Ancient Evil Week 2

It's the second week for our Ancient Evil challenge at Haunted Design House and after careful consideration, I decided the serpent was the way to go.  Even had the Bible to back me up, so hey!  Don't know which of these guys tempted Eve, but I'm guessing it's the big fat one.  Pretty scary, Dont'cha think?  The fab image is Ophiuchus, from the Horrorscope Zodiac range at Delicious Darkness. The fab DP is from the Beastly Paper Pack which I've recolored in purple.  the quote is Matthew23:33, cut with Spellbinders Labels 2 and inked with Distress.

I printed Ophiuchus 4 times to fussy cut and pop him for dimension.  He's colored with Copics.  The snakes were embossed with my Cuttlebug mesh folder for some added texture.  Then I stuck a feather in his cap (and called him macaroni).  Just seeing if you were still paying attention.  Hee hee!  Please check out HDH to see the rest of the evils resurrected from history by the Minions and please see if you can scare one up on your own.  You know you wanna! 

I'm entering this in the Delicious Doodles On the Darker Side challenge.  

Lacy Sunshine Change of Seasons/Weather

Fall is definitely in the air...(finally) and I'm loving the beautiful weather.  At Lacy Sunshine our new Challenge is exactly that, Changing Seasons, or Weather but it doesn't have to be Fall.  Any season will do.  I love everything about Autumn, though and just had to use the adorable Rory Collecting Autumn Leaves.  Isn't she just the sweetest ever?  Instead of a card, I decided to alter one of the plain brown shopping bags that seem to collect in my closet.  Would make a lovely gift bag all dolled up like this, don'tcha think?

I've colored Rory with Copics in lovely Autumn colors and added a glitter sunflower sticker to her hat.  Rory was quite popular with the DT for this challenge so be sure to pop by the Challenge Blog to see her done in different colorways.  You can also see this week's Loyalty Program digi, Emily Windy Days,  which you can get FREE if you used a Lacy Sunshine image in last week's challenge, or if not, you can pick her up for half price for the duration of this challenge.

I've added many layers to my bag including a recycled bit from a mesh bag that some silverware came in, and the large sunflower at the bottom left was originally attached to an elastic ponytail holder.  I've popped some shaped pieces and a sentiment sticker that came from a Bo Bunny Ephemera pack I won from PunkYouGirl.  The twig wreath is a Memory Box die.  Now it's time for you to play along at Lacy Sunshine.  Can't wait to see what you create.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Crazy 4 Challenges Leaves or a Leaf, Open Minded Crafting Fall/ Autumn, the Outlawz Paper a la Mode Add a Sentiment, Creative Fingers Add a Sentiment, Daring Cardmakers Autumnal Forest, Frosted Designs Fall Challenge, Scrapping Everyday Miracles Mini Crop Challenge #5, and If You Give a Crafter a Cookie challenge #2 Fall. 

Gecko Galz Haunted Bingo Card Challenge

Nothing like just squeaking by!  Yes, I know, I always say that, but with my DT stuff it's getting harder and harder to play.  However, I've been a member of the Gecko Galz Scrapbooking Group for a long time and only been a lurker, but this year I've managed to join in a few challenges and had a ball.  This one offered Freebie Bingo Cards at Fripperies and Butterflies and I just couldn't let it go by.  You know how I LOVE Halloween!  I've used an empty ribbon spool to construct my little tableau.  The checked paper circle on top was cut from the Sept Freebie DP from Gecko Galz Scrapbooking.  Conveniently, I had ribbon to match to go around the base.  I use the "Boo" card and cut circles with my Spellbinder's and popped little pumpkin stickers so it ended up with a Bingo that spelled out "Boo"-tiful.  The gorgeous witch was from the GG Blog post promoting their annual Blog Hop (see my sidebar).  Their hops are super fun and there's loads of Freebies to be had, so mark you calendar.  the little witches dancing near the right bottom side are from the GG Little Witches Jewels found in the Jewel It section.  

