Wicked Wednesdays ATC Things With Wings

Look Jenn!  Some more sprays!  Gettin' a major kick out of those Dylusions!  This week's Wicked Wednesday ATC challenge is Things with Wings.  Oh the possibilities!  It's sponsored by one of my fave Digi companies, A Day For Daisies so I thought it fitting to use on of their images, Caterpillar Hugs from the Bug Love Past Release.  I cut an ATC sized piece from one of my sheets I've been spritzing 'cause I thought it looked a bit like grass and sunshine and the mist was really fine.  The image has some tiny detail so I printed it first directly on the background, then printed it again, colored it with Copics and fussy cut it without a border and glued it on.  Voila!  I didn't have to sacrifice the antennae and little hair whisps.  Added a drangonfly brad, some small glitter flowers and a punch that was laying on my desk for the sun.  Trimmed some stickers for the sentiment and called it done.  It's been one long crafty week!

Dilly Beans Think Pink

Our Friday Challenge this week at Dilly Beans is Think Pink.  I've recently acquired  a whole bunch of Dylusions Sprays and have had a ball with them.  I created the background here with Bubblegum and the White using part of a mesh potato bag as a mask for texture.  Love how it came out.  The adorable stamp is #348 Amalia's Daisy.  I printed her twice, colored her with Copic and fussy cut the flower to emboss and pop.  The sentiment is from the #367 Friendship collection.  Simple but cute, don'tcha think?  With all the pink lovers in Blog land we expect a record number of entries.  LOL  Be sure to check out the fab inspiration from my teamies HERE.

I'm also entering this in the Whimsy Stamps Pretty in Pink Challenge, Crafty Sentiments Monochromatic Challenge, The Outlawz Twisted Thursday Make your Own Background Paper, Tuesday Throwdowns Make Your Own Background, Simon Says Stamp and Show Color Challenge, Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes.

Simply Steampunk Release Day

It's Release Day at Simply Steampunk and the DT is showcasing the re release of the fabulous Classic Collection Steampunks.  My card feature the amazing Clocks Limited Digi.  I've never been one to collect a lot of male images, but I must say, ALL of the Steampunk men make me swoon!  Isn't he a distinguished looking gent?  Not really fair that men age so much better than us gals, is it?

I had a ball coloring him with Copics and adding a bit of Distress after fussy cutting around the fabulous frame.  I've used Nesties Labels (?) as a mat.  The DP's are K&Co.

It's so much fun picking out Steampunk embellies.  As usual, these are Tim Holtz.

As are these.  He looks like he has a lifetime of stories to tell, doesn't he?  I think this would make a lovely birthday or Father's Day card for a special man in your life, don't you?  Please be sure to visit Simply Steampunk to see the beautiful projects by the rest of the DT and remember there's still time to enter out current Bits of Lace Challenge.  See ya there.

I'm entering this in the Left of Center (LOC) Challenge, the Paper Shelter "For the Boys" challenge, Try it on Tuesday Inventors, Inventions and/or Steampunk, and Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes and Creative Craft World April/May Mini Blue/Brown Challenge. 

Smeared and Smudged DT Throwdown #4

WOW!  It's the 4th DT Throwdown at the Smeared and Smudged Forum and I'm joining my Minion Sisters Teri and Croms to proudly represent Haunted Design House.  The theme is Leather and Lace chosen by US 'cause we won last time, WOOHOO! and I've made a Butterfly Queen Dress Form Art Doll.  It started with a papier mache dress form which I gessoed and painted with acrylic.  Hubby drilled a hole through which I inserted a wooden spoon to fit in a spool base.

I've been collecting printed leather remnants from the fabulous Britex Fabrics in San Francisco and chose this piece for the dress.  (That's a chair seat for point of reference as to the size.)

I tried to make a sort of pattern with tissue paper before cutting into it.  Scared the crap out of me, to be honest, a seamstress I'm not, but the lace conveniently hid the seaming and I was on a roll.  Wouldn't mind one like this myself.

