Wicked Wednesday ATC Gray, Turquoise or Teal and Red Challenge

I've been on a roll playing in the Wicked Wednesday ATC challenge since the beginning of the year, but this week's color challenge had me stumped for a bit. I mean Gray, Teal and Red?  Hmmm....  But Bloobel Stamps is the sponsor this week and I sure LOVE me some Bloobel, they're so quirky and fun, so here ya go.  

I ended up cropping the Bloobel Heart Moustache image to fit in the small ATC space.  I colored his hair gray, so I was 1/3rd of the way there.  Hearts are red, CHECK, which left turquoise or teal.  Well, what a dapper suit he's wearing! How about that?  All colored with Copics and cut with a Spellbinders die and mounted on gray DP from the Crate Paper Fourteen 6x6 pad.  I used a strip of red and teal paper from the same pad for a little more interest and a hug and kiss courtesy of Alpha Beads.  Yea!

I'll also be linking this up to the DL.Art March (YIKES!) Linky party, Artistic Inspirations ATG, Our Crafty Corner ATG, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG and Simon Says Wednesday ATG.

Kiss Me, I'm Irish

I've been playing in the current Progressive Challenge in the Sandra Caldwell Stamp Fans Group on FB and today is the last day.  Nothin' like cutting it close, eh?  Well, I did have an idea, and then changed my mind, remembering a fun card I did back in 2014 using a tutorial from SplitcoastStampers.  The cute potted shamrock image, called Love the Irish #213, was free for those who played in round 2 of the Progressive challenge and is currently available at half price if you want to join in.  You better hurry, though.  Today is the LAST day!

My camera battery bit the big one, so I don't have a pic of what I did to make the stamp stand up, but if you're interested, click HERE to check out the previous card I did in this style.

Here's the card lying flat, though.  Love the Irish was printed 3 times, colored with Copics and fussy cut.  The shamrock and heart were edged with Stickles and popped and layered 3 times, the little ladybug's hat, pot rim and label, twice.  The gold coins were cut and embossed with the smallest of the Nesties circles and I've added some epoxy shamrocks (one even with another  ladybug) and a pair of lips for embellies.

The cool thing is that it all folds up (reasonably) flat to fit in an envy for mailing.  WooHoo!

I'm also entering this in the DL.Art Frogs and/or Use the Color Green Challenge , the DL.Art February Linky Challenge and Simon Says Wednesday ATG.

Je t'aime Paris

It's been awhile since I played in the Gecko Galz Challenges on their FB Papercrafting Group page, so I checked them out and created this for the February Pink and Blue color challenge.  It was done digitally in my Printmaster Platinum Program using all Gecko Galz products.  Marie Antoinette is a Freebie from the Gecko Galz Pinterest Page, the icons are from the Coquette and Arsenic and Lace digital kits, and digi papers from the Coquette kit, Parisian Dreams paper pack and French Letters (not in the shop?).  Once assembled in my program, I printed it out to make a one layer card.

I'm also entering this in the Shopping Our Stash One is a Lonely Number (Single Layer) Challenge, DL.Art February Linky Challenge, Catch the Bug February Color Challenge, the Stamping Boutique Ribbon and Lace, the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode ATG and Simon Says Wednesday ATG.

The East Wind New Release 'French Maid'

Unky has again outdone herself with the new TEW release of 'French Maid'. Doesn't she just conjure up all kinds of fun?  Since cleaning is not my thing, I decided to put her in the kitchen, using papers and elements from the (ancient) Early Bird stack from Cosmo Cricket I'd been saving for just the right project.

Here's a closeup, colored entirely with Copics. Isn't she a sassy one?  Pretty sure my man will think so too. 'Nuff said.

 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 February Linky challenge, Simon Says Wednesday ATG, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG, Crafty Gals Corner ATG, Fresh Brewed Designs Oh So Girly, Inspiration Destination ATG, Lemon Shortbread ATG and Your Scrapbook Place February w/ The East Wind.

Going in Circles at Ike'sworld Challenges

The current challenge at Ike'sworld is "Going in Circles" and I couldn't resist playing along.  Did you know that Ike actually provides a FREEBIE each time there's a new challenge?  AND, not only was there a fabulous Merry Go Round freebie on the Challenge Blog this time, but also, on the Ike's Art FB Fan page, this adorable puppy chasing his tail.  If you know me, you know kitties are my thing, but this adorable pooch is so sweet, I just had to use him for the challenge.  (Besides, I thought of a cute sentiment for him.)

Before printing him, I added a sentiment in my Printmaster Platinum program. In case you can't read it, it says "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get"  Not sure where I originally heard it, but it does make me giggle.  He's colored with Copics with some Prismacolor pencil work to bring out the fur detail. A window was cut in the top mat and popped atop the blue card base.  Then I cut my image with a smaller oval and popped them both with foam.  I added a paw print strip embellished with Cappuccino seam binding from DL.Art Supplies and some vintage buttons up top. I wanted it be appropriate for a male card so I didn't do a foofy bow.  I think it makes a cute belated birthday card with an inside sentiment like "Sorry I missed your birthday.  Hope it was Happy".

