X's and O's

Hello Everyone,

Well here I am all chipper and bright after a good six hour rest.. Not enough but it does get me through the day.. So for this card I am playing with CAS-ology and Freshly Made Sketches.

Lots and lots of white space with graphic elements.
It is hard to see along with the glittery O is the 'xo' strip which
is also glittery.

The sketch makes for a perfect clean and graphic card.
The stitched rectangle element frames the main focal point.

I am loving the sparkle from the letter 'O'.

Challenges Entering: 

CAS-ology: Week 183- Glitter 

Freshly Made Sketches: FMS222

 

I have a party to plan for my son's class Valentines Day gathering tomorrow. I don't know why but I am not stressed at all that I haven't started preparations yet.. Well that isn't entirely true I have the plan, I have a game picked out and ready to play. All I need to do is shop and make the goodie bags. Umm.. Maybe I should be stressing out.. I heard a saying that goes something like: Don't rush me, I'm procrastinating..

On that note I am off to the store with list in hand. Thank you again for stopping and we will see you soon at TheGrandStampede!

All the Best,
Shawna

One Layer Oriental Card

Hello Readers,

For today I am playing along with The Male Room. Their theme is near and dear to my heart. Why? Well my mother lived in Japan for several years before coming back to the states to retire. More about that later; here is my card for today, enjoy!

Used the sponging technique to create dimension around edges and sentiment.
I feel the tone of this card is oriental because of the
color, simplicity, background choice,
and of course, the sentiment.

The sentiment was masked off and the bamboo was then stamped and shaded.
This also shows that one layer was used.

The detail shows the shading that was used to create a 3D effect.
I used a combination of Distress Ink and PrismaColor pencils.

Challenges Entered:

The Male Room: Theme- Oriental (TMR#28)

As I mentioned above, my mother and stepfather lived in Japan for several years. They intimately got to know the culture and their way of life. They just so happened to move right before the earthquake that triggered the disaster at Fukushima. During the earthquake mom reported that everyone was rightfully distraught but still remained extremely courteous, pleasant, and very patient with each other during the aftershocks. Mom and her husband were okay during the aftermath. Fukushima was a bit unnerving but she regularly sent correspondence to tell us all was okay. What I noticed in every message she mentioned how wonderful the Japanese were. I could only hope I could have that attitude during a time of crisis. I hope to never find out.

Well thank you Male Room for this challenge. It made me realize to be a bit nicer today. That is all for now. I will be bombarding you with more posts later. Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet. I really do appreciate your visits.  

All the Best,

Shawna 

Positive Thinking

Hello Again!

For tonight I will be playing along with CAS(E) this Sketch and Addicted to Stamps. Here is my card for tonight.. Enjoy!

The cloud die along with the sentiment makes for a great
CAS card.

This highlights the silver around the clouds.

A single outlined bird balances the images.

Entering Challenges:
CAS(E) this Sketch: CTS 157
Addicted to Stamps and More: Challenge #179- Clean and Simple

  

I am going to keep my message very succinct tonight. I am a strong believer in karma. By this I mean the energy you let out into the universe you always get back. So why not be positive! That is what this card is all about. Stay positive even though it might be hard. I heard on the radio that if you physically smile when upset you will actually feel a bit better. Try it next time you are about to 'flip a lid'. I hope you are smiling right now if not try it! I promise it will work.

Well so much for succinct. Take care all and thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the internet. We will see you soon with another card from TheGrandStampede.

All the best,
Shawna

Neutral Dots

Hello Readers,

For today I am playing along with Just Us Girls tic-tac-toe challenge. Here is my card for today, enjoy!

Entering challenges:
Just Us Girls: Week #328- Wild Card: Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge
(I chose die cuts, stamps, flowers)



This card is for a high school acquaintance whose twin sister has passed away. Although we were never close, I can feel her grief clearly through her FB posts. So, I have the need to send her a note of sympathy.

Keeping the color palette neural gives it a sense of calm and peacefulness. The patterned paper is from the same paper packet making it a no brainer that the colors coordinate. I wanted to add some continuity by adding dots to the flowers and leaves; it also allows for a bit of whimsy.

Whimsy? I know a sympathy card shouldn't be whimsical. But why not? I am going to have to argue that point. I think, even in grief, a memory of their life flashes in your mind and for a brief moment you smile. For a brief moment you are celebrating their life. In time, you will smile more then cry, but that is later my friend.

I do hope I gave you something to think about. Let me know if your experiences or your thoughts conflict or concur with my point of view. I am just curious. Take care all and we will see you soon.

All the best,
Shawna

Love Letters

Hello Readers,

Today is all about love letters and, oh yeah, a new challenge from PINspirational. Before we get to the challenge here is my card for tonight, enjoy!

Photo Inspiration

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors.

Each shop has a huge selection of digis available.

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Click here to see their selection of stamps

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__________________________________________________________

Upon seeing this photo I thought of love. Of course I did! Love is in the air this time of year. I really enjoy receiving happy mail; in fact I don't anyone who doesn't. What is not LOVE when getting happy mail. So I am going to make someone's day and send this off.

Entering Challenges:
Addicted to CAS: Challenge #80- Red
Sparkle and Shine Challenge: Challenge 23- Photo Inspiration
AAA Cards: Game #57- Love me like you do

    

I do hope you will join us at PINspirational and play along. So hop on over and see what the other DT's created. See you there and looking forward to see what you come with using the photo inspiration! See you sooner then later.

All the best,
Shawna

Shaping Up

Hello All,

There is a new challenge at House of Cards! Before I reveal the challenge here is my card for tonight, enjoy!

Very minimal design.

Technique Challenge: Shaped Cards

Offset the white heart with the red base then added a
simple sentiment.

Simplicity is what this card is about. Simple red sentiment.

I am working on the inspiration card for this challenge when I stopped in my tracks. I looked at what I had and really, really liked it. I ask my daughter if I am crazy she says 'no, mom! I really like it too.'. Okay then this card is finished. Very simple design with absolutely no distractions. The shape compliments the sentiment beautifully and that is all it needed. I just wish love was this simple.

Entering Challenges:

Addicted to CAS: Challenge #80- Red

CAS-ology: Week 182- Adore
AAA Cards: Game #57- Love Me Like You Do

    

That should do it for tonight. Off to bed to get rid of the cold.  Take care all and I am looking forward to seeing you over at House of Cards this month.. Have fun and see you soon!

All the best,

Shawna 

Seeing Red

Hello Readers,

For today I am writing on behalf of Make My Monday challenge blog. Before I reveal the challenge here is my card for tonight, enjoy.

Lots of love in this card. Our color challenge is so much fun.
Especially with Valentine's Day right around the corner.

This weeks challenge: Use Red Pink and White

Heart shaped card embellished with white hearts
surrounded by a simple sentiment, 'love you'

You probably can't tell but I used a paisley heart stamp for the background
Lots of detail that is all pulled together by color.

I encourage you to stop on over to Make My Monday and play along and see what the other DT's have created. I am looking forward to see how you interpret the sketch. See you over there, until then, take care..