Thinking of You -- New Release for DS4J

It's Sunday, and there are new releases today in the DigiStamps4Joy Store.  To add to the excitement, there is a new artist!  I was lucky enough to be able to work with Lesie's first image in the DigiStamps4Joy store:

This DigiStamps4Joy image is called Patchwork Country 1. I printed it on colored card stock (Close To My Heart), then used distress inks and a wet paintbrush to color it with.  The sentiment is a stamp from My Pink Stamper. 

I was trying for a sun ray of patterned paper behind the image.  It all got a big busy, but if you look, maybe the sun ray is apparent? The designer papers are from Pink Paislee Hello Sunshine 6x6 pad. The white baker's twine is from Timeless Twine. 

Check out the DigiStamps4Joy blog today to see what other design team members have done with this new release, and other new releases.  You won't be disappointed!

I Think I Need a Diet! for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede. Our theme this week is "Bath time". I found a most delightful QKR Stampede digi stamp to work with for this challenge! 

This poor little duck has such a fat tummy, he needs an inner tube to stay afloat! Doesn't he look forlorn? This is Floating (digi7006). I colored the delightful Floating duck with Copic markers. The sentiment is computer generated. Papers are from Echo Park.  I used a We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper on this, and a Spellbinders die behind the duck image.

I hope you can join us this week at QKR Stampede for our "bath time" challenge! I'd love to see what you create!  

Think Spring! for Crafty Sentiments Designs

I'm posting today for the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog. These images are sooooo cute!  Today, I share with you Kaye(Springtime), a digi stamp from the Crafty Sentiments Design store. 

I colored Kaye with Copic markers.  I used my Silhouette Cameo to create the card for her. The designer papers are from Basic Grey. Embellishments are from Close To My Heart.

Spring is just underway where I live.  We are just starting to get rid of jackets and sweaters, and get out the short sleeves.  I've yet to wear shorts, but I hope the day is coming soon.  Like Kaye (Springtime), I'm thinking Spring!

Starting in June, I'm switching to the Crafty Sentiments Challenge blog team.  Come check out all the creations from the design team, and join our challenges.  

Live Fast and Stay Pretty for IDCB, and a WINNER!

It's Wednesday, and I'm posting today for Inspiration Destination Challenge Blog, where the challenges are every week, and they are always Anything Goes.  We have one sponsor this week, and it's a good one! We're sponsored this week by The Paper Shelter. 

I made a tag with the fun image, "Rebel":

I used the pre-printed version of this, and used a tag die to cut it out.  I also printed the paper that comes with the image, and used another tag die to cut the paper out.  I stamped a Close To My Heart sentiment on a 3 tag and used another die to cut that out.  The ribbon holding all the tags together is from 3 Girl JAM.  The star confetti is from UmWow Studio. 

Thanks to The Paper Shelter for the very fun Rebel digital stamp to work with!

Join us this week at IDCB for your chance to win a prize from this fun sponsor!  Remember, it's anything goes.
Did I mention a winner?
The winner from the Colors of Summer Blog Hop this past weekend is Mary Holshouser.  Woohoo!  Congrats, Mary!  You get to pick your favorite 3 girl JAM ribbon bundle -- tough choice!  I'll be contacting you by email.

Relax! for The East Wind

There's another new release today at The East Wind.  This one, like many of the others, was very fun to color up and design a project around.  Today's new release is called Lucy Loo 'Long Pipe'.

I colored Lucy Loo 'Long Pipe' with Copic markers, then inked the edges with Tim Holtz Old Paper Distress Ink.  The sentiment is computer generated. I used a Spellbinders die to cut out the image.  The papers are from My Mind's Eye.  The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM. I used a We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper on the corners of the designer papers and card base. 

Check out The East Wind Etsy store for more wonderful digi images for your coloring pleasure. Visit The East Wind Facebook group for contests, inspiration, and fun, and The East Wind blog for more challenges and inspiration.  You can also follow me on Instagram here. 

Just For You - and Not Just Cards

Looking for the Colors of Summer Blog Hop?  Please click HERE!

Happy Memorial Day (U.S. friends)!  I hope you find time to remember those who have given so much to protect our freedom. I will be part of a Memorial Day program put on by the VFWA at our nursing home this afternoon, paying tribute.

I'm posting today for Not Just Cards Challenge Blog.  Of course, I've got a project that's not a card.  It's only right, right?

