Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I'm "Going Buggy" with Whimsical Wednesday Challenges

It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another challenge over at Whimsical Designs.  This week's theme is "going buggy". Create a card or layout and use an insect or animal on it, then link it up!
Our sponsor this week is QKR Stampede and the prize is 5 digis of the winners choice.
 
 
QKR Stampede was generous to send each of the design team members a digi image to work with.  I chose these charming lady bugs, and decided to make them into a tag.
 


I used the Whimsical Designs "Whimsical Fun, Volume 1" stamp set.  I just love this set!  I use it over and over and over again when I'm crafting. 
 

 
I got a new pad of paper that I used on this tag.  The paper is by Prima Marketing.  The pad is called, "Yuki for Ruby Violet".  The papers are very bright and cheerful -- perfect, I think, for dancing ladybugs on sunflowers! What do you think? I colored the stamped image with Copic markers and added a little baker's twine from my stash.  The various shapes were cut out with Spellbinders dies. The garden green ribbon is from Close To My Heart and is held in place with a Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.
Here' s a close up of the stamped image.
 
 
It's a rather philosophical sentiment, but I really like it.  It's something I should try to do everyday.  This is my last post as a design team member for Whimsical Designs.  I have so enjoyed my time on this team.  I thank Stephanie for giving me the chance to design for her these last several months.  I have treasured every Whimsical moment of it. 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Christmas in July and a winner

There are several Christmas in July challenges going on, and since July is quickly slipping away, I decided I better get entered in them soon.  I promised to announce the winner to the blog candy from this weekend's posts early in the week.  So, I made a quick Christmas card today so I'd have a card to post AND the winner of the blog candy. Woot!
Here is the 10 minute CAS card I whipped together:
 
 
I used a stamp set from Raisin Boat called "Naughty or Nice". I am currently renting it, but I think I'm going to end up buying it.  The set has many adorable dog images on it, and I'm a sucker for all things dog. And stamps.  Put the two together and there's no hope for me.  I colored the cute little guy with Copic markers and used a little Stickles on his hat.  The paw print washi tape is from my stash.  The wood grain Kraft is from Studio Calico.
 
 
OK, now for the winner of the blog candy from the weekend: I had 7 posts from Thursday-Saturday.  Using Random.org, the #7 was chosen.  The last post was the Joy's Life blog hop post. There were 27 comments on that post.  Random.org chose #19, Miwa.  She says,  "This is really cool! Great take on the 3-D... very clever!"
Congrats, Miwa!  I'll get your prize mailed out to you.
 
I'm entering this in the following challenges:
Raisin Boat -- Christmas in July
Sister Act Card Challenge -- anything goes
Crafting for All Seasons -- Christmas in July
Stamp and Create -- Christmas in July
Crafting by Designs -- Christmas in July


 


Saturday, July 27, 2013

Summer in 3D blog Hop -- with Joy's Life

 
For the Craft Lovin' Challenge Blog hop, please click HERE!
 

 

 
This is it! You are in for a treat! The entire Joy's Life Design Team is sharing their 3D summer themed projects with you, plus there's blog candy along the way.  Grab your favorite beverage, sit back and relax, and enjoy the hop.  Here's the entire lineup in case you get lost along the way.
 
Joy: http://joyslife.com  
Dawn: http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com
Kendra: http://luv2scrapnmakecards.blogspot.com
Jennifer:  http://creativecricutdesigns.blogspot.com
Patty: http://craftykitten1.blogspot.com
Cyndy: http://arcyscraps.blogspot.com
Julie: http://muddypawsinkyfingers.blogspot.com (you are here)
Laura: http://www.laurascraftsandmore.com (go here next)
Stacey H: http://staceyscreativecorner.blogspot.com
Maria: http://asimplefive.blogspot.com 
Lori: http://got2bcrafting.blogspot.com
Megan: http://thoughtsoftraveling.blogspot.com

 
I found the inspiration for this project while on a motorcycle ride through NW WI a couple weekends ago.  The daisies were in full bloom.  We went past field after field of daisies.  They were so beautiful.  They were truly inspirational, and I wanted to make something to remember our great ride by, so I came up with this:
 
 
I found this box file in the Silhouette store here.  I thought it was perfect for what I had in mind.
Here's another view of my 3D box...
You can see the depth of the box a little better in this view.  The box is layered, first being made out of green, then there's the white layer on top.
I used the Joy's Life "Pun in the Sun" stamp set on this box.  It is a very versatile set. I find myself using it ALL the time!
 
