Wicked Wednesday ATC Christmas in July

Just sneaking it in again under the wire for the Wicked Wednesday ATC Christmas in July Challenge.  The fab sponsor is Just Some Lines so I decided to use the "tweet" little Christmas Robin who is a FREEBIE over there.  He's colored with Copics with a flocked cuff and pompom added to his hat.  The DP is Making Memories, the branch a Tim Holtz die and the sentiment computer generated.   WooHoo!  Made it!

Get Your Chunk on at Haunted Design House

This is the second week of our Chunky ATC Challenge at HDH.  Chunky? you say?  Well, a regular ATC (artist's trading card) is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2", but a "Chunky" adds the depth of 1 1/2" to make it more of a free standing art piece.  Most often an embellished chunk of wood, we at HDH encourage creativity and even have provided a template to make a box to decorate if you have trouble getting wood.  (OOOh, major BUMMER!)  I went with wood to which (witch?) I've added a masonite "inspiration fairy shrine" (coulda fooled me, I'd call her a WITCH!) from Retro Cafe Art Gallery.  Might as well grap a cuppa, this is gonna be one LONG post!

I've covered the shrine  (and chunk) with DP from the Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells stack.  The witch face is a freebie from The Graphics Fairy and the wings from the A Little Bit Batty set from Smeared Ink.  I took the back off the Tim Holtz birdcage and glued it to the shrine window after filling it with a skull and wishbone (remains of??)

 The little poem on the sides I've borrowed from fellow Minion Creepy Glo, computer generated and overstamped with a web rubber stamp by Jo Capper Sandon from Stampotique.

 

Hee Hee, tastes like chicken!



The back has more DP from Graphic 45, frame from Jolee and a cute witch hat charm from my stash.

 

 

Top, a sticker from Authentique.

And finally, my very favorite part!  The witch's souvenir album (from Tim Holtz) to which I've added a skull charm.

 

 

Inside, the snaps of some of her most delectable meals.  That last one was a mixed grill.  YUMBO!  Kudos to you for hanging in there.  I'm telling you, these chunks just may prove to be addicting.  Why blow chunks when you can decorate them?  Wanna try one?  The Minions have outdone themselves with creativity unequalled.  Be sure to stop by HDH to view them all.  And BTW, our post last week featured those we've entered in the current Design Team Throwdown (yeah, it's the same theme, we got to pick and decided to multitask. so be sure to stop by the Smeared and Smudged Forum and VOTE for your FAVE TEAM!



 

 

Playing Tag at Dilly Beans

Yup!  Do you believe it's Friday already?  Time for another Dilly Beans Challenge and this time it's Tags.  Thought I'd do another Christmas (or should I say "Creepmas") in July theme with the adorable #161 Zombie Christmas Elf.  and what do Zombie elves crave?  Sugarplum brains, of course, made by my fab DB and HDH Minion Sister Creepy Glowbugg.  She's got gobs of cool schtuff in her Etsy Store so be sure to check it out.  I wrapped 'em up and tied them with twine.   Don't they look yummy?   

I went with non traditional Christmas colors to compliment the brains and cut the mats for the tag, image and computer generated sentiment with my fave MS drippy goo punch.  Nothin' like a little oozing brain matter and bile to get you in the Creepmas spirit, eh?  Zombie Elf is colored with Copics and oops!  I just realized I left the little deely bobs hangin' from his collar unattended.  Nothin' that a few adhesive beads won't fix (trust me on that, I'm not takin' another pic.) So Falala!  Be sure to check out the fab tags from my DT sisters and come play along.  Remember to use a Dilly Beans image so why not stop by the SHOP.  Megan's added some adorable new gals and she has a fab bundle price going on now.

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center Christmas/Creepmas in July Challenge, the Simon Says Stamp and Show Celebrate Challenge, the Outlawz Alcohol Markers Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Christmas Twist, the DLART Thankful Thursday Christmas in July, and the Stampotique Tag You're It Challenge (sorry, no Stampotique stamp this time, but 3 out of 4 ain't bad.  LOL)

Simply Steampunk Zodiac Release

WooHoo!  there's a new Steampunk release at SBS featuring signs of the Zodiac.  I've done a journal page showcasing the gorgeous Scorpio.  I found the fabulous DP on the net and used the PNG version of the stamp to print her right on top.