Here you can see the dimension of the witch.  I printed her 3 times, fussy cut her, and then just her arm with the book, then just her arm.  I used Tim Holtz Game Pieces for the Halloween date and stitched the rosette from mesh ribbon, which is supposed to look like a spider web. there's always lots going on at Gecko Galz and the FB group is fun and friendly with additional monthly challenges, so why not check them out? I promise you'll be glad you did.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge. 

Zombie Pirate! ARRRGGHHH!!!

I hope you all know about the new Zombie Contest on The East Wind FB Community page.   Unky has created 4 new stamps, specifically for this contest, although feel free to "zombify" any of her fabulous images to enter.  I was intrigued by the "Zombie who got killed by Captain Jack"  because it's a great image for male cards, and you all know how hard those can be.  I mean what guy doesn't like Pirates, or Zombies for that matter?  LOL  the DP is Tim Hotz, the treasure map was a freebie I found on the net.  Thought I'd throw in a little Zombie humor with the sentiment.  The BRAIN is from my pal Creepy Glowbugg.

I love coloring zombie skin with my fave combination of Warm Gray Copics with a bit of G21 for putrefaction.  Isn't he FUN!?  There's tons of inspiration on the TEW Community FB page so be sure to check it out.  Also, this is the last day to enter our Feel the Fall Blog Challenge, so hurry and join us.  New challenge starts October 1st.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday ATG challenge.

New Challenge at A Step In The Dark with Lacy Sunshine

A brand new challenge starts today at ASITD with our fabulous sponsor, Lacy Sunshine.  As always, it's ATG and this fortnight there's no twist, so no reason not to play, as long as you're channeling your "dark side".  Although Lacy Sunshine does not often come to mind when dabbling in the darker arts, don't be fooled.  Artist Heather Valentin has an alter ego, so be sure to check out the Lady Heather's Curiosities Section of the LS Crafter's Candy Shoppe and have a look around.  I've used Parrish-New Orleans, one of the City Girls found in the Misc. Digis Section.  She's quite the Voodoo Queen.  Here she stands outside the gates of the famous St Louis Cemetery No 1, waiting to pay her respects to the renown Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau.  Gotta love it when the DP does all the work, eh?  This fabulous scene is from the 6x6 Hallow's Eve pad by Mariah Johnson for Creative Imaginations.  All I've added was a lock from Tim Holtz, skulls by JoLee's on each post (rubbed with gilders paste to better match the lock) and a couple of epoxy bats.

Here's a closeup of the gorgeous Parrish.  She's fussy cut, popped and colored with Copics and this is the first time I've attempted dark skin, using E27 and E15 with a teeny bit of R20 for the faintest blush.  Her dreads and braids were done with N5, N7, N9 and 100.  I gotta say, for a first try, I'm pretty proud of the way she turned out.  Be sure to visit ASITD to view the fabulous creations by the DT and come play along with us.

I'm entering this in the Left of Center challenge (under the LOC theme), Simon Says Wednesday ATG, and Open Minded Crafting Roll Out the Red.

Macabre Monday Crimson Crime Scene Week 2

OOOPS!  I'm a little behind here.  Yesterday began WEEK 2 of our Crimson Crime Scene Challenge at HDH and I  gotta say, I'm a wee bit disappointed with all my pals who call themselves "dark" crafters 'cause only two of you have managed to participate so far.  What'samatter?  Scared of a little BLOOD?  tsk, tsk! So we're looking for inspiration from famous crime scenes, either past or present, and there damn well better be some RED on the project, ya hear? Easy peasy!  I found this glorious pic on the net of Jack the Ripper and surrounded him with actual photos of his victims (changed from b&w to RED).  The snippet of text is from an actual letter he wrote so I decided to back the little photos with my new Spellbinders Postage Stamp die.  See, now how tough is that? Check out the fab inspiration from the Minions of Week 1, as well, and if you'd loke even more, here's a couple of other projects I've done in the past in the same vein.  Lizzy Borden HERE and Ed Gein HERE.  Fair warning, though. They're a bit twisted, even for ME!  xxxx

I'm entering this in the Left of Center No DP and Open Minded Crafting Roll Out the Red.  