With the theme covered, I proceeded with the stamps.  All are from the Specimen Jar Set by Smeared Ink.  I printed the butterflies in different sizes on transparency film and thought I'd be able to color them with Copics, but the colors were too pale. Then tried Alcohol Inks with a brush but it looked streaky.  Finally I just dripped colors on the acetate and WooHoo!  Wasn't prepared for the lack of control you have as the colors mix and blend, but the final effect was pretty cool.  then I cut them out, attached little antennae and wire so they could fly.  I cropped and printed the lady to use only her head and neck.

She was printed several times, colored with Copics, fussy cut and layered for a bit of dimension.  Then I glued her to the front of the spoon.

The back served to be more of a problem.  The stamp had no rear view.  I considered making some rosette or something to cover the back of the spoon but didn't want to interfere with her wings, so I flipped the image and a bunch of just her hair, printed, colored, cut and pieced it together to form the back of her head.  I have to say I was really, really REALLY thrilled with how it came out.

Finally, the spool just wasn't a big enough base so I added a round box cover, cut more of the leather (with a Nestie, who knew?) and embellished it as you see here.  When I was done I did the "Happy Dance" and so did my teamies who were sweatin' it waiting for me to finish.  LOL  Please visit HDH to see their fab projects and also the Throwdown Post for more info and inspiration by the rest of the participating teams.  We all are bringing our "A" game and every team should consider themselves a winner.  However, there is a VOTE which starts tomorrow around noon EDT so be sure and support your fave!  You must be a member of the Smeared and Smudged Forum to vote, but it's free and fun (just ask) so why the heck wouldn't you?

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge, Simon Says Stamp and Show Color Challenge, Left of Center Challenge (hoping this is LOC enough?), the Stampotique Trimmed Stamp Challenge #97, the Going Grey With Scrap-Creations Insects or Animals, LEJ Designs Mystical, Magical or Mysterious, TTRCD Anything Goes, {Pin}spirational CHallenge #54, the Outlawz Paper a la Mode Anything Goes Challenge, the Art With No Boundaries Linky Challenge and the DLArt April Linky Party. 

If You've Got it, Flaunt it!

Today I'm showcasing two more of the fabulous digi images from the Original Steampunk Collection from Simply Betty Stamps.  Flirtatious Gwendolyn is still turning heads, and it's obvious Mercius has noticed.  I've colored them in softer hues with my Copics to match the pretty springtime vintage DP from Memory Box and Authentique.  I thought it would make a lovely birthday card.  The sentiment is framed with a Hodgepodge Hardware from from Stampin'Up.

Don't they make the cutest couple?  I can see them for Valentine's Day, an Anniversary, or even an Engagement, and separately for a host of occasions as well.  If you love vintage, you'll love the Steampunks.  There are always ideas on the Simply Steampunk Blog and don't forget our Bits of Lace challenge that closes at 6:00pm PDT on may 2nd.  Hope to see you soon.

I'm also entering this in the Whimsical Designs Smell the Flowers Challenge, the Artistic Inspirations Card for a Lady challenge, the Great Impressions April Pastel Colors and/or Polka Dots Challenge, One Stitch at a Time Use a Digi, the 2 Sisters Color Challenge Blue and/or Green, and the Stampin' Dragon Steampunk Challenge.

Macabre Monday Skeletal Remains

It's our second week for the Skeletal Remains Challenge at Haunted Design House sponsored by the fabulous Octopode Factory.  Lily's quirky stamps are  fave of mine and I'm thrilled that's she's offering the winner of this challenge a $15.00 gift certificate to her Etsy Shop.  I've made a Double Zig Zag card that I found on Deneen's Blog.  Thanks for the fab instructions, Deneen!  Here it is closed with a band I made with my new Spellbinders Arched Windows, and MS fence punch and Octopode's Saint Valentine, and Pirate Skull and Crossbones.

