Happy Birthday Jeremy!!!

Part of the Dirty Dozen Challenge is to pick your favorite out of the 6 that you make for the monthly challenges.  This was my 3rd card for the summer job theme.  A Surf Instructor and also my favorite of the ones that I made.  My favorite thing to do over the summer when I was a teen was ride my bike to the beach and watch people surf.  The surfing instructors were always busy holding classes and camps to teach people how to surf.    

All the dies that I used are from My Favorite Things.  To make it so much easier to piece all the tiny pieces together then onto the card, I used Stampin' Ups Adhesive Sheets (I love that stuff!).  I stamped Surfafella from Stamping Bella on Neenah card stock, colored it with copics, then fussy cut it out.  I added some Liquid Applique to the beach.  I just love all these colors together, especially that Orange Bungalow...such a dream!

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Dirty Dozen Summer Job- Paper Round

My second card for the monthly theme, summer job.  I actually learned something while making this card.  I wanted to make sure the name of the summer job was correct, so I googled Paper Route.  It came up that the correct term is Paper Round for children who have a route that they deliver newspapers to by bicycle.  Who knew???

I kept this one CAS.  My base card, layer and bike are all watercolor paper.  For my panel, I lined up the A2 die-namics and placed the circle in it, then ran it through the die cut machine.  I taped the decorative newspaper to the back and mounted it with foam tape to my card base.  I added Wink of Stell to the bike and put it on the card using Stampin' Up's adhesive sheets.  That sure is a game changer when using dies that have small pieces!

I ended up making two of these cards.  The one above is made with a die that was given to me as a gift.  I've had it for a long time and don't have the original packaging it came in.  One of the guidelines we have to follow while being a guest designer is no off brand stamps or dies.  So...I ran to the the internet to track down the recently retired Stampin' Up Fun on Wheels Bundle so I could make the card again with products that I knew for 100% were not knock offs.

I  had to take a picture of how beautifully wrapped the stamp set came...so pretty!!!

Thank you for having a look at my blog!

My First Dirty Dozen Design Team Card!!!

Hello everyone!  I'm so excited to finally (formally) announce that I was selected to be a guest designer at the beginning of the year for the Dirty Dozen Design Team over at Splitcoastampers!  What an honor it was to be selected as a guest designer.  I've had such a great time these last 6 months creating cards for the monthly challenges.  Now that my 6 months is up, I can share what I've created, yay!  This was my very first card I created.  Our theme for the month was Summer Job.  I picked a Life Guard for this card and what he/she might see from their view.  Maybe not unicorns having fun in the pool with their floaties...but you get the idea, hehe!

I used the My Favorite Things Pool Water Stencil, die cutting it with My Favorite Things A2 Wonky Stitch die-namics.  I colored the unicorns with copics, cut them out with their coordinating dies, then mounting them with foam squares.  I added a Wink of Stella to the unicorns hair and their floaties.

Thank you for stopping by!

Birthday Thank You's...

I had such a wonderful birthday.  I wanted to thank a few of my friends that made my day extra special.

I used Stampin' Up Cactus Cuties and Morning Meadow Stamp Sets.  Only Orange, Shaded Spruce, and black inks.  White and Only Orange card stock. Pink Fresh Studio Blanket Stitched Rectangle and Stamping Bella Baubles.

Have a wonderful day!

 

Happy Birthday Nancy!!!

For one of my sweet and dear friends, Nancy for her birthday.

 I CASE'd this beautiful card from splitcoaststampers.  I used Stampin' Up Roses in Winter, Very Versailles, Canvas, and Express Yourself stamp sets.  Crumb Cake, Smoky Slate, Garden Green, Pear Pizzaz, Calypso Coral and Daffodil Delight inks.  Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzaz, and white cards stock.  My Favorite Things Flags Stax die-namics, Recollections butterly, and a button.

Thank you for having a peek at my blog!

Happy Birthday Bruce...

I'm back...life just gets busy and though I've been creating my little heart out, blogging and posting has been on the back burner.  Anyhow, I created this card for one of our Tuesday riders, Bruce for his birthday.

