Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Beautiful -- GD for TTCRD

I'm super excited today to be guest designing for Through The Craft Room Door Challenge blog!  TTCRD is an online craft community, challenge blog, and online magazine.  They have a little bit of everything and you can spend hours there.  Plus, there are lots of helpful people and friendships to be made.  If you're not already familiar with TTCRD, you owe it to yourself to check it out!
I had a great time making my card for today.  I used a digi from Anne's Digital Art.  Flowers and butterflies -- two of my favorite things to color!

I colored the digi with Copic markers, then sponged two shades of Tim Holtz distress ink on the edges while it was still in the Spellbinders die.  There's another Spellbinders die cut behind the image.  Some Cheery Lynn butterflies and half pearls from my stash finish off the card. 
Thank you to Through The Craft Room Door for this opportunity!  I had SO much FUN!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- September Linky Party
Deep Ocean Challenge -- at least one flower
Crafty Sentiments -- Bingo Challenge (digi, diecut, gems)

Monday, September 29, 2014

Season's Greetings, with Bling! for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps. The theme this week is "Add some bling".
I've been trying to make a Christmas card here and there, and I used a beautiful digi from Eureka Stamps to create this one.  

I colored the Season's Greetings Cardinal Card with Tim Holtz distress markers and a blending pen, using watercolor paper.  The card stock and glitter trim is from Close To My Heart. The bling is from my stash.
Cardinals make me happy.  I love their song, and their beautiful colors.  We had 5 of them at our bird feeder a couple days ago and it still makes me smile whenever I think of it.  And, I smile knowing I have another Christmas card to add to the stack! 
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments -- Christmas in September
DeCosse's Dynamite Doodles -- 12 months of Christmas link up
Winter Wonderland -- Layer it Up
Christmas Card Challenges -- ATG
Hiding in my craft room -- any holiday




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:
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Sept link party
613 Ave -- ATG
Great Impressions Stamps -- Get Your Spook On
Pile It On -- Witching Hour (Halloween)
Hiding in my Craft Room -- Any Holiday
AUD Sentiments -- Halloween sentiment
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Get Your Groove On! For DigiStamps4Joy

It's Sunday, and that means new releases at DigiStamps4Joy.  This week is no exception -- there are some fabulous new releases to check out!  I chose to work with the new release called "record player."  It took me back to the 70's:


I printed the "record player" digi 3 times, sizing it so I could use a 1 1/4 inch punch.


The papers are called Sarita.  They are retired, from Close To My Heart. The wood and pewter elements are also from CTMH.  I thought they had that 70's feel to them. The sentiment is from Digital Delights by Louby Loo.
Check out the rest of the creations from the DigiStamps4Joy design team.  And, if you're interested, there's a DT call going on right now.  It's a wonderful, extremely talented, supportive team.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
D.L. Art - Thankful Thursday -- September Linky Party
Outlawz Challenge (Saturday) -- Add a Sentiment
Art by Miran -- ATG
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG (3 of 5)



Friday, September 26, 2014

Pumpkins and Scarecrows -- for QKR Stampede

 It's pumpkin time at QKR Stampede.  That's our theme for this week's challenge -- pumpkins! Fun!
I colored this absolutely delightful image -- perfect for Fall and Halloween, called Autumn Breeze, found in the QKR Stampede Store.

The Autumn Breeze digi was a joy to color with Copic markers. The sentiment was computer generated.  
Come join in our Pumpkin Challenge at QKR Stampede -- it'll be great fun!
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
D.L. Art - Thankful Thursday -- September Linky party
A Random Fan -- must use a hand colored image, ATG
Through The Craftroom Door (2 of 2) -- ATG
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG (2 of 5)
AUD Sentiments Challenge -- Halloween Sentiment (1 of 5)

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

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:
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)

Monday, September 22, 2014

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:






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)


Tea Time -- for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps.  This week, our theme is Vintage.  Vintage is not always easy for me.  I thought tea cups and tea pots must certainly qualify!

