Happy Spring -- for Crafty Sentiments

It's Saturday, and I'm posting today for the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog.  I have a tutorial for you today.  Actually, it's more of some hints for more favorite card-making techniques.  First, I'll show you my card, using Crafty Sentiments Designs rubber stamp, Rainy Days:

I like to make shaped cards.  I think that add a lot to a card, drawing the viewer's eye to the image.  I use either an electronic die cut machine, like my Silhouette Cameo, or in this case, My Cricut Explore, &/or a manual die cut machine like my Big Shot or Grand Caliber. 

I colored the rubber stamp, Rainy Days, with Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils.  I've used them before on flowers and animals, but this was my first attempt on skin tones, hair, and clothing. 

Another "tip" -- I like to match elements to the theme of the image. The die cut umbrella (by Memory Box)is a perfect example of this.  As with the shaped card, I think it draws the viewer's eye TO the image, instead of distracting from it.  Using papers that match the image does the same thing.  One of the designer papers, by Pink Paislee (Hello Sunshine 6x6 pad) has rain drops on it -- sticking with the Rainy Days theme.  

One more tip -- many of my creations have crinkle ribbon on them.  I find it incredibly easy to work with.  I can tie the perfect bow almost every time.  It's very forgiving!

Visit the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog for lots of tutorials and beautiful work.  There's also the Crafty Sentiments Challenge blog, with chances to win charming Crafty Sentiments stamps for yourself.  Have you checked out the Crafty Sentiments Designs Facebook page?  There's even more inspiration there. 

Morgan's Art World Blog Hop

Welcome to my stop on the Morgans ArtWorld new release Blog Hop.

You should have arrived from the talented ALICIA'S blog.

If you've just happened upon this blog hop and want to start from the beginning head over to 

Morgans ArtWorld Challenge Blog.

Here are my projects using the brand new images 

Border 2

Morgan Ragamuffin Kids 5

For the next stop and more inspiration head over to TRACI'S blog.

Just in case you get lost along the way here is the full list of blogs.

Morgans ArtWorld: http://morgansartworld.blogspot.com.au/

 Cathie: http://houseofborowski.blogspot.com.au/                              

Lynn: http://lynnpenguinscreativecorner.blogspot.ca/

Billie: http://stampinwithinkonmyfingers.blogspot.com/

Alicia: http://maxibellestudio.blogspot.com.au/

Julie: http://muddypawsinkyfingers.blogspot.com./  you are HERE!

Traci: http://craftycrested.blogspot.co.uk/  go HERE next!

Ana: http://theredmulletband.blogspot.com.

Lisa: http://www.craftytrain.blogspot.co.uk/

Natalie: http://kunst-by-me.blogspot.de/

Tracey: http://mowbraydesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Dianne: http://crazycraftshed.blogspot.co.uk/

Ema: http://www.ema-gination.com/

Collette: http://collette-heavensent.blogspot.com

Sande: http://sandensupinat.blogspot.fi/

All of these images will be available for purchase in Morgan's new online store.

Shine Bright -- for Art by Miran

Hello, crafty friends.  I have an adorable image to share with you today.  I received it as part of a progressive challenge a few months ago.  Then, my father-in-law died, and I didn't have a chance to use it.  I'm back on track now, and got the opportunity to color this cutie up, and put her on a card today.  She's an Art by Miran digi:

This is Gem, and I colored her with Copic markers.  I used a bit of Wink of Stella on the gem. 

I cut out the shaped card on my Silhouette Cameo.  The card base is some Gold Luxe paper from Papertrey Ink.  The designer paper is from My Mind's Eye.  The oval cross-stitched die is from Die-namics. The gem embellishment is from Studio Calico.  The crinkle ribbon is 3 Girl JAM. The sentiment is part of a stamp from Unity Stamp Company.  I used a Marvy Uchida stamp marker on the part of the sentiment I wanted to use.

I'm linking this card up with Art by Miran's design team call.  They are looking for designers for both their showcase team and their challenge team.  I'd love the opportunity to work with these delightful images on a regular basis, and to be part of an incredibly talented, no-drama team. I find true joy in coloring and designing, often using my Silhouette or Explore to enhance my projects.  Being creative brings me joy!

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

Art By Miran Challenge #33 -- ATG

D.L. Art -- June Linky Party

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

Through the Craftroom Door -- ATG

Word Art Wednesday -- ATG

AUD Sentiments -- Bingo (Ribbon, Digi stamp, 3D item {gem})

Silhouette Challenges -- ATG

Call Me Maybe -- for The East Wind

It's time for another New Release at The East Wind.  Unky, the talented artist behind the images, has branched out a bit this month.  For me, this was a real challenge. Remember, with The East Wind images, attitude is everything!

This is Betty "Rock Ballad".  I colored "her" with Copic Markers, trying some deeper skin tones than I ever have before, and giving "her" flame red hair. 

The papers on this card are retired from Close To My Heart.  The circle chipboard is from UmWow Studio.

You'll see a couple other versions of Betty this month at The East Wind Etsy Shop, and in The East Wind Facebook group.

Golf -- the Only Thing -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at the QKR Stampede Challenge blog. Do you golf?  Neither my husband or I do, nor do we hang out with people who do.  However, I managed to create a card for the challenge theme:

This adorable digi is QKR Stampede image, Golfing Turtle (digi15307).  The sentiment, also from QKR Stampede, is "The Only Thing" (digi14310).  I colored the Golfing Turtle with Copic markers.

Papers and bling for this card are from Close To My Heart. 

Please join us this week for our Golfing Challenge at QKR Stampede.  I'd love to see what you make!

Hellooooooo Summer? for Timeless Twine

It was 39 degrees where I live this morning.  But, this month, at Timeless Twine/Bella Creationz, we're thinking Summer and the 4th of July.  This whole month, Firecracker twine is being featured (aqua blue and red), and it's one of my favorites!

I found a treat box in the Silhouette Design Store that spoke to me of summer:

Timeless Twine/Bella Creationz supplies used:

Firecracker Baker's Twine (on SALE!!!)

Hello Summer Clear Stamp Set -- LOVE this set!

Gift Tags

I used 2 shades of Marvy Uschida Stamp Markers on the "Hello Summer" sentiment, stamping directly on the tag, then attached it with baker's twine, making a handle for my ladybug treat box.

Summer is coming.  When it does, I'm ready with my treat box and Timeless Twine/Bella Creationz goodies.  There's a whole shop full of wonderfulness.  Check it out!!!

Enjoy the Summer -- for 3 Girl JAM

I have never seen a hedgehog in real life, but I think they are so darn cute!  This little guy is no exception.  He's chasing butterflies and hoping for a warm summer day!

The image is from Great Impressions Stamps.  I colored it with Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils.  The sentiment is a Joy's Life stamp, on a ribbon slide cut out using a Spellbinder die. That pretty gray crinkle ribbon holding it all together is from the L/G Bundle from 3 Girl JAM.

The card base is cut out on my Silhouette Cameo, using a cutting file from Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons.  Papers are from Close To My Heart. 
Have you joined the 3 Girl JAM Challenge yet this month?  It's Anything Goes with ribbon.  You have LOTS of time, but don't forget!