created by courtney

Happy Tuesday everyone! Monday's are usually a very busy day for me so I decided to slow down a little bit yesterday and I got a ton of stamping done. Some I can show you...some I cannot. So...how about I show you my Created by Courtney Challenge card for today?

Today's challenge is to make a masculine valentine. I wasn't sure it if was supposed to be really guyish or just something that I would give to my husband so I went with the later. Once again I must say that I do like my card. I used on of Jen's Sketch For You To Try (from all the way back in November) and paired it with two of Verve Stamps new sets...Sweet Valentine and Hundred Hearts. And I couldn't not have some shimmer of some sort so I used Angel Wings Shimmerz in the center of each heart. To me black, red, and white is just the ultimate guy color combo for Valentine's Day. I also really like the off set layout of this sketch. Kinda keeps you guessing so to speak. The sentiment on the Riding Hood Red patterned paper is something that I often think about. I wondered when I had my second son how I would have enough love to go around...then number three came along and then Todd. I'm telling you...my love grows every single day for each of the wonderful men in my life!

Enough mush. I hope you will take some time to make a masculine card! Do you need some inspiration? Check out all of the CBCC Chicks...you'll find links in my sidebar.

I will see you tomorrow for the Belli Challenge for which I could have used today's card. What do you think it could be? Have a SUPER day!

created by courtney challenge #23

Good morning stampers! Boy do we have a challenge for you today with the Created by Courtney Challenge for this week . I was quite challenged with this color combo but I bet you guys will just rock it!

Anyway, we are being challenged to use Real Red, Pink Passion, and Chocolate Chip. I used my SU! set Love You Much and the January Unity Stamps set (for the sentiment) along with some Real Red Grosgrain and the new heart punch from SU! to make this card. It is clean, easy, and (I think) cute. Where is the Chocolate Chip you ask? The dots below the ribbon. I know it isn't much but I really think that row of dots completes the card!

So, this is what I created...what do you have for this challenge? Go ahead, make something with this color combo...upload it with the tag CBCC23 and then link it back to Courtney's blog HERE for a chance to win a little giftie.

When you are all done with that...link back HERE for a chance to win some Glory from Lorie in honor of my getting 100,000 hits. If you like Basic Grey you'll love this blog candy!

Tomorrow is Belli Challenge day and it is going to be fun! I have to admit that I haven't made my card for it yet but I AM looking forward to my creative process with it!

So...you all go...have a super Tuesday and I'll see ya tomorrow!

created by courtney challenge

Good Tuesday morning! Today is Created by Courtney day here on my blog and today our challenge is a sketch. Yay! I love sketch challenges! I am not sure that I followed this one exactly as I should but I like the outcome of the card anyway.

The patterned paper is from DCWV Retro collection and the stamps as a new Unity Stamp Co set called Shine On! A little bit of ribbon, some buttons and taa daa!

So? Whatcha got? What can you create with this fun sketch? Make a card...upload it with the tag CBCC22 and then link it to Courtney's blog for a chance to win a goody!

Want a little inspiration first? Well, check out the CBCC Chicks blogs. You'll find them all listed in my sidebar on the right. Those girls are seriously talented!

I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday everyone! See you soon!

created by courtney challenge

Good morning friends! I hope that your Monday went well and that you are ready for a Created by Courtney Challenge! After a couple of weeks off for the holiday's we are back at it with a "green" theme. The idea is to recycle something into your crafting. Oh, and it also works for the Belli Challenge tomorrow...can you guess what that might be?

Can ya guess what I recycled into my crafting? Yep, a couple of taster spoons from my Tastefully Simple business. I have to be honest with you and tell you I like the idea behind this card but I'm not sure my white, plastic taster spoons necessarily go with the fancy martini glasses but maybe I'm just thinking of how things are after those three glasses of martinis! LOL!

Anyway, the bright blue paper is SU! Pacific Point, the patterned paper is from DCWV, the yellow is Lemon Tart from PTI, and of course I've used the PTI white as well. The ribbon that ties the spoons together is Summer Sunrise from PTI and finally the stamp set is called You Are Invited and is from Flourishes.

So...what can you create with something recycled? The CBCC Chicks have done a wonderful job this week so make sure you hop on over and check out all of their creations too! Excitingly we have two new challenge chicks so make sure to give them some extra love!

