Gecko Galz FB Challenges.

Every month there are six different challenges on the Gecko Galz Papercrafting Challenge Group on FB.  Here are my entries for a few of them.  A male card for the Cruise the High Seas Challenge using image from the GG Olde World Maps collage set and Digi Paper from the Sea Side Splendor Digital Craft Kit.

I've layered them on matte metallic and gauze paper and distressed and inked the edges.  Added a compass and metal word band from Tim Holtz and an anchor charm threaded with knotted rope. 

I'm entering this in the Papertake Weekly Take Your Pick challenge using the Technique theme Vintage/Distressing. 

This one is for the By the Sea Challenge using a freebie image from Gecko Galz on Pinterest and fussy cut elements from the Sea Side Splendor Digital Craft Kit. I obviously am having a thing for rope.  LOL  Leanne Seed, the owner of Gecko Galz also doesn't monthly challenges on her Fripperies and Butterflies Blog and this month it's a Color Challenge.  I'm entering this there, as well.

And finally a bookmark done digitally using an image from the GG (okay, I'm having a senior moment, I just did this yesterday and can't remember where the center image came from.  One of the Jewel It sets, but...)  The books behind are from Go Make Something.  Sentiment and all layers done in my Printmaster Platinum program.  Then I just cut it out and added ribbon and a button to the top.

My Circus Tag

OOOPS!  There were so many fun products this month at Gecko Galz that when I wrote my extremely long inspiration post, I forgot one of my samples.  I personally happen to think this one is a hoot, so I decided to give it it's own post.  Be sure to scroll down to see the others and grab the Freebie Stamp I'm offering, courtesy of Gecko Galz.

Gecko Galz Products used: Life is a Circus Digital Paper pack, Circus Time Digital Stamps, Icons from the August Curiosity Shop Digital Craft set.

Other: Metal stars, baker's twine, tiny buttons, eyelet and pom pom trim (all from my stash), Semicircle Die from Heartfelt Creations, Distress Ink in Frayed Burlap.

Instructions:  Size Circus paper in printing program and crop and recolor the top of the Life is a Circus stamp from Circus Time Digital Stamp set and positiion on top with enough head room to use the die.  Also add the banner digitally and print.  Trim sides and bottom and use die on top for the scallop and ink edges with distress.  Print another banner with added words, along with the monkey and ticket (words also added) from the Curiosity Shop Icons, fussy cut, ink and pop on tag.  Punch hole in top and add eyelet and twine.  Embellish with trim, stars and buttons.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Monday Ticket Please Challenge, the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge, Crafting With an Attitude ATG, Inspiration Destination ATG, Papertake Weekly Take Your Pick (Buttons) and the DL.Art August Linky Challenge.

Gecko Galz August Inspirations

All month long the Gecko Galz DT brings fabulous inspiration to the GG Challenge Blog using the new products for the month from Gecko Galz.  In addition, we each are offering a freebie stamp on each of the featured DT member's personal Blog.  Today is my day.  Our current Customer Challenge is Life Is a Circus so besides my Challenge inspiration that you can find HERE, I've made a card using stamps from the Circus Time Digital Stamp set and the August  Icons (the tickets) from the August Curiosity Shop Club Kit.  The words were added to the tickets digitally.  I've arranged the stamps in my Printmaster Platinum program and colored them with Copics. They are matted on two different papers (layered digitally) from the Color Me Ombre Digital Paper Pack.  the tickets were fussy cut and added after assembling.

Inside also features stamps from the Circus Time set.  I've taken each element from the Life is a Circus Stamp and digitally changed the colors, printed it and cut it with my Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangles.  I've also added a digital sentiment to the elephant's banner.

I'm entering this card in the Simon Says Monday Ticket Please Challenge.

