myasperations 3-27-25

       I’m (still) in the process of decluttering my craft room and decided to take a break to make a few cards with some of the items I’m finding. One folder of pastel/spring paper scraps inspired this fun card. I first used a paper cutter to trim several dozen 1x1-inch squares and 2x1-inch strips from my pile of scraps.  I created a template to turn folded cardstock into my card base. I also traced this cat shape onto a separate A2-sized piece of scrap paper, onto which I added strips of double-stick tape or other preferred adhesive. I then gently positioned the squares and strips, placing them closely together to create a quilted look. When this cat shape was completely covered, with some pieces extending over the edges, I gently pressed them all into place. I carefully trimmed the pieces that extended over the edges, then added the bow * (which I decided to leave white, adding a bit of crispness to the card!) So fun!  Adding the inside sentiment and a few embellies finished this fun card. 

      I’m entering this card into several challenges including Snippets, which is a favorite because it inspires me to use up all the little odds and ends I squirrel away in envelopes and folders (mainly because I just can’t bear to throw them away!), the Outlaws Color  Challenge: Rainbows (the pretty pastels of my card all would easily fit into a rainbow image. Hmmm.... might create one before the end of this challenge!) and Cupcake Inspirations: Theme-How Do You Relax?  (These days I seem to spend any open time coloring, cutting and creating, which is therapy to me!)   

      PS I’m also attaching a photo of the template I created, which includes the outline for two card sizes. Enjoy! And wanted to let you know that Power Poppy is currently adding the digi set that includes this bow for just $2 (US rate). I've used the bow on cards, and even enlarged it to decorate my office door for a Christmas challenge years ago.  

 

Supplies: 

·   Calico cat Template (provided for your use!) 

·   Digi- Large Bow from Power Poppy Digital Stamp Set (Big Ol' Bow) 

·   Front Sentiment “Happy Easter” in one of the paper scrap quilt blocks!

·   Inside Sentiment “Happy Spring!” Computer generated

·   Rhinestone Butterfly sticker embellishing inside sentiment- JoAnnes Crafts

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

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

Entered into:  

Snippets- Week #502

Show Us Your Pussycats Challenge- Furry Thing Goes- #110 March   

Cupcake Inspirations- #614 Theme Challenge- How Do You Relax?     

Outlawz- Tuesday Color Challenge- Rainbow  

Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge-AG March 2025

Outlawz Challenge-March 2025 Linky  

      The sponsor for the March Outlawz Progressive Challenge is Laurian, and I had fun creating with her wonderful Mushroom House digi. After coloring and fussy-cutting the digi I nestled it into the corner of a trellised garden background. The little bees and butterflies, and their “Trails” that I added to the front and inside, provide bit of fun to the whimsical card!  

     I’m entering this card into several challenges including Passion for Markers Challenge: Spring Colors (I had fun coloring this little mushroom house, making it look inviting to little peoples looking for a home!), and Park Hopping-My Happy Place (This is one of my favorite challenges. Host Makira even provides a listing of specific themes, items and types of entertainment to assist in researching parks across the glovbe!. Her listing “Fairies” provided me with  The Fairytale Forest at Efteling Park (in the Netherlands). It offers a ride named Droomvlucht that features an  “enchanting world of fairies, elves and trolls.” However, that isn’t even the neatest thing. Since boarding the ride involves a moving walkway and visitors need to be able to descend stairs or a ladder independently in case of an evacuation, the park offers  an optional way to experience the ride.  (Here is info from the web “Disabled visitors can also enjoy the attraction with Virtual Droomvlucht. All senses are stimulated by virtual reality, music, scents and wind. Moreover, visitors are connected with their group in the regular attraction by headphones and microphones, so they can experience this enchanting attraction together.”)  Isn’t that the neatest thing EVAH! This theme park is now on my bucket list! (I added a photo of three fairies from the Droomvlucht below so you can see that it really is a magical place!

 

Supplies: 

·   Digi- Laurian’s Mushroom House (Freebie for Outlaws March 2025 Progressive Challenge)

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers, Sakura Gelly Roll white, silver and sparkle gel pens

·   Background- from an upcycled calendar

·   Bee and ladybug Stickers- Hobby Lobby

·   Front Sentiment “Thinking of You” from Beccy’s Place Digi Set (Beachside Bliss

·   Inside Sentiment “Have a Magical Day” from WeAre3 Digital sentiment set (Magical Sparkle) No longer available

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

·   Embossed silver cardstock (upcycled from an old card), other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Outlawz Challenge- Progressive Challenge (March)  

Outlawz Challenge-March 2025 Linky  

Passion for Markers Challenge- Week #781: Spring Colors

Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #692-693

Outlawz Challenge- Festive Friday: March (Spring) 

Crafty Catz Challenge- #690 AG- Optional: Spring Green

Park Hopping-My Happy Place (March)   The Fairytale Forest at Efteling Park

Colorful Options Monthly Challenge: March Mood Board- Kermit GREEN  

     This card features three of my favorite things, Christmas Elves, cookies, and a bit of humor. One of Santa’s elves looks festive as he preps a pan of gingerbread men to slide into the oven. The format of the card was inspired by the current sketch at Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers group (BYSHC) Challenge on FB.

I’m entering this card into several challenges, including ABC Christmas Challenge-'F is for Focal Sentiment (this card features a humorous sentiment that is split in half to provide a chuckle on the inside of the card! And a reason to add a handful of fussy-cut gingerbread cookies to help stress the point!)  

 

Supplies: 

·   Elf Digi is from a Beccy’s Place Digi Set (Making Merry)

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

·   Sentiment (divided in half for use on front and inside) “When what to my wondering eyes…” from a Beccy’s Place Digi Set (Here Comes Christmas)

·   Gingerbread cookie embelllishments  fussy-cut from Hobby Lobby patterned paper

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

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

Entered into:  

{BYSHC} Sketch Challenge FB- #55 March 2025         

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge- Anything Goes

Penny’s Paper Crafty Challenge- #593 Anything Goes

    Since I’m a DT for All Dressed Up  (one of the sponsors), please don’t include me in the draw for their prize!  

The Paper Shelter- #631 Anything Goes  

ABC Christmas Challenge- “E, F and G  are for…? ”  'F is for Focal Sentiment'

Paper Funday- #74 Anything Goes