BIC7 - Butterflies

Good Morning everyone!!! I'll be busy this morning and I didn't
know if I would have time to hop on the computer before I'll leave......that's why I'm so early
with my post!!!

I have to sign Miriam up for Preschool... and I have some running around to do.

I want to make sure that little stinker is having a school to go to....she is definitely ready to go 3x a week.
Right now she is only going Monday's. Yesterday her teacher brought her to the carpool and told me that she had cut her fine hair with kids craft scissors - YUP one side is definitely shorter - LOL!!!

The other thing she did was - almost pulled the FIRE ALARM.....oh boy...she would have created some serious trouble!!! We had a talk and we'll see what's gonna happen next week ....
Always something going on with those girls...LOL!!!

Anyhow - today is Beate's "Be inspired" challenge #7. The picture in the left hand corner features the two beautiful "Inspiration pieces" which are lantern's.
They are surrounded by beautiful butterflies.... that gave me the idea for this card.

Since they are made out of metal I thought I would incorporate the color combo my Blog Candy participants have chosen - which are Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue and instead of Whisper White I had to use Very Vanilla to match the DP. But I hope you like it anyway??? I think it's a gorgeous combo as well - thank you ladies!!!

I started out with Chocolate Chip as my base and the card measures 5" x 5". Then I added a piece of 4 3/4" x 4 3/4" Bashful Blue and a piece of Very Vanilla. I covered the layover with the gorgeous Satin Chocolate Chip Ribbon.

The pretty piece of DP is from the "Au Chocolate" Series. On top I've used the rectangle Nestie's to create the main image.

The butterflies are from my newest Set called "Kind Thoughts" and they were stamped in Chocolate Chip Ink. Of course I had to stamp some extra to create the "paper tole's" or the 3-D image. The butterflies were adhere in the center. The scalloped panel was raised with Stampin Dimensional.

The sentiment is from the same set and I stamped it in Chocolate Chip. I also used the Piercing Tool below the sentiment. To dress it up a bit I added some beautiful small blue Rhinestone Brads from SU and placed them right before the sentiment.

Please make sure you check all the creations from the Inspiration Team. You can find the talented ladies on the left hand side of my blog. I hope we have inspired you and you will show us what you have done too.....~TFL~!!!

TLC162 - Bundle of Joy

Today's "Try a new Technique" is about "paper tole" or how I would subscribe it - to make an image look 3-D....

This challenge came in handy today, because friends of ours just announced that they became Grandparents for the first time - YEAHHH!!! They have been waiting for a while and now they are having a beautiful little Granddaughter named Madeline.

Which led me to create a card with the color combo of Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White.

Everyone who played my Blog Candy Giveaway last week and who loves these colors I have created this card for you!!! I love it - great choice!!!

I have used Beate's Sketch Challenge #31 to create this card - since I've no ability to create my own.... - LOL!!!

I have started out with Whisper White as my base and adhered the cute Polka Dot Prints DP from the Hostess Set. Then I added Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, CC again and Whisper White as my pain image panel. The CC CS below the image was pierced!!!

I have stamped the "Bear" from the "Bundle of Joy" set with Brown Stazon and cut the second image out for my 3-D look. I have then colored it with Pretty in Pink using the Blender Pen.
The little bow was adhered with a Mini Glue Dot and I used the 1/4" Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon.

The side panel was layered with Chocolate Chip and Whisper White. I centered three Antique Jumbo Eyelets with Pink Rhinestones from Making Memories on the top part. The sentiment is from the same set and was stamped in Chocolate Chip. The little "Heart" was colored with Pretty in Pink.

I used the 1" circle to punch out the sentiment then layered it with the 1 1/4" circle and the scalloped circle.

Hope you like it and I'm already working on something "NEW" so hope to see ya soon....TFL!!!

FS60 - Happy Birthday

Today's Featured Stamper #60 is a fabulous, talented stamper named Laura Fredrickson aka "Scrapnextras" I absolutely love her work!!! Please stop by her blog and look at all her gorgeous creations!!!

I was inspired by this card Laura made.

When I started creating my card for this challenge I was trying to include the colors that Erika Shaw has chosen as her favorites - Cool Caribbean, Gable Green, Groovy Guava, Summer Sun, Really Rust and Tempting Turquoise.

Wow - what do think of those colors??? I must say I absolutely love them and I would have never in my wildest dreams chosen these together......,but I like how powerful the Summer Sun, Tempting Turquoise and the rest of the colors look together!!!
Hope you have a chance to try them....
Thank you Erika for these fabulous colors!!!

Here is what I have changed:

- I used flower stamps instead of DP
- I used Erika's colors
- I used a different sentiment
- I added gemstones to the flowers
- I used Tempting Turquoise Ribbon

The stamps I have used for this card are - Big Flowers, Big Pieces, Polka Dots & Petals, Always and It's your Birthday.

I'm still not done trying more of the color combo's you all have picked as you favorites - hope you will stop by again soon to see what colors I have choosen next....~TFL~!!!

BLOG CANDY WINNER!!!

Thank you everyone for playing - I love all your awesome color combo's!!! I'll post a card shortly to show you what else I have came up with....

But first I want to tell you who won the Candy and the WINNER is

Melissas from New Jersey - What do you th(ink)?


Please e-mail me your address.....at silkeledlow@yahoo.com

Have a wonderful Sunday and I hope you'll stop by again soon!!!!


~Silke~

WSC41 Kind Thoughts

Finally I had time to create a card for Beate's
WSC #41.

My nice "Brown" man came and delivered a package....had to put stuff together first, before I could play. Included was my newest addition the
"Kind Thoughts" Set....gorgeous!!!

I'm still playing with the color combo's my Blog Candy participant's have chosen as their favorites!!!

This combo was chosen by my friend and frequent visitor Cindy aka "wisteriagirl".

Her favorite colors are - Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky and Whisper White.

I have never used these colors before, so I had to give it a try and let me tell you - they are absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you Cindy for those striking soft colors!!! Love ya....