Thinking of You card

Geck Galz Products used: Paper from the Curiosity Shop Digital Craft Kit, Image from the Ophilia digital Collage Set.
Other: Dark and Light Blue card stock from stash, Copper matte metallic card stock embossed with the Tim Holtz Woodgrain embossing folder, Metallic sentiment and corner stickers, Memory Box die.

Dream card

Gecko Galz Products:  Digi paper and Icons from the August Curiosity Shop digital Club Kit
Other: Frantage, Frayed Burlap distress Ink, Glossy accents, Tim Holtz Label Letters, organdy ribbon from stash, Fimo calla lilies

Instructions:  Change color of doily in printing program and layer it onto ditial paper and print. Add frantage and distress edges of card with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink.  Print fairy doll 3 times, fussy cut and decoupage for dimension (sorry, I accidentally deleted the dimensional shot), add Glossy Accents to doll arms and face for a porcelain affect. Tie 3 lilies together with ribbon and glue in her arms.  Add Label Letters sentiment.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge, Fab'n'Funky Things With Wings, Dragonfly Dreams Flying High With Wings, Papertake Weekly Take Your Pick (Distressing/Vintage) and Crafting by Designs Things with Wings .

  

Oh Happy Day card

Gecko Galz Product:  Image from Cute Clips Digital Collage set.
Other: Pink card stock from stash, DP from MME Lime Twist, Spellbinders classic Ovals die, Pink crinkle seam binding from stash, Alpha stickers

I'm adding this to the Digitally Sweet August Celebrations challenge.

Thanks for hanging in there.  Here's your Freebie stamp from Gecko Galz.

And I've done a little digital project with it. 

Initially I thought the gal was leaning on a clock was going to make a belated birthday card.  Then realized it was a scale.  Eiyiyi!  Instead, I decided to make a cover for a grocery list pad by layering the stamp, digital sentiment and rectangles with digital paper from the Graphicals Digital Paper Pack.  I added a card stock loop to hold the pen to the back and there ya go.

Love You to the Moon and Back

The August FB challenge for Faery Ink calls for "Creatures" which includes animals, aliens and mythical creatures.  There are a number of gorgeous digis at Faery Ink that fits the bill, but I really love this one called Howling Moon.  I've colored the image primarily with Copics and added details (especially the fur) with Prismacolor pencils.  My original plan was not to fussy cut but my attempt at a colored background was an epic FAIL!  I think it was serendipity though, because after being forced to remove the offending attempt with my trusty scissors, I found what I consider the perfect background DP from Memory Box. The warm colors complimented my coloring and the pattern created a magical Fall scene, don'tcha think?

I tried printing the wings on vellum, but for some reason it wasn't successful.  I thought I'd used my laser printer in the past, but after several attempts had to settle for copy paper.  That did make them seem at least a little lighter, though. Here's the dimensional shot.  The sentiment was computer generated and popped as well.  I considered embellies but thought the double matting was all it needed.  Gotta say, I love how this one came out and it makes me a bit anxious for cooler weather and the gorgeous colors of Autumn.

I'm adding this to the DL.Art August Linky Challenge, Fab'n'Funky Things with Wings, Inspiration Destination ATG, Aud Sentiments Fall Fun +Sentiment, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Add an Animal, TTRCD Aug 25-31 ATG, Crafting by Designs Things With Wings, Simon Says Stamp ATG, Crafting From the Heart ATG, The Paper Shelter Come Fly With Me, Coloring in Scrapland Winged Things, Dragonfly Dreams Flying High With Wings and Create and Inspire ATG.

Celebrating with Karleigh Sue! Warning: Adult content

Had a fun day today at the birthday bash for Karleigh Sue digi stamps and the artist Cheri Lyn Shull, first on the Birthday Blog Hop, and then on the Karleigh Sue FB fan page.  I decided to make a birthday card using one of the fun stamps I won during the celebration, but am first posting my entry in the KS FB coloring contest to avoid upsetting those who find nudity offensive or have young children close by.  The "Wink Wink" image is a freebie for the contest and I colored her while celebrating.

