Feel Better Real Soon! for Oddball Art Stamps

It's time for some mid-challenge inspiration over on the Oddball Art challenge blog.   The theme this month is 'For You, Blue' (use blue on your project).   The challenge runs until September 14, with a new challenge starting on September 15.

Here's what I created for my mid-challenge inspiration:

I used Image #218 - Bella, which includes the awesome word bubble and sentiment on this tag.

I colored Image #218 - Bella, with Copic markers, then used a variety of dies by Hot Off the Press to cut out the tags.  Papers are by My Mind's Eye. The chipboard butterflies are from UmWow Studio.  The fibers are by Close To My Heart. 

Come join the 'For you, Blue' fun at Oddball Art Challenge blog!  You still have plenty of time, and I'd love to see what you make!

Some Useful Links:)
Company Website ♥ http://www.oddballartco.com
Art Blog ♥ http://oddballartco.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page ♥ http://www.facebook.com/oddballartco
Facebook Friend Page ♥ http://www.facebook.com/oddballart
Twitter ♥ http://www.twitter.com/oddballartco
Flickr ♥ http://www.flickr.com/photos/oddballartco
Zazzle ♥ http://www.zazzle.com/oddballartco
Fine Art America ♥ http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/lizzy-love
Tumblr ♥ http://www.oddballartco.tumblr.com

Don't forget our Anything Goes with Oddball Art images challenge on our ODDBALL ART FACEBOOK GROUP CHALLENGE.    We have a new challenge starting the 1st of every month.

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

D.L. Art -- tags
D.L. Art -- August Linky Party
Not Just Cards -- ATG
IDCB -- ATG
Lemon Shortbread Challenge -- ATG
Outlawz Thursday Twist -- ATG

Seriously? A Big Day for Oddball Art and Whimsy Stamps

It's a big day! Oddball Art Company has a few new releases at Whimsy Stamps today.  I got the privilege to be able to work with one of the very fun new stamps! This is part of the Lizzy Love Collection. 

This is Alex and her Happy Tacky Christmas Sweater, found at Whimsy Stamps. I colored Alex with Copic markers.   I'm not so sure she likes that tacky Christmas sweater she's wearing, but she sure does look cute!

The base of the card was created with various washi tapes.  I used a Craftin' Desert Diva's die, cut several times, to back the Alex rubber stamp with. There's some UmWow Studio chipboard, decorated with Stickles, on this card, too.

Check out the rest of the new Lizzy Love Collection New Releases at Whimsy Stamps here.  Then, check out the other creations by the design team on the Oddball Art Company Blog.  And, of course, there's tons of fun and wonderful projects to be found at the Oddball Art Stamps Facebook Group.

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

ABC Christmas Challenge - U is for Unusual Christmas Colors 

Whimsy Stamps -- ATG or Halloween (Whimsy image)

Word Art Wednesday -- ATG

D.L. Art -- October Linky Party

Crafting From the Heart -- ATG

B is for Boy -- for DS4J

It's Oct 1, and the start of a new challenge at DigiStamps4Joy.  Our theme is Anything Goes with an optional twist of "B is for...".  In my case, B is for Boy:

This is Country Boy, found in the DigiStamps4Joy Store.  I colored Country Boy with Copic markers.  I used a variety of Die-namics dies on this.  The papers are from a new (to me, anyway) company, Photo Play -- Autumn Day 6x6 pad.  The chipboard leaves are from UmWow Studio.

Join our challenge this month at DigiStamps4Joy -- Anything Goes -- but don't forget our B is for... twist!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Creative Knockouts -- Lots of Layers
Scrap & Craft Inspiration - Colors of Autumn
Time Out Challenges -- Autumn
Crafting for all Seasons -- Autumnal Hues
The Male Room -- Autumn/Fall

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!

Sweet Christmas Wishes

It's Sunday, and Christmas creeps ever closer!  I'm posting today to promote a new blog that is about to launch -- the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  This is my first official post for the blog.  

My card is featured as part of the design team on Lisa DeCosse's blog.  You can find the post here, along with the winners of the November challenge. 

Here's my card:

I used this paper, from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles:

The stamped image and sentiment are from Unity Stamp Company.  I colored the penguin and candy cane with distress markers, then added some glitter glue.  The chipboard candy cane, covered in red glitter glue, is from UmWow Studio.  I added some Timeless Twine in Cherry Red to finish the card. 

There's still blog candy to win on the 12 Months of Christmas blog, too.  You can find the details HERE.

Join us, starting Jan 1, for a chance to get a jump start on your Christmas cards while  winning some awesome Christmas papers at the same time!