About the card ....the measurements are 5" x 5". I've made Close to Cocoa my base color and added Whisper White on top.
Then I've created a panel with the scalloped rectangle Nesti and I also started with Close to Cocoa and added a stripe of the Soft Sky Prints DP. A piece of Close to Cocoa was placed in the middle before I added the Double Stitched Soft Sky Ribbon.

The gorgeous Pearl Brads are from "S.E.I" and I believe I've bought them at Michael's. The package comes in 3 different colors - the soft brown, soft blue and red. Perfect match for the Close to Cocoa and Soft Sky colors.

Anyhow - I've also cut both circles with the scalloped circle Nesti's. Before the white one was cut I've stamped the image with Close to Cocoa and then used the Blender Pen to color in the Soft Sky. Another Brad was placed in the center of the image. The panel and the circles were all raised with Stampin Dimensionals.

The sentiment is also from this set and I stamped it also with Close to Cocoa. ~TFL~

I have been rambling on and I've almost forgot to mention that I was also inspired by Beate's super gorgeous card she has made for this challenge and I think I've already told her that I would shamelessly case it - LOL!!! Beate with out you my cards would be just plain ......you are an inspiration to me!!!

IC121 - Lilly

Hope you are enjoying your weekend already????

I got to sleep in a little bit...
- which for me is a great start into the day!!!

Have you seen today's
Inspiration Challenge #121 on SCS???


It's about getting inspired by something out of your own home - very cool!!!

So I was wandering thru my house to see what I could get inspired by and I stopped at this majestic
fake painting we have bought at Kirkland's.
That reminded my of a stamp that I have bought believe it or not at "BIG LOTS" - LOL!!!

Yup it was only $2.00!!! I thought it's beautiful and hey for that prize....I had to put in my basket.

My majestic painting is full of wonderful colors too, but I wanted to focus more on the framing which reflects the fab framing on the stamp.

The colors White and Black were chosen by Sara aka "hiinaz" on SCS.
Thank you Sara I love these colors too!!!

Here is what I have done with the card. I inked the framing around the stamp with Versamark and stamped it on Basic Black and embossed it with White EP. The Lilly's were stamped with Basic Black ink and I tailored it to fit the inside of the Black CS. The White and Black CS were raised with Stampin Dimensionals. For a little bit more drama I used the Sheer Black Ribbon from Michael's and the Black Brads from SU.

Have a great weekend and if you like stop by again soon - maybe I have picked you colors next.....Don't forget to sign up for my Blog Candy~TFL~!!!

Heartfelt Thanks

You all come up with some really cool colors....

I've picked Jess's colors for this card - Rose Red, Cool Carribean, Whisper White with a touch of Basic Black.

After I was playing with these colors I really thought they are very dramatic...and I totally forgot about the super wonderful "Cool Carribean" color from last year.

So Jess, I hope you like this card and I know I added a little more than just a touch of Black, but going this dramatic route was my best pick for this card.....!!!

I used the Cuttlebug "Swirl" folder and embossed it.
Then I used the Coluzzle to make the largest circle.
The Rose Red and Whisper White scalloped circles were done with the Nesti's.

I used the "Heartfelt Thanks" Set for the image and inked it with Cool Carribean and Rose Red.

The black Sheer Ribbon is from Michaels and the medium black Brads are from Making Memories. The measurements for this card is 4" x 5 1/4" to fit the Cuttlebug folder.....~TFL~

LSC161 - Remember

Happy Friday everyone!!!

I'm already starting to incorporate your color combos!!! I'm having so much fun - you guys ROCK!!!

I picked the first comment on my "Blog Candy" for today's LSC #161 - which is about "WHY OH WHY........" did I buy this.

First of all I must say when I walk into a Craft Store I'm always like a little girl in a candy store - do you know that feeling????

So I bought these "Funky" brads from Queens Co - which came in polka dots, stripes and plain all together - at our local Scrap Store and I think I've pretty much picked up every color they carried....now one year later they are still sitting here and I have questioned myself a couple of times why did I even buy them...

I even let my girls use them for their little cards or scrap pages...

But today they actually came in handy for this challenge and the color combo I chose to work on - YEAHHH!!!

So I'm dedicating this card for a perfect color choice to "DZCARERA" from Texas!!!
The colors she loves are Orchid Opulence, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black and Whisper White. Wow - there are too cool!!!

Like I said before I'll try too make as many cards with your combo's as I can....so bare with me.

If you have not played for the Giveaway pls sign up!!!

Here is a little info about this card. I used the retired stamp set called "Remembering You" from the Simply Sent Kit. The card measures 4 3/4 x 4 3/4. Click on the photo to get a better look at it and I hope you like it??? ~TFL~

BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY!!!

I have hit beyond the 30,000 mark in less then a month - WOW - that's cool!!!

I have never in my wildest dreams thought of starting a blog and enjoying it so much!!!

You guys make my day stopping by and leaving me the nicest comments!!! You all are just too sweet!!!

So here is just a little token of my appreciation and I hope you like what I have chosen for the BLOG CANDY
Giveaway!!!

You will receive some new Stampin Up products:

* 1 of each color new Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
* 1 of each color new Poly Twill Ribbon
* 1 of each color new Scallop Notes incl. Envelopes
* 1 of each new Label Holder from the "Styled Silver" Hodgepodge Hardware incl. little Brads to fasten them.
* 3 small Ribbon Sliders from the "Styled Silver" Hodgepodge Hardware
* 3 Chipboard Flowers

Here is what I want to know from you when you leave a comment - What is your favorite color combo???

If you like you can list as many as you like....I will try to include these colors into my future cards if I can and of course I'll mention your name!!!

Which leads me to this next request - if you post "ANONYMOUS" pls leave some kind of name or e-mail so it doesn't cause any confusion later !!!

My Blog Candy is open to anyone living in the USA , Canada plus APO addresses.
I'll pick a WINNER on Sunday late afternoon about 5:00 pm!!!