I read that the color for Scorpios is RED (probably because they're ruled by Mars) so I colored her with Copics in deep red shades.  I also found a picture of the constellation and added adhesive stars in the appropriate shape.  Easy peasy, but I love how it came out. Please stop by the Simply Steampunk challenge blog to see the other fabulous signs and the gorgeous projects by my teamies.  and don' forget, our current Embossing Folder challenge is still going on.  We have some lovely entries, but none of them so far have used an SBS Steampunk Stamp which is required to win a prize.  Now's the time to enter and be eligible.

PunkyouGirl Creepmas in July and Stampotique 109 Clean and Simple

Yikes!  I almost missed the PunkyouGirl Creepmas in July Challenge and I had sooo many ideas.  Good thing I checked the Linky, or I wouldn't have made it at all.  I decided to combine it with the (almost current) Stampotique Clean and Simple Challenge.  One day off, so I'm catching up there.  I used Stampotique's creepy little Daniel's Tree Topper Small by who else, but Daniel Torrente.  Dig those pointy teeth, (seen better on the stamp link).  Yikes!  I stamped and fussy cut and popped her (him?) above a Spellbinder's Snowflake die that I used with the embossing plate and mat so it wouldn't cut through.  It was also run through the Cuttlebug with a snowflake folder.  Tiny black mat and Alpha Bead sentiment.  CAS and DONE!  (Sorry it looks blue.  It's really black and white.  The bright sunlight washed out the embossing so I photographed it indoors with no flash.)

I'm also entering this in the Outlawz Sunday CAS Christmas in July Challenge and the Left of Center Stripes and/or Spots (those embossed flakes look like spots to me, if not, then the LOC theme)

Another for Stampotique (SDC 107 Recycle it)

Catching up again on this month's Stampotique Challenges.  I'm really trying to use more of my "real" stamps.  This is for the Recycle Challenge and I've used Daniel Torrente's adorable Carrot.  I've used an ADFD digi from the Veggie Lover Past Release behind him to make the "bunch". 

The digi was printed on a background I sprayed with Dylusions through a piece of mesh cut from a potato sack.  Carrot was stamped, colored with Copics and fussy cut.  I punched through the background and thread a twistie to tie him to the bunch.  Sentiment is computer generated. 

Overcoming my Fear of Stamping for Stampotique

Okay, I do a lot of digi stamping, but when it comes to the real thing, my palms start sweating.  Honestly, after I've inked up a rubber or clear stamp, my heart starts pounding and I actually start shaking (probably my problem, LOL) but the thought of a blurred or half stamped image makes me just cringe!  Yeah, I know, there are no mistakes in art, but if my impression doen't turn out PERFECTLY, I'm NOT a happy camper.  However, there are some real stamps I just can't resist, especially Stampotique.  I love how their Designer's challenges are weekly, but you have all month to get them in.  If you're late, there's no chance of a "shout out" but considering my stamping, that's highly unlikely anyway, so here's my entry for SDC 108 "French Flair".  I'm so proud of myself.  I actually used FOUR diffrent stamps and even stamped the flourish (from BAsic Grey) directly on the DP.  Aren't I the brave one!?  The Eiffel Tower is Tim Holtz and I mussed that one up royally but still decided to use it. (Go ME!)  The tres chic outfit is a Dylusions clear stamp from the Couture Collection and finally, the head is Cloche hat by Kelle McCarter but she seems to have disapppeared from the Stampotique site.  Bummer on that but c'est la vie!

Dilly Beans Glitter and Jewels

My the weeks are flying by!  It's Friday again and time for a new challenge at Dilly Beans.  This week we want to see Glitter and Jewels.  Give us a little, give us a lot, shatever you choose.  I decided to be a bit more subtle so as not to overwhelm the adorable #570 Unicorn Girl's Heart.  she's colored with Copics with stickles added to her horn with a glitter foam heart hanging from it.  whe's making a wish on a bright and shining star.