I'm also adding this to the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode Make Us Laugh Challenge, Crafting by Designs Button Up, Little Red Wagon Furry Friends, the DL.Art February Linky Challenge, the Paper Shelter Animal Magic, Simon Says Wednesday ATG, Wags 'n Whiskers Furry Friends, the Mod Squad Animal Fun, Fan-Tastic Tuesday ATG/Include an Animal, Inspiration Destination ATG and the Ribbon Girl Use Any Image Challenge.

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge-Baby it's Cold Outside

Cutting it close this time for the current Wicked Wednesday ATC challenge.  It's not like I haven't been thinking about it all week, it's just I couldn't decide on an image for the Baby it's Cold Outside Theme.  ReaLLY?  Then a friend mentioned missing my projects with The Octopode Factory Stamps and decision made.  I have to say I'm also missing the beautiful and talented artist, Lily Chilvers, behind the quirky Octopode images.  May she live on through her fabulous art.

I chose Frozen Frosty for my ATC and printed him with a digi background from a Gecko Galz digi paper pack.  He's colored with Copics with Glossy Accents on his eyes, buttons and holly berries, flocking on the pom poms at the end of his scarf, Stardust Stickles on the snow on his hat nose and umbrella and Frosted Lace Stickles outlining Frosty himself.  I added a line of icicles across the top with more Stardust Stickles and some Flower Soft snow at his feet.  (what feet?) BBBrrrr!!!  Is he giving you the shivers?

I'm also entering this in the DL.Art February Linky Challenge, the Cards and More Winter/Winter Sports challenge, and Simon Says Monday Inspired by a Song (Frosty the Snowman).

New TEW FB Challenge

The new FB challenge at The East Wind Group starts today (eventually) with the theme of I Heart You.  This obviously doesn't need to be a Valentine's project (unless you're running REALLY late) but we do need to see a heart on your project.  I'm featuring an older image called Cat Flower Love Tree which also is available without the cat HERE, although why ANYONE would choose something without a cat is beyond me.  This is pretty straight forward and CAS, except for the big bow that I couldn't resist adding.  I just received my package of gorgeous hand dyed seam binding from the DL.Art Supplies and I couldn't wait to use some of it.  This yummy pink is from the Valentine Bundle.

Here's a closeup of Cat Flower Love Tree.  It sort of made me think of Goliath and Jezebel peeking out the tube of the cat tree their Daddy made for them. Too cute, eh?  Now just because I get up at the crack of dawn, doesn't mean everyone does, so if the new FB challenge isn't up at the TEW FB Group, please check back later today.  The winners from the last challenge should be posted by then, too.  Have a great rest of your weekend.

 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 February Linky Challenge, the SUYP Kitty Love Challenge, The Ribbon Girl Use Any Image and the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG w/ Optional Lace Ribbon or Twine.

Bearly a Clown Standing Shaker Tag

While checking out my fave Challenge Blogs I noticed a number of them calling for shakers, plastic, and/or recycling.  I'd been saving some packaging from facial blotter sheets (the curse of oily skin) thinking that it would be fun some day to make a shaker tag, (great for a child's birthday) and today was the day.

I started with an adorable image from Sandra Caldwell called Bearly a Clown.  I sized him for the opening in my packaging and colored him with Copics in bright circus colors.  I popped him in the opening and added sequins and tiny beads to shake.  BTW, I've been playing on the Sandra Caldwell Stamp Fans FB Group and having loads of fun.  Besides a really nice Group of gals, and a Progressive Challenge, Sandra pops up with some sneaky contests where you can win her cute quirky stamps.  Ya never know when, or what she might have up her sleeve.

The packaging actually stands and to cover the sides where it opens, I've added triangles of card stock.  In the back, there's room for a pocket for a gift card and Birthday message.The topper was made with a Martha Stewart punch. The bright curled ribbon adds a festive touch, don'tcha think?  Wanna know how it's done?  I thought so.

I thought I already had a tutorial for this on my Blog and could just link back, but I realized it was done for Custom Crops, which is no longer in business, so all the tuts and .cut files I did for them are no longer available... BUMMER! I wish I'd thought to take pix while I was curling all of these yesterday. but I'll work on another because a pic is worth a thousand words (although that won't stop me from gabbing here.)  LOL

Although you can use any width of ribbon, I find the 1/8 inch works best with the small bamboo skewers.  Tie tightly, an inch or so from the end, and wind ribbon around the skewer as closely as possible.  Tie tightly at other end, again leaving some bare skewer and spray with Fabric Sizing on all sides.  Blot with a paper towel, if necessary. Place skewers on rim of the baking sheet (so ribbon has no chance of sticking or burning) and bake in a 200 degree oven for twenty minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool, and slide or unwrap the ribbon.  If kinks develop, pull straight and let it rewind until kinks are gone.  It will stay curled.

