Piggy the Party Animal

Sandra Caldwell often has fun contests to name her new images on her Stamp Fan FB page and I won this one with the name Piggy the Party Animal. WooHoo!
Of course I just HAD to make a birthday card for Simon Says Wednesday Happy Birthday Challenge (a huge congrats on 7 years!) and have been playing on the Outlawz forum and used a sketch from their Wednesday sketch challenge.

To be honest, I tend to shy away from sketches but this one seemed perfect for what I had in mind.  The fabulous digi papers are from AMBillustrations.  The primaries were perfect and I've hung a party banner from La La Land.

Here's a closeup of Piggy the Party Animal.  He's colored with Copics using R12, R20-22 range so as not to be washed out by the primaries.  The dots on his party hat were done with a white gel pen.  He's entered in Sandra's Progressive challenge on the Sandra Caldwell Stamp Fans FB page, as well.  Lots of fun stuff goes on there, for sure.

I'm also adding the to the Aud Sentiments Happy 6th Birthday Challenge, DL.Art April Linky challenge, Crafty Friends For a Child, Let's Color Saturday Linky Party, Critters and Creatures Linky Party, Jo's Scrap Shack FFC ATG, Crafting with an Attitude ATG, 613 Avenue Create ATG/optional Masculine Card (I actually think Piggy leans towards the masculine  LOL), Come and Get it Bright Colors, Inspiration Destination ATG and Our Crafty Corner ATG.

Spring Has Sprung!

A rainy day is a good time to craft and they've been sort of few and far between in CA, so I'm not complaining...much.  Sandra Caldwell is having a Progressive Challenge on her Fan FB Page and I came up with this.  The cute image is Birdie Salon and I've made a little scene using DP's from the old DCWV Flower Shower Spring Stack.  The glitter bird houses were part of the DP ad I added a couple of layers of grass and a picket fence with MS punches.  Flowers are Prima with some pearl centers.  I thought the old Spring saying was cute and appropriate, don't you?

Here's a closeup of Birdie Salon.  She's colored with Copics and fussy cut.  Love the expression on her face.  Sooo many cute images in Sandra's Etsy Shop (babycakesdnd).

I'm also entering this in the DL.Art April Linky challenge, Outlawz Twisted Thursday Anything with Wings Challenge, Imagine That!Creative Playground Spring is in the Air, Scrapper's Delights ATG, Creative Moments ATG, Let's Color Linky Party 7, Chocolate Coffee & Cards Spring is in the Air, Crafting with Friends ATG, Inspiration Destination ATG, QKR Stampede Spring has Sprung, and Creative Fingers ATG.

Under the Weather?

There's a new image at The East Wind today called Get Well Soon.  I used the no background png format and some digi paper from AMBillustrations that I cropped in my Printmaster Platinum Program and added an ombreed circular digital mat and sentiment.  After cutting it out and coloring her,  I triple matted it with card stock in shades of blue and added die cut clouds and popped them for a little dimension.  The iridescent raindrops are from my stash.

Here's the closeup.  Yikes!  This girl needs some major medicine!  I've colored her with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.  I tried to give her a feverish look and hope I didn't overdo the straggly hair.  I just kinda want to hug her and make it all better, don't you?

I'm entering this in the DL.Art April Linky Challenge, the Southern Girls ATG, Inspiration Destination ATG, Wonderful Wednesday ATG, Digi Choosday ATG, TTRCD April 5-11 ATG, the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode Head Shots, Brown Sugar ATG, Jo's Scrap Shack FFC ATG, and A Bit More Time to Craft ATG.

Guest Designing for the Outlawz Color challenge

I'm thrilled to be joining the Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge team this month and our inspiration is this flag from Namibia.

Our mission was to use at least 3 colors from the flag, and of course, my first thought was the red, white, and blue.  I've been wanting to color up Old Lady Americana by Sandra Caldwell for a while now, and thought this was the perfect opportunity.  The stars on her jacket gave me a chance to sneak in the yellow too.  WooHoo!  All the DP is from the K&Co Americana mat stack and I've cut and framed Old Lady Americana with Spellbinders labels 28 and added some glitter stars.

Here's a closer look at this adorable Old Lady Americana.  she's colored with Copics and I've added tiny adhesive stars for the twinkle in her eyes and a gold one to her wand.

I'm entering this in the DL.Art April Linky Challenge, the DL.Art Thankful Thursday ATG challenge, the ABC Challenge "E" is for Everything challenge and the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge. 

Lucky Kitties

Yes, I'm fully aware that St. Paddy's Day has come and gone, but those who know me well, know that I'm notoriously late with holidays.  Heck, at my house Christmas has barely left the building and I'm just beginning to decorate for Easter (and no, I'm not Eastern Orthodox).  BUT fortunately, I'm just squeaking under the wire for the "Lucky Kitty" challenge at SUYP (cats only Challenge Blog.  Yea, ME!  This motley crew is called Nine Lives Kitties by Sandra Caldwell (babycakesdnd).  The Luck of the Irish digi paper is from AMBillustrations.  I've added some green burlap from DCWV, glitter 4 leaf clovers and a bit of plaid ribbon from my stash for texture.

Here's a closeup of the adorable image. They're colored with Copics with a bit of fur detail from Prismacolor pencils.  And why are they lucky?

They've got each other's backs.  Who needs nine lives when you're part of the Irish "Meow"fia family?  Well, maybe it would come in handy.  LOL

I'm also adding this to the DL.Art April Linky challenge, the DL.Art Thankful Thursday ATG challenge, Open Minded Crafting Fun Luck/ St. Patrick's Day and the Simon Says Wednesday ATG challenge.

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.