Spring has Sprung -- for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps.  This is my last post as a design team member (at least for now).  I've been on the team for a year already, and it's time to give someone else a chance at these delightful images!

This week's challenge is "Add bling", so I added a little:

I used 2 Eureka Stamps digis -- Bunny with Flowers (digi13703) and sentiment "Spring has Sprung" (digi8804).  I colored the bunny with Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils. I used 2 sizes of the same Spellbinders label die.  One, I cut with Close To My Heart glitter paper to add bling to the card.

The shaped card is a cutting file from Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons.

The designer paper and the butterfly bling are from Close To My Heart. 

I hope you can join us this week at Eureka Stamps for our "Add some Bling" challenge.  It's going to be fun!

Hoppy Birthday!

I have a fun card to share today.  I've been participating in the Outlawz Progressive Challenge each month since it began in January, so I wanted to make sure and use the adorable image provided for us by Encino Stamps this month.

I colored this frog with Copic markers.  The sentiment is from a Unity Stamp Company/Phyllis Harris stamp set.  I cut the frog and the sentiment out for a Spellbinders label 1 die set. The shaped card is an SVG cutting file from Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons.  The designer papers and card stock are all from Close To My Heart. 

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

Outlawz Progressive Challenge -- April

Happy Day Shake, Shake, Shaker! for Timeless Twine

It's Shaker Saturday on the Timeless Twine blog today, and I love shaker cards!  I had a blast with this one!  The hardest part was deciding which one to make.  Since I also love canning jars, I combined two loves in one:

This shaker card is a cutting file from The Cutting Cafe. It is part of the "13 Shaker Cards Cutting Files".  I used papers from My Mind's Eye Love Me Do Collection.

Everything else is from Timeless Twine/Bella Creationz:

The sequins

2 colors of Sorbet Timeless Twine (I used Watermelon Sorbet and Key Lime Sorbet)

White Heart Sticker

Happy Days Stamp Set

I seriously LoVe this stamp set.  It can be used in so many different ways.  Versatile to the MAX!  

Thanks for shaking up your Saturday with me!

Hello -- for Crafty Sentiments

I'm posting today for Crafty Sentiments Designs, on the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog.  I'm 1/2 way through my 6 month guest designer gig already.  It is going fast!

Today, I am featuring the sophisticated Lola.  

This is Lola - You're the Best.  She is a digital stamp.  I made her big, so she would be the focus of the card.  I colored her with Copic markers, then used a couple of Spellbinders label dies to cut out the image and back it.  The tag is also a Spellbinders die.  

Papers on the card are My Mind's Eye Cut and Paste "Flair" 6x6 pad. There's a teeny bit of Timeless Twine on the tag in Key Lime Sorbet. 

If you enjoyed this image of Lola, check out the other ones in the Crafty Sentiments Designs store.

I Get a Kick Out of You! for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede challenge blog. This week's theme is generally a bit tougher for us card makers -- it's Make a 'Guy' Card.

I think I succeeded quite well with this one!

I used QKR Stampede image, Armadillo (digi15613) on this card, and colored it with Copic markers.  The sentiment, also from QKR Stampede, is digi15107.

The boot-shaped card is a file found in the Silhouette Design store. 

The designer paper is retired, and is from Close To My Heart.

I hope you join us this week at QKR Stampede for our 'Guy' card challenge.  It's always good to stock up on those!

Smile!

I have a card that's serving double duty today.  It's part of a new release for Crafty Sentiments Designs, and is on the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog today.  I'm also using it as my 3 Girl JAM post, as the little bit of ribbon really makes a difference. 

Today's Crafty Sentiments Designs  new release is Isobel - Apple Tree.  She is a rubber stamp, and will soon be available in the store.  She is colored with Copic markers. 

I used designer papers from Simple Stories Smarty Pants 6x6 pad.   I used the same Spellbinder die twice, turning it 180 degrees behind the image and adding a bit of bling.  

The pretty crinkle ribbon that pulls the whole card together is 3 Girl JAM Sterling from the Celebrations Bundle.

