House of Cards Blog Hop

It's time for the end of season House of Cards Blog Hop. Actually, this year, it's also going to be the end of the House of Cards challenge blog. It's going to be shutting down after this blog hop. I've enjoyed being part of this crafty community. 

Here's the inspiration photo



Here's my card

I started with our sponsor, Beccy's Place's 



Silver Bells digital stamp which I printed out on cardstock with my inkjet printer. I added color with Copic markers, using similar colors as shown on the inspiration photo.

Here's the blog hop order. 

House of Cards Blog

Cohenna 

Donna 

Em 

Judy 

Karen

Michele

Rocky 

Rosi 

Sue N. 

Susan 

You should have arrived from Rosi and the next stop is Susan 

Thanks for stopping by

sue

House of Cards - September

Oh my goodness! How is it already September? CRA-ZEE! I did check my calendar and that's what it says. So ... it must be time for a new challenge at House of Cards. Here's this month's challenge

Birthday Theme and/or Colors



Here's my card

I chose to use the colors of this month's challenge as well as focusing on this month's theme of "birthday". One can always use more birthday cards. I stamped the presents and bows using My Favorite Things Celebrate You stamp set with Hero Arts inks (Pale Tomato, Lemon Yellow, Dusty Blue, Aquatic). I didn't have the "correct" blue so I combined two blues to approximate the blue of the challenge. The subway-style sentiment uses My Favorite Things Spotlight Sentiments with Hero Arts Cup O' Joe ink. 

We'd love for you to join us this month.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

House of Cards - August 2018

YIKES! I'm late. I guess that's what happens when you go out of town for a week. Everything goes a bit crazy - well, despite my best plans (I thought I had things under control), some things get missed (like flipping the calendar to the next month). Hope there aren't too many English teachers here because that was likely not one sentence!

Anyway - there is a new challenge at House of Cards

Use Patterned Paper and/or Colors





Here's my card

I looked through my collection of 6x6 paper pads for printed paper that used the colors in this month's inspiration. I chose the Wildflower 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella. I cut three 1.75" x 4" strips and adhered them onto an A2 card. I then cut at 0.5" x 5.5" strip and adhered it horizontally across the three wider strips. For the sentiment, I used Hero Arts Year Round Sentiments and punched it out with Stampin' Up's oval punch. I matted the sentiment using Stampin' Up's scalloped oval punch.

We'd love to see what you create using this month's prompt &/or photo inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by
sue

House of Cards - July 1st

It's July 1st, so it's time for a new challenge at House of Cards

Here's this month's inspiration

Popsicle/Food image and/or Colors


Here's my card

I'm grateful to my friend Amanda, who let me borrow her stamp supplies for this card. I used Echo Park Summer Days Die/Stamp combo to stamp the popsicles with Hero Arts inks (Green Hills, Fresh Peach, Orange Soda). For the popsicles, I stamped the outlines onto corresponding colors of cardstock and then used the dies to cut the popsicles out. I stamped the popsicle sticks separately with Hero Arts Soft Brown ink and die cut them out too. The sentiment uses Sizzix's Ice Cream stamp set. I noticed that the "dot" below the exclamation point was missing (huh?) so I used a rhinestone as the "dot". I found some printed paper that had many of the colors of in the inspiration photo, to use as a background for the popsicles.

We'd love to see what you create. Won't you join us?

Thanks for stopping by
sue

House of Cards - June 1st

It's the first of June. That means that it's time for a new challenge at House of Cards and a blog hop. Note that the challenge will only be open June 1 to 15. The inspiration photo is




Here's my card

I started with Butterfly Elements Digital Stamp Set available at MHK Designs. I chose the small horizontal element with small butterfly. I printed it onto white cardstock and trimmed the panel to 4" x 5.25". I also printed the sentiment onto white cardstock. I  added some color to the butterfly element with Distress Markers (worn lipstick, bundled sage, pumice stone, brushed corduroy), trying to use similar colors to the inspiration photo. 

You should have arrived from Shawna. 
Next up is Susan. 

Here's the blog  hop order

House of Cards Challenge Blog

 Judy
 Cohenna 
Donna 
 Em 
 Jane

Karen 
 Katarina 

Michele 
 Rocky 
 Rosi 

Shawna 
 Sue N.   <<< that's me
Susan 

Thanks for stopping by

sue

House of Cards - May Challenge

Yikes - where does the time go? I can't believe that it's May 1st. But it is. So, that must mean that there is a new challenge at House of Cards.

