Believe in the Magic of Autumn -- for Lavinia World Challenges

It's Thursday, and we're starting a new challenge at Lavinia World Challenges.  Challenges are Anything Goes, as long as you use a rubber or acrylic stamp.  Of course, we love to see Lavinia Stamps, but it is not necessary.  Any rubber or acrylic stamp is good to link up.  There will be one winner or a $15 gift certificate for the Lavinia World Store.  The design team also chooses several honorable mention projects.

I love fall!  I love the colors of fall, the cooler temperatures, and hiking with my dog and husband or friends.  Recently, I've been taking pictures around the neighborhood of colors and plants.  I have been quite sure there are fairies living very close by.  What do you think?

I will link all the Lavinia Stamps used on this layout at the bottom of this post.  First, I'd like to share some close ups so you can hopefully see the sparkle in the fairies wings. 

Here's a close up of Daydreaming Silhouette, and the sentiment stamp, Believe in Magic.

A close up of Chasing Dreams:

A close up of the top of the layout with the Fairy Chain (large) and the Vine

A close up, although it is blurry because of the angle, of the sparkle on the fairies wings.  I added the sparkle with Wink of Stella pens:

Now, to tell you about all the supplies I used on this layout that can be found in the Lavinia World Store:

Daydreaming Silhouette

Chasing Dreams

Fairy Chain (large)

Believe in Magic

Vine

Harvest Festival 6x6 papers

Fairy Dance 6x6 papers

VersaFine Clair ink

in Pinecone, Morning Mist, Fallen Leaves, and Nocturne

I hope you join in these next 2 weeks at the Lavinia World Challenges.  I'd love to see what you create, especially if you use these wonderful Lavinia Stamps! 

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

D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Fall

Outlawz Sunday Songs & Rhymes -- Nothing Gold Can Stay

We Love to Create Challenge Blog -- ATG

The Sisterhood of Crafters -- Wood/Autumn

TTCRD -- ATG

Love You to the Stars & Back -- Outlawz Progressive Freebie

I try to participate in the Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge each month.  I enjoy the variety of images we are given to work with, and the fact that we have a whole month to color them up and design something with them.

This month, the sponsor is All Dressed Up.  Wendy Burns has the cutest art, so I was very excited for this one!  I enjoyed creating with Stars & Back!

I colored Stars & Back with Copic markers, and added some touches with Wink of Stella pens. 

Papers on this card are by We Are 3 Digital Shop.  They are from the Outer Space Collection.  Bonnie has a paper for every card! 

I cut the stars panel out on my Silhouette Cameo 3 with a file I found in the Silhouette Design Store.  The light blue glitter stars are from Close To My Heart.  They are part of a kit that is retired. 

It's time to find some challenges for this card:
Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge -- August
Outlawz Festive Friday -- Anniversary
Craft Rocket Challenge -- ATG
Crafting With an Attitude -- ATG
D.L. Art -- August Linky Party
Allsorts Challenge -- Sun, Moon, &/or Stars

A Glittery Hello -- for Di's Digi Designs Challenges

It's Saturday, and it's time for a new challenge at Di's Digi Designs Challenges.  For the next 2 weeks, the theme is "Add Glitter" -- it can be glitter, glitter glue, glitter paper, liquid pearls -- however you want to make your project sparkle!

I just love coloring up Di's Digi Stamp images, and there are so many wonderful ones in the Di's Digi Stamp Store!  I used Hide & Seek Mice to create this: 

I made this tag by first coloring the Hide & Seek Mice image with Copic markers. I then added Stickles glitter glue (Christmas red) to the poppies and added a clear Wink of Stella pen to the mushroom.  

Papers on the tag are from Heartfelt Creations.  The tag dies used to build the tag creation are by Paper Wishes.  The fibers are retired from Close To My Heart. 

Di's Digi Designs Challenges has the best prizes!  You can win images from the Di's Digi Stamp Store -- some of the cutest digital stamps around!  I hope you enter our "add some glitter" challenge this next 2 weeks.  I'd love to see what you make!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Outlawz Monday Greeting Challenge -- Flowers
Outlawz Sunday Songs & Rhymes -- Butterfly
Brown Sugar -- Flowers

Asha's Birthday Bog Hop! Woot, Woot!!

