Lets' Hear it for the Red, White and Blue!

We're wavin' flags and setting off fireworks for our Dilly Beans Patriotic Challenge this week and I've turned the new #562 Hypno Eyed Monster Framed into Uncle Sam using the hat from #329 Top Hat Snowman.  He's fussy cut and layered outside his frame (cut with a Nestie).  The fireworks are stickers, the flag a cupcake decoration and USA is from the Cuttlebug Curls and Swirls Alphabet (retired).  He's got stars in his eyes and on the fab Americana DP from BoBunny.  Come celebrate with us and check out the fab red, white and blue offerings from my teamies HERE.  And don't forget, there's still a sale going on at the Dilly Beans SHOP.

 

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge, the Simon Says Stamp and Show Stripes Challenge, the Craft Lovin' Challenge Blog Independence Day challenge, the Chocolate, Coffee & Cards 4th of July challenge, the Simply Create Too Use the Colors of Your Flag challenge, the DLArt Thankful Thursday Patriotic Challenge and the KittyBee Aloha Friday Red, White and Blue challenge.

My Danse Macabre Piece for the Smeared and Smudged Design Team Throwdown

Getting in at the 11th hour (well, not quite) I just finished this piece for the Haunted Design House Team for the Smeared and Smudged Design Team Throwdown.  We're one member short, but Creepy Glo and I didn't want the fab theme "Danse Macabre", chosen but last month's winners, the RSD Airless Chambers Team, go by without at least an attempt.  The bad news is, it doesn't photograph well because I didn't have a hanger on the back to hang it on the wall so it's on a niche in our entryway on a plate stand.

In case you can't tell, it's a wooden plaque that I painted and decoupaged with torn and distressed sheet music (Handel's Messiah, to be exact).  A skeleton hand  (more on that in a minute) is holding  dimensional marionette made with Smeared Ink's Dead Dancer Pointing. 

The hand started out as paper mache.  As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to make it a skellie hand.  Easier said than done.  First I painted it with Gesso and then started to sculpt bones on top using paper clay.  What I didn't count on was how freakin' FAT and heavy the hand got once I started sculpting.  Used a full 8 oz of clay and had to cover the whole thing for fear of the stuff separating from the base.  When I was done (forgot to take pix) it looked more like the Incredible Hulk's hand.  Thought I should just paint it green and give up a that point.

But I persevered and tried shading with Distress Inks until it somewhat resembled bones.

A bit of an improvement, at least, but a new set of problems.

I'd started to do my dimensional dancer and after I saw how HUGE the hand turned out I had to start over because the scale was all wrong.  I wanted sort of a "Tiny Dancer" look, but here's the size I started with, and next to it the size she ended up.

I wanted her not only 3 dimensional, but complete on both sides so I did 12 layers all in all, half of them flipped.  Have scissors, will fussy cut, and fussy cut and fussy cut and... 

Removed the hand above her head because with the flipped images, that actually gave her 3 arms.  LOL

Ended up refilling my Copic red twice because I colored each image on both sides before attaching them together and even drew in the lines of the tutu because they were visible.  Attached some tulle as well.  After all, what's a ballerina without tulle, eh?  Even a dead one.  Be sure to visit HDH to see the fabulous work by my teamie, Creepy Glo and the fabulous work by the rest of the participating teams HERE.  Voting starts tomorrow on the Smeared and Smudged Forum and you must be a member to join, but it's free and fun and you know you wanna.

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes challenge and the Stampotique Anything but a Card Challenge.

VOTING NOW OPEN HERE!  Vote for your FAVE team.  Best of luck to all.

Simply Steampunk lady Killers Release

There's a fab new release at SBS entitled Lady Killers.  It's a bunch of naughty gals who are doing things we only dream of (now and again, LOL).  I'm showcasing Tea Time Tammy.  She seems to be taking the pause that refreshes after a very busy day.