Have a great day and I'm looking forward to your entries!!! ~Silke~

WT159 Thinking Of You!!!

Happy Day!!! Hope you are having a good one....

The weather here in the South is really warming up now and that makes me very happy - can you tell, my card is bright and cheerful?!?

When I saw today's "Way to Use it" challenge - it's about spraying (pls. find out more on SCS) I had to use Beate's Marker Misting Technique!!!

I don't recall trying it before - so I knew it would be perfect for this challenge...

Not only did I use the Misting Sprayer I also used the best smelling stuff in town - which is a Shimmer
Body and Hair Spray from Bath and Body Works!!!

I know you probably think I'm bananas, but I thought it would look great - which it does - unfortunately my camera does not pick up the beauty of the shimmer..., but it smells super good - LOL!!!

Let me start at the beginning - I used Whisper White as my base. I used Real Red and Old Olive Markers and colored the image from the "Essence of Love" Set. Then I used the Yoyo Yellow Reinker and touched the flower parts with the "Fantastix" coloring tool or you could use the Aqua Brush without water in it.

After coloring everything I used my Misting bottle and held my stamp a little further away and
sprayed water on it!!! I love the result a lot!!! I had to let it dry just for a minute and then placed it onto Real Red CS. Then I sprayed the yummy Shimmer Mist on it and added some more Dazzling Diamond Glitter. I raised this panel with Stampin Dimensionals.

The wonderful Ribbon is from Micheal's. The sentiment is also from the same set and I inked it Real Red. Of course I had to add my small red Rhinestone Brads from SU - VOILA!!! ~TFL~

Have to run and bring my dog "Rico" to the Vet really quick for his shots and then I'll have the BLOG CANDY ready!!! So don't forget to stop by again......see ya

SC169 and BIC6 Thank You

There is so much I am thankful for...

My wonderful husband - who supports my addiction for this hobby.

My three beautiful daughters the Lord has blessed us with.

For being healthy!!!

Great friends!!!

Of course I don't want to forget all the wonderful
people who stop by my blog and take the time to leave me comments!!! It really means the world to me!!! THANK YOU!!!

That leads me to tell you - that I've already climb beyond the 30,000 mark and you know what that calls for - BLOG CANDY!!!

I'll try to come up with some goodies by tomorrow.....!!!

Since I was so busy yesterday and did not have time to create anything - I took the time today to create another card....

This card looks very similar to the one I have created for Beate's "Be Inspired" Challenge.
Only I used today's Sketch and instead of "Pearls" I used Pewter Jumbo Eyelets with Rhinestone Brads in the center.

I just love this color combo and had to make this card....Hope you like it???

Don't forget to play Beate's "Be Inspired" Challenge - you can find it on her blog or two cards down from this post - plus check out everyone on the Inspiration Team too!!! They can be found on the left hand side of my blog!!! ~TFL~

SC169 I Just Heard

I hopped out of my bed this morning and checked
today's Sketch Challenge #169 and I was blown away - I think it's fabulous!!!

Had to have a cup of Cappuccino first and then I started to play with it....

I know the longer panel called for a gorgeous flower, but I had to use it for my wonderful Die-cut Blooms...

The sun is already shining here and I wanted to create something fun and bright!!!

I started with Whisper White as my base and then added the Bali Breeze DP to it.

I used the smaller flowers and the small circles from the Die-cut Blooms . I placed Stampin Dimensionals behind both layers and added a turquoise Rhinestone brad in the center.

The sentiment is from the "Absolutely Fabulous" Set and I adhered it on the left hand side.
I finished the card off by adding three more little turquoise Rhinestones.....~TFL~!!!

BIC6 Best Blossoms

This beautiful skirt is Beate's Inspiration piece for today's BIC #6.

Please don't forget to check out the rest of the Inspiration Team - which you can find on the left hand side of my blog.

Everybody made gorgeous cards and we hope you'll get inspired too and show us what you have created!!!

Here is what I have done -I started out with Not Quite Navy CS as my base and added Certainly Celery and Whisper White.

The flowers are from a retired Hostess Set called "Best Blossoms" and I think it's the first time I used the flowers.....it's a shame!!!

Anyway - I stamped the flowers randomly with Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery and Tempting Turquoise.

To dress it all up I added "White Halfback Pearls" from the "Pretties Kit" in the center of the flowers.

The sentiment is also from the same Set and I inked it with Not Quite Navy and Certainly Celery Stampin' Spots. Then I layered it on Certainly Celery CS and raised it with Stampin Dimensionals.

Hope you like it and ~TFL~!!!

FS59 - Always

HAPPY EASTER!!!


Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday!!!


I had a little play time this afternoon and I wanted to participate in today's Featured Stamper #59 - which is AMY SHEFFER aka "Pickle Tree" on SCS or you can also find her under my favorites!!!


Amy has a wonderful gallery on SCS and I had a really hard time choosing one card - I wanted to try all of them!!! Everything is simply gorgeous and I hope you'll get inspired too and try to play!!!


This is the card I have picked after all:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showfull.php?photo=750119


My changes to it :

- I exchanged Elegant Eggplant for Orchid Opulence
- I used a different stamp set - "Always"
- I used Rhinestones
- I added a second row of piercing
- I used the new Striped Wild Wasabi Grosgrain Ribbon
- I flipped the layout and I raised the panel and main image with Stampin Dimensionals....

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your evening!!!

LSC160 - Dad's Day

Hello everybody - TGIF!!!!

First of all I can't believe it's already Friday...this past week has gone by way tooooooo fast!!!

I do love Friday's, because of all the extra challenges...make sure you check out Beate's and Sharon's!!!

My morning was already busy - had the tile guy come and fix my shower....Rebecca had teacher/parent conference....and Rico had to go to the vet!!!

That gave me at least the chance to think about what I wanted to do for the Limited Supply Challenge....

I have bought this fabulous "Dad's Day" Set right after I have seen it in the new Spring-Summer catalog, but it's been sitting here forever.... and I finally had the perfect opportunity today to use it!!! I hate to say this, but I do this with a couple of my sets - how about you???