A Touch of Darkness at Aurora Wings

This is a very busy Monday for me! I'm so excited about the new Challenge at Aurora Wings with the exciting theme of

  

I've chosen to alter a bottle that originally looked like this.  Fortunately, the wine is yumbo, 'cause I really, really REALLY love the bottle.  However, the writing both back and front has to be scraped off with a razor before altering.
Bummer!

Then I colored the gorgeous dark mermaid, Secret Kiss, with Copics cut her out with a Spellbinders Grand Oval and Mod Podged her to the bottle.  I used the gloss variety, since the bottle was glossy, and kept adding layers until the finish was very smooth.

Didn't quite know how to age the bottle, but tried some Rock Candy Crackle paint.  Seemed like the bottle of paint was too small to paint my whole bottle so I didn't try to cover it all.  Unfortunately, I didn't apply it thick enough to get the large crackle I was going for, and it kind of looked frosty, so I took alcohol inks and ran them down the bottle, diluting them in places with Copic blender.

I used Glossy Accents around the image and sprinkled on mica flakes.  Then set about creating the rest of the scene, ripping cheesecloth and finding shells and other bits and bobs. 

I colored reindeer moss with Distress re-inkers,  added a skull and applied crackle to a tiny bottle and rolled up a message inside.  Found some lichen I'd saved which looked to me like under sea plants as well.

I draped a chain around the neck of the bottle and added a compass.  Finally, I stuffed more moss into the top and glued on a shell stopper that I'd painted, and sprinkled with mica flakes and added the bottom leg bones and foot coming out of the opening in the shell.  (hee hee!)  I don't often do projects like this because I'm way to impatient to wait for things to dry, but I gotta say, after some tense moments, I really love how it came out.  

Now, please visit the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog to see the fabulously dark and gorgeous projects by my DT Sisters and don't forget to scroll down to see the winners from Challenge #6. Also, our September FB Challenge, which runs through September 30th is Anything Goes, so be sure to enter both challenges, if appropriate.  I hope you're inspired to channel your dark side.

I'm adding this to the Punk You Girl What Creeps Under The Sea Challenge,  Left of Center No Designer Paper, 613 Avenue Create ATG, ALBC Distress It, Altered Eclectics September ATG (mixed media), The Mirror Cracked (first challenge, WOOHOO!) ATG Mixed Media, All Crafts Aug/Sept Challenge, and Simon Says Monday Rock the Techniques.

Feel the Fall with The East Wind

Our new Challenge starts today at The East Wind Challenge Blog and the theme is Feel the Fall.  Since it's been in the 90's all week here, I sure wish that were the case.  Gotta say I really love Fall fashions though, so I just had to choose Lucy Loo Tartan Longstocking for my project.

I loved using totally Fall colors for Lucy Loo's fab outfit.  She's colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped.   The Cuttlebug embossing folder, sanded to show off the detail, looks like swirling wind to me so I used the tiny off cuts from the Maple Leaf MS punch, colored them with Copics in the shades of her clothes and scattered them over the card.  There's a tartan DP behind her as well.

Here's the dimensional shot.  The double mat, cut with Spellbinders Classic Ovals is popped from the base, as well as a number of the swirling leaves. Can't you just feel the chill in the air?  Please visit The East Wind to see the fabulous Fall projects created by my DT sisters and come play along.  We can't wait to see what you create.

I'm entering this in the Bearly Mine September Autumnal Colors challenge, Mema's Crafts September Fall Colors, Seemacrafts Autumn is Coming, Whoopsie Daisy Colors of Autumn, Come and Get It Use a Digi With An Autumn Theme, Robyn's Fetish Use an Embossing Folder, the Corrosive Challenge Autumn or Fall, Di's Digi Designs Add Stripes or Checks, ACN September Textures/and or Patterns, the Fitztown Fall Colors Challenge and Simply Create Too Fall/Autumn.

