Poppies and a Bow

Hello and welcome! It's Saturday, that means a new theme started at Allsorts challenge. Our theme this week is "Add a Bow" chosen by Lynn. We'd love for you to join us for a chance to win a great prize from Crafty Ribbons. 

Please note, this post may include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, at no cost to you. 

I found the image panel already stamped and stenciled in my box of "rejects". Does anyone else have one of those?  LOL. It's where things go that I'm unhappy with at that moment but too nice to throw away. I used a very similar image panel on this card and that was when this was stamped as well. It's funny how I no longer can remember why it ended up in the box because I no longer see anything wrong with it.

There was another sentiment stamped on the bottom corner and I wanted to use a new sentiment instead, so here I decided to use a piece of poppy red card stock to cover it up and I also added a strip of pattern paper from my never ending box of scraps. The sentiment is from a new set by Penny Black, called Blooming Sentiments. I recently felt like I needed some retail therapy and ordered a few stamps from Penny Black's newest release. 

Shop Penny Black's New Release

The poppy stamp is also by Penny Black - Spontaneous Joy (from an older release) inked up with Candied Apples and Barn Door Distress Markers along with Crushed Olive for the stems. The stenciling was done using  a Tim Holtz Flourish Stencil  and  Antique Linen Distress Ink.  It's been layered onto black card stock then a white card front inked with Antique Linen distress ink. A button and silk ribbon tied in a bow were added to finish off the card. 

Penny Black Spontaneous Joy // Penny Black Snippets // Versafine Clair Nocturne  Ink // Antique Linen Distress Ink // Barn Door Distress Marker // Candied Apples Distress Marker // Crushed Olive Distress Marker // Stamp Platform //

I'm sharing with these blogs:

Crafty Catz - Add a Sentiment // Simon Says Stamp - Flower Power // Stinkin' Inkers - Anything Goes // Artistic Stampers - In the Garden // STAMPlorations - Stencils // A Place To Start - Ribbon // The Paper Girls - Florals // Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Ribbon // Inspire Me Mondays

 

Thanks so much for visiting!

Creatures at Brookgreen Gardens and a Summer Outfit Inspiration

Hello and welcome! I hope all is well in your corner of the world! 

I usually share a style post on Fridays, but unfortunately I did not get any pictures taken recently, so all I am sharing today are a few more photos from Brookgreen Gardens, taken on vacations we took in 2017 and 2019. If you missed my first two  posts of Brookgreen Gardens pictures and would like to take a look, you can visit this link where I shared some closeup floral pictures and this link where I shared scenery. For today's post I wanted to share pictures of a few of the creatures we found along the way.

Please note, this post may include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, at no cost to you. 

Since I don't have an outfit photo to share, I'm including a pictures of myself in the garden. A lose flowy swing top like the one I am wearing was perfect for the occasion, but if I ever do go again I'll be wearing a summer dress. I didn't on this day (or the second time we went) because we were thinking of taking the pontoon boat to see the rice plantations and thought I'd be more comfortable wearing shorts. Well, we didn't end up going the first time we visited Brookgreen Gardens because it got too hot and my daughter does not tolerate heat well, but the second time we came to the garden it was on our schedule to do first. (In case you are wondering, while the boat tour was a nice excursion, I personally loved visiting the garden grounds so much more!)

So I'm wearing one of my favorite blue jean shorts (old - these are similar) and this flowy linen type top I picked up years ago at Kohl's. Comfortable shoes are a must as there is a lot of walking involved. I'm pretty sure I'm wearing my Birkenstocks. Mine are old, in fact I've purchased them many years ago while visiting Germany, but there are some great styles available at Zappos. I like this floral pair, but really can't justify the purchase of a pair right now...

I have no idea where I purchased the hat, but I've been taking it along on vacations for several years now. 

Warning: Spider picture coming up.

A small zoo of local animals (Lowcountry Zoo) is part of this garden. While we didn't spend a lot of time in the zoo area, we did want to see the feeding of this alligator who lives in this area. I've not taken any pictures of the other zoo animals.

Many of these little guys were all over the gardens, and everywhere in South Carolina. Some were pretty colorful, this one happend to be black and white. 

These spiders (found in the barn at Brookgreen Gardens) really creeped me out, but they were so fascinating, I had to take pictures. I learned that they are the Golden Silk Orb Weaver. They are supposed to be non- aggressive and if they do bite it's supposed to be less severe than a bee sting. I'd rather not find out!!

