Day 92 - Super Sketchy Sunday

Thank you everyone for making Cutting Cafe Week a big success! Many cards were posted and several new readers joined us this past week.

As promised, there were THREE prize winners from the random drawing of partipants from the week's challenges. I carefully looked through ALL the entries to make sure there weren't any unnecessary posts or doubles (as a result of the Mr. Linky issues). There had to be an actual card on your post associated with one of the challenges in order for it to count - in the end I came up with nearly 270 entries! And the winners are:

Teza, Janice, and SMK!!! Congrats to all of you - please email me here with your email address, and Regina will contact you about your prize.

Now, I know I usually share the COTW winners and all those who completed the past week's challenges; however, with so many entries (and that's a GOOD thing!), the DT and I want to be sure to look at all the cards. So that will be in tomorrow's post.

So that brings me to today's sketch challenge:

Vicky

Tammy

Sophie

Kristie

Pam

Gloria

Amy

Before we turn to Mr. Linky, let me just remind you that today is the last day of May, which means we'll have an end of the month winner to announce tomorrow as well. If you're new to 365 Cards, that means that whoever completes the most challenges for a given month wins a special prize. Each month so far, we've had several people who completed all the challenges, which results in a random drawing for that prize. We start fresh each month, so if you are new to the blog and you want to go for that prize, you'll have a chance to qualify for June by simply joining in on all the challenges. The only requirement is that you have the month's challenges done by 11:59 PM EST on the last day of that month.

Alright, here's Mr. Linky...

Day 91 - Front and Center

Is it really Saturday?? This means Cutting Cafe Week is coming to a close :( I must say another thank you to Regina Easter for sponsoring this series of challenges. She's also joined us on some challenges, so check out her fabulous creations!

Today's challenge is to keep every element of the card in the center - leaving lots of white space around the edges.

Vicky finishes this week off with her card, featuring the Strawberry image:

Nicely done, Vicky, an image like this one deserves to be front and center ;)

I'll see you back here tomorrow for COTW, prize winners, and more so come on back!

Day 90 - I See your "Two" Colors

Wow - Cutting Cafe Week is almost over, and it has been so much fun!! Remember to get your cards for this week done by Saturday at 11:59 PM EST and posted to receive all your entries in the random drawing for 3 prize winners.

Today's challenge is all about keep the color scheme simple:

Use only 2 colors on your card (images may be stamped in black and cardstock may be white).

Sophie used the Cherry image from the Cutting Cafe on her card. Check it out:

I think this is a tough challenge, and Sophie tackled it beautifully!

Alright, now let's see your two colors~

Day 89 - Imagine This: Watermelon

The Challenge: Watermelon is the inspiration - use the colors or an actual image of a watermelon on your card.

Amy's Card:

Super sweet and juicy!! Now I need to go back and continue drooling over the cards that you've already posted this past week~

Day 88 - Quite a Pair

There are some amazing cards out there so far this week!! Today's fruity card from Kristie features a yummy pair of pears from the Cutting Cafe -

My reaction to this card? WOW!!!

So what is the challenge? Design an Anniversary card OR an Engagement Congrats. Anything else goes - but NO wedding cards :)

Day 87 - The "Eyes" Have it

******INFO ON MR.LINKY*******

It seems that the folks over at Mr. Linky (blenza.com) are making necessary changes to improve their service. I often visit their blog for info: http://www.misterlinky.net/blog/. After they've made those changes, if we are still having problems, I will consider other options for sharing our cards. For now, feel free to throw your links in the comment section, and I will go back and add the link when Mr.Linky is back up and running. Thanks for hanging in there with me!


Sounds like a strange challenge, doesn't it? Use the word "eye" somewhere on your card.

Today it's Tammy's turn to share her card using a printable image from the Cutting Cafe.

Great mix of patterned paper, Tammy! Now I know this is not the easiest challenge -- but if challenges were easy they'd call 'em something else, right? "Eye" know you can do it ;)

Oops...almost forgot to tell you. Regina has offered not one...not two....but THREE prizes!!! So three lucky participants will win the set of their choice - WOW!

Okay, get busy and make some cards~

Day 86 - This Will be GRAPE fun

To kick off Cutting Cafe Week, the DT used images from the All About Cupcakes set on our cards. The rest of this week, we'll be featuring images from the Fruit Greetings set.