Our sponsor this time is Robyn's Fetish, and I used a beautiful image from her:

I colored this Sunflower 2 digital image using Copic markers.

I used a Spellbinders die in 2 sizes to cut out the image and layer it. I stamped the sentiment, using a retired Close to My Heart stamp set.   I attached it to a treat bag from Close To My Heart. 

I hope you join us at Not Just Cards. The challenge will last for 2 weeks.  We have great sponsors, and cards are welcome!

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

Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog -- ATG

Oh, Baby, Thinking of You! for Crafty Sentiments

Looking for the Colors of Summer Blog Hop?  Please click HERE

It's New Release Day at Crafty Sentiments Designs, and I was given 2 images to work with.  What's fun about the new releases is you never know what images you'll get.  You just know they'll be cute and fun!  Today's new releases are no exception. 

This first card features Isobel:

This rubber stamp is called Isobel Expecting.  She looks so happy, doesn't she?  She's shopping for baby, and glowing inside.  I colored Isobel Expecting with Copic markers. I computer generated the sentiment. 

I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the center step card.  The papers are from My Mind's Eye.   The tie dye ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM, and the wood velour heart is from my stash. 

New Release #2 from Crafty Sentiments Designs features Josh:

This is Josh - Floral Collection, and he is also a rubber stamp.  Once again I colored him with Copic markers, then used a Spellbinders die to cut him out.  The card base was cut out on my Cricut using a Close To My Heart Artfully Sent cartridge. The designer paper is from Kaisercraft.  The flowers are from Prima Marketing.  The bird is from my stash.

There is another rubber stamp being released today (3 altogether).  To see it, and the other creations from this talented design team, please visit the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog. 

Colors of Summer Blog Hop -- for 3 Girl JAM

Looking for the Crafty Sentiments Designs New Release?  Please click here!

Congratulations, you've made it to the last stop of the hop. You should have arrived here from Raechelle's blog.  If you got here by accident, or just stopped by to visit my blog, you may want to start HERE at the beginning of the Colors of Summer Blog Hop.  By now, you've seen lots of fantastic projects featuring all 5 bundles of wonderful new ribbon colors.  Aren't they all amazing?

Here's what I created for the hop:

I made this treat bags for a get-together with some friends.  I filled them with several kinds of their favorite chocolates (what else?) 
I used double sided papers, and got 2 of them out of each sheet, so this is the front and back of 2 sheets of 12x12 papers from Kaisercraft.  The bags, made on my Silhouette, are 2 different cutting files found in the Silhouette Design Store here and here.
This treat bag (below), uses the Saturday Morning Ribbon Bundle.

This treat bag (below), uses the Sunny Meadows Bundle.

This bag uses the Rustic Country Bundle

This bag uses the Summer Harvest Bundle

Once more, altogether now!

Did we mention there would be prizes along the route?  I love 3 Girl JAM ribbon, and I love designing for Julie, the owner of 3 Girl JAM.  I want to pass some of the goodness on to you.  So, pick out your favorite ribbon of the 5 new bundles and leave it in your comments.  Follow my blog if you don't already.  Leave me a way to contact you, too, and I'll pick a winner next week.  I will send you the bundle of your choice from the 3 Girl JAM Store.  Woohoo!  That's a great prize, if I do say so myself!

There's also a sale at the 3 Girl JAM Store.  Use discount code NEWHOP from 5/23 to 5/25 for 30% off of your order.  I'm going shopping!

A Birthday Bear -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede.  Our theme this week is "Children's Birthday Cards." This was actually not an easy theme for me, having no children or grandchildren, but I managed, I think.

I used QKR Stampede digi, Birthday Bear (digi9603) on this card, and colored it with Copic markers, then fussy cut the Birthday Bear. There's a Spellbinders label die behind it.  All the papers are from Close To My Heart.  The designer paper is called Confetti Wishes, and it works wonderfully for birthdays and celebrations.  I finished the card off with some Skittles. 

I hope you join us this week for our Children's Birthday Cards challenge at QKR Stampede.  I'd love to see what you make!

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

Double Click Connections -- Birthday Challenge (used Skittles)

Stylin' Flamingos Gift Bag -- for 3 Girl JAM

We've had a lot of rain lately where I live, and I've had to break out the rain gear, but I don't look anywhere near this stylin' in my boots!  Check out these flamingos!