I have blog candy to give away! I have a 6x6 paper pad, some ribbon, stickers, and bling.  To be eligible, please follow my blog and leave a comment on this post.  To increase your chances to win, you can comment on the posts from Thursday through today (there are quite a few!).  I will choose a winner early next week.
Now, for even more great inspiration, hop over to Laura's blog.  You'll LOVE what she has for you! 
 
I'm entering this in the 2 Creative Chicks -- 3D challenge


It's "Anything Goes" at the Craft Lovin' Challenge Blog!

For the Joy's Life blog hop, please click HERE!

Thank you for joining us here at Craft Lovin Challenge Blog

Our Challenge for the next two weeks is 

Anything Goes
Begins today July 27th
Ends August 9th @ noon

Winners Found Here
will be post on 10th

Sponsoring is


Winners choice of 1 digi pack:)

The Paper Shelter
Inky Impressions

$10.00 Gift Certificate:)

and


We are using this paper pack


Also, for those that have Tabitha's papers and or 
digi stamps you have an extra chance
at winning a prize if you use them in the challenge:)
Put "7" after your name please :) Thank you!

I worked on my project while on a retreat, only to discover that the printer was out of red ink.  So, being the "creative crafter" that I am, you'll notice no red in the papers used on my card!

 
I did use lots of red Copic markers to color the adorable digi stamp, though.  Isn't it adorable?  The yellow paper flower and black brad were shared with me by a fellow crafter at the retreat (thank, Sara!). The sentiment is from a Unity Itty Bitty.  I used a Spellbinder die for the scalloped shaped behind the ladybug digi.  I hope you enjoyed this card.  Please visit the rest of the creations from the wonderful design team!
I am giving away blog candy this weekend.  To be eligible to win, please follow my blog and comment on this post.  To increase your chance, please comment on my other posts from Thurs-today (there are quite a few!) Good luck!! I'll pick the winner early next week.

I'ved Enjoyed the Journey -- with All That Stickles!

For the Joy's Life Summer 3D blog hop, click HERE!
For the Craft Lovin' Challenge blog hop, please click here.

This is my final post with the All That Stickles design team.  I've enjoyed the experience very much and have LOVED creating with my rather large collection of Stickles colors.  I could be on the team for a long time and not use all the colors I own!  I will continue to create with Stickles and join in the ATS fun!
The card I designed doesn't use a lot of Stickles, but it packs a punch.  I love using Stickles just for accent, and this card does just that!
 
 
I used Waterfall and Tattered Rose distress Stickles on this card in a few select places to draw the viewers eye in.  I hope you enjoy it.  I LOVE this sentiment!
Papers are Carta Bella 6x6 True Friend.  The sentiment is from Unity, and I have to say, it describes me to a 'T'. The image is by Stamping Bella.  It's called, "Uptown Girl" (Audrey loves her makeup) You can purchase it here. The bling is Close To My Heart.
I have blog candy I am giving away this weekend.  To be eligible to win, follow my blog, and leave a comment.  To increase your chances, comment on all my posts from Thursday-Saturday (there are quite a few!).  I'll choose the winner early next week.
Since the Friends With Flair link is still open, I'm going to enter this.
I'm entering this in the following challenges:
Sister Act Card Challenge  -- anything goes 
Markerpop.com -- Lovely Locks
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- Anything goes
Color Me Creative group -- anything goes
Pin and Tack -- anything goes

Friday, July 26, 2013

Birthday Wishes -- with Get Inky! Stamps

I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday!  I have a quick post, sharing this card I have on the Get Inky! Stamps blog today. We're having a Christmas in July and Birthday Challenge.  I made a shaped birthday card for inspiration, using my Silhouette.
 