Now put the kiddies to bed and/or avert your eyes, because here comes some 

sexy stuff!

What did I tell ya!?!  Smokin' HOT, eh? I won a number of these sexy gals and I think I know a certain someone who just might find them intriguing.  LOL  I wonder what he'd wish for?  I certainly hope he's got enough wind left in him after seeing this to blow out those candles and make all his birthday dreams come true.

You can find KS digis on Etsy HERE (and no, they're not all sexy) or just the racier ones at the new Karleigh Sue Pin Up Store.

I'll be entering this in the Karleigh Sue August Sexy Challenge.

New Facebook Challenge at The East Wind

A new Facebook challenge starts on the TEW Group page with the theme of "It's all about the Hair".  This is right up my alley as I love to color hair and have been dying to try the fabulous Lucy Loo-Hair Heaven.  WOW!  That's some hair, eh?

Big surprise I colored it red with a mix of Copics and Prismacolor Pencils.  I do find that the combo really helps add depth and detail.  She was a pretty easy one to fussy cut too.  LOL

The card itself is pretty simple.  Found the perfect DP from the All about Girls mat Stack from DCWV and added a computer generated sentiment, cut with my Spellbinders Small Scalloped Rectangle and inked with Tumbled Glass Distress after embossing while still in the die.  I added a bow and criss crossed bobbi pins and corner gems and called it done.  Come join us on the TEW FB page and see the amazing inspiration samples by the rest of the FB team and come play along.  The challenge runs through Sept 17th.

I'm entering this in the Outlawz Monday Greeting Card Make Me Smile/Laugh Challenge, Crafting for All Seasons You're Having a Laugh, TTRCD ATG, the Corrosive Challenge Utterly Feminine, and Stamp and Create August One for the Girls. 

And here's some additional inspiration for the FB Mini coloring contest that ends Sunday.  There's still time to grab this fab digi for $1 and enter.  The listing HERE on Etsy is an East Wind logo, but you will receive Lucy Loo Heart Lips.

Lots of TEW fun happening all over the place so...

Here's the important stuff:

Challenge Blog

Show Room Blog

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

The East Wind New Release

OOHH, it's really TGIF at The East Wind!  Not only do we have another fabulous new release, but also the beginning of a new Facebook Challenge on The East Wind Group page which will be coming up later today.  I've moved from the challenge Team to the FB team, but of course, I'll still be posting all of my activities on my Blog.  First off is the gorgeous new release, Aurora 'Holly and Olive',  available in the TEW Etsy Shop.  I literally swooned when I saw her gorgeous face and foliage crown.  This is my first Christmas card of the year and I wanted to keep the focus on this gorgeous new stamp by doing a white on white circular card.

Here's a closeup of this beautiful girl.  She's colored with Copics, with some detailing from Prismacolor pencils.  I think her expression captures the wide eyed wonder of Christmas, don't you?  Tried to do something a bit different in attempting hazel eyes.  Kinda loving the color, for a change.

The card itself is done with my Spellbinders Grand Caliber using the Scalloped Circles, Grand Circles, and Grand Stately Circles.  I've popped the fancy circle to give more of a framed effect.  The leaves, branches and swirls are from the Tim Holtz Festive Greenery Die and I've used flat backed pearls for embellishment. Gotta say, I really love how this one came out.

Lots of TEW fun happening all over the place so...

Here's the important stuff:

Challenge Blog

Show Room Blog

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

I'm entering this in the Addicted to Stamps and More Holiday Challenge, Papertake Weekly to Die For, 613 Avenue Create ATG, The Alphabet Challenge "N" is for No Design Papers, the DL.Art August Linky Challenge, Crafting With Friends ATG, Winter Wonderland Christmas Carols/Songs (The Holly and the Ivy) and Artistic Inspirations ATG. 

