Catch Up Club - April 2026

In a text conversation amongst friends in the fall of 2022, we agreed that we were all falling behind in creating with items from virtual events, kits, even groups we are in. From that conversation the idea of the Catch Up Club took formation. We decided it was time to work on those cardmaking projects that were waiting for our attention. 

On the last day of each month we've committed to sharing card/cards we have made from something we need to "catch up" on. 

You can view my original Catch Up Club post - HERE - for more details.

For this month's Catch Up Club post, I chose to complete the cards from Session 3 of the March 2024 Virtual Stamp Joy.

It should be noted that while most cards posted on my blog are my own designs (albeit sometimes inspired by others), these Catch Up Club cards are not my designs. I've completed cards designed by the class instructor, so while I've made the card, it is not original to me.

Please check out the blogs of my Catch Up Club friends, too...

Barb

Darlene

Terry

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

SCS Sketch #SC1112

I have been part of the Sketch team on Splitcoaststampers for a few years now. Whether it's my week to create the sketch (the first Wednesday of each month) or I'm creating a sample card based on the sketch someone else created, I find that having a sketch to use can get my creative ideas flowing. 

There is a new sketch to work with every Wednesday. I encourage you to check them out.

Lisa created this week's sketch - #SC1112:

My card:

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

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp: Sparkle N Sprinkle Happy Flowers stamped with Lawn Fawn Jet Black Ink and colored with Olo Markers

Taylored Expressions Inks (for blending the background): Gumdrop, Mango, Papaya, Peapod, and Plum Punch

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White and Amazon 120# Black CS 

Dies: Honey Bee Sweet Stack Rectangles and MFT Stitched Rectangles

Embellishments: Enamel Dots from unknown vendors

Challenge Your Stash - April 2026

One of my favorite challenge groups is the Challenge Your Stash group on SCS, under the capable and organized leadership of my friend Barb. The idea is we can't shop for anything when making our monthly challenge card (which we post on the 28th of each month).

We take turns choosing the theme. This month it was Suzy's turn. She challenged us to make cards with Spring Flowers on them.

I hope Suzy, Barb and the other Challenge Your Stash gals like my card.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp/Die: Taylored Expressions Sketch Bouquet stamped with Lawn Fawn Jet Black Ink and colored with Copic and Olo Markers

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Lemon Lime Twist CS and other paper elements from my scrap file

Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangles

Embellishment: Amazon Nail Art Pearls

CAS896 Use a Diecut

Each Monday there is a new CAS Challenge on SCS. It's always fun to see what others create using the CAS theme.

Pam is this week's hostess. She chose the theme...

Use a Diecut

Here's my card:

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

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White and Amazon 120# Black CS and Glitter Paper from my scrap file

Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangles, Stamp Market Quick Strips, Stamp Market Tall Hi

Embellishments: Amazon Nail Art Rhinestones

BK DP - Misty Moons and Pastel Skies 4

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 month the design team's cards are featuring two newly released designer paper packs - Misty Moons and Pastel Skies. Obviously we are also using BKRS stamp sets and other products, too.

Misty Moons Card:

Wolf and Owl

Pastel Skies Card: 

Bench in the Woods

* * * * * 

You can find each of today's featured stamps HERE, at the Blue Knight Rubber Stamps web store.

And... don't forget to join us at the Fan Group and YouTube Channel:

Fans of Blue Knight Rubber Stamps (Facebook group) is HERE

and the Blue Knight Rubber Stamps YouTube Channel is HERE

Jeanette Cloyd, Design Team Member

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

SCS Sketch #SC1111

I have been part of the Sketch team on Splitcoaststampers for a few years now. Whether it's my week to create the sketch (the first Wednesday of each month) or I'm creating a sample card based on the sketch someone else created, I find that having a sketch to use can get my creative ideas flowing. 

There is a new sketch to work with every Wednesday. I encourage you to check them out.

I created this week's sketch - #SC1111:

I rotated it and added a few elements, too.

My card:

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

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Sentiment: Pinkfresh Studio Sentiment Pack

Papers: SU Mossy Meadow CS, Fiskers Parchment Paper, and DP from my scrap file

Dies: Impression Obsession Wacky Stitched Circles, MFT Stitched Rectangles, and scrapbook.com Thick and Thin Strips

Embellishments: Glitter Enamel Dots from an unknown vendor

CAS895 Case Yourself

Each Monday there is a new CAS Challenge on SCS. It's always fun to see what others create using the CAS theme.

Lisa is this week's hostess. She chose the theme...

Case Yourself

Here's my card:

You can see my original card that I chose to Case --> HERE.

I was happy to use this 12th Anniversary stamp set that Altenew surprisingly sent to me:

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

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamps: Altenew Evergreen Beauty stamped with Lawn Fawn Jet Black Ink and colored with Copic and Olo Markers

Ink (for blending): Taylored Expressions Oat Milk

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White, Recollections Black, and SU Petal Pink CS 

Dies: Gina K Master Layouts 2 and Sizzix Domes

Embellishments: Enamel Dots from an unknown vendor

BK DP - Misty Moons and Pastel Skies 3

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 month the design team's cards are featuring two newly released designer paper packs - Misty Moons and Pastel Skies. Obviously we are also using BKRS stamp sets and other products, too.