May 2018
May 201Shaped card and/or Colors8

Here's my card

I decided on an Asian lantern shaped card. I started by crimping some cardstock - remember Fiskars' crimper? Yes, I had to dust it off. I haven't used it for some time. However, it was perfect to create the texture of an Asian lantern. I then used a Sizzix's circle die to die cut the crimped paper. I cut two circles, one for the top and one for the bottom. Here's a close-up.

To "join" the two circles, I used some black cardstock 2"x1" scored lengthwise for the lantern's top. I used black cardstock for the bottom of the lantern (adhered to only the top circle!). I used CC Designs Cherry Blossoms die to die cut the step and cherry blossoms. Using a fine tip black marker, I added some lines & dots for the flowers' centers. For the sentiment, I used Lawn Fawn's Let's Roll, stamped onto some dark green cardstock, trimmed to fit onto the circle.

We'd love for you to join us this month. What shaped card will you create?

Thanks for stopping by
sue

House of Cards April 2018 Challenge

It's the start of a new month - April. This means that there is a new challenge at House of Cards. Here's the theme for the challenge


CAS Floral Corner and/or Colors



Here's my card

For the floral spray, I used Simon Says STAMP Floral Bliss stamp set, stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I added colors, close to the inspiration colors using Copic markers. The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP Flower Friend stamp set.

We'd love for you to join us. Thanks for stopping by.
sue

House of Cards - March Challenge

WOW! It's already a new month. Hoping this means that Spring is just around the corner. However, after last week's big snowfall here in Vancouver, perhaps it's still going to take some time. We have a new challenge for you at House of Cards

Use Colored Pencils on Dark Card and/or Colors




Here's my card

I started with clear embossing powder and Studio Katia's Mandala Flower (med) stamp on a dark gray card panel. I added color using Prismacolor Premier colored pencils. I also own Prismacolor Scholar colored pencils but wasn't really happy with the way they added color. I was thinking about using gamsol or baby oil. However, i found a set of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils at a great price on Amazon and boy, do they ever make a difference. I guess you do get what you pay for. I chose colors close to those of the challenge. I love how vibrant the colors appear on the dark cardstock. The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's Keep it Simple: thank you stamp set and using clear embossing powder. 

We'd love to see what you create. Won't you join us this month?

Thanks for stopping by
sue

House of Cards - January 2018

Happy New Year! I had a great year in 2017 and am anxious to see what 2018 holds for me. New month means there is a new challenge at House of Cards

Mixed Media and/or Colors

Here's my card

For those of you who know me - mixed media isn't really my "thing". However, I took out some gelatos in the colours of the challenge and made a background. I randomly scribbled the gelatos and blended them with my finger. I also used a teal coloured metallic gelato and a chicken wire stencil from Tim Holtz' Mini Stencil Set 8. I think that it turned out nice - I just may try this again for another card. I used the gorgeous stamp Ask in Prayer from STAMPlorations Typografia in Faith collection with Versamark and silver embossing powder on vellum for the sentiment. I trimmed the vellum panel and adhered it to the background with glue dots, hidden behind the faux pearls.

Thanks for visiting
sue

House of Cards - December Blog Hop

Whoa - how did it get to be December already. Wasn't it just summer? Yikes - I have so much to do before Christmas. This is CRA-ZEE!

The challenge this month at House of Cards is this photo of a decorated Christmas tree. We'd  love for you to show us how you're inspired by this beautiful Christmas tree.

We have prizes - thanks to our generous sponsors

MHKDesigns

Prize: Any three products of your choice!

Digistamps4Joy

Prize: $10 gift card!

Imagine That Digistamp

Prize: $10 gift card!

Beccy's Place

Prize: Choice of one digi stamp set!

Here's my card

I started with the Stitched Season's Greetings Digital Stamp Set from MHK Desings, which is one of our blog hop sponsors. I was inspired by the shimmer and sparkle of the Christmas ornaments and the red and silver colours on the photo. I printed the sprig of holly onto 100 lb cardstock. I added the colour and shimmer using Gansai Tambi Pearl Colors watercolours and a water brush. 

I printed the sentiment onto cardstock and used a silver pen for additional shimmer. The sentiment banner and card panel were matted with silver cardstock. 

