, too!

I have been interested in playing with some of my word art stamps lately, because some friends of mine have been sharing cards for a new challenge blog called Word Power: A Challenge Blog Using Sentiments. It is such a great idea for a challenge! (Sneaky information....I am going to be a guest DT over there in May!) Anyway, I pulled out more of my word art stamps for my RRR card today!

The card is a 5" x 6" top fold card. I used an old, unmounted rubber stamp from Taylored Expressions called Graphic Greetings: Redeemer. I love this style of word art and this message is perfect for Easter...or any time of the year!

The paper is some scraps from some of the Authentique Easter collections, but I am not sure which ones. I had a bunch of scraps in a bag, and didn't feel like matching them up to any particular collection. You know how we do...just toss scraps around willy nilly. 

The ribbon is 5/8" Pearl Pink Delicate Stitched Satin. I wrapped some ribbon around the bottom of the panel before attaching the panel to the card front. Then I created a loopy bow to glue onto the circle element on the card. I sort of wish I had scooted the wrapped ribbon up a bit to be even with the center of the bow, but....ah well. 

The decorative elements are the cute doily cut using an Elizabeth Craft Designs Elements: Small  Doilies die, and the pink enamel dots. I am not sure which company those dots are from as the packaging was missing. I enjoyed making this pink card, all ready for spring and Easter!

Thanks for joining me today! Have fun hopping!

Here is the RRR Blog Hop Order in case you get lost!
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings
Ginny
Gloria - YOU ARE HERE!
Kathy
Cheryl
Bonnie
Misty
Karen
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings

I am entering this card into these challenges:
Word Power #3
Word Art Wednesday - Weeks 639-640

Really Reasonable Ribbon Supplies Used:

Trims: 5/8" Pearl Pink Delicate Stitched Satin

Adhesive: 1/4" ATG tape, 1/4" Scor-tape

Bow making tools: Zutter Bow-it-All

Other Supplies Used:

Cardstock: ColorMates Smooth Brown, Natural

Paper: Authentique Easter scraps

Stamps: Taylored Expressions Graphic Greeting: Redeemer, PSX Happy Easter (1998) - inside

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa

Enamel dots: from my stash

Die cuts: Heartfelt Creations Rectangle and Basics, Circle Basics Large, Eyelet Circle and Basics Small; Elizabeth Craft Designs Everyday Elements: Small Doilies

Adhesive: Art Glitter Dries Clear Glue, hot glue, foam tape

Other tools: paper trimmer, scissors, score board

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop - February 2024

   

Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon February Blog Hop! We have a ANYTHING GOES...WITH RIBBONS AND BOWS HOP this month...each of the design team ladies is going to be creating a project in any theme or style, using ribbon! 

You should be coming to my blog from Ginny's Blog. After visiting me hop on to Kathy's Blog next! (The full blog list is at the end of the post.)

At the end of the hop, comment on the RRR Blog post, answering the question listed, for a chance to win a $10 Gift Card to the RRR Shop, plus one digital stamp set of your choice from Bonnie Garby Designs. The Design Team appreciates your comments, too!

I am back to my "normal" self today, sharing a standard A2 card! {smile} I love "anything goes" challenges because I sometimes get a good idea, but then I need to squeeze it into whatever the challenge theme is supposed to be, plus remember to add ribbon! My life is so hard! {giggle}

I have about 200 pounds of 6x6 paper pads in my stash. I know, it is crazy town. I almost never use it, but last year I organized all of it and made it easier to access, in the (hopefully not vain) hope that I would use some of the pads. I pulled some out for this card, and then ended up making several cards with what I had put on the desk. (Those cards are for later, so wait for them to pop up on the blog.) 

The card is an A2, made from dark brown cardstock. I don't know what paper collection this paper is from as it was with a stack at the front of the storage bin. It was something that got "lost" from its pad, I guess. But, it is pretty and reminded me of Valentine's Day or spring so I used it. I am pretty sure the papers are from different collections as well, but who knows for sure??!

The stamp is from Verve Stamps, Proverbs 31:25. I stamped the word art with brown ink and then used an ancient Spellbinders die to cut it out. I think the die set is called Romantic Rectangles and is probably over ten years old! I smudged the edges of the die cut with Spun Sugar Distress Ink. 

