myasperations 7-9-26

   Hello friends! Sadly, using my laptop, which is over 10 years old, is becoming a major hassle. I fear it is nearing a complete crash! (Since it took me nearly 4 hours to finish and load this post, I'm actually considering taking a sledgehammer to it!) 

   My hubby bought me a MAC a few years ago, but I've had trouble learning how to use it. I  need to either learn to use it, find another way to simplify posting to my blog, or find a venue other than Blogger. Anyway, I anticipate my online presence will be sporadic as I work through these issues.  So, until I see you again, take care. 

       It's time for a new challenge at Time Out... where I'm honored to be a Guest DT!  (You can see my winning entry HERE.) I love the name of this challenge, and especially the reason for it as noted in its "How to Play" list-"Above all, take TIME OUT of your busy life, craft a little and have some fun!"

    This new challenge is named "Water", and I decided to create a card that features a digital image with an interesting underwater interaction between a beautiful mermaid and a curious fish! I had fun coloring the scene and the fish in neutral and pastel shades, but I gave the mermaid center stage by coloring her in bright splashes of ginger and pink!

    I planned to add a final sparkly touch to my card with Stickles (liquid glitter), but couldn’t find it anywhere! I’m in the process (yet… still… again?!) of organizing my craft room, and it is now a bigger mess than when I started! So, I resorted to an earlier technique: a faux sparkle, sprinkling tiny white dots from my white gel pen on her scales and tail.  

    Note- the mermaid digi, a freebie from the Gecko Gals blog, is no longer available, but I provided a link to the blog in my supplies list. It offers a vast number of other freebies, many with fantasy, gothic, and even steampunk themes!

Supplies: 

·   Mermaid and Fish digi is from Gecko Gals Scrapbooking Blog, where monthly themed challenges are held, with 8-9 Free digis provided each month. You can find a large number of freebies HERE. The current month can be found HERE.

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

·   Front Sentiment-“hello” a 2017 freebie from scrapbookandcards.com (No longer available) But a similar one can be found on Desert Diva, one of my favorite sites for sentiments  HERE.

·   Inside Sentiment- Computer generated

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

·   Sheer black dotted Swiss ribbon- JoAnne’s

·   Scalloped A2 card, scraps of patterned paper and glitter paper, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Classic Design Challenge: Anything Goes #6-2026 June-July (Optional twist- BDay) 

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge- #281 AG 

Pammies Inky Pinky Challenge #2627 Theme- Water   

Paper Funday- July 2026 #89 AG 

Polkadoodles Challenge-  Challenge 7 Wk 2- AG

     I found this background scene a few weeks ago at a favorite FB site for digis, Free Printables for your Junk Journaling with TLC. (See details in my supplies section. I immediately knew it would be a wonderful background for Capri, a beautiful mermaid from Sweet November Stamps. After coloring and fussy-cutting the digi into three pieces (Capri on the deck, plus two fins), I positioned Capri in place, lining the end of the dock with the side of the card (paper clipping her in place but not yet taping her in place). Using a photo of the digi as my guide, I 

1) positioned the fins, 2) used a pencil to lightly sketch around Capri’s torso and fins (especially where they slipped into the water), 3) used an Exacto knife to cut small slits where her tail and fins could actually be slipped into the water.

     I then used the fussy-cut digi as a template to lightly trace Capri’s torso, tail, and fins onto a piece of sparkly purple cardstock. I wanted to help secure the sparkly scales, tail, and fins, so I sketched a bit extra onto the ends of these pieces so they would be a bit longer. I adhered the torso section to the digi of Capri and set the fins nearby. 

     Then came the magic! I positioned and adhered Capri and the dock in place. Then, using the light sketches and slits on the water as my guides, I slid Capri’s tail and fins into the slits, adhering them in place with adhesive on the front and a bit of tape on the underside. I finished up the coloring by using a white gel pen to add “waves” around her tail, fins, and the leg of the dock (I think it is called a piling?) I added a little additional texture to her scales; shading with a few lavender markers, and highlighting with small dots from a white gel pen. 