To get some beautiful ribbon (and other great products) of your own, use code JO10 at checkout in the 3 Girl JAM store to save 10% on your entire order. Or, use code APRIL to receive the Spring Flowers Bundle for just a $1.  But you better hurry.  This month is winding down fast!

Party Time!

It's time to CELEBRATE the 1,000 LIKES milestone on the Digistamps4Joy Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DS4Joy).

To thank you, Margy is giving away OODLES of prizes from Monday 20th April to Friday 24th April. Come back each morning to see our fun challenges/games and the prizes you can put yourself in line to win.

Here's a taste of what's to come:

Free digistamps, Gift Certificates to the DS4J store, Guest Designer spots in our challenges, the latest batch of new releases, sponsored digistamps from The Earth Wind and from Nana Vic's Digistamps, and MORE digistamps.

So, don't pass "GO" and don't go HOME until you have joined Margy and her Digistamps4Joy Team in this fabulous celebration week.

See you there!

Margy and the DS4J DT

It is "Party Time".  I've used an image from The East Wind (one of the sponsors of the DigiStamps4Joy 1000 likes party), and a sentiment from DigiStamps4Joy.

I colored Aurora 'Gift' with Copic markers, then used a Spellbinders die to cut her out. The party-like designer papers on this card are from Close To My Heart.  I used a silver Wink of Stella marker on the Party Time sentiment. The tie dye crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.
What's a party without prizes?  Here's what you can win...

1. DS4J is giving away a free digistamp (“Party Time”) to everyone who LIKES the DS4J FB page.
2. Any person who visits any of the 4 DT blog names provided and leaves a comment goes into a draw for a DS4J GDT spot.
3. A Birthday theme Colouring competition starts today – can use the DS4J freebie, an East Wind image, or a Nana Vic image and post into the DS4J FB album. Prize is $10 GC from DS4J store. Closing date is Friday night 6pm South African time.

Flowers Grow -- for Path of Positivity

I'm guest designing again today at Path of Positivity Challenge blog.  I'm thrilled to be guest designing for Lisa Decosse and her talented design team again.  The theme this whole month is "growth".  The sponsor this month is Sparkle N Sprinkle. I used an awesome Sparkle N Sprinkle image and sentiment on this card:

I used Faber Castell Polychromos pencils on this image, printed on Canson Mi-Tientes paper. All other paper is from Close To My Heart.

The large dies on this card are Spellbinders dies.  The stitched label die is from Lawn Fawn.  The pretty tie dye ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM. 

I plan to use this card as either a get well card of a sympathy card.  I think this beautiful sentiment is appropriate for either one, and perfect for the "growth" challenge at Path of Positivity Challenge blog. 

Hold on to Love for The East Wind

There's a new release every Tuesday and Friday at The East Wind.  Wow! That's a lot of new releases!  That's part of what drew me to this company in the first place -- I like all that freshness.  Today's release is so different than any of the other East Wind releases.  It touches something deep within me with it's innocence.

This The East Wind digi is "All You Need Is", and as previously hinted at, it is releasing today in The East Wind Etsy shop.

I colored "All You Need Is" with Copic markers, then used a Spellbinders label die to cut it out.  I mounted that on a metallic silver doily from the Bella Creationz store. The sentiment is computer generated, then cut out on a Lawn Fawn stitched label die.  The designer papers are My Mind's Eye, The Sweetest Thing - Lavender 6x6 pad. The baby pink crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM. 

Hold on to love.  Really, when it's all said and done, what else is there?  Have a great weekend, everyone!  Check back on Tuesday for another great The East Wind release.

Hugs from Hootie and I-- for Crafty Sentiments

I'm posting today for Crafty Sentiments Inspirational Blog.  I have a tutorial to share on using a die cut in a different way.

First, the finished card, then, how I did it:

I used Crafty Sentiments Designs digital image  Hootie -- Rain, Rain, Go Away on this card.  He's ready for spring, that Hootie!

Here's how I made the card.

I started by coloring my image.  I almost always have the papers I plan to use close by to match the colors to it.  This image is colored with Copic markers.