Now, for the ribbon part of "anything goes with ribbons and bows"! I used a piece of 5/8" Ivory Satin with Grosgrain Edge ribbon to wrap around the seam between the two different paper patterns. Then I used 5/8" Brown Diamond Satin ribbon to tie the bow. I glued the bow onto the card with hot glue, my go to method! 

I even decorated the inside of the card with some of the paper. So pretty! 

I think this card will be great to send to a girlfriend to give her some encouragement! 

Thanks for joining me today! Have fun hopping! 

Here is the RRR Blog Hop Order in case you get lost!
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings
Ginny
Gloria - YOU ARE HERE!
Kathy
Cheryl
Bonnie
Misty
Karen
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings

I am entering this project into the Word Power #2 Challenge Blog. 

Really Reasonable Ribbon Supplies Used:

Trims: 5/8" Ivory Satin with Grosgrain Edge, 5/8" Brown Diamond Satin

Adhesive: 1/4" ATG tape, 1/4" Scor-tape

Bow making tools: Zutter Bow-it-All

Other Supplies Used:

Cardstock: ColorMates Smooth Brown, Natural

Paper: unknown 6x6

Stamp: Verve Stamps Proverbs 31:25

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Ranger Distress Spun Sugar

Die cut: Spellbinders Romantic Rectangles

Adhesive: Art Glitter Dries Clear Glue, hot glue, foam tape

Other tools: paper trimmer, scissors, score board

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop - January 2024

  

Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon January Blog Hop! We have a THEME HOP this month...each of the design team ladies is going to be creating a project using Valentine's Day colors and themes! 

You should be coming to my blog from Ginny's Blog. After visiting me hop on to Kathy's Blog next! (The full blog list is at the end of the post.)

At the end of the hop, comment on the RRR Blog post, answering the question listed, for a chance to win a $10 Gift Card to the RRR Shop, plus one digital stamp set of your choice from Bonnie Garby Designs. The Design Team appreciates your comments, too!

I have not participated in the RRR hop since July! But, I am back now and will be posting along with the team every month on the 13th, as in the past!! 

Get ready for an even bigger shock...I created a 12x12 scrapbook layout for this month! As soon as I find my photo paper I will even add a photo to it! {smile}

I have some lovely photos from my son's wedding that might work on this layout, or perhaps one of my husband and me. We will see how I get along with printing some photos later this month. I have jury duty next week, so who knows what sort of crafty happiness I will be able to squeeze in! 

This is a 12x12 layout, created on heavy black cardstock. I used the Simple Stories Kissing Booth collection, which I purchased back in October. I made a vow to NOT buy any paper this year, but we all know my no spending vows are pretty worthless! 

I cut all the papers and chose a few embellishments from the collection pack. Then I went to my ribbon stash to see what ribbons would match. Sometimes that peachy pink color is hard to match, but I found several ribbons to work!

I matted all the paper layers with black cardstock, and also created a mat for a 4x6 photo. It was a lot of fun to try a 12x12 page. I have not made one for over a year! I do miss scrapbooking, but I still prefer mini books and cards to the large pages. Plus, It is impossible to actually put a page like this into a scrapbook. Way too dimensional! It is better as wall decor. 

For the RRR products I used, I wrapped the layout with 3/4" Pink Chevron Striped Twill. I also made a large bow from the same ribbon. Next I created two loopy bows from the 1/2" Pink Salmon Seam Binding. I glued the bows onto the layout with hot glue, shaping the loops as I glued them down. 

I decided that the bow need some roses for Valentine's Day! I used a Red 25mm Red Cottage Rose, Red and White Open Roses in various sizes, and also some Red Rose Buds. 

Thanks for joining me today! I am so happy to be back! Have fun hopping! 

Here is the RRR Blog Hop Order in case you get lost!
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings
Ginny
Gloria - YOU ARE HERE!
Kathy
Cheryl
Bonnie
Misty
Karen
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings

Really Reasonable Ribbon Supplies Used:

Trims:  3/4" Pink Chevron Striped Twill, 1/2" Pink Salmon Seam Binding

Flowers: Red 25mm Red Cottage Rose, Red and White Open Roses, Red Rose Buds

Adhesive: 1/4" ATG tape, 1/4" Scor-tape

Bow making tools: Zutter Bow-it-All

Other Supplies Used:

Cardstock: ColorMates Smooth Black, Neenah Solar White

Paper: Simple Stories Kissing Booth

Adhesive: Art Glitter Dries Clear Glue, hot glue, foam tape

Other tools: paper trimmer, scissors, 1 1/4" circle punch