Beautiful Blossoms Challenge - Jul/Aug 2026

Hello Friends and Happy Wednesday!  It's time for a new challenge at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge Blog, where it's Anything Florals Goes.

Our optional inspiration photo is a lovely Water Lily in a very eye-catching Blue/Violet.  Water Lily also happens to be July's Flower of the Month, along with the Larkspur.  I was directly inspired by the photo for my team project this month.

Using the Water Lilies digital image from Varada Sharma, I've created an All Occasion Card.  I've colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers and dies from Catherine Pooler for the focal and postage stamp mat.

The sentiment is from the Heartfelt Sentiments Pack, also by Varada Sharma.  It has been cut using a die from Catherine Pooler and popped on foam pads.  I've added a nest of gold thread from Altenew for added interest.

The designer paper is from the Bokeh pack by Stampin' Up and lastly, I've added Gold Dazzles for sparkle and shine.

The team and I hope you'll join us this month at the Challenge, we look forward to seeing your Floral Projects!  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge

Word Art Wednesday

The Sisterhood of Crafters

AAA Colorful

Creative Crafters

CD Sunday +

We Love Stamping

Pink Gem Challenge

Triple B Challenge

Pattie's Creations

The Paper Funday Challenge - October 2025

Happy Wednesday Friends!  Wow, it's October and Autumn is here, hopefully you are experiencing cooler weather and seeing lots of beautiful Fall Colors.  Today begins a new challenge month at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog.  Our generous sponsors this month are Varada Sharma Designs and Scrappy Tails Crafts and our Optional Twist is: Cute or Creepy.

For my design team project, I've used images from the Fairy Botanicals Stamp and Coordinating Die Sets by Scrappy Tails Crafts, to create a cute Autumn card.  

I've colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers and the patterned papers are from the "Fall Fun" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella.  I've also followed Sketch #10 by Mary at Cardz TV, and you can find all her FREE sketches HERE. 

After die cutting the image, foam pads were added and adhered to the oval die cut mini panel.  The sentiment has been popped on craft foam as well, and is from an Autumn sentiment strip pack from Simon Says Stamp.  Lastly, I've added gold sequins to finish off the design.  

I forgot to mention that I've scored a line around the perimeter of the brown mat to add a bit more interest, and it also helped me line up the squares.  

We hope you'll join us at the Challenge this month, and share your crafty creations. You may even want to try the Optional Twist of Cute or Creepy.  So, until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

The Crafting Challenge

Critter Crazy

Die Cut Divas

Passion for Markers

Try it on Tuesday

Girlz Creative Fun

All Sorts

Di's Digi Design

Sweet Stampin'

Pammie's Inky Pinkies

The Paper Funday Challenge - April 2025

Hello Crafty Friends and Welcome to a new challenge month at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog.  Wow, it's April already and I'm behind on flower planting, however I've created a floral card to tide me over until I can get my potted plants going.

Our sponsors for this month are Varada Sharma Designs and Whimsy Stamps.  Our Optional Twist is: Things that begin with the letter "B".  I've chosen to use the Bold Blooms digital image from Varada Sharma Designs for my project, and I've incorporated the Twist as well.

I've colored the image using alcohol markers and die cut with a nesting oval die from Hero Arts.  I've kept the design fairly simple, using a light pink panel of designer paper with a thin black mat. 

The sentiment is a pre-made sentiment strip from the Tim Holtz Small Talk pack, and has been popped on foam pads, along with a nesting of gold thread behind. To complete the design, I've splattered using a Gold Posca Paint Pen.

We hope you'll visit The Paper Funday Challenge this month and share your projects with us.  My teamies have created lovely projects too, and we hope to inspire you.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Art Nudge - #425A

The Crafting Challenge

Moving Along with the Times

The Four Seasons Challenge

CD Sunday +

Dragonfly Dreams

All Sorts

Sweet Stampin'

Blessings by Varada Sharma Designs

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Thursday!  Today I have a quick share featuring a CAS design and one of the newest floral images from the September 2024 Release by Varada Sharma Designs.

For my card today, I've colored the "Blessings" floral image using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.  The sentiment I've used is included in this digital set.

I've arranged the floral image as cascading downwards and sized the sentiment to fit along side.  This image is easy coloring, and I was in the mood for blues and greens.

The only bells and whistles added are coordinating enamel dots and a black mat, which I think highlight the pretty blue color.  That's all I have for today!  Have a fantastic day and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Krafty Chicks Challenge

Cardz 4 Galz

Word Art Wednesday

Penny's Challenges

Passion for Markers

A Place to Start

Path of Positivity

CD Sunday +

We Love Stamping

Triple B Challenge

Coneflowers

Hi Crafty Friends and Happy Monday!  I hope your weekend went well and you had some crafty time.  I did a bit of crafting therapy yesterday and colored up the newest digital design from Varada Sharma, it's her Coneflowers.   I love coneflowers, they are another one of my favorites, I especially like them in bold colors, however I chose to go with a light color palette this time. 

