Ticket to ride...................

Wow, this was a fun project. Part of my "processing" project, actually. In the past 10 months I have been on a journey of sorts. Through this journey I have become keenly aware of certain words that have repeatedly come up and have caught my focus. I have gone from truth to meaning, etc. Most recently the word dream has been in my thoughts. This project has come to represent my realization that truly, I have a ticket to ride................I have this one life, my ticket and I'm gonna ride it!!! This is an inspirational piece that I am going to frame and keep close to remind me to ride...........

As for the challenges this week that have inspired me with their themes:

Simon Says Stamp and Show: Layers (I believe I have six layers not including the base.)

Cuttlebug Spot: At the Fair

Sir Stamps A Lot: Distress

Supplies:

**Distress Inks: Black Soot, Tea Dye and blender tool by Ranger

**Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Arglye

**Sizzix Alterations by Tim Holtz die: On the Edge Ornate

**Tim Holtz Lost and Found Paper Stacks

**Amusement Park charms by Karen Foster

**teal, brown and cream cs

CCC#12

Woo Hoo, got it done before the weekend again! Continuing with the lovely Linda Ledbetter's Compendium of Curiosities Challenge................#12: Chipped Enamel Technique from page 14 of T!m's book. I did a quick and simple tag this week.

I was going for a sunflower look. My kids start school the day after Labor day and I always associate this with sunflowers. My explanation: On my son's first day of kindergarten (5 years ago) I sent him off on the bus only to find myself unexpectedly burst into tears (he is obviously my first born). My first reaction was to grab my then toddler daughter and jump in the car and run down to the school to see him get off the bus. I was not alone in this sentiment, as there were moms in minivans actually following the bus;) I still remember waiting in the school parking lot where the busses drop the kids and my daughter being mesmorized by the tall sunflowers along the wall of the school. The elementary school has a tradition every year of holding 'sunflower day' where they dress in yellow, green and or brown and each class goes outside at some point during the day to plant sunflower seeds. So, enough of my sentimental blah, blah, blah..........What images does back to school conjure up for you?????

Here's what I used:

**Distress inks as well as Distress Embossing powders: Mustard Seed and Peeled Paint

**Embossing Distress inkpad and heat gun

**tag by Stampers Anonymous

**metal flower and leaf by Milestones (metal shapes)

**adage ticket by Tim Holtz

**water to splatter over final project for water color effect

**Birds and Swirls embossing folder by Cuttlebug/Provo Craft

**misc fibers

CCC#11

Can you believe we are already at Challenge #11??? What a fun journey this has been, many thanks to Linda Ledbetter over at StudioL3. For those that don't know what I am referring to, head on over to her blog and check it out. Better yet, join in the fun!

This week's technique was Tim's Blending Batik. This is such a fun one. Fun to see how your work transforms thru the process.................

I used Dried Marigold, Wild Honey and Black Soot Distress Inks. The wings stamp is from Tim Holtz line thru Stampers Anonymous. The skull stamp is from Stampin' Up! The Texture fade is Patchwork by Tim Holtz Alterations line. The Tag line (metal word w/chain) is by Karen Foster the spider punch is from Martha Stewart. Guess I was kinda all over the page w/different elements/designers--ha! Happy Halloween....................

My First ATC!

Okay, I just completed my very first ATC and I think I'm in love! Can't explain it but it seems my 'canvases' keep getting smaller and smaller. I started out as a scrapbooker then made the inevitable transition to cardmaking. I loved card making because it was a quicker process and because it was so satisfying to give to someone. Then, once I became an avid T!m follower I naturally started making tags and loved it. And today, an ATC that took nearly no time to make and I just love the result. Of course, I do find myself putting my tags as embellies on cards and I figure that is where some of my future ATCs will end up. As a matter of fact, was just looking at a scrapbook page done a few months ago: noticed that I had used a tag and put it on the front of a card, and not knowing what to do with the card, ended up cutting the front of the card and slapping it on a scrapbook page. You can see it here. Too funny..........