This card uses 3 different Eureka Stamps digis: Tea maker (digi14501), Teapot (digi11401), and Tea cup (digi9701)
I used a Spellbinder label die to cut out the Tea maker poem, then inked it with a couple shades of Tim Holtz distress inks.  I also used 2 Spellbinders doily dies behind the tea pot and tea cup.  The tea set is colored with Copic markers.
Designer Papers are from My Mind's Eye. Half pearls are from my stash.
Check out the Eureka Stamps challenge blog for more great Vintage inspiration, then join in our challenge!
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Shine Bright! for Whoopsi Daisy

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Whoopsi Daisy Challenges.  This week's theme is 'Bling &/or Pearls'. 
Here's what I created for the challenge:


I used sheet 460 to create this beautiful image.  Isn't she stunning? 
I colored her with Copic markers.
The sentiment, which I thought was very fitting for this image (and our challenge theme), is from Unity Stamp Company
I used 3 different Spellbinders dies on this card, designer paper from My Mind's Eye, and bling from my stash.
Come join our Bling & Pearls challenge this week at Whoopsi Daisy Challenge.
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Pile It On -- Shiny
Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog -- use a die cut or punch (used several die cuts)

Sunday, September 21, 2014

A Tangled Mess -- for Fitztown

Monday already?  How did that happen?  And it's time for a new challenge on the Fitztown Challenge blog.  This week's this is "Animals".  Yeah, I like that one!  I'm sort of in Christmas card mode these days, so when trying to figure out what digi to use, I found this really cute one called "winter snowbird".  A bird is an animal, right?

This stamp can be found in the Morgan's Fae World Etsy Shop.  It's available in this pre-printed version I used here, or a regular digi stamp.  
I printed it twice, and fussy cut it once, wrapped some Cherry Red Timeless Twine around it, and used 3D foam tape to place it on top of the first printed image.  The sentiment is from Unity Stamp Company.  It seemed to fit this little snow bird perfectly! Papers are from Echo Park.
Come join in the Fitztown Animal Challenge -- you know you want to!
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG
Decosses Dynamite Doodles -- 12 Months of Christmas Card link up
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Sept Linky Party
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge -- ATG as long as it's Christmas
Christmas Card Challenges -- Inspiration Photo (used the candy cane color)

Saturday, September 20, 2014

A Fall Warm-Up for The Cutting Cafe

It's almost Fall, and the temperatures are dropping here in NW Wisconsin. When we were given the option to make a "hot beverage" type project this time for The Cutting Cafe I went for it! 
We had 3 choices this time:

K-CUP HOLDER TEMPLATE AND CUTTING FILE


I chose the K-Cup Holder Template, and made this:


This box makes up beautifully! The fit is perfect!  I made it for a friend that doesn't drink coffee.  There are two K-Cup drinks in the box, but they aren't coffee.  I wanted papers to match the K-Cups, and also to look like Fall.  These papers are from Close To My Heart.  The ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  Both ribbons are from the Coffee Bundle
The "Happy Fall" tag is also from The Cutting Cafe. It is part of the  Halloween and Fall Tags -- Printables.

This K-Cup Holder is one that I will definitely be making again! Visit the Cutting Cafe blog on Sept. 21 or later to see the rest of the design team projects.  Leave a comment and you could win 3 Cutting Cafe sets of your choice!  Yeah!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
All Crafts Challenges -- Anything But a Card

Friday, September 19, 2014

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


A Thankful Heart -- for 3 Girl JAM

Woohoo, it's Friday! And I'm lucky enough to be able to post today on the 3 Girl JAM blog.  I've been feeling very blessed lately, and that was the inspiration behind today's card:


I wanted the card to have a lush, Fall-like feel, without being overwhelmed by oranges and browns (I've been working with those a lot lately), so I chose these shades instead. The papers are from Close To My Heart. It still says, "Fall" to me.
The sentiment is a stamp from Unity Stamp Company.  I think it is such a powerful sentiment!  I used 3 different Spellbinders dies on this card. I backed the sentiment stamp with some 3 Girl JAM crinkle ribbon in Witches' Brew from the Spooky Bundle.
Here's a close up of the sentiment and ribbon:

For 10% off of everything in the 3 Girl JAM Store, use discount code JO10. Whoop!
I'm also entering this card in Unity's Friends With Flair.
Have a great weekend, everyone!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG
Dies R Us Challenge -- Fall Festival 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Christmas and Winners!