I've paper pieced the coffin and colored Tammy with Copics.  The fab DP is from Memory Box and I've added a border punch from MS.  The sentiment is computer generated on a full moon, courtesy of Spellbinders.  A bat brad and tea bag charm finish it off.  I'll bet you're dying to see the rest of these beauties, eh?  Stop by Simply Steampunk to see the whole fabulous collection, beautifully crafted by my DT sisters.  And while you're there, check out our current challenge, Clocks/Timepieces which runs through July 4th.

Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge: Symbols of Peace

How about this?  I'm actually early enough with my ATC for Wicked Wednesday that you actaully have time to play along too.  The challenge is Symbols of Peace so I just had to play. The 70's are my era.  Would you believe I still say "Groovy"?  (Embarrassing, but true!)  I drew upon my fave peace symbol from the net again then the fun began.  Remember my footie paper clips?  Well, I've got some hands too and thought perhaps that one was giving the peace sign.

Oops!  Guess not.  We've got High 5 and Thumbs Up and Down but no Peace sign.  Hmmm... (Quit it Glo, I know what you're thinkin')  Not to be deterred, I pulled out my trusty pliers and went to work on the High 5 et voila!  Of course what's Peace without a little Love?  Fortunately all that clip needed was a little Flower Power.  Done!  Woohoo! 

And speaking of flowers, I've just gotta share this bouquet I cut from my garden.  Aren't they just GORGEOUS?  They smell fab, too.  Makes me smile every time I walk by.  Need it today, it's crappy out and the forecast says rain for a few days?  Huh?

So Seriously BUMMED!!!!!!!!!

Don't faint, this is the 2nd post of the day.  Please scroll down for this week's Dilly Beans.

I had grandiose plans for the RSD June Saturday Freebie Contest at Airless Chambers but I totally misread the deadline yesterday.  Yeah, I know we had all month, but we were out of town last weekend the the planning for the trip and the DT obligations totally screwed up the first few weeks and as we really don't travel well, I've been playing "catch up" ever since.  I thought I had all of today to finish and even postponed my morning walk to get a jump on it.  Then I checked the Linky and I had 1 hour and 3 minutes!  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Had been fussing yesterday with a part that didn't even make the final  project and abandoned my fab idea just to get it in.  I toyed with giving up, not wanting to dumb things down but I really, really, REALLY wanted to play.  The image wasn't even fully colored and I started to shake during the fussy cutting.  Managed to get it done (minus several fab layers) and then couldn't find DP.  Looked again with 13 minutes to go and as the seconds ticked by, found ok DP, cut 2 (non square bases), printed and cut the sentiment and I thought I was ok.  Threw it down on the floor to photograph and snapped it on the rug.  Uploaded, came here to post (was just gonna throw it on and link and finish the post later) but when I went to Airless Chambers the Linky was CLOSED.  Scared the cat as I screamed obscenities and started to throw things but decided to post anyway.

The sentiment is "Let the Good Times Roll" in French.  He's a party kinda guy. Can't help but think of New Orleans when I think of Voodoo so I colored him in Mardi Gras colors.  His head is on an action wobble and close up, you can see Goliath's contribution in his other hand.  Can you believe I save that s***?  Just knew I'd need a bird leg sometime.  LOL  Well, so much for that.  Maybe when I have time I'll rip it all apart and do what I REALLY planned for this fab image.  Now I think I'll go drink my mid morning snack just to calm down and perhaps stop shaking.

Well, at least I can enter the Left of Center Challenge using the LOC theme, Through the Craftroom Door June 18-24, the DLArt June Linky Party, 613 Ave Create Anything Goes or with a TWIST for a Male and the new PunkYouGirl Anything Goes Challenge (3rd and final entry). 

A Taste of Summer

It's Friday and time for another Challenge at Dilly Beans.  This week we're calling for Citrus Colors.  Sooo summery!  I thought of the sentiment before I even chose the image.  I think the sweet #554 Penny's Heart is just perfect.  She's colored with Copics with paper pieced hair.  The cool citrus frame is a Cuttlebug Companion for the Preserves Cricut cartridge and I very carefully colored in some of the slices.  Hope you can join us this week.  Please remember, we now require Dilly Beans images but there are some adorable brand new images and a fab sale going on at the Shop: 10 images for $25!  WOOHOO!

