Birthday Violets -- a New Release at DS4J

It's Sunday, and New Release Day at DigiStamps4Joy. I was so excited to get a chance to work with one of today's new releases, 'African Violets'.

I love coloring flowers.  They are my favorite thing to color.  I colored these Violets with Copic markers, then used several colors of Tim Holtz distress inks around the edges of the die cut heart (Die-namics).  The sentiment is from Close To My Heart. 

I have long admired Graphic 45 papers, but have been afraid to use them.  They seem so "busy" to me.  I decided to bite the bullet while at a crop at the LSS, and bought some.  This is my first attempt using Graphic 45.  The crinkle ribbon is 3 Girl JAM. 

Don't forget the DigiStamps4Joy challenge that is underway.  It is an Anything Goes challenge, and you can find it HERE. Also, check out the other new release project on the DigiStamps4Joy blog.  They'll be wonderful!

The Importance of Fishing -- for QKR Stampede

Hello, crafty friends!  It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede.  This week, our theme is "fishing".  While no one in my family does, we are rare.  Most people in this city of 6 lakes LIVE to fish.  The card I made for today is a motto many live by:

I used 2 QKR Stampede digis on this card -- Gone Fishing (digi12406) and Fishing Is (digi12401).

I colored 'Gone Fishing' with Copic markers, then used a stitched circle die by Lawn Fawn to cut out the turtle.  All other dies on the card are from Craftin' Desert Divas (Banner Dies Set).  Designer paper is Pebbles Americana 6x6 paper pad.  The card base is Close To My Heart card stock. The rhinestone bling has been in my stash for ages (as my 5 year old neighbor would say).

 I hope you can join us this week at QKR Stampede for our Fishing challenge.  It's going to be a big one ;)

Berry Sweet chance to GD for Scrappin' Madge!

Awhile ago, my good friend Madge asked some of her scrappy friends if anyone wanted to guest design on her blog.  I, of course, said, "sure!". Then, a week or so ago, a sign up document showed up -- very official looking -- I signed up, and suddenly, my day is here!  Thanks, Madge, for the chance to be featured on your lovely blog, Madge's Scrappin Lounge with you and your uber talented friends!  I am honored!

It is berry season here where I live.  In Northwest Wisconsin, few things get us as excited as fresh strawberries.  Well, maybe a Packer win, catching fish, and a good beer, but strawberries rate right up there, too.  The season is short, but when they're ripe, we're picking, cleaning, jamming, jellying, baking, and anything else we can think to do with berries.  In this case, I'm crafting berries.  After all, it's berry season!

These berries in their berry carton are treat boxes.  I tucked my favorite year-round treat inside (chocolate), and gave them to a friend celebrating a birthday.  I found this cutting file at My Scrap Chick, and cut them out with my Silhouette Cameo. 

Here's a couple close ups of the strawberry treat boxes. All the card stock on these projects is from Close To My Heart.  The designer paper is Echo Park Dots & Stripes 12x12. 

No gift is complete without a card, so I made a Strawberry Shaped card to match the carton of strawberries:

I found this in the Silhouette Design Store.  The sentiment is a stamp from Close To My Heart.  There's also a bit of Timeless Twine on there.  Madge and I first met through 3 Girl JAM, so I just HAD to throw a pretty crinkle ribbon bow of 3 Girl JAM Sterling ribbon, from the Celebrations Bundle on here. 

I'll leave you with one more view of those yummy strawberry treat boxes...

Again, I want to thank Scrappin' Madge for the opportunity to guest design for her.  If you are ever in need of inspiration, head to  Madge's Scrappin' Lounge.  She never runs short of scrapping mojo!

Hacked, But Back! Welcome to the New Blog! Candy Alert!

***This post will be pinned to the top of my blog for the next few weeks. For newer posts, please scroll down.*** 

Bad things happen to good people.  We've all heard that saying.  On  June 11, 2015, my Google and Facebook accounts got hacked.  I was able to reset my FB account without a snag.  The Google account has proven more complicated.  The next day, my blog disappeared.  I had just written my 900th blog post.  That's lots of hours of blogging, & even more hours of work to create over 900 projects for those posts.  To make it even more painful, every blog post I've written on any other blog is also gone.  I've been on some companies design teams for several years now, writing many posts for them.  All gone.  It feels like such a loss. I feel like I have lost a piece of myself.

But, I am picking up the pieces and moving forward.  Today is an important step in that direction, my first post on my NEW blog!

I want to thank you for taking the time to find my new blog.  I'm hoping to build up followers again.  I was nearing 600 before the disappearance of my first blog.  Please follow this blog, leave a comment on this post, and I will give away blog candy at every 50 new followers.  That's better odds by far than ANY lottery!

Blog candy includes, but not limited to:  Close To My Heart stamp sets, Unity Stamp Company Grab Bags, Unity 4x6 stamp sets, 6x6 paper pads, embossing folders, 3 Girl JAM ribbon, Timeless Twine and more!  Every 50 followers -- more goodies!  

