November Inspiration for Gecko Galz

It's my turn to bring you some inspiration from the fabulous November products from Gecko Galz.   Normally I'd save my fave for last, but I adore this sweet little gnome with birdies from the Christmas Magic collage set.  I sized the image to fit within the frame of Wen's Window Cuttlebug folder.  I used kraft core card stock, embossed the frame and sanded it for a rustic feel.  The edges are distressed with scissors and I used Frantage for a snowy feel.  It's finished off with branches from a Martha Stewart punch, inked with Frayed Burlap Distress and a bit of twine.  All mounted on an A2 card base.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge and the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG.

Next is a card using digital paper, icon and stamp from the Blue Christmas digital Craft Kit.  I changed the color of the stamp in my printing program and layered it over the bow icon which I printed twice and fussy cut the bow to pop for dimension.

Finally, a card using an image like the ones I received as a child from the Little Christmas Ladies holiday collage set. (Yes, I am that old.  LOL) I've layered it on a gold doily from my stash with a gingham bow and sticker sentiment.  Both lovely Dp's are from the Merry and Bright Digital Paper Pack and each layer was matted with additional card stock.

I'm entering this in the Cards in Envy Put Some Extra Layers On challenge.

Thanks so much for stopping by on this busy holiday weekend.  Here's a little gift from me to you, courtesy of Gecko Galz.

Merry Christmas to Ewe!

Don't forget! You still have one more day to enter The Gecko Galz November Customer Challenge.

New Release at The East Wind

It's another exciting day at The East Wind with the release of "Trapped", a fab new fairy with gorgeous wild hair.  I decided to make a tag with her using DP's from the Once Upon a Time Matstack from DCWV.  I've added icy crystal stems from my stash and "believe" done in wire with beads from Making Memories.

I've colored "Trapped" in magical colors this time, using Copics and Prismacolor pencils.  Her wings are covered in fairy dust (aka Stardust Stickles).  I think she looks like the Sugar Plum Fairy, don't you?  Come check out our FB Group page for more inspiration from my teamies and don't forget our new FB Challenge Coffee, Tea, or..., now through Dec 17th and our current Blog Challenge Layer it on Me, Baby which ends tomorrow.

Come join the fun!
Here are of all the important links you need.

Challenge Blog

Show Room Blog

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

I'm adding this to the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Something With Wings Challenge.

Coffee,Tea,or...?

Our new challenge on The East Wind FB page is Coffee, Tea, or...?  I decided to go with the "or" using the adorable Lucy Loo Morning Coffee (which miraculously changed into hot chocolate for my card.  LOL).  Lucy and friends were colored with Copics and fussy cut.  The swirls, holly and big cup of cocoa were fussy cut from a page from the Warm Wishes DP from Recollections that I'd saved in the stack, even after previously cutting a huge chunk from the middle for another project several years ago. (See, I just KNEW it would come in handy eventually.)  The sentiment, by Inkadinkado, was stamped on kraft and modified slightly (I added the "hot") and I used a Spellbinders oval to cut a window in the mug to allow it to show through. Then the whole shebang was popped atop another page from the stack filled with candy canes and marshmallows.  Yumbo!

Come join the fun!
Here are of all the important links you need.

Challenge Blog

Show Room Blog

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

I'm entering this in the Jingle Belles Holiday Leftovers Challenge, Sparkles Christmas Card Challenge ATG, Simon Says Wednesday Christmas, Create and Inspire ATG and CNCH Christmas Extra for Nov.  

Dear Santa

There's an adorable new release at The East Wind today called Dear Santa.  I just love the childlike innocence Unky has captured, don't you?  I knew I wanted to use these sweet chipboard pieces from K&Co I've been hoarding in my stash (since forever!) and thought this would be the perfect project.  I used the"bright pastels" in the embellies for my color palette.  The image is colored with Copics and I've cut and matted it with my Spellbinders Labels Twenty Eight.  The glittered DP is from MME's Wonderful Winter stack.

A little reminder that today is the last day to enter the TEW "There for You" Facebook Contest.  The current Blog Challenge "Layer it on Me" runs through November 25th.

Come join the fun!
Here are of all the important links you need.

Challenge Blog

Show Room Blog

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

I'm entering this in the C.R.A.F.T. Christmas Challenge, the ABC Christmas W is for Wild Thing challenge (she's in bed with a kitty, a bunny and a little piggy) and the CNCH November Christmas Extra. 

New Challenge At Aurora Wings

Our new challenge starts today at Aurora Wings with the theme of Anything but Cards.  I had loads of ideas for this challenge, but this garland featuring the new Candy Cane Sprite won out.

Candy Cane Sprite is just one of the 6 new Sprites available ONLY in the new Christmas Sprites Coloring Book.   You can see all of the adorable Sprites exclusive to the coloring book on the AW Showcase Blog. Although these 6 new Sprites will not be released as individual digital stamps EVER, you can scan them to your computer to use over and over on cards or other projects as I did here.

