Friday, January 30, 2015

Do You Love Me? for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog.  This week's theme is "hearts".  I found the most delightful image to work with!


This QKR Stampede digi is called "Love Note" (digi604).  I colored the image with Copic markers, fussy cut it, and mounted it on a piece of ombre card stock. 
The Strawberry Cupcake twine behind the image is from Timeless Twine. The designer papers are Echo Park Head Over Heels 6x6 papers.  The heart bling is from Close To My Heart.  
Come join us this week at QKR Stampede for our "hearts" challenge.  I looking forward to seeing what you make!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Valentine's
Fairytale Challenge -- something with a heart
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Warm Winter Witches! For The East Wind

It's Friday, and new release day at The East Wind.   And, I'm happy to say, this is my first official post as part of The East Wind Instagram Design Team!
Today's new release, Unkytoon Bundled Up, was a delight to color!


Don't you wish your hair looked like that?  All shiny and pretty?  I wish I was brave like this little witch.  My hair has never even seen a bottle of dye.  And, those shoes!  Green!  What could be better than green shoes?!?
After I had the fun of coloring Unkytoon Bundled Up with Copic Markers, I used a Spellbinders die to cut out the image. The snowflakes are a die from Cheery Lynn.  The designer papers are from Echo Park. There's a bit of silver shimmer trim from Close To My Heart to finish it off.
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
The Paper Shelter -- Lots of Layers
Digi Chooseday -- Cool Blue

Love! {my 3 Girl JAM}

It's Thursday, and my day to post on the 3 Girl JAM blog.  I love my days to post there and design with 3 Girl JAM products!  Today, I have a card to share with you.


I used 2 different 3 Girl JAM ribbon products on this card. There's Pretty Pink Flower Diecut Ribbon and crinkle ribbon from the Ribbon Candy Bundle
I used an Art by Miran image on this card.  It is part of a progressive challenge.  I got this first image at a discount.  I'll enter it this month, and get next month's free.  What a great way to get a collection of wonderful digis from an artist I admire!
I colored this image with Copic markers.  I used several Spellbinders dies to cut it out.  All the papers are from Close To My Heart. 
The 3 Girl JAM Anything Goes Challenge is almost over, so get your entries in quick! 
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Art by Miran Facebook Progressive Challenge

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

My Aim is True -- for SDS

Happy Hump Day!  The last one in January.  Where has this month gone?  I'm posting today for Snapdragon Snippets.  I love their files -- they are so versatile!  I'll show you a bit of that versatility today with 2 cards.
First, a Valentine's Day card where I used my Silhouette Cameo, a Snapdragon Snippets Valentine card file, and a stamp set, then a card that looks like a quilt -- for those of us that like quilts but can't make them.
The Valentine's Day card:


This card, called the A2 Inward Heart Card, is available at the Silhouette Design Store.  I used different shades of Valentine papers and layered up the hearts.  Then, I got out a Close To My Heart stamp set and did a bit of simple stamping on it.  Poof!  It's done!
Next, I have a card with a quilt feel -- the Nordic Star Long Card. You can find it HERE in the Snapdragon Snippets Store.
This one fits in a business size envelope -- love that!  
I made a quilt once.  I took a class.  It was called "Quilt in a Day."  It took me longer than that just to buy the fabric.  Many months later, my quilt was done.  Now, I stick to quilt themed cards.  I can usually make one of those in a day -- if I stay on task!

Maybe it's my Norwegian heritage, but I find this pattern very appealing.  I used double sided card stock from Echo Park, so this went together very quickly.  It is already distressed, so I didn't even have to do that!
Check out the Snapdragon Snippets Store for lots of great SVG files.  More are being added all the time!  The Snapdragon Snippets blog has tons of inspiration from the talented design team.  Check out the Snapdragon Snippets Facebook Page for more ideas, news, fun, and inspiration.  And, there's the Snapdragon Snippets Creative Garden Fan Page -- a great place to share your creations and be inspired by others. 

Monday, January 26, 2015

You Make My Heart Dance!