Inside a lovely graveyard wedding scene unfolds.  I've been wanting to enter the Sharon's April Guest Designer's Challenge, add an Architectural Element on the Smeared and Smudged Forum so out came the the Arched Window again, this time backed by the Fancy Lattice (also Spellbinders).  The Stair Steps are attached between the back panels and are embossed with the Tim Holts Bricked folder and the steps fold up when the card is closed.

Terrence officiates and the Day of the Dead couple are decked out in their finest for the big day.

I've used Digi Paper from Crafty Chaos (NLIB, boohoo!) with Octopode's Hallowe'en Tombstones both inside,

 

and out.  The edges are trimmed with another MS punch.

You still hangin' in there?  I kinda loved this project, even though it took me forever, so I took GOBS of pix.  LOL  But this is the last one.  Please visit Haunted Design House to see the fab makes by the rest of the Minions (both last week and this) and finds some Skeletal Remains and play along.

Besides Sharon's April Guest DT Challenge at Smeared and Smudged, I'm also entering it in the Cheerful Stamp Pad Gothic Cuties Challenge, and Left of Center (LOC).

Dilly Beans Flowers Challenge

The weather is spectacular here and of course that's bringing out all kinds of flowers.  Fitting Challenge for Dilly Beans this week.  I chose these fabulous funky ones #550 Doodle Flowers Framed to make a CAS card using my Printmaster Platinum program to crop and color each piece digitally and add the text at the bottom of the frame.  Then I just cut it out and mounted it over the embossed front et voila!  I really love how it came out and plan to do a whole set of note cards wth different colors and sentiments.  My talented teamies have all sorts of fab flowers to show you so pop on by the Dilly Beans Challenge Blog and have a look.  I'm sure you'll want to play along. 

I'm also entering this in the Whimsical Designs Smell the Flowers Challenge, The Paper Shelter Make it Bloom Challenge, Bearly-Mine Spring Flowers, the Deep Ocean Flowers and Fantasy Challenge (these sure look like fantasy flowers to me!), the Digital Tuesday Springtime Challenge, the Cupcake Craftroom Summer Blooms Challenge, and Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Flower Power Challenge.

Simply Steampunk Annie to Show

Did you know that although our challenge at Simply Steampunk is monthly, there's plenty of additional inspiration going on all month long?  Meet Annie, from the Original Steampunk Collection we're featuring this month.  She fancies herself quite the adventuress, ready for anything. Annie is a fab image to use for anyone setting out on a new chapter of their life, like graduation, a new job, a milestone birthday, etc or obviously for those who love travel and adventure.  I've made another wall hanging that I can clip to my hanger and dream of an adventurous escape in a hot air balloon to parts unknown.  The balloon was cut with my Cricut from the Summer in Paris cartridge.  Hmm...Paris sounds good.

 

 Annie is colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped atop a double mat cut with Spellbinders Grand Labels Four.  Embellies include tiny gears from Tim Holtz, a glass topped paper clip from Melody Ross and Scrabble tiles.  Although the Steampunks may seem intricate, there is no right or wrong way to color them and they're great images to practice your shading on.  the folds in the clothes almost color themselves.  Well, ALMOST. You'll see even the DT has different interpretations for the same image, so if you're ever stumped, you can visit Simply Steampunk and take your cue from there.  Be brave! Steampunks spark the imagination and are such fun to color. Be sure to check out our current Challenge, Bits of Lace HERE and come play along.  You have until May 2nd to enter so there's plenty of time.

I'm also entering this in the DLArt April Linky Party, It's All About Vintage Travel Challenge, Digi Galore One for the Girls and the Left of Center (LOC Steampunk)  Challenge 3.