On another note: I picked the colors for this ATC based on the Basic Grey Challenge Blog's challenge to use Pearls. I knew I only had sage colored pearls so I used that as my color scheme. Only prob was that I couldn't locate the pearls in my craft room once I was ready to add them. Finally found them today, and in time to still enter the challenge, woo hoo!

Supplies:

**ATC card

**distress inks: Bundled Sage, Scattered Straw and Tea Dye

**self adhesive pearls by Kaiser

**PatchWork Texture Fade/Embossing Folder from Tim Holtz' Alterations line

**French Post Card stamp

**pocketwatch stamp

4 for 1

This is for 4 different challenges:

Cuttlebug Challenges: Book It! (used dictionary paper)

Simon Says Stamp and Show: Wendy Vecchi style

Studio L3: CCC#10--Distress Stickles

Stampotique Designers Challenge: Wings, Wings, Wings

Okay, so I have to admit---I don't own any of Wendy Vecchi's stamps, yet--ha! (although I have admired her for some time now). So, I had to improvise. I used Tim Holtz' Tattered Floral die on grungepaper then inked up the flowers w/distress inks. Then, I stamped the splattered dots on them using a Hero Arts stamp. Then I took a black pen drew the outline in. I am sure Wendy's stamps are much easier.............

The bird and its wing has Rock Candy Distress Stickles on it as seen in the close up picture.

Complete list of supplies:

**Sizzix dies from Tim Holtz Alterations line: Tattered Floral and Birdcage

**grungepaper

**Distress inks: Broken China, Peeled Paint, Bundled Sage

**Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Divine Swirl

**old dictionary page

**Transparency overlay by K&Company

**Hero Arts speckle stamp

**black Stazon inkpad

**black pen

**snap from Tim Holtz' Idea-ology line

**Birds of a Feather stamp by Inkadinkadoo

With Deepest Sympathy

This card was made for the family of a man that was very kind to my family when my brother passed away less than 8 months ago. To my brother, he was a boss and mentor. He was very generous in offering up reward money for information in the arrests of the persons responsible for my brother's death. He spent his life in service to Laguna Beach and made such a positive contribution to that community. He will be sorely missed there by many.

For the tag:

**Distress inks: Fire Brick Red, Tea Dye and Black Soot

**manilla tag by Stampers Anonymous

**collage stamp by Stampers Anonymous: Tim Holtz

**love collage stamp by See D's

**large silver brad by Queen and Company

**hemp string

**Filmstrip Ribbon by Tim Holtz

**Glossy Accents (to adhere filmstrip)

**snaps from Tim Holtz' Idea-ology line

**Sizzix Heart Wings die from Tim Holtz' Alterations line

**Distress Crackle paint: Fire Brick Red

**bubble wrap used as background stamp

**old dictionary text

For rest of card:

**Texture Fade from Tim Holtz' Alterations line: Patchwork

**Distress Inks: Tea Dye and Fire Brick Red

**computer generated sentiments

For entry in

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge blog: Sympathy Cards.

Crazy Amigo Challenge blog: Free Theme

CCC#9

I'm done at the last minute again---no surprise! Here is my entry for CCC#9 hosted by Linda Ledbetter at Studio L3. This week's challenge is from page 42 of Tim's Book---Distress Crackle is the 'technique'. Super fun paint that adds such an interesting texture.

Supplies:

**Fire Brick Distress Crackle Paint by Ranger

**Fire Brick, Tea Dye and Black Soot Distress Inks by Ranger

**Sizzix Heart and Wings die from Tim Holtz Alterations line

**old dictionary text

**black cs

**manilla tag from Stampers Anonymous

**collage stamp by Stampers Anonymous

**love collage stamp by See D's

**brad by Queen and Company

**snaps from Tim Holtz Idea-ology line

**Filmstrip Ribbon by Tim Holtz

**Glossy Accents by Ranger (to adhere filmstrip)

**bubble wrap used as a background stamp

**hemp string

Something Winged! for Simon Says Challenge Blog

This one is for Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge Blog. The challenge was to have something winged in your project. This is a new challenge blog and they are offering up a great prize---you definately need to check it out!