Birthday Cards x 2 -- for Snapdragon Snippets

I have the pleasure of posting today for Snapdragon Snippets. I love the variety of projects available both in the SDS Store, and in the Silhouette Design Store.  Today, I have 2 Snapdragon Snippets birthday cards to showcase. 

This first card is an A2-sized Candle Card (Design ID #58775).

I used paper and a Stamp set from Close To My Heart.  It was straightforward to assemble.

The second card was designed as a Patriotic card, but I modified it  to make it into a birthday card.  It's called the Stars & Bands Trio A6 card (Design ID #78958):

I used the same Close To My Heart papers and stamp set on this card.

There are many July birthdays among my friends and family, so these 2 cards will be out the door shortly.  I love it when I'm ready with bright, happy cards!

You're Pretty Awesome! -- for The East Wind

I am very conservative.  I think that's why I love The East Wind images so much.  Today's new release is no exception.  This girl's got attitude!  And purple hair!  And, a partially shaved head!  I bet she's got a tat, also!  

This image, from The East Wind, is Lucy Loo 'DIY Punk'.  I colored Lucy Loo 'DIY Punk' with Copic markers, then cut her out with a tag die from Paper Wishes.  The tag behind it, also from Paper Wishes, was stamped with a matching stamp set.  The sentiment is from Close To My Heart.  It's cut out with yet another tag die from Paper Wishes.  The brads are from my stash, and I've had them forever.  The chipboard hearts are from UmWow Studio. 

You'll find this digi, and many others, at the Etsy shop.  Check out The East Wind's Facebook group for challenges, inspiration, and great chats.

Sharing is Caring - for Path of Positivity

I'm so excited!  Today is a big day for me!  It's my birthday (woohoo!) AND it's my first official post as a design team member of the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog. I love this challenge blog. I have participated whenever I can since I first discovered it over a year ago, and the time was right to join it.  Let the journey begin...

At PoP this month, our theme is "sharing".  I used an image from our wonderful sponsor this month, Fresh Brewed Designs.  

This image is called, "Puppy Love".  I colored the 2 pups with Copic markers, and used a Spellbinders die to cut them out.  The sentiment is computer generated, and cut out using a die from Paper Wishes. 

The side step card is a Sizzix die.  Papers for this card can be found at Scribbles Designs.  They are designed by Lisa Decosse, of Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. The baker's twine is from Timeless Twine. 

Just For You -- and Not Just Cards

It's the first Monday of the month, and time for a new challenge at Not Just Cards.  I have 2 projects today to share for you, using images from 2 of our great sponsors!
First, using an All Dressed Up image:

I used the dog portion of "I Love My Puppy," and colored it with Copic markers, then fussy cut it out.  I used some Lifestyle Crafts circle dies to mount it on. 

I have a friend who's a real dog lover who has a birthday soon.  I made this into a gift bag for her.  I think a little gift in it from my dog, Sophie, will be the perfect gift!

My second project is a treat bag, using a Stars Stampz image. I love sunflowers, so this one was a real joy for me!

This image is "My Sweet Sunflower". I colored her with Copic markers, and used some Close To My Heart card stock and sequins to dress up the treat bag.  The treat bag is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. 

Not Just Cards Challenge Blog challenges are now monthly, and they are always Anything Goes.  Please join us!

Christmas in July

Yesterday, we celebrated Independence Day here in the U.S.A., today, I'm bringing on Christmas.  It'll be here before we know it!  Eek!

This week, at The Cutting Cafe, we're celebrating Christmas in July. I want to increase my stash of Christmas cards, so here's what I did:

Both these cards are from the Christmas Card Fun cutting files. There are 12 different card designs in this one set alone. There are also 17 sentiments included.  Tons of possibilities!  The snowflake card uses the Christmas Mini Words printable set.

Supplies used:
Close To My Heart card stock, Echo Park card stock, 3 Girl JAM ribbon, Lawn Fawn "Joy" die, Creative Memories tiny tag punch, rhinestones from my stash

If you check out The Cutting Cafe blog on July 7, you'll see lots of fantastic Christmas projects. Leave a comment on the blog, and you could win any 3 sets of your choice.  This is a great one!!!!

Alice in Wonderland Blog Hop!!!

Today we are celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, and what better way to do that, than to share lots of creative projects inspired by this wonderful story.

Not only will you see lots of amazing artwork today, but you can also win prizes from the following amazing companies;

The Stamping Boutique

Rick St Dennis MFA

Faery Ink

That Craft Place

Ike's Art

Delicious Doodles

Sweet Pea Stamps

Sassy Studio Designs

Vera Lane Studio Digital Stamps

Prize winners will be selected from Random blogs throughout the hop using Random.org to select each winner.  In order to be eligible for a prize you must visit all stops on the hop and leave a comment. The prize draws will be open until July 18th, with winners announced on July 20th.