Besides Brookgreen Gardens we also saw these creatures by a wooden information shed at Huntington Beach State Park. I don't know how those of you living in the south can deal with these types of spiders....

A swamp lake at Brookgreen Gardens, home to some snakes, turtles, fish and these beautiful birds. Maybe some small alligators.

This bird reminds me of the cardinals we have in our backyard in Illinois, but those are a deeper shade red here and the females are more brown. Does anyone know what kind of bird this is?

 Finally, although not wildlife, we loved this pony statue decorated in live succulents. So pretty! It was located near the children's garden area.

As always, thank you so much for stopping by! I really appreciate it!

PS: You can also find me here:

Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

You can also use the "follow by email" function on the blog's sidebar to receive a notification when a new post goes live. I do share papercrafts in addition to my fashion over forty posts, so keep in mind that you would receive a notification for both types of posts.

Linking up with these great fashion related blogs.

Flowers or Showers for Allsorts Challenge, and Penny Black & More Midmonth Inspiration

Hello and welcome! I have two cards to share today, as it's Saturday it's time for a new theme (last challenge ran for two weeks to cover the Easter holiday so I took a break from posting last week) and then on the 18th of each month we also share a new card for the month's Penny Black and More challenge as a reminder.

First up is my card for  Allsorts challenge. This week it's my turn to host and fitting for this time of the year I picked the theme of Flowers and/or Showers.  Hope you can join us! Our prize this week is a beautiful floral layering stamp set.

*Please note, this post includes some affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links, as always this is at no cost to you! Thank you for your support!

Both cards in today's post were inspired by some beautiful watercolor style creations from one of Penny Black's designer (Mimi). I'm not good with this technique and my cards didn't turn out too great, but had so much fun getting inky.

Penny Black Blossom Branch // Penny Black Friendship // Penny Black Flowing Butterfly Die // Distress Markers // Distress Ink Pads (regular not the Oxide inks) // Zig Detailer Brush //  Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink // Stickyback Pearls // Die Cutting Machine // Bristol Vellum Paper // Stamp Platform

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The floral stamp I used above is Penny Black's Blossom Branch, colored up with Distress Markers, spritzed with water and stamped with the help of my stamp platform. I did have to repeat ink up and stamp before I was happy with the results, but this is where the stamp platform comes in so handy! After the image dried, I used a colored pencil to add a little bit of an outline and more color to the stamped flowers. The watercolor wash on the background was also done with ink from the distress ink pads diluted with water. 

The sentiment is from the Penny Black set Friendship and the script border was done with a retired stamp by Whimsy Stamps, but you can use any type of script stamp to add some interest to the card. 

To finish off, I added a die cut butterfly (part of Penny Black's flowing butterfly die) and some stickyback  pearls. 

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Next up is my Penny Black and More midmonth inspiration card where our theme is simply Anything Goes. Still plenty of time left to join us! We have some wonderful prizes to give away here and we'd love for you to join in!

Penny Black Bejeweled // Penny Black Birthday Critters // Penny Black Snippets // Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink // Clear Ultra Fine Embossing Powder // Copic Markers // Distress Markers // Distress Ink Pads // Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils // Zig Detailer Brush

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This card was made in a similar way as the card above using distress inks and markers. The Penny Black floral stamp is called Bejeweled, colored directly onto the rubber using Distress Markers. I already had the little mouse image from the Penny Black set Birthday Critters previously colored when I joined in last month's #thedailymarker30day coloring challenge. It had been heat embossed using Versafine Clair ink and Clear Ultra Fine Embossing Powder, and colored using a mix of Copic markers and faber castell polychromos pencils. 

The sentiment is from the clear set Snippets and I flicked some diluted ink onto the background. Sticky dots from Stampin Up were added to the flower centers.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Linking up here:

 

Fashion Over Forty: Straight Cut Jeans and Utility Jacket for Spring, Plus More Brookgreen Garden Photos

Hello and welcome! I took a short blogging break over the Easter holiday. While I so enjoy blogging, it's always nice to have a little break from it.