This card is a bday card for my friend Sheryl. Because it was 3-D I had to make a matching pillow box envie.

Here's the supply list:

**Basic Grey dp

**craft cardstock

**Sizzix dies: Flutterby and Birdcage by Tim Holtz

** Picket Fence distress crackle paint by Ranger
**glittery felt

**tickets w/sayings by Tim Holtz

**Martha Stewart Doily Lace border punch

**Fire Brick distress inkpad by Ranger

**Cricut to cut out the name

** birthday stamp

**misc ribbon and brad

CCC#8, Sunday Stampers Challenge and Artistic Stamper

Yes, I finished early (well, for me anyway, ha!). This is for the CCC#8 sponsored by Linda at StudioL3. This week's technique is inking Grunge. If you follow/read my blog you already know all about this continuing series of challenges. If not, go on over to StudioL3 and check it out---you'll be glad you did!

Also, I am entering this in Sunday Stampers Challenge and The Artistic Stamper (a new challenge blog): Something Old, Something New. The map is old (as well as the recycled cardboard). The Inked Grungeboard is new.

This particular piece is for the cover of a mini album that I am making for a friend that just moved. Inside I will have a picture of each room of the house they just moved from---for memory sake! Will post once I complete the project!

For the numbers I glued them down on cardboard before layering the map on top to create depth. I inked w/distress ink over the top to make them 'pop'.

Supplies:

**Distress Inks: Wild Honey and Vintage Photo

**grungeboard numbers and lock and key by Tim Holtz

** antique metal brads

**recycled map

**multi-medium gel

**recycled cardboard

**Cricut to cut letters for street name

CCC#7: Tinted Vision Fragments

Woo Hoo! Finally got my CCC#7 done! Seems I always get it finished on the last day!

For anyone unfamiliar, this is The Compendium Of Curiosities Challenge hosted by the lovely Linda over at Studio L3. This challenge is based on Tim Holtz' new book by the same name. In it there are amazing techniques that are making up the challenges. If you don't have the book, you need to get it! And if you haven't visited Linda's blog that should be high up there on your priority list---she is truly amazing.

This tag I made with a specific little baby in mind. When she arrives I will most likely use this tag on the front of her 'welcome' card :)

Here are the ingredients:

**Distress Inks: Peeled Paint, Tea Dye and Crushed Olive

**blender tool by Ranger

**cream and olive cs

**musical note stamp by All Night Media

**square Fragment by Tim Holtz

**Alcohol Inks (by Ranger): Citrus and Meadow and blending solution

**dictionary text

**Musical Note die by Provo Craft

**various fibers and ribbon

**acetate tag

**eyelet/grommet by Memory Makers

**Crop-a-Dile

**Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch

**Glossy Accents by Ranger

**Nursery Rhyme paper by Scrap Happy

**mini alpha stamps

**Grungepaper by Tim Holtz (for musical note)

CCC#6, Shapes, Ephemera..........

I'm back.........................And finally got around to doing the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #6 that the lovely Linda at StudioL3 is hosting for all of us T!m fans. This week it is a multi medium collage technique in Tim's new book, page 66. Also, I am entering this in Lots to Do Wk29 Challenge: Shapes and the Order of the Opeus Gluei challenge: Fun w/Ephemera

My list of supplies:
**sheet music
**dictionary text
**deco red music paper
**multi medium matte finish
**Distress Ink: Tea Dye
**misc fibers
**grungepaper by Tim Holtz (for music note)
**Filmstrip Ribbon by Tim Holtz
**Glossy Accents by Ranger (to adhere Filmstrip Ribbon)
**music note die by Provo Craft
**Chipboard tag
**made with love woven ribbon
**puzzle piece (upcycled from my kids old toys)

Hope you like it. Tell me whatcha think....................

