September Duel: It's a Free For All!

It's the 15th of the month and time to post our Monthly Duel cards!  

Terry and I are the hosts for the two teams of the Dueling Darlings, and we chose a "Free For All" theme.  We decided to send out the little freebie stamps that we all receive from time to time. You know, when you receive an order and the vendor includes a little gift?  So everyone received a little stamp and coordinating papers and embellishments.

Here's my card:

I used a cute little cake and sentiment set that came from Taylored Expressions.  It's colored with Spectrum Noir markers and the entire cake and plate are coated with a  clear glitter pen, also by Spectrum Noir.

The top of the banner was punched with a tag punch by Stampin' Up.

Designer papers are all by American Crafts, and so is the ribbon.

Gems are from the Paper Studio.

The papers are cut with a fun die set by Jaded Blossom called "Card Layer 2".

These die sets are made so that multiple coordinating shapes can be cut from a 6x6 piece of paper in one pass!  You may want to check them out here: jadedblossom.com. 

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit the blogs and galleries of the other Dueling Darlings! 

June Duel: Women of Strength!

I'm finally catching up on the Duels!  June was hosted by Jeanette for both teams and she wrote: 

"Knowing that we all face challenges from time to time, I wanted to remind all of us that we are 

Women of Strength"

Here is my card:

Image: Hello Bluebird, "Frosty Mornings"

Sentiment: "Next Level Amazing" by Simon Says/Pink Fresh

Papers: Moxxie Coffee Addict (the circles at the bottom of the card)

Paper Studio Cozy Little Christmas (green polka dot)

Recollections Stocking Stuffer (green striped layer)

The background panel is from Jeanette's stash. 

Ribbons: Ribbon Boutique (brown polka dots) and Sheer Creations (green sheer).

Jeanette made our kits with a special nod to Kelly, our friend and fellow Darling. Green is Kelly's favorite color, and coffee is her favorite beverage. Kelly also uses circles on a lot of her cards, so I tried to do that here!

Jeanette made an extra request: "...post a story or thought that highlights Kelly's strength". Hmm...there are so many over the years... How about a list of words that immediately come to mind when thinking of Kelly?

• Devout
• Family 
• Loving
• Faithful
• Creative
• Compassionate
• Fun!

No doubt that this list could be a LOT longer, and it would all be true!  We are blessed to have Kelly in our lives and I am blessed to have her as a friend.

Crafting Duel (August)

 Hello!

Barb and Lorraine chose "Crafting" as the theme for our August Duel.  I'm on Lorraine's team and she sent us the most wonderful kit.  Sweet papers, adorable die cuts, images and sentiments and a bag full of sequins and gems.

Here's my card:

I tried to use every page of the lovely papers she sent to us. 

Kit Contents:

• Images and Sentiment: "Craft Notes" by Gina K Designs. Sentiment stamped with Primaworks Primrose Pink ink.
• Designer Papers: "Love This", "Bright Ideas" and Cute & Crafty" by Doodlebug Design Inc.
• Ribbon: Offray
• Gems from Lorraine's stash

Lorraine, I am sorry that my card is late. As you said, "Crafting is my hobby, relaxation and escape all rolled into one!"  I couldn't have said it better myself!

Thanks for stopping by