Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Striving

I'm really striving to get back on track. Even with the possibility of changes coming in the nearish future, I really just want to be as normal as possible. For those of you who actually know me, normal is a relative term; maybe what I should say is that I want to be as normal as possible. Helps keep the DH in a happy place, and it also helps keep those blasted migraines away. So I'm trying to comment, make cards, send emails, spend time with family and friends, and all those normal everyday things like cleaning, cooking and running errands too. You seen where my priorities lie (or is it lay? I can never remember. stupid brain!); it's all centered on crafting...haha! So errands this morning and crafting this afternoon was the normalcy today (it's late Tuesday as I begin this post). Wanna see what I managed to come up with?! Good, let's get to it!

It's a three-fer today. One for Muse, one for CASology, and one to share at Less Is More and Inkspirational Challenges.  How's that for getting back on track?! I had way too much fun spending time in the old craft room. So let's take a look-see, starting with Muse. Oh my, my, my.... Michele came up with this, and I had to practically CASE it. Love at first sight.




I so CASEd her card. I even used the same sentiment set (purely by accident!).


I've been diving into my 6x6 paper packs. Desperately trying to stop hoarding so many of my "favorite" things. This black quatrefoil snippet is from Pebbles. The oval die is an MFT one, and the sentiment is from RC. Those sweet little peppermints are from Clear and Simple stamps which I fussy cut. I would have used the dies, but couldn't find them...until AFTER I cut them. Duh! One of them is popped up a bit.

Next is my offering for CASology.

 

Now, CASology is already a "Clean and Simple" challenge. So how does one go S on a CAS challenge? Well, here's what my brain decided to do:


One stamp set. It's pretty much NBUS and by SC. Two inks; Versafine black and ME pink. I used a bow from a HA set and fussy cut it. I've got a granddaughter's birthday coming up, and this might be a good one for her. EZPZ lemon squeezy!

This last card will visit Less Is More, and the Inkspirational Challenge. Less Is More is all about neutrals this week. I was in the mood for pretty much neutrals, anyway! (after an upward glance at the other cards. Just noticed that....I am such a knob). 




The focal panel pulls out of the sweet little envelope. Miss Amy T. sent me that after the Fall CLBH, so it's my "new" thing. And my card was inspired by this card that Erin made for the Winter CLBH.


A view outside the envelope:


All sorts of inspiration floating around blogland, as I'd come up with the kraft hearts, but they were so plain. Then I saw Anita's card. Splatters. Just what those little hearts needed. Only a few...

So the square and the label frame are from MFT. RC hearts. WPlus9 sentiment. The linen paper is from Anita, when we spent a heavenly week at the Lake House. Some bakers twine, a couple of snippets of b&w striped paper to bring your eyes to the center, two staples, and that's about it. 

DANG! Long post. Sorry. So I'll stop now. But I will be back. Happy dances everyone!!





42 comments:

~amy~ said...

Wow...you've been busy! super love your take on the Muse challenge...perfect. I've been trying to use all the paper I own too...I have tons of the stuff. Your birthday card is just toooooooo cute!!!! love the pops of pink! Awesome use of the glassine envelope! Fun how you were inspired by the tag master Erin!

maria f. said...

Came to commend your pinky bear but got blown away by your muse card. Wow. So striking. Hope the new year is good to you Bev. Big bear (pink of course) hug!

Jenni's Jems said...

You have been busy, and just love your your Muse card ...just want to pop one of those sweets into my mouth!x

Vicki Dutcher said...

Very productive day -- all the fabulous eye candy for all the challenges! You go girl~

sandie said...

Love the Muse card, great pun!! Great to see you at Ink and this pull out card is inspired. Love the little row of hearts and it looks just right in neutrals x

Barb said...

Well you certainly went to town on the crafting Bev. Your cards are all lovely. That little bear is adorable and I love your mints card too. Barbxx

Shelly said...

These are all wonderful, Bev! What a perfect CASE! Love that sentiment! And how CUUUTE is that birthday card?!!...Super sweet! Your last card is just too fun!! The envelope and tag...so cute!
Loving where all your inspiration came from, too! ;)

Ardyth said...

Love the mint pun and that sweet pink bear is adorable! So glad you joined us at CASology and Muse this week, my friend!

Tracey McNeely said...

You are on a roll Bev. Three fabulous cards. Love your take on Muse with mints, your sweet birthday card for CASlology and the pretty thank you card! Thank you for sharing with us this week at Muse and CASology!

Rose said...

Wow! Three fabulous cards & your bear one is so cute! You've done well for someone juggling so much. Hope the new year is filled with wonderful things for you.

shirley-bee said...

Love your CASE of Michele's card, the pink birthday card is fab for an 8-year-old, and I love the splattered hearts. Hope your year moves to normal very soon :)

Joyce said...

Three fantastic cards. Clearly you are in the crafting groove. Thanks so much for including CASology in your crafting this week.

I Card Everyone said...

You've done it, Bev!!! Just like you mint to ... and that makes me happy dance like crazy!!! LOve that little mint! and you...
=] Michele

Lynn said...

There is absolutely no reason that crafting shouldn't be first on the list! I wish it was first on all of our lists every day and I think it would be a much happier world! So...let's chat about all the gorgeousness happening...I totally new the card was Erin inspired - a perfect CASE. And the MUSE card...too cute! And the birthday card..seriously one layer of adorableness! Love them all.