The Altered Alice For the Love of Wonderland

"So she sat on, with closed eyes, and half believed herself in Wonderland, though she knew she had but to open them again, and all would change to dull reality--the grass would be only rustling in the wind, and the pool rippling to the waving of the reeds--the rattling teacups would change to tinkling sheep- bells, and the Queen's shrill cries to the voice of the shepherd boy--and the sneeze of the baby, the shriek of the Gryphon, and all thy other queer noises, would change (she knew) to the confused clamour of the busy farm-yard--while the lowing of the cattle in the distance would take the place of the Mock Turtle's heavy sobs." -- Chapter 12, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
 

Changes are coming for The Altered Alice. Due to pressures of work and other pesky distractions, next month will be our last regularly scheduled challenge. So this month we are sponsor-free and the design team members are sharing any projects they like that show their love of Alice.  Since our winner of last month's challenge has just been named (our Mad Hatter's watch seems to be running a bit more than 2 days slow) I made another project from our fabulous March Sponsor, The Octopode Factory.

I've made "Flip Book" with some of the most beloved characters from Wonderland. Sit back with a cuppa 'cause I've got LOADS of pix. On the cover, I have the Caterpillar who asks "Who are you? First you see each character in his/her entirety. On the opposite page there's a quote. Of course I started with Alice.

 

Next, the Mad Hatter.

 

 

The White Rabbit

 

 

The Queen of Hearts

 

 

And finally, The Chesire Cat

 

 

Each page of the book was cut in threes so the head, torsos and legs can be flipped to create fun new characters in countless ways.  The quotes then become more nonsensical as well.  See if you can tell who's who now.

 

 

 

Have to say, this one's my fave.  Dig the sentiment.  HeeHee!

 

 

 

How do you like Chessie's new hairdo?

 

 

I could go on and on.  This was so fun to make and play with.  Please visit The Altered Alice and check out the winner of the $30 Gift Certificate to The Octopode Factory and check back for the inspiration (and Linky) for our April Challenge.

 

We invite you to do the same and show us your love of Wonderland this month. You may enter older projects for this challenge only. Enter by April 27 to share the best of your Wonderland creations with our community.

We will of course have honorable mentions and a challenge winner, but you will be playing for the glory this month as we do not have a sponsor. We will try to organize some kind of prize although no promises! Would anyone like to donate a prize?

Next month, we will be sponsored by Stampotique, who took a chance on us and sponsored our very first challenge. I like the symmetry, alpha and omega, closing the circle.

We may have challenges in the future, but they will be more spontaneously scheduled, and in the meantime we will share "Alice sightings" and miscellaneous Alice projects with you, so stay tuned!

I'm also entering this in the DLArt April Linky Party , The Squirrel and the Fox Inspired by a Song or Movie Challenge and the Artistic Inspirations Anything but a Card Challenge.

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Dilly Beans Pastels Challenge

This week at Dilly Beans it's all about soft pastel colors.  I was inspired by the DP from Heidi Grace and the sweet image #555 Paige.  A friend's niece recently dyed her hair lavender so I thought that might look nice on Paige, too.  Love it!  I have a banner die but couldn't find it so the flags were cut by hand and attached to mini pom pom trim.  The mat is Spellbinders.  Sorry about the Alpha Beads AGAIN, but what can I say?  The DT came up with some beauties this week so be sure and check them out HERE and come play along.

I'm also entering this in the Fab 'n' Funky Spring Colors Challenge, the Stamping Chef Girly Girl Challenge, and Die Cuttin' Divas Pastels Challenge.

TOFF Easter Time Challenge

I was thrilled when TOFF announced their Easter Time Challenge ON Easter.  Since I'm always running BEHIND the holiday, it gave me a couple of weeks to get my Easter on.  WooHoo!  As it was, I didn't get my rear in gear until now, with only about 8 hours 'til the challenge closes.  Never mind, I made it, using Easter Bunny Norman and  whole crapload of chicks from the Easter and Spring Set.