 I thought long and hard about my favorite Alice in Wonderland character and kept coming back to the Mad Hatter.  The older I get, the more I can relate!

This image is from The East Wind. The image is Lucy Loo 'Mad Hatter'.  I colored her with Copic markers and fussy cut her. Here's a close up of the image and the sentiment.  The sentiment is from Unity Stamp Company. It seemed very appropriate for The Mad Hatter!

The teacup-shaped easel card is a cutting file that I found in the Silhouette Design Store. The papers are retired from Close To My Heart.  The crinkle ribbon is my favorite -- 3 Girl JAM!  No Mad Hatter card would be complete without a hat pin.  This one is from Pinque Peacock.

Blog Hop List

Suzi

Alison

Trudie

Sharon

Milo

Donna

Leigh

Claudia

Leadonna

Nan

Jenn

Nikki

Black Dragon

Teresa

Ike

Creepy Glowbugg

Shelley

Alana

Harp

Lori

Monica

Kemly

Margaret

Julie  you are HERE!

Katie

Julie W S

Kathi
Karen
Corrie
Emily
Geraldine
Carol
Avril
Lisa
Kim
Mo
Lorraine

I'll leave you with my favorite Lewis Carroll quote:

"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense." 

 I hope you are enjoying this Alice in Wonderland hop as much as I am! Off you go to Katie's blog!  Don't get lost in all this mad talent!

Swimming by to say Hi -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede.  Our theme this week is "for a child".  Since it's summer, I went with a water -- swimming -- theme on this card:

I used QKR Stampede digi, Floating Gator (digi5602) on this card. I colored Floating Gator with Copic markers.  The background was created using washi tape.  The sentiment is computer generated.  A simple card, perfect for a child, or a child at heart!

Please join us this week at QKR Stampede for our "For a Child" Challenge.  

Bring Your Own Sunshine!

I'm posting today for 3 Girl JAM, my favorite ribbon company, and also for Morgan's Art World (formerly Fitztown).  There's a new challenge starting at Morgan's Art World, with an optional theme of Red, White, and Blue. Since it's so near Independence Day here in the U.S.A., I wanted a patriotic feel to my card.

The butterfly is a digi image , Garden 17.  Morgan Fitzsimons' digis can be found in the Fae Entertainment Store.  I colored the digi with Copic markers, and fussy cut it.  The sentiment is from Close To My Heart.  I found the card kit in the Silhouette Online Store here.  The designer paper is from Basic Grey.  Card stock is CTMH.

The pretty crinkle ribbon?  The stuff that ties the whole card together?  That's 3 Girl JAM, of course!  It's from the Red, White, and Blue Bundle.  

You can use discount code JO10 to get 10% off of anything you order from the 3 Girl JAM Store. 10%!  That's huge!  Or, use code JULY to receive the new Summer Harvest bundle for just $1 with the purchase of any other item from the store. 

Enter Morgan's Art World's challenge -- it's Anything Goes, with an optional Red, White, and Blue twist.  Enter 3 Girl JAM's Anything Goes with ribbon challenge! Fun, fun, fun!!!!

Trim the Tree -- for the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up

It's July 1st, a new month, and a new theme at The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  We're having a DT call.  This is a great team to be on.  What better way to keep up with Christmas cards than to have them assigned each month as part of a design team?  We also get great images to work with, and fantastic digital papers!  It's a win-win-win situation!  Check out the DT Call details here.

Our theme this month is "Ornaments".  Many of us have the tradition of exchanging ornaments at Christmas, so why not incorporate them in a Christmas card?

The image on this card is from Robyn's Fetish, the sponsor this month at 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.

I colored the "Christmas Ornaments" image with Copic markers, then stamped a sentiment from Joy's Life Stamps.  I used a couple Spellbinders dies on this -- a circle die and an ornament shaped die.  

Designer papers on this card are all digital, and were designed by Lisa Decosse, of Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. The papers are from the 12 Days of Christmas Set -- Baubles, Sweater, and Flake Trees. The Silver Shimmer Trim is from Close To My Heart. The Dress White crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM -- the Navy Bundle. 

Join us this month at The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  You can link up any Christmas cards you like.  To be eligible for the prizes, you need to follow the ornament theme. Link up 2 Christmas cards each month to be eligible for the monthly digital paper.  Get busy!  Christmas is coming!

Flowers from Ellie -- for DigiStamps4Joy

It's July 1st, so that means it's time for a new challenge at DigiStamps4Joy.  This month's theme is always a favorite -- Anything Goes!

I've had this adorable image in my collection for a long time, and I found the perfect reason to use it:

This is DigiStamps4Joy image, Ellie's Flowers.  I colored Ellie with Copic markers, then used a Spellbinders die to cut her out.  

The box was cut out on my Cricut Explore, using the Close To My Heart Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge. The flowered ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Join us this month at DigiStamps4Joy for our Anything Goes Challenge.  You have all month!