Crafter's Cafe Design Team Call

I thought I'd post this on my blog today, I received an e mail from The Crafter's Cafe this morning.

As I was blog hopping over the holiday weekend I noticed some of my friends New Year wishes were to be on a design team - maybe you'd like to apply?!

JOIN OUR TEAM!! BE A DESIGNER FOR THE CRAFTER'S CAFE!!

• Posted by Stacie D Gorse on January 2, 2012 at 10:22am in Design Team Calls
• Send Message   View Discussions

Hi Everybody!!
I am so pleased to announce some very exciting changes for The Crafter's Cafe!
We have started a BRAND NEW CHALLENGE BLOG!!
You can find it HERE AT THIS LINK!
We are looking for a few creative people to join OUR DESIGN TEAM!!
Here are the requirements:

• You will create TWO (2) projects a month for the Challenge Blog
• You will actively participate in events at The Crafter's Cafe as much as you can!
• You will be involved in planning events at TCC and will hopefully provide samples for events as needed (we have "events" once every other month, so this is NOT a lot of extra work)
• You should have an active blog to promote our challenges and events

Here are the benefits:

• You will receive a variety of images from our sponsors
• Your blog and artwork will be prominently displayed on our Challenge Blog AND at the TCC Community
• You will make LOTS of new friends and build great relationships at TCC.
• You will have FUN!!!!!!!

To join our team, please send a few photos of your favorite projects and answer the following questions:

1. Can you tell me about you?
2. What do you love about creating paper projects?
3. Do you work with any other Design Teams?

Please send applications to: crafterscafemail@gmail.com

Grace Assembly of God Pastor's Note Cards

Would you believe this is my 1000th blog post!  I can hardly believe it myself,  I started my blog in May 2007 and had no idea I'd still be blogging  in 2011 almost 2012.  I'm also getting closer and closer to 100,00 visitors, pretty exciting stuff!

It's a busy time of year at our house and I bet it is at yours too!  I've been working on some note cards for our Pastor recently and have these two designs to share today.

I've made welcome booklets and note cards for our church for a few years now using the church logo.  It's fun to take a sample of art work like the logo and make something paper craft related with it.

My blog posting this month may not be as regular as usual, we have lots of different family things going on.  Band and Choral concerts, Christmas plays etc.  Not to worry I'm still here behind the scenes, I'm planning to enjoy the holiday season with our family and I hope you will too.  

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Dover Publications Free Clip Art Angel

I'm behind again on Christmas cards, each year I usually make Christmas cards for our church and I've barely started working on the samples, yikes!  

I went looking around the internet for suitable colored clip art to purchase or for free for this project and found this beautiful Angel at Dover Publications.  She's printed using my HP OfficeJet 6000 and matted on Stampin' Up! Brilliant Blue, the next panel is Stampin' Up! Gable Green and the base is the same Mohawk Bright White she's printed on.  I added a Cheery Lynn Designs button with a little crochet thread for a bow.  I'm not totally happy with the embossed card front, I want full coverage and I didn't get it.  With a little more practice I'm sure I can achieve that.  

My layout is Operation Write Home Sketch challenge #82.

Do you have your Christmas cards ready yet?  

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:
Craft Your Passion - Tis The Season
Crafty Boots - Anything Goes
Heart Song Inspirations - Banners and/or Buttons
Lolipop Crafts - B is For...  Buttons (:
2 Sisters - Holiday

Art Gone Wild Glorious Day

This stamp is called Glorious Day and is by Joanne Sharpe from  Art Gone Wild.  The Copic markers I used are B66, B63, B61, G29, G28, G24, G21, G20, BG96, BG0000, R30, R32, R35, R37, R39, E29, E27, E25, E23, Y38, Y35, Y11, YR68, YG67, YG61, YG17, YG13, YG11.

I can't think of anything more relaxing than sitting down with Copic markers and a wonderful image to color.  I kept the layout clean and simple to showcase this great image.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Art Gone Wild Butterfly Artful Cardmaker

My clean & simple card today is a stamp from Art Gone Wild colored with Copic markers R29, R27, R24, R17, R14, R12, W7, W5, W3, B60, B63, B66, BG10, BG11, BG13, BG13, BG15, BG96, YG67, YG63, YG61, Y38, Y35, YR68, E25, E23.  The name of the stamp is Butterfly Artful Cardmaker.

I'm seeing so much Journal Art out there that when I saw these stamps by Joanne Sharpe it was love at first sight, I had to have them! 

On the subject of Art Journals, I'm going to have a Link Party using an InLinkz widget starting this coming Thursday, August 25th and each Thursday after that.  It will be a place to inspire & share our art journal pages/layouts. I hope you'll join in and and share your art journal pages, I can't wait!!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Sgt. Yarbrough's 1000 Card Challenge

In my internet travels this morning I came across a Facebook post on Operation Write Home's FB page about Sgt. Joshua Yarbrough that I wanted to pass on to you.

I've linked to the blog set up for him so you can read all the details.  He was injured in Afghanistan and his family is having a card drive for him to help with his recovery.  Their goal is 1000 cards and I know that we as cardmakers can easily meet that.

So if you'd like to help out go check out Sgt. Yarbrough's 1000 card challenge!  You'll find his story and progress reports there and where to send your hand made greetings cards.

Allison in a comment suggested I give a kleenex alert on this post, she's right.  Grab your box of tissues before you click the link and read about Sgt. Yarbrough... 
Thanks Allison!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Welcome to my blog, 

if you're here for the Young Crafters Blog Hop please click here!

Changes...

Just a note to let you know you're in the right place!

I had another birthday go by a few days ago and felt the need for a "make over", a blog make over.  I've been playing with blogger templates and will probably being playing with more blogger templates until I settle on the one I really like.  For now I really like this one, it feels like Arizona in the summertime. 

I changed my blog name just a little too you may have noticed.  When I started my blog in 2007 I was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator but have moved on to other things.  I have been using so many digital images in the last year or so I thought "going digital" might be more appropriate for my blog name.  Don't worry my blog address is still the same so I'll be easy to find - just maybe not as recognizable as before.

Thanks for your faithful support visiting me and leaving comments, it means a lot to me.

Jan

Young Crafters Unite Blog Hop!

Hello and welcome to the "Our Favorite Things" blog hop!  If you've arrived here from Cathy's blog you're on the right track, if not I highly recommend starting at the beginning on Britta's blog.

My first card is a new creation I want to enter into a red hair challenge at Mad For Markers.  I enjoy coloring Hannah Lynn images and red hair is one of my favorite hair colors.  I used Copic markers R59, E44, R46, R22 for her hair color and usually add in a little E59 but didn't feel I had the space with this image.  E000, E0000, E00, R20 for skin colors, B97, B93, B91 eye colors, and R97, B12, YG11, YG13, Y000, R11, R12, R14.
  I tried the "ruffle technique" on my card and think I need more practice.  They're kind of hard to fasten down to the card.

We've been asked to answer the question what makes us a "Young Crafter"...  One of my favorite things to do is make kids cards for Operation Write Home, a non profit organization of card makers who make and send handmade greeting cards to our military troops to send home to their friends and loved ones.  If that makes you curious I have links to Operation Write Home below so you can check it out.

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps

Operation Write Home

Operation Write Homefront Blog

Operation Write Home Hero Blog

Another of my favorite things to do is color with Copic markers.  I've added a few Copic projects below for you.

You're looking at the cover of my Copic coloring book.  It's a place to keep samples of images I've colored that include the marker numbers for future reference.  I also use it to remember different techniques I've tried and would like to use again.  It also has assignments from classes I've taken inside.

I made my coloring book using the Bind It All along with 8" X 8" covers by Bind It All.  The inside pages are Neenah Solar White cardstock in case I wanted to color directly on the page.  This book is almost full, I've started a new one in a three ring binder so I have larger pages and it's easier to take my pages out if I want to move them around. 

This is a page from my Copic coloring book, the image is a Hannah Lynn coloring page.

This layout is from a class I took where I was learning about coloring hair and faces. 

This is one of the "Kids Cards" I made for Operation Write Home using a fun image from Bug A Boo Stamps.

Your next stop on our blog hop is Erin!

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:
Mad For Markers - Red Hair
Creative Inspirations - Summer
Southern Girls - Bring Out Your Inner Child (boy swimming card)

Squidgi Digi Campervan Girl

My card today was made in May but hadn't been posted on my blog yet so I thought I'd take the opportunity today.  

I came across the cute image in my travels at Squidgi Digi and had to have it.  She's colored with Copic markers and I'm sorry to say I don't have the Copic color numbers for you as this card was in my last box that went to Operation Write Home.  

Speaking of Operation Write Home we have a new Midweek Throwdown challenge that starts today, the challenge is to make Thanksgiving cards!  I know, it seems kind of crazy in June but it takes more time than we realize for our OWH cards to travel to Iraq & Afghanistan and back to the USA again.  

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:
The Craft Room - Anything Goes
Deep Ocean Challenge - Anything Goes
Papertake Tuesday - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes

My Review of Paper - Color Copy 98 110 lb Cover C/1S Bright White Finish 8.5 x 11 Paper 250 per Package

Originally submitted at The Paper Mill Store .com

Paper - Color Copy 98 110 lb Cover C/1S Bright White Finish 8.5 x 11 Paper 250 per Package

Paper - Color Copy 98 110 lb Cover C/1S Bright White Finish 8.5 x 11 Paper 250 per Package

Mohawk Color Copy Bright White 110lb cov

By Jan from Parker, AZ on 5/26/2011

5out of 5

I LOVE this cover paper! I make a lot of hand made greeting cards for Operation Write Home and use this cover stock for my greeting card bases, it has nice body to it and prints exceptionally well.

I also use this cover stock for all my pre-colored digital images, it takes the ink jet printer ink beautifully. All around it's a nice quality cover stock for crafters.

http://jans-gonestampin.blogspot.com/

Tags: Using Product, Made with Product

(legalese)

My Review of Paper - Via Vellum 80 lb Cover 30% Recycled Sunflower Vellum Finish 8.5 x 11 Paper 250 per Package

Originally submitted at The Paper Mill Store .com

Paper - Via Vellum 80 lb Cover 30% Recycled Sunflower Vellum Finish 8.5 x 11 Paper 250 per Package

Paper - Via Vellum 80 lb Cover 30% Recycled Sunflower Vellum Finish 8.5 x 11 Paper 250 per Package

Via Vellum Sunflower 89lb cover

By Jan from Parker, AZ on 5/26/2011

5out of 5

I'm a card maker and love Via Vellum cover weight papers. They have nice textures and are nice quality papers. I was somewhat disappointed in the color, I was expecting it to be darker. I see the color as a challenge to use it more often :) in my projects - only a minor setback. I suppose I should order those swatch books!

http://jans-gonestampin.blogspot.com/

Tags: Using Product, Made with Product

(legalese)

My Review of Paper - CLASSIC CREST 80 lb Cover Solar White Smooth Finish 8.5 x 11 Paper 250 per Package

Originally submitted at The Paper Mill Store .com

CLASSIC CREST Solar White Paper - 8 1/2 x 11 in 80 lb Cover Smooth - 250/Package

Paper - CLASSIC CREST 80 lb Cover Solar White Smooth Finish 8.5 x 11 Paper 250 per Package

#1 Choice For Copic Markers

By Jan from Parker, AZ on 5/26/2011

5out of 5

I use Neenah Classic Crest Solar White for all my Copic marker image coloring projects. My laser printer is loaded with Solar White and ready to print. It's a nice smooth cover stock to use with Copic markers. I have minimal bleeding out of the printed or stamped lines and smooth blending of my colors. I think it's the best for Copic markers.

http://jans-gonestampin.blogspot.com/

Tags: Made with Product, Using Product

http://jans-gonestampin.blogspot.com/

Tags: Made with Product, Using Product

(legalese)

Bizzy Bear by Digital Delites

Today's theme for our Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps is "Thing With Wings".  

I had fun coloring this cute free image from Digital Delites called Bizzy Bear with Copic markers YG67, YG63, YG61, YG11, R22, R20, Y18, Y15, Y13, Y11, Y000, T7, T5, T3, E44, E43, E42, E41, BV000, BV0000.  I've been looking through some old sketches that I've saved and found this one, it's Splitcoast Stampers SC#111.  I also used the Cuttlebug Swirls embossing folder and some old large eyelets along with a little black organdy ribbon.  The cardstock colors are Via Vellum Black, Neenah Solar White & Stampin' Up! Summer Sun.  

I hope you'll join us this week at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps for our "Things With Wings" themed challenge.  

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Things With Wings

Easter Bunny by Rubbernecker Stamp Co.

I've been playing with acetate report covers again!

I borrowed this cute bunny stamp made by Rubbernecker Stamp Co. and just had to make a fun tag.  I used an old Sizzix tag die, I cut it twice so I could make a long tag.  It's pieced together under the panel that the bunny sits on.  I covered the back and the front so no one but you and I will ever know...

I had to re ink my long neglected Stazon White & Black ink pads before I could do any stamping.  I stamped the swirls on the acetate using a Hero Arts background stamp and White Stazon ink.  After the white ink dried I stamped Happy Easter from a Papertrey Ink acrylic stamp set in Black Stazon and let it dry.  

The Bunny is colored with Copic markers BV0000, BV01, YG01, YG06, YR15, YR16, YR18, R02, R05 cut out and mounted using foam tape.  I added three black half pearls and ribbon to finish my tag.  

It fits in a legal sized envelope and I gave it to my friend who I'd borrowed the bunny stamp from.

Have a blessed day!

Challenges:
Aly's Sunday Challenge - Bunnies 
Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes 
Oh La La - Easter 
Paper Playtime - Anything Goes 
The Pink Elephant - Easter 
Fun With Shapes & More - Easter 
Mami Doodles - Use a Punch or Die Cut 
Stampin' For The Weekend - Easter

TLC Creations & A Free Coloring Pages Anime Girl

The other day I was at Marianne Walker's I Like Markers blog and linked to the Copic blog where there was a post about Anime Expo Artists.  It was really inspiring I added a link to the name so you can go look.  I "googled" anime art uncolored and landed at a coloring page site.  My image today is from the coloring page site. 

She was for my Copic coloring book but I couldn't resist using her on a card.  The scraps beside my paper trimmed were perfect for it!  I've been practicing hair colors and experimenting with different color combinations because I tend to reach for the same markers all the time.

I really like the color of her hair and plan to use it a lot.  I used E79, E74, E71 & E70.  Her jacket is colored with R14, R12, R11, skirt B21, B23, gift YG11, YG13, YG17 and her face is E11, E00 & E000.

The sentiment is from TLC Creations, I love the round sentiments and thought this one would be appropriate for birthdays.

Challenges:  
Paper Playtime - Anything Goes with a digi
Stamp Something - Use Something Digital 
Wee Memories - Favorite Color Combination 
Crafty Ho's - Birthday Card of Scraps 

Digi Stamp Boutique Valentine Birds

I have a couple more cards to share with you today that I made for Operation Write Home's Spring Thaw card drive.  As you know I've been in search of pre-colored digital images for my OWH project and found a few more at the Digi Stamp Boutique.  If you happen to find any in your travels around the internet please leave me a comment so I can go check them out!

This set is called Valentine Birds and I also used their Valentine Sentiments set for my cards.  My layout is a sketch from Stampin' Royalty's challenge January 26th, I'm late!  

For my first card I used Basic Black, Neenah Solar White & Neenah Red Linen.  For my second card I stepped it up a little and printed the digital heart paper instead of just plain white.  The Valentine card is too late for OWH so it will go in my stash but there are about a half dozen more that say "love you" for Operation Write Home.   

Be sure to stop by Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps today, we have a new Midweek Throwdown challenge going on sponsored by Bug A Boo Stamps, the challenge theme is "On The Farm".  I don't have a card ready for it today but who knows what I may have time for later this week.

Challenges:
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Hearts A Flutter
Fresh Brewed Designs - Anniversary (1st Card) 
Bee Crafty - Hearts 

Gingerloft Dog With Butterfly

If you're looking for the Operation Write Home blog hop it's right below today's post!

My card is for the Gingerloft Stamps blog, I have the honor of being their guest designer for this challenge "The Great Outdoors".  The digital image on my card is by Gingerloft Stamps and it's called Dog with Butterfly, it's colored with Copic markers and cut out with Spellbinders oval and scalloped oval dies.  My layout is a sketch and I'm sorry I can't remember where it's from today.  

Have a blessed day!

Scraps, Sketches & Freebies by Fred She Said

My card today was a happy accident, I printed my verse too large for what I was planning to use it for so instead of letting it get lost in the mess of scraps I thought I'd combine it with some of my real scraps and make a card with it.  The sketch layout is a past sketch challenge by Mercy Karin at her Lord Have Mercy blog that I can't seem to get enough of.  Everything looks good with this sketch! 

Today is or would have been my Mom's 84th birthday, seems kind of odd to me that she's been gone ten years already.  At the time of her death I remember thinking life would never be the same without her and it hasn't been, it's swiftly moved forward ready or not.  It all seems so final here on earth,  I can't wait to see her again one day in heaven I have so much to share with her.  But for today, Happy Birthday Mom!

The bible verse on my card today must be for me... 

Have a blessed Sunday!

Happy Harvest Digital Stamps by Artful Inkables

I love all the fall images I'm seeing on everyone's cards, it's difficult not to collect them all!  I found this cute little crow at Artful Inkables earlier this month and couldn't resist, I did for about 24 hours and then had to go back and make him mine!  

I've had some of the Copic markers in the "toner" family that I've been wanting to try.  I'm not crazy about coloring "black" images because I worry they aren't going to look good and the dark grays are those colors that tend to bleed out of the lines, etc.  I also know that to be good at anything I need to practice and it's only paper for heaven's sake!  So I tried the toner grays on this cute crow and was happy with how it came out.  I used T1, T3 & T5 and was careful not to over saturate my paper, which is Neenah Classic Crest 80# Solar White.

I had a sketch on my computer screen for this card and my card looks nothing like the original sketch, I mostly liked the idea of the tabs where the sentiment "Happy Harvest" went.  The sentiment was computer generated and cut out with the Stampin' Up! Word Window punch and matted with black.  This crow comes as a set with the Happy Harvest sentiment but there's an apple attached that I couldn't cut around or edit out so I made my own.  The papers are by My Minds Eye that were purchased in the clearance section of an online store this last summer.  I also used Spellbinders dies for the rectangles and circles.

Challenges:
Challenge Up Your Life - Autumn
Crazy 4 Challenges - Autumn 
Baby Bud Designs - Halloween/Autumn 
Stampin' For The Weekend - Halloween/Fall 
Stamp Something - Use A Digital Image