I really liked the card that is featured in the catalog on page 112... - that kinda gave me an idea .... - I made the regular card first.

I started with the Bashful Blue as my base and the added the Chocolate Chip, So Saffron. The CC was pierced on top and bottom. The SS CS was stamped in the same Ink with the BG stamp from this Set. Then I placed Certainly Celery on top of the SS and added the new "Styled Silver" Brads and wrapped the Bashful Blue Ribbon onto the edge......

The "Happy Dad" stamp was inked in Chocolate Chip and again in Bashful Blue. The CC was punched out with the Designer Label Punch. The BB was cut out and raised with Stampin Dimensionals on top of the CC. Then I inked up the set again in Certainly Celery and cut out the little star above the "Dad's" and adhered it on top of the BB star - confused??? Just click on the picture for a better look!!!

The "Mark Twain" sentiment was stamped in Bashful Blue.

----------------------------------------------------------

The long card measures 3 1/4" x 6". I started with So Saffron and added Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery CS. The BB was pierced on top and bottom. The CC CS was stamped with the BG stamp from this set and I used Certainly Celery Ink.

Then I added Chocolate Chip CS on the left and right and covered the edges with So Saffron Ribbon. Both sides were embellished with the new "Styled Silver" Brads. This panel was raised with Stampin Dimensionals.

In the center of the Certainly Celery panel I added the "Happy Dad's Day" sentiment and I stamped it first in Bashful Blue and then Chocolate Chip. The BB was punched out and the CC was cut out and raised with Stampin Dimensionals.....

The sentiment was stamped in Chocolate Chip and it is from the "Absolutely Fabulous" Set.

Wow - this was long....TFL!!!

Have a wonderful weekend and a great Easter!!! May God bless you and keep you safe!!!

WT158 Tag

I can't even begin to tell you how much I have struggled with this tag challenge - this was my third attempt!!!

Then I just took a look around my complete disaster's table and found some leftovers from previous cards I've tried to create....

Now we have a winner - I started with Chocolate Chip CS and rounded the bottom corners with the punch and the upper ones were punched with the super fabulous "Corner Adorner" from EK Success.

Same thing on the Very Vanilla CS. After punching the corners I stamped the CS with the "Always" set and I chose the "leave" from this set as well as the little round flower. The leaves were stamped with Chocolate Chip and the flowers with Bashful Blue. I also distressed the edges with Bashful Blue.

The flowers from the "A Beautiful Thing" set were embossed with Gold EP and cut out. The sentiment from "Fundamental Phrases" was stamped in Bashful Blue and placed behind the Antique Brass Label Holder. I used the new Poly Twill Ribbon to fasten the Holder.

The flowers and the Very Vanilla CS were raised with Stampin Dimensionals..... ~TFL~!!!

SC168 Just Like You

What a great Sketch Challenge today!

I have never used this one and I had to play of course!!!

My base card is So Saffron. Then I added a Old Olive and Pretty in Pink.
The Old Olive CS was pierced on the top and bottom. The Pretty in Pink CS was stamped in the same color with the "wavy" stamp from the
"Just Like You" Set.

Then I added a piece of Purley Pomegranate CS. I had to use some of the beautiful "Styled Silver" Brads after I had placed the main image on the card.

The main image was colored with Pretty in Pink, Old Olive and Rose Red Markers.Then I layered it onto So Saffron CS. I added some Dazzling Diamond Glitter on the flowers and finished it off with the DS PP Ribbon.

The sentiment was stamped in Purley Pomegranate and I used Stampin Dimensionals on the main images as well as on the larger panel. ~TFL~!!!

Weigh In Day

My DH was gone for almost 2 weeks and he is finally back.....- thank you Lord for bringing him home safely!!!

Of course it was a little crazy around here at times, but I did not expect anything less - LOL!!!

As you can imagine my diet did not go so well - I realized I'm a "Stress Eater"!!! I hate to say it, but nothing has changed from 2 weeks ago - I'm stuck at 159 pounds...but hopefully I can do better and show some results next week!!!

It's funny I had all those wonderful ideas while my DH was gone, but nothing got accomplished - does that happen to you too???

Anyway I hope you have a great day - thanks for stopping by!!! ~Silke~

CC158 Essence of Love

For today's Color challenge #158 - it's Kraft, Sage Shadow and Orchid Opulence!!!

First I was not sure about this combo, but now I'm loving it!!!

You need to try it - it's wonderful!!!

For my card I used the Kraft as my card base. The Orchid Opulence scalloped rectangle is done with the Nesti and the image was colored with OO and Sage Shadow Markers. I added the Dazzling Diamond Glitter on the Orchid Opulence flowers....

The Ribbon is from American Craft Collection and I tied it with the new "Styled Silver" Hardware.

The sentiment is also from the same set and I stamped it with Orchid Opulence and pierced right underneath the sentiment. ~TFL~

BIC # 5 - For You Inspired

Hello everybody!!! Hope you are having a great start into this wonderful Tuesday morning?!?!


As you know Tuesday is Beate's new "Be Inspired Challenge"....the photo on the left is the "Inspiration" piece for today's BIC5 - isn't it fabulous???

When I first saw it - I was thinking of button's, but I didn't have any that would have made a great card....and then I came up with this card.

I used Whisper White CS as my base and adhered a Basic Black CS on top - which I have cut like a wave on top with my Hobby Blade and basically used it as a border for where I wanted to place the flowers.....

The Pumpkin Pie and Real Red flowers are from the new Occasions Mini Brochure "Die-cut Blooms" on page #14.

After you have used a couple of the Die-cut flowers - you have created a wonderful template to make large or small flowers.....and that's the part I really like, because now you can make flowers in any color you like!!!

The Wild Wasabi and Blue Bayou flowers were traced with a pencil on the inside of the template and then cut out!!!

The Basic Black and Blue Bayou circles in the middle of the flowers were punched out with the 1/2" Circle Punch. The other colors are again from the "Die-cut Blooms" set.