I've been participating in the DigiStamps4Joy progressive
 Christmas Challenge ever since I made the design team early in 2014.  Each month, if I make a card with the current month's digi, I get sent the next month's digi for free.  Good deal! And fun!
Here's this month's card:

I colored the image with Copic markers and paper pieced their hats.  Plus, I added some Stickles glitter glue to them.  The Christmas design papers are from Echo Park -- Christmas This & That.  The sentiment is from Close To My Heart.
Did you participate in the DigiStamps4Joy Celebration Blog Hop?  Prizes were promised, and today is the day I'm announcing the winners of the ones from my blog.
First, the winner of the Celebration Cake digi:
I used Random.org and entered all the comments from the blog hop.  It chose comment #15......
Angela B!  Angela says:  I just love your card! I'm hopping along the blog hop! Woot!
Congratulations, Angela, you win the free digi!  Contact me and I'll send it to you!

Now, for the winner of the $10 gift certificate for the DigiStamps4Joy Store.  Again, using Random.org --
is Olga Bester!     Olga Says:
 Ooh lovely. Great way of using the ribbon!

Hugs from Africa
Congratulations, Olga! Contact me with your email address and I'll get your gift certificate sent to you, or email Margy directly at compugen@netactive.co.za
Both Angela B and Olga, you can contact me at julieodil at charter dot net.
Thanks to everyone that made the Celebration Hop such a success. Don't forget the Celebration challenge that is going on this whole month!  And, check the DigiStamps4Joy blog for other surprises this month!
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
Decosses Dynamite Doodles -- 12 Months of Christmas Card link up
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Sept Linky Party
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge -- ATG as long as it's Christmas

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Missing You -- for Delightful Challenges

It's Thursday, and time for a new challenge on the Delightful Challenges blog.  This week's theme?  All Fall Down.  You guessed it -- anything Fall will do.  I used the whimsical Sunflower Arrangement digi and some Fall-colored designer papers to create this:

I colored the Sunflower arrangement with Copic markers.
The digi is available in colored and uncolored versions.
The sentiment is from the Missing You Sentiment Set.
The papers on this card are some retired papers from Close To My Heart.  I wish I had more of them!
The bling is from my stash. 
Our sponsor this week is The Robin's Nest.


This card is winging it's way across the state to my BFF.


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

Happy {watercolor} Bird for Timeless Twine

Hello, and happy Wednesday!  I have been so excited, just waiting to share this project with you today.  I had so much fun creating it!  I seem to be my happiest when playing with watercolors, ink, and of course, twine!
This month, on the Timeless Twine blog, we are working with the theme, Fly into Fall, and this adorable picture and color scheme:
One of our projects this month has to be something other than a card.  Using the inspiration from this picture, here's what I created:


This happy little bird was created with a Unity Stamp of the Week, "Wishing you Happiness".  I used Tim Holtz Distress Markers and a water brush to achieve this look. I cut the oval shape out with a Spellbinders die.  The box was cut out on my Cricut, using the Close To My Heart Cricut Artiste Collection.  The designer paper is from Close To My Heart.  The finishing touches are all those beautiful colors of twine wrapped together and tied in a big bow.

I used all 5 colors of Timeless Twine shown in the picture above on this box:

Make sure to visit the Timeless Twine blog each day for lots of great inspiration and ideas.
She really is a happy little bird, isn't she?


I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
All Crafts Blog -- Anything But A Card
Craftin' Desert Divas -- Fall Linky Party
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Sept Linky Party
Bitten By The Bug 2 -- Use Any Cricut Cartridge
Crafty Sentiments -- Autumn Colors

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Sunshine and Blue Skies -- for SVG Attic

Hello, and happy Tuesday!  This is my last post for SVG Attic.  My time, this term, is nearly over. I have LOVED being on this team -- watching the company grow, working with the fantastic designs, and experiencing the friendships have been awesome.  I want to thank the owners, designers, design team leader, and design team.  I've loved every minute.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I am sending you all off with 2 wishes from one of the newest kits in the SVG Attic store.  I made two very similar cards from the JGW Above It All kit. Soooo many cute things in this kit!


I used the hot air balloon from the kit, sized it to fit on the front of a card, and cut it three times on my Silhouette.  Then, I scored them and glued them together.  The card will lay flat for mailing.



I used a Joy's Life stamp set for the sentiments, as I thought they were very fitting for the cards, and for the message I wanted to leave with you all today.  
Papers are from Close To My Heart.  They retired long ago, but I keep hoarding this cloud paper, using it in little bits. On the second card, I used a We R Memory Keepers Cloud Corner Chomper. The Aqua Blue Timeless Twine finishes off the card.
My wish for all of you today and everyday -- sunshine and blue skies!

