Bittersweet Endings, Exciting Beginnings

Happy New Year!

Today we kick off the first Time Out Challenge of 2025 with a fitting Theme of Beginnings!

Speaking of new beginnings, we are so pleased to welcome a new Design Team Member to our Time Out crafty family: Carol McFadden of Saw it. Had to Make It. Carol is a wonderfully creative person and her cards are a joy and an inspiration. Please join us in welcoming her to the team.

We are generously sponsored by DoodlebugsWA with a $25.00 store credit as a prize for our challenge winner as chosen by the Design Team.

We welcome Ellen Coats of georgia_jayhawk on Instagram, Stamping Sans Souci blog and winner of Time Out #274 as Guest Designer.

In thinking about the card I would make for this challenge, I was trying to come up with something a bit off the beaten path. I decided to use this opportunity to make a card for a special young woman who is quite dear to me and just graduated from college in December from my own alma mater. She is sad to leave her college life, especially her roommates, but she is ready to hit the ground running. I am excited for her, and wish her every good thing as she begins her new chapter. We will celebrate her accomplishments right after New Years. The sentiment is perfect for her.

 Please head on over to the Time Out Challenge Blog where you can see what Ellen and the rest of the Design Team has created for your inspiration. Oh, and speaking of beginnings, with this first challenge of 2025, we are thrilled to welcome Carol McFarland to the Time Out Design Team Family! Come play with us!

Project Details
Stamps/Dies	Unity stamp Company Bittersweet Graduation Cling Stamp My Favorite Things Stitched Scallop Basic Edges Die-namics
Cardstock	110lb. Neenah Solar Crest Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Cardstock Magnolia Dreams Patterned Paper
Ink	Altenew Obsidian Black
Embellishments
Other	Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool Scrapbook.com Craft Glue Altenew  Watercolor Essentials 12 pan set Ranger Artist Brushes

I am also playing at:

Just Us Girls #756 - Use a Die A/G

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Something New

Meadow Bush Happy Birthday

 

It's time for a new challenge at Time Out. This time, we have an Inspired By Words Challenge where the words are :"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." 

We are sponsored by Altenew. They are offering a $15.00 store credit to our challenge winner who will also be invited to join the Time Out Design Team as Guest Designer for a future challenge. We are so pleased to have Arlene Rose of Sunday Stamper Papercrafts as our Guest Designer. Arlene is a wonderful card maker and a frequent player at Time Out. Check out her wonderful make for the challenge HERE.

Altenew is so well known for its florals. Our Design Team really went to town and made some fabulous things with Altenew products. I chose their Meadow Bush stencils & dies in shades of purple. 

Please head over to the Time Out Challenge Blog to see what Arlene and the Design Team have created to inspire you. I can't wait to see your project in the gallery.

Remember, we allow links to a total of 5 challenges including ours. We also need you to tell us in your post, how you were inspired by the quote. Check out the rules in "how to play" on the sidebar of the challenge blog. 

Project Details
Stamps/Dies/Stencils	Altenew Meadow Bush stencils & dies Altenew Label Love stamps A Colorful Life Designs Marvelous Masks Rectangles
Cardstock	110lb. Neenah Solar Crest 80lb. Neenah Solar Crest
Ink	Various PTI, Altenew and Distress Oxide Inks VersaFine Onyx Black Ink
Embellishments	Sequins (unknown brand)
Other	Spellbinders Platinum Plus Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool Waffle Flower Grip Mat  My Sweet Petunia Precision Glue Press Black foam tape (brand unknown) WOW Clear Embossing Powder WOW Dual Speed Heat Tool

I'm also playing at:

Stencil Fun Challenge - June

Inkspirational #317

Thinking of You

It's time for a new challenge at Just Us Girls. Vicky is our host for CASE a DT Week #729. The team loves this challenge. The idea I for you to choose one of our Design Team Members' Cards to CASE ("Copy and Share Everytihng" or "Copy and Selectively Edit"... ) Just use it as your inspiration, and then let us know how you were inspired to create based on the card you choose for you inspiration.

