Happy Easter!

Wishing you all a happy and blessed Easter.  Here's a little project I did for the Hippity Hop (Bunny) Challenge on the Sandra Caldwell Stamp Fans FB page.

The adorable image is called My Easter Bunny available in Sandra Caldwell's Etsy Shop (babycakesdnd) and I printed her a jillion times on both white and lavender card stock so I could color, fussy cut and flock within an inch of her life.  LOL  The coloring was done with Copics, the flocking with purple flock from Doodlebug and Sparkly Fluff from Craft Lounge.  I've added Diamond Glaze to the eyes, bunny teeth and pink patent shoes and a cute little pompom nose.

Here's the dimensional shot.  Gotta say, it took me awhile to assemble her but I love how she tuned out.  I always got a stuffed animal in my Easter basket that I was allowed to bring to church with me on Easter morning.

Okay, not the greatest pic, but I hope you get a better idea of the Origami basket I attached her to. It was made from one 12 x 12" double sided piece of DP.  I've decorated the outside with some pretty ribbon/trim from my stash. Here's a LINK to the video by JenLowe.

More little fun details that I added to the little girl's Easter basket.  That little egg is plastic.  I cut it in half with scissors, painted it first with gesso and when dry, colored it with Copics, then added some shine with Diamond glaze.  The "Easter grass" is some sort of textured ribbon (that actually reminded me of Easter grass but wasn't green) that I also colored with Copics and then added a bow to the handle.  The "grass" at the bottom is actually an "icicle" border punch by Martha Stewart.  WooHoo, goes both ways!  I really had fun with this one.

I'm adding this to the DL.Art March Linky Challenge, Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Use Ribbon, Crafting in a Beautiful Mess (hey, I can relate) FIRST CHALLENGE!  ATG, Crafter's Cafe Easter, TTRCD ATG March 22-28,  Digi Stamps 4 Joy ATG/with optional Twist Add an Animal, Brown Sugar Easter, Creative Corner Anything but a Card, Jo's Scrap Shack ATG, the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode Run for the Border Challenge, Hanna and Friends Easter, If You Give a Crafter a Cookie Bunnies, Crafting by Designs 3 or More Layers, Decorate to Celebrate ATG, the Paper Shelter Easter Time, and Whimsy Stamps Spring Colors or Easter.

March FB Contest for Art by Miran

I'm so thrilled to be joining the Art by Miran March FB Anything Goes (with an Art by Miran image) challenge as Guest Designer this month. The optional theme is "Professions", so my card features the adorable Rolling By.  Gotta say waitressing can be a tough job, but could really be a kicker on roller skates, don'tcha think?  I used my fave red, white and black color scheme, because it sort of made me think of a Drive-in and added a banner (cut twice) hung with baker's twine and some adhesive bead accents.  The sentiment was computer generated.  Pretty CAS, but I love how it turned out.

I've colored this cutie with Copics, with some additional shading from Prismacolor pencils.  Love her 50's vibe!  After coloring her I noticed that I made her blouse a bit sexier than most who colored her.  Oops!  But hey, better tips that way.  LOL

Thank you to Art by Miran for choosing me to be Guest Designer this month. It's such an honor.  The new Art by Miran FB challenge is "coming right up", later today. Hope to see you there.

I'm entering this in the DL.Art March Linky Challenge, the DL.Art Thankful Thursday ATG Challenge ATG, Simon Says Monday Food and/or Drink, Craft Rocket ATG, Crafting with an Attitude ATG, the Outlawz Monday Greeting Cards Hip to be Square, TTRCD Mar 22-April 3 ATG, and Addicted to Stamps and More ATG. 

Anything Goes at Aurora Wings!

We're celebrating two amazing years of challenges at the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog with the ever popular theme of ANYTHING GOES!  How fast the time has flown and I'm so proud to say I've been a part of this fabulous team since the beginning.  This is one challenge you don't want to miss, because we have TWICE the prizes for this challenge event. That's DOUBLE the chances of winning!  Woohoo!  So, to make the most of your chances, you'll be wanting to use AW images so you can enter up to 3 times (although non AW digis are welcome, you may only enter once if it's not AW.) My project features Slow Loris in Leaves, a special AW digi ONLY available with a $10 or more donation to our special Slow Loris Rescue Fundraiser, part of our 2 year Anniversary Celebration.