The 3 Girl JAM ribbon is like a breath of sunshine on this treat bag!  Those flamingos are basking in it, I can just tell by the expressions on their faces.  This ribbon is one of FIVE new bundles newly released in the 3 Girl JAM store. 

 Visit the 3 Girl JAM blog, and the whole team this weekend for a blog hop FULL of inspiration with the new ribbon bundles (did I mention GREAT prizes?!?).  This crinkle ribbon is aptly named 'Sunshine' from the Sunny Meadows Bundle. It's perfect for all your summer -- and Packer projects (just had to throw that in there).

This 'flamingos in boots' stamp is from Great Impressions Stamps. It is one of my all-time favorite stamps.  I colored the image with Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils. A Spellbinders label die was used in 2 sizes. The treat bag is from Close To My Heart.

Remember the Colors of Summer blog hop with the 3 Girl JAM design team, May 23-25.  It all starts on the 3 Girl JAM blog. If you want to do a little shopping before the hop, use discount code JO10 for 10% off your entire order.  Or, use code MAY to get the Pink & White Bundle for just $1. 

Don't forget the 3 Girl JAM Challenge going on right now -- Anything Goes with Ribbon.  You have until the end of the month.

Stinkin' Cute -- for The Cutting Cafe

I'm posting today for The Cutting Cafe.  This week, we are featuring Treat Cup Cards. These are all just awesome! You have to try these!  

Here's mine:

This is the Flower Treat Cup Card. I did watch this video to make sure I was assembling the pieces correctly.

I used papers from Close To My Heart on this card.  The Tie Dye Crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM. The acetate I used is from Papertrey Ink.

That cute skunk?  That's a digi stamp from Gerda Steiner. I colored him with Prismacolor pencils, fussy cut, and foam taped him to the card.  I thought he gave the card that extra touch it needed.

Do you want to see more of the treat cup cards?  There are 7 different ones. You can buy the whole set, or get them individually.   Check out the Cutting Cafe blog on May 21 for lots of inspiration from the uber talented design team.  You won't be disappointed!  Leave a comment on the blog for your chance to win any 3 sets from The Cutting Cafe (including these AWESOME treat cup cards!!!!)

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

Gerda Steiner Progressive Challenge -- May

Oh Snap! A tutorial for Timeless Twine

It's Technique Tuesday on the Timeless Twine blog.  I'm showing off what I call "the lazy crafter's guide to pom-poms".  All you need is a couple fingers.  Let me explain!

First, the finished project:

Below, is a photo box.  It holds 4-6 pictures.

Like that little pom?  Here's how I did it...

Wrap the Timeless Twine around 2 fingers.  I used Lemonade Yellow on this pom-pom. (sorry it's blurry.  I had to take the pic with my SLR and 1 hand)

 Next, take a piece of twine and fit it between your 2 fingers.  This will be used to tie off your pom.  I leave it a bit longer than I think I'll need, just in case.

Work your fingers loose, then tie your knot securely.

Cut the loops apart.

Then, all that's left is to trim everything to a similar length and give it a bit of a fluff.

Timeless Twine/Bella Creationz products used:

 Lemonade Yellow Twine

Multi-Colored Gift Tags

Oh Snap  Clear Stamp Set

Next time you need that little extra embellishment for a project, give this a try. You'll love how fast it is!

Are My Roots Showing? for The East Wind

I've been so excited to show you today's new release from The East Wind.  This is Aurora Natural.

I colored Aurora Natural with Copic markers, then cut her out with Spellbinders label dies.  The sentiment is my own, and computer generated.  The papers are from My Mind's Eye.  The crinkle ribbon is 3 Girl JAM. It's from the new Summer Harvest Bundle.  A little work with my We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper, and this card was done.

Please follow me on Instagram, and don't forget to check on The East Wind on Facebook.

Noel

I've been participating in The Outlawz Progressive Challenge each month this year.  Today, I colored up this PPinky Dolls image.  It was this month's freebie (thanks, Chrishanthi Liaropoulou!)

I colored the PPinky Dolls stamp with Copic markers, then cut it out with a Spellbinders ornament die.  The designer papers are by Kaisercraft.  The crinkle ribbon and lace are from 3 Girl JAM.

Another Christmas card to add to the stash! Yes!

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

Outlawz progressive Challenge -- May

Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

D.L. Art - May Linky Party 

 

A Bucket of Thanks -- for DS4J

It's Sunday, and there are new releases at DigiStamps4Joy.  The talented artist, Riette Gasser, is being featured today.  I used her Daisy Bucket digi today --

I colored this Daisy Bucket image with Derwent Inktense Pencils and a paint brush, then fussy cut it.