Courtney
Maria
Holly
Chris
Dani
Maria
Sarah
Sparkle

So...there you have it! I hope you have a super Tuesday and I'll see you tomorrow for the Belli Challenge and the CPS sketch!

created by courtney challenge...

Good morning everyone! It is another fun Created by Courtney Challenge day and today Courtney has challenged us with a sketch. I had no idea what I was going to do but I pulled out my new SU! sport sets and got to work.

What I came up with is this fun card to give to one of my four sport loving boys! Okay, three young men and one old man (teehee!). My middle son is in IBA and this might work well if they end up having a good season. This is pretty self explanatory too. The base of the card is PTI's Select White Cardstock, then a Riding Hood Red layer, topped with some My Mind's Eye patterned paper . Four punched circles with accompanying green layers and an all star sentiment finish the card. Very fun, very boy. Love it!

I got a good start on sending out our Christmas cards yesterday. Unfortunately I just don't think I'm going to get them out to everyone that I'd like. I'm not sure what my problem is this year as I usually have my cards out the first week of December.

Todd and I are busy planning for a Christmas party that we are having on the 23rd. I'll be making some Tastefully Simple foods along with mini quiches', yummy meatballs,and a veggie tray. We are anticipating lots of people so it should be fun!

Hope all your Christmas planning is going well! See you tomorrow for Belli Challenge day!

dots...a lot or a little?

Good morning everyone! How was your Monday? I had a pretty productive day and I'm thrilled that today is...Todd's birthday! Woohoo! Happy Birthday Honey! I love you bunches!

As you know...today is CBC Challenge day. Today's challenge is dots. You can use a little or a lot it is up to you but just use dots. This card is actually a card I made some time ago but haven't had a chance to share. The image is from Rubbernecker Stamp's Stamp Oasis Line. Is that not just an adorable image...so sweet! I just added a little SU! patterned paper, stamped some snowflakes on the read red card stock and then added a few dots around the main image and on the scallop. I think the dots really make this card just a touch cuter.

So, what can you make with dots? A card, scrapbook page, maybe an altered item? I'd love to see so make sure you let me know when you are done creating. Also make sure you upload your card and then link it back to Courtney's blog for a chance to win a fun prize from her! All the design team member's blog can be found on my sidebar. Make sure you check them all out!

Tomorrow is Belli Challenge day so stop back to see my project...I think you will really like it! Also, don't forget to become a follower of my Tastefully Simple blog if you'd like to receive a sample from me! You can also check out the recipes I have posted...they are yummy!

See you tomorrow!

created by courtney challenge #17

Good morning stampers! I hope you had a super Monday! Although it didn't go the way I had thought it was going to it really turned out to be a wonderful day.

In case you can't tell this weeks Created By Courtney Challenge is Ornaments. Isn't this a fun challenge? I must say that I cheated just a teensy bit. I used the ornaments and paper from SU!'s Holiday Mini. The set is called On Board Trinkets Ornaments. It comes with over 40 On Board ornaments and the paper to decorate them. I took three of the On Board pieces, decorated them with complimentary paper and made the ornament you see to the right. The ornament, 'joy', and star are all separate but compliment each other so well. The ribbon is Riding Hood Red ribbon originals.

So...whatcha got when it comes to ornaments? There are so many different things you can do. Courtney made some super cute ornaments not to long ago. You must see them HERE! I truly hope you will take the time to visit all of the CBCC Chicks by clicking to their blogs in my sidebar. I have this feeling it is going to be an AMAZING day of artwork!

So...go...have fun looking and have a super day! Oh, and see HERE for PTI sets that I have for sale!

created by courtney challenge #15

Good Tuesday morning everyone! Whew...this is going to be a busy week. I've gotten into the habit of stamping ahead for the challenges that I participate in and this week I'm almost feel behind....and it is only Tuesday! Yikes!

As you know, today is Created by Courtney Challenge day and speaking of sketches...today you get the fun little sketch you see below. On my sample I cut an ornament from a large sheet of Basic Grey Figgy Pudding paper from last year. I found some complimentary solid card stock, added a sentiment (from PTI) and a couple of accessories and there you have it.
I haven't actually listed out the the members of the Created by Courtney Challenge Chicks lately so I thought maybe I'd do that today. This is a very talented group of women so you really should go and check out all of their blogs! Here you go...