My card is a bold background and an equally bold Sentiment. Easy inspiration to CASE. I blended some Distress Oxide Inks with water on watercolor paper, die cut the panel and glued it on an A2 panel. I then added a large sentiment cut from mirrir card backed for adhesive backed foam and my card was complete.

Please head over to the Just Us Girls Challenge Blog and check out the wonderful creations by the Design Team. . Get crafty with your stash and join us in the gallery! I can't wait to see how and by whom our players are inspired.

Project Details
Stamps/Dies	Waffle Flower Flourish Panel Die Altenew Thinking Of You Die
Cardstock	110lb. Neenah Solar Crest Tonic Studios Glossy Black Mirror Card Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Cardstock
Ink	Distress Oxide Inks
Embellishments
Other	Adhesive backed fun foam Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing     Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer My Sweet Petunia Precision Glue Press

I'm also playing at:

Krafty Chicks Challenge #718 - AG

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - AG

A Walk In The Rain

 

It's Word Week at Just Us Girls. We are hosted by Lisa and joined by Colleen Begley, our Guest Designer for the month of April. 

For my card, I dug out PTI's Scattered Showers which I haven't used in eons. I have a friend going through a tremendously difficult time. Though there is little I can do, I want her to know I am with her. I love the sentiment I chose (Altenew). Also love that Dibble Tile EF in the background. Raindrops (PTI Feathered Finery) were stamped in 3 blues and finished it off with clear drops.

Please head over to the Just Us Girls Challenge Blog and check out the wonderful creations by Colleen and the rest of the Design Team. Get crafty with your craft stash and join us in the gallery!

Project Details
Stamps/Dies, Embossing Folder	Papertrey Ink Scattered Showers Stamps & Dies, Feather Finery Stamps, Cloud Dies Altenew Precious Moments Stamps My Favorite Things Blueprints 27 Die-namics Simon Says Stamp Dibble Tile EF
Cardstock	110lb. Neenah Solar Crest 80lb. Neenah Solar Crest Neenah Desert Storm Recollections Glitter Paper
Ink	Papertrey Ink Raspberry Fizz, Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, Spring Rain VersaMark Memento London Fog
Embellishments	Little Things by Lucy's Cards - Raindrops
Other	Wink Of Stella Clear Altenew Detail Blending Brush Brutus Monroe Alabaster EP Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool My Sweet Petunia Precision Glue Press Scor-Pal Score Tape-1/4" 3M foam tape Waffle Flower 1/16" Foam Strips

I'm playing at:

The Paper Players #684 - Sunshine and Rainbows or Rainy Day Theme

The Sistrehood of Crafters - Showers or Flowers

LOVE

 

It's time for a new challenge at Just Us Girls. It's Word Week this week, the word is LOVE and Elizabeth is our host.

For my card, I used Hero Arts Love & Florals die set that I bought around Valentines Day last year, and never broke it out. Since Elizabeth's chosen word was love, I die cut a white rectangle and backed it with Echo Park patterned paper. I die cut the flowers and colored them with Distress Oxide inks. I popped up the white panel with Fun Foam onto an embossed panel, adhered that to a white card base, and my card was complete.

This month we are joined by Denise Morgans of The Crafty Den as Guest Designer. Please head on over to the Just Us Girls Challenge Blog to see what Denise and the rest of the Design Team have made to spark your creativity. Come play with us!

Project Details
Stamps/Dies	Hero Arts Love and Florals Fancy Dies
Cardstock	110lb. Neenah Solar Crest Echo Park Love Notes 6x6 Paper Pad PTI Ocean Tides
Ink	Distress Oxide - various pinks and greens
Embellishments	Hero Arts Gemstones
Other	Altenew Rows Of Squares 3D Embossing Folder Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer Bearly Art Precision Glue Scor-Pal Score Tape-3/4" Adhesive backed Fun Foam

I'm also playing at:

The Paper Players#675

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Love Is In The Air

Tic Tac Toe Challenge #240

Diagonal - Bottom Left to Top Right

Time Out #251 - Photo Inspiration - Happy Birthday

 

It's time for a new challenge at Time Out. This is such a fun one that we have been doing for a few years now. It is a photo inspiration challenge where the photo is a handmade bag made by Kim Heggins of Running Stitch Design. Kim is a good friend and supporter of Time Out and a former Design Team Member. Winner of this challenge gets the bag as a prize. How cool is that?!

