J'adore Paris

Here's a wall hanging I did as inspiration for Gecko Galz with a Paris theme. First I covered an paper mache heart with digi paper from the Parisian Dreams paper pack and added pleated black organdy trim to the edge.  Then I cut and both the shadow and regular Eiffel tower with my Cricut and embossed them with Cuttlebug embossing folders and popped them with foam at an angle.

I cropped and collaged 5 different digi stamps from the French Connections stamp set, colored them minimally with Copics and added some Frantage for the main event.  The J'Adore Paris banner was fussy cut from another of the stamps in the set and popped near the top.

Here's the dimensional view.  I've used tulle as a hanger, strung through the holes in the heart and finished off with some jet adhesive flat back gems.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Monday No Rules (ATG) challenge, Simon Says Wednesday ATG, the As You Like It Favorite Anything but a Card Project (mine are wall hangings because they can be hung anywhere to brighten up a room or door), Frilly and Funky It's Time for a Vacation (I'll say!)  and the Outlawz Monday Greetings ATG Challenge.

And here's one more 100% digital inspirational piece using the Icons from the Gecko Galz February Coquette Digital Club Kit available HERE, individually and HERE as part of a subscription.  The girl, rose frame, additional roses at the bottom, eyelet lace and polka dot tag are all included in the kit (along with many more) in png form so they were easy to layer in the printing program of choice (mine was Printmaster Platinum).  All I added was the rectangular frame, drop shadows and computer generated sentiment.  I rarely do all digital projects, but this was easy, fun and I think, really pretty, using the Club Kit Icons.   I'll be playing more with these for sure.

I'm entering this in the Digitally Sweet ATG Challenge #129.

SCACD Brave Hearts and Eclectic 2 Rubber Stamp Release Blog Hop

Today SCACD celebrates 2 NEW recently released exclusive rubber stamp sets. They are the Brave Hearts (a group of 4 empowered gals) and Eclectic 2 (a combo of 6 steampunk and ethereal stamps).  With the Eclectic 2 collection, if you buy the entire set, you get 4 FREE date stamp words.  SCACD artist, Carmen Medlin, and Susana collaborated on these images and we're so happy to be showcasing them to you now. :D

They're available for purchase in the USA HERE. (for the Brave hearts and Eclectic 2 sets).

Our international friends can purchase them from Quixotic Paperie HERE.

SCACD digital stamps for both USA and International can always be found HERE.

My project is an art journal page (that I liked so much I tore it out and matted it) using the fabulous new Steampunk Sea Turtle Pair from the Eclectic Collection 2 (also available individually).  They were stamped with Memento Ink, colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped atop a watercolor paper background created by mopping up sprays from my craft mat.  The metal swirls are supposed to be steampunky bubbles.  LOL

I used the Kelp Forest stencil (also designed by Carmen Medlin) and Modeling Paste to further build the scene.  Once the paste was dry, I replaced the stencil and sponged Distress Ink in Peeled Paint over the raised areas for color.  I've finished off with some die cut gears from Tim Holtz and Memory Box that I enhanced with Rub 'n Buff and Frantage.

Your next stop should be Nikki and if you get lost along the way, head back to the SCACD Store Blog HERE.  Happy hopping.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Monday No Rules(ATG) Challenge and the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG challenge.

Gecko Galz Inspiration

Today I'm featured on the Gecko Galz Blog with my projects for the month (and apparently some of last's month's snuck in again over there again, too  LOL).   This project was a first time try and I learned quite a bit from it.  It was loads of fun and I'll definitely be trying it with more of the fab images from Gecko Galz.

PRETTY GIRLS COASTERS

Gecko Galz Coquette Collage sheet from the Feb Coquette Digital Crafting Kit (only available with the subscription) 

Other: Printing Program (I use Printmaster Platinum), 4x4" travertine tiles (available at home improvement stores), tissue paper, temporary adhesive (spray or tape), brush, Matte Mod Podge, water, 600 grit sand paper, felt (for back of coasters)  and matte acrylic sealer and hangers if using for wall tiles.