Courtney
Sarah
Dani
Maria
Chrissy
Heidi
Sparkle

Remember if you choose to play along upload your creation with the keyword CBCC15 then link it to Courtney's blog for a chance to win a prize from Courtney. Who can resist? Go...create and then come back here tomorrow to see my Belli Challenge project!

See ya tomorrow!

created by courtney challenge #14

Today is Veteran's Day. Whether young or old ALL of our Veteran's deserve our thanks so please take time to thank a Veteran today!

Happy stampin' Tuesday! We have another fun challenge from Courtney today...can you guess from my project what it is? Nope, not ornaments but chipboard. What is chipboard on this ornament? The small scalloped square. Isn't this fun? I would love to say that I came up with this idea myself but that would be lying. The fabulous Beate John's had THIS ornament on her blog not to long ago so I just changed it up a little. Thank you so much Beate! Actually, I hope that my stamp club members like this as they will be doing a version of this at club on Wednesday!

You can see all the size measurements on Beate's blog. I used some Frosty Day designer paper from SU! along with the SU! set Mr. Twigster and a Felt Flurry snowflake to make this ornament. This is SO easy to make that I have plans to make and send or give them to a large number of my friends and family. I'll change them up so they aren't the same paper and such but these will make great little gifts!

If you'd like to join in on this chipboard challenge just make something with chipboard, upload it to SCS (with CBCC13 keyword) or your blog and then link it to Courtney's blog HERE for a chance to win a little giftie from her! Also, make sure you check out the other challenge chicks (links in my sidebar) to see what fabulous things they've come up with! Note there are two new chicks to our challenges!

I just finished up my Belli Challenge for tomorrow and am excited about that one too so make sure you stop back! Have a super day!

create by courtney challenge

Good Tuesday morning everyone! Today is CBCC day! Woohoo...are you ready for the challenge...and quite the challenge it is! This week it is a color challenge. The colors are Always, Artichoke, Rose Red, and Brilliant Blue.

I do love this House Mouse image...it just makes me smile! I'm not so sure about the card itself but I'd be willing to bet that whomever I send it to will like it!

The patterned paper is from SU!'s Level 1 hostess pack and I think you can pretty much so understand the rest of it.

Sorry this is such a sterile post but pre-posting makes it harder to be personal. I do hope, however, that the beginning of your week has been good! Make sure you check out the other CBCC Chicks in my sidebar!

Oh, and guess what!? Today is my oldest son's, 21st birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT! We love you lots and are SO proud of you!!!

See you soon!

created by courtney challenge #11

Good morning girls and welcome to week #11 of the Created by Courtney Challenges. This week week we have a sketch to play with. This sketch was drawn by my friend Sarah over at Scrampin' Mama. I love this sketch! Oh, and I must toot a horn for Sarah as she just got accepted onto the i{heart}paper design team. Very cool, girl! Very cool!

I'm sure you want to hear all about this card, right? Okay...the patterned paper is from Cosmo Cricket, the stamps are from the Unity Stamps set called Hey Chick (I got the entire set for $2 this last Hip Hop!). How cute is this...I mean seriously! I love the birds with all their plumage. I added some bling on the feathers and added the Hey Chick sentiment and voila...a cute card!

Today will be spent getting the last few things done for the trip. I'm cleaning the laundry room, packing my bag, and getting the rest of my pre-posting done. Please know that even though some of my future posts may seem not so personal I am thinking of you all while I'm sunning myself in Hawaii!

Have a super day everyone! I can't wait to see all of your cards!

created by courtney challenge #10

Yay! It is another challenge day today! I don't think I've ever told you guys how much I love my challenges. They are really a lot of fun and best of all they keep me stamping which is the best thing of all! Anyway, onto today's challenge...

This weeks Created by Courtney challenge is all about pocket cards. As with most things crafting there is more than one way to make a pocket card. The directions for the card I made are HERE. It is called a crisscross card. The other type of pocket card is HERE.

