Think Happy Thoughts -- for Star Stampz

It's Thursday, and time for a new challenge at Star Stampz Challenge Blog.   For the next 2 weeks, the theme is 'Embossing -- wet or dry'.  Embossing is one of those techniques I need to remind myself to use, so this was a good challenge for me!

I used the adorable, and fairly new Star Stampz digital stamp, Spring Bumble Bee.

I colored the sweet Spring Bumble Bee with Copic markers.  Using a variety of circle dies (from Craftin' Desert Divas and Lifestyle Crafts), I constructed the rest of the card.  I dry embossed one of the layers with an embossing folder that I thought looked like honeycomb. -- by Close To My Heart. 

Designer papers and sentiment for this card are from Fancy Pants designs.

I hope this inspired you to join our Embossing challenge this time at Star Stampz.  You have 2 weeks.  Join the Star Stampz Facebook fan group, too!

Be Filled With Wonder -- a Tutorial for Coloring Without Boundaries

Hello, fellow craft lovers!  I'm posting today for Coloring Without Boundaries, featuring a Lacy Sunshine image by Heather Valentin. I also have a tutorial to share on how I color eyes with Copic markers.

First, I'll show you the finished project, using Rory's Tender Loving Care...

As previously stated, I colored Rory's Tender Loving Care with Copic markers.

You can only see one of Rory's eyes (I can just hear my mom saying, "Get your hair out of your eyes!"), but I thought a tutorial on that one eye, demonstrating eye color, would be helpful.  Here's how I do it:

With a large eye like this one, I try to use 4 colors.  On this eye,  I used B21, B23, B26, and BV25

Start with B21...

Add B23, leaving the bottom area with just the first color.

Add the 3rd color, in the case B26, concentrating more on the top of the eye, where it naturally appears darker.

Add the final color (BV25), as close to the eyelashes as you can.

Then, go over all 4 colors again with your lightest marker (B21) to blend them together:

Here's Rory's Tender Loving Care, with coloring complete, and made into a center step card.

Papers and embellishments are all from the Fancy Pants Wonderful Day 12x12 Collection. 

Check out the Coloring Without Boundaries blog each day for wonderful tutorials, coloring, and tips. Then, check out the Coloring Without Boundaries group on Facebook for even more inspiration, support, and ideas. 

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
House of Cards -- Shaped Cards
IDCB -- ATG
Not Just Cards -- ATG
PDE Linky Party -- ATG

Crafting From the Heart -- ATG
613 Ave Create -- ATG
TTCRD -- ATG

Don't Be in Such a Flurry -- for Crafty Sentiments

Happy Tuesday!  It's time for a new challenge on the Crafty Sentiments Challenge blog.   Since it's -18 degrees F. here this morning, this week's theme is perfect -- "Baby, it's cold outside".  Yes, it IS!

I'm not sure I'll be making any snow angels today, but I know my Golden Retriever, Sophie will.  She doesn't care how cold it is.  If there's snow, she's rolling.  This card is in her honor.

I made this card using rubber stamp Snow Angel, found in the Crafty Sentiments Design Store.  I colored Snow Angel with Copic markers, then fussy cut the image. The sentiment is from Joy's Life Stamps.  The card was cut out on my Silhouette Cameo, and was found in the Silhouette Design Store.  I made the snowflakes using the new Minc machine I got for Christmas -- it's great fun!  Designer paper is from Fancy Pants. 

I hope you join us this week for our "Baby, it's cold outside" challenge at Crafty Sentiments Challenge blog.  When it's cold out, stay in -- and make cards!  

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
D.L. Art -- January Linky Party 
PDE Linky Party -- ATG
IDCB -- ATG
Crafting from the Heart -- ATG
CAS on Sunday -- Winter
Come and Get It Challenges -- Baby, it's Cold Outside

Happiest Winter -- for The East Wind

It's Friday, which means there's a new release today at The East Wind.  Time after time, I get such joy from coloring Unky's images.  Her art is so GOOD!  It makes my coloring look so good, LOL.  Today's new release is 'Baby, it's Cold Outside.'

I colored 'Baby, it's Cold Outside' with Copic markers, then used a variety of Spellbinders dies to layer up the image and sentiment. The papers are from Fancy Pants. 

Join our Facebook group to see more to see more inspiration from the design team, keep up on new releases, and enter our Facebook contests.  

Please follow me on Instagram. 

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Art by Miran -- ATG
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge -- ATG
PDE Linky Party -- ATG

Be Happy, Be You -- for The East Wind

It's Friday, and New Release day today at The East Wind.  Today's image is Lucy Loo 'Flora'.  

I colored Lucy Loo 'Flora' with Copic markers.  The frame, tag, and designer papers are from Fancy Pants.  The sentiment and shimmer trim are from Close To My Heart. 

This image, as with all of The East Wind's digis, was a joy to color. Give it a try!  Join our Facebook group here. Follow me on Instagram here.

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
AUD Sentiments -- Bingo  (patterned paper, flowers, die cut)
Crafting With an Attitude -- ATG
Crafty Girls Creations - ATG
Hannah and Friends -- say it with flowers

A Tribute to Sammy - for DigiStamps4Joy

When I made this card a couple weeks ago for the new "animal" challenge starting today on the DigiStamps4Joy challenge blog, I had no idea it would end as a tribute to my wonderful dog, Sammy.

My Golden Retriever, Sammy, age 9, died Oct 9, 2014, from 2 cancerous tumors.  He will be missed more than words can say.  This card sums up my feelings for him:

This was one of the first images I fell in love with when joining the DigiStamps4Joy design team.  It is so sweet, and takes me back to my childhood. 

This digi is called "best friends" and is drawn by Margy.  She is so good at animal images!

I colored the image with Copic markers. The sentiment is computer generated. 
Sammy  and I liked to sit on the front deck together, watching the world go by. I would usually sit with my arm around him, like this image.  Wherever I went, he was with me.  He often laid at my feet, keeping them warm.  I will miss my boy for a long, long time.

The designer paper is from Fancy Paper -- Summer's End. I used a Spellbinder's Label die in 2 sizes, and a We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper.  The ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  The heart chipboard is also from Fancy Pants.
I found a couple of my favorite pictures of my husband and Sammy. They are just finishing up a run together. It didn't matter the season or the weather -- they were out there together.

Come join the Animal Challenge at DigiStamps4Joy.  You have 2 weeks. 

I would like to enter this in the following challenges:

Word Art Wednesday -- ATG (1 of 5)

AUD Sentiments -- ATG (1 of 5)

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

D.L. Art -- October Linky Party

Crafty Sentiments Challenge -- Things that start with the Letter 'G' (Golden Retriever and green ribbon)

Through the Craft Room Door -- ATG (1 of 2)

Bunny Zoe's Crafts -- Animals (add DT)

Crafting From The Heart -- always ATG

My Craft Creations -- ATG

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge -- 'O' is for 'Old Paper' -- had it at least 2 years

Too Spooky? for 3 Girl JAM

There's a new challenge starting today on the 3 Girl JAM Challenge blog. The theme this month is "Spooky and Creepy with Ribbon".  It starts today and goes until Oct. 31.  

I showed a card yesterday on my blog and the 3 Girl JAM blog, and today's is very similar.  Same card design, same feel to it, another card I can use for nursing home residents.  But, I'm wondering.  Is she too spooky? LOL

Isn't she the sweetest witch you've ever seen?  I adore her!  I did NOT color this image.  She is a Whoopsi Daisy pre-printed stamp. I just printed her on my printer, and designed the card around her.

The diagonal ribbon on this card is new in the 3 Girl JAM store.  It comes in 4 colors.

The sentiment is from Unity Stamp Company.  Papers are from Fancy Pants, and I've had them forever.  The glitter paper is from American Crafts. I used some Tim Holtz Distress Ink around the image.  Several Spellbinders dies were used.

Want a discount when you shop at the 3 Girl JAM Store? Use discount code JO10 for 10% off your ENTIRE order.  Sweet!

Come join our "Spooky and Creepy" with ribbon challenge.  It doesn't get spookier than this!

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

Crafting for all Seasons -- Too Cute to Spook

Divas by Design -- Spooky

Fab N' Funky Challenges -- Halloween
Die Cuttin' Divas -- ATG
AUD Sentiments Challenge -- Halloween (3 of 5)

Boo? For Whoopsi Daisy

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge on the Whoopsi Daisy Challenge blog.  The theme this week is "Use 2 or more Designer Papers".  I love to mix and match my papers, so this was FUN!

They may be a bit hard to see tucked back there behind that frightening(?) witch, but I used 3 designer Halloween papers from Fancy Pants that I've had fOrEveR!  I also used some American Crafts glitter paper.

That adorably scary witch is Whoopsi Daisy sheet 607.  I colored her with Copic markers. The sentiment is from Unity Stamp Company. The diagonal striped ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM -- it's brand new in the store.

Do you love working with designer papers? Come join in the challenge at Whoopsi Daisy!

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

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Sept link party

613 Ave -- ATG

Great Impressions Stamps -- Get Your Spook On

Pile It On -- Witching Hour (Halloween)

Crafting at the Weekend -- ATG

Di's Digi Designs -- Girly

Hiding in my Craft Room -- Any Holiday
AUD Sentiments -- Halloween sentiment
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG

Rock On! for Delightful Challenges

We're all Cute & Cuddly with this week's challenge at Delightful Challenges, and it starts today.  I found this rockin' mouse adorable, and decided to see what I could create with him!

See?  Rockin' and adorable, right? He's Guitar Maycee, and you can find him in the Digital Delights by Louby Loo store.  He's available in colored and uncolored versions. I colored Guitar Maycee with Copic markers.  The sentiment is part of the "Groove On Sentiment Set".

Designer papers are from Fancy Pants.  There's two colors of Timeless Twine on this card -- Olive Green and Tuxedo Black.

Our sponsor this week at Delightful Challenges is Scrapyland.

The prize is a $10 store certificate! Whoot!

I hope you like Guitar Maycee and his rockin' card.  Come join our cute and cuddly challenge this week with your own creation at Delightful Challenges.

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

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

D.L. Art - Thankful Thursday -- September Linky party

A Random Fan -- must use a hand colored image, ATG

Through The Craftroom Door (1 of 2) -- ATG

Word Art Wednesday -- ATG (1 of 5)

Hello! Guest designing for Not Just Cards

Hello, and happy Monday!  It's a busy day on my blog today!  This is one of 3 posts.  I'm guest designing today, representing DigiStamps4Joy, guest designing on the Not Just Cards Challenge blog.  So, of course, I made something OTHER than a card:

This tag uses 3 DigiStamps4Joy digis -- Tag It (set of 4), Swirl 1, and Dragonfly. I colored the dragonfly with Tim Holtz Distress Markers and a water pen, then used a Wink of Stella pen over the top.  IRL, it really sparkles and shimmers!  the arrow and button are from Fancy Pants.  The flower was a find from the bargain bin at Michaels.  
Check out this new challenge blog -- Not Just Cards -- very few rules -- LOTS of fun!

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

Not Just Cards -- ATG
All Crafts Challenge -- Anything But A Card

Flower Power -- for Delightful Challenges

It's Thursday, and time for a new challenge at Delightful Challenges.  This week's theme is CAS (Clean & Simple).  I think my cards often fit this category, since I really don't "layer them up", so I stuck with my usual style for this one:

This darling girl is Flower Power Sunflower, available in colored and uncolored in the Digital Delights by Louby Loo Store.

I used paper by Fancy Pants on the card, including the frame that Flower Power Sunflower is in. She is colored with Copic markers. The sentiment is also by Digital Delights by Louby Loo.  It is the "Leafy Fall Sentiment".  It is available in colored and uncolored versions.  I chose the uncolored, and printed it on colored cardstock. I sized it to fit in a 1 inch circle punch. 

Our sponsor this week is The Charm Barn.

You can win a $15 store certificate!  Make a CAS card and enter the challenge at Delightful Challenges!  And, don't forget to check out the other creations from this talented design team.  They rock!

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

A Random Fan Challenge -- Bright Colors 

Through the Craft Room Door -- Always ATG

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- September Linky Party

Kind of Wonderful

It's Sunday, and that means there are new releases at DigiStamps4Joy. There are some spectacular new releases today, so make sure and check out the store!

I love frames!  Add a quick dash of color, stamp a sentiment, add some paper and embellishments, and you have a card.  I chose to work with just such a frame today:

The new digi I used, released today, is called "Flower Circle."  With very little effort, I was able to size it so I could cut it with a Lifestyle Crafts die, and then cut another slightly larger circle with a die one size larger. And, that is the one of the joys of digis -- being able to alter the size to fit my dies, instead of needing to buy more dies to fit my stamps!

I also sized it large enough to use this quote from Close To My Heart, because I really like it. I colored the image with ShinHan Touch Twin markers.

I won the designer paper at a LSS crop night over a year ago and no longer remember who's it is.  Maybe Fancy Pants?  The corregated sheet is from Fancy Pants. 

I got these Skittles a while ago from a friend, but had never used them.  I thought it was time!  Skittles finish off the card.

Don't forget to check out the DigiStamps4Joy blog for other great inspiration using today's new releases!

 I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- August Linky Party

Art by Miran Challenge -- ATG

Craft for the Craic -- a craft item you have never used before (Skittles)

Crafts 4 Eternity -- ATG

Path of Positivity -- Possibilities (this quote, for me, is all about possibilities)

Stamplorations Challenge blog -- Stamps and Dies (1 of 3)

4 Crafty Girlz Challenge -- ATG

AUD Sentiment Challenge -- Thinking of you type sentiment

Milk Coffee Challenge -- 2 or More Diecuts (used 2)

Scrapbooker PhD -- go digital

Fun in the Summer Sun!

It's Summer!  And it's 70 degrees here today!  We just can't seem to get the warmth going here in NW Wisconsin. But August is right around the corner -- we're bound to heat up then!

I have a card today that I'm posting for Timeless Twine that's all about having fun in the sun, and looking cool while doing it.  It's all about the look!

Bella Creationz has the entire Sorbet Collection on sale this month, but July is fast coming to end, so you might want to snatch it up quick!

I used all 3 colors from the Sorbet Collection on this card: Watermelon Sorbet, Key Lime Sorbet, and Razzleberry Sorbet.  It's hard to pick a favorite!

I also used 2 stamps from the Bella Creationz Hello Summer Stamp Set.

Other supplies used on this card:  Great Impressions Beachy Penguins Stamp, Fancy Pants Summer Soul 6x6 Papers, Copic markers, We R Memory Keepers Cloud Corner  Chomper, and a little Liquid Glass on the shades to make them shine.

I think I'm gonna head to the beach -- these penguins have the right idea!  Fun in the sun, indeed!

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

Great Impressions Stamps Monthly Challenge -- Animal Friends

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

Craft-Dee BowZ -- ATG with a Homemade Bow

D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- July Linky Party

You Are My Anchor -- for DigiStamps4Joy

It's Wednesday, and it's time for some mid-challenge inspiration on the DigiStamps4Joy blog.  Our current challenge is "For the Boys".  My husband and I love to kayak and spend time on the water -- especially Lake Superior.  So, I went with a nautical theme for this challenge:

I used the beautiful DigiStamps4Joy stamp, "My Anchor" on this card: 

I colored the anchor with Copic markers, then fussy cut it. I placed it over another stamped image of the anchor.  It was mounted with foam tape on the card base.  I used Fancy Pants paper on this card.  The twine was braided to look like an anchor rope.  It is Cherry Red baker's twine from Timeless Twine. The sentiment is from Unity Stamp Company. 

Come join in on the "For the Boys" Challenge.  You have until July 22!

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

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- July Linky Party

Cardz 4 Guyz Challenge -- At The Beach

Creative Card Crew Challenge -- Sea/Beach

Fan-Tastic Tuesday -- ATG (must be square or rectangle)

TTCRD -- ATG (1 of 2)

Crafting From the Heart -- ATG

Crafty Cardmakers -- Under the Sea

Love To Scrap Challenge Blog -- ATG

Marker Pop Challenge -- ATG

My Craft Creations -- ATG

The Paper Girls Challenge -- Red, White, and Blue (Main color theme to my card)

The Paper Nest Dolls -- ATG

Avenue 613 Create -- ATG

Scribble and Scrap -- ATG

Fresh Brewed Designs -- By the Sea/Summer

Hot, Hot, Hot! -- it's challenge time at Delightful Challenges

It's Thursday, which means it's time for a new challenge at Delightful Challenges. This week's theme is quite appropriate for mid-summer:  "hot, hot, hot!" (use warm colors). I had great fun with this one!

Here's "Laid Back Lucy", basking in the warm summer sun.  The waves are lapping at her toes, and she's drinking an orange slushy.  Life is good for Laid Back Lucy! (available in a colored version, also)  And on SALE!

Here's a closeup of my version of Laid Back Lucy, and the sentiment I used:

The "Happy Summer" sentiment is part of the Heatwave Sentiment Set.

The step card design is from SVG Attic.  It is part of the "All at Sea" collection.   Papers for this card are by Fancy Pants, Summer's End 12x12.  Laid Back Lucy is colored with Copic markers. her sunglasses have some Liquid Glass on them to make them shine.

Our sponsor this week is Yours or Mine Paper Crafts

And the prize?

Join our Hot, hot, hot challenge this week! I'd love to see what you create!

Too Cool! for DigiStamps4Joy

It's mid-challenge time at DigiStamps4Joy.  The current challenge is Water Everywhere.  There were any number of great digis in the DigiStamps4Joy store, but I decided on this too cool, "Alex the Surfer".

I used this fun digi to make this:

Alex needed lots of waves to play in, so I used a step card from SVG Attic with plenty of wave action. The card is part of the "All at Sea" collection.  Alex was colored with Copic markers, then fussy cut to fit inside the waves.

Here's a close up:

The sentiment is a stamp from Close To My Heart. The papers are by Fancy Pants, Summer's End.

Alex is ready for summer!  Come join the "Water Everywhere" challenge at DigiStamps4Joy.

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

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- May Linky Party 

Just B Creative Crazy -- May Linky Party

Crafting from the Heart -- ATG

The Paper Makeup Stamps Blog -- ATG + June GDT (must use digi)

Lexi's Creations -- For the man/boy in your life

My Craft Creations -- ATG

Scrapbook Stamp Society -- ATG - + option of using a sentiment

Through The Purple Haze Challenges -- Anything but a Square

Whoopie Daisy Challenge -- Fancy Folds

Crafty Sentiments Blog -- ATG

DigiChooseDay -- Make it for the Kids

Loves rubber Stamps -- ATG

You & Me -- for 3 Girl JAM

'Tis the Season!  I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and aren't spending today in the stores returning gifts!  You should, however, spend a little time at the 3 Girl JAM Store, checking out the new Flair buttons.  They are SO much fun! And of course, there is scrumptious crinkle ribbon in every color of the rainbow to snatch up, too! I am posting today on the 3 Girl JAM blog with a card.

My husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary a couple week's ago.  I made a card for him that used a Real Life Flair Button as the focal point.  What do you think?

 

 

Don't you love that Flair button? I also used Ice Blue ribbon from the Hot & Cold Bundle on this card. 

The adorable couple and sentiment are both part of a Unity Stamp Company Itty Bitty stamp set called, appropriately, "Rain or Shine."  I paper pieced the umbrella and her boots.

I used several Spellbinders dies on this card. The Kraft, white, and Bubblegum card stock are by Close To My Heart.  Designer Paper is Fancy Pants Park Bench.

On the inside of the card, I wrote, "through snow or sleet, our love is complete."  Aw, how mushy is that?

Happy holidays, everyone!

Too Cute To Spook -- For Joy's Life

I know it's only  September, but I've been working on some Halloween things already.  I wish I could get going on Christmas! Maybe soon, LOL!

This week, the Joy's Life design team is sharing scrapbooking ideas.  It's been a few months since I've found time to make a layout, so I enjoyed this assignment very much!

Golden Retrievers are wonderfully docile dogs, and my Sophie is no exception.  I dressed her up until she felt silly and went on a Halloween photo shoot for this layout.  What do you think? Is she too cute to spook?

 

 

Joy's Life "Halloween Puns" stamp set was used throughout this layout.

 

You can find it, and all Joy's wonderful stamps in her STORE.

I used Fancy Pants Halloween papers on the layout, and a Fancy Pants acrylic spider web overlay.  The Close To My Heart Artbooking cartridge was used to cut the picture frames and bats.  The arrows and fancy rectangle shape are from the Close To My Heart Art Philosophy cartridge. I also used some chipboard arrows from Umwow Studio on this layout.

I hope you enjoyed my Silly Sophie and her Spooky Halloween outfit.  She's ready for the holiday.  Are you?



Wishing You Blue Skies -- for Joy's Life

It's Hump Day, everyone! Can't you just see that camel swinging down the aisle, saying, "Mike, Mike, Mike?"  I don't watch much TV, but I laugh every time I see or hear that commercial.

I have another shaped card on the Joy's Life design team blog today. I love shaped cards!  Today's is a cut file from The Cutting Café.

 

 

I used the Joy's Life stamp set, "Pun in the Sun".  I just love this set! I think I've used it more than any other Joy's Life set I have, and they've all seen a lot of ink!  The cutting file from The Cutting Café can be found HERE. The papers are from Fancy Pants 12x12 Love Story collection. The bling is from my stash.

I am "wishing you blue skies."

 

I am entering this in the following challenges:

Raisin Boat -- Hurray for Summer

Sister Act Card Challenge -- Anything Goes

D.L. Art Thankful Thursday Linky Party -- Anything goes



Three Favorites for Your Next Stamp

Your Next Stamp is having a DT call!  And I'm excited! Some of my friends on Cropchocolate.com first got me interested in YNS.  But, I was hooked when a gal posted an adorable card using this stamp set:

 

And, what's so special about this stamp? Well, YNS designed it just for her.  She asked for a stamp that made a young boy look "spiffy cool", not nerdy.  And they did it.  I thought right then, "I'd love to work for a company like that."  So, here I am, submitting three of my favorite cards, and applying for their new digital design team.  Wish me luck!

 

This first card uses a Penny Black stamp and Echo Park Dots & Stripes papers.  I colored it with Copic Markers.

 

 
This second card, using a Sparkle Creations image and sentiment, is also colored with Copic markers.  It uses Amy Tangerine Sketchbook 6x6 papers, and 3 Girl JAM Cherry Lipstick ribbon.  I sponged Tim Holtz distress ink (Spun Sugar) on the image while it was still in the Spellbinders Gold die.
 

And, I'm showcasing this third card for 2 reasons. First, it uses a digi stamp.  I want to show that yes, I can work with digis.  I use them often in my work.  Second, I really, really like how this card turned out.  It uses Fancy Pants Park Bench 12x12 paper, American Crafts glitter paper (I think -- I've had it forever), a digi from Sassy Studio Designs for the image and Unity Stamps for the sentiment.  Three Girl JAM ribbon and a Pinque Peacock stick pin finish off the card.  The sassy image is colored with Copic markers.

 

I'm keeping my fingers crosses and saying a little prayer that Your Next Stamps likes my work.