Have you guessed today's challenge by the title? Well you can use grapes on your card, but you don't have to. However, I do challenge you to use purple as the primary color, and incorporate at least 5 circles on your card.

Here is Gloria's card:

The addition of the buttons is perfect for this card!

See you back here tomorrow with another fabulous fruit~

Day 85 - Super Sketchy Sunday

WELCOME TO CUTTING CAFE WEEK!!!

I'm super excited to get started, but as you know, I have some business to take care of. Now, we've had several new people joining in this week, so it's a good time to review some of the 365 rules.

Every Sunday we acknowledge three super fabulous card makers for their amazing creations, whom we refer to as the Top Trio. They get to add the very cool Card of the Week blinkie (found over on the sidebar) to their blogs. Then we acknowledge those devoted and hard-working 365ers who have completed every challenge from the past Sunday thru Saturday.

Although I post a new challenge everyday, you can go back and try any challenge you wish at anytime. Sometimes you have to complete a challenge or set of challenges within a set period of time in order to qualify for a contest (such as COTW), but I will be sure to make clear when those times are. Otherwise, you can always join in for fun!

So let's congratulate this week's Top Trio:

1) Deanne - for a stunning take on the Sunday sketch.

2) Chiara_francy - for her beautiful edges to go with an equally beautiful card.

3) Kristen - for an adorable card/envelope combo.

Please feel free to grab the COTW blinkie for your blogs.

And thank you to those who came back each and every day to provide your take on each challenge:

Chrissie, Sherry Ann, Michelle M., Fi, Hazel, Chiara_francy, Shari, Audrey, Maz, Tommie, Birgit, Vickilyn, Made by Mandy, Linda B., Ginny, Rose M., Ivolina and Debbie S.

Did I miss anyone? Let me know and I'll update the list.

Now back to our very exciting week of challenges. Our fabulous sponsor is Regina Easter from The Cutting Cafe.

The Cutting Cafe offers affordable Printable Stamps and Cutting Files....No more waiting on the mailman and no more trying to organize a section in your scrap area for rubber/clear stamps.

Regina was kind enough to provide two sets of stamps for the design team to work with. Today we feature printable images from the All About Cupcakes set combined with the Sunday sketch. I must tell you how wonderful these images are. They are so easy to work with, and they print off beautifully, whether you're printing on solid or patterned paper.

Here is the sketch and DT examples:

Vicky

Sophie

Kristie

Gloria

Amy

Pam

Tammy

So how does the week-long contest work? For each challenge (from the 24th-30th) you complete, you get an entry into the grand prize drawing at the end of the week - up to 7 possible entries for the week. You have until Saturday, May 30th at 11:59 PM EST to complete any of the challenges to earn those entries into the drawing. You DO NOT need to complete every challenge in order to participate in the drawing. For instance, 4 completed challenges earn you 4 entries. You also DO NOT need to complete a challenge on the day it is issued, as long as you complete the challenge by Saturday night.

What is the prize? Regina will provide you with a FREE stamp set!! And the best part is that you don't have to wait for snail mail to receive them.

So let's get the week rolling with your take on the sketch~

Day 84 - Card Recipe #2

Today's challenge is the second of its kind. I provide a "recipe" and then you create a card using ONLY what is listed among the "ingredients".

Before I share the card recipe, I would like to introduce to you:

Kelly

Hi! My name is Kelly and I am addicted to all things paper...I live in Canada, which means that I have been hibernating in my craft room over the winter months which gave me time to finish my nephews scrapbook, and update my card stash!! 3 years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to scrapbooking, and well, you guessed it...I can't stop. For this challenge, we have to follow a "recipe" which is, 1 3x3 card, 1 flower, 1 brad, 1 piece of ribbon, 1 stamped sentiment and no patterned paper. I practically fell of my chair when I read "no patterned paper" 'cause I love pattern paper, but, I picked mysef up off the floor (lol) and this is what I came up with. Hope you enjoy my card! Thanks Pam for giving me this opportunity! Until next time, happy card making.

