Celebrating Autumn

I was introduced to Shadowbox cards by the Stampin' Dymonz Scrap Shack Cardmaking Group, and this is my second attempt (here's my first). I thought it would be a great way to combine this wonderful Fall Fence image by Shelly's Images with the whimsical Fall by Karen's Doodles.

Also also used a couple of leaf freebies from Shelly's Images, which I imported into SCAL (my cutting software). I "printed" them on my Cricut Expression using a brown Cricut marker, then used it with the blade to cut them out (I created a "shadow" layer in SCAL).

Here it is folded closed, and here it is pulled open:

You can see that the fence moves to the right. There's also a braided hemp rope going over the right fold. I also ran my embossing tool over the "veins" on the leaves. Dr Sonia and others have really been inspiring me to try that, and it does look good!

Here's the back, with this sweet First Day of Fall image from TLC Creations:

Inspiration:

Shelly's Images Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge: Show Us Your Layers

Delightful Challenges: Colors of Fall

Shadowbox Card tutorial: Splitcoast Stampers

Digi stamps: Maple Leaf, Oak Leaf & Fall Fence by Shelly's Images (thank you!), Fall by Karen's Doodles, sentiment & image on back by TLC Creations (thank you!)

Paper: Recollections, stash, Hammermill

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, Cricut markers, Fiskars papercutter, finger knife & deckle scissors, HP printer & ink, InDesign

Other: Copic markers, Sakura gel pens, hemp twine

Letting it all hang out with Shelly's Images and Willow Sketchies

Although I can't remember how I stumbled upon it (through one of the many inspiring blogs I'm sure; if it's yours, let me know!), as soon as I saw this week's Willow Sketchie Challenge I just had to try it. I felt the same way about the Let It All Hang Out Terrifically Thrilling Thursday (TTT) challenge at Shelly's Images. Here's the result:
I bought the Top Hat with Tulips from Shelly and Tulips in Top Hat from Pattie's Creations for my parents' 40th anniversary card, and both are actually custom-made designs requested through CDAC. Thank ya'll again! That is such a super-duper resource.
And the back:
The banners are heat-embossed and the borders are flocked, both in Dandelion.

Inspiration:
TTT at Shelly's Images: Let It All Hang Out
Willow Sketchie Challenge May 26th (on the right)

Stamps: Top Hat with Tulips from Shelly and Tulips in Top Hat from Pattie's Creations, banner & sentiment stamps from StudioG
Paper: Hammermill, the Paper Co.
Tools: Crop-O-Dile, Fiskars papercutter, MS detail scissors & border punch
Other: ZipDry glue, ZIG glue pen, MS flocking, Stampendous embossing powder, Marvy heat tool, Memento ink
Copics: B0000, B00, B23, B28, Y02, Y08, G02, YG03

A sketch so nice...yadda yadda twice

My lucky number is 3 so I love challenges that incorporate it, such as the Sketch over at All Things Unity. I designed one card using their stamps, but then found that the sketch popped into my head for the Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge at Shelly's Images. So thank you ATU for the inspiration!

I went "simple" for both of these cards, and really enjoy how they came out; almost like what I imagined in my head!

Sketch: ATU #29
Theme: Use a Punch, Card Cupids New Challenge Sunday
Color: colourQ Challenge #82: Always Artichoke, Kiwi Kiss, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze & White

Supplies: {ippity} rubber cling stamps, Heidi Grace Designs glitter paper, Recollections cardstock, Memento ink, Marvy brush markers & punch, ZipDry glue, Fiskars papercutter & punch, MS detailing scissors


Theme: Buttons, Brads & Bows, TTT Challenge Thursday at Shelly's Images
Color: Color Throwdown #139: Dusty Durango, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz, Crushed Curry

Supplies: digi stamp by Shelly's Images, silicon sentiment stamp from stash, Heidi Grace Designs glitter paper, Recollections, Hammermill and Brazzil cardstocks, Offray ribbon, ColorBox chalk ink, ZipDry glue, Fiskars papercutter, MS detailing scissors, HP printer & ink, stash button & brad

Easter Fun

I couldn't resist trying the Copic Family Challenge at Mad for Markers: you can only use YR, RV and BG Copics. I have 12 markers that qualify, and I really like the resulting combinations.

I also couldn't resist combing the CDAC Sketch challenge (sponsored by Shelly's Images) with the Easter challenge at Catch the Bug (Bugaboo's challenge blog). I wanted to use the freebie Shelly offered for the CDAC Embellishment challenge (sponsored by Bugaboo), so I did a little swapping. I'll post my other project soon.

Although this isn't my card for the Embellishment challenge, I did keep with the theme of Favorite Emebllishment and used eyelets. This is also my first try with plastic tape. Worked great!

As you can tell, I had some fun with the backgrounds. The edging was done with the chisel tip of a Copic against a ruler. The bunny's background was a new-to-me technique: using the Copic Colorless Blender liquid to create texture on colored pieces. Eek, what a cool technique!!! Instead of coloring the background with my marker, I applied BG10 solution with sponge (I've ended up with two big refills for that color!). I used terrycloth for the texture. For get a similar look on the bigger piece without using copic ink, I applied Marigold Distress Ink (thanks for the candy Stampin' Dymonz!) with the same kind of terrycloth.

I actually learned quite a bit making this card; thanks to everyone for the continuing inspiration!

Inspiration:
CDAC Sketch Challenge (sponsored by Shelly's Images)
Mad for Markers Challenge: YR, RV and BG Markers only
Catch the Bug Challenge: Easter

Digi Stamps (thank you!):
Easter Bunny with Tulips: Bugaboo Stamps
Eggs: Shelly's Images

Copics: BG10, BG49, FBG2, RV29, RV04, RV23, RV21, RV42, YR01, YR00, YR09, YR12

Supplies: Colorbök decorative tape, Hammermill cardstock, flower brads (Oriental Trading Co.?), Crop-O-DileII, ruler, terrycloth, Copic Colorless Blender Solution, Scotch foam tape, ZipDry glue