Here's a better view of the precious digi that Mitzi created especially for this event.  As I said, he's only available with a $10 or more donation, but any amount is welcome and greatly appreciated.  Visit the AW Showcase Blog post that find out more about about this sweet endangered species and see examples of the first tier Slow loris Sprite digi that you will receive in addition to this cutie for your $10+ donation or alone for a donation of any amount.

Here's his Kodak moment.  The slow loris comes in several different colorations. This time I chose a more neutral variation to blend more easily into his environment.  He's colored with Copics with fur detail from Prismacolor Pencils. I've used Diamond Glaze and white gel pen to further enhance those mesmerizing eyes. Could he be more adorable?

My card is the tent variety, with front cut outs from Spellbinders Labels 28.  The papers are from Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue.  The black background is especially fitting, as the slow loris is a nocturnal animal.  The sentiment is computer generated and reads  "Handle with care or leave me alone". Unfortunately, his adorable looks has made him fall prey to the illegal pet trade and much mistreatment.  We invite you to take up the cause, even if only by displaying the badge on your blog (available on the AW Showcase Post) to raise awareness of their plight.  Thank you so much!!  Be sure to enter our FB contest with either, or BOTH of these adorable digis (and they will work for our ATG challenge too).

Oops!  got a little carried away here.  The Aurora team has a fabulous collection of ATG projects that you won't want to miss, so be sure to visit the Challenge Blog for amazing inspiration.  Thank you so much for your continuing support of Aurora Wings challenges.  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 DL.Art March Linky Challenge, the Outlawz Sunday Paper a la Mode ATG challenge, Simon Says Wednesday Cute and Cuddly, Eclectic Ellapu Flora and Fauna,  TTRCD ATG March 15-21, Crafting from the Heart ATG, Critters and Creatures March Linky Party, Crafty Friends ATG, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Crafting with Friends, ATG, Creative Fingers ATG, Simply Papercraft ATG, Little Patch of Crafty Friends ATG, Scrapper's Delights ATG, Get Creative Challenges Must Use Green, Craft Your Passion ATG, Make My Monday Something Fluffy, Whoopsi Daisy March Green Plus a Sentiment, Digi Stamps 4 Joy Add an Animal, Creatalicious St. Patrick's Day or Use Green and Inspiration Destination ATG.

Wish You Were Here

Our new challenge starts today at The East Wind FB Group page with the theme of "I've Been Framed" (add a frame or make it look like a Polaroid).  I remember my first Polaroid camera.  My Daddy won a "Swinger" at a golf tournament and gave it to me.  It was black and white (and happened to take only b&w photos, too).  You had to coat them with some goo after they developed or they'd get all streaky and washed out.  I thought it was pretty hot stuff.  I even remember the jingle on the tv commercial.  Does anybody else? Is anybody out there even close to my vintage?  Didn't think so. Okay, I digress. 

I did obviously go the Polaroid route using the beautiful "Hybiscus" (Unky's spelling, not mine.  LOL) and added the sentiment to the bottom of the "photograph". It's a burlap canvas to which I've added papers from the Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue, some scraps that  just happened to be laying on my table and a palm tree from JoLee's.

Here's a closeup of the beautiful "Hybiscus".  She's colored with Copics with hair and shading detail from Prismaclor pencils.  This reminds me of some tropical travel of my own.  Wish I were there.

 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 Not Just Cards March ATG Challenge, DL.Art March Linky Challenge, Crafting from the Heart ATG, Crafty Friends ATG, Crafting with Friends, ATG, Creative Fingers ATG, Simply Papercraft ATG, Little Patch of Crafty Friends ATG, Scrapper's Delights ATG, Craft Your Passion ATG, and Inspiration Destination ATG.

Aurora Wings Slow Loris Rescue Fundraiser

We have a special fundraiser event on the Aurora Wings Showcase Blog to help celebrate the 2 Year Anniversary of the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog.  This sweet little guy is a slow loris and his cute cuddly looks has made him fall pray to the illegal pet trade. I've put him in his natural habitat (by means of  some Build a scene dies by X-Cut and additional foliage by Memory Box).  This is where these creatures deserve to live and thrive.

Mitzi has taken up the cause and drawn this adorable Slow Loris Sprite which will be available ONLY by donating HERE, the official Friends of Aurora Wings Fundraiser on You Caring. For a donation of ANY amount, you will receive this adorable Slow Loris Sprite and those donating $10 or more will receive an additional Slow Loris digi, as well.  Again, they will not be available for purchase in the shop EVER, so if you love him, please donate!  We will also have a special coloring contest on the AW FB page in lieu of our regular monthly FB contest with chances to win more fabulous AW digis. All details may be found on the Showcase Blog Post and much more about this endearing creature who so desperately needs our help.