I couldn't resist adding googly eyes to the chicks.  Kinda creepy, eh?  Heed Norman's warning, those Peeps are NASTY!

Wicked Wednesday Let's Play Pretend/Child's Play and JellyPark Friends It's About a Book

The fun new challenge for Wicked Wednesday ATC challenge this week is Let's Play Pretend/Child's Play.  I immediately thought of the one of the adorable Jellypark images I won from their Newsletter Charity Stamp contest, #095 Girl Dressing Up.  And it just so happens that the current Jellypark Challenge is It's About a Book.  This brings to mind the adorable board book by Sujean Rim called "Birdie Plays Dress Up" so WOOHOO!, it's a twofer right off the bat.  I colored the sweet image according to the cute DP from the DCWV All About Girls mat stack.  She's even wearing her Mom's real pearls.

I fussy cut and popped the image, added a twine bow from which I hung a fancy hat and high heel charm.  Thought about adding some kind of sentiment, but didn't want to cover up the paper.  This was a real fun one.

Have to say BUMMER about the NCAA Championship Basketball Final tonight.  Never thought I'd root for U of M (being and MSU fan and all) but they played a hell of a game against Louisville but unfortunately came up short.  :(

Macabre Monday "Bare Bones" Week Two

I told ya I was embracing the CAS style!  Here I am doing a SECOND card for the current challenge at Haunted Design House, "Bare Bones".  Have to say I was inspired the the totally fab and uber creepy portait of "Baby Jane" by Rick St Dennis, MFA that is available exclusively on his Blog HERE (on the left sidebar).  I had many a nightmare from watching that movie and as a nightmare inducing birthday is creeping up on my BFF from college I decided to make a little birthday card for her.  It's a one layer card done entirely with my Printmaster Platinum Program.  (Cool shadow effect on the number, eh?  I just found that.  Note to self; learn how to use what I have).

And inside?  HeeHee!  (At least I didn't say "look".)  I probably won't send it as that nightmare inducing birthday is coming up for me next year, but I sure got a kick out of making it.  Be sure to check out the second round of Bare Bones inspiration at Haunted Design House (scroll down to see last week's offerings in case you missed it) and come play along.  CAS means CLEAN AND SIMPLE, no bells and whistles, so they go together in a snap.  What's not to love?

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Birthday Challenge.

Spring has Sprung!

Don't faint, I have TWO posts today, so please scroll down to see my Simply Steampunk card and find out about the new monthly challenge.

Looking out the window here it's evident Spring has sprung, so we're celebrating the season at Dilly Beans with Spring inspired cards this week.  Here we have #351 Amalia and Butterflies Framed gazing up at #529 Grandpa's Flower.  For a little play on words, I made a spring for the stem by winding green wire around a skewer, then fussy cut and attached the leaves behind.  The bloom is layered and popped on an action wobble.  You tired of my Alpha Beads yet?  Me neither.  LOL  Be sure and pop by Dilly Beans to see more Spring inspired cards from my DT sisters and how about joining us this week?  We'd love to have you.

I'm also adding this to the DLArt Thankful Thursday Spring Challenge, Simon Says Stamps and Show Anything Goes, Craft and Me Spring Flowers, Flutter by Wednesday Flowers Challenge, Stampotique Flowers Challenge #94 and Can You Digi It Pick a Season Challenge.

Simply Steampunk Bits of Lace Challenge

WooHoo, it's the first Friday of the month which means it's time for a new Challenge at Simply Steampunk.  This month we're asking for Bits of Lace.  All this month, the DT is showcasing the Original Steampunk Images from Simply B Stamps.  Today I'm working with the beautiful Emma.

I know some of you may be a little intimidated by the fabulous detail of these images.  I'll admit, I collected a ton before I ever got the nerve to color one, but here's a little trick;  I like to print mine out fairly large.  Not only is it easier to see what's what, but they make a beautiful bold statement on your project that way.    Also remember, there is no right or wrong way to color them.  If you need some inspiration, the DT will be providing all kinds of it, starting with our Re-release post from March 25th and continuing through the month of April so visit Simply Steampunk often.

