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!

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.

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!

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!

Enjoy! - a new challenge at 3 Girl JAM

It's time for this month's challenge at 3 Girl JAM. Again this month, it's "Anything Goes with Ribbon."

I've been trying to enter Gerda Steiner's progressive challenge each month.  I find her images so delightful!  I used her image and combined it with some of my favorite 3 Girl JAM!

I used the lilac color from the Diagonal Striped Ribbon Bundle on this box.  The box was cut out on my Cricut Explore, using the Close To My Heart Cricut Artiste cartridge. 

This Gerda Steiner digi is called "Watermelon Kid."  I colored him with Copic markers, then used a Spellbinder die to cut him out.  The sentiment was cut out with another die. The sentiment is from Hot Off the Press -- Tiny Words and Phrases.

The 3 Girl JAM Challenge goes from today until July 31.  Link up your "Anything Goes With Ribbon" projects all month long.  I'd love to see what you make!

I'm entering this in:

GSD Progressive Challenge -- June/July

Patriotic Hearts -- for QKR Stampede

It's Friday, and time for a new challenge at QKR Stampede.  With Independence Day just around the corner here in the U.S., and Canada Day happening even sooner, this week we're going with a patriotic theme.  Show us your country's colors!

I love the U.S.A., and I'm showing my patriotism with this card:

QKR Stampede has rubber stamps and digis for any occasion, including July 4.  I used Patriotic Heart (digi23006) on this card, changing the color of the stamp using Picmonkey, printing it 3 times, and using a heart-shaped punch from Creative Memories to cut them out.  The chevron background was cut out on my Cricut Explore and mounted on an A2 size card base.  All papers are from Close To My Heart. 

Please join us this week at QKR Stampede for our Patriotic challenge.  I'd love to see what you make!

Friends

I'm sharing a card today that I made for a friend that recently had surgery.  I wanted a card that would let her know I was thinking of her.  I'd received a beautiful poppy image, designed by Anne's Digital Art, and this month's progressive challenge freebie at The Outlawz Challenge.  I thought it would be perfect for what I had in mind.

I colored the poppy image with Close To My Heart watercolor pencils, then used a Close To My Heart Blending Pen. 

The card base is from Bazzill, the designer paper is from Basic Grey, and the ribbon is from my stash.  The banner stamp and sentiment are from Close To My Heart -- Finding the Words.

This is such a versatile image. I know I will use it again and again.  Thanks to Anne's Digital Art for participating in The Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge!

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:
The Outlawz Monthly Progressive Challenge -- June
D.L. Art -- June Linky Challenge
Sister Act Card Challenge -- ATG

You Are On My Mind -- for The East Wind

It's Tuesday, and that means there's a new release today at The East Wind Etsy Shop.  It's Aurora today, Aurora - Bloom:

I colored Aurora - Bloom with Copic markers, then mounted the image on some Close To My Heart card stock in colors found in the colored image.  The Designer paper is from My Mind's Eye.  The sentiment is a stamp from Close To My Heart.  The tie dye crinkle ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM.

Aurora - Bloom is a beautiful image to color and design with.  Check her out at The East Wind Etsy Shop today!

Little Polly's Collecting Flowers AND Treats -- for Crafty Sentiments

Today is day 4 of five days of New Releases at Crafty Sentiments Designs. You can see each day's releases, on the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations blog, beginning with Day 1, here.  All 5 days feature "Little Polly".  Today, I introduce rubber stamp, "Little Polly -- Collecting Flowers".

I stamped Little Polly - Collecting Flowers on Copic Blending Card, and colored her with Copic markers.  Then, I cut her out with 2 sizes of a Spellbinders die.  I adhered this to a treat bag from Close To My Heart.  The shimmer ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Little Polly - Collecting Flowers, is a joy to color and design with.  She is so sweet, and a simple image, so she doesn't take too long before she takes shape and looks great!

Please visit the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations Blog for more ideas on how to use this sweet rubber stamp, and come back tomorrow for the last day of June's New Releases. Wow!  What a great month!

You Really Mooove Me! for QKR Stampede

It was a week ago today my blog disappeared.  I've still heard nothing from Google, so I guess it's gone forever.  I'm mooooooving forward.   At QKR Stampede Challenge blog this week, our theme is cows.

A cow with a pink tutu.  Isn't she moovelous?!?  This QKR Stampede digital image is 'Dancing Cow' (digi15612). The sentiment, also from QKR Stampede, is 'Mooove Me' (digi15518).  I colored the Dancing Cow with Copic markers. I used some American Crafts metallic markers to highlight the letters in the sentiment. 

Papers for this card are all from Close To My Heart.  The designer papers are from a retired paper pack.  I used a number of Lifestyle Crafts circe dies to create this card, and a Die-namics stitched circle die, too.

I hope you can join us this week at QKR Stampede for our Cows themed challenge.  It's going to be FUN!

Little Polly -- a New Release for Crafty Sentiments

Crafty Sentiments Designs is having a big New Release the next few days.  I'll have 3 different project to share over the next several days.  You'll love these adorable rubber stamps!  They are all from the "Little Polly" release. Today, I'd like to introduce you to Little Polly -- Dear Friend.

Sweet Little Polly -- Dear Friend is colored with Copic markers, then mounted on a decorative treat box. The treat box was cut out on my Cricut Explore, using the Close To My Heart Artiste cartridge.  

All papers and sequins are also from Close To My Heart.  The tie dye ribbon is from 3 Girl JAM. 

My first blog got hacked a week ago.  It took a few days to get up and going again, and this one is still obviously very much under construction.  One of the posts I missed was for the Crafty Sentiments Challenge blog. The theme of the challenge this week is "Anything Goes."  Here's my card...

This card uses the Crafty Sentiments Designs rubber stamp, Annabel -- Mermaid's Hair.   She was colored with Copic markers. Every mermaid should have 2-toned hair! The ocean creature embellishments are from Close To My Heart.  The tag is a die cut, and the sentiment is computer generated.  I used a Close To My Heart scalloped edge border punch, and some luscious Timeless Twine.  I hope you join us this week for our "Anything Goes" challenge.  You have until Monday evening!

Please check out the Crafty Sentiments Inspirations Blog for more great ideas of how to use today's new release -- Little Polly - Dear Friend! 

A Vintage Christmas -- for The 12 Months of Christmas

I'm posting this card for The 12 Months of Christmas Link-up.  The theme this month is Home for the Holidays, Vintage Style. It's time for some mid-month inspiration:

Our sponsor this month is Luna Girl.  If you like vintage, you definitely need to check out Luna Girl.  Her selection is incredible!

I used the 2.5 inch Rounds Christmas Birds & Holly Sheet on this card. Once it was printed, I chose which round I wanted to use, punched it out with a Creative Memories Circle Punch, then used a slightly larger punch to mat it. I wanted a black mat for emphasis, so used a Lifestyle Crafts Circle Die and Close To My Heart Black are Stock for the final layer.  The vintage snowflake designer papers are from Lisa Decosse, of Decosse's Dynamite Doodles. The set of papers is called Snow Fest.  The rhinestone swirl has been in my stash forever.  I picked it up long ago in an after Christmas clearance (Michael's or Joann's?).  The round sparkles are from Close To My Heart. 

Join our 12 Months of Christmas Challenge.  Link up any Christmas card you'd like.  If it meets the theme, you'll be eligible for this month's prize!