Once again, here's the recipe:

1 3x3 card
1 flower
1 brad
1 piece of ribbon
1 stamped sentiment
and NO PATTERNED PAPER!

Here is Kelly's beauty:

And here is Vicky's stunner:

Uh-oh, is this challenge too easy? Because these card makers sure make it look easy (and fab!). I guess you'll have to be the judge and see if you can stick to the recipe. The last time I did this, I broke my own rule, so I'll be giving it another try.

If you'd like to see more of Kelly's work, pop over to Ink it and Stamp it.

See you back here tomorrow for a super fun week!!!

Day 83 - Make it Match

Only 2 more days until we begin Cutting Cafe Week! And we have two regular challenges until then.

Today's challenge is called "Make it Match", because I would like you to decorate an envelope to match your card. Any size will do, as long as they go together.

Here's Sophie's card/envelope combo:

Such a pretty combo - love those scallops!

See you back here tomorrow for a fun challenge and a guest designer~

Day 82 - Living on the Edge

Are you getting excited about Cutting Cafe Week? I know I am, and I think it's going to be lots of fun!

Today's challenge brings us to the edge - of the card, that is. I challenge you to decorate at least 3 sides of your card.

Want to see what Amy created? Here's her card:

I am a huge fan of using buttons on cards, and it fits so beautifully here, Amy!

Now it's your turn to give some attention to the edges of your cards~

Day 81 - It's Hip to be Square

Let's prove this expression to be true - use 5 squares somewhere on your card. There are so many different ways you can incorporate 5 squares on your card, so let your creativity shine.

Here is Kristie's card:

This card is beyond hip, Kristie - I'll be heading over to your blog for details on this one for sure!

Okay everyone, show us lots of 90 degree angles please :)

Day 80 - You're so Plaid

Have you got Cutting Cafe Week marked on your calendars? Beginning this Sunday, May 24th, we will begin featuring some wonderful printable images on our cards that you will not want to miss. And of course there will be a prize winner at the end of the week.

Now on to today's challenge, which is all about plaid. Whether you use plaid patterned paper or whether you create a plaid pattern on your card, make sure plaid is involved.

Here is Tammy's card for this challenge:

I absolutely adore this line of October Afternoon paper! And the pop of red from the alphas is a nice touch.

Have fun with this challenge and bring on the plaid~

Day 79 - Monday's Manufacturer

Well, I don't know about you, but I love to try out new manufacturers, whether I'm using patterned paper, card stock or embellishments - but I do have my favorite ones, and I'd like to see yours.

So that's your challenge: Use your favorite manufacturer in the majority of your card.

We'll have two card examples today, because we have a guest designer! I am very pleased to introduce Diana Butler (aka Ausome Mom), who is a 365 regular participant and a very fun and friendly blogger.

I am married to a wonderful man and I am a mom of 5 and currently a grandmother of 1 (Maggie). I work full time with a local insurance agency. About 5 years ago, I picked up this new hobby called scrapbooking. I love creating pages about my family and the memories we share together. As of the last couple of years my scrapbooking has fallen by the wayside and I've been an avid card maker. I love that it's a small space to decorate and you can finish it quicker than a layout. I also love the reaction from family and friends when they open a handmade card. (By the way, the AUsome is of course because I am a HUGE Auburn Tigers fan!! I love Auburn and I go to as many games as I can, with my wonderful husband. War Eagle!!). I really appreciate the opportunity to share a card with you guys today and thanks to Pam and the DT here at 365 Cards for allowing me to participate.

Here is Diana's stunning creation:

Here are the details: This card was created using Basic Grey paper from the Offbeat collection and their chip sticker shapes from the Porcelain collection. The ribbon, pearl accents and stamp are from my stash.

We also get to see a card from Gloria, and here it is:

Her card details: All the paper is Basic Grey Urban Prairie.

I have to say, Basic Grey is definitely at the top of my list, and I love how you both used their papers on your cards! Check out more of Diana's 'ausome' work on her blog here.

As for the rest of you - whether you are a BG fan, or your stash is full of another manufacturer, share your favorite with us!

Day 78 - Super Sketchy Sunday

As some of you read this, I may be on a plane heading home. It's been a great trip, but I am ready to get back and do some scrapping!