Just look at that FACE! (and those little feet, EEEK!) There are several different colorations of this cutie in the wild.  I colored this one with Copics with fur detail from Prismacolor pencils.  Couldn't resist some Glossy Accents on those huge endearing eyes, either.

Here's the dimensional shot.  I think he looks very happy in his jungle habitat, don't you?  Born to be wild. Yes, he is.  Let's help him stay there.

Stay tuned for more fun and games celebrating the Aurora Wing Challenge Blog's 2 year Anniversary in the AW FB Group, and be sure to check out the new blog challenge beginning Monday, March 21st with DOUBLE the prizes being offered.  You DON'T want to MISS it.  P.S.  There's still time to enter the current challenge, "My Favorite Season" which ends Saturday at 11:55 pm EDT.

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 DL.Art March Linky Challenge, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Add Layers Challenge, TTRCD March 15-21 ATG, Crafting from the Heart ATG, Simon Says Wednesday Cute and Cuddly, Critters and Creatures March Linky Party, Craft Your Passion ATG, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Crafting with Friends ATG, Creative Fingers ATG, Simply Papercraft ATG, Whoopsie Daisy March Green Plus a Sentiment and Inspiration Destination ATG.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!  Okay, I'm a little late, but better late than never. There's till time to grab a green beer and some corned beef and cabbage. YUMBO!  I lost a whole day yesterday with hair appointment, errands and an extremely late lunch OUTSIDE (gorgeous day!) so this almost didn't happen at all.  Wanted to hit a few challenges on the Outlawz Forum so here's my Whimsical Little Leprechaun from Aurora Wings. Twisted Thursday calls for ATG/Layers, Festive Fridays has a St. Patrick's Day option, and the Tuesday Colour challenge has a sort of pick and choose from the picture below plus a twist.  

I've chosen green yellow and black (or white, if you prefer) with a twist of add some bling.

Here's a closeup of Whimsical Little Leprechaun, who just happens to be on SALE at the mo.  He's colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped on a card layered with an embossed and punched mat, another mat layer embossed with the Cuttlebug Celtic Knot embossing folder, and a square scalloped frame cut with Spellbinders dies.  I've added a huge gingham bow and some glitter foam shamrocks and adhesive gems for the bling.

I'm also adding this to the DL.Art March Linky Challenge and Glitter and Sparkle Use Some Green.

New Release at The East Wind

It's Tuesday, and you know what that means, another exciting new release from The East Wind.   The whole team just fell in love with Lucy Loo 'Drawing' and do you blame us?  Pretty sure we ALL can relate to her. My card is pretty CAS, I just used a Spellbinder's Circle to cut her out and popped her on top of a Color Wheel I found on the net.  The fab sentiment is from Ginger's House which I separated in my Printmaster program.

Here's her closeup.  Unky always draws the best hair.  She's colored with Copics with some shading from Prismacolor pencils and will be in the shop later today. Good to see I'm not the only one struggling with the time change.    LOL

 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 DL.Art March Linky challenge, TTRCD March 15-21 ATG, Crafting from the Heart ATG, and LTSCB #73 Bare Necessities.  

Kick Up Your Heels!

Only five more day to St. Paddy's so I thought I'd share this little sweetie from Sandra Caldwell called Shamrock Angel #331.  My color scheme is from the Outlawz Tuesday Colour Challenge Tic Tac Toe Board this week using the middle row across of Green, White and Orange. The background was done with Brushos in Leaf and Lime Green on watercolor paper and spritzed with water.

Shamrock Angel was colored with Copics with Prismacolor pencil detail on her hair and gold and Stardust Stickles on her halo and wings. Gotta say I'm pretty chuffed that Sandra liked my coloring enough to use it as a sample in her Etsy shop.  WooHoo!

To me she looks like she's kicking up her heels and dancing the jig, so after fussy cutting, I mounted her on an Action Wobble so she could DANCE!  Sorry for the still.  I know I'm the only person alive without a smart phone and although I managed to take a short video with my camera, I couldn't figure out how to upload it.  Technology is obviously not my strong suit.  Hope you like anyway.