Fairy Dreams at Lacy Sunshine

The new challenge starts today at Lacy Sunshine and the theme is Fairy Dreams (or anything with wings) in honor of a new release of adorable fairies at the Lacy Sunshine Shoppe.  I have the pleasure of introducing Emmilou Boo's Magical Garden Fairy.  We have an extra special sponsor this week, Petal Lu, and the DT has embellished our projects with the gorgeous hand made blooms. Mine are from the Norrland Bloom mix.  I've made a simple card this time to showcase the adorable image and beautiful flowers.

Here's Emmilou's closeup, colored with Copics in the colors from the flowers I chose, with a bit of Stickles on her magical wings.  I've added a bloom to the tip of her wand as well.  Come visit the Challenge Blog and see all the new adorable fairies, soon to be available at the Lacy Sunshine Crafter's Candy Shoppe.  Also, if you've used a Lacy Sunshine image in the last challenge, don't forget to claim your "Loyalty Program digi".  Find out how on the Challenge Blog.

And there's always lots going on at the Lacy Sunshine FB Group, too.  Be sure to check out our ongoing Selfie Saturday Contest each week.  See ya there.

I'm entering this in the Cute Card Thursday Too Cute challenge, the Alphabet Challenge, "P" is for Pretty Petals, Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge ATG, the Petal Lu FB Challenge, Allsorts Sugar and Spice, Wags 'n Whiskers For the Girls and QKR Stampede Things With Wings.

Delicious Darkness Challenge #2

So it's the 13th and you know what that means, a brand new challenge at Delicious Darkness.  Although our themes are ATG (as long as it's DARK) we like to put a little spin on things and give you an optional twist.  This month it's Gotta Be Gothic.  It's tough doing male cards but Teri has some fab images to choose from.  Love this new Dorian Gray.  thought he'd make a great birthday card.  LOL  I've framed him with my Spellbinders Opulent Ovals die.  The DP created the scene and I've added skullie embellies to the candlesticks on the paper.  The layered flowers are from my very old stash.

Here's that handsome devil's closeup.  I printed him 4 times so I could fussy cut and pop him as if he's escaping from his portrait.  Shudder!

Here's the dimensional shot.  Yikes!  He's even scarier this way.  BE sure to visit Delicious Darkness to see the fab makes by my teamies and hope to see you play along.

I'm entering this at Left of Center Under the LOC theme, and Great Impressions September Get Your Spook On.

New Lucy Loo 'Mad Hatter'

Today I'm posting on the East Wind Show Room Blog and featuring the brand new Lucy Loo 'Mad Hatter', available TODAY in The East Wind Etsy Shop.  I couldn't be more thrilled.  I'm a huge AIW fan and Unky does these characters proud.  I've made a tag with a base that has been moved around my table for several years and the fab DP's from Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland.  The tattered clock die is Tim Holtz and I've added some tea time charms from my stash.

Doesn't Lucy Loo make a fab Mad Hatter?  It's all in the attitude (or should I say "hattitude").  I've colored her with Copics and fussy cut her to pop on the tag. Stay tuned for more AIW characters from The East Wind.  You might just fall down the rabbit hole.

I'm entering this in the My Heart Pieces Use a Digi Stamp challenge, 7 Kids College Fund ATG, DLArt September Linky Party, Papertake Weekly Repeat, Repeat (teapots and teacups), the Outlawz Friday Coloring "Hats" Challenge , Polkadoodles Tag You're It and Crafting by Designs ATG, .

Honourable Member of A Step in the Dark

As many of you know, I spent the month of July as GDT at ASITD.  I love the challenges and the team is a total hoot so I was feeling all lonesome for them in August.  Although they just completed a DT call, I felt that I just couldn't totally commit to another team but I missed them so much and mentioned it to the gals and they created a fabulous position for me as an Honourable Member. WooHoo!  Isn't that the SWEETEST, EVER?  Now I can pop in and out as time permits and still enjoy the comradery of the group without stressing about each and every challenge.  I can't thank them enough for this fabulous honor (or should I say honour? xxx).