Choose and size Coquettes from Collage Sheet to 3 1/2" square (you may have to stretch some in one direction or the other)  Add text box sentiments, making the background of text white, rather than transparent.  Print on inexpensive regular white smooth card stock.  (I have a laser printer, I'm not sure how Mod Podge reacts with Inkjet printers.  Best to test to see if it bleeds)   Cut smooth white tissue into squares and use removable spray or tape to adhere them to the card stock (If using tape, be sure it does not cover the image anywhere).  Print again.  Trim images.

Cover tile with a medium coat of matte Mod Podge and carefully add image, smoothing any wrinkles or bubbles as best you can.  Let dry.  Add at least 3 coats of  Mod Podge to top, letting each coat dry before adding the next.  Wet sand with 600 grit sandpaper to remove any brush strokes, wiping off the milky residue with a wet paper towel.  Make sure you do not sand too deeply or you will remove any portion of the image that may have bubbled or wrinkled   Your image will appear cloudy, but will eventually dry clear.  Add more coats as needed and sand until smooth.  If using as coasters, seal with acrylic sealer.  Glue felt to the back to protect your table from scratches.  Not need to seal if just hanging as wall decoration.  Glue hanger to back of these.

Note:  I used tissue because I wanted it to appear as if the images were part of the tile.  You can see the variations of color through the images.  You may use regular copy paper which will be more opaque (and easier to smooth out without tearing) but more coats may be required.  Alternatively, use Gloss Mod Podge and sealer if desired.

Here's some close ups of the individual tiles.  Aren't they a sassy bunch?  Not quite sure why the lighting was funky when I took the individual pix.  They look like the group pic up top.  Somebody always wants to stand out in a crowd, I guess

I've got some more projects on the Gecko Galz Blog if you'd like to check them out, but I think I'll save some of those for another day.  And don't forget our Vintage Ladies Challenge going on now through the end of the month with a fab prize of a $25 GC to Gecko Galz.  All you need to have is at least one Gecko Galz product.  Can be papers, or an image, or a digi stamp, or even Freebies count so check us out on Pinterest where monthly freebies are posted and sign up for our newsletter (top left of Blog) to receive a free collage sheet every month.  There are monthly Challenges on the Gecko Galz Papercrafting FB page as well, so come check us out.

I entering these in the Recycle, Re-Purpose and Re-Invent Feb 15-28 ATG Challenge.

Wicked Wednesday ATC Fairy Happy Birthday

Here's my creation for the latest Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge.  I'm enjoying creating in miniature again.  The coloring is quite a challenge and it's fun to see what all you can pack in a 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch space.  The theme this time is a Fairy Happy Birthday.  The hardest part was choosing an image from the bazillion fairy images I own.  This cutie caught my eye because it reminded me of how little ones get so excited when their birthday rolls around that they wear themselves out before it's time for the cake.  The image is from Milk Coffee and is called Soya Takes a Nap.  She's colored with Copics with a bit of Stickles sparkle on her wings.  I couldn't resist adding a birthday crown and one of my hoarded inchworm (Queen &Co) brads.  The cool mushroom boarder is a Joycrafts (Noor design) die that I've colored and popped.  The tiny butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch, the sentiment is computer generated.

I'm entering this in the ABC Challenge D is for Die Cuts, the City Crafter Love Metal (crown and inchworm brad), Fan-Tastic Tuesday ATG/Use a die, the Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge (blue, red, green /with a twist add brads), Sweet Stamps Happy Birthday, Papertake Weekly  Bingo (using Die Cut, Free, Glitter), TTRCD ATG, Tuesday Throwdown Use Metal, and the Corrosive Challenge Things with Wings.

New Challenge at Aurora Wings

Our new challenge starts today at Aurora Wings.  The theme is My Lucky Colors. Well I don't know about lucky, but my favorite color has always been red.  Pair it with black and white and I'm good to go.  It's striking and dramatic and really makes the red POP!

Mitzi has a number of gorgeous images in the Shop that lend themselves to the color red, but this time I chose the gorgeous Girl With Poppies.  She's colored with Copics with white gel pen for highlights and I just love how she came out.

I'm not exactly sure what this card fold is called nor where I first saw it.  I do know I had a hard time taking decent pix.  The die cuts are Spellbinders Enchanted Labels 28 and I've used Starform peel off stickers for the sentiment and added trim.  The focal image really needed no other embellishments.  There is gorgeous colorful inspiration by my DT sisters on the Challenge Blog so be sure hop on over and have a look.  And don't forget to scroll down for our Winner's Post, as well.  On Facebook, our February challenge is Everything's Coming Up Roses, so we hope you join us there, as well.

I'm entering this in the Come and Get It Birthdays Challenge, 613 Avenue Create ATG/optional RAK Day, Digi Galore ATG, Kitty Bee Favorite Color Combo (red, black, white), Outlawz Paper a la Mode Fantasy, Craft for the Craig  Birthday, Dream Valley Favorite Color Combo (red, black, white)and Quick Quotes Red and White.

Lacy Sunshine Things With Wings

Our new Challenge at Lacy Sunshine is Things With Wings and the DT is using the gorgeous new Enchantresses for our projects.  I've chose the sweet Honeybee Enchantress.  Isn't she just precious?  I've made a large tag in non Valentine colors (in case I want to use it for something else).  The hearts are printed from the fabulous new Vintage Honeybee Collection digi paper from My Artistic Adventures.  I've added burlap ribbon, crocheted and paper flowers with button centers, some twine and a metal hive for embellies.

Honeybee is colored with Copics and pencils with yellow Liquid Pearls for the honey and Stardust Stickles on the bee's wings.   She's fussy cut and popped atop the layered hearts.

Here's the dimensional view.  I hope you can come join us for our Things With Wings Challenge, and those of you who used a Lacy Sunshine image in the last challenge, don't forget to email Audrey for your free Loyalty Program digi. (She's just GORGEOUS!) And for those who didn't, she is half price at the Shoppe.  WooHoo!

I'm entering this is in the My Artistic Adventures Warms the Heart Challenge, the Allsorts Any Occasion Other Than Birthday, Just Us Girls use Burlap, the Outlawz Friday Coloring Have a Heart Challenge, Crafting With The Dragon Hearts and Flowers, The Stamping Boutique Hearts challenge, Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge Add a Bow, 613 Avenue Create ATG/Optional RAK Day, the Corrosive Challenge Things With Wings and Fussy and Fancy All About Love. 

Tip Your Hat to The East Wind

Our new challenge at The East Wind starts today with the theme of Tip of the Hat (include a hat).  I'm a huge fan of hats now that I wear them nearly all the time while outside for any length of time (to keep the red from going funky), so I had a hard time choosing an image with all the great ones at The East Wind.  I finally chose Lucy Loo "Lucy Style 'I Love You".  I happen to love her 'tude!  Did the card in sot of "punk" colors and thought the cool die I won from The Frantic Stamper fit the bill.

Lucy is colored with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.  I tried to make her hat look like tweed.  Added a glitter foam heart and black and pink Alpha Beads.  This was a particularly fun one for me.

Here are all the important Links:
Challenge Blog
Show Room Blog
FB Group
FB Fan Page
Etsy Shop
Hope to see you around!

I'm entering this in the Fantasy Stampers Pretty in Pink, Kit and Clowder February Love, Allsorts Anything Other Than Birthday, Creative Fingers ATG, Fussy and Fancy It's All About Love, 4 Crafty Chicks Valentines, Simon Says Monday Red+Pink, Cute Card Thursday Perfectly Pink, In the Pink Love is in the Air, and DTBST Happy Valentine's Day. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you're doing what you love, with whom you love.  Here's a little cutie I did for the PpinkyDolls FB Valentine's challenge. 

This is one of her earlier images, called I Love You, so it didn't have much shading.  Did the heart and skin with Copics and most of the hair and clothes with pencil.  Doily is Cheery Lynn and the Hugs&Kisses from my new Tim Holtz die.  Aren't those heart shaped Alpha Beads adorable?  xox

I'm entering this in the Digi Galore February ATG Challenge, the Allsorts Any Occasion Other Than Birthday Challenge, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday w/Optional Use a Doily Challenge, Kitty Bee Favorite Color Combo (red, black&white), Simon Says Monday Red+Pink, 4 Crafty Chicks Valentines, and Addicted to Stamps and More ATG and Fussy and Fancy It's All About Love.

50 Shades of...

Oh those gals at Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers certainly are a hoot.  Their current challenge is G is for Grey (as in 50 shades OR the color) and although I've not read the book don't plan to see the movie (at least on on Valentine's Day.  Seriously?) I couldn't pass up the chance to dabble in a bit of S&M.  LOL

First up is from my "go to" bondage set called Femdom from Smeared Ink.  Got a bit of the inspiration for the front sentiment from Snarky Sister Chris and my HDH Minion Sister Susan. I managed to borrow Edna's tie to the image and matted it in a few less than 50 shades, but I love how it came out.

And the inside.  Obviously it's been one of those days.  I'll also be adding this to the February Smudgy Antics ATG Challenge and A Step in The Dark Challenge 15.
  

And then she grew a pair!  Fabulously empowered Long Tall Latex Sally by Ike's Art (precolored even, why mess with perfection?)  I again borrowed Edna's tie and printed it for a background.  Added 3 shades of grey metal dots and Sally is fussy cut and popped for emphasis.  (You GO girl!)

And inside...  Found handcuffs image on the net, thanks to inspiration from Chris again.  So there ya go! I'm also entering this in the Ike's World Make Us Laugh Challenge (well, I'm pretty sure at least Ike will laugh) and Left of Center Glamorous Girls (or LOC, depending how you look at it.)    LOL

So whatever floats your boat this VD, ENJOY!

artbymiran

I'm trying hard to get ahead with my DT stuff so I can actually play in some of the challenges for some of the bazillion other fab digis I collect.   Well, today I'm sharing a beautiful stamp from artbymiran, called Petal Blossom (get yours HERE), which is part of her "Progressive Challenge" on FB.  She was a secret until you purchased her at a fab discount price and then, when you create with her before the deadline (hurry, it ends tomorrow), you'll receive the next month's for free. WooHoo! She's colored with Copics, cut with a Spellbinders Scalloped Circle and mounted on 2 petal cuts from Spellbinders Grand Dahlias. I've added some punched butterflies from MS with tiny gem bodies and a triple organdy bow.  Wow, this is PINK, eh?!

I'm also adding this to the artbymiran ATG Blog Challenge #25,  Simon Says Monday Red+Pink, The Cheerful Stamp Pad Springtime challenge, Whoopsi Daisy Pretty in Pink, Inkspirational Rose Colors Challenge, Digi Galore ATG, and Crafts Galore Encore Use a Stamp or Digi.

Yogibunny 'Savasana'

The East Wind now debuts new images on TUESDAYS and Fridays and today's release is YogiBunny 'Savasana'.  I'm not going to begin to pretend to know exactly what that means, because yoga and I are not even remotely acquainted. However, he's so adorable, I made two different cards with him.  Both just happen to be CAS, the first with him floating on a cloud, dreaming pleasant thoughts. 

I've laid down a subtle color wash with Copics and then used pencils to add some texture to his fur. 

I'm entering this in the 613 Avenue Create Color Bingo Challenge (using blue, pink and white) and Die Cut Divas February Word, Quotes and Sentiments and Sister Act ATG.

I thought he'd also make a cute birthday card for someone "of a certain age". LOL Gotta say, I'm reacting to birthdays that way myself these days.  I've distressed the edges with my scissors, mounted it on kraft and tied a simple twine bow, thinking this could be suitable for a male.

I've given texture to his fur this time, with the pointallism technique, in Copic Warm Grays.  Gives a whole different feeling, don'tcha think?  Anyway, I see a bright future for YogiBunny as I've already dreamed up a few more ideas for him.  Hop on over to The East Wind and take a look at all of the gorgeous new images and don't forget our current "Tainted Love" Blog Challenge HERE. HURRY!  It ends tomorrow with a new challenge beginning the 15th and our current Alice in Wonderland FB Contest HERE, that runs through Feb 17th. Hope to see you there. 

I'm entering this in the Crafts Galore Encore Use a Stamp or Digi Challenge, Brown Sugar ATG, Your Scrapbook Place ATG/ For a Male Twist, and Digi Galore ATG. 

Bookworm/Things with Wings Challenge for Wicked Wednesday ATC

Here's a little ATC for the current Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge.  It's either Bookworm or Things with Wings but this adorable image from Ching-Chou Kuik called Lil' Bookworm Fairy is both.  She's colored wth Copics and Prismacolor pencils which was a bit challenging at this small size.  I've added torn text at opposing corners to fit with the current Torn to Pieces Challenge at the Ching-Cho Kuik Challenge Blog and made a tiny book using my Spellbinders Label 7 die and a glasses brad.  I have to say I do love creating things in miniature, especially when it's a dark rainy day (FINALLY in CA). Be sure to pop by both blogs for fab inspiration from their talented design teams.  You'll be glad you did.

I'm also entering this in the Suzy Bee's Bloomin' ATG/Add Some Wings Challenge and Digi Galore ATG.

Macabre Monday It's a Love/Hate Thing

The new monthly challenge is up at Haunted Design House and the theme is, It's a Love/Hate Thing.  You can make your project about love or hate, or use something you love or hate. Hey we're easy, except when it comes to cuteness or sickly sweet. DON'T GO THERE!  I'm warning you!  Don't even think about it, or the wrath of the dungeon will be upon you!  I've used two sentiments and an image from The Keepers set from Smeared Ink along with Heart 5 from the Fallen digi set, also available as a single HERE.It's about time I got my creep back on, eh?

I've colored the fab digis with Copics with some black pencil for shadow and the hair and used a silver gel pen on the cage.  I've used various versions of Spellbinders Labels One to cut the card and the popped sentiment.

Here's a closeup of that, as well.  I've inked around the main area, but didn't want to cloud the smaller sentiment.  Finished it off with some flowers from my stash and black tulle.  Be sure to check out my Minion Siblings makes and come play along.  You've got a whole month now and up to 3 chances to win the coveted new badges.  Hope to see you there.

I'm entering this in the Smudgy Antics February ATG challenge, Left of Center using the LOC theme, and A Step in the Dark ATG.

Special Steampunk Stamp Post for Gecko Galz

WooHoo!  The Gecko Galz are celebrating an article in the Quick Cards Made Easy Feb magazine featuring the Gecko Galz Industrial Digi stamps so we all thought it would be fun to make some projects with them.  My first project is a tag combining 2 of the stamps.  Each was cropped in my Printmaster Program and printed multiple times so I could fussy cut and and decoupage the image for maximum dimension.

The bell jar was printed on four layers of printable acetate, regular white card stock, as well as matte silver metallic card stock and fussy cut and layered.  The inside foliage was colored green in my program and I also colored and the tiny butterflies with Copics and adhered them to the layers inside.

The woman was printed 3 times on white and once on matte silver metallic and colored, cut and layered as well.  She was cropped just below the top part of her skirt to layer onto the bell jar.  The Steampunk Heart die cut is from Cheery Lynn.

The striped Design paper is from the Gecko Galz Steampunk Digital Paper pack. The die cut behind is Memory Box and I've added a number of Tim Holtz Gears and Mini Gears.

The Steampunk Butterfly is also from Cheery Lynn and the sentiment is done with Tim Holtz stickers. This project sort of wore me out, but not before making some all digital creations with the stamps as well.

Steampunk is always great for male cards, don'tcha think?  I used my Printmaster Platinum program to resize, color and layer four of the stamps here.