I did it, I did it!  I colored my first ever Aurora Wings image.  I love the artwork by Mitzi Sato-Wiuff, and I have purchased several of her digis from her Etsy store. Until today, I haven't been brave enough to tackle one.  I had a free afternoon, so I gave it a go.  
Here's my interpretation of Flower Ballerina:


I colored the image with Copic markers.  I used a Lawn Fawn die to cut out the image.  The designer paper is from American Crafts XOXO Collection.  The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  It is from the Baby Bundle.  I computer generated the sentiment.  The bling gems are from Prima Marketing.  The stickpins are by Petaloo.  I added some glitter accents to the flowers (visible only in real life) with a Wink of Stella clear glitter brush.
I believe I just made my husband's Valentine's Day card.  That makes me feel like dancing!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Aurora Wings Challenge Blog -- Valentine's Theme
TTCRD -- ATG
AUD Sentiments Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art - Thankful Thursday -- Valentine
D.L. Art -- January Linky Party
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG
Kit and Clowder -- January Challenge -- ATG
Craft Dee Bowz -- ATG with a Homemade Bow
MarkerPop! Challenge -- Valentine's Day



I Ruff You

The plans I had made for today were cancelled due to snow and freezing drizzle so I have an unexpected day of crating time.  I'm using it to practice my coloring and enter a couple challenges.  This little cutie, from Gerda Steiner, is part of a progressive challenge.  You buy the first image, then enter the challenge, and the next month is free!   I love her whimsical images, so, here goes!
Meet Oscar!
I have a friend with a weiner dog named Oscar.  He's a long-haired Dachshund.  If you squint your eyes just right, he looks kind of like this.  Kinda.
The original Gerda Steiner digi stamp, Dachshund in Love,looks like this.
I used just the dog portion, colored it with Copi markers, then mounted it on a card front.  The Valentine Window Card Top cutting file is from The Cutting Cafe. I stamped the word "ruff" using a retired Close To My Heart stamp set.  All card stock is also from Close To My Heart. To connect the heart, I used a bit of Aqua Blue Timeless Twine.  I {heart} that color!
That's it!  Off to do some more coloring!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Gerda Steiner Jan. Challenge -- Dachshund in Love
Creative Cutting Edge -- Valentine 


I Love You -- for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps Challenge Blog. This week's theme is "Hearts".  I embraced the theme with this card! 


I used 3 Eureka Stamps digis on this card: Heart Eighth Notes (digi9005), Heart Note (digi9007), and "I Love You" (digi903).
The heart shaped trio card is a cutting file from The Cutting Cafe. The designer papers are from Close To My Heart -- The Snowhaven Paper Pack. The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  It is from the Red, White, and Blue Bundle
Come join us this week at Eureka Stamps for our "Hearts" challenge!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Bee My Honey -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog. This week's theme is one of my favorites -- shaped cards.  Since Valentine's Day is coming up soon, I created a shaped card with that theme in mind:


I used QKR Stampede digi Honey Bear (digi501) on this card. I colored the bear with Copic markers and fussy cut it out.  The heart-shaped card is a cutting file from The Cutting Cafe, found here.  Papers are from Close To My Heart. The crinkle ribbon and Flair button are both from 3 Girl JAM.
Do you like shaped cards?  I think they add so much punch to a card, and the possibilities are endless!  Join our shaped card challenge this week at QKR Stampede.  I'd love to see what you make!

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Joy!

Another Christmas card.  What am I thinking?  This one is for The Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge.

The delightful free image this month is from All Dressed Up, and she was such a joy to color.  That is the reason for the sentiment I chose!  It was pure joy making this card. 
This Christmas girl is colored with Copic markers.  I used 2 different Spellbinders dies, then mounted her to a designer paper from American Crafts -- Noel 6x6 paper pad.  The card base and bling are from Close To My Heart.  The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  It is from the Ribbon Candy Bundle.
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
All Dressed Up Challenges -- ATG as long as it's a Dressy stamp
The Outlawz Progressive Challenge -- January Freebie
Kit and Clowder -- Jan Challenge, ATG

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

A Very Special Birthday Card -- for The Cutting Cafe

I'm posting today for The Cutting Cafe, and the assignment is to use The 2015 Calendar Printable Set or The 2015 Day Calendar Printable Set.  There are so many possibilities with either of these!  Here's what I decided.
I have a very special friend, one of the first people I met when I moved to Chetek nearly 30 years ago, who is turning 95 in a couple months.  I decided to use the 2015 Day Calendar Printable Set to make a very special birthday card:


 Milt's birthday is, obviously, March 26, so I printed that day from the set.  I also used the Birthday Tags Printable Set for the "wish" sentiment, punched with a 1 1/2 inch circle punch. 
The papers have been in my stash forever.  I believe they are from My Mind's Eye.  I made the flowers using Ariana stamps and dies by Heartfelt Creations.  The Kraft card base is from Close To My Heart.  
I wanted the card to have a masculine feel, yet be for a man who always had a beautiful flower garden.  I hope I pulled it off!
Visit The Cutting Cafe blog on Jan. 21 or later to see the other wonderful creations from this talented design team.  Leave a comment on the post for a chance to win 3 sets of your choice.  There are many wonderful sets to choose from!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Crafty Sentiments - for a Man
Cardz 4 Guys -- ATG


Love Birds -- for Amy Doodle's Stamp Co.

Don't put those Christmas stamps and digis away just yet!  I'm posting today for Amy Doodle's Stamp Company, and our challenge this week is to use a digi in an unusual way.  So, I used a Christmas stamp and turned it into a Valentine's Day card.


This Amy Doodle's Stamp Co. digi looks like this:


With a little editing magic (cropping out the mistletoe), the birds can be used for just about any season. 
I colored Mistletoe Owls with Copic markers, then used some Wink of Stella markers to add some hints of glitter.
The heart-shaped card, by Snapdragon Snippets, an be found HERE. The card stock and Flair button are from Close To My Heart. The designer paper is from Echo Park and the ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.
Check the Amy Doodle's Stamp Co Facebook page for more great inspiration and lots of FUN!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Cards und More -- Animals
Digi Chooseday -- Love & Romance

Monday, January 19, 2015

Happy Treat Bag -- for Timeless Twine

Happy Monday, everyone!  We're having a little light snow here today, so the project I'm sharing here and on the Timeless Twine blog is a perfect fit. 
My husband takes his lunch to work everyday.  I like to make little surprises for him and tuck them in his lunch bag.  This is one of those surprises:


I found this Snowflake Short Envelope Bag at the Silhouette Design store.  I used Aqua Blue Twine, Cherry Red TwineClearly Beloved Sequins, and Clearly Beautiful Loose Sequins on this bag.




Tucked inside the Snowflake envelope is a Bella Creationz Kraft Tag.  

I covered a portion of it with designer paper, then used the "NEW" Bella Creationz Happy Days Clear Stamp Set (year round sentiments).


Supplies used on tag:



I had so much fun making my happy snowflake treat bag.  I hope it makes my husband's day brighter!

Don't Ruffle My Feathers -- for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps Challenge Blog.  This week our theme is "The color RED".  Fun!
I've been wanting to color up this amazingly adorable bird digi, so I did:


He's got attitude, doesn't he?  I used a QKR Stampede (our sister company) digi, Walking Birdie (digi14706) and colored him with Copic markers. The sentiment is another QKR Stampede digi "Ruffle Feathers" (digi15103).  I used several sizes of Spellbinder circle dies to make this card.  
The designer paper is the Snowhaven Paper Pack from Close To My Heart.  The bling is from my stash.
Please join us this week at Eureka Stamps for our 'Color Red' challenge.  I'd love to see what you make!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Big Hair & Big Books!

I fell in love with this 'The East Wind' image as soon as I saw it.  What's not to love?  Hair piled high, reading a book, animals, birds, hearts, and a chopstick.  Pure bliss!

The original image I purchased looked like this.

I got busy creating.
I colored Lucy Loo first, using Copic markers.  Oh, that hair!  It was so. much. fun!  Then, I found a digi from DigiStamps4Joy in my collection that I knew would work perfectly -- the stack of books. 