All the dies used on this card are Lawn Fawn.  The sentiment is from Close To My Heart. The tie dye crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  Designer papers are from Crate Paper Open Book 6x6 pad, by Maggie Holmes. 

Check out all the new releases today at DigiStamps4Joy, and the fantastic creations from the rest of the talented design team.  You won't be disappointed! 

Merry & Bright -- for 12 Months of Christmas

Here we are at the mid-point of May already! That means it's time for some new inspiration on the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  Our optional theme this month is Christmas Critters.  Our wonderful sponsor is DeeDee's Digis.

Here's what I created:

This DeeDee's Digis image and sentiment is called Merry & Bright. I used the uncolored image, and colored it myself with Copic markers, then used a die to cut it into a tag.  

The penguin background paper is designed by Lisa Decosse for this challenge. It is one of the papers in the Christmas Critters papers set.  Check out her blog at Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. 

I also used a textured paper from Lisa's Textured Papers Set. 

I used a scallop edge punch from Close To My Heart for the edge of the card.  The shimmer trim is also from CTMH.  The Cherry Red baker's twine is from Timeless Twine. 

Come join us this month at the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  Link up 2 Christmas cards each month to be eligible for this cute paper yourself.  Follow the optional theme for your chance to win a prize from our sponsor.

Up, Up, and Away.....for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede.  Our theme this week is "balloons".  QKR Stampede's sister company, Eureka Stamps, has some incredible balloon stamps, so I use a couple of theirs. 

I used Eureka Stamps digis, Boy Balloon holder (digi5002) and Spring Balloon (digi3504).  I colored both images with Copic markers. I used a Spellbinders die behind the Boy Balloon holder, and fussy cut the Spring balloon, drawing in the string to connect them.  The background is created with washi tape.

Join us this week at QKR Stampede for our Balloon challenge.  It's a great way to catch up on those party-themed projects.

Tulip Trifold Card -- for Snapdragon Snippets

It's spring, and the tulips are blooming where I live.  I have some pretty yellow and red ones in my garden right now.  I love all the spring flowers.  They are my favorites!

The tulips and other spring beauties were the inspiration behind this card:

This Snapdragon Snippets Tulip Trifold card is available in the Silhouette Design Store.  It will be available soon in the Snapdragon Snippets Store.  

All the papers on this card are from Close To My Heart.  The button is from my stash.

This card makes me want to plant more tulips -- they are so pretty!

Beautiful -- for The East Wind

It's Tuesday, and New Release day at The East Wind.  Today, I colored up Lucy Loo 'Hair on Top'.  This one was definitely good practice for hair!

I colored Lucy Loo 'Hair on Top' with Copic markers, then inked around the edges with distress inks.  

I cut out the image with a Spellbinders label die.  The designer papers are from My Mind's Eye.  I cut the card out on my Silhouette, using an SVG file from Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons.  The lace and crinkle ribbons are from 3 Girl JAM.  The stick pin is from Prima Marketing. The sentiment is a stamp from Close To My Heart. 

Shop The East Wind Etsy shop for this new release and many more fantastic images!

Perseverance {Never Give Up!}

It's Monday, and the new work week begins. Today, I had time to make a card, with the Path of Positivity Challenge blog in mind.  The theme this month is 'Perseverance'. 

Do you ever set a goal, and then you don't know when it's time to give up on that dream?  I feel the need to persevere when I set a goal, and work towards it as much as I can -- learning and growing along the way.  This card represents that desire to push on, to persevere, to attempt to accomplish the goal.  Goals can be large or small, but they are satisfying to achieve, no matter what.

This image and sentiment are from Great Impressions Stamps.  They have a DT call right now.  It has been a long-time goal of mine to make this team, so I will apply again.  I will persevere!

I colored this delightful image with Derwent Inktense pencils and a water brush.

Designer Papers are from American Crafts, #Summer, 6x6 pad.  The paper behind the image and sentiment is digital paper from Lisa Decosse, of Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. It is from her textured paper pack.  The sequins are from Close To My Heart.

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

Path of Positivity -- Perseverance 

Decosse's Dynamite Doodles -- NSD Giveaway

Melon Headz Friends Challenge -- All about Kids

Lawnscaping Challenge -- watercolors

Thinking of You -- for Crafty Sentiments Designs

Hurray! It's Saturday! I'm posting today for Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog, using an always charming Crafty Sentiments Designs stamp.  This one is perfect for a warm spring day...