I added a clear Rhinestone from the new "Pretties Kit" in the center of all the flowers. To create a 3-D effect....I placed some Stampin Dimensionals on the larger flowers and behind the circles.

Then I stamped the sentiment from the "Fundamental Phrases" with Pumpkin Pie and Wild Wasabi Ink . The sentiment was punched out with the "small oval" Punch and then placed behind the new SU "Styled Silver" label holder that is also featured in the new Occasion's Mini Brochure!!!


The Ribbon is the 1/4" Grosgrain Pumpkin Pie from SU and I wrapped it around the card and attached it with two small clear Rhinestone Brads.

Hope we inspired you and you will create something too!!! Please check out all the other ladies for their inspiration cards!!! ~TFL~

TLC #160 - It's Your Day

If you have not seen today's TLC #160 challenge - it's about inking up your Cuttlebug folder.... jump over to SCS and get started!!!

I think it's a great challenge, because this is another wonderful idea to use and "spice up" your CB!!!
I LOVE MY CUTTLEBUG!!!

My favorite folder is the "Textile" and this is the one I used for this card. I inked up my folder with Old Olive and embossed it on a Whisper White CS.

I used a Sponge Dauber and inked the card some more in different places. Then I used my Sanding Block and sanded it in other areas.....

The flowers are from Prima and the Pearlgems are from the new SU "Pretties Kit".

I also added some Ribbon. One is a Sheer Old Olive color and the other is from the SU "Theater" Ribbon Originals.

The sentiment is from the PTI Set "Women of Life" and it was inked in Pumkin Pie and Old Olive. I raised the sentiment with Stampin Dimensionals......~TFL~!!!

Pick a Petal

Sharon's aka "no time to stamp" is having her Friday challenge today and it's all about - PIERCING!!!

Uh....I love piercing!!! And of course she also likes it to be simple....- I like that too!!!

I just talked about this "Pick a Petal" Set with my good friend Simone yesterday....and also about the matching Brass Template...so when I started looking for an idea - I just grabbed it and created this card.

I stamped the dotted petal from this set with Pumpkin Pie Ink and stamped the lined petal on top with the Taken with Teal Ink. I also punched out a 1" circle and centered a Pewter
Jumbo Eyelet with a Pumpkin Rhinestone Brad in it.

Then I used the "Pick a Petal" Brass Template and started embossing around the petals. This Template also has the piercing guide for the petal. Pls see the catalog page #187 for details.....

I layered the image onto a Taken with Teal CS and no, no, no I did not do it...no Stampin Dimensional - he,he,he!!! Aren't you proud of me???

I added the Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon and stamped the sentiment from the "It's your Birthday" Set.....~TFL~!!!

Have a great weekend!!!

LSC #159 Essence of Love

Going back to basics is the theme for today's LSC #159....for details please jump over to SCS!!!

I love...love...simple cards!!! Sometimes less is more - right???

I have to admit when I saw the "Essence of Love" set in the new Occasion Mini...I wasn't a big fan at all!!! But after seeing all the wonderful cards I just had to buy it!!!

Here is what I have done - I started with Marigold Morning as my base card. For the image I used Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Rose Red Markers. After I stamped it I "bedazzled" it with Diamond Glitter and sponged it with Rose Red.

Then I layered it onto Purely Pomegranate and raised the image with Stampin Dimensionals. The yummy PP Satin Ribbon was added and the sentiment was stamped.....~TFL~!!!

WT #157 Friendship - Just Because

Oh boy, oh boy....what saved me today with this "Ways to Use it" challenge #157 is that I hoard DP's!!!

Bad habit..,but I just love them all....LOL!!!

When I used to live in St. Louis, MO I'd always go to my favorite store in the whole wide world -"Archivers" and I just had to have it all...!!!

So I was digging thru my stash and found some beautiful Basic Grey DP (pink) and I also had some Die-cut Tags that went with this collection. The other DP is from the "Brocade Backgrounds".

The base of my card is Old Olive and I adhered the DP onto it and then I decided to use the "Simple Delights" Set from the Simply Sent Kit - did I mention how much I love this set???? I think it is sooooo elegant!!

The image was stamped straight onto the DP in Craft Chocolate Chip Ink and embossed with clear EP. I trimmed it and layered it onto the brown DP...and then I raised them onto the longer panel of DP and raised it all up again. Before it was placed - I used the medium Eyelets and placed the
"Halfback White Pearls" from the "Pretties Kit" on it.

I guess since it turned out to be a more "elegant" card I had to use the CC Satin Ribbon.....

The Basic Grey tag sentiment was added on the side of the main image. I also used the sentiment from the Kit and stamped it onto DP with CC Ink before I punched it out and attached it to the Ribbon....~TFL~!!!

SC #167 Always

I don't know what was rocking my boat this morning , but as soon as I saw today's Sketch Challenge #167
I wanted to make a "Wedding" card.....

So I did and this is what I created.

Fairly simple if you a owner of the Cuttlebug. I used the "Textile" folder and embossed my Whisper White CS.
The card is 4" x 5 1/4" - I cut them this way so it won't leave the ugly line....and this fit's perfectly into your folder!!!

Then I embossed the Groovy Guava CS as well and layered it onto Basic Black CS. The heart is from the "Always" set and I stamped it with Versamark onto Groovy Guava. Then I embossed it with black EP.

I wish I would have had a black sheer Ribbon, but I ended up using the white one and wrapped it around my card and added the gorgeous pin from the "Pretties Kit"!!!

The panels and the heart were raised with Stampin Dimensionals.....~TFL~

I have been tagged!!!

Yep - I have been tagged again - I can't reveal all my secrets...you might think I'm weird - LOL!!!
Krystie Lee - http://www.cupcakemartini.com/ gave me the honor....pls go and visit her - she really cracks me up...plus she makes the most beautiful cards too!!!

Here we go...I have to come up with 7 random/weird fact!!!