Buffy Burnside said...

all of these are fantastic, I really love the pink bear! I love the card you made for the Muse challenge!

TK said...

Your creations are wonderful, but your CASE of Michele is superb! I too was caught up in the awesomeness of her card, and yours is just as perfect!

Kim Heggins said...

Oh my Miss Bev...what a wonderful collection of amazing and incredible cards. I love them all. You must be a wee bit like Bewitched, getting all those chores done and still time to be crafty! Miss you lots.

Kristie Goulet said...

You have been busy! LOVE all of these gorgeous creations!

Deidre said...

Bev, you've had a whirlwind start to the new year. Your birthday card for your granddaughter is such a cutie. Those pops of pink are so sweet and fun. I'm sure she'll love the card. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us at the CASology challenge!

Chrissie said...

Lovely cards Bev, your neutral ones are super as is your muse card!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Sazzle Dazzle said...

A wonderful bunch of striking and fun cards Bev. Love your take on the MUSE card and thanks so much for playing along this week!
Sarah xx
Less is More

Geri said...

Definitely a productive day dear friend! "Mint to be together" is awesome! I love the DP - it looks so cool with the 'swirl' in the mints!

The pink & black b-day card is soooooooo cute! The hair bow steals the show....freakin' cutie-patootie!

Your 'gently splattered' heart card steals the show! Such a cool idea to use the velum envelope and such a cool idea to let the striped paper peak out at the top and bottom of the card! Nice bit of baker's twine too....'ties' in nicely with the striped paper!

Karen said...

I just found your blog from your CAS entry ~ I love your sweet little bear! ~ you've had a very productive day ~ Blessings to you ~ Karen

Karren said...

Wonderful cards! The peppermint card is so cool - I love the sentiment!

Kelly Griglione said...

Hi Bev!! Sure hope you're enjoying some more "normalcy"! You have a wonderful way of creating through everything you're going through. Lovely cards...the splatters on your hearts are indeed just what they needed!

Tricia T said...

What a fun post full of wonderful cards! I need to check out some of the challenges that you played in and add them to my list. : ) Thanks for the inspiration!!

Anita in France said...

You've been pinging on all cylinders, Bev ... what a terrific trio! Brilliant take on Michele's muse, love the punny sentiment with those little peppermints! Your little bear is just so sweet with her pink paws and cute bow, one of the littles will adore it! Now, that heart strewn and slightly splattered panel inside the rather stylish vellum envelope ... yum ... fabulous with the oh so cool black and white twine and slender strips of DP! Thanks so much for the sweet shout out, mon amie ... and for the reminder of the *sigh* Lake House! Miss you loads! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Colleen said...

My eye was immediately drawn to your MUSE card! LOVE it!! Those little mints are just too "sweet"! Great job on the other two cards too! You were really on a roll, so happy you could play and share your creations!

Bobby said...

Sometimes the "other stuff" has to take a back seat to crafting, Bev. Being creative and happy dancing makes everything else go smoothly. It looks like you have gotten a good start on your creative adventures of 2016 with three delightful cards. Love the punny Muse card, so darling, as is the bear. What 8 year old wouldn't love it. 8 year old girl that is. lol I love the idea of the hidden focal point. That card turned out fantastically.

wienerhoneymooners said...

Bev, amazing !!!!! 💕I want to comment more... I love and adore your MUSE😀 And now you have gone and made me want that set so much!!!!😏

Anne said...

Bev what a lovely collection of makes, your envelope is so clever for our neutrals challenge!
Thank you so much for joining us
Anne
"Less is More"

Neets B said...

Three very different cards, Bev, but all fabulous! I love your take on Michele's card and your neutral creation with the envelope is a super idea.
Thanks so much for sharing at Muse and Less is More this week.
Anita x

carol (krillsister) said...

You've been a busy bee. I too tend to be a hoarder with my paper; yet have so much lol. Love the paper you used on the Muse card as well as those darling peppermints. yum.

Jacquie Southas said...

I came to comment on the Muse card (love the way the quatrefoil echoes the oval panel) & treated to a couple more fun cards!

Kim M said...

Lovely cards! Your envelope one is especially cool. Thanks for joining us over at Inkspirational!

Jen W. said...

So much fabulousness, Bev! I adore the first card - you know I love my punny sentiment! :D Your bear card is "totes adorbs" as the kids would say! She is quite possibly the cutest bear ever and I know your granddaughter will love it. Thanks for playing along with CASology this week and big hugs to you!

Marilyn said...

Love the sweet card for Muse.

Deepti said...

Awesome creations Bev :) love the cute and simple designs !

Melissa said...

Boy, when you craft you really CRAFT! LOL! Just look at all the crafty goodness you whipped up in an afternoon! (just a wee bit jealous...)
That is one adorable birthday card you created for you granddaughter! I just love how you added pops of pink! :)
I adore your CASE'd card. What a fun pun!!!
Thanks so much for joining us over at CASology!

Anita in France said...

Yay, my sweet friend ... knew this Muse card was something special ... congratulations on your top spot ... it was 'mint' to be! Hugs & bisous, Anita :)

Kylie said...

Another trio of Awesomeness! Wouldn't it be great if we could spend all our time crafting. lol I love all three of your cards - each so different and so special!

Jen Mitchell said...

What a productive day you had! A wonderful CASE, a fun birthday card, and a card with a secret panel! I'm never so productive on a good day, so I envy you your boundless creativity!