Tuesday, April 28, 2026

myasperations 4-28-26

     I had fun making a card featuring a sweet little fairy from Sweet November Stamps (SNS) named “Flutter Fairy” for the April FB Challenge (feature floral). I printed off, colored and fussy-cut the little cutie, creating her wings with a few scraps of vellum, then perched her upon a card base lined with some pretty floral paper from Hobby Lobby.
    Note- Sweet November Stamps offers amazing images (in clear and digital stamps.) I was thrilled after I signed up for their free newsletter and started receiving a free digi each month! This little Flutter Fairy was the freebie earlier this year. (You can sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the page HERE.)

Supplies: 

·   Background-floral paper from Hobby Lobby

·   Digi- Sweet November Stamps (Flutter Fairy)

·   Front Sentiment “Happy Spring”- Computer Generated

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   Cardstock, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge-Make it Feminine        
Polkadoodles Challenge- Challenge 5 Wk 1- AG

     This is another card for this month’s Sweet November Stamps "feature floral" theme on FB. I decided to make a sweet fairy card. It features a colorful scene with a cute little fairy named Junie communing with a pair of playful butterflies while perched within a frame of pansies! (I added little "dotted trails" behind the butterflies to depict their paths as they entertained little Junie, fluttering, and flipping all around her.)  Junie's delicate wings are made with a scrap of sage green vellum, accented with swirls from a sparkly gold gel pen.
     I’m entering this card into several challenges, including Time Out: Pick 2 (my card features pastel colors, and blooms), and Pick 3: My card fits into the themes, feminine, pastel, and also friends (I think the friendly sentiment and sweet butterflies fit into the friend theme!)
 
Supplies: 

·   Card base- upcycled Thank You notecard with pansies included! (I cut out the sentiment, leaving the floral 

    frame for Junie.)

·   Digi- Sweet November Stamps (Fairwee Junie)

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers, Sakura Gelly Roll white & sparkly gold gel pens

·   Front sentiment- “Just Flying By to Say Hi!” Freebie from Birdscards (Blog now closed)

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   Other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  
Time Out Challenge- Challenge #311 (Pick 2 Challenge- pastel, bloom)  
Pick 3 Challenge- #4 April/May 2026  (feminine, pastel, and friends) 
Via Pinterest Simon Says Wednesday Challenge-Make it Feminine        

    I needed a wedding card for a friend, and dug through my stash to find the perfect items to use. The castle stamp is from Stampin’ Up! Set I picked up in the 1990s. I utilized a variety of scraps: brushed silver cardstock, a scrap of striped paper, white vellum, pink grosgrain ribbon, and a bit of pretty paper upcycled from an old wedding card. The sentiments are computer-generated… and the one on the inside is from personal experience! (On our 35th Anniversary, I teased my husband that we’d had “25 years of ‘wedded bliss’, 7 years of ‘pretty good’, and 3 years of ‘whatever were we thinking?’” Rich grinned and said, “Hon, I think you got those last two mixed up!”) Since then, I’ve incorporated some of that fun banter as a sentiment on wedding cards like this. 
Supplies: 
·   Castle Wedding Stamps Set- Stampin Up! (Retired set)
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·   Sentiments- Computer Generated
·   Pretty paper on inside of card is upcycled from an old wedding card.
·   Deckle Edge scissor, circle punch, cardstock, other items and tools from my stash.
Entered into:  
Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #748-749 (AG/Family Friendly)
Paper Funday- April 2026 #86 AG  (Optional Twist: Dies/Punches)

    I made this card to enter into the Outlawz Christmas Only Challenge. It features a sweet snowman digi, which is a favorite of mine…. and it's a freebie! (There are both B&W and colored versions available. I used the colored version, adding shading and highlights with markers and a gel pen, and a Wink of Stellar brush tip marker adds a glittery sparkle.)
Supplies: 

·   Digi-Beccy’s Place Freebie-colored version (Snowman with Bauble)

·   Additional details added with Spectrum Noir Classique markers, Marvey Silver Marker, Sakura Gelly Roll 

    white & silver gel pens

·   ZIG Wink of Stella GLITTER CLEAR Brush Tip Marker- Available from several sources on the web

·   Patterned background- upcycled a scrap of gift wrap.

·   Front Sentiment-“Winter Wishes” from Sande's Poema Nordic Winter set (Obtained via a weekly email 

    newsletter which you can join HERE, or check out the FB page HERE for additional info.)

·   Inside Sentiment- “Merry Christmas” (Freebie from Polka Dot Orchard, 2018) No longer available

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  
Classic Design Challenge: Anything Goes #4-2026 March/April
Outlawz Christmas Only Challenge- April 2026
Outlawz Challenge Monthly Linky- April 2026
Rudolph Days Challenge- April
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Saturday, April 25, 2026

myasperations 4-25-26

     This card features a sweet cocoa-themed digi from Not2Shabby. I printed the digi on a sheet of patterned paper (Christmas tree) and also printed just the top of the digi on a sheet of white cardstock. I colored the yummy image on white cardstock and fussy-cut it. I added shading and highlights to the Christmas Tree mug, fussy-cut it, adhered the yummy beverage to the top, and then set the finished mug aside. I made the background by cutting an A2-sized piece of Christmas sentiment wrapping paper into strips, and pairing it with scraps of green cardstock to create the patterns from the sketch.   I placed a circle of vellum beneath the mug of cocoa to help it stand out from the busy background. A “Joy” tag and sentiment finished off the sweet card!
     I’m entering this card into several challenges, including Not2Shabby’s April Color Board (my card features shades of all but blue on the color board.)