I'm entering this in the 613 Avenue Create ATG/with Optional Twist Make a Shaker Project, Simon Says Monday Upcycle/Recycle, Simon Says Wednesday Shake it Up, Shopping Our Stash Fantastic Plastic, Creative Fingers ATG, the DL.Art February Linky Challenge, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG/w Optional Ribbon Lace or Twine , Really Reasonable Ribbon Celebrate with Ribbon or Trim, Ai Shake Rattle and Roll, and the Southern Girls Add a Little Sparkle to Your Life (the sequins).

Hey there, Hot Stuff!

Yes, yet another Valentine.  LOL  I recently won some images in the Art by Mi Ran FB Group Challenge and this is one of the ones I chose.  Isn't she a cutie? The image is called Cupid's Little Helper. When I was a kid, I had a thing for the "Hot Stuff" (the little devil) comic books, so I couldn't resist this little gal.  As you can imagine, the sentiment came quite naturally.  (And, I happen to I think my man is pretty hot stuff.  xx)  She's colored with Copics with a little detailing with Prismacolor pencils on her curls. She was fussy cut and popped on a doily I colored red with a Bic marker (I know I have some red ones somewhere, but it's no surprise I couldn't find them when I needed them). The fiery background is one I found on the net.

I'm entering this in both the new Art by Mi Ran ATG FB challenge, the new Art by Mi Ran ATG Blog challenge, the DL.Art Pink, Red, and Hearts /any One or All Challenge, the DL.Art February Linky challenge, Aud Sentiments Cute + a Sentiment, the Star Stampz Monochromatic Challenge, the Corrosive Challenge Love, Love, Love and Dare to be Sassy Thursdays Favorite Color(s) challenge (ALL shades of RED).

Some Bunny Loves You!

Okay, so I'm not done with Valentine's Day.  (I'm not actually done with Christmas, either, but that's another story)  Anyway, I couldn't resist using Bunneh, from BloobelStamps for this one and (again!) the cool freebie digi papers from Art by Miran FB Group page that I recolored in red in my Printmaster Platinum Program.

Here's a closeup, he totally cracks me up and doesn't look the least bit thrilled about that Valentine Heart (MS punch) in his mouth, does he?  Bunneh is colored with Copics with a bit of shading from Prismacolor pencils, fussy cut and popped. He was printed twice so I could better fit the Valentine in his mouth. Who knew he'd tear it all to shreds?  Looks like he made a mess of the background too.  The sentiment was computer generated and inside it says "Just not this one!"  Happy (belated) VD!

I'm entering this in the Left of Center With Love Challenge, the DL.Art Pink, Red and Hearts challenge, the Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge Monochromatic, the ABC Challenge B is for (Bunneh!), the DL.Art February Linky Challenge, and the Crafting Musketeers Monochrome Challenge. 

Seeing Red for Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge

Here's another cutie from Sandra Caldwell for the current Wicked Wednesday ATC "Seeing Red" challenge.  I've been trying to play regularly at Wicked Wednesday and this is 4 for 4 weeks in a row.  Yea, me!  3 out of 4 have been with Sandra's images.  What can I say?  They're fun and easy to color, even on a small scale.  This precious little gal is called "Lovie".  Isn't she sweet? She's colored with Copics and I've made a dottie background in shades of red and mounted her on red striped DP from Carta Bella.  In the corner I've added a little plastic heart sticker.

I'm also adding this to the DL.Art Pink, Red and Hearts-Any One or All Challenge, Fan-Tastic Tuesday ATG w/Twist of Cute, the Outlawz Tuesday Colour Challenge Monochromatic  and Shopping Our Stash Fantastic Plastic.

The East Wind - Hair Heaven

Tuesday means another fabulous release at The East Wind and if you love coloring hair, this one's for YOU!  Take a gander at Aurora 'Hair Heaven' and tell me you wouldn't have a ball with this one.  I sure did!

Here's a closeup of this gorgeous image.  Although my first inclination was to color her hair RED, we've been having such gorgeous weather lately (how does 75 degrees sound to you?) that I decided to try something I've never done. RAINBOW HAIR!  it makes me think of Spring.  She's colored with Copics and believe it, or not, besides her skin colors, I only used THREE Colors, Y11, RV52 and B01.  Cool, huh?  I thought so.  She looks like she's in a twirling frenzy, so I added a flock of butterflies (MS punch) to add more movement and enhance the Springy feel. Besides, they kinda went with the background DP from the All About Girls Mat Stack from DCWV I used in the background.

You'd be amazed how different this image looks with different hair colors.  My DT sisters all have different takes on her so be sure to visit The East Wind FB Page and be inspired.

Of course, The East Wind artist Unky is known for the fabulous 'dos she draws on her digi characters, but did you know she now has a Hair Heaven Coloring Book?  (and look who's on the cover).  You'll find 30 of her gorgeous gals right HERE on Amazon.  Check it out!

 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 February Challenge at Your Scrapbook Place (using the sponsor's image), DL.Art February Linky Challenge, Crafting From the Heart ATG , TTRCD Feb 16-22 ATG and LTSCB#72 ATG.