I printed the books and the computer generated sentiment on watercolor paper.  I used my NEW Prismacolor pencils on the books and a watercolor wash behind where Lucy Loo is placed.  I matted it all on several matching shades of card stock.
The East Wind Challenge blog has a Winter Blues challenge happening right now, and I made this into a bookmark with that challenge in mind.  What better way to beat the winter blues than to get lost in a book?!?  I think that's what this girl is doing -- she's in another world, she's so absorbed in her good book.  She doesn't even know it's way below zero!
Read on, Lucy Loo, read on!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
TEW Challenge blog -- Winter Blues
Anything But a Card -- New Beginnings (new watercolor pencils)


Saturday, January 17, 2015

Forever and Always Blog Hop -- Snapdragon Snippets

Forever & Always blog hop!
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We are so excited to have you join us today!
At each stop of the hop we hope you will be inspired by the creativity of the design teams of Snapdragon Snippets and SVG Attic. You are sure to find many wonderful projects that will be at the top of your crafting lists!
You should be arriving from the very talented Debb's blog. If you happened across this post out of order and wish to participate, please head on over to the SVGAttic blog to start at the beginning of the hop.
Here is the project I created for this hop:

This 3D Heart bowl is really big!  It'll hold a bunch of chocolates for your sweetheart (or whatever else you decide to put in it!)
 Here's a closeup of one of the panels.  This design is available in the Snapdragon Snippets Store HERE . I found this design in the Silhouette Online Store here.
Here's one more view before you head off to Valou's blog.

Now how about some blog hop prizes??
$15 Gift Certificate to SnapDragon Snippets
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And
$15 Gift Certificate to SVG Attic
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What do you need to do to be eligible for these amazing prizes?
1. Become a follower of each blog in the hop, if you aren't already.
2. Leave some comment/love at each stop.
3. If you do both of the above, check back here at the SnapDragon Snippets and/or at the SVG Attic blog for the winners on Monday, January 19th! You have all day today and tomorrow to hop.
We would also love it if you would stop by the SnapDragon Snippets and SVGAttic's Facebook pages and give us a "Like"!
Here is the complete blog hop lineup in case you wish to take a break and come back:
Julie you are HERE
Valou -- go here NEXT
I hope you have enjoyed this stop on our hop! Be sure to head on over to the other stops for more love/Valentine’s Day inspiration, comment and become a follower to be eligible for the prizes!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Creative Cutting Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday Challenge -- Anything Red
 

Be Bold. GDT at The Outlawz

It's the weekend! I hope you are enjoying yourselves and finding some time for crafting.  I'm guest designing today at The Outlawz Challenge blog, Paper A la Mode group.  I'm representing Fitztown.  The theme this week is Animals.

This digi, found in the Fitztown store, is called Wild 7.  I colored the image with Copic markers.   The sentiment is from Unity Stamp Company/Donna Downey. I used several Spellbinders dies on this card.  The papers and embellishments are all from Close To My Heart.
I would like to thank Debbie Ebat and the Paper a la Mode team of The Outlawz for this opportunity to represent Fitztown.  I had a great time guest designing for them!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:

Friday, January 16, 2015

Straight From the Heart -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for another challenge at QKR Stampede.  This week, our theme is "Cupid"  -- good incentive to get going on those Valentine cards.
Here's mine!


This darling bear, who somehow managed to get pierced with Cupid's arrow, is a QKR Stampede digi "Cupid Bear" (d9g910602).  I colored him with Copic markers, and while the image was in a Spellbinder label die, I inked it with 2 shades of Tim Holtz distress ink. 
All the papers on this card are from Close To My Heart.  The sentiment was cut out from the paper edge of one of the papers in the CTMH Heartstrings Paper Pack.
The lace and crinkle ribbon on this card are from 3 Girl JAM -- my favorite place for ribbons and trims!  I'm also happy to announce that I am on the 3 Girl JAM team again in 2015.  You can read the announcement and learn about this year's design team members on a post here.
Join us this week at QKR Stampede for our Cupid challenge.  I'd love to see what you make!

Thursday, January 15, 2015

It's Christmas Time -- for the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up

Did I scare you with that title?  I want to show you my second Christmas card of 2015.  My goal is to get one or 2 made each month.  I accomplished this last year, and it made December a little less overwhelming. Today's card uses an image from our sponsor, Limited Runs, and papers from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles.


I used the Limited Runs image "Poinsettia Cupcake" on this card, and "A Matter of Time" papers.