Then, I chose what dies I wanted to use.  You can use this technique with a variety of shapes -- circles, square, oval, rectangle.  I chose stitched rectangles by Lawn Fawn.  

I cut out the image with a large stitched rectangle, and placed it where I thought it would be.  It is not glued at this point, just set there.

Then, I placed a smaller stitched rectangle on the front of the card, using the inside image as a guide.  The inside one isn't glued because it's easier to adjust the inside one at the end, if needed.  Notice, I used washi tape to anchor my die -- works great!

Don't forget to open up your card before you run it through your die cut machine ;)

 After you've cut the front, you can fasten the inside in, using whatever adhesive you prefer.  

Now, the fun of decorating the outside of the card begins.  I kept the embellishing to a minimum, preferring to leave the focus on the adorable Hootie image and die cut card front.

The designer paper is We R Memory Keepers Storytime 6x6 pad.  The raindrop gems are from Studio G.  The die cut "hugs" sentiment is from Lawn Fawn.  I also used my trusty We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper on this.

Hugs to you from Hootie and I!

Noel -- for the 12 MoC

It's the 15th of the month, and time for some mid-month inspiration at the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  The theme this month is a color challenge.  You can link up anything you want, as long as it's Christmas, but to earn the free paper, you need to follow the month's theme. Here's the colors:

Our sponsor this month is Sami Stamps. Here's what I did with a Sami Stamps image and the color theme:

I used 2 different sets of digi papers from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. The designer paper is called "Bauble Bonanza" and was designed by Lisa just for this color challenge.  The textured paper behind the Christmas bulb is from the Textured Papers set. 

The sentiment is from Close To My Heart.  The bling is from my stash. 

Join us this month at the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  You know you want these papers!  Plus, it's a great way to get some Christmas cards made.

Party Animal! for Amy Doodle's Stamp Co.

It's been a bit since Amy has released any new stamps, but oh, are there some cute ones in this release!  You have to check them out HERE!

I needed a birthday card, and 'Kangaroo Birthday' was perfect for the occasion!

I colored the kangaroo with Copic markers, then used various Spellbinders dies to create the circle-shaped card.  The sentiment is part of the set.

All the papers on this card are from Close To My Heart. 

Didn't I tell you this was an awesome release from Amy Doodle's Stamp Company?  You'll find more inspiration at the Amy Doodle Stamp Company Facebook Group.

Bunny and Butterfly -- for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps.  This week, our theme is '4-legged Friends'.  I just had to color up this little cutie:

This is a QKR Stampede image (sister company of Eureka Stamps).  It is "Bunny & Butterfly" (digi6805).  I colored the image with Copic markers, then cut it out with a Spellbinders die.

I cut the box out using my Cricut Explore and the Close To My Heart Cricut Artiste cartridge.  The ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. 

Bunny Love!

It's Friday, it's Friday!  I love Fridays!

I'm posting today for Timeless Twine, where today's theme is "Fun Friday."  What better way to have fun than a cute QKR Stampede image, a matching sentiment, and some pretty, springtime Timeless Twine to go with it?

I colored this adorable QKR Stampede image, Springtime Bunny (digi16104) with Copic markers. The sentiment, "Some Bunny Loves You" (digi10603) is also from QKR Stampede. I used a few dies on this card -- large heart by Die-namics, half-circle heart die by Memory Box.  The edges of the large heart are inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Spun Sugar. The pink hearts that I wrapped with Timeless Twine were on my desk, left over from a Valentine project. The designer papers are from the My Mind's Eye Dwell 6x6 pad.

The fun twine?  All Timeless Twine, of course!  That goes without saying. I used all 3 twines from the Sorbet Collection (on SALE this month!)

I used Watermelon Sorbet, Key Lime Sorbet, and Razzleberry Sorbet. Please don't ask me to pick a favorite, because I can't.  I love them all!

Please join us this week at QKR Stampede for our Bunnies Challenge.

Lacy Hugs -- for 3 Girl JAM

It's Thursday, and I am lucky enough to be posting today for 3 Girl JAM.  I used 2 of my favorite products on a card -- distressed lace, and crinkle ribbon. 