Here's a better view of Candy Cane Sprite.  She's colored with Copics with a bit of additional shading with Prismacolor Pencils, fussy cut and mounted on die cut from Joy Crafts.  My original plan was to cut and assemble the bow out of paper until I realized I didn't have enough sheets of appropriate red and white DP. Fortunately I found this gorgeous ribbon in my stash.

I've Stickled the fur of her outfit and applied multiple coats of Diamond Glaze to the peppermint candies and cane.  I figured the shine wouldn't show up once the garland was assembled so I snapped a pic on my messy desk under my Ott light while patiently (HA!) waiting for it all to dry.  Notice the additional print of her on the page.  Actually, there are 4 of her.  My original plan was to fussy cut and layer her for dimension, but I was pleased enough with this first coloring to let it go.  Gotta thank my DT sister Glo for suggesting I use the light pinks and reds to add a bit of shadow to her bows and fur, instead of just greys, as I didn't want to introduce another color to the mix. (Mwah to you!)

Finally, the central figure is flanked by peppermint candy boxes cut with a Stampin'Up die and strung on the red tinsel garland.  My DT sisters and special guest have come up with some amazing projects, so be sure to check out the Challenge Blog for more inspiration.  We can't wait to see what you create.

Here's how to keep up with all that's happening at Aurora Wings.

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 Alphabet T is for Tis the Season Challenge, the Jingle Belles Bring us Some Figgy Pudding Challenge, the C.R.A.F.T. Christmas Challenge, CNCH November Christmas Extra, Creative Fingers ATG, Winter Wonderland Christmas Candy, Glitter 'N' Sparkle Die Cut/Punch Shape and  Inspiration Destination ATG.

New Christmas Sprites Mini Coloring Book from Aurora Wings

Today on the Aurora Wings Showcase Blog we're celebrating the publication of the new Christmas Sprites Mini Coloring Book.  Both teams have come together to bring you a peek of the 6 new adorable Sprites exclusive to this book.  These will NOT be available as digis EVER, but can be scanned to your computer to use again and again.  There are 12 Sprites total.  Six of your previous holiday faves plus the new six. WooHoo!

I have the pleasure of showcasing the new Gingerbreadman Sprite along with his little friends.  Don't they look just YUMMY?  I decided they would make a fabulous cover for a Christmas Cookie recipe book.  Don't you agree?

Here's a closeup.  They're colored with Copics with a double dose of Diamond Glaze on their frosting details.

I'm entering this in the Alphabet T is for Tis the Season Challenge, and the Jingle Belles Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding challenge and Crimbo Crackers Kraft or Buttons or Both.

And here's Stocking Sprite.  This sweetie made me think of Baby's First Christmas so I used baby soft colors and textures.

Here's a close up.  The majority of this was done with paper piecing, flocking, and a generous dose of Stickles.  I printed him on blue and pink card stock as well as white and fussy cut and layered the images after flocking some of them with white.  The white flocking softens the colored card stock.

Before flocking the stocking, I used a paint pen to color the snowflakes white. After flocking, I used a small stylus to scrape away the flocking and carefully added Stickles and little diamonds to the centers.  Lots of tiny pompoms and fuzzy rick rack add a bit more texture.  Here's a better view of the sparkle too. 

I'm entering this in the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG/Paper Piecing Challenge,  the C.R.A.F.T. Christmas Challenge and Inspiration Destination ATG.

Available NOW on Etsy HERE.

And more good news.  All existing AW Holiday Sprites are 30% off in the Sale section of the AW Etsy Shop and here is an additional coupon for any DIGITAL STAMP purchase of  $10 USD or more.

Here's how to keep up with all that's happening at Aurora Wings.

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

New Release at Aurora Wings

I'm again thrilled to be joining the Aurora Wings Showcase Team with one of the two fabulous new releases at Aurora Wings.  Meet the adorable Christmas Lights Sprite, available on Esty HERE in png form, HERE as a jpeg and on page 6 HERE in the AW digi shop.  This little cutie is sure to be a fave.  Look at her all tangled up.  I certainly can relate.  LOL  I chose a non traditional color scheme, but I'm a bit annoyed at the photo.  That fuzzy pink garland is a much closer match to the rest of the card, but what's a girl to do?  The bulbs hanging from the ends are are from Favorite Findings and the brad in the center is K&Co.  The card itself was cut from Spellbinder's Grand Labels One on a base of Grand Decorative Labels One.  The DP is from Jo-Ann's Peppermint Forest.

Here's a close up of the adorable little gal.  Christmas Lights Sprite was colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped with foam for dimension.  I've added Flower Soft to the fur on her outfit and tiny green gems to the bodice.  The bulbs are shiny with Glossy Accents.

And if you love Sprites be sure to check out the brand new Christmas Sprites Mini Coloring book available for pre order HERE.  This is a perfect stocking stuffer for young and old alike!  And stay tuned for another Showcase featuring all 6 of the new images exclusive to the book NEXT Friday.  These will NOT be available as digis EVER, but can be scanned to your computer to use again and again.  WooHoo!

Finally, our 2500 Member Celebration is going on NOW at the Stamps by Aurora Wings FB Group page.  Contests, discounts and even a Freebie.  Don't miss out. Not a member?  ASK to join.  

