NOTE: This is my second blog post of the day. Please keep scrolling to see my Blue Knight Rubber Stamps post, too.

It's posting day for the Creative Crew. What exactly is the Creative Crew? We are a group of 7 card-making friends from various US locations who have a fun monthly creative adventure with a secretive twist. 

One of the group's members hosts each month. As host, she chooses a theme and then sends each of the group members a theme-appropriate image and some designer paper. The host can also include a sentiment and/or special item if she chooses to do so. The group members all receive the same items, but there is to be no conversation about what was received or the cards we're making. Then, on the 15th of the month, we all reveal our cards.

It's always fun to see how each person uses the image/papers.  

This month it was Tracie's turn to host. This is what she had to say about her theme and kit:

You all know that I love Newtons Nook so there will be no surprise that  used their images for your kit in November. Did you know that November 3-9 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week? My 2 kitties came from the Animal Shelter and they are always close to my heart. November 15 is I Love to Write Day so decided to add a reading feature to my kit.

Enclosed you will find in your kit

     Newton's Nook Sips & Stories stamped image

     Designer Paper - Close to My Heart "Lovely"

     I love Book Die by Newtons Nook Bookmark Die Set

     Remember Me Clips fro Fun Stampers Journey

My extra challenge for you is to tell me if you have read a good book lately and what the title of the book is.

THANK YOU, Tracie!

Well, Tracie, about that extra challenge. I mostly read for two reasons. 

1. Actual Books - I read non-fiction books that deal with topics such as religion, leadership, women's issues, missions, and such. These are mostly assigned or encouraged by our state Women's leader. I am currently reading Kristi McLelland's Rediscovering Israel. It is very good. I'm learning a lot.

2. On my Kindle - I read light-reading foo foo kind of stuff to clear my head of the day's stuff in order to go to sleep. My favorite author for these types of books is Shanna Hatfield. I especially like the way she develops her characters - and her books are always clean reading, which is important to me.

Here's my card:

Here's the inside:

Barb

Carol

Darlene

Jeanette - that's me

Lorraine - SCS Gallery

Terry

Tracie

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

I used the following things from my own stash (in addition to the items Tracie sent)...

Cardstock: Recollections Black and White and SU So Saffron

Dies: Honey Bee Sweet Stack Rectangles, MFT Stitched Rectangles, and scrapbook.com Nested A2 Arches

Embellishments: Enamel Dots from an unknown vendor 

Fridays are special days - who doesn't love TGIF, right? But here on my blog Fridays are also special because they are the day I get to post as a design team member for Blue Knight Rubber Stamps.

This week the design team's cards are featuring the newly released Pier on the Lake stamp. You can check it out in the Blue Knight Rubber Stamps store - HERE.

Card #1

Card #2

Other Blue Knight Rubber Stamps items used:

Cloud Stencil

Lucky You One Line Sentiments Stamp Set

* * * * * 

I find that having a sketch to use can get my creative ideas flowing, so I love being part of the Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge team. There is a new sketch to work with every Wednesday. I encourage you to check them out.

Here's this week's sketch - SC1036:

My card:

It's always acceptable to tweak the sketch a wee bit and make it your own (there are no SCS police), so that's what I did.

I hope you'll use the sketch to make a card, too.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamps: Avery Elle Simple Sentiments and Stampin' UP! Snowman Season stamped with Hero Arts Intense Black Ink and colored with Copic and Olo Markers

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Berry Burst and Tahitian Tide CS and DP from my scrap file

Dies: Creative Expressions Snow Globe, Honey Bee Sweet Stack Rectangles, MFT Elegant Folded Banner, and MFT Stitched Rectangles

Embellishments: Amazon Nail Art Rhinestones

Each Monday there is a new CAS Challenge on SCS. I hosted this week's CAS Challenge and since it fell on Veterans Day, I chose a theme that could connect with that - or not. Each crafter gets to interpret the theme how he/she sees fit.

This week's theme...

Valor

Valor is defined as bravery; boldness or determination in facing danger, especially in battle.

Here's my card:

I hope you'll check out the challenge - HERE - and play along, too.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamps: There She Goes Boot Camp stamped with Hero Arts Intense Black Ink and colored with Copic and Olo Markers

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White, Recollections Black, and SU Creamy Caramel CS and DP from my scrap file

Dies: Gina K Master Layouts 2 and Simon Says Sentiment Labels

Embellishments: Enamel Dots from an unknown vendor

It's the 12th of January, time to get messy. (insert deer-in-the-headlight look) As you likely recall from previous 12ths, I am not one who likes messes. Not one bit. BUT a challenge is only a challenge if it stretches you, and I'm up for the Hot Mess Success Challenge. 

Barb, Carol, Darlene, Terry, and I create cards for the Hot Mess Success challenge each month and share them on the 12th. 

It's Anything Goes - as long as there is something messy involved.

This month I used my finger to spread Simon Hurley Lunar Paste onto a piece of white cardstock. Once it had dried I die cut the word Hello from it.

I really wish you could see this card in person. That "hello" looks amazing. The Lunar Paste gives it such a rich luster. 

I have another Christmas card today, featuring a stamp set from the most recent release at Technique Junkies. It's called Newborn King - check it out HERE. 

If you like saving money - and who doesn't - please use the code TJ10JEANETTE when checking out at Technique Junkies to receive a 10% discount.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

In addition to the Technique Junkies stamp set listed in this blog post, I also used the following items when making these cards.

Papers: Recollections White and SU Highland Heather CS and DP from my scrap file

Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangles

Embellishments: an Enamel Heart from an unknown vendor

Kelly, Barb, and I have been creating together as the Three Musketeers every month since November 2014. We all three create a card using the same image. I always enjoy seeing how different our cards are, even though we use the same image. This is one of my favorite posts of the month. 

We take turns choosing what stamp will be used. This month it was Kelly's turn. She chose the Berry Cupcake stamp from Pink and Main. Such a sweet cupcake!

Thank you, Kelly!

Be sure to check out Barb's and Kelly's cards, too...

Barb

Kelly

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!