Misty Moons Card:

Seagull and Pier

Pastel Skies Card:

Day at the Lake

* * * * * 

You can find each of today's featured stamps HERE, at the Blue Knight Rubber Stamps web store.

And... don't forget to join us at the Fan Group and YouTube Channel:

Fans of Blue Knight Rubber Stamps (Facebook group) is HERE

and the Blue Knight Rubber Stamps YouTube Channel is HERE

Jeanette Cloyd, Design Team Member

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

SCS Sketch #SC1110

I have been part of the Sketch team on Splitcoaststampers for a few years now. Whether it's my week to create the sketch (the first Wednesday of each month) or I'm creating a sample card based on the sketch someone else created, I find that having a sketch to use can get my creative ideas flowing. 

There is a new sketch to work with every Wednesday. I encourage you to check them out.

Marion created this week's sketch - #SC1110:

My card:

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

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp/Die Set: Taylored Expressions Through the Years stamped with Lawn Fawn Jet Black Ink and colored with Copic and Olo Markers

Sentiment: freebie from Unity Stamp Company

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White, Recollections Black, and SU Sahara Sand CS 

Taylored Expressions Inks (for blending): Oat Milk and Plum Tart

Dies: Gina K Master Layout 1, scrapbook.com Thick and Thin Strips, and Stampin' UP! Circles

Embellishments: Amazon Diamond Dots

Creative Crew 2026 - April

It's posting day for the Creative Crew. What exactly is the Creative Crew? We are a group of 6 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 Barb's turn to host. She chose to use a PinkFresh Studio floral image with coordinating sentiments.

THANK YOU, Barb!

Here's my card:

Be sure to check out all of the Creative Crew cards:

Barb

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 Barb sent)...

Cardstock: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Lemon Lolly

Dies: Catherine Pooler Quilted Cover Plate

Embellishments: Amazon Nail Art Rhinestones

A Creative Repair

I love to color. It is soothing and relaxing to me. Well, until it gives me problems. Then it can be a bit stressful. Today's card is one of those stressful experiences.

The flower on the right (which is actually a smaller bloom, like the size of the blue one) bled - badly. UGH! There was no fixing it, so I re-stamped three blooms, this time making two of them the larger blooms. After coloring them I fussy cut them and added them to the image, popping them up with foam tape.

Problem solved.

It should be noted this is not my card design. This is actually the card from Session 4 of the 2025 Virtual Stamp Joy event.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

CAS894 Keep In Touch

Each Monday there is a new CAS Challenge on SCS. It's always fun to see what others create using the CAS theme.

I am this week's hostess. I chose the theme...

Keep In Touch

Here's my card:

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

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp Set: Whimsy Hey Ostrich stamped with Lawn Fawn Jet Black Ink and colored with Copic and Olo Markers

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White, Recollections Black, and SU Sahara Sand CS 

Stencil/ink: Visible Image Halftone Stencil and Taylored Expressions Oat Milk Ink

Dies: Gina K Master Layout 2

Hot Mess - April 2026

It's the 12th of the month, 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, 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.

I always struggle with what to do for this challenge. This month I actually got the idea from a friend's blog. In my words, it involved dabbing ink onto a scrunched up baby wipe and pouncing it onto a piece of cardstock. Check out Maxine's Baby Wipes - My Style blog post --> HERE. It really was a fun technique.

Be sure to check out the other Hot Mess gals blogs, too, to see their cards (you'll be WOW'd!)... 

Barb

Darlene

Terry

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp/Die: Stamp Market A Note to Say stamped with VersaFine Clair Nocturne Ink 

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White, Recollections Black, and SU Pineapple Punch CS 

Messy Medium: Taylored Expressions Bubblegum and Lemon Meringue Reinkers and a Baby Wipe

Dies: Catherine Pooler Ruffles & Dashes, My Favorite Things Inside & Out Stitched Arches, and Spellbinders Classic Oval (blended with Taylored Expressions Bubblegum Ink)

Embellishments: Sequins from an unknown vendor

Color Combination - April

I enjoy challenging myself to something new from time to time so this year I decided to have a monthly Color Combination series. I'll randomly select a card from one of the two original Color Cubes and make a card using that color combination. Each card has 5 colors on it. I'm giving myself the creative freedom to not use all 5 but I will try to use as many of them as possible and certainly no less than 3 of the colors.

This month's Color Combination is:

Here is my card:

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp/Die/Stencil: Concord & 9th Desertscape 

Taylored Expressions Inks: Blue Corn, Blueberry, Gumball, Honey, Jujube, Mango, Pineapple, and Sweet Potato Pie

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Bordering Blue and Ruby Red CS 

Dies: Altenew Featured Sentiments, Poppy Stamps Pierced Rectangles, and Sizzix Dome

Embellishments: Amazon Diamond Dots