Congratulatory Considerations for February

Hello everyone.  If you are new to my blog, this post is based on an idea I had in order to celebrate the successes of all the new people in my life.  On the last day of each month, I will create a post congratulating all my bloggy friends and acquaintances on their successes, anniversaries, milestones, achievements, etc.  Of course, these will be strictly the items that I have come across during the month in my travels to the challenge blogs I have personally entered or are a team member of, or on my visits to personal blogs.  There will be many things I'll miss so please don't take offense if you have achieved a success and you don't find your name listed here.  If you or someone you know has an achievement and you would like to have it included here, contact me by email before the end of the month or just include the information in the comment section of each 'Congratulatory Considerations' post. 

I am aware of the following reasons for sending out congratulations to members within our community.   So ladies, bask in the glow of the congratulatory candle.  You all deserve the successes you have achieved!  These are listed strictly in the order of when I came across them, not necessarily in any chronological order.
 

• Joann from Sassy Raggedy was acknowledged for one of her awesome cards over at Tuesday Alchemy.  She also was chosen by Vicky to win a Scribbles Design image for her comment choice.
• This one is going to take awhile because Suze from Craftysuze apparently has a horseshoe up her butt this month.  She won the comments for Day One of the Blog Hop at Sassy Studio Designs  and also won at Tuesday Alchemy.  She placed top three in the Jellypark Challenge plus won a prize in a random draw at the CRAFT Challenge and a draw at Trimgym's Challenge.   Let's see, then there is also the win at Sassy Studio Designs-Papercraft Planet plus she won a random draw at Kaboodle Doodles.  To top it all off, she was chosen as a guest designer over at Avadares and My Paper Crafting World AND those are just the ones I know of!!!!!!
• Shea Marshall from Glitter and BonBons who is a fellow Digi Darla DT member made top three in the Crafty Ribbons Challenge at the end of January (sorry I missed you last month Shea).
• Julie from Julie's Crafty Creations who is also a fellow Digi Darla DT member won a challenge over at Broken Box Stock and also won a guest DT spot over at Lexi's Creations.
• Nana Connie from Grammy's Attic made top three at The Stamping Chef
   as well as winning a challenge over at Creative Inspirations Paint and at Digi Darla's.
• Vicky from Crafting Vicky won a challenge over at CRAFT Challenge and was in the spotlight over at Delicious Doodles Challenge.
• Desire Fourie from Doing Life was also a winner over at Delicious Doodles Challenge.  She also received an honourable mention over at Avadares.
• Mian from Mian's Crafty Corner placed top three over at Word Art Wednesday. She too  received an honourable mention over at Avadares.
• Rina Meyers from Scrapbook Fashionista Designs placed top three at Avadares.  Seems like a lot of people are playing and winning over there this past month!   
• Another DT colleague from Digi Darlas, Helene Siermans who is from Nick's Scrap Shack.blogspot.ca, received top three honours from both Crafty Catz and Unique Crafter's Challenge.
• Ike from Ike's World was the Top Scribbler over at Scribbles Designs Challenges. 
• Naomi from Creative Bug on the Loose earned top three over at Scribbles Designs Challenges. 
• Carole Robb-Bison from the Diamond Dragonfly also earned top three honours over at Scribbles Designs Challenges.
• Finally that leave me.  I won three digis for a comment I left over at Fashionista Challenge.  I won for challenges at My Paper Crafting World and Fat Pages with Tuesday.  I was also the 'Queen' over at My Heart Pieces Digital Stamp Challenge.  The absolute best thing about this win The absolute best thing about this win is that it wasn't picked by Random Generator, it is the DT that chooses the winner and top three.  I tell you I was swinging from the chandelier after finding this out.  Well, figuratively of course, not literally.  We don't have a chandelier to swing from.

So the candle burns for all these wonderful ladies along with those of you who have had accomplishments I'm unfamiliar with.  Don't forget, if you'd like to see an achievement celebrated here next month, contact me before the 30th of March or just include the details in the comment section of the next 'Congratulatory Considerations' post when it comes out.  

Again it falls that this post comes out on a day of the week where I normally give thanks in some way (see HERE for background info on the 'Thursdays are for Giving Thanks' idea).  Thus, this month it is another two-for-one post.

Given the number of wonderful new friends I have made over the last several months I thought that this quote was apt.

  
I'm afraid that I will have to add the font details a little bit later because I need to go and feed my husband and I can't put it off any longer.  However, speaking of my husband, I just want to share with you a picture of the lovely flowers I received for Valentine's Day.  Just one more reason I have to give thanks today and everyday.

I promise to come back and add the details as soon as I get back on the computer.  I just wanted to make sure this post got out while it was still Thursday--at least in my neck of the woods anyways.

Until then,

  


Update--I'm back with details details:

Image Information:
The background image of the candle is a picture in the public domain.  The artist is Anna Langova and you can find this particular photo HERE at PublicDomainPictures.net.

Font Used:

• Arizonia

Click the font name to take you to a download location.  This font is considered free for commercial use.

Please be sure to read the Angel policy found under the copyright info tab above.  Below is a quick summary of those Terms of Use:  

• Do not claim the image as your own.
• Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation.  
• Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc.  Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the image for themselves.
• If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.
• Leave a comment on my blog.  It is currently the only way for me to know if any of my freebies are being nabbed.  Additionally, it will help to inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.

Wonderful Wednesdays: Jazzy Journalling Card for February

If you are new to my blog and would like to know how Wonderful Wednesdays got started, please click HERE.

Here is the final entry for the February Kit.  We finish the kit up with a Jazzy Journaling Card.  I created it in Photoshop Essentials using a template.  Each one is 1202 x 1202 pixels but can always be made smaller.  I'm providing it in three different colours that will coordinate with the other items currently meant for the February kit.  Choose one or all three, it is up to you. Here you go...

Now, Jazzy Journaling Card isn't quite a true alliteration but I just couldn't find the right combination of words to create one.  So, if anyone out there can come up with one that I prefer, I promise there is a freebie in it for you.

Your February kit should now have a total of four items in it.  If you have missed one, or if you are new to the site, you can go HERE for the first item, HERE for the second and HERE for the third.  If you are new and would like items from the January kit, just click on 'Wonderful Wednesdays' in the label section on the right sidebar (scroll down) of this blog to find them.  Remember next month brings with it a new theme. 

Hope you like my final offering for this month's kit and can find some use for it.  If you create a project using one of these images or any of the images I create, I'd love to see them and post them into the 'Your Gallery' portion of the blog.

Until next time,

Image information: 

• You are allowed to use the journaling card on handmade projects that you intend to sell.  Just be sure to familiarize yourself with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.  This element was created using a template from Pixel Scraper.    

Quick summary of Terms of Use:    

• Do not claim the image as your own.
• Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation.
• Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc.  Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the image for themselves.
• If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.
• Leave a comment on my blog.  It is currently the only way for me to know if any of my freebies are being nabbed.  Additionally, it will help to inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.

Bonus:
If you've actually made it to the end of this post I have a little bonus item for the February kit.  It is a date stamp in the same pink colour as other elements of the February kit.  Enjoy!

  

 

Fresh Brewed Designs: Chance to Win New Release--Sweet Bunny

Hello everyone.  I just wanted to let you know that Heather from Fresh Brewed Designs is giving everyone the chance to win her adorable new release called Sweet Bunny.  This precious image would be perfect for any Easter or spring cards that you need to create.

If you would like the chance to win this great image, just click on the bunny and go find out.  But, make sure to get over there soon as a winner will be chosen on March 2!  If you can't wait to get your hands on her and would just like to purchase the image now, click HERE and the link will take you directly to its location in the store.   

I also encourage you to come check out the showcase on Saturday where I'll be featuring this wonderful digi company.

Until next time,

  

Card Design: DT Application for San's Designs

Now that February is over and my month long guest designer spot with QKR stamps is finished, I've decided to throw my hat into the ring and apply for San's Designs Design Team.

As soon as I came across the post with the DT call, my heart thumped loudly within my chest wall.  I've loved San's work from the moment I first laid eyes on it last year.  When the call first came out I was up to my neck in obligations and as much as I wanted to apply, at the time I decided I would wait and see how things looked a few weeks down the road.  As much as I wanted to, I just didn't think I had it in me to take on one more obligation.  

I always want to ensure that I give each team I'm part of, the time, attention and dedication that they each deserve.  Problem was, I couldn't stop thinking about San's DT call.  I kept feeling like I was being pulled back to the post, again and again.  So, when my obligations with QKR finished, I seriously considered finding out a few more details about all the requirements associated with the position.  Again, it is important for me to know exactly what each DT position entails since they are all different.  I don't get involved with anything in my life unless I'm armed with all the info I need in order to make an informed decision.  Spontaneity is most definitely not a characteristic that I'd associate with myself.

Thus, after contacting San for some clarification, and being satisfied that I'd be able to fulfill the terms of the position, I have decided to apply.  As part of the application process we are to create a project using one of San's designs and then Blog about our project along with a short explanation of why we want to be on San's team which is why you are reading this now.  Of course, my explanation isn't exactly short but then any of you that know me, know I tend to be just a little bit wordy in my posts.  Okay, a lotta bit wordy but that is just another facet of who I am.  Verbosity could easily be my middle name.

I love San's approach to putting her team together.   She knows exactly the type of person that she doesn't want which tells me she has put a lot of thought into this and therefore knows exactly the type of person that would coordinate well with her own personal philosophies and style.  As I've mentioned in previous posts announcing her DT call, San is not looking for people who are just interested in getting their hands on freebies; nor is she interested in individuals who are solely into self-promotion or using their position as a steppingstone.  I commend her for adding this to her request and I hope that she is able to attract the right kind of people to her team.  I truly hope that I am one of them. This is exactly the kind of team that I want to be a part of.  When I become part of a DT it isn't about promoting myself.  It is about promoting the designers I work for.  I do my best to shine the spotlight on all the people I represent.  I hope that I have and will continue to, do each of the artists I currently work with justice, in the same way I promise to do my best for San if picked to work on her team.  When I commit to something, I commit with my whole heart and it is important that the designers I work for know how much I respect each of them and what a privilege it is to work with their designs.   I will always do what I can to promote and shine the light on each artists' designs to the best of my abilities.

Here is the front of the card I'm presenting as part of my application...

With a closer look at that yummy cupcake...

Here is the inside... 

 
I had thought about doing a different, more elaborate layout, but in the end I decided that I simply wanted San's images to be the centrepieces of the design so I used a die-cut image that would compliment her yummy cupcake image and fussy cut a coordinating shape for the sentiment.  It was wonderful working with this beautiful stamp.  It was a freebie I was fortunate enough to get my hands on last year.  I love the versatility of this image.  It is actually part of a summer time digi folder but the cupcake can be used for so many occasions--thank yous, birthdays, thinking of you cards and more.  I particularly love the interesting shape to this image and all the intricacies of the design.  Currently you can purchase San's summertime cupcake image in her online store HERE.  The image was coloured in using Copic Markers:  Leaf:  G20, YG61, YG63, YG67.   Stem:  E31, E33, E39.  Cherry: R20, R22, R24, R29.  Whipped cream: C1, C3.  Cake area & chocolate chips:  E21, E23, E25.  Wrapper & icing:  B32, B34, B39.

I was fortunate enough to also have a sentiment from San that worked perfectly with this theme.  It was also a freebie that was part of a group of love themed sentiments that I picked up last year.  I scanned in the antique white paper (Michael's open stock scrapbook paper) that I used for the die-cut along with the dark blue and tan dotted background paper (K & C Company, The Best of K & C paper pad--primarily floral designs) and uploaded both images along with the sentiment into Photoshop Essentials so that I could fill in the little heart above the word 'sweet' with the antique white colour and change the text colour to match the dark blue to the paper I used.

In closing, I'd just like say how much of an honour it would be to work alongside and promote such an incredible artist like San.  Hopefully, she will see that I am a good fit and that among other positive attributes, I will bring dedication, hard work, and loyalty.  With any luck, the next time you see me present a card using one of San's fabulous designs, it might just be as part of her brand new design team.

Wish me luck everyone!

Until next time,

  

 

 


 

Bit By the Bug Tuesday: Boy With Bunny

Hello everyone!  It is Bit by the Bug Tuesday but no bug spray is necessary because it's the Creative Bug.  If you are going to be bit by a bug, the creative bug is the best kind! 

Naomi's freebie this week is bound to be one that will come in handy for all the little boy bugs in your life--you know, the ones made from snips and snails and puppy dog tails.  See, they really are part bug!  

With the freebie this week, boy with bunny, you can get a jump start on your Easter cards for which this image would be suitable.  However, the image is versatile enough that it could be used for a number of occasions as I've shown below.

Here is the front of the card...
 

With a closer look at that sweet little man and his bunny...

  
Here is the inside...

 Here are the card details, I hope I haven't forgotten anything... 

Digital Images:

• Boy with bunny (front):  Available as a freebie by going to Naomi's blog HERE.  It was mostly coloured using Copic markers.  Boy:  E31, E33, E39 (hair); E000, E00, E02, R20 (skin).  Clothing: BG70, BG72, BG75 (shirt); BG72, BG75, BG78 (jeans); E21, E23, E25 (shoes).  Bunny:  E31, E33, E39, brown watercolour pencil. Grounding around the image: Grey and black watercolour pencils for actual ground, medium blue for around the image.

Digital Sentiment:

• Hug in an envelope (inside):  This is another great sentiment from TLC Creations.  I picked this one up as a freebie awhile back.  I actually think it was one of the very first sentiments I got (that is of course if I've remembered correctly).

Paper Products:

• Card base and shadow: dark brown cardstock--from Dollarama.
• Designer Papers:  Front & inside-- Recollection's Bold Basics Paper Pad. 

Challenges I hope to enter include:

• Make It Monday -- MIM #127:  Anything Goes (always)
• Word Art Wednesday -- Challenge #67:  Love/Anything Goes
• Crafter's Digital Art Centre --  Anything Goes 
• Pin & Tack--Spark Your Creatitivity Now Challenge -- Challenge #6:  Anything Goes
• My Paper Crafting Inspirations -- Digi Desserts Fridaze
•  My Grafico -- Challenge #145:  Anything Goes

Some more challenges may be added to this list throughout the week or month. 

So, if you'd like to take advantage of this cute little stamp, head over to Creative Bug on the Loose and follow Naomi's instructions on how to grab this freebie.  While you are over at Naomi's blog don't forget to check out all the cute little digi bugs she has available in the store for purchase and don't forget to leave her a little love too.

I've caught the bug,

have you?

Until next time,

Card Design: Tuesday Alchemy Challenge #51--Photo Inspiration

Today begins another fortnight challenge over at Tuesday Alchemy. 

This week for Challenge 51 the theme is Picture Inspiration and we have such a neat picture to spark your creativity for this challenge.  Just look at all those juicy colours you can play with.  This picture may also spur you on in the direction of incorporating metal into your piece or going with a vintage feel.  The possibilities are numerous.

Machel Spence Photography

This time around we have TWO awesome prizes available from the following generous sponsors.

$10 Store Voucher

$5.00 Coupon

So head on over to

and join the challenge!

Here is the front of my card...

 

Here is a closer look at the image from Pop 'n Stick that I played with digitally for the front of this card...

Here is the inside... 

 
Here are the card details, I hope I haven't forgotten anything...

General Notes:

• I've gone about working this digital a little differently than I usually do.  I decided to have some fun and get some practice in Photoshop Essentials.  Thus, I ended colouring up the image digitally.  Then I applied a different texture to both the teddy bear and the suitcases.  I've included a jpg of the image so that it is easier to see the textures I created.  They don't translate as well to photograph, at least the one on the suitcases doesn't.  If you'd like a better look at the texture, just click on the image for a better view.
• For the inside, I lassoed the teddy bear and then the upper suitcase, and then rearranged them on the page to create a different look.
• I realize that the image isn't grounded but once in awhile that is okay too.   Besides, I haven't learned how to add shadows yet in Photoshop Essentials but don't tell anyone.

Digital Images:

• Luggage and teddy:  The image on the front of the card and manipulated on the inside is from Pop 'n Stick.  Unfortunately, when I tried the link tonight to make sure it worked, there was a completely different blog up but with absolutely no posts.  The address I had was:  popnstick.blogspot.co.uk.  If anyone knows what happened to them or if they have a new address, I'd love to find out.  Very strange, in the last few weeks so many blogs are disappearing and I don't know if it is by accident or if people are getting out of the biz.

Digital Sentiment:

• Front and Inside:  One I created to go perfectly with this image. 

Paper Products: 

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Cape Cod Collection.
• Designer Papers:  Background paper (front & inside)--K & C Company, The Best of K & C paper pad (primarily floral designs).  Shadow (front & inside)--Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Cape Cod Collection.

Challenges I hope to enter include:

• Make It Monday -- MIM #129:  Anything Goes (always)
• Word Art Wednesday -- Challenge #66:  Anything Goes
• Crafter's Digital Art Centre --  Anything Goes 
• Pin & Tack--Spark Your Creatitivity Now Challenge -- Challenge #6:  Anything Goes

Some more challenges may be added to this list throughout the week or month.

So what ideas do you get when you see our photo inspiration picture?  Why not enter our current challenge and show us?  Remember you have two weeks to enter over at Tuesday Alchemy.  While you are there, please check out the great inspiration offered up from my colleagues on the DT.  We look forward to seeing your interpretation of our theme!   

Thank you so much for stopping by.  As I've now added to my comment section, whether you are a regular, here for the first time or popping over in your official capacity as a DT member, please know how much I appreciate the words that you leave behind.  Your encouragement helps me to become a better designer.   I try my best to reply to your comments (when an email address is available) but that is getting more and more difficult as my plate fills up with new responsibilities, new roles, and new obligations.  If I don't get the opportunity to thank you personally, know that I don't take a single comment for granted. Thank you for your understanding.

Until next time,