I chose the crisscross card because I love that you have more room for stamping or a written sentiment inside than the other type but that is just what I personally like. This card is made with Bashful Blue, Tangerine Tango, and PTI White card stock. The patterned paper is from SU! in the Holiday mini and is called Frosty Days. It is such CaUTE paper! The large snowflake is also from the Holiday mini and comes in a package of 69 pieces and is appropriately called Little Felt Flurries. The stamp set is also from the Holiday Mini and Mr Twigster has previously been seen on my blog. What a cute snowman, huh? The Christmas lights are part of the Mr. Twigster set. I just colored them in with matching markers and then added some sparkle to them. A clip and some ribbon on the top completes the combo. Now...you couldn't mail this card as is because of the clip but you could take it off for mailing or give the card on the outside of your gift.

So...has my pocket card inspired you? Go...hurry...make one yourself! When you do make sure that you upload it to SCS with the keyword CBCC10 and then place that link on Courtney's blog for a chance to win a little goodie! I know you want to see what the rest of the girls do so go and check them out below...

Courtney
Sarah
Sparkle
Dani
Heidi

Aren't they wonderful!?

I hope you have a great time crafting today! Come on back tomorrow for my Belli Challenge card!

cbcc09

Alright, tell me...have you been holding your breath for the Created by Courtney Challenge? Okay, okay...exhale...it is here! This week we have a sketch challenge...I love those! You can go to Courtney's blog HERE to see the actual sketch and you can see my card to the right for my interpretation of the sketch. Ack...I forgot to tell you to check out the Challenge Chicks in my sidebar to see other wonderful creations!

Today I used a Whiff of Joy stamp for my main image. Is he not just adorable? Seriously! Say hi to Charlie with his snowman. Charlie is so cute! I used my COPIC markers, SU! designer paper, and snowflake stamp from Mailbox Greetings (PTI). I put a sentiment on the red portions that says 'sending winter wishes'. I probably should have cut the red scalloped portion down a little but I still think this is a cute card. The snow is from Cornish Heritage Farms and is called Faux Snow. I can't wait to play with it some more and have an idea or two with it. Hopefully I'll find the time to make those cards!

I am having terrible problems with my Internet tonight so this will be short but I want to make sure you come back tomorrow for the Belli Challenge. I know you'll want to participate in that one too!

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!

CBCC #??

Okay, you guys...I'm so sorry...I don't remember what number we are on for the Created by Courtney Challenges. What I can tell you is that today's challenge is to CASE another person's card changing at least two things about it. When you make a card go head and post the card to your blog, tell us the changes and then link back to Courtney's blog with it for a chance to win some goodies from her.

I chose to CASE an adorable card from Sarah...HERE. What I used of Sarah's card is the layout. I changed the papers (mine are SU! and Basic Grey) and stamps (House Mouse). My friend, Lori, sent me some adorable House Mouse images and I just had to use one for my card. Lori is a design team member for the House Mouse and Friend Monday Challenge Blog and she makes some CaUTE cards...check it out! This is such a plain and simple card but I truly LOVE it! I can't wait to use some more of the House Mouse images.

I know you want to see what the other Challenge Chicks have done so go check out Sarah, Dani, Sparkle, Heidi, and Courtney!.

So tomorrow is the Belli Challenge...also is the first of October. I can hardly believe that September is gone already. Wow...it went fast! So, I'll see you tomorrow!

created by courtney challenge #4

Happy Tuesday! I'm excited to show you my Created by Courtney Challenge for this week! The challenge is to think "inside the box" and either make a box or alter a box. So...

Here is my box. This super cute idea came from Jane at Whoopsie Daisy! and is made with four Big Shot cut scalloped envelopes. Isn't it just a fantastic idea? I LOVE it! These would be great gifts for your kids' teachers, day care providers or even grandparents.

As with the CD holder I made HERE I again used Chocolate Chip card stock and Hawaiian Papaya designer series paper from SU!. I added a couple of flowers I had in my stash and a thinking of you sentiment, filled the box with dark chocolate candy and the gift was all set to go! This was so, so, so easy to make! Thank you, Jane, for your excellent idea!

So...for week four create a box or alter a box and link it up to Courtney's blog HERE. Courtney will choose a winner and send them a little goodie and who doesn't like goodies? Wanna see what the other challenge chicks have for ya? Well, here are the links...

Dani
Sarah
Heidi
Sparkle

So...go, have fun! Play inside the box! I'll be over to Courtney's blog to see what you make!

created by courtney challenge #3

I have been posting in the mornings since I started my blog so it will take me some time to get into the habit of posting at night. Sorry if you were here early to see today's post! Anyway...here is my Created by Courtney challenge for week #3!