Supplies: 
·   Background made with scraps of wrapping paper and green cardstock

·   Digi with sentiment- Not2Shabby Digital Stamp (Warm Wishes)

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen

·   Small mug of cocoa from Not2Shabby Digital Stamp (Warm Wishes). Reduced in size, colored, and fussy-cut to 

     make an embellishment.  

·   Front Sentiment- “Joy” cut from patterned paper and added to mug as a tag

·   Inside Sentiment- “May Your Cup Runneth Over…” from a Beccy’s Place digi set (Finn’s Hot Chocolate) (Beccy 

     recently closed her digi

    shop. She now sells clear stamp sets online. Check HERE  to see which sets are available!)

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  
Not2Shabby Mood Board Challenge-April- (Color board)  
Double D’s Challenge- Tea or Coffee      
Pammies Inky Pinky Challenge #2616  

   I had fun making this card using a Sweet November Stamps Santa digi, a free background digi from Di Caruba (at Di’s Digis), some tone paper (for snow drifts), and a red rhinestone (for Rudolph's nose!) One wonderful find that works so beautifully on my is is a scrap of vinyl wallpaper that I’ve had in my stash for a few decades. It provided a wonderful backdrop for the snowy sky scene. I finished the card off with a few Christmas-themed stickers… and Santa is ready for his annual sleigh ride!
 
Supplies: 

·    Background scene is a freebie from Dis Digi FB page (Join Di’s FB page, then find the freebie HERE)

·    Santa Digi- Sweet November Stamps (Gnome Home: Holiday scene builder set)

·    Front Sentiment “HoHoHo”- handwritten above sleigh

·    Front Sentiment- “Santa Claus is coming to town” from a Beccy’s Place digi set (Simply Santa) (Beccy recently closed her digi shop. She now sells clear stamp sets online. Check HERE  to see which sets are available!)

·    Inside Sentiment- “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” A freebie from YouTube@Sassy’s LLC (learn more Here)

·    Santa Hat and Snow Glove Stickers- Hobby Lobby

·    Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  
Polkadoodles Challenge-  Challenge 5, Wk 1
Outlawz Christmas Only Challenge- April 2026
Outlawz Challenge Monthly Linky- April 2026

      This gatefold card features a fun image that is a new addition to my collection of Patties Creations digis. The little giggling goat is from Pattie’s digital image named “Silly Goats."  (I printed both of the cuties, but am using just one of them on this card. You can see the other one on a card posted HERE. I also added a picture of the watermarked image so you can see the complete digi below. And the exciting news is that you can add it to YOUR digi collection now for just $ 1.00! Nab the link in my supplies list below.) 
    Note- I wasn’t sure how to color the goat, so I did a bit of web research. Found a few great images, one from a company named Aurora Craftery, which provided the “inspiration” for how to add coloring to this little cutie.
     I’m entering this card into several challenges, including Passion for Markers Challenge: Dots and/or Stripes (the light blue background paper has blue dots.)
 
Supplies: 
·   Digi- Patties Creations (Silly Goats)

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen

·   Inspiration for coloring on the little goat was found HERE.

·   Sentiments- from a Beccy’s Place Digi set (Club) (Beccy recently closed her digi shop. She now sells clear stamp sets online. Check HERE  to see which sets are available!)

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into: 
Pattie's Creations Challenge- #241 AG (April 2026)
Passion for Markers Challenge- Week #834: Dots and/or Stripes 
Classic Design Challenge: Anything Goes #4-2026 March/April (Optional twist- Furry Friends) 
Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #748-749 (AG/Family Friendly)
Paper Funday- April 2026 #86 AG 
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Monday, April 20, 2026

myasperations 4-20-26

  I have been a regular participant in the Path of Positivity (POP) Challenge since I stumbled upon it 5 years ago. It became a favorite almost immediately, mainly because it inspires a positive mindset and encourages positive actions! (To learn more, read the Introduction provided in 2013 by the creator of this inspiring challenge, Lisa D.)  
     This year, the POP is officially entering its 13th year of offering challenges that encourage positivity and creativity! In honor of this anniversary, our challenge host introduced the theme for 2026, "Crafting by the Numbers," back in January. (Click HERE if you'd like to read more in-depth about our overall theme for 2026)!
     April’s challenge TWIST is Lucky #4: Use 4 Spring Papers/Cardstocks on your card. I've been organizing/downsizing the myriad of items in my craft room (garage, closet, and a small bookcase near my recliner!) In the process, I've found lots of heirloom-quality items. This adorable wood-mount rubber stamp from Azadi Earles is the first stamp that I ever bought back in the late 80s! The sweet little lamb is doing a happy dance, maybe because she loves all the wonderful patterned papers I  used on this card? So fun! 
   Note- the twist is completely optional, and you don't need to follow it to win. As long as your creation is positive or encouraging in some way, enter it into the POP challenge for a chance to win $6 worth of images from our sponsor, Scribbles Designs, and/or be honored as one of our special "picks"!
    I’m entering this card into several challenges, including Time Out: Pick 2 (My card reflects the words Pastel and Bloom. Plus, to me, the happy dance depicts JOY!), and Inspiration Station's photo (my card features flowers in bright spring colors).  
 