Believe in Magic -- for Whoopsi Daisy

It's Monday, and we're starting a Halloween challenge on the Whoopsi Daisy Challenge blog.  There are some delightful Halloween images in the Whoopsi Daisy Digi Shop.  Here's a card I made using one of them:

This adorable sorceress is from sheet 614.  I chose to color her with Copic markers.

The papers are from DCWV.  I covered UmWow Studio chipboard stars withDistress Stickles to tie the card together.  The sentiment is computer generated.

Join the Whoopsi Daisy challenge this week with your Halloween creations.  I'd love to see what you create!

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

D.L. Art -- October Linky Party

Cutie Pie Challenge -- Perfectly purple and Completely Cute

Dream Valley Challenges -- Halloween

Ooh La La Creations Challenge -- The Witching Hour

PPinky Dolls -- ATG or Halloween

Through the Purple Haze -- Halloween

Thankful -- for Whoopsi Daisy

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Whoopsi Daisy Challenge blog. This week, our theme is 'Lots of Embellishments'.  I don't usually over embellish things, so this was truly a 'challenge' for me.  Here's what I did:

I used Linnie Bloom's sheet 414 for on this card. I colored her with Copic markers, then sponged the edges while it was still in the Spellbinder die with a couple colors of Tim Holtz distress inks (Spun Sugar and Dusty Rose).

I used lots of layers on this card - layers of paper, then chipboard flowers with layers of color on them.

The chipboard flowers are from UmWow Studio and they are covered with Liquid Pearls.  The sentiment was cut off the edge of a 12x12 piece of paper -- it's from Bella Blvd (all the designer paper is for this card).

Come join the 'Lots of Embellishments' challenge at Whoopsi Daisy Challenge blog.

Oh, Nuts! for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge on the Eureka Stamps challenge blog.  This week's theme is one of my all-time favorites: shaped cards.  I just love to make shaped cards -- the possibilities are endless, so I had so much fun with this one!

I used Eureka Stamps digi 16301 (Nutty Squirrel) and digi 16105(228) "Oh, Nuts" on this card.  I colored the Nutty Squirrel with Copic markers.  The papers are from Close To My Heart.  The leaf-shaped chipboard is from UmWow Studio, and the ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

This acorn-shaped card is a cutting file from The Cutting Cafe. I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut it out.  I also used a Spellbinder die for the shape behind the squirrel.

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

Jellypark Challenges -- Autumn/Fall
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art -- October Linky Challenge
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG
AUD Sentiments -- ATG

2 Cute 2 Spook for Delightful Challenges

It's Thursday, and time for another challenge at Delightful Challenges.  This week's theme is 'Delightfully Frightful'.  

I've been steadily working at making Halloween cards for my nursing home residents, concentrating more on the 'delightful' than the 'frightful' side of Halloween. Digital Delights from Louby Loo images make it very easy to make delightful cards for any season!

This cute little guy is Weenie Patchy. It is available in a colored and uncolored version.

I colored Weenie Patchy and his buddy, the frog with Copic markers.  The papers I used are from Close To My Heart. The star chipboard is from UmWow Studio.  The edges of the papers were inked with CTMH Gypsy ink.

The sentiment, "2 cute 2 spook" is also from Digital Delights from Louby Loo. It is part of the Halloween Sentiments set.

Our sponsor this week is Quilling Supply Plus.  They are offering a $15 store certificate.

Join us this week, linking us your Halloween projects. It'll be Delightfully frightful fun!

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

A Little Bit Crafty -- Boo! (2 of 3)
Through The Craft Room Door (1 of 2) -- ATG
Crafty Catz -- All Sentimental

A Thankful Heart -- for Timeless Twine

It's Monday, and I have the privilege of posting today on the Timeless Twine blog.  I come to you today with a thankful heart.  I don't take enough time to really look at my life and count my many, many blessings.  Some things happened over the last few days that made me do just that.  This card reflects my thankfulness for many things, including you, my loyal blog readers.

This month, at Timeless Twine, we are using this for our inspiration:

I used the photo and the twine colors to create this:

I used some watercolor paper, distress inks and a water brush, and used a Stamp of the Week from Unity Stamp Company. The sentiment is part of the stamp set.

The designer paper is Close To My Heart Pathfinding Collection.  The chipboard leaves are from UmWow Studio.

Twine colors used:

Chocolate Chip

Cherry Red

Pumpkin Orange

Olive Green

Aqua Blue

I hope you're heart is thankful and grateful this Monday, and throughout the week.  Happy Fall!