     I wanted to send a card to a friend's daughter who is preparing to take the DAT (Dental Admissions Test) in hopes of being accepted into Dental School. This test is the first major step toward her desired career,  and she has been studying for the 5-hour-long exam for a few months. I'm praying that God will be with her as she pursues this life choice. In the meantime, I'm thinking this card will encourage her! 

 

Supplies: 

·   Background (Starry Sky)-Free Printables for Junk Journaling with TLC (FB) Join HERE  (Note- after you join, you can find this digi HERE)

·   Digi- Sweet November Stamps (Mermaid Reflections: Capri)

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

· Paper-pieced the scales and tail with fine-glitter (purple) cardstock (I sketched a few small stars on the scraps to  embellish the front and inside.)  

·   Front Sentiment from a Beccy’s Place digi set (True Beauty) (Beccy closed her digi shop last year but still sells clear stamp sets online. Check HERE  to see which sets are available!)

·   Inside Sentiment- “Shoot for the moon…” a freebie you can access at thegirlcreative.com (HERE)

·   Pioneer Clear Photo corners- available from several sources

·   Gold photo corners available from several web sources (WXJ13 Photo Mounting Corners)

·   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- #317 Theme Challenge  Water   

Double D’s Challenge- Potpourri  (My card is inspired by the water and bright colors in the photo!)

Pick 3 Challenge- #6 June/July 2026  (My card includes a thin frame, sentiment and sparkle!)  

Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #760-761

     My final card in this posting is for Christmas-themed challenges at Sweet November Stamps (SNS) and Coffee Loving Paper Crafters. It features a sweet little mouse digi from SNS, a sentiment from Polka Dot Orchard, and treasures from my stash.

    An added note- I’m entering this card into several other challenges, including the 4-legged Friends theme at Simon Says Wednesday (one of my friends in college had a pet mouse that she had trained to do several tricks. I don’t usually like rodents, but little Max was pretty cute!)

 

Supplies: 

·   Background features Christmas patterned paper from Hobby Lobby

·   Digi- Sweet November Stamps (Hot Coffee Mouse)

·   Front Sentiment-tag made with “JOY” cut from scrap of patterned paper

·    Inside Sentiment from Polka Dot Orchard digi set (Merry Little Coffee)

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

·   A scrap of sparkly ribbon, corragated paper, holly patterned paper, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Friends of Sweet November (FB) July 

Coffee Loving Paper Crafters/Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge: #55 July 

Passion for Markers Challenge- Week #845: Animals

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge-4 Legged Friends  

Outlawz Christmas Only Challenge- July 2026

Outlawz Challenge Monthly Linky- July 2026

myasperations 7-5-26

    I made this card to enter into Inkie Pinkies current “Water” themed challenge. My card features a digital image from a Beccy’s Place digi set, and two wood-mounted rubber stamp from Stampscapes. After positioning and printing the digi onto a square of white cardstock, I stamped the lakeside scene with a black ink pad and used a grey ink pad to stamp the waves across the lower part of the scene. Then, I sponged layers of yellow, orange, and rusty red across the entire scene to create a sunset in the sky and bright reflections on the water. Next, I used a white gel pen and white colored pencil to add highlights on the waves , rocks and the two fishermen. Lastly, I used an oval template from my scrapbook to cut the fishing scene from the white cardstock, then a larger template to create a black frame. Sentiments finish off the card.

 

Supplies: 

·   Silhouette and inside sentiment from a Beccy’s Place digi set (Going Fishin’) (Beccy closed her digi shop last year but still sells clear stamp sets online. Check HERE  to see which sets are available!)

·   Wood Mounted rubber stamps from Stampscapes- Lakeside Cove and Water Pattern

·   Colored with Memento Black, grey and other colored ink pads, sponges, white colored pencil, and white gel pen.