I CASE'd this card I found on Pinterest.  I just loved this sketch and thought it was great for a CAS masculine card.  I used Woodware Craft Collections On Your Bike and Stampin' Up Fun on Wheels stamp sets.  Black and Tempting Turquoise inks.  Black and white cardstock.  Finished off the card off with some rhinestones.

Bruce, the Birthday Boy!

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Another Day in Paradise...

For our cycling shop mechanic and friend, Sean for his birthday.  His love for donuts is just as big as his love for all things bikes!  Our shop owner, Tim just released a donut kit in Sean's honor with his favorite saying, "Another Day in Paradise" on the back pocket.  I took the colors from the donuts on that kit, along with the colors of the icing and sprinkles to create my card.  I originally started to place the sprinkles exactly how they were on the kit, but...after a spending a half hour on one donut I decided it didn't need to be an exact replica, ha!

I used My Favorite Things Time to Make Donuts, Frame Builder and Bear Hug Bunch die-namics.  White, Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, and Creamy Caramel card stock for the donuts.  I added a plastic sheet to the back of the Regal Rose frame, then used foam strips to mount it to the white panel, then mounting it to a Tempting Turquoise card base.  

Of course we celebrated Sean's birthday with donuts!

Matchy, matchy!!!

Our cycling group for Sean's birthday.

Thank you for having a look at my blog!

 

Happy Beerthday Sid!!!

For my besties step dad for his birthday.

I used My Favorite Things Frosty Beer Mug die-namic, coloring it with copics, then applied several layers of paper glaze.  When that dried I applied Liquid Applique to get the frothy foam.  I used foam squares to mount the mug to my card.

Thank you for stopping by!

 

Piss Off...

For a very dear friend of mine.  It breaks my heart that he's going through this.  

I wanted to lift my friends spirits and make him laugh.  This was a very quick card.  I used White and Tempting Turquoise card stock.  My Favorite Things A2 Stitch Rectangle Stax, and Highrise Alphabet Lowercase die-namics.

Thank you for having a look!

 

You Rock Tony!!!

Sometimes you meet a person who just touches your life in a special way...if you talk to anyone within our cycling circle, Tony is one of those people.  He has made me feel welcomed and has encouraged me to join in on some of the more challenging rides that I didn't think that I was capable of doing.  Words can't express how thankful I am that he was introduced to our Tuesday Ride...we sure do miss him when he returns "home" for the summer!  

Tony gave me and my co-ride leader one of the most thoughtful and personal gifts I think I have ever received.  His son mines minerals.  He told his son a little bit about us, our personality, (my love for the color orange and my orange bike) and his son made each of us a personalized box of minerals.  I was so touched by his special gift, thank you just doesn't seem like enough.

Go ahead...laugh...I am!!!  Every time I look at this card I die.  It surely isn't pretty, nor is it my best work.  I really wanted to make Tony a special card to thank him for his thoughtful gift, but I totally failed...all I see is Grimace, haha!!!  I didn't have any type of stamps that were mineral, gem, or rock related so I went to Pinterest for ideas.  I came across this card by Jackie, and let me tell you ya'll...I did not do it justice, haha!!!  When I gave Tony the card, I told him he had to open it in front of me (because I knew how hideous it was), but he opened and said how much he loved it and how much his wife would love it too (so kind).  Anyhow...I can't unsee Grimace.  Supplies I used were My Favorite Things Caption Numbers, Caption Alphabets and Instaframe die-namics.  Smoky Slate, Black, and White card stock.  Circle punches.  To make the "rock" I tore the card stock, crumbled it in a ball several times, sponged Smoky Slate ink on it and eventually called it good.

Me and Tony at a gravel ride we went to.  

If you're still here...thanks for hopefully having a laugh with me!

Happy Birthday Lisa...

Celebrating Lisa's Birthday!  She's one of our Sponsors and Tuesday Riders.  Lisa is the owner of a local coffee shop, REN Coffeehouse.  It's a very popular spot for cyclists, located right off of "The Loop" (a car free loop around the city for cyclists, walkers, horses, etc).  I'm not a coffee drinker, but REN has the best frozen hot chocolate which is perfect for a mid/post ride treat in Arizona!

I found this picture on Lisa's website and knew I had to recreate it into a card.  It was so fun to make!!!  The supplies I used are as follows...