Hello, and welcome to our SURPRISE Birthday Beach Blog Hop for the lovely Asha!  You should have arrived here from the lovely and talented Judy's blog.  If not, start at the MHKDesigns blog to complete the hop for more chances to WIN!  We are celebrating a very special lady today, and we're doing so by creating beachy birthday cards to wish her many happy returns!

I used the colors in this photo inspiration, and the MHK Eat Your Cake birthday digi set to create this:

I colored the MHK Eat Your Cake digi with Copic markers, then fussy cut.   I added some Wink of Stella glitter pens to the flames. The sentiment, also from the Eat Your Cake set, was cut out with a die from Top Dog Dies. 

I cut the card base out on my Silhouette Cameo using a file I found in the Silhouette Design store.  The music dies are from Spellbinders. 

Thank you so much for joining in our hop to say "Happy Birthday" to a dear friend!  Your next stop on the hop is the talented Lilian.  Enjoy the hop, and eat some birthday cake along the way!

For You -- and Coloring Without Boundaries

I'm posting today for Coloring Without Boundaries, showcasing a beautiful Lacy Sunshine digi by Heather Valentin.   I have a step-by-step guide of how I colored her skin in this image, if you are interested.

This is Gizelle - Showers of Love, Melancholy Muppet

 Here's how I colored her skin.  I wanted it to be in shadow, as she is under an umbrella.  I used E000, E11, E00, E13, R20 (for blush), and R21 (on lips).

I start with a base coat of E000 to dampen the paper.

I then switch to my darkest color.  In this case, it's E13

Next, I add E11

Then, E00 -- I use quite a bit of this, to do more blending:

Here's the skin, completely blended, blush and lips done, too:

Other colors used:
Hair -- Y00, Y21, Y32, E53
Umbrella -- RV11, RV32, RV34, E04
Dress -- BG70, BG72, BG75, BG78, RV91, RV93, RV95, RV99
(shoes are the same RV combination)
Puddle -- BG10, BG11, C01
Zig Wink of Stella

I cut the card out on my Silhouette Cameo with a file from The Cutting Cafe -- Assorted Card Folds.   Papers are digital, and were found Snap Click Supply.  They are Prima Indeed papers.  Dies used on the card are from Die-namics.  The sentiment is a clear acrylic stamp from Close To My Heart. 

The Coloring Without Boundaries blog is a great resource for wonderful coloring tutorials and tips.  Check it out often!   Join the Coloring Without Boundaries Facebook group, too, for more great inspiration. 

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
House of Cards -- color challenge
IDCB -- ATG
Let's Color -- Linky Party 6
Not Just Cards -- ATG

Amore

I had some time to play today, and I made a couple projects to enter in some challenges.  Ah, such fun!

All Dressed Up (Love those images) has an Anything Goes challenge on their blog, and a Pink challenge in their Facebook group.  I made this to qualify for both challenges:

The image, Amore, can be found in the All Dressed UP Etsy shop.  I colored her with Copic markers and some Wink of Stella markers.    Designer papers on this card are also from All Dressed Up Stamps.

The card was created using various Spellbinders dies.  I also used a Lawn Fawn die for the glitter heart. 

All Dressed Up is having a DT call.  I have been wanting on their DT for quite awhile now, but was too busy in the past.  I'm going to try for this one.  Did I mention how much I LOVE Wendy's images?  And papers?

I've been participating in Gerda Steiner's monthly progressive challenge for quite a few months now.  Her images are always charming and fun.  Since I'm needing some Valentine treat bags, this one worked well for that theme:

I used a Lifestyle Crafts circle die and a Lawn Fawn heart die on this.  The treat bag was cut out on my Silhouette with a design I found in the Silhouette Design Store.  The designer paper is more of the papers from All Dressed Up -- pink. 

This Gerda Steiner digi, Love you Kitten, was colored with Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils.  

Two more Valentine projects ready to go.  Such a fun way to spend a cold Winter afternoon!