Fowl Play: Fur and Feathers/Tooth and Claw Take TWO

It's the midway point for the current Macabre Monday Challenge and I was so brimming with creativity that I had to do another take.  This time I've used Fellow Minion Teri's images for my Fur and Feathers/Tooth and Claws, available HERE in her Etsy shop.  The main image is The Beast which I've lightly colored with Copics, matted with blood red. The background digi paper from the Slasher set from Smeared Ink (shop to reopen soon, WOOHOO!)  I've also used Raven  and Owl be m-Eating You from Delicious Doodles.

I've fussy cut the birds and, in the case of the owl, sort of broke his other wing. I printed two sets of beast claws twice so they could really grip those babies. The sentiment is computer generated and stamped with spatter from the Inky Dreams rubber set, also from Smeared Ink, and if you think this is deliciously gruesome, have a gander at the other makes on HDH and come on and play with us!

I'm entering this in the Left of Center Insects/Animals Challenge, A Step in the Dark August FB challenge, Smudgy Antics August ATG/s optional Creepy Creatures and Dream in Darkness August ATG.

RSD Sparkle and Glitter August Progressive Challenge Take 2

It's the midway point of the August Progressive Challenge on Sparkle and Glitter and this month Rick's EDT is using the Freebie provided if you took part in the July ATG challenge.  This little cutie is Helen's "August Mouse", just one of the adorable calendar Mice available in Rick's Zibbet shop. If you didn't play in July, you can still join the challenge by purchasing her HERE.

Just look at here all decked out in her travel gear.  Paradise, here she comes. I've colored her with Copics in the colors of the DP that came from the very old DCWV Summer Glitter Stack.  I've matted all the layers in black and added some fun little embellies from Jolee's.  Please visit the SNG Blog to see more inspiration with the adorable stamp and we hope to see you join the August Challenge.

Here are all of the important links:

Sparkle and Glitter

Airless Chambers

RSD MFA Blog

RSD How2 Tutorial Blog

Rick's Zibbet Shop

Rick's Etsy Shop

FB Fans and Friends

I'm entering this in the Creative Moments ATG/Summer Sun challenge, Crafting by Designs 3 or More Layers, Shopping Our Stash Make a Spectacle of Yourself, {Pin}spirational Challenge, and Crafty Boots Life's a Beach/Summer Holiday.

If Ya Ain't Got An Ark...

...ya better be a Fish!  My hubby has a thing for Noah's Ark, so as soon as I saw this adorable new Noah image, I couldn't wait to color it up.  It's available HERE in Rick's Zibbet shop and HERE on Etsy and comes with and without the cute sentiment. I had the perfect DP, by Debbie Mumm for JoAnn's Fabrics, and decided to do a rocker card.  The circles I used were cut with Spellbinders Grand Circles on my Grand Caliber.  I scored and folded the large one in half, then slit along the fold, slid the smaller one through and attached it to the inside front.

I printed the design without the sentiment and colored it with Copics.  Then I cropped just the sentiment in two parts so I could use die cuts and add it to the card.

Unfortunately I'm not "tech savvy" enough to make a video of the card in action, but when it rocks, the Ark rocks independently of the card, as well. Hopefully you get the idea here.

Here's a view of the inside. It's the same idea as a spinner card, only with just a circle, rather than a slot for the ark to rock back and forth.  I used two washers rather than coins (as I was too cheap to give up my quarters, LOL) and attached them with a double thickness of circular foam.  The white supports inside keep the card from opening up too much when standing.  I'm hosting the SNG Blog today where you can see all sorts of inspirational projects by the EDT each month.  It's also where you'll find the monthly Progressive Challenges so be sure to stop by often.  I really had fun making an interactive card with this image, but it would also be a great coloring page, dont'cha think?  

And Speaking of coloring, Rick's just published his first ADULT COLORING BOOK!  WooHoo!  A limited addition of signed copies are available in Rick's Zibbet Shop, and they are also available on Amazon (unsigned) HERE.