We welcome Ashwini Rao as our Gesst Designer. Ashwini is an very talented paper crafter whose design and coloring skills are remarkable. Be sure to check out her BLOG and leave her some love.

Please head on over to the Time Out Challenge Blog and see what Deb and the Design Team have created for our inspiration. Come play with us!

Project Details
Stamps/Dies	Winnie & Walter The Party Stamp Set
Cardstock	SU Apricot Appeal, Riding Hood Red Carta Bella Botanical Garden 6x6 Cardstock
Ink	VersaFine Onyx Black
Embellishments	PTI Pinefeather Topnotch Twill 3/8" Tape
Other	WOW Clear Embossing Powder Wow Dual Speed Heat Tool Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool Bearly Art Precision Glue Scor-Pal Score Tape-1/8" 3M foam tape

I'm also playing at:

Seize The Birthday - Anything Goes

Triple B Challenge - November

The Tide Will Turn

 

Time for a new challenge at Time Out. This time around it's an Inspired By Words Challenge where the words are: When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in". ~ Kristin Armstrong. Check out Tie Out Challenge #250  

This card speaks of me and my love for the sea and the calm, peace and companionship it brings. The quote brought to mind some panels I had made with Gina K's Ocean Minded stamp set. The heart is embossed with Hero Arts Sand EP and represents a drawing in the sand. The sentiment is so perfect for support and encouragement for someone who going through a difficult time. The embossed waves in the background added some wonderful texture. I just love it.

We are generously sponsored by Poppystamps.

Winner received a $20.00 gift voucher and an invitation to be Guest Designer for a future challenge.

Our Guest Designer is Deb Horst, frequent participant at Time Out, and very talentedl crafter. Be sure to stop by the challenge blog to see her beautiful card.

Please head on over to the Time Out Challenge Blog and see what Deb and the Design Team have created for our inspiration. Come play with us!

Project Details
Stamps/Dies	Gine K Designs Ocean Minded Wilson Designs Teeny Bikini Waffle Flower A2 Layers Dies My Favorite Things Blueprints 27
Cardstock	110# & 80# Neenah Solar Crest SU Night of Navy
Ink	Distress Oxide Inks VersaMark
Embellishments
Other	Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool Bearly Art Precision Glue Scor-Pal Score Tape 1/8" Black foam tape WOW Cotton Candy Embossing Powder Hero Arts Sand Embossing Powder Altenew From Land To Sea Embossing Folder WOW Dual Speed Heat Tool

I'm also playing at:

Krafty Chicks #687 - All Occasions

NBUS #55

My new Altenew From Land To Sea Embossing Folder

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Meadow Bush Hello

I love the colors in the Altenew August 2023 Inspiration Challenge. As I was going through my Altenew stash, The Meadow Bush Stencil and Die set inspired me to play, and this is what happened. I used Ranger Minty Fresh Lunar paste on the centers of the flowers and it gave them a lovely sheen. I could not seem to catch it in my photo, but it looks great IRL.

Project Details
Stamps/Dies/Stencils	Altenew Meadow Bush Layering Stencil & Die Set Altenew Versatile Greetings Dies
Cardstock	80# & 110# Neenah Solar White 80# Neenah Desert Storm PTI True Black
Ink	Altenew Crisp Dye Inks - Rocky Shore, Peach Parfait, Volcano Lake, Lagoon, Emerald
Embellishments
Other	Ranger Minty Fresh Lunar Paste Altenew Waffled Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool Bearly Art Precision Glue Scor-Pal Score Tape-1" SSS Foam Squares

I am also playing at:

NBUS #53

Layering Stencils, Vresatile Greetings Dies, Lunar Paste, Dye Inks

Celebrate and Enjoy Your Day

 

Time Out Challenge #244 is up and running. We are challenged to be Monochromatic - use just ONE color in as many  tones and shades as you wish.