Stamps- My Favorite Things Coffee Order and My Favorite Things Life's a Beach (taking only the words needed from the sentiments to create the sentiment on the inspiration photo).
Inks- White Craft, Early Espresso, Pecan Pie, Copper Clay, Creamy Caramel.
Paper- Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Creamy Caramel.
Other- My Favorite Things Coffee Break Companion, My Favorite Things Fishtail Foundation, Woodgrain Cuttlebug folder.

The birthday girl!!!  

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Thanks for a Paw-some Time!!!

A thank you for our dog sitter while we were out of town.  Jetta has the best time when she stays with Jeanine.  She gets spoiled with two walks a day, homemade liver treats (her favorite!), and lots of belly rubs and attention.  In return we know she's in good hands with a wonderful, caring and loving person.  We are also sent many pictures throughout Jetta's stay with a daily update on how Jetta's doing and all the friends she's met, made, and saw along her daily walks.  We know Jetta's in good hands with Jeanine and wanted Jeanine to know how much we appreciate her.

 I kept this CAS.  I used My Favorite Things A2 Stitched Rectangle Stax, Paw Prints, and Fishtail Foundation die-namics.  And My favorite Things Big Greetings.

Thanks for looking at my blog!

 

Desert Birthday Vibes for David...

When David found out that I made cards, he looked at my instagram and liked a card similar to this one but with a purple bike/cardstock.  He said he liked the colors and the it would look great in his home, that he'd like to have a canvas made out of it.  So, when his birthday came around, I of course had to try and replicate that card the best I could!

This Hero Arts Card Kit that my besties got me for my birthday last year is by far one of my most favorite things to use when making cards for my Arizona Cycling friends.  We love being on our bikes getting lost in the beauty of our desert.  

I used the following inks for the card- Caramel, Sand, Pine, Tangerine, Granny Apple Green, YoYo Yellow.
My Favorite Things Stitched Rectangle Frames and a bike die.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

You're one Tough Cookie...

For a very special friend of mine that has been going through a rough time.  Sometimes I don't always have the right words to let one know how much I care for them and hope that they are ok when things get tough...that's when I make a card in hopes that it will brighten their day.

I had actually bought this stamp set for this person for the other sentiment it came with, however the year took a turn for them and "you're one tough cookie" was appropriate.  I stamped my image with memento ink, coloring it with copics, then die cutting it and layering it on a coordinating Pool Party die cut.  I layered a piece of Echo Park Paper on a white card base, then added a white strip of card stock with orange polka dot Denami Design Ribbon.  I stamped my sentiment then die cut it with My Favorite Things Fishtail Foundation die-namics and added Rhinestones to finish off the card.

Thank you for having a look!

 

Thank You Tony!!!

To thank Tony for an incredibly generous gift he gave me for leading the Tuesday Ride.  I made him this card to thank him for his thoughtfulness and generosity.  Sure do miss him when he's gone for the summer!!!  

I started out with a Gray Granite card base and layered Reminisce Bike Life paper and My Favorite Things Open Road die-namics die cut in black.  I die cut the bike in Gray Granite, then added some shimmer to it with a glitter gel pen.  Added the sentiment from the My Favorite Things Itty Bitty Thanks Stamp Set and die cut it with the MFT Itty Bitty Strips die-namics.

Me and Tony at a gravel ride in Patagonia.

Thanks a bunch for having a peek!

 

My Thoughts are with You...

As every card maker knows, Sympathy Cards are by far the hardest ones to make.

I used My Favorite Things A2 Stitched Rectangle Stax die-namics, then stamped my images from Stampin' Ups Plant Hope and Special Moments Stamp Sets.  Then I used MFT Stitched Rectangle Frames die-namics to finish off my card.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by! 

 

Happy Birthday Debbie!!!

For a sweet dear friend of mine for her birthday!

My inspiration for this card came from this beautiful cycling jersey of Debbie's.  I used Stampin' Ups Stained Glass (hummingbird), stamped in Memento ink, then colored with Copics.  I mounted the panel on Tempting Turquoise, then layered it on a white layer that was embossed with the SU Brick and Morter 3D embossing folder.  I added Denami Design ribbon and mounted my panel on a Magenta Madness card base.

My sweet dear friend, Debbie!

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog!