I colored Emma with Copics to match the K&Co DP from the old Blue Awning Stack.  the large embossed flower was fussy cut from another of the pages. The expression on Emma's face makes me think she's contemplating a decision so I chose this glass paper clip from Melody Ross that says "Choose for Yourself".  If only life were that simple.  My bits of lace are adhesive backed "lace tape" from Decollections and I've added a bit of velvet rick rack as well.

The little butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch.  I used a kraft knife to fussy cut the image because I love to pop them for dimension.  Be sure to visit Simply Steampunk to see the fabulously inspirational work by my DT sisters and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you create this month for our Bits of Lace challenge which runs through May 2nd.  You needn't limit yourself to an original Steampunk image.  Just add bits of lace to any of the fabulous Steampunk images HERE. 

I'm also entering this in the Pals Paper Arts Fresh Breeze Color Challenge, the Simon Says Stamp and Show Anything Goes Challenge, Papertake Weekly Anything Goes and Cards and More Add some Metal Challenge (the metal paper clip).

Annabelle Stamps Sketch Challenge #159

I found the most beautiful quote in the monthly Freebie section on the Annabelle Stamps Blog.  It really spoke to me and I was dying to use it.  Their CAS Sketch Challenge  seemed like the perfect time.

Here's the sketch.  I'm always kind of timid when zshuzshing up a sketch but decided to be BOLD today, using my Nesties Labels Twenty instead of a plain rectangle, adding two mats, popping the lavender and embossing the top one.  The three pearls are there, but I added three more for balance.  I'm hoping that's ok.  I often look at sketch blogs and can't even remotely see the sketch in some people's work so I think I'm pretty safe here.  I really love how it came out, even more because I've found that loving heart and warm protective arms.

I'm also entering this in the Word Art Wednesday Anything Goes Challenge. 

White Embossed Background for ADFD

Yes, I know Easter has passed but for someone who just got her tree down last week I think this is pretty good.  You think I'm kidding, don't you?  Well, at least I made my resolution deadline.  (BARELY!)  LOL  I've been wanting to play at A Day For Daisies and keep missing the boat.  The current challenge is use a white embossed background and I have sooo many embossing folders I just couldn't decide so I tried a trick with a new die from Spellbinders I got at the Expo.  Instead of using the cutting plate, I ran it through my Grand Calibur with the embossing mat and plate only and got this cool effect.  Now what?

Choosing the image was equally hard.  I have hundreds, literally, but this adorable Bunny Ears won out.  I did a minimal of coloring with Copics and paper pieced the little jammies.  Had to have a fuzzy bunny, so I paper pieced him, as well, by printing again, fussy cutting, running him through the Xyron right side down and flocking before gluing to the image.  Added a mini pom pom tail too.  I wanted a panoramic egg effect so I again used Spellbinders to cut the egg and window, embossed and glittered it to look like sugar.  I snipped a punched strip and carefully taped it around the back for the decorative edge.  I used the same punch (Stampin' Up) for the card mat.

My plan as to keep the card mostly white so I dug in my stash and found a Spellbinders Easter border I've had for ages but never used.  The color was added with my Copics while it was still in the die.  More succesful had I pulled out my air compressor and sprayed, but with a light touch I managed not to have it bleed too much.  Finally I popped the elemants for a little more interest and added a sentiment with Alpha Beads.  Thanks for hangin' in there, I'm awfully chatty today.

I"m also entering this in the DL Art Thankful Thursday Spring Challenge, Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Easter Challenge, Simon Says Stamp and Show Very Strict Anything Goes Challenge, the Outlawz Monday Greeting Card Challenge Anything Goes, and Papertake Weekly Anything Goes and The Crafty  Bloggers Network Anything Goes April Challenge.