I've colored the florals using Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, the patterned papers are from an older 6x6 paper pad by Kaiser Craft called "Sea Breeze".  I've die cut the focal image and mat using nesting circle dies from Kat Scrappiness, the sentiment is a cut apart from the paper pad.

I've added no bells or whistles to this card, other than a bit of linen thread for a bow and white highlight accents.  The focal image and sentiment have been popped on craft foam for dimension.

That's all I have for today.  I hope you have a splendid week ahead and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Dream Valley

Creative Moments

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Stamping Sensations

Love Those Pretty Papers

Crafty Calendar

Creative Fingers

Ally's Angels

Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Spotlight on Floral Whimsy

Hello Friends and Happy Thursday!  The weekend is just over the hill, I hope you have something lovely planned.  

I have a quick share today featuring the Floral Whimsy digital image from Varada Sharma Designs.  This new image is FREE with Varada's Silver Membership, all you have to do is click the Subscribe button on her Shop website and you'll receive free digis each month. No Cost to you..it's free.  

Varada showcased the spotlight technique on her Instagram LIVE last Saturday, her LIVE presentation is the 2nd Saturday of each month, and you can watch/craft along with her on Instagram.  I missed her LIVE presentation but created this CAS spotlight card using the Free Floral Whimsy image.

The pops of color were created using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, and the circles were cut using the nesting circle dies from Kat Scrappiness.  The sentiment is from Stampin' Up and has been heat embossed using fine detail white embossing powder.

Lastly, I've splattered gold Posca Paint Pen and added blue gems. I hope you'll give the spotlight technique a try.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Krafty Chicks

Cardz 4 Galz

Creative Inspiration

Simply Clean & Simple

Word Art Wednesday

Crafty Gals Corner

Ally's Angels

Moving Along with the Times

NBUS

The Crafting Challenge

  

Beautiful Blossoms Challenge Jul/Aug 2024

Hello and Happy Monday!  I hope everyone is doing well and surviving this terrible heatwave.  If you were affected by Hurricane Beryl, please know I'm holding you and yours up in prayer.  

It's time for a new challenge month at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge Blog.  Our optional inspirational mood board this month has a bit of a tropical twist; so appropriate for this time of year.  

I have a hibiscus background stamp I was going to use for my project, but my sweet friend Varada Sharma of Varada Sharma Designs sent me this gorgeous digi stamp titled "Enchanted Blooms" and I just had to use it.

I went with a bright color palette that I thought best represented the colors of the bromeliads in the photo.  The image has been colored using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.

The size of this card is my favorite 5.5" square, I've kept it CAS, adding some hot pink gems and Wink of Stella on every flower.  Lastly, I've splattered the card from with white and gold Posca Pen.  The sentiment is from the "Beautiful Quotes" Stamp Set by Altenew.

Please stop by the challenge and see what gorgeousness my teamies have created, and please share your Floral Focused projects with us this month. Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Ally's Angels

Creative Crafters

A Place to Start

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

All Sorts

Crafty Calendar

Creative Inspiration

Word Art Wednesday

Small Watercolor Florals by Varada Sharma Designs

Hello Friends and Happy Thursday!  I have a quick share for you today featuring the Small Watercolor Florals Stamp Set by Varada Sharma Designs for Rubberstamps.com.  This is a gorgeous set and currently on sale for $9.99 US at Rubberstamps.com.

I've created a frame using nesting stitched rectangle dies from Kat Scrappiness and randomly stamped the images using Catherine Pooler Inks.  I've ink blended and splattered the inner piece of card with water.  After dry, I've stamped the sentiment, which is included in the set, popped the piece on craft foam and mounted in place.

Lastly, I've added blue sequins, from my stash, as an accent.  I love the loose and artsy style of the florals.  There is a companion set, the Large Watercolor Florals, that I shared a week or so ago.

That's all I have for today.  Have a fantastic day and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Word Power Challenge

AYLI - no matter how hard I try at a CAS, I still create a fussy card - so it's Fussy for me

Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge

Color Throwdown

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Night Owls

Cupcake Inspirations

Dream Valley

A Place to Start

613 Avenue Create

Outlawz Monday Greetings

Varada Sharma Designs - Large Watercolor Florals

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday!  My sweet friend Varada Sharma has created the perfect set of watercolor florals for Rubberstamps.com and she's invited me to join her today for an Instagram Live!

Using her stamp set, Large Watercolor Florals and inks by Catherine Pooler, I've created an all occasion card of Best Wishes.  I was going for a teal and coral color combo.