Happy 4th of July Sweet Brother

Just had to post this for you, Damon. I know Laguna is missing you deeply today. Your memory is alive and well there still. The parade won't be the same without you but I know all your dear friends are celebrating with the hilarious memories you have left them with.

Today I think of FREEDOM. So precious to us all that we take that very thing away from those that do not obey our laws. Rest assured that those that have taken you away from us will never again know the joy of FREEDOM again.

So, sweet Damon, don your Red, White and Blue outfit of choice. Grab the American flag and prance around in all your Glory up there in Heaven. Make everyone there feel the tremendous joy you have brought to us all in the past..............

Drunken Stamper's Challenge: Vacation

I obviously went with the Vacation theme with emphasis on travel. Was so fun to make a vintage style travel tag. I am entering this in the Drunken Stamper's Challenge#23. Haven't entered that challenge in awhile but got a new French Post Card stamp and thought it would work perfectly! For the photo strip I actually put clear packing tape on some of T!m's Lost and Found papers then soaked in warm water and rubbed the paper off the back. Leaves you with a transparent film effect.

Supplies:

**Distress Inks (by Ranger): Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Antique Linen

**French Post Card Stamp by All Night Media

**Script background stamp by Inkadinkado

**Postage Stamp stamp is Tim Holtz by Stampers Anonymous

**Lost and Found Papers by Tim Holtz

**Glossy Accents (by Ranger) to adhere 'filmstrip'

**misc ribbons/fibers

4th Inspired Monoprint Challenge

This week's challenge for Studio L3's Blog Challenge: Compendium of Curiosities #3--Monoprint technique. To be honest, I was having trouble with this one. Every attempt ended in disappointment (but now I have lots of bits and pieces for other projects!). Anyway, last night we were sitting on the deck watching the fireworks (thanks Landsdowne) and it came to me---what I could do w/the monoprint technique. First thing this morning (well, after making French toast for the family) went down to my craft studio and whipped this up in a jiffy. Happy 4th of July everyone!

Supplies:

**Alcohol inks: Watermelon, Twilight Purple, Sail Boat Blue and Meadow

**glossy paper from Stampers Anonymous

**Stazon Jet Black Ink

**fireworks and 4th of July Stamp by Marcella K

**black cs

Happy 4th All!

Finally got my 4th of July cards done. Had my brother in mind while creating these as the 4th was one of his favorite holidays to get wild and crazy. Will be setting off fireworks in his memory while remembering his crazy 4th traditions.

Challenges these are entered in:

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Stars and Stripes
Cuttlebug Spot: Independence Day
ABC Challenge: Red, White and Blue

Supplies/Tools list:
**Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
**Stars Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
**white, red and blue cs
**Distress inks (by Ranger): Faded Jeans and Fire Brick Red
**misc. metallic confetti stars
**blue and red metal panels by Walnut Hollow
**red striped and blue striped ribbon
**4th of July stamp by Marcella K
**pinking scissors

Happy 4th of July to all!

Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #2 Plus One

Hey, I am back again with Studio L3's challenge by Linda using techniques found in Tim Holtz' new book: Compendium of Curiosities. Challenge number 2 is Basic Fragments. I am also entering this in Something Completely Different Blog challenge: Flora/Fauna.

Supplies/Tools:

**Tim Holtz' Texture Fades: Bingo Card and Patchwork (by Sizzix)

**Tim Holtz' Die: Tattered Floral (by Sizzix)

**Distress Inks by Ranger: Scattered Straw, Peeled Paint, Broken China, Blue Saphire

**blender tool by Ranger

**Game Spinners: Tim Holtz' Idea-ology Line

**small square Fragment by Tim Holtz

**Glossy Accents by Ranger

**misc silk flowers, fibers and brad

**manilla tag from Stampers Anonymous

**Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch