Have Yourself a "Meowy" Little Christmas

There's another exciting new release, especially for us cat lovers, at The East Wind today called Aurora 'meow meow'.  EEEK!  LOVE!  Look at that face, and that cozy kitty hat.  Adorable!  (Again...eeek!!!)  She's cut and matted with Spellbinders Grand Labels 3 and I've cut the top off and added a punched paw print border.  She, and her three, are surrounded by more die cut kitties, the small ones from Impression Obsession, and the large pouncing cat from Poppystamps as she wanders through her winter wonderland.  Is this one cat short of crazy?  Nah!

Here's a closeup of the adorable Aurora 'meow meow'.  She's colored with Copics and I've gotta say, it took all kinds of restraint not to flock her kitty hat.
As I told you before, I love to flock (check out my last two posts) but this time tried to get that fleecy feel but using the dotty technique.  It screamed pink to me, in fact many of the DT who colored her for today seemed to lean towards pink.

So the big day is nearly here.  Is everyone excited?  I must say I'm actually quite relieved that my shopping is done (not wrapping, but hey, I'm not Supergirl) and for once I've finished decorating BEFORE Christmas Eve.  Yea me!  Maybe I'll even get it all down by Valentine's Day.  (Don't hold your breath. LOL)

Had a bit of a scare when Goliath fell ill with an intestinal bacterial infection and for several days both he and I were nearly "cat"atonic.  But all's well now.  

Not sure if this will be my last post before Christmas, or not, so to all my friends and followers, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and wonderful New Year.

I'm entering this in the Die Cut Diva's December Warm and Cozy challenge, Simon Says Wednesday Die Crazy, Crafty Calendar Let it Snow, Simon Says Monday Winter Wonderland, DL.Art December Linky Challenge, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Girly Girly Challenge, Lemon Shortbread ATG, TTRCD week of Dec 22 ATG, Tuesday Throwdown ATG, A Snowflakes Promise Winter , Our Crafty Corner Winter/ATG and Crafting from the Heart ATG.

My dear friend Ike, of Ike's Art, has also started a new cats only blog called Show us Your Pussies and I'm thrilled to be joining in her first challenge there, as well.

Warm and Fuzzy with Aurora Wings

A new challenge starts today at the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog with the theme of "Warm and Fuzzy". I gotta say I had loads of ideas for this one, especially involving Christmas and kitties, but decided at the last minute to switch gears. I mean, who doesn't get a warm fuzzy feeling from a sweet little baby girl, especially when she's all sleepy eyed in jammies with her blankie?  EEEEK! LOVE!

The adorable image is Sleepy Bunny Elf (also available HERE in the AW digi shop). Couldn't you just eat her up?  I printed her several times on both white and pink card stock.  Her skin is colored with Copics and I've fussy cut up a storm to add flocked layers to her bunny jammies and slippers.  Gotta say, I love to flock ;D.  Such an easy way to add texture to your project by running the piece upside down through your Xyron, pouring on the flock and rubbing it in, until you get the coverage you want.  I generally use white on colored card stock which mutes the shade beautifully.  More warm fuzzies with the pom pom bunny tail and the wispy white hair cut from marabou trim.

Here's the dimensional view.  Love that she's sucking her thumb. (True confession:  I did 'til the 4th grade, not in public mind you, just in bed at night, and my teeth turned out fine, without braces, thank you very much.) One thing about adding dimension here.  Adhesive doesn't stick to flocked surfaces, at least for very long, so you might want to used liquid glue on your foam.  I find Fabric Fusion works especially well.

I've added a heart doily behind her and more "warm fuzzies" in the form of a small piece of chenille fabric I've had in my stash forever.

And surprise! this is actually a little gift box.  I know, don't faint, it's been quite awhile since I used my Cricut.  The box, bow and sentiment comes from the Close to my Heart Artiste Cartridge. 

Finally, I added one more "warm and fuzzy" detail in the form of some fuzzy rick rack.  Hope you like and will come join our "Warm and Fuzzy" challenge at Aurora Wings.

P.S. Sleepy Bunny Elf makes and adorable Baby Boy project, too. Here's one I did earlier.  So what makes YOU feel all "warm and fuzzy"?

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 my Baby Girl Project in the December Sparkle and Sprinkle challenge, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG/Girly Girly Challenge, Die Cut Divas Warm and Cozy, Allsorts Anything But Christmas, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Wags and Whiskers Fairies and Elves, Crafting With an Attitude ATG,  the DL.Art December ATG Linky challenge, TTRCD ATG Dec 15-21, and Simon Says Wednesday Die Crazy.

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful!

Today starts the new Facebook Challenge in The East Wind Group with the theme of (well, check the title of this post)  Seems like there's been all sorts of screwy weather going on across the country this month, eh?  Hope yours isn't too bad, wherever you are.  To be honest, I really miss the cold and snow around Christmas time, but I hear the Chicago area has in some cases been warmer than here in California.  What gives?  My card reflects the winters of my childhood, using the adorable image "baby, it's cold outside".

Here's a closeup of this beauty.  Her hair and skin are colored with Copics, but I couldn't resist flocking her cap, scarf and mitties.  I printed her several times on blue card stock and then added the white details with a white Posca paint pen before fussy cutting, running them right side down through my Xyron, and flocking them with white flock (which softens the color).  Don't you feel just all kinds of cozy?

Here's the dimensional shot.  The card is cut with my Spellbinder's Grand Labels One.  The snow flakes are from...hmmm...I can't find the die, and it would be no big surprise if you could see my disastrous craft room.  Oh wait, I seem to remember i.o. (Impression Obsession?).  The skates are by Joy Crafts and inked with Tumbled Glass Distress.  I took lessons as a child and have so many fond memories of Saturday father/daughter outings with my friend Susie and her dad, too.  This holiday card was made especially for my LONG time hair stylist Debbie, who also skated as a child.  Christmas is a wonderful time to walk down memory lane, eh?  Anyway, the sentiment is computer generated and there ya go.  

Please pop by The East Wind FB Group (now public, so go take a peek) to see more inspiration for the challenge by the FB team and don't forget the Blog Challenge which runs through December 25th.

 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 Sparkle and Sprinkle December Challenge, the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode ATG challenge, Crafting by Designs Here Come the Holidays, Die Cut Diva's Warm and Cozy, Oddball Art Christmas or Winter challenge, the Sparkles Die Cuts for Christmas Challenge, Crafty Calendar Let it Snow, Cut it Up Brrrr! Winter!, 613 Avenue Create ATG, the Digitally Sweet December Winter challenge, the DL.Art Blue and White or Red and Green Challenge, TTRCD Dec 15-21 ATG, the Robin's Fetish Snowflakes Challenge, and Simon Says Monday Winter Wonderland, the Shabby Tea Room Winter Wonderland, A Snowfakes Promise Winter, Our Crafty Corner Winter/ATG and Simon Says Wednesday Die Crazy. 

December Inspiration for Gecko Galz

Here is some inspiration using the fabulous new December products from Gecko Galz.  My card features icons and digital paper from the Czarina Digital Craft Kit.  Die cut doily is from Spellbinders, adhesive gems from Recollections, star trim from my stash and sticker sentiment from Starform.

Angel tag using image from the Angels on High Collage set.  Tag cut from Spellbinders Labels Twenty eight dies.  Image trimmed with German glass glitter. Rose and picot edge ribbon and crocheted trim (barely visible on the bottom) from stash. Gem swirls from Prima.

I'm entering this in the Lunagirl Angels Challenge.

All the Trimmings Tag using image from the Let it Snow Jewel It Digital Collage set.  Manila tag embossed with the Tim Holtz music note embossing folder and inked with Frayed Burlap Distress.  Die cuts from the Tim Holtz Festive Greenery die.  Snow accents done with Frantage.  Red berries from Recollections and rustic rope from my stash.

And here's a lovely freebie stamp, courtesy of Gecko Galz.  Please enjoy and have a wonderful holiday.

Don't forget our current December Blog challenge Faraway Places.  Use at least one GG product for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree from Gecko Galz. 

Have a Magical Christmas

Here's another gorgeous new release from The East Wind.  She is called White Witch, and today she is spreading magic in a winter wonderland.  I've used the NB (no background) png image for this card.  Many of The East Wind images come as jpg, png (totally transparent), NB png meaning you can use a digital paper and place the stamp image over it and it will be white for you to color as you like, and a "no lines" version where the lines are barely visible so you can achieve more of a "painted" effect (all for one low price.) Here I've used a lovely digital background from the Gecko Galz Frozen Mini Digital Paper pack and added the sentiment in my Printmaster Platinum Program before printing it off. The image is mounted on a silver foil card stock base and embellished with glitter and gem snowflakes by JoLee's and and silver metallic bow.

Here's a closeup of the beautiful White Witch image.  I've colored her rather simply, using Copics, and added adhesive diamonds to the flowers on her dress and in her hair.  I thought the glitter snowflake added to the tip of her wand adds to the magical feel.  Be sure to stop by the TEW FB Group every Tuesday and Friday to see the new image of the day.

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 Outlawz Twisted Thursday Winter Theme challenge, TTRCD ATG, A Snowflake's Promise Christmas/Winter theme,  Holly Jolly Christmas ATG Christmas, TioT's Snow, Snowflakes or Winter Whites, Crafting from the Heart ATG,  Crafty Boots Christmas, and Craft Your Passion ATG.

A Dream for Peace

This gorgeous new image, Aurora 'Siesta III', debuts at The East Wind today.  I couldn't help but make a Christmas card, in non traditional colors, with a wish for PEACE throughout the world.  The gold snowflake DP was in my stash.  I've cut the ovals with Spellbinders and added taupe pearl accents from Prima and small glitter stars and a beautiful rosette sentiment from K&Co.

Here's a closeup of the gorgeous new image.  Aurora is colored with Copics with some shading of hair and fur detail from Prismacolor pencils.  I tried to color the kitty like my Goliath who is my snuggle buddy.  Should have added a few spots, though.  Oh well.  Remember, there's a new relase image every Tuesday and Friday at The East Wind.  There's great inspiration in our FB Group and challenges both on FB and our Challenge Blog.

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 Crafting with an Attitude ATG challenge, the DL.Art Thankful Thursday Christmas Challenge, the Outlawz Monday Greetings Cards ATG Challenge, Crafting by Designs ATG, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Creative Moments ATG/Bling it Up, Scrapping4Fun ATG +digi and Lacy Sunshine Sweet Dreams of Christmas.

Gecko Galz December Customer Challenge

It's the first of the month which means it's time for a new blog challenge at Gecko Galz with the theme of 

I've chosen to do a Christmas theme with digital paper and icon (frame) from the new December Czarina Craft kit.  The winter scene and lovely lady is from the From Russia With Love Digital Collage Set.  Although I could have done this all digitally, I chose to layer the papers, fussy cut the frame and pop the center image.  I've added a sticker sentiment and jeweled snowflakes from JoLee's.

Be sure to visit the Gecko Galz Blog and check out the fab projects from my DT sisters.  This  is a monthly challenge and you must use at least one Gecko Galz product on your project.  This even includes the freebies available to you by signing up for the newsletter or checking out Gecko Galz on Pinterest.  Hope to see you play along.  New December challenges are on the Gecko Galz Papercrafting FB Group page too. We can't wait to see what you create.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge and the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode ATG Challenge.

November Inspiration for Gecko Galz

It's my turn to bring you some inspiration from the fabulous November products from Gecko Galz.   Normally I'd save my fave for last, but I adore this sweet little gnome with birdies from the Christmas Magic collage set.  I sized the image to fit within the frame of Wen's Window Cuttlebug folder.  I used kraft core card stock, embossed the frame and sanded it for a rustic feel.  The edges are distressed with scissors and I used Frantage for a snowy feel.  It's finished off with branches from a Martha Stewart punch, inked with Frayed Burlap Distress and a bit of twine.  All mounted on an A2 card base.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge and the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG.

Next is a card using digital paper, icon and stamp from the Blue Christmas digital Craft Kit.  I changed the color of the stamp in my printing program and layered it over the bow icon which I printed twice and fussy cut the bow to pop for dimension.

Finally, a card using an image like the ones I received as a child from the Little Christmas Ladies holiday collage set. (Yes, I am that old.  LOL) I've layered it on a gold doily from my stash with a gingham bow and sticker sentiment.  Both lovely Dp's are from the Merry and Bright Digital Paper Pack and each layer was matted with additional card stock.

I'm entering this in the Cards in Envy Put Some Extra Layers On challenge.

Thanks so much for stopping by on this busy holiday weekend.  Here's a little gift from me to you, courtesy of Gecko Galz.

Merry Christmas to Ewe!

Don't forget! You still have one more day to enter The Gecko Galz November Customer Challenge.

New Release at The East Wind

It's another exciting day at The East Wind with the release of "Trapped", a fab new fairy with gorgeous wild hair.  I decided to make a tag with her using DP's from the Once Upon a Time Matstack from DCWV.  I've added icy crystal stems from my stash and "believe" done in wire with beads from Making Memories.

I've colored "Trapped" in magical colors this time, using Copics and Prismacolor pencils.  Her wings are covered in fairy dust (aka Stardust Stickles).  I think she looks like the Sugar Plum Fairy, don't you?  Come check out our FB Group page for more inspiration from my teamies and don't forget our new FB Challenge Coffee, Tea, or..., now through Dec 17th and our current Blog Challenge Layer it on Me, Baby which ends tomorrow.

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 adding this to the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Something With Wings Challenge.

Coffee,Tea,or...?

Our new challenge on The East Wind FB page is Coffee, Tea, or...?  I decided to go with the "or" using the adorable Lucy Loo Morning Coffee (which miraculously changed into hot chocolate for my card.  LOL).  Lucy and friends were colored with Copics and fussy cut.  The swirls, holly and big cup of cocoa were fussy cut from a page from the Warm Wishes DP from Recollections that I'd saved in the stack, even after previously cutting a huge chunk from the middle for another project several years ago. (See, I just KNEW it would come in handy eventually.)  The sentiment, by Inkadinkado, was stamped on kraft and modified slightly (I added the "hot") and I used a Spellbinders oval to cut a window in the mug to allow it to show through. Then the whole shebang was popped atop another page from the stack filled with candy canes and marshmallows.  Yumbo!

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 Jingle Belles Holiday Leftovers Challenge, Sparkles Christmas Card Challenge ATG, Simon Says Wednesday Christmas, Create and Inspire ATG and CNCH Christmas Extra for Nov.  

Dear Santa

There's an adorable new release at The East Wind today called Dear Santa.  I just love the childlike innocence Unky has captured, don't you?  I knew I wanted to use these sweet chipboard pieces from K&Co I've been hoarding in my stash (since forever!) and thought this would be the perfect project.  I used the"bright pastels" in the embellies for my color palette.  The image is colored with Copics and I've cut and matted it with my Spellbinders Labels Twenty Eight.  The glittered DP is from MME's Wonderful Winter stack.

A little reminder that today is the last day to enter the TEW "There for You" Facebook Contest.  The current Blog Challenge "Layer it on Me" runs through November 25th.

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 C.R.A.F.T. Christmas Challenge, the ABC Christmas W is for Wild Thing challenge (she's in bed with a kitty, a bunny and a little piggy) and the CNCH November Christmas Extra. 

New Challenge At Aurora Wings

Our new challenge starts today at Aurora Wings with the theme of Anything but Cards.  I had loads of ideas for this challenge, but this garland featuring the new Candy Cane Sprite won out.

Candy Cane Sprite is just one of the 6 new Sprites available ONLY in the new Christmas Sprites Coloring Book.   You can see all of the adorable Sprites exclusive to the coloring book on the AW Showcase Blog. Although these 6 new Sprites will not be released as individual digital stamps EVER, you can scan them to your computer to use over and over on cards or other projects as I did here.

Here's a better view of Candy Cane Sprite.  She's colored with Copics with a bit of additional shading with Prismacolor Pencils, fussy cut and mounted on die cut from Joy Crafts.  My original plan was to cut and assemble the bow out of paper until I realized I didn't have enough sheets of appropriate red and white DP. Fortunately I found this gorgeous ribbon in my stash.

I've Stickled the fur of her outfit and applied multiple coats of Diamond Glaze to the peppermint candies and cane.  I figured the shine wouldn't show up once the garland was assembled so I snapped a pic on my messy desk under my Ott light while patiently (HA!) waiting for it all to dry.  Notice the additional print of her on the page.  Actually, there are 4 of her.  My original plan was to fussy cut and layer her for dimension, but I was pleased enough with this first coloring to let it go.  Gotta thank my DT sister Glo for suggesting I use the light pinks and reds to add a bit of shadow to her bows and fur, instead of just greys, as I didn't want to introduce another color to the mix. (Mwah to you!)

Finally, the central figure is flanked by peppermint candy boxes cut with a Stampin'Up die and strung on the red tinsel garland.  My DT sisters and special guest have come up with some amazing projects, so be sure to check out the Challenge Blog for more inspiration.  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 Alphabet T is for Tis the Season Challenge, the Jingle Belles Bring us Some Figgy Pudding Challenge, the C.R.A.F.T. Christmas Challenge, CNCH November Christmas Extra, Creative Fingers ATG, Winter Wonderland Christmas Candy, Glitter 'N' Sparkle Die Cut/Punch Shape and  Inspiration Destination ATG.

New Christmas Sprites Mini Coloring Book from Aurora Wings

Today on the Aurora Wings Showcase Blog we're celebrating the publication of the new Christmas Sprites Mini Coloring Book.  Both teams have come together to bring you a peek of the 6 new adorable Sprites exclusive to this book.  These will NOT be available as digis EVER, but can be scanned to your computer to use again and again.  There are 12 Sprites total.  Six of your previous holiday faves plus the new six. WooHoo!

I have the pleasure of showcasing the new Gingerbreadman Sprite along with his little friends.  Don't they look just YUMMY?  I decided they would make a fabulous cover for a Christmas Cookie recipe book.  Don't you agree?

Here's a closeup.  They're colored with Copics with a double dose of Diamond Glaze on their frosting details.

I'm entering this in the Alphabet T is for Tis the Season Challenge, and the Jingle Belles Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding challenge and Crimbo Crackers Kraft or Buttons or Both.

And here's Stocking Sprite.  This sweetie made me think of Baby's First Christmas so I used baby soft colors and textures.

Here's a close up.  The majority of this was done with paper piecing, flocking, and a generous dose of Stickles.  I printed him on blue and pink card stock as well as white and fussy cut and layered the images after flocking some of them with white.  The white flocking softens the colored card stock.

Before flocking the stocking, I used a paint pen to color the snowflakes white. After flocking, I used a small stylus to scrape away the flocking and carefully added Stickles and little diamonds to the centers.  Lots of tiny pompoms and fuzzy rick rack add a bit more texture.  Here's a better view of the sparkle too. 

I'm entering this in the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG/Paper Piecing Challenge,  the C.R.A.F.T. Christmas Challenge and Inspiration Destination ATG.

Available NOW on Etsy HERE.

And more good news.  All existing AW Holiday Sprites are 30% off in the Sale section of the AW Etsy Shop and here is an additional coupon for any DIGITAL STAMP purchase of  $10 USD or more.

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