 
Supplies: 
·   Digi- Azadi Earles Woodmount Rubber Stamp (company no longer in business) 
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers, and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·   Front Sentiment- Eureka Stamps (company no longer in business) 
·   Inside Sentiment- "Happy Spring" journal tag from my scrapbook stash 
·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.
·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.
Entered into: 
Time Out Challenge- Challenge #311 (Pick 2 Challenge)    
Pattie's Creations Challenge- #241 AG (April 2026)

     This yummy birthday card features a digi image from Polkadoodles named Gnometastic Birthday Cake. I colored the handsome guy with Spectrum Noir Classique Markers and a Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen. I decided to give the card a rich elegant vibe by using an unusual color scheme: deep rich brown (might I say “dark chocolate” colors), B&W patterns, a bit of grey, deep red cherries and red cardstock layered behind the subway art) plus a few touches of pink (frosting), abd yellow (vellum for the flame). I love how the card turned out… but now I’m craving chocolate cake. Darn!!
Supplies: 
·   Background- Birthday Subway Art Freebie from createwithTLC (can be found HERE)  

·   Digi- Polkadoodles (Gnometastic Birthday Cake)

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen

·   Inside Sentiment-“Wishing you a very happy birthday,” a freebie from Desert Diva (This sentiment appears to no longer be available, but paper artist Hannelie provides many other wonderful freebies on her blog HERE!)

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.
Entered into:  
Polkadoodles Challenge-  Challenge 4, Wk 4- AG
Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #748-749 (AG/Family Friendly)
Pammies Inky Pinky Challenge #2616  
Paper Funday- April 2026 #86 AG 
Classic Design Challenge: Anything Goes #4-2026 March/April

     I made these last two cards to enter into the April Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers group (BYSHC) Challenge on FB. Each features snowflake-patterned papers that I’ve had in my stash for several decades.  
     This first Sketch Challenge card features a sweet little snowman that appears to love donuts and whipped cream-topped coffee as much as I do! The colors I used in the background, and when choosing colors for the little guy, are drawn from the Color Board for the April challenge at Not2Shabby. So Fun!
     I’m entering this card into several challenges including Not2Shabby’s April Color Board:  my card features shades of all 5 colors, ABC Christmas Challenge:‘H  is for Hat' (I wasn’t sure if a wool cap is considered to be a hat, so did a bit of web research and found an article on Bobbie Hats, aka wool caps! HERE)   
 
Supplies: 

·   Digi with sentiment- Not2Shabby Digital Stamp (Snow Happy)

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen

·   Nuvo Glitter Drops -White Blizzard

·   Front Sentiment- A freebie from Desert Diva (Stop and Smell the Coffee)

·   Inside Sentiment-A freebie from TlcCreations (Warm Winter Wishes)

·   Coffee embellishment on the inside sentiment is trimmed from a printed copy of the  Snow Happy digi stamp

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  
Coffee Loving Paper Crafters/Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge: #51 April 
Not2Shabby Mood Board Challenge-April- (Color board) 
ABC Christmas Challenge- H and I are for… ?  ‘’H  is for Hat'    
Outlawz Christmas Only Challenge- April 2026
Outlawz Challenge Monthly Linky- April 2026

      My second Sketch Challenge card features an adorable digi from Whimsie Doodles named “Holiday Mug.”  I had fun coloring the cute penguin and perching him upon the sketch-directed background made with non-traditional holiday colors. I decided to place a circle of vellum beneath the cute penguin to help him stand out from the busy background, created with strips of patterned paper I’ve had in my stash for several decades.
     Sadly, the Whimsie Doodles shop closed in 2018. (However, their blog is still posted and offers excellent tutorials that I have found helpful, especially on coloring hair and eyes with alcohol inks. You can find them HERE.  Tutorials are listed in the right panel on this link.)
     I’m entering this card into several challenges including Simon Says Wednesday Challenge: Quite Quirky (I Googled synonyms for quirky and found several, my favorite is whimsical, which the Merriam Webster dictionary defines as “Playfully quaint or fanciful, often in an appealing way.” I think the cute penguin, and the cup of yumminess he holds are both appealing!)  

Supplies: 
·   Digi and front sentiment “Can’t wait to see your mug this holiday” is from Whimsie Doodles (Shop closed)
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·   Inside Sentiment "Merry Christmas" (Unable to find this in my files. I think it was from Desert Diva, but is now retired.  However, paper artist Hannelie at Desert Dive offers many Christmas sentiments. A nice assortment can be found HERE. 
·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   Vellum, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  
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