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

All Dressed Up Challenge Blog -- ATG with a Dressy image

GSD Monthly challenge -- January 

All Dressed Up Facebook Challenge -- Pink

D.L. Art -- January Linky party

IDCB -- ATG

In the Pink Challenge -- ATG

613 Ave Create -- ATG --create a stylish and elegant card

It's Not Easy Being a Princess -- for Lacy Sunshine

It's time for a new challenge at Lacy Sunshine Challenge Blog.   For the next two weeks, our theme is "Once Upon a Dream" (Fairy Tales).  If you used a Lacy Sunshine image in the last challenge, you'll get a free one in this challenge.  Otherwise, there's lots of great images in the Lacy Sunshine store that fit this challenge very well! 

Every young girl wants to be a princess, right?  When I was young, I loved fairy tales about princesses.  So, for this challenge, my card has a princess image and sentiment....

This is Lacy Sunshine digi "Fairy Godmother Sugi".  I colored her with Copic markers.  A princess should be dresses in shades of pink, yes? And purple is for royalty, right?  

Fairy Godmother Sugi is mounted on a center step card.  I used 2 sizes of a Spellbinder label die to cut out and back the image.  The glitter chevron paper is from Doodlebug Designs.  All other paper is from Close To My Heart.   The sentiment is computer generated. The ribbon is from my stash.  There's also 2 shades of Wink of Stella pens to add more sparkle to the image.

Join us this next 2 weeks for our "Once Upon a Time" challenge at Lacy Sunshine Challenge blog.  Join us on Facebook! There's always great conversations, inspiration, fun, and coupon codes in at the Lacy Sunshine Color and Craft Group! 

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Art by Miran Challenge -- ATG
Brown Sugar Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art -- October Linky Party
As You Like it Challenges -- Favorite Brights or Pastels (pink & Purple because they're princess colors)
Crafting with An Attitude -- ATG
Word Art Wednesday -- ATG

Let the Fairy in You Fly -- for Polkadoodles

It's Friday, and I'm back with another beautiful image, papers, and sentiment from Polkadoodles. It's also time for a new challenge at the Polkadoodle Challenge Blog.  Our theme, starting today, is "Use a Die cut".  Yeah!  Fun and easy!

I used an image from the Serenity Fairy Wishes Digital Download Collection.  This is Serenity Earthstar, available individually here.   The sentiment ticket is from the same Serenity Fairy Wishes Collection.  Since I wanted a Fall Fairy, I used papers from the Witchie Witchie 2013 Craft Download Bundle.  

I, of course, used die cuts on this.  There are 3 of them, all from Spellbinders.  I colored the Serenity Earthstar image with Copic markers, then used a Wink of Stella clear glitter marker on the wings and hair to add some sparkle.  The ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM. 

Join us the next 2 weeks for the "Use a Die cut" challenge at Polkadoodles.  I'd love to see what you make!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
Dragonfly Dreams Challenge -- Ribbons & Bows
A Gem of a Challenge -- Autumn
Scrapper's Delight Challenge Blog -- Fall/Halloween
D.L. Art -- October Linky Party
Fussy and Fancy Challenge -- Colors of Autumn

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

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.

You Make My Heart Dance!

I did it, I did it!  I colored my first ever Aurora Wings image.  I love the artwork by Mitzi Sato-Wiuff, and I have purchased several of her digis from her Etsy store. Until today, I haven't been brave enough to tackle one.  I had a free afternoon, so I gave it a go.  

Here's my interpretation of Flower Ballerina:

I colored the image with Copic markers.  I used a Lawn Fawn die to cut out the image.  The designer paper is from American Crafts XOXO Collection.  The crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.  It is from the Baby Bundle.  I computer generated the sentiment.  The bling gems are from Prima Marketing.  The stickpins are by Petaloo.  I added some glitter accents to the flowers (visible only in real life) with a Wink of Stella clear glitter brush.

I believe I just made my husband's Valentine's Day card.  That makes me feel like dancing!

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

Aurora Wings  Jan. FB Challenge -- Gems

Aurora Wings Challenge Blog -- Valentine's Theme

TTCRD -- ATG

AUD Sentiments Challenge -- ATG
D.L. Art - Thankful Thursday -- Valentine
D.L. Art -- January Linky Party
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG
Kit and Clowder -- January Challenge -- ATG
Craft Dee Bowz -- ATG with a Homemade Bow
MarkerPop! Challenge -- Valentine's Day

Love Birds -- for Amy Doodle's Stamp Co.