The image was colored with Copic markers, then cut out with a couple sizes of a Spellbinder die.  The digi papers were printed on my Canon printer. The card base is Close To My Heart Barn Red card stock.  I used a We R Memory Keepers Scallop Corner Chomper on some of the edges.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

One card design, 2 looks -- for SDS

I'm posting today for Snapdragon Snippets, and I have 2 cards to share with you.  I used the same cutting file.  I wanted to show you what a difference paper choice can make.  


You can find this SDS Heartflake Card in the Silhouette Design Store and in the Snapdragon Snippet Store HERE.
I made the pink/purple version first, cutting it out on my Silhouette Cameo. I wanted it to have a Valentine look.

Then, I made it again, using winter colored papers.


All paper and bling is from Close To My Heart.

Which version is your favorite?


You can find Snapdragon Snippets SVG files the Silhouette Design Store AND the Snapdragon Snippets Store.
Check out the Snapdragon Snippets blog for more great projects and inspiration!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Die Cuttin Divas -- Picture Challenge 

I know, right? for DigiStamps4Joy

It's Wednesday, and time for a new challenge at DigiStamps4Joy.  This time, the theme is bingo.


Here's my card:


I used the bingo card in this way:  Die cut, free space, favorite thing (crinkle ribbon). 
The image I used is called "Dozy Owl".


I colored Dozy Owl with Copic markers. It's winter where I live, and bitterly cold.  These bright colors were just what I needed the day I made this card. 
The papers and sentiment on this card are from Close To My Heart.  The fun crinkle ribbon -- one of my favorite things(!) is from 3 Girl JAM. I used a Spellbinder die on the card, too.
I made this colorful owl with the Path of Positivity challenge blog in mind.  Their theme this month is "uniqueness".  The colors I chose are certainly unique for an owl.  We all need to embrace the characteristics God gave us that make us unique -- our talents, our looks, even our quirks.  Our uniqueness is a gift that should be celebrated.  That is the whole point of this card.  This bird is unique, and he knows it!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Clear It Out Challenges -- Pinks --Stash item pink (papers are over a year old and are pink themed)
TTCRD-- ATG (1 0f 2)
D.L. Art -- January linky party

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Anywhere South! for Amy Doodle's Stamp Co.

Are you staying warm?  It's cold where I live.  I'm ready to hitch a ride, even if it's on the back of a flamingo -- a coffee drinking flamingo!  This caffeinated fella is from Amy Doodle's Stamp Company!


Hey, whatever it takes, right?  She's got the right idea, drinking coffee and heading on out of here!  I colored Bridgette the Caffeinated Flamingo with Copic markers, using bright pink colors, then fussy cut her. 

I cut the tag out on my Cricut Expression 2, using the Close To My Heart Art Philosophy cartridge.  All papers are from CTMH. 
The ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  The baker's twine is from Timeless Twine. The bling is from Prima Marketing.

Monday, January 12, 2015

One-of-a-Kind for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps.  This week's theme is: "Baby, it's Cold Outside".  And it is!  We might actually get above zero today for the first time in about 5 days.  Heat wave!
I used 2 snow related digi stamps from Eureka Stamps for today's card...


The background is a digi called "Snow Background" (digi27301).  The sentiment is digi27302, "If God Takes the Time".
All card stock used is from Close To My Heart.  The chipboard snow flakes are by Um Wow Studio. 
Please join us this week at Eureka Stamps for our, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" challenge.  Stay inside and craft!

Sunday, January 11, 2015

You're My Cup of Tea! for DigiStamps4Joy

It's Sunday, and time for new releases at DigiStamps4Joy.  

One of today's new releases is perfect for me for several reasons -- I'm a tea snob, drinking very little beside tea.  It's also been very cold here -- well below zero --
so tea is the perfect beverage for right now!

You'll find this new digi, by Riette Gasser, in the shop 
today.
I used the teacup image, colored it with Copic markers, then fussy cut it.  I computer generated the sentiment, then mounted that on several layers of Close To My Heart card stock.
The bling is from Prima Marketing.
And, that's my CAS card for this Sunday.  Stay warm, stay inside, drink tea, and get your craft on!
Don't forget to visit the DigiStamps4Joy blog to see the other new releases and the fantastic cards from the uber talented design team.

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
D.L. Art -- January Linky Party