I'm also entering this is the Outlawz Monday Greeting Cards Amazing Green challenge, the DL.Art March Linky Party, the Let's Color Saturday Linky Party, Simon Says Wednesday A Bit O' Green,  Scrappers Delights ATG, Simon Says Monday Make Your Own Background, Open Minded Crafting Luck/St. Patrick' Day and Craft for the Craic Luck O' the Irish.

Green and Gold for Wicked Wednesday ATC

So I've been on a roll playing at the Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge...until last week...when I dropped the ball.  Basically, a four day weekend of DT duties kept me busier than I imagined and by Tuesday I desperately needed a shower and a night out.  So today I decided that my usual habit of procrastination would not fly, since it's their 200th challenge (WooHoo!), and lo and behold, here it is,  my entry into the Green and Gold challenge.  Yea, me!

Been dying to color up this hilarious, if somewhat creepy (and I mean that in the nicest possible way), Runaway Leprechaun from BloobelStamps and today was the day.  I've used Copics, Prismacolor pencils and a gold Posca paint pen for the gold coins and I have to say he was sort of a challenge to color and fussy cut in a size to fit a 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch space, but I kinda love how he turned out. He's mounted on a shiny metallic gold base (sort of difficult to photograph) with a metallic mesh ribbon over a hand made textured paper mat from Sizzix. I added some foam glitter shamrocks and there ya go.

I'm also adding this to the DL.Art March Linky Challenge, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Use Green, Brown Sugar Green and Gold, Craft for the Craic Luck O' the Irish, Open Minded Crafting Luck/St. Patrick's Day and Simon Says Wednesday A Bit O'Green. 

This Little Piggy Says...

I'm running behind schedule so this is a short post because I want to make sure I'm in time for a challenge.  Dont'cha hate when that happens?  Been that way almost all week.  the Outlawz Friday challenge has a new format called Festive Friday where they list 4 different days to celebrate for the week.  It's really a fun idea and I wanted to play along for National Pig Day. 

I knew I wanted to use the adorable Piggy Bunny by Sandra Caldwell right from the start and make an Easter card.  Here's his closeup, colored with Copics. Isn't he adorable?  He seems to think he's safer as the Easter Bunny, considering ham is such a tradition at Easter. When trying to think up a sentiment, I remembered how turkeys at Thanksgiving were always saying "Eat ham" and a friend helped me come up with this sentiment.  Yea!  Actually, I happen to prefer lamb at Easter, so there ya go.

I'm also adding this to the DL.Art March Linky Challenge, Love to Scrap Bare Necessities, the Critters and Creatures March Linky Party and the DL.Art Thankful Thursday Easter Challenge.

New from the East Wind

I'm sharing a new release from The East Wind today called 'Remember'.   She looks to me like she's drowning in sorrow (perhaps for a lost love) and immediately made me think of the song "Cry me a River". I kept it very CAS because the image is so powerful, just 'Remember', die cut with Spellbinders, popped on some digital paper from the La Isla Bonita by Gecko Galz.  I softened the color of the digi paper in my Printmaster Platinum program and added a few acrylic "tears" and "bubbles".

Here's a closeup of the beautiful image.  She's colored in Copics and I added the digital sentiment.

Don't forget our current FB contest, I Heart You, which runs through March 17th and you have 2 days left for our current Blog Challenge, Going Round in Circles. Be sure to sign up for The East Wind newsletter to receive a monthly freebie. Look for the hot pink banner on the right side of the Challenge Blog.

 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 DL.Art March Linky Challenge, TTRCD ATG, Crafting from the Heart ATG, Craft Your Passion ATG, Open Minded Crafting Love/Valentine (I'm thinking heartbreak from love lost here) and Our Crafty Corner (March) ATG.

My Favorite Season at Aurora Wings

Yes, you read it right.  We have a brand new challenge at the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog with hosted by the new Stella Design Team.  From now on, the Stella team will be inspiring you the first Monday of every month, while the Aurora Team will continue, with a new challenge, on the third Monday as usual.

Our new theme, My Favorite Season, is special to me.  I've lived in California for 36 years now, but still miss the true 4 separate seasons I knew from my years growing up in the Midwest.  Fortunately, here in Livermore wine country, we still have somewhat of an Autumn, with cool crisp air, the changing leaves, especially in the vineyards, and a bountiful harvest season.  I love every sight, every smell, and every feel of this magical time of year.  No surprise I've chosen the gorgeous Harvest Elf for my project today.  I've made a wall hanging using a number of Spellbinders dies and DP from K&Co.

