Simply Paper Design Challenge - May Posts - *Added Debbie's*

We've invited Michelle Arthur to join our design team and she agreed - yay!  Michelle's blog is called Designs Done Simple.  Please visit her blog to learn more about her.

It's funny because when Debbie and I were thinking of a name for the team, we decided to use the first names of our businesses.  Mine is Simply Cindy and hers is Paper Trails.  It is only fitting that the third word is "design" and the first name of Michelle's blog!  I don't know, but thought that was pretty neat :)

OK - here is the sketch and Michelle's and my cards for the challenge.

*Added*  Here is Debbie's card!  Isn't it pretty?  I love the texture she brings to her projects.  I think using the punches in the outer squares is genius!  I would never have thought of that.  Love it!

Thanks for looking and please join us!  I'll be posting June's challenge next weekend.

Happy Memorial Day!

Think Pink - Shout Out to Wendy!

Recently, our stamping group got some bad news. One of our own was diagnosed with breast cancer. I've been wanting to make a card for her to let her know I'm thinking of her. I know she is going to beat it and be well.

Wendy, this is for you! I'm thinking of you all the time.

I've been wanting to do a monochromatic card for a long time and I thought this was the perfect opportunity. I tried to stamp the Hope image on the pink card stock, but it didn't show up very well, so I decided to use the white card stock for this one piece. It doesn't look like the pinks match, but all are Pretty In Pink. The butterfly is from the Prints Pack DSP.

Thanks for looking and think pink!

Father's Day Card #2

Here is the card I made for my dad for Father's Day. Again, I used the same stamp and DSP. I added a touch of Cherry Cobbler in the sentiment and baker's twine. Since I'm not a nautical person, I have no idea how to tie a nautical knot. But, I tried! I really liked the sketch I used for this (Clean & Simple #141). It was perfect for this card.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Father's Day Card #1

I love this sailboat image and this nautical DSP. I decided to use them for both Father's Day cards. For the first one, I used the stamping 411 sketch (184). I recently ordered the little tag punch and set and this sketch was perfect. I think the paper and colors are perfect for a masculine card and perfect timing for Father's Day. I'm trying to stay ahead of the game! This card will be for my Father-in-law. He loves boats, so I know he'll love this card.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Fabulous Flowers

What a great weekend! I was able to work in my craft room all weekend for both customers and for fun. It's been a long time since I was able to do this. It felt great!

So, I ordered this Fabulous Flowers and matching DSP (Beyond The Garden). I thought it would be really easy to use them together, but it was difficult for me. I've seen so many great creations with both.

I used the Taylored Expressions sketch for this card. I decided not to use a sentiment so that I could use this card as needed later.

First, I tried stamping the images in one color. I didn't like the results with the rich DSP. So, I used my markers and colored them in. I thought the flowers all needed a little something, so I put pearls in the middle of each and I love the way it looks. I have some old Wild Wasabi ribbon and it worked perfectly with this card. I struggled with this card, but I do like the end result :)

Thanks for looking and have a great day.

Michelle's BDay Creation

Michelle does an amazing job with challenges and swaps. Look at this wonderful birthday card she made using the sketch challenge. I love the paper, colors, and stamps. Her coloring is perfect, as always. I really appreciate that! I think this is a perfect birthday card - who wouldn't love getting this? Hop on over to Michelle's blog to read up on this card and her other inspiring creations!

Kitchen's Finally Done, Thank You!

After 9 weeks, our kitchen remodeling is finally done! Everything was replaced from top to bottom and side to side. But, we are so happy with the results. I could just sit in there for hours, with a glass of wine, and enjoy looking at it :)

I wanted to thank our contractor, who was excellent. So, I made this card using this cute paper I had from years ago. I also made a little gift card pocket inside. I thought the big, silver brad was perfect to go along with the theme. It was really hard not to use any ribbon!

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

May Simply Paper Design Challenge

Here is May's sketch and color challenge. Please play along if you'd like. If you do, please leave a comment with a link to your blog and I'll circle back to it when I post ours. Thanks and have a great day!

April Simply Paper Design Challenge Posts

Good morning! Here is the card I made for April's challenge. I'm also posting Michelle Arthur's card. She's doing such a great job with these challenges and I sure appreciate it! Please check out her other fabulous creations on her blog here.

These colors certainly were a challenge, but I knew I wanted to use this stamp set when I received it in the mail the other day! I think the colors worked well with it. Not much else to say!

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day!