Be sure to visit the Showcase Blog to see the other new gorgeous image debuting today and the stunning creations by the Showcase Team. 

 Always lots happening at Aurora Wings so here are the important links.

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 ABC Christmas "V" is for Very Cute Challenge, Fab 'n' Funky Die Cuts or Punches, A Snowflake's Promise ATG as long as it's Christmas/Winter, Papertake Weekly ATG and The Crafter's Cafe Inspired by a Song (Deck the Halls).

SCACD Digital Stamps Release Blog Hop!!!

SCACD is celebrating 10 newly released exclusive digital stamps and I'm thrilled to be a part of this Hop.  There are some adorable new animal stacks (think kittens, puppies, birds) as well as some Steampunk additions and more!  So check out the collection, as these are really cute, fun and unique.  SCACD Artist Carmen Medlin and Susana Collaborated on the images and we are happy to be showing them to you now.

Available NOW in the USA HERE.
All our EU International friends can purchase them HERE.
If you are a non EU country you can purchase direct from SCACD HERE.  

You should have arrived from Alex's Blog where I'm sure she wowed you with her fabulous creations. 

I'm thrilled to be showcasing the brand new Steampunk Penguin and Flaming Heart.

Don'tcha just LOVE penguins?  And this guy is such a dapper gent.  I couldn't resist decking him out in Christmas colors and adding him to a die cut Steampunk wreath, to which I've added a few snowflakes.  He's colored with Copics with some Stickles brightening up his lightbulbs, then fussy cut and popped with foam for dimension.  There's a few flat backed silver beads adorning his gear, as well.  He'd also be great for a guy card any time of year. Check him out HERE.

I'm adding this to the Outlaw Friday Coloring ATG/ Christmas Challenge.

I did something a little different with Flaming Heart.  The design is derived from the Sacred Heart symbolism in characteristic in some Christian denominations. It has become a popular as a symbol for expressing love and passion, as well as the love and compassion for all humanity. These days the non-religious use of this symbol includes giving them as gifts to loved ones, decorative uses, ornaments and keepsakes.  In Mexico and other Latin countries, they are often cast or pressed from metal so I decided to try that with this fabulous design to decorate a leather box that originally housed a nice fountain pen.

I flipped the design in my printing program and printed it on regular copy paper. (This gives the best impression when tracing the design, but if you have to go over it too many times it will tear, so be careful.) Then I taped it to the back of some colored sheet metal.  I hoped I had just plain silver, but I could only find red in my stash.  I wasn't sure if I could color the red, as easily, but it was worth a try.  (Yeah I do see that the back of this red sheet is silver, DUH! but it was the wee hours of the morning and obviously I wasn't thinking too clearly. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it, and in the end, I was really glad I used the red side.)  

I laid the metal on a foam piercing mat and traced the flames and heart shape with a small stylus and bumped out the heart with a metal working tool.  Then I went back and traced the vines and thorns.  I have some inexpensive permanent Bic markers (what they called "fine" which is similar to what Sharpie calls "fine".  Hardly, but...  I took a vibrant yellow and started to color in the flames between the embossed outlines, and miraculously, the pen removed the red coating and colored it in yellow.  (I did have to wipe the tip regularly to get off the red gook, but hey, I was thrilled.)  For the fine details, I used a .05 Micron pen.  The metal cuts easily with scissors and, after fussy cutting, I used Glue Dots (the dimensional ones inside the bumped out heart and regular ones for the flames) to adhere it to the box top.  I finished it off with gold filigree stickers, et VOILA!  Gotta say I really, really, REALLY love how it came out. Such a cool image, I've got lots more plans for it.

Thanks for hanging in there with me.  You should be going next to Kathi.  I'm sure she has something fabulous to show you.  If you want to make sure you see all of the the Designers showcasing the stamps, then head back to the SCACD Store Blog HERE for there list.

Also, please note that SCACD is having a SALE (WooHoo!) so check it out HERE.

New Customer Challenge at Gecko Galz

Hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Halloween.  Can you believe it's NOVEMBER already?  YIKES!  The Gecko Galz fabulous blog hop may have ended (scroll down if you'd like to nab my free collage sheet), but the new month brings a flock of new products to the Gecko Galz Etsy Shop and a new Customer Challenge with the theme of Sugar Plum Fairies. Yup! Christmas is coming so why not get a head start? 

The sweet images here are from the Sugar Plum Fairies Collage sheet, the background DP is from the Winter Wonderland digital Paper Pack.  I've used Stardust Stickles on all of the fairy wings in the main image and also on the fairy I fussy cut and popped from the sheet.  The DP and main image are matted in matte copper metallic card stock and the sentiment sticker is is an ancient one from K&Co.  A mirror snowflake from my stash was the final touch.

Be sure to visit the Gecko Galz Blog and check out the fab projects from my DT sisters.  This  is a monthly challenge and you must use at least one Gecko Galz product on your project.  This even includes the freebies available to you by signing up for the newsletter or checking out Gecko Galz on Pinterest.  Hope to see you play along.