While we are still on a shelter in place order, we are allowed to go for walks and we drove to a nearby hiking trail for a change of scenery. In the meantime I learned that we're not actually supposed to drive anywhwere unless it's essential, but honestly I don't see the harm in getting into my car for a short drive to this area at the edge of town....

We didn't bring my DSLR camera along, but my son took a few pictures with his phone, so I'm able to still share a couple of pictures. 

*Please note, this post includes some affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links, as always this is at no cost to you! Thank you for your support!

 

Everything I'm wearing is old and no longer available, but these are "everyday" pieces and similar styles are most likely always available.

I like to wear my utility jacket on sunny spring days. These jackets are thin enough to wear on days like this. I've shared another (very similar) outfit post recently with this same jacket, you can see it here in case you're interested. Here I paired it with a 3/4 sleeve thin spring (or early fall) sweater from LOFT, straight cut jeans from GAP and TAOS sneakers. I also added an infinity scarf for a little warmth around the neck. I'm not really a fan of infinity scarves but picked this one up on clearance from Target last fall and thought I'd better get some use out of it. I'm sure it was leftover from last years spring season.

Here's what I found for alternative options:

 

1. Utility Jacket from American Eagle (70% off as I type this). Please note this jacket does run big so you might want to size down one). You might also like this utility jacket from Target and it ships for free.

2.  Taos Sneakers (I have the "retro star" which are no longer available. These are the same style and  color but in canvas material instead of suede leather. Check out these colors for a reduced price. It's suggested to go up half a size from your original shoe size. These sneakers are also available at Zappos.com. They are so comfortable right out of the box. I have the 8.5 (my usual size is 8).

3. Tomgirl Jeans from American Eagle (40% off as I type this)

Unfortunately sizes are limited, but do check out their other jeans styles, as all are currently marked down!

I have not linked a similar sweater as I couldn't find anything in this color, but do check out LOFT, if you're interested (and really any color top would work with the rest of the colors in this outfit.) LOFT currently has a great sale (70% off one regular priced item, and 50% off almost everything else with code OMG) They also offer Free Shipping starting at $25 plus Free Returns. It's tempting for sure, but I just placed an order for a few new rubber stamps :-)


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As I mentioned in my last outfit post, I was looking through some vacation pictures and thought it would be nice so share some scenery photos while most of us are spending more time inside. Last time I shared some floral close up shots I took at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina. Today I'm sharing a few scenery pictures I took. Some of these were taken last June and some were take a few years ago in July on our first visit here. 

Hope you enjoy the pictures! 

By the way, if you are lucky enough to live closeby, the outdoor areas of the park can be visited, but it is advised to buy your tickets in advance in order to limit contact. I can imagine it must look glorious there this time of the year!

As always, thank you so much for stopping by! I really appreciate it!

PS: You can also find me here:

Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

You can also use the "follow by email" function on the blog's sidebar to receive a notification when a new post goes live. I do share papercrafts in addition to my fashion over forty posts, so keep in mind that you would receive a notification for both types of posts.

Linking up with these great fashion related blogs.

Penny Black and More - April Challenge

It's the first Sunday of the month and that means there is a new theme at Penny Black and More challenge. It's an easy one so everyone can join in - Anything Goes. Please remember we are a stamping challenge meaning the focal point does need to be hand stamped but you may use any brand of stamps. This month we have prizes by Penny Black and Swedish House crafts! Hope to see you playing along!



*Please note, this post includes some affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links, as always this is at no cost to you! Thank you for your support!

To make my card I masked the edges of my card front using washi tape then inked with Tea Dye distress ink. Removed the washi tape then transfered the image panel onto a stamp platform. 

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This stamp Gentle Whisper  has been inked with Distress markers, colored directly onto the rubber. The small beehive stamp I used on the background is from an older Stampin Up set and the bee is a stamp by Lavinia. I decided to make a Thank You card as I never seem to have those ready when needed. The sentiment is from the Penny Black set Happy Together.

I'm linking up with these blogs:

Challenge Up Your Life - Focus on Flowers // Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Anything Goes with PB stamps // Sweet Stampin - Things with Wings

Thanks so much for visiting! 

Something Old, Something New...for Allsorts Challenge

It's time already for a new theme at Allsorts challenge! Kath is hosting this week and picked the theme of.......Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed or Something New. 

She is not looking for wedding cards, although they would of course be just as welcome, you can pick from the challenge theme what you'd like to use or use all four. We have 2 prizes this time and to cover the Easter holiday the challenge runs for two weeks. Hope you decide to join us!