1. Some of you probably don't know that...-I was born and raised in Germany!!!
I lived in Nuremberg for a long time and then met my hubby and we lived in Heidelberg for
3 1/2 yrs before we moved to the States 10 yrs ago.

2. I used to be a Flight Attendant for the German Airline Lufthansa and traveled all over the
world...my favorite place was South Africa!!!

3. I had all three of my girls naturally no drugs nothing and my hubby still owes
me!!!

4. I'll be 40 years young this year!!!

5. I speak better English than I can write...hate the grammar!!! So if I write funny - which I
probably already have - forgive me!!!

6. My dad is partly Italian and I have the "Mediterranean" influence...dark hair, dark eyes...etc
and I always get a kick out of people thinking I'm Mexican or from some where else !!!

7. I know one last one...I never wanted to have children - how did I end up with three???
Don't get me wrong - I love my girls, but my mom was a single mother and struggled....
and I just thought it's not for me...until I found my wonderful hubby!!!


I'm suppose to list 7 different people.....consider yourself tagged when you read this!!! Let me know if you played...love to read your weird stuff too!!

BIC4 - Close As a Memory

Beate is featuring her "Be Inspired Challenge" # 4 today and this is the card I made for it.

For my card I used Groovy Guava as the base. Then I placed a DP from the new "Afternoon Tea" series on the right hand side and Natural Cardstock on the left.

The Natural Cardstock was stamped with the "French Scirpt" BG stamp and I inked it in "Close to Cocoa" for it.

The main image was stamped from the "Close As a Memory" set straight onto the card with "Craft Chocolate Chip" Ink and I embossed it with clear EP. It makes the image stand out much better!!! I also distressed the edges of the card with Chocolate Chip Ink.

The sentiment is also from the same set and I embossed it with the same color. I placed it on Groovy Guava and before I added it to the card I accessorized it with the new Poly-Twill Ribbon.

Hope you get inspired too!!! ~TFL~

CC #157 - Bloomin' Beautiful

This is my favorited Stamp Set out of the "Occasions Mini Brochure".

It' about time I was using it too....I had it almost for a month now!!!

So when I saw today Color Combo Challenge #157 I had to make a card with it.

The combo we have to use is - Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate and Basic Gray. I like it!!!

Since they are two dark colors in this trio I started with Whisper White as my base card. Then layered it with Basic Black and Purley Pomegranate.

The main image was stamped with Versamark and embossed with black EP. It really makes the flowers stand out more....I started using the Blender Pen and colored it with Purley Pomegranate. I had to sneak in a little Wild Wasabi for the leaves. The vase was colored with Basic Gray and I tried to make it not so dark. I also added some white spots in the center of the flowers with the Gel Pen.

After I was done with the coloring I layered the image onto Basic Black CS and raised it with you know what - he,he,he!!!

The card was finished off with the fabulous Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon - I think this is a must have Ribbon too!!! The sentiment was stamped in Basic Black. ~TFL~

Faux Cloisonne'

This is the card that I submitted for yesterdays
"Try a new technique challenge" #157.


The technique they chose was called "Faux Cloisonne". Never done it before, but it was interesting trying!!! Please read more about it over on SCS....


Of course it took me forever and I was interrupted by my girls like 10,000 times....so I opted for this layout and my all time favorite "So Much" set - I know not very creative, but I was trying really hard....LOL!!!


So I started out with Whipser White and layered Purely Pomegranate and Gold CS. We had to stamp onto a magazine page....and I found this one made by "Jello". The advertisment was for blackberry and raspberry fushion "Jello" - Yummy!!! Plus it matched the Purley Pomegranate perfectly...


The flowers were embossed with gold and cut out.
I added the Antique Jumbo Eyelets and place clear Rhinestones in the center. The flowers were raised with Stampin Dimensionals.


When it came time to pick a sentiment - I had the hardest time...I left it off for right now until I know whom I'll give it to and the purpose of the occasion. ~TFL~

YOU MAKE MY DAY AWARD!!!

How fun is this.... Jessica - Can you say addicted to stamp????nominated me with this wonderful "You Make My Day" award!!!

She really made my day yesterday....I'm just a little bit behind with everything today!!!

If you have not discoverd Jessica yet please hop over to her amazing blog gallery - she makes the best "Easter" cards and of course other beautiful creations, but right now I'm *hopping* over her stunning "Easter" cards!!! You can find her under my favorite bloggs....

I'll nominate a couple of my wonderful participants who played in my Blog Candy Givaway!!!


1. Christine Kane - http://www.stampinwithsugar.blogspot.com/
2. Savitri - http://www.scrapbit.com/
3. Susan Roberts - http://www.rainy.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
4. Catherine - http://www.inksomia.blogspot.com/
5. Lisa - http://www.blessedalatte.blogspot.com/
6. Sarah - http://www.creationsbysarah.blogspot.com/

I guess it said 5 nominee's but I hope one more is still okay...?!?

If you have not met these ladies yet - please look them up!!! Maybe you'll meet someone who inspires you with their beautiful creations!!!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

Sorry - it took so long to pick a winner....had to run to the Doctor with my middle child - she has not been feeling well and finally came down with a high fever. Now she is getting all druged up and should be good a new again in the next couple of day!!!

Okay - the WINNER is number 15 -

ERIKA KUBIDA - http://www.emkubida.blogspot.com/


CONGRATULATION!!!! Go and check that lucky girls blog too!!!

Thanks for playing everybody - I loved all of your gorgeous cards!!! If I haven't already commented on you card - I'll will soon!!!

Hope you'll stop by again ...~Silke~

FS57 - Merci

Hope you all had a great weekend???

Mine was pretty good...my DH is gone for about 12 days and I'm by myself with the girls!!!

Didn't get much stamping done...but guess what..they are going back to school tomorrow - YEAHHH!!!

Later in the evening I did have a chance and participated in my first "Featured Stampers" challenge #57.