The sentiment is a bit difficult to read head on.  One side...

and the other.  This layered window frame card style is a slightly modified version of THIS ONE found on Splitcoast Stampers.  I used Nesties Labels Three which was as close as I could come.  Be sure to stop by the Dilly Beans Challenge blog to see the amazing work by my teamies and come play along.  Please remember, we now require a Dilly Beans image for our challenge.

I'm also entering this in the Charisma Cardz Girly challenge, the Delightful Challenge Glitter Bling and Sparkly Things, Sarah Hurly Pink Sparkles, Crafting with Dragonflies Unusual Fold, Crafty Creations Time to Sparkle, Dream Valley Challenge Fancy Folds and A Little Bit Crafty Die-ing for It.

Simply Steampunk Showcase #2; Graveyard Gretchen

It's my pleasure today to showcase another of the fab Lady Killers available at Simply B Stamps.  (P.S. they're a bargain at only $2.50 each!)  Meet Graveyard Gretchen. She certainly seems involved in the final resting place for her Beloved.  I had a great time making a side step card with a whole graveyard scene.  The rows of stones are an On the Edge Die from Tim Holtz which I've colored with Copics, the moon, a Nesties Circle, and the grass, actually an icicle border punch from MS.  the sentiment is computer generated on a Cuttlebug Emboss plus Fanciful label which I've inked with Distress.

Gretchen is colored with Copic, fussy cut and popped (what else is new?  LOL).  Hmmm...you'd think she'd be a bit more distraught.

Instructions for the side step card were found HERE on Splitcoast Stampers.  I've flipped the cuts so that the tall piece is on the other side, though.  Don't forget we have almost daily inspiration in the Simply Steampunk Challenge Blog and our current Embossing Folders Challenge runs through August 1st.  Hope to see you there. 

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center Challenge (using the LOC theme, although there are stripes on her dress), TTRCD July 16-22 and A Little Bit Crafty Die-ing for It, Dream Valley Fancy Folds and Crafting with Dragonflies Unusual Folds.

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge Take 2

Ok, don't faint, this is my second post of the day and I haven't even had breakfast.  Just had to do another ATC for the Wicked Wednesday Challenge and you have to do them on separate posts to count sooo....  Please go check out my other one too 'cause I really, really, REALLY love Mad Chessie and I even caught him jiggling on his wobble. This time I chose the Tweedles, Dum and Dee.  They're so goofy looking and the way Dum is pointing his finger made me think of those tee shirts that say "I'm with Stupid", hence the sentiment.  Yes, I intentionally spelled it wrong on the ATC and my Dymo label maker is getting lots of action today.  Again, I've used one of the Rick St Dennis Randi Dandi Wonderland set.  I'm pretty sure I'm gonna do the whole bunch on that Tiddly Inks background.  I'm kinda lovin' how they come out.  I wonder if they'd all like some google eyes?  Well, we'll see.  Tomato and spinach omelette, here I come.

Wicked Wednesday ATC Down the Rabbit Hole

Well, ya didn't think I was gonna miss this one, did ya?  Despite my lack of crafting mojo (which seems to have returned yesterday after my play at ADFD) I absolutely HAD to join in the Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge this week since the challenge is "Down the Rabbit Hole".  Being the "Alice" fan that I am, I went that route, although you could just go any bunny, but which of my bazillion Wonderland images should I choose?  Since the fab sponsor is Rick St. Dennis I thought I'd use some images that the DT didn't so my first one (yeah, I did TWO!  and it's not even 7:00 am here) is of course Mad Chessie, now available only at I Brake for Stamps, as is all of the Randi Dandi series now.  He's colored with Copics and fussy cut.  I couldn't resist the huge Google eyes which makes him look all the more MAD!  I resized some checkerboard digi paper from Tiddly Inks down to ATC size and used my Dymo for the sentiment.  However, the white lettering on the yellow just didn't show up enough so I VERY carefully went over the letters with a Sharpie (you can kinda clean up any mess with a Copic blender pen, but it does discolor the tip a bit).