·   Front Sentiment- a freebie from TlcCreations (Wishing You Little Moments of Delight)

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

·   Oval template from my scrapbook stash, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Pammies Inky Pinky Challenge #2626  Theme- Water  

Double D’s Challenge- Potpourri  My card features bright colors!  

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge- #281 AG 

Paper Funday- July 2026 #89 AG  (Optional Twist: Summer Splash)

    My last post included a card for the “inspired by” photo at Time Out, and I wanted to make another card using the same fun sentiment. This card is a bit different as it has a pair of flip-flops that are small (to accommodate a smaller slimline card), the straps are made with paper scraps (vs ribbon) , and a little gem butterfly provides a bit of bling!

   As noted in yesterday’s post, I found fun sentiment when web surfing a few years ago and  have used it several times since then!  All the other items used on the card are from my stash.

Supplies: 

·   Background Scene- Upcycled from an old calendar page

·   Template used to make the smaller size Flip-Flops on the card inspired by templates on Pinterest, especially the ones found HERE and HERE

·   Sentiment (divided  in half) “If Dorothy can click her heels together… ” found on someecards.com HERE

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

·   Tropical pattern paper, small butterfly gem sticker, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Via Pinterest Pammies Inky Pinky Challenge #2626  Theme- Water   

Classic Design Challenge: Anything Goes #6-2026 June-July  

Pick 3 Challenge- #6 June/July 2026 (beach, sentiment and sparkle-little butterfly gem)

     I’m entering this card into several challenges, including the Colorful Options Monthly Challenge (rainbow option) and the STAMPlorations NeverEnding Challenge.

     I printed the entire digi, plus cropped the butterfly from the left end of the row, and printed three copies of it. After coloring the three butterflies, I fussy-cut and adhered them atop the butterfly line. Since the digi is long, I opted for a slimline card which will fit into a basic #10 business envelope. (An added note- I like using these envelopes because you can find them anywhere they sell office supplies, and they are much cheaper than buying “slim line envelopes” or an expensive slimline envelope die!)  The inside sentiment is one I created a few years ago… and I provided a JPG that you could copy for your own use if desired!

 

Supplies: 

·   Butterfly Digi- Stamplorations digi stamp (Butterfly Row)

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

·   Front Sentiment-“Thinking of You” from Victorine Originals (Company no longer in business)

·   Inside Sentiment- “May Your Day Be Blessed!” (Computer Generated using Edwardian Script ITC Font, available to download from several free online sites, and Calibri)  I provided a copy of the jpg sentiment I developed using these fonts. Just click on the sentiment, then right-click and save it to your laptop, etc.! 

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

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

Entered into: 

STAMPlorations- Never Ending Anything Goes Challenge      

Colorful Options Monthly Challenge: July 2026 Color Board  Option 3-Rainbow

Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #758-759 (AG/Family Friendly)

    My final card for this post was made for the Passion for Markers Challenge, with a Transport theme. One of my great-nieces is getting married this fall, and I plan to give her a gift bag of handmade cards at her shower next month. I’m working on holiday cards right now, starting with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas… as those will be the first ones they will share as newlyweds!

    When looking for transport digis and stamps, I found this sweet truck from Little Scraps of Heaven and decided to load it with pumpkins for Halloween. After printing, coloring, and fussy-cutting the digi, I turned it into a flatbed truck by using strips of kraft paper to make planks and adding “wood grain” texture with a white gel pen. NOW.... it was ready to hold a load of pumpkins, which I cut from a scrap of fall-patterned paper and adhered to the flatbed and planks. After adding a small piece of acetate to serve as "glass" in the truck window, I used fine-line markers to turn one pumpkin into a Jack-o'-lantern and put him in the driver's seat! When the truck was finished, I adhered it to a square of vellum (to help it not be overwhelmed by the busy background I'd created with a Halloween napkin that I picked up at the Dollar Tree a few years ago. After the vellum was adhered, a few leaves, fussy-cut from fall-patterned paper, added a final touch of fall to the fun card!

Supplies: 

·   Background scene is upcycled from an old calendar

·   Truck digi is from Little Scraps of Heaven (Sadly, the LSOH shop closed late last year!)