For the blog hop, you should have arrived from Shirley. Next stop on the blog hop is Susan. For the entire blog hop list, check the House of Cards blog.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Thanks for visiting
sue

House of Cards - November Challenge

November 1st - already? Time sure flies by when you're having fun. It's time for a new challenge at House of Cards


Holiday &/or Colors




Here's my card

I was inspired by the hot beverages on the photo inspiration and incorporated a holiday (Christmas) theme as well as incorporating some of the colours of this month's challenge onto my card. I used Paper Smooches' Cozy Coffee die to die cut the coffee cup from three different cardstocks - 2 shades of gray and a Christmas print. For the background, I used Tim Holtz' Layering Mini Stencil Collection Set 3, distress ink (pumice stone) and an ink blending tool for the splats and coffee rings. The sentiment is from Your Next Stamp's Hot Cocoa Phoebe stamped with Hero Arts Cup O' Joe shadow ink. 

We'd love to see what you create for our November challenge.

Thanks for visiting
sue

House of Cards - October Challenge

October 1st - how is that possible? Our temperatures this September have been so high that it still feels like summer. Well, except that the kids are back in school! It's time for a new challenge at House of Cards

CAS Halloween and/or Colors



Here's my card
























What does one do, when one doesn't own any Halloween stamps? I know - I need to rectify that. However, using ovals, using Stampin' Up's oval punch, I could "make" a pumpkin. I cut three ovals and inked the edges for some definition. I cut a small circle for the "top" and freehand cut a leaf and stem, which were also had the edges inked. I found some weathered boards printed paper, which I thought  was in line with the rustic look of the photo inspiration, while keeping the colours of the challenge in mind. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches Salutations stamp set.

We'd sure love for you to join us this month. Show us your CAS Halloween cards or create something using our colour inspiration.

Thanks for visiting
sue

House of Cards - September Challenge

September? How is that possible? Well, it is September 1st so that means that it's time for a new challenge at House of Cards. This month's challenge is


SEPTEMBER 2017
Add text and/or Colors


Here's my card

I started with STAMPlorations Trendy Leaves stamp set. I chose the leaf with the text on it - to adhere with the challenge of add text. I grabbed my inks that most closely matched the colours of the challenge (Hero Arts Soft Brown, Distress inks - Antique Linen, Rusty Hinge, Tea Dye, Aged Mahogany). I inked each leaf with two different colours, making good use of my MISTI. The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP Big Scripty Greetings. I found some printed paper that coordinated with the colours and matted the main card panel.

Thanks for visiting
sue

House of Cards - August Challenge

It's hard to believe that it's already August. It's sad to see that the days are getting shorter. Since it's August 1st, there must be a new challenge at House of Cards.


Floral Images and/or Colors




Here's my card

I tried to incorporate as many of the colours on the photo inspiration (as I had ink colours) and used a floral stamp set. I used MFT Sketched Blooms stamp set with Hero Arts inks (Orchid, Passion Flower, Raspberry Jam) and Simon Says STAMP ink (fossil). The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Made for You stamp set and cut out with Stampin' Up's oval punch. I found a scrap of printed paper that complemented the colours, so I used that as a background for the sentiment. 

We'd love for you to join us by creating a card using floral images or the colours posted above.

Thanks for visiting
sue

House of Cards - July Challenge

Happy 150th Birthday to Canada! It's July 1st, so it's time for a new challenge at House of Cards.

JULY 2017
Stripes and/or Colors

Here's my card

I thought that I'd incorporate stripes and some of the colours onto my card. I started with Impression Obsession's Cover-a-card Flourishes stamp, Versamark ink and white embossing powder, which was heat set. Using Post-it tape, I masked off horizontal stripes of varying widths and added distress inks (spun sugar, mustard seed, crushed olive and peeled paint) with ink blending tools. I used MFT Happy Hellos die-namics to diecut black foam for the sentiment. I added a few sequins for a bit of shine.

Thanks for visiting
sue

House of Cards - Blog Hop

WOW - it's crazy that it's already June. That means, that it's time for a blog hop at House of Cards. Here is the photo inspiration:

Here's my card

I was inspired by the nautical theme. i used this Sea Creatures Digital Stamp Set from MHK Designs, one of the sponsors of our blog hop. I love being by the ocean - I feel so at peace listening to the waves roll in. So, I chose this sentiment to be a focus of the card. I also, couldn't resist a cute seahorse (wait, can seahorses be cute?). For the background, I thought I'd try something a bit different. I inked up the background with distress inks (tumbled glass and salty ocean) and ink blending tools. Then, with a scrap piece of cardstock, I diecut, using my WPlus9 Wave Border Designer die. I experimented using the "wavy" edge of the diecut, an ink blending tool and faded jeans distress ink on a piece of scrap paper. I found that if I placed the diecut upside down and then inked, the resulting image looked most like waves. I repeated this several times, randomly over the panel. I matted the card with a piece of blue cardstock and added a few sequins to complete the card. 