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

Monday, September 15, 2014

Happy Fall Y'all! for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge on the Eureka Stamps Challenge Blog.  I am also announcing the winner of the blog candy from the Eureka/QKR Stampede blog hop later in this post, so stay tuned!
This week's theme on the Eureka Stamps Challenge Blog  is "Floral Paper".  I'm in a "fall" kind of mood with temperatures in the forties and the leaves turning, so I used Fall floral papers on today's card.

This card used two Eureka Stamps digis -- Scarecrow(digi15901) and "Happy Fall, Y'all" digi16102(212).
I colored the scarecrow image with Copic markers.  The floral papers I used are retired papers from Close To My Heart. The bling is from my stash. 
Now, for the winner of my blog candy:  I had 30 comments on my blog hop post.  Using Random.org, commenter #12 -- Sherri wins! She says about Party Pooches -- "This just made me smile! LOVE the doggie images and you have colored them to perfection. Great design on your card too!"
Congratulations, Sherri!  Send me your mailing address and I'll get your goodies in the mail to you.

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Not Just Cards -- ATG
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- September Linky Party

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:

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

Sunday, September 14, 2014

I {heart} Big Books! for DigiStamps4Joy

It's Sunday, which means there are new releases in the DigiStamps4Joy store today.  Even better, there are some GREAT releases you NEED to check OUT!
I've always been a reader, often reading a book a week, so when this "books" digi was released this week, I KNEW I had to create with it!
Books made me think of a bookmark, so that's what I made:


I used some watercolor paper and did a light watercolor wash for the background. I duplicated the digi "Books" and merged it into 1 stamp, colored it with Copic markers, and fussy cut it. 

 The sentiment is mostly computer generated.  The 'two hearts' is a stamp from Close To My Heart.  The "Love/Heart stamp is also from Close To My Heart. I stamped it with Ruby ink and mounted the bookmark onto a piece of Ruby card stock -- both by Close To My Heart. There's some cranberry ribbon and Aqua Blue Timeless Twine to finish off the bookmark. 
Check out the DigiStamps4Joy Store and DS4J blog for lots of great inspiration!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Sept Linky Party
The Stamping Boutique -- Back To School

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Determination

Do you ever feel like giving up?  I'm usually a very determined person, but every now and then, life wears you down.  I bought this stamp awhile ago because I found it inspirational.  It came in handy when my husband had a particularly bad day at work and I wanted to make him a special card.
There's 2 things you need to know before I show you the card.
First, my husband loves to ride bike.  And I mean RIDE bike.  Last Saturday, he rode 76 miles, just for the FUN of it.  He lives to ride his bike.
Second, I wanted to make a card that would fit the theme of the Path of Positivity Challenge blog this month -- Determination.  This card accomplished both:



Do you remember learning to ride a bike?  Now, that took determination!  And persistence, and a bit of trust and courage.  My husband liked this card so much, he got tears in his eyes.  I believe it might end up in a frame so he can take it to work and have it near his desk.
The image and sentiment stamp are both from Great Impressions Stamps.  I used Tim Holtz Distress inks and a water pen on the image and sentiment. Everything else is from my stash. 
Determination -- it is a quality that gets us far in life. Never give up!
I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- September Linky Party
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG
AUD Sentiments Challenge -- For the Men in Our Life

Friday, September 12, 2014

Enjoy Life! for QKR Stampede

Hello, crafty friends, and happy Friday!  Today is my first post for QKR Stampede.  I've been designing for their sister company, Eureka Stamps, since June.  QKR Stampede Challenge blog needed a new member, so here I am!  I love the fun, quirky, whimsical images that QKR Stampede has to offer.
This week's theme at the QKR Stampede Challenge Blog is "Things With Wings".  There's lots of grasshoppers around right now in the late summer grass.  I haven't seen one with red tennies, though:



I used the digi "Lounging"(digi24173) and colored it with Copics.

The sentiment is computer generated.  The papers are by Prima Marketing -- Yuki for Ruby Violet, 6x6 papers.
There's Timeless Twine in Cherry Red to finish off the card. 
Come enter our 'Things With Wings" Challenge at QKR Stampede. You have all week!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
My Heart Pieces   Use a Digi Stamp
Creative Knockouts  Outdoors
Divas by Design  Anything Goes
CCC Digi Creations  Digi/Things with Wings
Natalie and Amy's Challenge  Things with Wings
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- September Linky Party