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

·   Sentiment from a Beccy’s Place digi set (True Beauty) (Beccy closed her digi shop last year but still 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:  

Passion for Markers Challenge- Week #844: Transport

Polkadoodles Challenge-  Challenge 7 Wk 1- AG

myasperations 7-4-26

     This is my final entry into the ABC Christmas Challenge- L & M are for… ? (My card reflects the option 'L is for Let it Snow'). I’m working on a packet of cards that will be sent to a Great-niece who is getting married. A gift bag of handmade cards is my favorite shower gift to help the newlyweds start their lives together. They always appreciate receiving an assortment of cards that give them a special way to remember birthdays, holidays, and other events with the people they love! 

     For this card, I printed off a wonderful, pre-colored "Build a Snowman" free digi that I found on the web. With a bit of fussy cutting and adhering, plus computer-generated sentiments, I made a card that is sure to be loved by a little one in their lives (I know that my Great-niece is also one great auntie for several little ones) !

Supplies: 

·   Free Olaf digi can be found HERE

·   Sparkly Foam Snowflake and Snowman Stickers- Dollar Tree

·   Sentiments-Computer Generated

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

·   Patterned paper,  other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

ABC Christmas Challenge- L & M are for… ?  'L is for Let it Snow'

Classic Design Challenge: Anything Goes #6-2026 June-July (Optional twist- BDay) 

Pattie's Creations Challenge- #244 AG (July 2026)

Pammies Inky Pinky Challenge #2626  Theme- Water   (Snow is frozen water!)

     I used festive holly patterned paper to create the word COFFEE on this slimline card.  The letters were hand-sketched to fit across the length of the card front, then cut from scraps of the holly paper. The letter “o” was replaced with a coffee cup from a Polka Dot Orchard digi, sized to fit into the space, traced onto a scrap of the holly paper, fussy-cut, then adhered in place. The inside sentiment is from a Polka Dot Orchard digi set that I like to use on Coffee-themed cards. 

  

 

Supplies: 

·   Coffee Cup Digi is from a Polka Dot Orchard digi set (Gnome Talkie Before Coffee)

·   COFFEE lettering hand-sketched.

·   Front Sentiment-“Merry Christmas” from Eureka Stamps (I am happy to announce that Eureka Stamps are again offered online. Check HERE to see which ones are available!)

·    Inside Sentiment from Polka Dot Orchard digi set (Merry Little Coffee)

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

·   Edge Stitched ribbon, Holly Patterned paper,  other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Coffee Loving Paper Crafters/Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge: #55 July 

Outlawz Christmas Only Challenge- July 2026

Outlawz Challenge Monthly Linky- July 2026

     I wanted to make a playful card for the current photo-inspired challenge at Time Out. The feet on a poolside lounge were the inspiration for my card. Several years ago, while surfing the web for summer-themed sentiments, I found the fun sentiment on the front of the card, and it really resonates with me. Living in the Midwest and Northern Plains of the USA my entire life, I have loved the dozen or so times that I have visited a beach. The vast size, majestic power of the waves slapping (or pounding) the beach, and salty scent always thrills my spirit!

    My card also includes an upcycled calendar page, a flip-flop (made with a template found on the web), a B&W flower (made with a flower punch), and other items from my stash.

Supplies: 

·   Background Scene- Upcycled from an old calendar page

·   Template used to make Flip-Flops found HERE

·   Front Sentiment “If Dorothy can click her heels together… ” found on someecards.com HERE

·   Inside Sentiment- Computer Generated (to fit with front sentiment.)

·  Pioneer Black Photo corners- available from several sources

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

·   Tropical pattern paper, black grosgrain ribbon, flower punch, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Time Out Challenge- #316 Photo Inspiration    

Paper Funday- July 2026 #89 AG  (Optional Twist: Summer Splash)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #758-759 (AG/Family Friendly)

Pick 3 Challenge- #6 June/July 2026  My card includes beach, sentiment and thin white frame