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

Artistic Stamper -- Fall/Autumn Colors

Bearly Mine Challenges --Autumnal Colors

Color Me Scrappy -- Signs of Fall

The Outlawz Monday Challenges -- Greetings (Fall is coming)

Happy Fall, Y'all! for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, so that means it's time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede Challenge Blog.  This week's theme is "Fall Colors".  I went Total FALL on this card!

This card uses QKR Stampede digi "Scarecrow" (digi18801).  I colored it with Copic markers, and it was a riot to color! I used some papers from Close To My Heart on this card.  There's a bit of 3 Girl JAM jute ribbon on this card (from the 3GJ Jute ribbon and String bundle).  Some UmWow Studio confetti leaf chipboard completes the card.

Don't forget to join the Fall Colors challenge this week at QKR Stampede.

My wish for you, dear friend?  Happy Fall, Y'all!

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

Craftin' Desert Divas -- Fall Linky Party
Not Just Cards -- ATG
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Sept. Linky Party
Crafty Sentiments -- Autumn Colors
Through the Craft Room Door -- ATG
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG
Crafting for All Seasons -- colors of Autumn
Creative Moments -- Fall Colors
Stampavie and More -- Autumn Colors

With Love -- for Whoopsi Daisy

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge on the Whoopsi Daisy Challenge blog.  Our theme this week is "Fall Colors". It is definitely looking and feeling like fall where I live, so this was an easy one for me!

I am having so much fun with these Whoopsi Daisy images! They are just delightful!  Isn't she sweet? This image is on Sheet 487.

I chose colors that matched my papers and colored her with Copic markers.  I used 2 Spellbinders label dies, some UmWow Studio Chipboard Confetti leaves, Close To My Heart Pathfinder 12x12 paper pack, and the card was done. 

Please join us this week at Whoopsi Daisy Challenges for our Fall Colors Challenge.

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

Not Just Cards -- ATG

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

Best Teacher

It's Thursday, and time for a new challenge at Delightful Challenges.  This week's theme is School Daze. With many schools already back in session, or, here in Wisconsin, heading back after Labor Day, school is on many people's minds.

One of my staff, who has worked for me for 8 years, has also worked her way through college.  She was just hired to teach 4 year old kindergarten.  She will be moving about 3 hours away.  However, she likes the job and the residents so much that she still plans on working every other Saturday.  In honor of her and her new career, I made her a notebook to take to the classroom with her:

This notebook uses several delightful Digital Delights by Louby Loo products:  Scholar Myrtle, School Digital Paper Pack, and the School Sentiments Pack.

 

Here's a closeup of Scholar Myrtle, colored with Copic Markers...

Oh my, she looks studious, doesn't she? And that pencil background paper from the School Digital Paper Pack works beautifully with the theme.

Some 3 Girl JAM ribbon tied along the binding, and some UmWow Studio chipboard, covered with Stickles finished this School Daze themed notebook.

Our sponsor for this week's challenge is:

Digital Delights by Louby Loo!

 Play along for your chance at the $10 voucher!

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

Crafty Sentiments Designs --Back to School

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

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations -- Animals

Craftin' Desert Divas --Back To School

Lexi's Creations -- Back to School

Melonheadz Friends -- Back to School

3 Girl JAM Challenge -- Back to School
Whimsy Stamps -- Back to School
Ruby's Rainbow -- Back to School
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge -- Back to School
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG

There'll Never Be Another Ewe

It's Monday, which means it's time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps.  Our theme this week?  "Farm Animals".  Living in America's Dairyland, I probably should have done something with a cow, but I have a co-worker who raises sheep and her birthday is right around the corner.  I decided to make her a card instead.

I'm always trying something new in this digi adventure, seeing what works and what doesn't.  Today, I tried watercoloring:

I used Eureka Stamps digi2209(35) Standing Sheep and QKR Stampede (our Sister Company) digi 15621 "Another Ewe".