Update!  I added some teeny buttons to the frame so I could enter the Cuttlebug Mania Color challenge + a button run by my former DT sisters from The Cuttlebug Spot (which is now closed).  Thanks Jannie for suggesting I play.  I like it even better this way.  xx

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Summer Fruits Challenge, Through the Craftroom Door June 18-24 and the DLArt June Linky Party.

Mrs. Roberts Showcase for Simply Steampunk

Today I'm showcasing the lovely Mrs. Roberts for the Roberts Family Portraits Release at SBS.  I have to say the DP did most of the work here.  The fab clock is from the Black Widow paper pad by We R Memory Keepers which conveniently fits the theme of our current challenge at Simply Steampunk which is Clocks/Timepieces and runs through July 4th.  Lots of time to still join in so I hope to see you there.

Here's a close up.   Each of the digis come framed with a bit of a spooky background and are fun and easy to color. (Wish I had her hair!)  The flowers are Prima and I couldn't resist adding Steampunk centers.  Those Tim Holtz mini metal gears are my FAVE! 

I'm entering this in the Crafty Cardmaker's Steampunk Challenge, The Squirrel and the Fox Use Something Metal, and Sparkles Monthy Challenge Steampunk or Vintage.

Wicked Wednesday ATC Birds, Nests, and Eggs Challenge

Of course I'm just sneeking this in for WW ATC Challenge just under the wire again.  This week it's Birds, Nests and Eggs.  Should be doing my DT stuff but didn't want to miss it.  I'm still sort of under the whole "wedding influence" so I'm calling this "Love is the key to setting you free".  DP is Webster's Pages Petit Papers.  Birdcage is a Cottage Cutz die.  Birds are an MS punch, Prima rose and the charm is strung on ribbon.  The DT has done some fabulous stuff and the sponsor is Jellypark, a fave.  So glad I could join in.

Holey Moley Week 2 at Haunted Design House

I'm BAAAACK!  Still recovering from the long trip from Atlanta yesterday but ready, willing and able to post my take on our Holey Moley Challenge at HDH.  I  again used Anita from the Chicks Dig Guns Set from Smeared Ink.  She's decked in camo this time, courtesy of my Copics and doing a bit of survivalist training for the Zombie Apocalypse at camp.

The fab target came from the net and I think Anita did a fair job at blasting that buggar, don't you?  Prepared, she is!

The sentiment also came from the net and it totally cracked me up.  Can't help but feel that way sometimes. Be sure to stop by HDH to see more Holey inspiration.  We're getting some very creative responses to the challenge, as well.  All you need are two or more holes in your project so come on and play along. 

I'm also entering this in the PunkYouGirl Anything Goes Challenge (their very first, WOOHOO!) and Left of Center (using the LOC theme).

Dilly Beans Under the Sea

Well it's Friday and I'm in Atlanta attending the wedding of my niece.  I'm not sure of an internet connection so I'm autoposting and apologizing for not being around.  I pretty much suck as a traveler and stress for weeks before, and you know I leave everything to the last minute, including DT stuff, so if I haven't visited you recently, that's why.  I did manage my Dilly Beans project before I left which this week is Under the Sea.  I'd already planned to use the adorable #? Seahorse image (ok, I can't find her but I'm really tired so email Megan and I'm sure she'll tell you where she's hiding) but when I realized I need to make a graduation card for another niece I'd see at the wedding, this sweet seahorse turned into a Grad.  LOL   Isn't she gorgeous?  So is my niece, but I must say she was a B***H to fussy cut.  Fortunately, this niece lives in Florida and will be attending college there as well, so this isn't such a stretch.

The sentiment was done with Cuttlebug Alphabets and I used a Mrs. Grossman sticker for the graduation cap.  Here I tried to get an action shot.  She's swimming on an Action Wobble.  Woohoo!  The bubbles are Rain Dots.  Inside I used a hokey sentiment but I still think Emily will still get a kick out of it.  Oops!  Already packed the camera and forgot to upload the inside.  Sorry!  I told you I was stressed.  Be sure to stop by Dilly Beans to see the fab inspiration from my teamies.  Remember, a Dilly Beans image is required from now on to join in so what are you waiting for?  You know you love 'em.  We can't wait to see what you come up with.