This was a quick and easy card to create, I've randomly stamped the images around a card panel, alternating the colors and positions.  Once I was happy with the look, I've matted with black card and adhered to the card base.

The sentiment is included in this set and I love the font.  I've stamped on a stitched sentiment strip die cut and mounted on foam pads for dimension.  Before adhering to the card, I've tucked in a nest of gold thread from Altenew. 

Currently, this set is specially priced at $9.99 US and can be found HERE.  I hope you'll pop over to Rubberstamps.com and see all the other wonderful sets by Varada Sharma Designs.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Creative Fingers

AYLI - I like cute but tend to go with florals because I own many, many floral sets

Creative Knockouts

Creative Inspiration

Fab 'n Funky

The Sisterhood of Crafters

Word Art Wednesday

Creative Inspirations

Crafty Gals Corner

Exotic Orchids at Pammie's Inky Pinkies

Hello and Happy Monday!  It's a busy Monday around the blog today. It's the 1st Monday of the month and I have 3 team posts for you today so let's get started!

Today begins a new challenge week at Pammie's Inky Pinkies.  Our sponsor this week is the generous Varada Sharma Designs and for my team project, I've colored the Exotic Orchids digital stamp using my Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers.

This is a gorgeous digi stamp that would be great for a slimline or mini slimline card, however I chose to go Clean and Simple with a standard A2 sized card.  

I'm not certain if Purple Orchids exist but purple is my favorite color so I went with it.  The sentiment is included in this digi set, I did free hand draw the pebbles in the vase.  I also love using my "old skool" corner punches and wanted to add a bit more visual interest to the card.  Lastly, I've added lilac gems for sparkle and shine!

Please stop in at Pammie's this week to see what my teamies created and link up your project!  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Make My Monday

Outlawz Greetings

A Place to Start

LeAnn's World

Let's Craft and Create

CD Sunday

Crafty Calendar

Paperbabe

Creative Fingers

SSS Wed Challenge

Hay There

Hello and Happy Sunday!  Today is a quick share for Varada Sharma Designs.  I've created a card using one of the new images from the Farm Friends Digital set, which is part of the larger "Fun Times" Release for October 2022.

 The Farm Friends Set includes this sweet Dairy Cow, a Duck and a Fluffy Sheep.  I've colored my cow using alcohol markers and the papers are from the Bo Bunny "Kiss the Cook" 6x6 paper pad.

I've followed a sketch from one of Cards by Kendra's quarterly challenges.  The sentiment is from the Moo-tiful Friends Stamp set by Not 2 Shabby.

I've added 3 black gems for sparkle and shine.  I plan to stamp a birthday greeting inside and send to my niece on her birthday next Spring.  She's in 4-H and she loves farm animals.  

That's all I have for you today.  Have a wonderful week ahead and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

CD Sunday

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Crafty Animals

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Unicorn Challenge

4-Season Challenge

Passion for Markers

NBUS

Ally's Angels

   

Fun Times Instagram Hop - Varada Sharma Designs

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday!  Today, the team from Varada Sharma Designs is celebrating the Fun Times Release for October 2022 with an Instagram Hop.  There are (3) $10 Gift Vouchers up for Grabs.  You can find the 1st Hop Stop HERE starting at 10 AM CST (11 AM EST).

My project today features the Water Lilies Digital Image, which is part of the larger Fun Times Release.  I've chosen to create a Card of Encouragement however this lovely floral image is perfect for any occasion.  

Water Lilies belong to a family of approximately 60 species of freshwater flowering water plants. They thrive in the temperate and tropical parts of the world.  We have them growing in the Lake by our home and they are soft pink with yellow centers so I've colored mine the same. 

I've colored the florals with Prismacolor Pencils and blended using Gamsol.  The focal panel was cut using a fancy edged rectangle die from Alina Craft, the patterned paper is from the Secret Gardenia 4.5" x 7" pad by Recollections.  

I used my distressing tool from Tim Holtz to give the edges a tattered look and inked around the panel with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink.  The sentiment is from the Feathered Lilies Stamp Set from Altenew and the pink gems are from Kat Scrappiness.

Please join us and Hop along for your chance to win a gift voucher to the Varada Sharma Designs online Shop.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Word Art Wednesday

Penny's Challenges

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday

Outlawz Tuesday Colors

TTCRD

Crafty Friends

Crafts Galore Encore

Time Out Challenges

Cardz 4 Galz

Addicted to Stamps and More

 

   

 

Varada Sharma - Fun Times New Release Oct. 2022

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday!  It's New Release Day at Varada Sharma Designs.  The Fun Times Release for October 2022 contains some lovely images for Autumn, Halloween and Diwali.  There are SVG cutting files included in this release as well.