The base of this card is a Strathmore watercolor paper 5x7 card.  I used some very inexpensive watercolor paints randomly on the front, & let them dry. While they were drying, I colored my sheep with Copic markers and fussy cut her out, mounting her with foam tape to the front of the card.  The sentiment is also foam taped, and wrapped with Cherry Red Timeless Twine.  I used 3 colors of Stickles on UmWow Studio's chipboard stars. Once they dried thoroughly, I adhered them with glue dots. 
I have a giveaway going on, celebrating several events: I wrote my 500th blog post last week, I just reached 400 followers on my blog, and I have over 100 "likes" on my Facebook page, Muddy Paws & Inky Fingers.  To celebrate all those things,  I'm having a giveaway:  I have some Timeless Twine, some 3 Girl JAM ribbon, a Unity stamp set, a Close To My Heart stamp set, some Pinque Peacock embellishments, a 6x6 paper pad, and various embellishments that I need a home for. I also have two generous sponsors:  DigiStamps4Joy is giving a $10 gift certificate to the store, and The Cutting Cafe is offering any 3 sets.  WOW! If you'd like to be eligible to win, please leave a comment on any of my blog posts between now and July 6.  I'll draw a winner on my birthday.  It's my day, and you get the present!  I'd also love it if you "like" my Facebook page and follow my blog, if you don't already. 

And that's that!  Check out the awesome designs from the rest of the DT at the Eureka Stamps Challenge blog, and join our farm animals challenge this week.  Ewe'll be glad ewe did!

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

Craft-Dee Bowz -- ATG with a Homemade Bow

Crafting From the Heart -- ATG -- 2 of 3

My Craft Creations -- ATG

613 Avenue Create -- ATG -- 2 of 3

Come And Get It Challenges -- Animals

Stamping Sensations -- Animal Antics -- 2 of 3

Incy Wincy Designs -- Make Us Laugh

Julie's Second Blogoversary Blog Hop! It's HERE!

I've been blogging now for 2 years, and oh, how my life has changed.  Online friends, Facebook, design teams, challenges -- I had none of this before my blog.  Now it's all a part of my daily life.  To celebrate it all, I've gathered some of the friends I've made, and we're celebrating.  The theme?  Friendship! Of course!

Here's the hop order, in case you get lost along the way.

Julie - http://muddypawsinkyfingers.blogspot.com/2014/03/julies-second-blogoversary-blog-hop-its.html

Rebecca - http://www.bloomingpink.blogspot.com/

Brenda - http://centralnyscrapper.blogspot.com/2014/03/julies-blogoversary-celebrating.html

Paula - http://scrapaddictsattic.blogspot.com/2014/03/happy-happy-blogoversary-julie.html

Kary - http://karyg.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/julies-blogoversary-blog-hop.html

Erin & Ruth - http://celticcrafters.blogspot.com/

Miwa - http://miwannascrap.blogspot.com/2014/03/julies-blogoversary-celebration-of.html

Angeline Choo - http://scrappyscrappy.blogspot.com/2014/03/julies-blogoversary-blog-hop-friendship.html

Chris- http://thriftysisters-chris.blogspot.com/

Regina   http://reginaeaster.blogspot.com/2014/03/so-lucky-to-have-friend-like.html

Kathy - http://www.upinthenightwithkat.blogspot.com/

Donna  http://createdbydonnak.blogspot.com/2014/03/julies-blogoversary-friendship-hop.html

Gwen -  http://windchimesandlilacs.blogspot.com/2014/03/fwf-julies-blogoversary-hop.html

Rachel -  http://kitchentablescrapper.blogspot.com/

Polly - http://pazasproductions.blogspot.com/2014/03/julies-blogoversary-blog-hop.html

Lucy http://littlescrapsoflucy.blogspot.com/2014/03/julies-blogoversaryfriendship-hop.html

Corrie - http://corriescrafts.blogspot.com/

Mary - http://www.mkbugs.blogspot.com/

Maria - http://riacreations.blogspot.com/

Karen - http://karey2005.blogspot.com/2014/03/friendship-blog-hop.html

And, here's the prizes you can win:

2 $10 gift certificates from Unity Stamp Company (donated by Unity!)

3 sets of winner's choosing from The Cutting Cafe (donated by Regina Easter)

A ribbon bundle from 3 Girl JAM

Timeless Twine -- Rainbow Party Pack (donated by Timeless Twine)

Close To My Heart Stamp Set

Close To My Heart Stamp Set

$15 Gift Certificate from Pinque Peacock (donated by Jessica Shelton-Buffa)

Embossing folders (2)

 2 $25 Gift certificates for My Scrap Chick store (donated by My Scrap Chick)
Websters' Pages 6x6 Sweet Notes pad, an embellishment set and a Websters Pages Stamp set, plus a Unity Cloud background stamp -- donated by Lucy Evans
A background stamp from Flourishes and 3 Aqua markers -- donated by Ruth & Erin Carnes

Now, for my projects:

The first one, I'm also posting on The Pinque Peacock blog today.  I have 2 friends that I try to get together with several times a year for some quality "girl time."  We've got a few days planned next month.  We gather ourselves and our 4 legged friends, find somewhere that lets us have all of us, and just enjoy each other's company.  I made this card to honor that friendship.