It took me for ever to pick a card...and by the time I did make it I didn't have enough day light to take a picture. So I ended up in my Master Bathroom (best lighting) and took pictures of the card - but it didn't capture the "Purely Pomegranate" at all!!! It looks more like a redish Cardstock...

Anyhow - here is the card I got inspired by:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/639722?cat=500&ppuser=4197

and this is what I changed:

New Colors - Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White and Basic Gray as my colors. New Ribbon - Basic Gray Taffeta. I added Dazzling Diamond Glitter and the main image was embossed with black EB. The butterflies were colored in with a Blender Pen and I used PP & BG Ink. I also found my lost Color Spritzer Tool and "spritzed" some Purely Pomegranate all over.

I tried very hard not to use Stampin Dimensionals, but my addiction won....so I had to raise the image!!!

By the time I made pictures and downloaded everything on SCS I realized I made a "Typo" on the link to the card I cased and of course nobody has an idea what I've cased - LOL!!! Kiddos started to get hungry....didn't load it on my blog yet...so now at 9:46 pm - I'm about done!!!

The end of the story - I shouldn't have made a card today - LOL!!!

Thanks for looking anyway and don't forget to sign up for my BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY!!!

Have a good night!

Just Because

As you all know Friday is my favorite day to participate in challenges.....Beate has a Sketch and Sharon is asking for "Fun Flaps" - go and check them out!!!

As I was looking at both of them I knew I could combined them - somehow....!!!

Since I already had the "Simple Delights" in my hand I just stuck with it....and this is what I came up with....

My layout was based on Beate's WSC #38. I started with Chocolate Chip as my main CS. Then I layered it with River Rock and Chocolate Chip again. All corners were punched with the "Ticket Corner" Punch.

Then I cut the "Brocade Backgrounds" DSP in
1 3/4" x 2 1/2" pieces and also punched out the corners with the "Ticket" Punch and adhered them to my CC CS. I used the "All in a Row" on the edges to give it a stitched impression - saw that on Beate's card and I have never tried it before and I like it....just make sure you use your"Stamp-A-Ma-Jig" with it!!!

After I placed the DSP onto the CS I added some medium Copper Eyelets on the bottom right hand and attached some "Pearlgems" on top.

Next step was to create a "Fun Flap" from Sharon's challenge...I used a River Rock CS and cut it 2 1/4" x 5 1/2". Then scored it at about 2 7/8". The "Slit" Punch was used on the bottom of the longer side and the shorter side should fit right in.

I stamped the sentiment right above the "Slit" and added a Satin Choco Ribbon. The main image was stamped with the Craft Chocolate Chip Ink and embossed with the clear EP. I also dressed it up with an medium Eyelet and "Pearlgem". I placed the Flap on Stampin Dimensionals before I placed it on a CC CS.

Of course all my layers were raised with Stampin Dimensions....~TFL!!!~

Make sure you sign up for my "BLOG CANDY"!!!!

LSC158 Simple Delights

Happy Friday!!!

I like todays Limited Supply Challenge #158 - very easy task....- to make "Quick Cards" - right up my alley!!!

In this case I used my Cuttlebug - love all the different folders they over too. My favorite folder so far is the "Textile" - which I used on this card.

I used Chocolate Chip for my base and added a scrap of So Saffron, Choco again and Very Vanilla.

The stamp is from the "Simple Delights" - my all time favorite "Simply Sent Card Kit"!!! I inked it in Craft Chocolate Chip and embossed it with the clear EP!!!

I hope you all took advantage of the Satin Ribbon Sale Stampin Up had going on in December...I'm glad I did - I love the Satin Ribbons!!!
They are a great finish to any card you try to create...and not to forget the beautiful halfback "Pearl" I added. I think they are a must have right now!!!

Don't forget to sign up for my BLOG CANDY...please read the details first....- I want to see those beautiful cards you all have made:) ~TFL!!!~

Come and play!!!

I'm celebrating.....my 20,000 hit!!! Visit my BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY ....and sign up!!!

WT156 Happy Easter

Today's "Way To Use It" Challenge #156 is a tough one..... We need to incorporate our "Computer" - I had to think for a while!!!

I went the save route - I checked out my "Microsoft Works" and found this cute little image.

The Easter Eggs were printed on Whisper White CS and I used the Blender Pen to color it. For the colors I chose Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red and So Saffron. After the coloring I bedazzled my eggs randomly with Diamond Glitter.

For the base I used Tempting Turquoise and layered a "Swiss Dotted" embossed Rose Red CS on top. The main image was layered onto So Saffron and of course I had to raise it up......

The sentiment is from the $1.00 section at Michael's and I used the Tempting Turquoise and Basic Black Markers on it. Then I layered it onto Rose Red and added some So Saffron Brads - yes I did raise this one too - LOL!!!

After all, it's a cool "Easter" card. Plus I've learned something new today. Hope you'll try this challenge too??? ~TFL!!!~

I'll post my BLOG CANDY this afternoon - have to run and get some stuff done first - see ya!!!

BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY!!!

WOW - I'm already over 20,000 hits!!!

Come and celebrate - I'm giving away some more BLOG CANDY!!!

It has been less than one month when I was at 10'k.....I hope that means you all like what I'm doing - LOL!?!

"Thank you" for stopping by and also for subscribing to my blog - you all just make my day!!!

One lucky winner will get all of this....

Papertrey Ink Tin, Pewter Ribbon Hardware, Gemstones, Prima "Got Flower?" mix, 5 plain Crafting Coasters and a new Jumbo Wheel from the retired Hostess Level III "All About Gratitude"!!!

Now here is what I like you to do.....

When you leave a comment please include a link to your favorite card you have created!!! It's not a must, but I think it would be fun to see.....and maybe we'll discover someone new!!!

Also - if you are "Anonymous" please include a name or e-mail address....!!!

Have fun playing and I'll pick a winner on Monday afternoon. All US, Canada and APO addresses may play!!!

~Silke~

SC166 You make the world special!!!

We are having a beautiful day here in the South and I know Spring is right around the corner....the birdies are singing and I just love the bright days....