*Please note, this post includes affiliate links.

I decided to used everything from the challenge theme: 

1. Old Heart Embossing Folder
2. New Digi Stamp
3. A Borrowed Sketch
4. Blue Ink

This is another image I recently purchased from  PowerPoppy and printed the "no line coloring" options. I'm not really familiar with coloring the "no line" way, and I didn't try to color that way, I simply wanted a lighter outline than black ink.

The image has been colored with my Faber Castell Polychromos pencils on 110 lb cardstock I recently picked up from Walmart which works perfectly in my printer. I used the Avery Elle Wonky Stitches Die Set  to cut out the image panel. 

The hearts embossing folder is an old one by Cuttlebug, but there are several choices available. The green pattern paper strip is from my stash, I believe it's another oldie from Stampin Up. Added some silk ribbon behind the image panel and cut out the sentiment using a small circle die. The sentiment is from a Penny Black set. A Martha Stewart punch was used to cut out the butterfly. 

This sketch I found from Julee of Mojo Monday, it's an old sketch I came across on pinterest so I won't be linking it up there.

A close up below....this image took a long time to color, I spent several evenings on it. 

Sharing with these blogs:
Crafty Gals Corner- Flowers // Sisterhood of Crafters - Spring  // Crafty Cardmakers - Spring // Dream Valley Challenges - Spring Colors // Simon Says Monday Challenge - Photo Inspiration



Thanks so much for stopping by!! 

Fashion Over Forty: A Stay At Home Look and Flower Photography from Brookgreen Gardens

Hello and welcome!

The outfit photos I had planned for today didn't turn out too good (they were taken inside on a cloudy day and the lighting was bad.) I didn't want to completely waste the pictures, so I am still sharing one and then last week I decided to look through some vacation pictures and I tought it would be fun to share some of the scenery and floral pictures I took at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina. 

My daily outfit "formula" usually consists of  blue jeans and some sort of a top or cardigan, but when I recently re-organized my closet I decided to switch it up a bit and got out these gray AG Jeggings. I've talked about these before last fall in this post, where I mentioned these are from the children's department in a size 16, purchased for my dughter but they didn't fit her. While I don't normally wear jeggings (or leggings unless I'm exercizing) I decided to keep them for myself. They really are perfect for wearing around the house, because they are so comfortable! 

*Please note, this post includes some affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links, as always this is at no cost to you! Thank you for your support!

On this day I paired them with a simple sweatshirt from Target from the 'A New Day' line, but it was purchased at least a year ago and this specific color is no longer available. My daughter also cleaned out her closet and re-organized her room a couple of weeks ago, and these cute slippers no longer fit her. Well, lucky me they are my size!!

I know, not really a slipper an over 40 year old women should be seen in, but it's no secrect that I like all things cute, so I am keeping them for myself :) These are by Kensie, and also no longer available, but a few other styles are available on Amazon. 

This past week I spent some time looking at last year's vacation pictures which was in South Carolina. One place we visited again was Brookgreen Gardens which is located just south of Myrtle Beach. We've been to this garden twice and it was so beautiful both times (in 2017 we visited in July and last year we visited in June). I'd love to visit April sometimes as I think that's when the Azaleas will be in bloom, but it's not a month we can usually travel that far.

I thought it would be nice to share some of my landscape and floral pictures I took with my Canon DSLR camera (mine is the older T5 model), so I picked my favorites from both visits to this garden. I have more to share from Brookgreen Gardens, but today I am only sharing the close ups, as the post would get too long otherwise.

I did not notice all the details on this butterfly until I uploaded it to my blog and then decided to crop the pictures. Not sure I've ever seen a butterfly's body looking like this....

Here is the close up...

All the butterfly pictures were taken in the butterfly pavillion which is part of Brookgreen Gardens, but it does cost a small extra fee to go inside.


The florals below were taken throughout the gardens. Some are from our visit last June, while some are from our visit in July 2017. 

I'm sure nobody is currently planning a vacation, but if you are ever in the Myrtle Beach area then be sure to visit Brookgreen Gardens. The admission tickets are good for 7 days, so you can visit more than once. 

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blog today! Hope you're having a good weekend! We're finishing painting my son's room today. He wanted it to be white, so I was able to order everything online I needed at Lowes for store pickup.