I'm also entering this in the TTCRD Anything Goes Challenge June 11-17 and the Outlawz Copic/Promarker School's Out/Graduation Challenge.

Simply Steampunk for Father's Day

Is everyone set for Father's Day this Sunday?  Well here's an idea for you.  It's my day to showcase at Simply Steampunk Challenges and I've made a folding frame card using the new Steampunk Robert's Family Portraits available at SBS.  These images are perfect for all kinds of family occasions, but I thought the boys were specially fab for Father's Day.  I've used a Sizzix die for the frame and cut it 4 times.  The mats are Spellbinders, as well as the die cut gears.

I was trying to represent a kind of timeline.  First we have the adorable Jude.

 

Then the handsome Christian.

And finally, the distinguished and well loved Mr. Roberts.  The sentiment reads, "Dad, When I grow up I want to be just like YOU!"  I had a ball embellishing the card with Tim Holtz bits and bobs, especially the traits so important for a father, taking time to listen, care, and inspire.  I hope this inspires you to create something wonderful for your special Dad.  Of course there are fab female images in the Family Portraits line too that you can see HERE, but that's for another post.  Don't forget we have inspirational pieces going up all month on Simply Steampunk and our current challenge, Clocks/Timepieces runs through July 4th.  Hope to see you there.

I'm also entering this in the Clear it Out, Male and Use Metal Challenge, Crafty Sentiments For a Male Challenge, Creative Craft Challenges2 We Love You Dad Challenge, TTCRD Challenge June 11-17th and Left of Center using the LOC Theme.

Delicious Doodles for Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge, ADFD Blog Hop and Dilly Beans Sale

The current challenge at Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge is Headstones and Graveyards.  WooHoo!  Now, what image to choose?  I adore Teri's Delicious Doodles Graveyard digi which won out because of all the fabulous details.  Beautiful on it's own, but even cooler in 3D.

I printed the image at 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 (so I could mat for ATC size), printed it 5 times, and fussy cut up a storm.  Here's the dimensional view and I've gotta say I ADORE how it came out.  For once I'm not joining in at the 11th hour at Wicked Wednesday.  You've got 3 more days to enter and there's fab inspiration by the DT with a prize from Smeared Ink so what are you waiting  for?

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center Challenge using the LOC theme), ATC's with Attitude Neutral Colors (I hope they consider B&W neutral), Simon Says Stamp and Show Brought to You by the Letter "S" (SCARY and SPOOKY) Challenge, the C.R.A.F.T. Anything but a Card Challenge  (it's an ATC) and the very first challenge at PunkYouGirl Anything Goes.

There's a fab Blog Hop going on at ADFD showcasing their new June Club release and it's perfect for Father's Day.  Not a Club Member? (Well, why the heck not?  There are fab discounts to be had). Join in the Hop for a chance to WIN this fab release but HURRY!  Start HERE.

 

Dilly Beans Sale extended!  What are you waiting for?

Dilly Beans Summertime

Don't faint, this is my second post of the day.  If you're looking for Simply Steampunk, please scroll down.

It's Friday and you know what that means.  It's another new Challenge at Dilly Beans.  We're celebrating Summertime and it could be a more perfect day for it.  The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it's gonna be HOT!   Perfect flip flop weather if you ask me and I'm dreamin' of the beach.  I've used the adorable #184 Flower Girl (scroll down to find her).  She is still one of my all time faves.  I've paper pieced her hair, added a fun felt flower and used adhesive lace for her dress.  The cool embossing is the new Cuttlebug Wicker folder.  There's lots more summer inspiration at the Challenge Blog and we can't wait to see what you come up with.  But remember, you must used a Dilly Beans image to join in.

I'm also adding this to the Through the Craftroom Door Anything Goes Challenge 6/4-6/10, Delightful Challenges Here Comes the Sun, Dutch Dare Paper Shelter Summer's Coming Challenge, Creative Creations Paper Piecing Challenge and Crafting by Designs Summer Fun.