I'm needing quite a few thank you cards since my father-in-law died last week.  This is one I sent as a thank you:

I cut the card out on my Silhouette, using a file from the Silhouette Design Store.  You can find it here.  All the papers were from my scraps -- I'm making a concerted effort to use some of them.  The sentiment is a die from Lawn Fawn. 

There's some of the beautiful distressed lace across the middle of this card, and then some 3 Girl JAM  crinkle ribbon from the original Tie Dye Bundle. 

Visit the 3 Girl JAM Store and use code JO10 to save 10% off your order.  Or, use code APRIL to get the Spring Flowers bundle for just $1 with any purchase from the 3 Girl JAM Store.

Don't forget about the Anything Goes with ribbon challenge happening all month at the 3 Girl JAM Challenge blog. 

Hang on -- it's almost the weekend!

Butterfly Mini Basket

It's Wednesday, and I'm posting today for Snapdragon Snippets.  One of the big events I coordinate every year for my job is the Volunteer Appreciation Party.  We have over 70 volunteers in my nursing home, and they are all invited in for a meal.  Decorating for the event is the fun part!  I try to come up with projects that the residents can help me with.  We made 12 of these baskets yesterday to use as table decorations, but also as door prizes.  They will be filled with, of course, chocolate!

I used 2 Snapdragon Snippets cutting files on this basket: the Shamrocks Trio Mini Basket and the Wonderful Days Title (just the butterflies).

I used BoBunny double dot papers for most of this.  The larger dot paper was in my scraps.  The brads are from Close To My Heart.  We had a great time assembling 12 of these yesterday.  They look adorable and I think they will be a hit!

Make sure and visit the Snapdragon Snippets blog often for lots of great inspiration. 

Chocolate is Good for You -- for The Cutting Cafe

It's the 7th of the month.  That means it's time for some inspiration from the incredibly talented team at The Cutting Cafe.  This team rocks!  

This time, our assignment was to make a vending machine.  Why have gumballs when you can have chocolate?

This is the Cutting Cafe Vending Machine Cutting File:

I filled the vending machine with raspberry covered chocolates because they are my favorites.  Evidently, my dog thinks they are quite tasty, too.  I left the machine within her reach just long enough to get my camera.  When I came back, she had nibbled the lid and tipped the whole machine over.  Chocolate was scattered everywhere!  Fortunately, she knows what "leave it!" means, and she left it alone while I cleaned up the mess.

 The papers for this vending machine are from October Afternoon.  I thought it needed a nostalgic feel.  The sentiment is from Close To My Heart. The acetate is from Papertrey Ink.  The crinkle ribbon is one of the new colors from 3 Girl JAM, coming soon to the store.

Make sure to check out the other vending machines today on the Cutting Cafe blog.  You won't be disappointed!  Leave a comment while you are there, and you could win 3 sets for yourself! 

Grow Old With Me

I'm guest designing today for Path of Positivity Challenge blog.  I love this blog and what it represents, so I'm always thrilled when Lisa and her team offer me the chance to guest design!

This month's theme on the PoP blog is "Growth".  Our sponsor is Sparkle N Sprinkle.

Here's my take on the "Growth" theme --

I used the Sparkle N Sprinkle digi, 'Crystal Medallion' on this card. I printed it several times in different colors, and fussy cut it.  The sentiment is computer generated. The background papers on this card are from my scraps, so I don't remember what company they are.  The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  The bling is from Prima. 

Growth -- it's what's life is all about.  If we don't keep keep growing, we stop living.  Always look for opportunities to grow!  It's one of the true gifts of life. Thank you to the Path of Positivity Challenge team for this opportunity to grow. 

A Tulip Hello -- for Eureka Stamps

It's Monday, and time for a new challenge at Eureka Stamps. This week, our theme is "Spring Flowers".  It's a bit early for them yet in Wisconsin, but I can dream!

The whole design team used the same Eureka Stamps digi this week -- Tulips (digi28502).  