PS: You can also find me here:

Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

You can also use the "follow by email" function on the blog's sidebar to receive a notification when a new post goes live. I do share papercrafts in addition to my fashion over forty posts, so keep in mind that you would receive a notification for both types of posts.

Linking up with these great fashion related blogs.

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday - April Challenge

Hello and welcome to the April theme for Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday challenge right here on my blog! Strange times we're living in at the moment, but in an effort to keep some normality in my life when possible, I am continuing with the monthly challenge. I hope you and your loved ones are all doing well and are keeping safe!

Thank you so much for checking out this month's theme, I'd love for you to join in! There were many wonderful spring themed creations last month! Be sure to scroll down to see if you were the prize winner or one of my top picks!

This Month's Theme

This month I invite you to create something with...............

Bugs, Blossoms and/or Butterflies

I decided to make a shadow box card, featuring butterflies and blossoms with a new to me image by Powerpoppy. It's hard to see in the photos, but there are 3 more violets behind the butterfly on the right side - wish I had taken a picture from the other angle as well....

*Please note, this post includes some affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links, as always this is at no cost to you! Thank you for your support!

Below is the order in which this "Shadow Box Card" was made. 

1. Cut 2 pieces of card stock at 5.5 x 7.25 inches.

2. Scor short ends of both pieces at 0.5 and 1 inch each side, using a scoring board.

3. Position a circle die in the center of one of the scored pieced and cut out using a die cutting machine.

4. Using pattern paper the size of about 5.25 x 5 inches place circle die in center of the paper and cut out the circle. (Tip: The pattern paper can be the same size as the card front.)

5. Adhere your image panel to the un-cut piece of card stock. The image panel should be the size of the card between the score lines. In this case 4.25 x 5.5 inches.

6. Fold at the scor lines, line up both the front and the back of the card and glue the two pieces together at both ends. I used Scor Tape.  Embellish the front of the card any way you like. I decided to use Penny Black's Heart Bow die and Penny Black's Flowing Butterflies die. The colorful butterfly was from the same digistamp, printed and colored a second time, then fussy cut.


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Not the best picture, but below you can see the top view of the card to give you an idea of what it looks like. 

This card does lay flat for easy shipping but due to the size will most likely require a handmade envelope, I have this tool by Crafters Companion to create handmade envelopes, but really have been wanting to get the envelope punch board as it's appears to be easier to use.

The image is new to me, by Powerpoppy. I recently purchased a few digis from their site (they are still on sale if you're interested) along with a pack of cardstock from Walmart. Not all card stock works in my printer but this one goes through just fine and the price is right too. 

When using digi stamps I usually use my Faber Castell Polychromos pencils as watercolors don't work and copics usually bleed outside of the lines. It does take me a long time to color with pencils, which I very much enjoy but don't usually have the time. Since we're having a shelter in place order  (now extended until April 30th) I've been spending a little more time coloring in the evenings. 

The sentiment is from a set I purchased in Germany when we visited family a couple of years ago.

I'm linking my card up here:

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This Month's Prize

For the ease of things I am continuing to offer the winner a $6 Gift Certificate to either Mo's Digital Pencil Shop or Bugaboo. I am not affiliated with these companies and the prize will be supplied by me. 

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Last Week's Winner and Top Picks

The lucky winner, selected using random.org is..........................

Sheryl Hare

Congratulations, Sheryl! You won a $6 gift certificate from either Mo's Digital Pencil or Bugaboo Stamps. Please email me at ellibellescorner at gmail dot com by April 15th with your choice of company, so I can send the gift certificate your way.

Selecting just 3 top picks is never an easy task but something that has to be done and here they are listed in the order of entry:

No. 34 Debbie M.

No. 68 Inky Fingers

No. 72 Shell B.

Congratulations! Your top pick logo is below, feel free to post it to your own blogs if you like to!

In order to be in compliance with GDPR I am not posting links to the winner or top picks, but you can see these beautiful creations by visiting last month's linky tool and looking for the entry numbers.

To play along in this month's challenge simply use the linky tool below. The usual rules apply:

• Enter up to 3 times with a new project.
• You may combine with any other challenges.
• You may use any brand of stamps/digis (no company restriction)
• Be sure to add a link back here to my blog