Here is a closeup of the gorgeous Harvest Elf.  She's colored with Copics with a bit of shading and depth added with Prismacolor pencils.  I've loved this image from the start but because if it's intricacy found it a bit intimidating, until I broke it down into doable pieces.  

First I began with the things that I knew, skin and hair.  In some places I wasn't sure where the hair ended, but I started with the obvious and left the unknown uncolored.  From there I went to like leaves and similar foliage and laid down the basic base color for each, adding additional colors and shading as I went along. With each grouping, the intricacies of the image became more apparent, until I was able to fill in the whole design. WooHoo!  Once the entire image was colored, I added additional highlights and shadows for more contrast and depth. Although I went over this image many times, over several days, until I was satisfied, it was not nearly as intimidating or difficult as I had originally imagined and I can't tell you how pleased I am with my accomplishment.  Try it. Stretch yourself.  You'll be amazed what you can do when you take your time. 

This quote is a favorite of mine, as well.  I used a digital post card from Lilac 'n Lavender and added the quote in my printing program, then ran it through my printer on some design paper with this result.  The Autumn leaves were part of the postcard, but the DP had some subtle open details.  Pretty cool how the design of the DP showed through a bit.  Totally unexpected.

Finally, my bouquet is a mixture of velvet leaves and punched ones, all colored, or at least shaded, with Copics to match those I've colored in Mitzi's gorgeous image. The fabulous lace die cut is also Spellbinders and the seam binding and Card Candy is from my stash.  Please be sure to visit the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog, leave some love for the new Stella Team, and come play along.  We can't wait to see what you come up with.  

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 DL.Art March Linky Challenge, 613 Avenue Create ATG (using sponsor's image), Polkadoodles Crafting Tic Tac Toe using Wings, Nature and Sentiment, Dragonfly Dreams Use a Die Cut, Di's Digi Design Use 2 or More Dies (I've used 4 different ones), the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Use Dies or Punches, Crafting with Friends ATG, Craft your Passion ATG, Creative Fingers ATG, Crafting from the Heart ATG, Our Crafty Corner ATG and Inspiration Destination ATG. 

Two New Sprites from AuroraWings!

I'm thrilled to be joining the AuroraWings Showcase Team today to introduce the two newest members of the adorable Sprite family.  First off meet Venus Flytrap Sprite.  She's also available in png form HERE.    Pretty simple, but I wanted this little gal to grab your attention (not to mention that fly who is certainly a goner).  LOL  All dies are Spellbinders and the gorgeous ribbon is from the DL.Art Supplies Mermaids Tale Third Edition.  Yum!

Here's a closeup of this cutie!  Hard to imagine she's such a carnivore, eh? She's colored with Copics and I tried to mimic her trap (hand, mouth, stomach?) with the die cut sentiment.  GOTCHA!

And this little tough guy is Praying Mantis Sprite.  I've used the PNG version to add him to a tag created using digital downloads from Ephemera's Vintage Garden.  He's also available in jpg form HERE, but with the png format, you can place him directly on digital paper, or elements in your printing program, then print and color him with whatever medium you choose.  I've added a corrugated cardboard backing to the tag to lend stability, since all of the layers are just printed, and more of that luscious ribbon from DL.Art Supplies.

Here's a closeup.  My thought was that this little guy would be sweet to use for a little boy's gift for his Mum for Mother's Day, so I put him in a rose garden and added one he picked to give her. However, he still sort of disappeared into the garden foliage (just like in real life) so I printed his twice more to add some layers to his wings, eyes and mouth.  All colored with Copics with a little bit of sparkle on his wings from Stardust Stickles.

I hope you visit the Showcase Blog to see all of the wonderful interpretations of these two new cuties, plus a fabulous Coupon code you won't want to miss!

And don't forget, you have only until 11:55 pm EST this Saturday night to join our current Sprite Delight III challenge HERE.  Hope to see you there.

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 my Venus Flytrap Sprite card in the DL.Art Thankful Thursday Frog and/or Use Green Challenge, Creative Fingers ATG, Crafting with an Attitude ATG, Crafty Girls Creations ATG, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Use Dies or Punches, Your Scrapbook Place March ATG and 613 Avenue Create ATG.


I'm entering my Praying Mantis Sprite tag in the DL.Art March Linky Challenge, Cute Card Thursday Mother's Day, Through the Purple Haze Make a Scene, Craft Your Passion ATG, Digitally Sweet Spring is in the Air and the Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge using the Blue, Green and Pink with the twist of leaves.