Here are all of the important links:

Sparkle and Glitter

Airless Chambers

RSD MFA Blog

RSD How2 Tutorial Blog

Rick's Zibbet Shop

Rick's Etsy Shop

FB Fans and Friends

I'm entering this in the Inspiration Destination ATG Challenge, the DL.Art August Linky Challenge, TTRCD Aug 11-17th, Cute Card Thursday ATG, Crafter's Cafe The Great Outdoors, Wonderful Wednesdays ATG and Digi Choosday Die Cuts/Punches. 

Smudgefest Day 7 Super Sunday

WooHoo!  It's the final day of Smudgefest, sponsored by Smeared Ink, and I've managed to hang in there for all 7.  Gotta say I about died when I saw this last challenge because it required a bit of imagination and I thought I'd used mine all up with some funky, crazy dreams that made me sleep in til 7:30.   So here's what I woke up to:  

"Your challenge is to take any Smeared Ink image and turn it into some sort of superhero on your project! We'll be nice and let you choose either super hero or super villain, but in your description or even on your project, you must tell us your super's name and super power. "
EIYIYI!

Fortunately I've got GOBS of images both digi and rubber from Smeared Ink and when I came upon Frankiegirl, one of the Hallowcuties, I knew I'd found my gal.
She's now Electra-girl, who draws power from electrical storms to keep the city safe from blackouts.  Her goal is to solve the world's energy crisis before she shorts out. (And speaking of shorts, the bazillion volts burned hers right off. Oops!)   I removed her background (no, not her clothes, she was already nekkid, LOL) in my printing program, slapped her on a free photo I found on the net, added some text and printed her off.  She's colored with Fluorescent Copics and a little bit of silver pencil et VOILA!  Easy peasy.

And hey, great NEWS, the Smeared Ink Website lives on!  Although the shop is not yet open, you can sign up for the newsletter and find out all about the 31 Days of Halloween.  WooHoo!  Can't wait!

Smudgefest Day 6 Stencil Saturday

If you're here for the Remembering Lily Memorial Blog Hop, please scroll down.

 Quicky post and quicky project because I'm pretty much crafted out after the last two days, but I did manage Day 6 of Smudgefest, Stencil Saturday, with this tag.  I used Dylusion Sprays and a Dianne Reavesly stencil for the background.  The hearts are from Smeared Ink (soon to reopen, WOOHOO!) colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped.  The sentiment is done in stickers from Tim Holtz. Am I the only one old enough to remember when that instrumental was a Top Hit?

Remembering Lily (A Memorial Blog Hop)

Today we are remembering Lily Chilvers a truly beautiful artist and soul taken from us too soon.  To honor Lily, we are sharing projects we have made in her memory using the wonderful, whimsical and wacky art she shared with us all.  

I truly wanted to add something personal to this lovely introduction, but I can't seem to find the words.  Lily touched the lives of so many with her astounding creativity and will live on in the hearts and minds of all who loved her amazing talent and spirit.

Here's my project, in loving memory using Angel Girl.

Lily has found her wings. xxxx

Thank you to Suzi and Alison for organizing this outpouring of love.

In addition, I thought I'd share some of my favorite 

past projects using Lily's amazing Octopode Factory images.
Her fun quirky style is an inspiration to us all.

We're so grateful that her mother Mandy and sister

Amber have decided to keep Lily's Etsy Shop open.

She will live on through her incredible art.

Thank you for joining this outpouring of love for Lily and her family.