We are generously sponsored by Varada Sharma. There will be 2 challenge winners - one drawn at random, and one chosen by the Time Out Design Team. Each will get a $15.00 gift voucher to spend at Varada Sharma's store. Our winner chosen by the Design Team will also be invited to Guest Design with us for a future challenge.

Our Guest Designer this time is Stephanie Serrano of  Stephanie's Stampin' Spot and most frequently on Instagram at @22Stepanieserrano.  Stephanie uses lots of color and humor in her creations. Do visit her Instagram for a good look at her work. You are sure to be inspired.

I used 3 shades of Distress Oxide ink in pink hues to color a die cut made with Altenew's Floral Lace Die and glued it on to a white card base. I stamped and heat embossed a sentiment from Paper Smooches Birthday Bash stamp set with clear embossing powder and my card was complete.

Please head on over to the Time Out Challenge Blog to see the wonderful creations that Stephanie and the Design Team came up with to inspire you. Come play with us!

Project Details
Stamps/Dies	Altenew Floral Lace Die Paper Smooches Birthday Bash
Cardstock	110# Neenah Solar Crest 80# Neenah Solar White
Ink	VersaFine Clair Nocturne Kitsch Flamingo, Spun Sugar & Tattered Rose DO inks
Embellishments
Other	Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool SSS Craft Glue Stick WOW Clear Embossing Powder WOW Heat Tool

I'm also playing at:

AAA Birthday #52 - Anything Birthday Goes

Seize The Birthday #266 - Anything Goes

Krafty Chicks #674 - All Occasions

Stargazer Birthday

When I saw the Color Hues Challenge colors, I immediately thought of Altenew's gorgeous Stargazer Lily layered stamp set. I got to work stamping 4 sets of flowers and leaves with my Altenew Stampwheel. I embossed a panel with Altenew's Simple Frame EF, arranged the flower and leaves on it and popped up that panel onto the card base. To finish, I stamped and clear embossed a sentiment from Altenew's Fresh Freesia. I love the way this turned out!

Project Details
Stamps/Dies	Altenew Build-A-Flower: Stargazer stamps and dies Altenew Fresh Freesia stamp set
Cardstock	80# &110# Neenah Solar Crest
Ink	VersaFine Onyx Black Various Altenew & PTI inks
Embellishments
Other	Altenew Stampwheel Altenew Simple Frame embossing folder Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool Bearly Art Precision Glue SU Dimensionals

I am also playing at:

Seize The Birthday #265

The Paper Players #650

NBUS Challenge #52

Best Day Ever

These gorgeous cone flowers are the result of my Altenew Stampwheel 101 class with Michele. Lots of Yays there. I used Altenew ink cubes for the flower petals and stems, and PTI inks for the flower centers. I love the way they look on kraft, and the embossed background is a lovely stage for them.

I'm playing at: 

Krafty Chicks Challenge #670 - AG

Try It On Tuesday - Summer Blooms

Seize The Birthday #264 - AG

Project Details
Stamps/Dies	Altenew Build-A-Flower Cone Flower stamps & dies Pink & Main Sentiment Strips
Cardstock	110# Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Neenah ENVIRONMENT Desert Storm 80#
Ink	Tsukineko VersaFine Clair Nocturne Various Altenew and PTI Inks
Embellishments
Other	Altenew Stampwheel CZ Design Sentiment Strips Reverse Birthday Spellbinders Plaid Company Embossing Folder Spellbinders Platinum Plus Die Cutting & Embossing Machine Scor-Pal Score Board Fiskars 12" SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer MISTI Stamping Tool Bearly Art Precision Glue SU Dimensionals