Isn't she sweet?  This is rubber stamp, Primrose - Garden Flowers.  I colored her with Copic markers, then cut her out with a Spellbinders die.

The shaped card is a cutting file from The Silhouette Design Store. The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  Papers are from Close To My Heart. 

The daffodils are in bloom where I live, so Primrose is right in fashion!  Love her sweet hat and boots!  You have to check out this rubber stamp and so much more at Crafty Sentiments Designs!

Friendships are like Gardens -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friday (yippee!), which means it's time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede challenge blog. This week, our theme is 'Nature'.  Since I absolutely love to color flowers, I took advantage of the opportunity to color yet another one.

I used 2 different QKR Stampede digis on this card -- Apple Blossom (digi16912) and Friendships and Gardens (digi16813).  I colored the Apple Blossom image with Copic markers, then fussy cut it.  It's mounted on designer papers by Prima Marketing -- Yuki for Ruby Violet.  The burlap trim is from Close To My Heart. The bling is from my stash.

Join us this week for our 'Nature' challenge at QKR Stampede.  I'd love to see what you create!

Happy Mother's Day

There's a new team in town, and a new challenge blog soon to appear.  The Morgan Fitzsimons Creative Team is being introduced this month.  Today, I'm showing my first card for this new team. 

This is Flower 6, and will be available soon at Morgan Fitzsimons.com. If this image looks familiar to you, it was previously found at Fitztown.

I colored the image with Copic markers.  I cut the card out on my Cricut, using the Close To My Heart Artfully Sent cartridge. Card stock is also Close To My Heart. The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.

Please join the Morgan's Art World Facebook group to learn more about this beautiful art, and for more great inspiration. 

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

Sweet Stamps Challenge -- For Mom

Deep Ocean Challenge -- Flowers
Bitten by the Bug 2 -- Mother's Day

A Whole Bouquet for You -- and 3 Girl JAM

I am posting today for my all time favorite ribbon company -- 3 Girl JAM. I have a card filled with sweet goodness for you.

I used a Tiddly Inks image, Wryn Blooms, and colored it with Copic markers.  The card base is a cutting file from Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons.
I used several 3 Girl JAM products to finish this card -- the Tie Dye 3 Bundle (both colors), and the 2.5 inch lace from the Distressed Lace Bundle.  I love to layer ribbon and lace together!
I hope you like my springtime creation.
3 Girl JAM has 5 new ribbon bundles that you just HAVE to check out!  If you need them for yourself (and of course you do!), use discount code JO10 for an instant 10% off of your entire order.  Or, get this month's ribbon of the month -- the Pink & White Bundle -- for just $1, using discount code, MAY.
Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there.  Enjoy your day!  

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

The Paper Shelter -- use lace

Tuesday Throwdown -- Flowers for Her
Eureka Stamps -- feminine cards

You're the Balm! for The Cutting Cafe

There's quite a few pictures with today's post, so bear with me! This week, at The Cutting Cafe, we're using The Cutting Cafe's Printable Stamps and/or papers, and anything recycled, repurposed, or upcycled.  Oooh, sounds like a fun challenge, doesn't it? 

Here's the first view of my recycled project, then I'll tell you a bit about it:

I made these tags out of a cereal box.  Cereal boxes make the best chipboard!

You will need:

that cereal box to give some sturdiness to your tag, digital papers from The Cutting Cafe. I used the Chevron Fall Background Printables, The Colored Mini Polk A Dot Background Set, the Christmas Chevrons Printable Set, and Friends background printable stamp. After I die cut the tag out of both chipboard (cereal box) and printable paper, I used my Silhouette to cut out the flowers.  They are the 5 Petal Layered Flower, found at The Cutting Cafe.

Below, is a picture of everything cut out, but not yet assembled.

 I am using these lip balm tags as table decorations at an upcoming girls gathering.  We all take turns cooking for our multi-day event.  I'm not much of a cook, so I'll add a little fun to my meal with some cute gifts for them set at each place.

Next time you are done with the cereal box, don't throw it! Re-purpose it instead!  It really is wonderful chipboard.

Visit the Cutting Cafe's blog on May 7 for more fun inspiration and recycled projects from this very talented design team.  Leave a comment on the blog, and you could win 3 sets of your choosing from The Cutting Cafe store.