Simply Steampunk Clocks and Timepieces

Woohoo, it's time for another challenge at Simply Steampunk and that's exactly it:  TIME.  We want to see clocks or timepices on your projects.  I call my piece, Cherish Every Moment Because Time Flies, using the adorable Jude from the Robert's Family Portraits Release.  Wanted to do a little staging here, with antique toys, a memory of how quickly children grow up.

I've assembled a faux watch using pieces from Tim Holtz.  Thought it would be fun to do something a bit different, for a change.  Jude is colored with Copics and captured in the pocketwatch.  The watch fob incorporates additional Steampunk embellishments.  The team has done an outstanding job so be sure to visit them HERE, at Simply Steampunk.  Remember, you must use an SBS Steampunk image to be considered for a prize but hopefully you snagged either a Freebie from our release hop or took advantage of the fabulous sale over the Memorial Day weekend.  We can't wait to see what you come up with.

I'm also entering this in the C.R.A.F.T. Anything but a Card Challenge, The Happy Campers Use Metal Challenge, Digi Stamps 4 Joy "Oh to be Young Again" Challenge, Pink by Design Anything but a Card Boys, boys, Boys Challenge, Simon Says Stamp Masculine, Simon Says Stamp and Show Brought to You by the Letter "S" (Steampunk) and Digi Darla's Make it Masculine Challenge.

Skull Appreciation Day Hop!

 

Welcome to the Skull Appreciation Day Blog Hop sponsored by Smeared Ink. It's the 3rd annual and I'm happy to say, my 3rd year of participation.  If you've arrived from  Alison's Blog, you're on the right track, if you'd like to start at the beginning, click HERE.  You can read about this fabulous day celebrating skullies of all types  and how it all began HERE on the SKull a Day Blog.  To follow the hop, scroll down for our very long, but FABULOUS list of participants.  Hey, it's Tuesday.  What else ya got to do?

 

 

I've altered some paper mache half skulls using techniques I (sort of ) learned from the Andy Skinner Book of Ruination Workshop.  I was going for a sort of rotting flesh effect but didn't read all the instructions or assemble all the tools I needed before I started so the effect wasn't exactly as I hoped (besides the fact I'm very impatient when it comes to drying times).  I don't think it turned out half bad for a first attempt, though.

The finished product was not what I intended either, but my day led me in this direction so I altered a box for love's faded memories. 

Now hop along and enjoy more skullie goodness.  Your next stop is another Fabulous Donna's Blog.  And here's the entire Blog roll in case you get lost.

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge, Simon Says Stamp and Show Letter "S" (skulls, duh!) Challenge and Left of Center using the LOC theme.
 

 

 

Terra

Tori Laura Kapree Kristy Sandy Jacki Rick St Dennis Airless Chambers Wendy Julia Susan Lady Brayton Black Dragon Kay Miko Creepy Glowbug Aletha Ike Miranda Hazel Monique Shoni Suzi Leigh S-B Designs DominoART Alison Donna M You are HERE Donna W Jane De Stempelwinkel Evil Edna Jenn Steph Anna Bombshell Stamps Helen Shell Movie Magic Monthly Blog Fiona Serena Little Black Kitten Maureen Karen Milo Teri

Macabre Monday Hangman's Handiwork

It's the second week of our Hangman's Handiwork Challenge at HDH.  We ask you to use a knot or knots on your project but of course, in the dungeon, we think a noose is a good knot to know.  Check out the post for expert instructions.  I've used the My Pet image from the Femdom Set from Smeared Ink.  (retired?..bummer!)  His head isn't in this orientation on the stamp so I had to do a little cropping and pasting to get it right.  The fab mat is from MS and the sentiment is computer generated.

I printed the image several times to allow for some fussy cutting and dimensional work and to allow for the noose.  I'm diggin' the vintage feel of it all.  Be sure to stop by HDH to see the rest of the Minion's handiwork and we want to see yours too.

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge and Left of Center using the LOC theme.