Don't put those Christmas stamps and digis away just yet!  I'm posting today for Amy Doodle's Stamp Company, and our challenge this week is to use a digi in an unusual way.  So, I used a Christmas stamp and turned it into a Valentine's Day card.

Here's Mistletoe Owls:

This Amy Doodle's Stamp Co. digi looks like this:

With a little editing magic (cropping out the mistletoe), the birds can be used for just about any season. 

I colored Mistletoe Owls with Copic markers, then used some Wink of Stella markers to add some hints of glitter.

The heart-shaped card, by Snapdragon Snippets, an be found HERE. The card stock and Flair button are from Close To My Heart. The designer paper is from Echo Park and the ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Check the Amy Doodle's Stamp Co Facebook page for more great inspiration and lots of FUN!

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

Cards und More -- Animals

City Crafter Challenge Blog -- Feathers

Digi Chooseday -- Love & Romance

Sweet Stamps Challenge -- Hearts

Warm Winter Wishes

It's Monday, and a new challenge starts today at Not Just Cards. I usually try to stick with the premise of the challenge and make something besides a card, but this image that I used today BEGGED to be made into a card.  I gave in!

This image is from The East Wind -- one of our sponsors this week.  I love their images, so was so pleased when I got the opportunity to color this one!  I used Copic markers and some Wink of Stella glitter pens on this.

The designer papers are from BoBunny.  The glitter paper is from American Crafts.  I used 2 sizes of a Spellbinders label die to cut this out, and Cheery Lynn Snow Flower dies for the snowflakes. The card base is Close To My Heart Bamboo.

Join us this week at Not Just Cards -- it's anything goes! 

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

The East Wind Challenge -- Button Up
All Sorts Challenge Blog -- Cold and Frosty Colors

Cutest Girl EVER -- for Fitztown

There's a new challenge starting today on the Fitztown Challenge Blog, and it's a fun theme -- "Glitz and Glamour"!  I've been wanting to color this sweet girl for a long while now, and finally got the opportunity to do it.  Oh, what FUN!

This Fitztown image is from the Stardust and Pumpkin Collection.  It is SnP 1.  I colored her with Copic markers and used a Wink of Stella clear brush on her wings.  The sentiment is computer generated.

The papers are from Paper Wishes, the glitter paper is from American Crafts. The lace and crinkle ribbon are from 3 Girl JAM. The stick pin is from Pinque Peacock.  I used a couple of Spellbinders dies on this card, and my We R Memory Keepers scallop corner chomper.  And I had a GREAT time!

Come join the challenge at Fitztown, and have a fun time yourself! The challenge goes for 2 weeks. 

Have a Fall-tastic Day! for Amy Doodle Stamp Co.

Happy Friday, crafty friends!  Have you heard of Amy Doodle Stamp Company?  Well, you soon will!  I discovered it several weeks ago, while spending time on the Kit and Clowder Facebook Page, and I was instantly enthralled.  Amy Purdie draws the most delightful digital images!  Let me show you!

This image was a freebie I got from the Kit N Clowder Facebook Group (did I mention Amy is generous, too?)

I colored this Autumn Fairy with Copic markers, using a Wink of Stella glitter pen on her wings and on the berries in her wreath.  I sponged several colors of Tim Holtz Distress Ink around the edges of the image while it was still in the Spellbinder label die.

Papers for this card are from Close To My Heart.  Ribbon and jute are from 3 Girl JAM.  Skittles are by my friend Carri at Double Click Connections. The stickpin was made by another friend, Jess, from Pinque Peacock. 

Make sure you check out the Amy Doodle Stamp Company. There are more wonderful stamps being added all the time. And, there's a fun Amy Doodle Stamp Co. Facebook Page, too! Now, get coloring!

I'd to enter this card in the following Challenges:

Alphabet Challenge -- 'R' is for round or rectangle

Art by Miran -- ATG

Patties Creations Challenge -- Autumn Colors in your image 

The Outlawz Challenges -- Twisted Thursday -- favorite technique (coloring with Copics)

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