So of course, with this announcement, as well as the addition of new actual teamies, I had to have a project featuring this fortnight's sponsor, Delicious Darkness. The theme is ATG (as long as it's dark, of course).  I have used Aquarius  from the fabulous Horrorscope Range.  Sentiments from last year's Authentique Enchanted pack.  DP from DCWV and scraps from previous project. This was a quickie but I still love how it turned out.

I'm entering this in the Great Impressions September Get Your Spook On Challenge.

Baby Aurora Witch and a Kitty

It's a brand new week and Monday is always release day at The East Wind Shop. Today we have Baby Aurora Witch and a Kitty.  Can you say PRECIOUS!?! Less than 2 months to go before Halloween.  WooHoo!  I dug deep in my stash for this fun bright DP and used my new tree and moon die from Memory Box for the first time.  I fringed some lime burlap to add a bit of texture and the sentiment and bat are stickers from eons ago.

I sure had fun coloring this little sweetie up with my Copics.  Good practice coloring those folds and the expression on her face is priceless (and the kitty's is too).  Don'tcha think?  Hope on over to The East Wind FB Group page and see what my teamies have done with her and also check out our current FB Challenge Arrrgh...Pirates.  And you still have 2 days to enter our current Blog Challenge, Birthday Princess. Hope to see you there.

I'm adding this to the DLArt September Linky Party, the Cutie Pie Two's Company Challenge, 613 Avenue Creates ATG (and sort of purple, yellow brown and black, LOL), Aud Sentiments Any Sentiment Other than Birthday and Fitztown Challenge 52 ATG and Great Impressions September Get Your Spook On. 

We All Scream for Ice Cream

It's the second week for our I Scream for Ice Cream Challenge at HDH and to say my mojo has flown the coop since my little vacay in Co is the understatement of the year.  You gotta go see the fun little video we all have taken inspiration from for this challenge and here's my take.  Kinda looks like a 10 year old made it, eh? Umm... the background paper is from Tiddly Inks (thanks Glo for reminding me), stamped with blood spatter from the Inky Dreams Rubber set from Smeared Ink and I've fashioned a little waffle cone from a Spellbinders circle embossed with my Cuttlebug Tiny Mosaic folder. The ice cream is partially die cut, partially free handed and of course partially punched with my Drippy Goo border.  Stamped with a Stampotique stamp (he certainly does look like he's in duress) with red gem eyes and outlined with Stickles.  The sentiment was cut with the Haunted Mini Alphabet from Quikutz.  My teamies we WAY more creative than I so be sure to visit HDH and check them out.  I think I'll slink back to the dungeon now....

But not before I enter it in LOC (using the LOC theme) and ASITD ATG because they love me anyway.  xxx

New Challenge at The East Wind

Our new challenge starts today at The East Wind.  The first of the month, the DT always uses the fab Freebie fans receive when they sign up for the newsletter. Have you signed up yet?  Click on the right of the sidebar on The East Wind Challenge Blog and this sweetie will be yours.  Our new challenge is Birthday Princess and any girly birthday project is eligible.  Be sure if you've used an East Wind digi that you link up twice, once to your post, and once to your blog for that extra chance to win.  I've made a princess wand for the Birthday Girl using two stars I cut with my Cricut with George and Basic Shapes and scored and shaped as explained HERE in The East Wind Showroom.

Here's a closeup of the adorable Baby Aurora Birthday Princess, colored with Copics and framed with a word surround done in my Greeting Card Factory program. She's cut and matted with Spellbinders dies and adorned with adhesive gems. Be sure to check out the fabulous inspiration by my teamies and come play along with us.  And don't miss the current FB Arrgh...Pirates Contest going on now through Sept 17th on The East Wind Group FB page.

I am entering this in the Anything But a Card "Five" challenge (5 points on the star), The House That Stamps Built Celebrate Birthdays, Little Red Wagon Girl Power, Divas by Design Happy Birthday, Simon Says Wednesday ATG and Fab 'n' Funky For the Kids.