The stamp set I used is "Sew Sweet Cupcakes by Get Inky! Stamps. Both the paper pieced cupcake and the sentiment are from the set.  I found this shaped card in the Silhouette store. It is this file, if you are interested. The crinkle ribbon is 3 Girl JAM London Blue, from the Wine and Jewels bundle.  Come link up your Christmas in July and birthday creations at the Get Inky! challenge blog.  There's fun prizes to win!
 
I'm linking this card up to the following challenges:
 
Ribbon Carousel -- celebrations
Sister Act Card Challenge -- anything goes
Pin and Tack -- anything goes
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday -- anything goes

It's Friday! -- Yeehaw! (and FWF!!)

It's Friday, and this is supposed to be the start of a 2-week vacation for me.  However, my oh-so-wonderful boss is making me come in to work Monday morning for CPR recertification.  Yeah.  I bet he'd interrupt HIS two weeks for it.  Oh well.  I have a job!
Remember last week's post? I posted early, heading out on my first ever scrapbook retreat? Well, it was a wonderful experience.  I would do it again tomorrow (or as soon as I catch up on sleep).  Here we are, my online friends from CropChocolate.com
 


 Our Tees say, "chocolate is usually the answer".  Don't they just look like a great bunch of scrappers?  Yup, they were!  We shared supplies, some techniques, lots of food, and even more stories and laughs.
 
I promised you the "serious" card that I gave my BFF for her birthday last week, and here it is:
 

 
I used one of my favorite Unity sets, Tulips & Daisies.  I've colored the tulips a few times, but this was a first for the daisies.  They were colored with Copic Markers.  Then, I used a little Creative Inspirations Paint Fairy Dust on the petals for some lustre. I used Fancy Pants Hopscotch 12x12 papers on this card, a Lifestyle Crafts doily die, and Spellbinders die, a sentiment from Get Inky! Stamps, a chipboard border from Close To My Heart, and chipboard confetti circles from my friend DeeDee, and UmWow Studio.
The birthday card used a sketch from Cardabilites:
 
I'm going to post a couple other cards that I had on my blog earlier this week.  I really like both of these.  They both have Unity stamps on them and neither one got much traffic.  I want my FWF audience to see them, too.
I made this butterfly card for a tutorial on the All That Stickles blog.  You can find the tutorial HERE.
 
 

I used Unity's Bold Butterfly (Donna Downey) on this card.  The sentiment is from Joy's Life "Pun in the Sun".
My last card was a fun one.  I made it for the Unity {Show & Tell} party happening this week on Facebook.  It hasn't gotten a lot of attention.  I think I entered it too early in the week.  So, I thought I'd show it here.  Maybe it will inspire you to go "like" it on FB ;)
 
 
 
It uses, of course, the free digi image from Angie Blom. I loved the way this turned out.  The colors of the digi matched the papers so well.  The papers I used are Simple Stories Vintage Bliss 6x6. I used 3 different Spellbinder dies on this, and a corner rounder.  I added some bling from Close To My Heart and some pearls from my stash.  The cream crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM's coffee bundle. And, there's some Stickles on the flower's centers.
I have more blog candy to give away this weekend.  Karen Nofziger won last weeks.  Tomorrow, I'm hopping with the Joy's Life design team so I'm giving blog candy away to celebrate that event.  To increase your chances of winning, you can comment on any of my posts from Thursday, July 25 (there are 2) through Sunday, July 28 (there are 5 more posts Friday and Saturday).  I'll announce the winner on Monday, July 29.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
 
Sister Act Card Challenge -- anything goes
Oozak.com -- anything goes with texture
Pin and Tack -- anything goes
D.L. Art Thankful Thursday Linky Party -- anything goes
Color Me Creative Challenge -- Anything Goes
Creative Inspirations Paints -- inspired by ribbon and bling
Crafty Creations Challenges -- Summer