Happy Birthday Alan!!!

Celebrating a Milestone Birthday for one of our cycling friends!

I struggled with designing this card.  I had a vision in my mind, but ended up going a total different direction.  I am happy with how it turned out though!  I used Smoky Slate, Black, Night of Navy, Card Stock and Reminisce Bike Life Paper.  My Favorite Things Impact Numbers die-namics in Smoky Slate, colored with a glitter gel pen.  Oval, Scallop Oval, and Bike die with a glaze pen.  My Favorite Things Open Road die-namics and finished off the card with Denami Design Ribbon.

Thank you for taking a peek at my blog.

 

Happy Birthday Noah!!!

Happy Birthday Noah!!!  Noah is another one of our Tuesday Riders.  He's newer to cycling and doing great.  It's so awesome to meet someone when they first start cycling and watch them grow and excel at it.  So proud of Noah and excited to see where this takes him.

I started out by creating the sky with Apricot Appeal, Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, and Rose Red.  I mounted the panel on a Pecan Pie Panel, then the Black Card Base.  Next I die cut the Impression Obsession Desert Scene using Chocolate Chip, Pecan Pie, and Black Card Stock, then layered them on the card.  Finished the card off with My Favorite Things Open Road die-namics in Pecan Pie and a Bike in Pumpkin Pie.

Thanks for having a look at my blog!!!

 

Happy Birthday Frank!!!

 Another birthday card for one of our Tuesday Riders.  Frank is one of our regulars that we met by accident while we were on a ride.  He saw us riding, joined our group at the back and has been riding with us ever since.  Frank is the kindest, most caring person you'll ever meet.  He's the one who will always wait for you if you're having an off day and riding a bit slower than the rest.  He always makes sure that everyone has nutrition, hydration and tools when things happen.  And when things do happen, he is always willing to offer up his bike for you to ride to make sure that you are safe and he'll ride yours.  I'm so glad that we met Frank randomly that day on our group ride, he's such a great guy...everyone needs a Frank in their life!

I used the Hero Arts August 2022 Card Kit, Hero Arts Winding Road Stamp Set, and the Woodcraft Collection On Your Bike Stamp set to create my card.  I stamped the road first with Smoky Slate, then masked it and used the Stencils from the Card Kit for the southwest scene.  The inks I used are- Sand, Caramel, Pine, YoYo Yellow, Daffodil Delight, Copper Clay, Tangerine Tango, Lemon Lime Twist and Black.  I mounted my panel on a Lemon Lime Twist card base.

Happy Birthday Frank!!!

Happy Birthday Steve!!!

Celebrating Steve, one of our Tuesday Riders Birthday's!

I used the Hero Arts August 2022 Card Kit, Hero Arts Winding Road Stamp Set and the Woodware Craft Collection On Your Bike Stamp Set to create this card.  I started out by stamping the road, masking it, then using the stencils to layer my scene.  Hero Arts Sand, Caramel, and Pine inks.  Stampin' Up Smoky Slate, YoYo Yellow, Daffodil Delight, Copper Clay, Blueberry Bushel, and Shaded Spruce.  Black, Broken China Distress Oxide and Versamark ink.  I mounted my panel on a Wild Wasabi card base.

Steve, our birthday boy!

Thanks for having a peek at my blog!

 

With Sympathy...

Of all the cards, Sympathy Cards are the hardest to make...

 I used Here Together and Special Moments from Stampin' Up.  Colored with copics.  Wild Wasabi and white card stock.  Denami Design ribbon and a glitter pen.

Thank you for having a look!

Thanks a Bunch!!!

For my dear friend Terri to thank her for a "changing kilt" she got me.  After we cycle we like to change into some fresh, clean, dry clothes.  A lot of times that means we're changing in the car, parking lots, parking garages, event locations...the list goes on.  She found these clever little kilts that have velcro and wrap around us so we can have some privacy while we change.  That way we're not having to try to hold up a towel while changing and risk giving everyone a free show, ha!

I wanted to try and mimic the kilt's pattern on my card.  I used My Favorite Things Thank You die-namics with Merry Merlot, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Calypso Coral, Mint Macaron, and Tempting Turquoise ink.  Pacific Point and White card stock.  Finished off my card with Denami Design ribbon and iridescent bubbles.   