This weeks technique is called Rolling Marbles and you can see an SCS tutorial right HERE. Can you believe that with three boys in the house I don't have any marbles (no brain jokes now!). I had to go borrow some from the church! Anyway, I combined rolling marbles with the technique challenge from the SNSS new release party which is the grid technique to created the paper you see on my card. I have to say that the rolling marbles technique is pretty fun and I probably went a little overboard on the color.

What do you do to join in on the fun? Well, just make a card with the Rolling Marbles technique, go to Courtney's blog, and leave a link to your card in her comments section. You will even have the opportunity to win a little prize from Courtney! If you choose to upload your card to SCS please use the keywork CBCC03 so that we can all find your card! Have fun! Here are links to the other challenge chicks...

Sparkle
Dani
Sarah

I hope you will stop back tomorrow to see my Belli Challenge project! It is so cute and really easy to make! A perfect little gift for someone that we are all making little gifts for right now.

Well, I'm off to have a scone and some coffee. Have a super day today!

Card deets:
Stamps: Dreams du Jour
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Piourette
Cardstock: PTI White, Riding Hood Red, Bella Rose DSP
Accessories: Stylized Silver Hardware, Chocolate Chip Twill, Dimensionals, Brads, marbles, Scor-Pal

created by courtney challenge

Good morning stampers! Today is Created by Courtney Challenge #2 day. We have decided to do these challenges on Tuesdays rather than Fridays to give you guys the optimum time to participate as we all know how busy the weekends are!

This week's challenge is to make a 3"x6" card. Any stamps, any layout as long as it fits within the guidelines of the 3"x6" card. Remember to make a card and post a link to Courtney's blog HERE so you can be in the running for a prize from her! Want to see what the other challenge chicks have made? They are linked up below...

Courtney
Sparkle
Sarah
Dani

I have to say that I really enjoyed making this card and it just sort of fell together. It is happy, bright, and just perfect for my friend's birthday on Friday! Woohoo!

I did get my Big Shot yesterday and it is a wonderful tool! I have a Cuttlebug too but I do have to say that the Big Shot will be all that I use from now on. It is easy to use, has a more even "smooshing" ability which means my embossing is much more even. I will be letting my Cuttlebug go.

Tomorrow is Belli Challenge day! I will be posting the card that I made for the Belli Challenge but at this point it doesn't really fit all the requirements...darn it! It is a cute card though and I think you guys will like it.

Have a super day...I get to go to Yakima today to the "real" scrapbook store! Woohoo!

Card Deets:
Stamps: Unity Cupcake
Ink: Palette Burnt Umber, Tangerine Tango, White Craft
Cardstock: PTI White, Chocolate Chip, DSP Hawaii Papaya, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: White Taffeta Ribbon, Spica Green Pen, A Perfect Day rub-ons, Close To Cocoa Marker, Aqua painter (frosting), Nestibilities

Romans 8:28

Good morning stampers! Yesterday I told you about Courtney's Challenge so I wanted to post my card for it and link you to the other girls but it looks like there has been some mis-communication of some sort and only Sparkle posted a card sooo...HERE is Sparkles card.

I have felt the need to be in God's word more since Officer Ng died so I decided to use some scripture on this card and what is more beautiful than the Bella Rose DP from SU!? My goodness this designer paper makes your card making look so beautiful...don't you think? The scripture is from Sweet N Sassy Stamps and is in their Encouragement set. The scripture reads...

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

***Oh my goodness girls! Susanna has chosen this card to be in her Best of the Blogosphere list! You can check it out HERE. Very cool! Thanks Susanna!***

This morning should be a fun morning. Kyler and I are going to the fairgrounds to drop off our entries for the fair next week. Kyler is putting a card and Lego creation into the fair and I have a card and gift bag that I'm putting in. Then this afternoon is Officer Ng's funeral. His death has been found to be in the line of duty so it will be quite the solemn event full of respect and honor for this police officer. I was told by a veteran police officer's wife that I should take lots of tissues. The boys will be going with though so maybe I'll be able to hold it together...we'll see.

So...I hope you have some fun plans today! Tomorrow I have my first Sugar Nellie card using my first CPS layout to show you so I hope to see you back here! Have a super Friday!