Also couldn't resist putting Chessie on an Action Wobble.  WooHoo!  Look at him go!  Okay, one down, one to go.  Gotta do a separate post to link them both up so by for now.  P.S. you've got a little more time today to join in.  In any case, go see the fab inspiration by the DT.

ADFD Use a Die Cut

Clearly I had a bit of a struggle getting my creep on this weekend so I came up empty for my HDH project this week.  My mojo seems to have flown the coop so in an attempt to lure it back I decided to just do a challenge I've been wanting to do, but haven't been able to find the time for.  Every fortnight I rush over to the ADFD Blog to see the challenge and even go so far as to plan it all out in my head, but life, or DT obligations, always seem to get in the way.  I have loads of new ADFD digis just begging to be colored, but when I saw the challenge was Use a Die Cut, I knew immediately which one I would choose.  This recently purchased floral wreath is a Memory Box die and I thought it would look beautiful with one of the fab deer from the June Club Kit.  (Of course I belong to the Club, who doesn't love a bargain?)  Anyway, this is Uncle Buck.  He looks so majestic with the butterflies on his antlers, don'tcha think?

The kraft mat is embossed with my new Wicker Cuttlebug folder and the window was cut with Nesties Labels Three.  The buck is colored with Copics with some pencil action defining his fur.  I printed him twice, fussy cut and popped him, along with the mats and wreath and then added another layer of 3 of the butterflies for further dimension.  the sentiment is a peel off, colored black with a Sharpie and black adhesive beads adorn the corners.

I'm also entering this in the One Crazy Stamper July "Kraft" Color Challenge,  OOzak Anything Goes with Texture, 613 Avenue Creative Anything Goes/Optional Birthday, Robyn's Fetish Things with Wings Challenge, the Allsorts Fur and Feathers Challenge, Totally Papercrafts All Aflutter, A.R.T. Masculine Birthday Challenge and Sweet Pea Stampers for Men/Boys Challenge.

Dilly Beans Mermaids!

It's Friday and time for another Dilly Beans challenge and this time it's MERMAIDS!  Don'tcha just love 'em?  Megan's got gobs of adorable ones in her SHOP so you'll be just spoilt for choice. (OOOh, my UK buddies are rubbing off on me, LOL)  I've had this fun funky DP for years and never could figure out quite how to use it.  Thought it would be perfect for the challenge so I decided Megan's very first, #224 Mermaid (scroll down to find her) because she so totally looked at home in this scene.

She's colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped.  The little fishies are brads and an eyelet crab is dancing at the bottom among the shells (a Martha Stewart punch.)  The sentiment is computer generated and I've framed the words with gel pen.  Just wait 'til you see the fabulous work of my teamies!  they've truly outdone themselves this week so be sure to stop my the Dilly Beans Challenge Blog to check them out.  Can't wait to see what you come up with but please remember a Dilly Beans image is required.

I'm entering this in the TTRCD July 9-15th Challenge,  Crafts and Me Anything Goes, Stamp and Doodle Oceans or the Sea, the Deep Ocean On the Beach Challenge and Creative Stamp Friends Tags Challenge.

SimplySteampunk Showcase

Today I'm showcasing another of the fabulous Lady Killers available at SBS.  Meet Arsenic Annie.  Name your poison.  She's sure to have it.  I borrowed a technique from my friend Jenn, who frequently stamps or prints her digis right on DP.  So cool!  I loved the swirling potion from the DCWV Ghosts and Goblins stack so I printed Annie right next to it.  I colored with Copics in mostly BV and W shades and was thrilled with the outcome.  Then I used my Grand Caliber and Nesties Grand Ovals to cut her out.