I used Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils on this card.  There are several Spellbinder dies used on this card.  I used 3 Girl JAM tie dye ribbon, some Lawn Fawn Let's Polka 6x6 paper, and my favorite We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper.

Join us this week at Eureka Stamps with your 'Spring Flowers' creations.  I'd love to see what you make! 

Happy Easter -- New Release at DS4J

Happy Easter!  There are some new releases in the DigiStamps4Joy  Store today.  I chose to work with Fantasy Tulips.  They seemed a perfect choice for Easter Sunday.

I love to play with different color combinations when using Copic markers.  I did this technique on the Fantasy Tulips.

I used 2 different sizes of Spellbinder oval dies on this image. The designer paper is from Lawn Fawn.  The sentiment is a stamp from My Pink Stamper.  There's Lemonade Yellow Timeless Twine wrapped around the card for the finishing touches. 

A Breath of Spring -- for Fitztown

Happy Easter, everyone!  It's the fifth of the month, so it's time for a new challenge on the Fitztown Challenge blog.  The challenges are always Anything Goes.  This month's optional twist is -- use Leaves or Flowers.  If you follow my blog at all, you know I love to color flowers! And butterflies! So, I used both.

I used two Fitztown images on this card -- Garden 16 (butterfly image).  The rose image is retired.  Both are colored with Copic markers. 

This side step card is a Sizzix die.  I used 2 sizes of Spellbinders dies to cut out the Rose image.  The butterfly image is cut out with a punch.

There's some Autumn Splendor Timeless Twine wrapped around the base of this card.  Papers are from Authentique. 

Happy Easter

It's Saturday, and I'm posting today for Crafty Sentiments Inspirations Blog. Since it is so close to Easter, I decided to go with an Easter-themed card.

This Crafty Sentiments Designs image is called, "Toby in Pot".  It was very fun to color with Copic markers, as there were quite a few different elements in this image -- Toby, pot, flowers, mushroom, grass, and butterfly.   

I used several Spellbinders dies on this card, then wrapped some Pumpkin Orange Timeless Twine around one of the layers. 

The designer papers for this card are from My Mind's Eye -- Everyday Flair, 6x6 pad. The card base and sequins are from Close To My Heart.

I hope you have a great Easter tomorrow!

Scratch. My. Itch. for The East Wind

I'm keeping this post short.  My father-in-law died Wednesday evening, and things have been far from routine.

There is a new release today at The East Wind, and she is LOADS of fun -- lots of spunk and attitude with this girl!

Didn't I tell you?  Spunk and attitude!  I colored Lucy Loo Ninja with Copic Markers.  The sentiment (a Julie original, LOL), is computer generated. All the papers and bling for this card are from Close To My Heart. I used my We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper on this, too.

Visit The East Wind's Etsy Shop to see all the fantastic digis available, including today's new release, Lucy Loo Ninja.  

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

A step in the Darkness -- ATG
Crafty Gals Corner Challenge -- Humor, comedy, funny
Double Click Connections -- Funny or Punny sentiment
CCEE Stampers -- National Humor Month
Crafting with an Attitude -- Freestyle/fantasy

April Showers -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede.  Since it's April, we're going with an "April Showers" theme this week.  This adorable image from QKR Stampede definitely fits the theme!

I used QKR Stampede digi, "In the Rain" (digi7402) I colored the image with Copic markers.

The card base is an A2 rocking card, found here in the Silhouette Design Store.   The papers are from My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary 6x6 pad.  The card base is from Close To My Heart. 

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

DRS Designs Stamps -- April showers 

Just Because -- for DigiStamps4Joy

It's April 1, and that means it's time for a new challenge at DigiStamps4Joy.  We have a sketch to work with this month.  Fun!

Here's the sketch:

I used DigiStamps4Joy image, "Daylily" on this card.  I colored it with Prismacolor pencils, using Canson Mi-Tientes paper.   

Papers on this card are from Close To My Heart. The ribbon is from my stash.  

Join us this month at DigiStamps4Joy for our challenge, and use this sketch.  It has lots of possibilities!