The card with the changing kilt.

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Birthday Debbie!!!

 For my massage therapist for her birthday.  She loves horses and has a couple of her own.

I used Stamping Bella's Giddyupabella, coloring her in Copics.  Poppy Parade, Black, White, and Reminisce French Kitchen card stock.  My Favorite Things Festive Old Friends stamp set for the sentiment and MFT Fishtail Flags Stax.

Thanks for having a look!

Rarest of Thank You's...

For my long time friend, Renee...  I have a rare genetic connective tissue disorder.  The mascot for my condition is the Zebra.  The last day of February of every year is World Rare Disease Day, to bring awareness to rare conditions.  She made me the most beautiful hand (and I mean literally, with her hands) crocheted black and white blanket in honor of World Rare Disease Day.  When I opened it, I cried...it was such an incredibly kind and thoughtful gift.  I will cherish it for years to come!  Thank you Renee!!!

On trend with my other posts from today, this too was made using the current at the time MFTWSC689.  I used a black and white theme since Zebra's are black and white.  My Favorite Things Rose with Overlay, Layered Leaves, and Essential Stitched Sentiment die-namics.  Big Greetings for the sentiment, white craft ink, then embossed with with embossing powder.  Stampin' Up Sizzix folder.

This was a total surprise!!!

The blanket is just beautiful!

Thank you for taking a peek at my blog.

 

Thank You Bev & Hot Husband...

I co-lead a weekly bike ride for Cyclefit Solutions.  We have our regulars that live here that attend each week.  Then we have our snowbirds/seasonal regulars that attend while they're here.  Bev and Hot Husband (that is what she refers to her husband as, so that is what I shall call him, hehe) are our seasonal attendees.  They brought me Zebra water bottles from their local bike shop in Tennessee.  I was over the moon to receive these.  The zebra is the mascot for my condition.  When anyone gives me anything Zebra, it just touches my heart.  I made them this card to thank them for the water bottles.  They love tacos and are always on the hunt for a great taco shop.

I again used the current at the time MFTWSC688.  I started out running my panel through the die cut machine using the A2 Stitched Rectangle Stax die-namics.  Then I stenciled the bricks using the MFT Small Brick Wall Stencil with Versmagic Chalk Ink Sahara Sand and Wheat.  I blended in some Copper Clay for the ground.  I stamped the MFT Tiddly Inks Sweet Senorits in Memento ink, coloring her with copics and die cutting her with the coordinating die-namics.  I stamped my image on white card stock using the MFT Fishtail Flags die-namics.  Mounted in on a white layer with foam strips.  White card stock, red and green ribbon added to the card base, then layered my panel on top.

Me and Bev.

The cutest Zebra Water Bottles!!!

Thank you for stopping by!

 

Happy Birthday Carolyn!!!

For my dear friend Carolyn for birthday.  I met her when I first started cycling.  She's been a great mentor and is always willing to help you better your cycling skills.  On her birthday she met be out on the dirt trail for my first time to learn some gravel riding skills.  It was so much fun!

I feel like this Hero Arts Desert Road Stencil was made just for me, lol!  I just love using it for my cycling cards.  The inks I used are- Distress Oxide Spiced Marmalade, Mustard Seed, Peacock Feathers, and Cracked Pistachio.  I stamped the bike from Woodware Craft Collections in black.  I mounted my layer on Pumpkin Pie then on a white card base. 

Me and Carolyn.

Thank you for having a look at my blog.

Happy Birthday Leanda...

For a sweet lady for her birthday!  Leanda has been doing lots of great things for our cycling community over the last 6 months or so.  She's been leading interval workouts, zone 2 rides (well, not my zone 2...lol!), workshops, and just recently started up a Women's Only Shoot Out.  She's all inclusive, makes everyone feel welcome to join in and encourages you to keep coming, even if your zone 2 isn't her zone too, ha!  

I kept this one CAS.  It was for the current (at the time) MFTWSC686.  My card base is Crumb Cake.  I used the following- MFT Open Road, Cute Cloud Outlines, and Itty Bitty Strips die-namics.  A bike die, topping it with a gel pen.  I added glitter to the clouds.

Thanks for having a peek!