I used a Unity stamp set, "Vicki, Catherine, and Leica Girls", coloring the image with Copic markers, using hair color and clothing choices that match our styles.  Papers are from Authentique.  I love the Blue Jeans papers.  And that 3/4 inch fabric covered button from Pinque Peacock is the perfect match!

The ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Project # 2 --

This may look familiar.  I made a card very similar to this.  My BFF saw it on my blog and commissioned me to make her a 5x7 framed art piece just like the card.

Again, I used a Unity Stamp Company stamp set, "Choose Joy with a Heart", heat embossed with white embossing powder. There's some Umwow Studio Chipboard on it, Tuxedo Black Timeless Twine, and Carta Bella Wildflowers 12x12 papers.  The frame is one that my BFF got at a thrift shop for me.  She knows I use them for projects, so she collects them for me.  Now, she gets one of them back! 

And, the final project is another card, with a sentiment I really like. It seemed perfect for today's hop, and the friendship theme...

The sentiment is from a Unity Stamp Company sentiment kit, "Here's My Thought".  I love the Unity sentiment kits, they are so versatile! This card uses Carta Bella Alphabet Junction paper, UmWow Studio chipboard that's been heat embossed, and a flower that was crocheted for me by an online friend, Sharon.  She made a whole bunch of these little lovelies for me and gave them to me when I met her in person this summer!

And now, for how to win the prizes, please follow this blog, "like" my Facebook page (it's NEW!), visit every stop on the hop, and leave comments there.  The prizes are hidden along the way.  You never know which blog will have a prize.  If I can get to 100 "likes" on my Facebook page, I will pick another winner - this will be for a giant box of 12x12 scrapbook paper, ribbon, twine, embellishments, a Unity Stamp Co grab bag, and whatever else I can fit in the shipping box.
I want to thank each and every one of you, my friends, for hopping with us, and a special thanks for my friends who went to the work of making a project to hop with me.  Where would I be without my friends? I treasure each of you!

Thanks for hopping with us, have fun, off you go to the uber talented Rebecca's blog.

Frosty Winter Friends -- for Sunday Sketch And Stamp

Hello, I hope you are enjoying the weekend.  It's time for another challenge at Sunday Sketch & Stamp.  This week's sketch looks like this:

I had a lot of fun with this one!  It seemed to have unlimited possibilities for me.  Here's what I did with it:

Besides the fantastic sketch, I used a Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp, "Frosty Winter Friends" -- I think it's 'snow' cute!  I colored the image with Tim Holtz Distress markers and a water pen. The designer papers are a 6x6 pad by My Mind's Eye -- 'Tis the Season.  I also embossed some of my favorite chipboard snowflakes by UmWow Studio.  LOVE that stuff!

It's been a long, cold, snowy winter here in NW WI.  Somehow it doesn't seem so tough with these guys close by!  Have a great week.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Kraftin' Kimmie Wonderful Wednesday -- anything goes

Sister Act Card Challenge -- anything goes

JustBCreativeCrazy -- February Linky Party

Bloggers Challenge -- 2 or more patterned papers
Craftitude Challenges -- Anything Goes
A Creative Romance -- Let's Get Sentimental
D.L. Art, Thankful Thursday - February Linky Party
 

My First Card for DigiStamps4Joy

I'm getting my feet wet today, so to speak, and posting my first card for DigiStamps4Joy.  I've learned a lot from this experience already! I don't often use digi stamps, so this will be a wonderful growing experience for me.  I'm so pleased Margy had faith in me, and was willing to give me this wonderful opportunity!

There are 3 new digi stamps being released in the DigiStamps4Joy store today. I used the one called "Treasure Hunt" as the focal point of this card:

I colored the basket, bow, and eggs with Copic markers.  The "trail" is highlighted with  Aqua Delight Timeless Twine.  There's more twine 'intertwined' with the crinkle ribbon from 3 Girl JAM -- in Ice Blue from the Hot & Cold Bundle.  The designer paper is by Pebbles (Family Ties), and there's some UmWow Studio arrow chipboard that I embossed using Ranger Gold Pearl embossing powder.  The sentiment is a stamp by Jillibean Soup.
I'll be back on Wednesday with another DS4J card.  I'm having so much fun!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

Allsorts Challenge Blog --  colors beginning with 'B' (there's plenty of blue in my card)

Sister Act Card Challenge -- Anything Goes

JustBCreative Crazy -- February Linky Party -- Anything Goes

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

Hiding In My Craftroom -- use your scraps (papers were left from another project)