Blog Hop List

The Octopode Factory

Suzi McKenzie

Alison Heikkila

Hazel Thomson

Teresa Morgan

Susan Renshaw

Maureen Scott

Leadonna Fritts

Sharon Rogers

Erin Stewart

Susan Salyer

Black Dragon

Julia Vazquez

Kristina Deyette

Kelli Green

Kim Rippere

Gloria Palmer-Steiger
                                 Donna Mundinger *you are here*

Miranda Van Den Bosch

Fiona Randall

Elaine Hughes

Kezzy Art

Nan Bourdeu

Sue EisenHauer

Janet Klein

Deborah Johnson

Tit Belsoeur

Jenn Borjeson

Wendy Waldorf

Stephanie

Sandra Botham

Tabbatha Ljungberg

Trish Latimer

Arielle Gordon

Carol Plume

Anne Marie Healey

Serena Bee
Laura Holland
Leigh Snaith-Brunton

Smudgefest Day 5 Fiber Friday

Busy day today, so before I continue with today's Smudgefest entry,  please check out my TEW post HERE and my AW post HERE.  xxx

So it's Day 5 of Smudgefest and I'm so happy to have managed to hang in there thus far.  Today's challenge is Fiber Friday and I've made a tag again, this time using the Queen Bee digi from SI which I printed on Kraft and fussy cut and popped for dimension.

I've embossed the tag using a Cuttlebug folder that I inked up with Wild Honey Distress before running through the Cuttlebug (thanks Fiona for that superb idea) and then distressed it further around the edges with Vintage Photo and Black Soot.  The flower, made from stiffened jute, I think was actually cut off a ponytail elastic that I got in the $ bin at Mike's years ago.  The patch of woven fiber was cut from a pouch that some flatware place settings came in.  Just in case that wasn't enough fiber, I also tied some baker's twine around the flower in a bow and more for the hanger.  Some black Alpha Beads finished it off.

I'm adding this to the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode Tag It Challenge and Simon Says Monday Tie it Up.

New Release at Aurora Wings

Although the Aurora Wings Challenge Team is taking the month off (but the Anything with Wings Challenge is still running for 2 month's this time), I'm thrilled to be joining the Showcase Team for the adorable new release of Ice Cream Sundae Sprite.  Tell me he's not the yummiest little guy you've ever seen!  I had fun making a shaped easel card.  He's available on Etsy in jpg or png (transparent background) form and in the AW Website Digi Shop as a jpg HERE.

Here's the closeup of this adorable Sprite.  I printed him 3 times, colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped in 3 layers.  I used Stickles on the ice cream for a frosty feel, and Diamond Glaze on the chocolate, caramel, fruit and whipped cream.  MMMMMmmmm........!!!!!  Then I popped the entire thing on the hand cut blue border and added a doily I cut from a Cheery Lynn die.

Here's the side view of the easel which shows the dimension.  The DP mat is from the Glitter Sweet Stack from DCWV.  the sentiment was computer generated and cut with a Spellbinders Fancy Label  and popped on the base. The little spoon holds the the sundae in place.

Be sure to pop over to the Aurora Wings Showcase Blog to see the fabulous
by the Showcase Team and why not stop by their blogs and leave them some love?  But don't forget the current AW "Anything With Wings" Challenge that runs through Sept 19th and the August Facebook Contest "3 of Something" that runs through the end of the month.  Hope to see you there.

And BTW, if you're craving Ice Cream Sundae Sprite, or any of the fabulous AW stamps, here's an Etsy Coupon Code for this weekend.  Good on the sale digis as well. WooHoo!

Here are all the links you need:

Aurora Wings Challenge Blog

Aurora Wings Showcase Blog

Aurora Wings Etsy Shop

Aurora Wings Digi Shop

Aurora Wings FB Group

Aurora Wings FB Fan Page

I'm entering this in the the Outlawz Friday Coloring Challenge Kids/Family, TTRCD August 4th -10th ATG Challenge, 613 Avenue Create ATG/ Optional Birthday, Creative Card Crew Sparkle, Craft your Passion ATG, Craftin' Desert Divas "Keeping Cool" Linky Party, the ABC Challenge "O" is for "Open" and Wonderful Wednesdays ATG.