So let me get on with today's post:

Here is this week's Top Trio:

1)Karina - for her clever use of a font to create this musical card.
2)Shari - for this bold and beautiful card, complete with note paper.
3)Kristie - for a very artistic take on the sketch.

Congrats to all of you, and thanks for the inspiration. You are welcome to grab the Card of the Week blinkie over on the sidebar and put it on your blogs if you would like.

And I feel certain that I've said it before, but this blog is made even better by those of you who consistently participate. I know many of you don't necessarily complete every challenge each week, but you still get a lot done, and for that you deserve a round of applause. For those who did complete all this past week's challenges, well done! And here they are:

Audrey, Rieca, Chrissie, Sherry Ann, Fi, Bex, Tommie, Vickilyn, Rose Miller, Maz, Kim, Wendi, and Debbie Stelton. If I missed anyone (which I've been known to do), don't hesitate to let me know.

Before I share today's sketch, I would like to announce the winner of the 3-month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review. We had 42 entries in the drawing, and the winner is........................................................................................................................................................................
................................ GINNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations - please contact me with an email address, so you can get set up with that free sub!

Here's the sketch for today:

Vicky

Tammy

Sophie

Pam

Kristie

Gloria

Amy

Have fun with the sketch!

Day 77- Make a Note of It

Although I haven't had a chance to look at all the cards from this past week, the ones I have seen are so creative and beautiful! And there are several new people jumping in, and we are thrilled to have you join us.

Today's challenge comes from something I've seen incorporated primarily in layouts, which I suppose makes sense since often on scrapbook layouts we want to make notes about the photos on the page. Well I would like to see you incorporate note paper on your cards, otherwise anything goes.

Here is Vicky's take on the challenge:

Such a sweet little "note" card, Vicky, and a great example of how nicely note paper can be incorporated into the card design.

One final reminder to add your cards for last Sunday's sponsored sketch challenge by 11:59 PM EST!

Day 76 - Four Corners

Is it Friday already? The week has sure flown by for me, although being away from my scrap table has been tough!!

When I get home, this is definitely a challenge I'm going to try -

~Keep the embellishments in the corners of the card~

And don't leave any corner bare!! I know it will be easier said than done, but you'll see that looking at Sophie's card, it can be done. I suppose that it would be good to specify what I am referring to when I say embellishments, just so we're all on the same page. Brads, buttons, ribbon, rhinestones and jewels, stickers, etc. should stay in the corners. Paper, stamped images and anything printed directly on the card stock are acceptable in the center of the card.

And here's how Sophie tackled the challenge:

And that's all there is to it! Well done, Sophie~

It sounds like Mr. Linky has been giving us some more trouble. I will continue to look into it, because I don't want anyone's card to go unacknowledged. Have a wonderful weekend, and we'll see you back here tomorrow.

Day 75 - Imagine This: Coffee

This post comes to you from the lovely state of Iowa! I will be here for just a few days and then it's back home. I've enjoyed all the cards you've been posting, and I am itching to get back to my scraproom!!!

We've had busy (but fun) days on this trip, and I have really relied on coffee to get me going each day, so it is appropriate that today's challenge features coffee as the source of inspiration. It's another Imagine This challenge, and you can either use an image of coffee (cup, beans, etc.) or let an image of it inspire your card.

Today we have 2 cards to share because we have another guest designer. Introducing:

Darlene D'Eon

Hi, my name is Darlene D'Eon. I have been scrapbooking and cardmaking for just over 5 years and totally love this craft. I've done some sort of crafting all of my life usually to help supplement our family income. When I discovered scrapbooking, it became such a personal craft, something special for our family. Something that I hope we'll treasure for years. I have been married to my honey, Gene for almost 25 years and have taken great pleasure in being a mom to our son Keith who is 22 and our daughter BJ, who is 20. Even though I could spend every waking moment scrapbooking, I do have a casual day job as a bank teller and I do still enjoy quilting occasionally. I am so pleased to have had this opportunity to guest design for 365 Cards.

And here is Darlene's card:

Now that is one delicious looking cup of coffee!! Thanks, Darlene, for sharing this with us. If you wish to see more of Darlene's wonderful work, take a peek at her blog here.