The fab sentiment is a sticker from the Authentique Enchanted Collection, backed by Nesties Labels 18.  The bottle is from Jolee's as is her fab goblet.  did you know that evry week there is tons of inspiration from the DT on the Simply Steampunk site?  Be sure to visit regularly and don't miss our current  Embossing Folders challenge HERE.

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center Use a Sentiment on the Front Challenge.

Dilly Beans Frida Kahlo Challenge

Yikes!  I partied so hearty last night that I'm late in posting my Dilly Beans DT card.  The challenge is Frida Kahlo, a Mexican Painter best known for her self portraits.  I became fan from the 2002 movie Frida, in which Salma Hayak played the title role.  Read more about Frida HERE and view some of her fabulous art HERE.  Frida's dramatic use of color and her (and my) fondness for the Mexican Dia de los Muertos holiday inspired me here.  I've used #343 Frida Kahlo and kept her uncolored and added 4 digitally colored squares of #338 Day of the Dead Frida by layering them in my Printmaster Platinum Program.  The only actual coloring I did was to the eyes, lips and roses.  The sentiment is computer generated as well.  the bright floral DP is an ancient DCWV stack and I've matted everything in black to make it pop.  Have to say I kinda love it.  There are scores of fab Frida images in the Dilly Beans Shop (as well as some fab new stuff), and this weekend is a good time to buy. 

It's a BOGO sale through Sunday.  WooHoo!  Deets HERE.

Simply Steampunk July Challenge: Embossing Folders

Hope you all had a bang-up 4th!  I'm still partying outside in the now tolerable weather, so this post is pre-scheduled, and if you live in the Livermore CA area, come on down!  But technically it's Friday the 5th which means there's another new fab monthly challenge at Simply Steampunk.  We're looking for dry embossing, so pull out those folders and crank 'em through your fave machine. Today I'm showcasing Skeleton Key Samantha from the Lady Killers range at SBS.  The arch behind her is cut with a Spellbinders die and embossed with the Bricked Folder by Tim Holtz for Sizzix.  Behind the arch is another Spellbinders and the DP behind that is embossed with keys from the Sentimentals Cricut Companion Folders and sanded.  Love how that looks! 

I've colored Samantha with Copics and added a skeleton key charm to her hand instead of the drawn one.  Amazing, I colored her hair something other than red.  LOL  Need some practice with black, though.  I just love the expression on her face.  The large skellie key and fleur de lis atop the arch are Jolee's.  Be sure to visit Simply Steampunk to see the rest of my talented teamies fab projects and we hope to see you join in this month's Embossing Folders challenge.

I'm also entering this in the TTRCD Anything Goes Challenge July 2-8,  and Left of Center using the LOC theme.

Unlucky?

Well, I'm hot, tired and late with my HDH post this week.  I hereby promise never to complain about unseasonable cold weather again, EVER!  It's week 2 for our  "Unlucky for Some" (the number 13) challenge, meaning we want to see 13 elements on your project.  We Minions aren't too particular about counting, being the fabulously creative souls that we are, so give it a go and let us know how YOU count to 13.  My piece has 2 DP's, a Spellbinder's Grand Labels die cut, a distressed piece of kraft paper embossed with a Tim Holtz Halloween folder (folder not counted), 2 Grungeboard letters covered with Washi tape (tape also not counted) 5 Tim Holtz Alphabet cards, a label, and a black cat cut from a Tim Holtz die.  Personally, I think black cats are VERY lucky and speaking of...being LUCKY, I mean.

WE WON!

 

 

Haunted Design House took the hotly contested 6th DT Throwdown Challenge on the Smeared and Smudged Forum, narrowly edging out the fabulous Smeared Ink team in the first ever tie breaker.  I wish to thank all who participated, took the time to vote, voted for us (XX) and most of all my fabulous teamie Creepy Glo (we were one Minion short this time, which makes us all the more LUCKY!) See our fab winning projects HERE and scroll down a couple to see my personal post.  Hope you can all stay cool.  It's bloody hell here in the dungeon.

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center challenge under the LOC theme (in case the label doesn't count as a sentiment) and Simon Says Stamp and Show Anything Goes.