We'd love to see your creations and how you were inspired by our photo. Note our earlier than usual deadline - June 15th at noon CST.

There are prizes - prizes are hidden in random stops along the blog hop. To increase your chance of winning, please leave us a comment at each stop and also, link up your card for an added chance of winning.

We have great sponsors - check them out:

MHKDesigns

Prize: Any three products of your choice!

All Dressed Up

Prize: 2 Images

Prize: $10 to use in store

Prize $10 Gift Certificate to use in store

The House of Cards design team all used products from our sponsors. You should have arrived from Shirley.  The next stop is Susan.  If you'd like to check out the entire blog hop, the first stop is 

House of Cards Challenge Blog

Thanks for visiting

sue

House of Cards - May Challenge

It's the 1st of May which means that it's time for another card challenge at House of Cards. The challenge is 

Add Sequins and/or Colors

Here's my card

I was inspired by the beautiful colours of this month's challenge. I started by lightly marking a 3" by 2.25" rectangle, with a pencil. I used Hero Arts Garden Flowers by Lia and Hero Arts Shadow Inks (Passion Flower, Lemon Yellow, Tide Pool, Soft Cantaloupe and Green Hills) and stamped, somewhat randomly within the rectangle. I erased the pencil marks and hand drew the frame with a black fine line marker.

The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP Lots of Thanks stamp set. I matted the card with a green which matched the leaf colour.

Thanks for visiting
sue

House of Cards - April Challenge

Happy April 1st ... It's April Fools' Day. No fooling around here. It's time for a new challenge at House of Cards

APRIL 2017

Feather Images and/or Colors

Here's my card

I was inspired by the colours and feathers of this challenge. I used The Crafters Workshop's TCW389s Mini Fancy Feathers stencil. I added colour with distress inks (cracked pistachio, salty ocean and ground espresso) and ink daubers. I started with one feather. It didn't seem enough, so I added two more.  The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP Big Scripty Greetings. I added a dark brown mat for the card to complete it. 

We'd love for you to join us this month. Thanks for visiting.
sue

House of Cards - March Challenge

WOW - it is really March the 1st? Where did February go? Heck, wasn't it just Christmas? I can't believe how fast the days are flying by. Well, if it's March 1st, then it must be time for a new challenge at House of Cards

MARCH 2017

Make a Scene and/or Colors

Here's my card

I chose to use the colours (well, the bottom four) to create my card. This was the first time I created a background using stamping, masking and colouring. I used Simon Says STAMP Wild Beauty stamp set. I stamped the outline of the flower and also created a mask of that flower. Then placing the mask on the outline, I stamped both branches of leaves. I removed the mask and then stamped the solid flower with yellow. I wasn't sure what to do about a sentiment. I couldn't figure out "where" to place a sentiment. I was going to leave the card without a sentiment. Then, I decided to try stamping the sentiment on vellum with silver embossing powder. Here''s a close-up.

The sentiment is from Hero Arts Color Layering Bouquet.

Won't you join us at House of Cards this month? Either create a scene or use the colours of the photo. We'd love to see your work.

Thanks for visiting

sue

House of Cards - February Challenge

Hi! Where did January go? It feels like it was just New Years Eve. Well, seeing that it's now February 1st, then it must be time for a new challenge at House of Cards

FEBRUARY 2017

Love Theme and/or Colors

Here's my card

I was inspired by the striped hearts and the stripes of colour on the photo inspiration. It reminded me of paint swatches from the paint store. So, I went to a local paint store, pretending that I was looking for paint colours (shhhh ... don't tell) in the pink family. I die cut hearts of two sizes using Memory Box Cherub Hearts dies.

I masked off a 1.5" area with post-it tape and added Hickory Smoke distress ink with an ink blending tool. I carefully removed the post-it tape. I assembled the hearts in a bit of a random fashion. The sentiment is from Simon Says STAMP's Handwritten Sentiments.

Thanks for visiting

sue