Please don't hate me if you live up North....come and visit me - we'll stamp together!!!

Okay - so since I'm in a very happy mood - I thought it should reflect in my card. Plus I'm still attached to this color combo - Only Orange, Orchid Opulence and Green Galore!!!

Aren't they beautiful - very springy!!!

I used todays Sketch Challenge #166 as my layout and here is what I have done. I used Only Orange for my base and layered it with Green Galore and Orchid Opulence.

My main image is from the "Women of Life" Set from Papertrey Ink - love it!!! The stems were inked in Green Galore and the flowers were randomly inked with Only Orange and Orchid Opulence. The larger middle flower was raised and I have place a button from the "Bold Bright" family in the center.

The image was layered onto Only Orange with Stampin Dimensionals and before I placed it I added a Ribbon from "American Crafts".

For the sentiment I used the "You Make Me Happy" Set which was featured in last years Spring Brochure. I did not use the whole sentiment....I punched half of it out since it was a little to long.
(Hope that makes sense!?!) To finish it all off I added some Rhinestones from SU.

Also I'm happy to announce that I'll be giving away some more BLOG CANDY!!! I saw that I'm over 20'000 hits and it's time to celebrate again!!!

Please check back....I have to see what goodies I could give away!!! ~TFL!!!~

BIC Make A Wish

Hello again...guess what???

Beate started a new challenge called
"Be Inspired" and it is on Tuesdays!!!

Jump over there and get inspired....
it took me a while to think of something I could create...until I remembered the absolute gorgeous flower Chat created!!!

I think everybody fell in love with that one...I for sure did and today is the day I wanted to try it!!

So - I'm dedicating this card to Chat - you ROCK girl!!! If you have not seen any of her gorgeous creations please look her up - you can find her under my favorites!!!

I started this card with Wild Wasabi and layered it with Basic Black. Then I used a bit smaller So Saffron and Basic Black Cardstock and raised them with Stampin Dimensionals.
After that I used Purley Pomegranate and Whisper White Cardstock and raised it again with Stampin Dimensional - I think I'm addicted to them - LOL!!!

Before I had started all that I stamped the "Doodle This" flower onto So Saffron, Wild Wasabi and Purley Pomegranate with Versamark and embossed them with black EP. Then I cut all the flowers out and dotted them with the Uni Gel Pen.

The flowers were carefully bend back and I placed a Glue Dot to hold them down. Please read Chat's quick tutorial to see more details!!!

I added some turquiose Rhinestone in each flower and raised them each with a Stampin Dimensional....I told ya - I'm addicted!!!

The sentiment is from "A Little Birthday Cheer" and it was stamped in Purley Pomegranate. ~TFL~!!!

I can't believe how fast a week can fly by.....yes it it Tuesday again and it's weigh in day!!!
Even though it was my daughters birthday and the celebration hold on for 2-3 days I tried to be good, but failed miserably....the cake disappeared so fast in my mouth - that I shocked myself - LOL!!!

I focused for the next couple of days and I'm happy to say that I have lost 1 pound after all!!!
So I'm down to 160 pounds!!!

Also thanks for all your encouragement - I'm so happy to hear that I'm not the only one struggling....WE CAN DO IT!!! I'm there for you too!!!

~Silke~

CC156 Traced Blooms

This is one of my favorite color combos - Purley Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi and So Saffron .
I'm so happy to see that this combo was chosen for todays CC#156.

If you have received the Occassion Mini Collection Brochure you have seen the fun Die-cut Blooms on Page 14. Or if you follow my blog you hav seen my previous card I have made with the Die-cut Blooms.

I'm enjoying them a lot - since they are very quick made into beautiful cards.....and I wished they would come in every color!!!

Unfortunatly that's not the case...so here is what I came up with - I just trace around the inside of the punched out flower that I have used before and selected the Purley Pomegranted for the largest flower. Then I did the same with the smaller flower and I used Wild Wasabi for that. Once you have used a couple flowers of the Die-cut Blooms it creates a template and you can use it for lots of different things!!!

Anyway - after I have traced them I cut them out and started to use the White Gel Pen on the PP flower. Then I place a small circle tag on top and added the WW flower. I also added a 1/2" So Saffron circle which I topped off with a Rhinestone Brad. Everything was raised with Stampin Dimensionals...

For the base of my card I used So Saffron and added a piece of DP from the Purely Pomegranate Designer Prints Pack. The main image was layered on Wild Wasabi, So Saffron and Whisper White. Also raised with Stampin Dimensionals.

The sentiment is from the "A Little Birthday Cheer" and it was stamped in Purley Pomegranate.
Have a great week and ~TFL!!!~

SC165 Die-cut Blooms

Hope everybody is having a wonderful Sunday???

The weather here in Georgia is gorgeous...we have sunshine and the temperatures are 74 Fahrenheit - can't complain about a day like this....

This inspired me to make a card for Beate's WSC #37. The layout is just wonderful and I had to try it.

I also was inspired by Beate's card she made for the SC#165 where she used the great new "Die-cut Blooms" which are featured in the new Occassion Mini Collection on Page #14.

For my card I wanted to use these Blooms as well...and these colors are really bright and cheerful!!! So I started with Pumkin Pie as my base and added a piece of Real Read and Old Olive CS to it. The main image was placed on Whisper White and layered onto Pumkin Pie CS plus it was raised with Stampin Dimensionals and before I place it on the card I added the new cute Striped Grosgrain Ribbon on the side.

The large red flower was dotted with the Uni Gel Pen. Then I added a smaller circle tag and placed a smaller Pumkin Pie flower on top. To finish it off - I punched out a 1/2" Old Olive circle and centered a red Rhinestone Brad in the middle. Everything was raised with Stampin Dimensionals - that gives it a great 3-D look!!!

With this card there is not much stamping involved...I only added the "Happy Birthday" sentiment from the "A Little Birthday Cheer" Set. That's it - it took me about 10 Minutes to create this card - not bad!!! ~TFL!!!~