For my project today, I've used the Gnome Witch digital image; part of the Halloween 2022 set,  but went with an Autumn theme.  The designer papers are from the Carta Bella Fall Market 6x6 paper pad.

I've colored Ms. Gnome Witch using alcohol markers, fussy cut and popped on foam tape for dimension.  The background panel is from the Mini Creative Pad - Wood by P13.  

I've added Chocolate Gems from Kat Scrappiness and Twine with Gold Thread from Spellbinders.  The Candy Corn is from Brach's and yes....after photographing, I ate them!

Be sure to stay tuned, the Varada Sharma team will be hosting an Instragram Hop on the 12th of October.  Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

Outlawz Festive Friday

Paperbabe

Your Next Stamp

Pattie's Creations

Creative Knockouts

Aud Sentiments

Craft Rocket

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Crafty Gals Corner

We Love Stamping

There's a Stamp for That

Varada Sharma Designs - Daisies and Bleeding Hearts

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Friday!  It's hard to believe this is the last day of September.  My favorite time of year is fast approaching, I love the holidays in the month of October, November and December.  So many projects to make, so little time.

Today, I've went almost Spring/Summer with a card featuring the Daisies and Bleeding Hearts digital image from Varada Sharma Designs.  

I've colored the image using alcohol markers and kept the florals a more traditional color.  The sentiment is from the Heartfelt Sentiments Set from Varada Sharma.  The papers are from an older paper stack from The Paper Studio.

I wanted the card to be bright and cheerful, I will put it away until I need a Get Well Card or a Note to brighten someone's day.

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Creative Fingers

Krafty Chicks

Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge

Crafty Catz

Varada Sharma Designs - Floral Wishes

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Wednesday!  Today I'm featuring the Mini Slimline Floral Wishes digital image and sentiment from Varada Sharma.  This image is part of the larger Spring Blessings Digital set for the March 2022 release.

I've colored the image using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers, then fussy cut and set aside to work on the background.  

I've embossed a background panel using the Picnic Floral Embossing Folder from Simon Says Stamp.  This folder is part of the Vintage Garden Stamp Kit for August 2022.  It's a 3-D folder that leaves the prettiest floral image impressions over the entire card panel.  The stamp kit has sold out but I do believe the stamp set, coordinating dies and embossing folder can be purchased separately now.  

To finish off the design, I've cut a flag banner out of a snippet of patterned paper from a digital paper set from Polkadoodles and added iridescent sequins for shine.

That's all I have for today friends.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Addicted to Stamps and More

Word Art Wednesday

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday

Try It On Tuesday

Can You Handle the Pressure?

CD Sunday

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Stamping Sensations

We Love Stamping

Dragonfly Dreams

Varada Sharma Designs - Thank You Bouquet

Hello Friends and Happy Thursday!  Today I have a quick share for you featuring a digi stamp from Varada Sharma Designs.  This is gorgeous floral bouquet can be found HERE and I'd like to say "Thank You" to Varada Sharma for giving us all a freebie!

To start, I've printed the image on Canson Mixed Media paper and loosely watercolored using my Gansai Tambi watercolor paints.  I've fussy cut the image and proceeded to assemble the card using Sketch #154 from Operation Write Home.

The designer patterned papers are from the Prima Marketing "Havana" 6x6 paper pad and the sentiment, from an Altenew stamp set, has been heat embossed using fine detail gold powder.  I should note I have a little container full of sentments I've created ahead of time and I will pick something from there once and a while.

I've splattered the florals with white watercolor paint and used the image as the circle in the sketch.

I've so enjoyed using card sketches recently and I think I will continue until my design Mojo comes back.  I find that Operation Write Home has many wonderful sketches but a Google search for sketches brings up many choices.  

Please note the Operaton Write Home project closed several years ago but the sketches still remain.

That's all I have for you today.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna 

** Challenges Entered:

QKR Stampede

Creations in Pink

Creative Crafters

Creative Crafting Uncles

WWO DT Challenge

Sweet Stampers

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

TTCRD

Stamps Fun Creativity

.

Free Floral Bouquet from Varada Sharma Designs

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Thursday!  Today I'm sharing a Friendship card created with a Free Digi Stamp courtesy of Varada Sharma Designs.  There are 2 floral images included in this Free Bundle and you can find it HERE.

I've printed the image and sentiment using a laser printer so I could hot foil them using toner reactive foil and a laminator.  I've colored the image with alcohol markers and due cut the focal panel with a tag die.

The patterned papers are from a Recollections 6x6 paper pad that I've had in my stash for ages.  I was looking for a particular color of blue and found it in this older paper pad.  Gold Flecked Gems from CTMH have been added as accents and Gold Thread from Altenew is added to the tag.

Thanks for visiting and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Rabisco

Outlawz Twisted Thursday

Craft Rocket

Creative Inspirations