And because it's Thursday, we also get to see some eye candy from DT member Amy:

Another fabulous creation - thanks, Amy!!

Don't forget that you have until Saturday night to post a link for the Sunday sketch challenge to be entered into the prize drawing. Details here.

Now it's time to "coffee" up your cards~

Day 74 - DIY: Handwritten Sentiment

Another Do-it-Yourself Challenge~

I think a lot of us probably shy away from writing the sentiment on our cards, because we may not like our handwriting, so of course that's what I'm going to ask you to do!

It doesn't have to be a long sentiment, as long as you handwrite it. And here is what Kristie did:

Well done, Kristie - I had to stare closely because it's written as nicely as any such stamp I own!

It may not be the easiest thing to do, but the beauty of writing the sentiment yourself is that you aren't limited in what you want to say.

Day 73 - Tuesday's Trio

Another Tuesday, another trio!

And today's trio is: circle-scallops-bling - you must include these three things on your card.

And here's Tammy's trio:

Wow - I think Tammy is the card Queen for a Day!! You've all done so well with this type of challenge in the past that I can't wait to see what you come up with for this one.

Just a reminder that you still have until Saturday to link up your card for the sketch challenge in order to enter into the drawing for the subscription to SNR. The details are in the Sunday post, and I've added a link at the top of the sidebar where you'll always be able to find the details for the latest sponsored challenge/s.

Now you can add your trio to the gallery~

Day 72 - Musical Monday

This post comes to you from the fabulous state of Illinois. Usually I work on my posts around 9 PM Pacific time, but now it's coming around 9 PM Central time, so those of you in this time zone may actually get to work on your card tonight!

So I will not waste your time with a wordy post- let's get straight to the challenge:

Use a sheet of music, "musical" paper, or music notes on the card.

Here's what Gloria did with the challenge:

This is so classy, Gloria, and the "musical" portion of the card is perfectly placed!

BTW - I made a mistake in yesterday's post, which I have since corrected. You actually have until this coming Saturday at 11:59 PM EST to complete the sketch challenge in order to have your name thrown into the random drawing for the 3-month subscription to SNR. It doesn't appear that we're having a problem with Mr. Linky anymore, but should those problems recur, your entry will count if you post a link in the comment section of Sunday's post by the cut-off time.

Now - let's make it a musical day!

Day 71 - Super Sketchy Sunday

To those 365ers who are celebrating today - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

I get the pleasure of spending the day with my mom and my daughters. As I write this, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Wisconsin. We are on our way to visit with family in Illinois. Then it's on to Iowa - a Where's Waldo of sorts :) Let me tell you it was a looong day of travel, since we began our day in Washington state, and I had no internet access! I was very disappointed to learn of the Mr. Linky issues that continue to arise, but I am assured that these issues are being resolved.

So, we will carry on as usual here at 365 Cards, and that means we must acknowledge our Top Trio:

1) Sherry Ann - for this super sweet photo card confection.
2) Hazel - we loved your crisp clean grad card.
3) Vickilyn- for a soft and pretty take on this week's sketch.

Congrats ladies - you may grab the blinkie over in the side bar for Card of the Week.

And great work to those who completed all the challenges - which was a particular feat this week, what with the Certain Sentiment challenge. Thanks for linking up everyday this past week:

~Sherry Ann, Bex, Jana D., Fi, Maz, Rose M., Debbie S. and Alicia~

If you completed all the challenges from Sunday to Saturday, and you don't see your name here, let me know.

Today we welcome my friend and fellow staff member at Scrapbook News and Review, Anne House! She has created this wonderful sketch for us, along with her take.

This is beautiful, Anne, thank you! Not only is Anne an essential part of SNR, she also keeps things runningly smoothly over at SNR Card Universe. Have you checked it out? If not pop on over and join in the fun!

So I do believe I mentioned a prize for this challenge...

How about a THREE MONTH Subscription to Scrapbook News and Review? All you have to do is participate in this sketch challenge to have your name entered into the random drawing. Link up your card by 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, May 16th to qualify.

Let's see the DT cards:

Vicky

Tammy

Sophie

Pam

Kristie



Gloria

Amy

Now it's your turn to join in the fun. Create a card for the sketch, link it up, and head on over to SNR Card Universe for some serious fun!