And finally, a little bit of Steampunk humor.  Again, all digital using 3 of the stamps and my own computer generated sentiment.  So fun and FLAT for mailing.  WooHoo!  My DT sisters had as much fun as I did working with these fabulous stamps, so be sure to check out the Gecko Galz Blog for tons of inspiration.

I'm entering my tag in the TTPH ATG#76 Challenge, A Gem of a Challenge Lots of Layers, and Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers Snarker's Choice ("S" is for Steampunk).

Gecko Galz Vintage Ladies Challenge

This is a very busy Sunday for me.  Click HERE for the new East Wind Challenge project, and HERE for the new Lacy Sunshine Challenge.

Our new Gecko Galz monthly Customer challenge also begins today with the theme of Vintage Ladies.

I've made a tag using papers and icons from the new February Club Kit Papers and Icons (also available by Subscription at a huge discount with an extra collage sheet each month) and the Pretty Victorians Collage Sheet.

Here's a closeup view of the lovely images.

And a view of the decoupage and dimensional effect.

Supplies

Gecko Galz :  February Coquette Club Kit Papers and Icons, Pretty Victorians Collage sheet

Other: Card Stock-Mocha and pink,  Dies-Spellbinders Grand labels Four, Heartfelt Creations (filigree shapes)

Embellishments-White marabou trim, Prima mini roses and Say it with Pearls Flourish, 7gypsies velvet leaves, Beige crinkle seam binding,  Tape, glue, Fun Foam (tan) and 4" wide 3M Transfer tape (to make colored foam for adding dimension), Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink

Instructions

Use Spellbinders Label Four (3rd from the smallest die) to cut label base from mocha card stock. Leave paper in die and ink lightly inside the die with Brushed Corduroy Distress ink. Print Paper from Feb Club Kit Coquette Papers ( COU5) and use next smaller Labels Four die to cut mat.  Ink this layer the same way.  Tape or glue to base.  Cut filigree shapes from pink and glue to top and bottom of tag.

Re size and print fan from Coquette Icons, fussy cut, ink edges with Brushed Corduroy and glue or tape marabou trim on back.  Use printing program to move the word "lovely" onto the bow (both from Coquette Icons) size, print, fussy cut and ink. Print lady from the Pretty Victorians 1 Collage sheet (top right) 3 times.  Fussy cut image as shown, ink and decoupage using foam for dimension. TIP:  I make my own colored dimensional foam using sheets of craft foam (Fun Foam) and 4" wide (3M)  transfer tape to adhere to both sides.  It can then be cut or punched to any size and virtually disappears when your project is viewed from the side.  Avoid buying foam that is already adhesive on one side.  Whatever they use loses it's stick very quickly.

Use tape and foam to adhere fan and lady to tag.  Attach seam binding to back of bow and use foam (at center point only) to pop, then attach small rose.  Cut apart pearl swirl and add to tag base.  Attach velvet leaves to top of tag with roses beneath.  Loop seam binding through top of filigree element.

I hope you're inspired to visit the Gecko Galz Challenge Blog and see the gorgeous inspiration from the rest of my teamies and come play along.

I'm entering this in the Digitally Sweet ATG challenge, Simon Says Wednesday ATG, A Gem of a Challenge Lots of Layers, Winter Wonderland Lots of Layers, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG and 613 Avenue Create ATG.

Have a Heart

Our new Lacy Sunshine challenge starts today, the theme is Have a Heart.  You may use an image with a heart or use hearts in your project.  I've used the adorable Abigail Heart Wishes Cherished Wings, also available in a clear stamp, and I've framed her with my new Noor Designs Lacy Square die by Joycraft.   It is set upon a Spellbinders Grand Decorative Labels One and Grand Labels One for the card base.

Here's a closeup of the adorable Abigail.  She's colored with Copics and embellished with glitter foam hearts, a triple bow and Alpha beads. Please visit the challenge Blog to view amazing inspiration from my fellow Sunshine Girls and stoop in the Lacy Sunshine FB page this weekend for our 1000 member celebration.  You'll be glad you did. 

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday ATG Challenge, Di's Digi Designs Include a Heart(s), the Outlawz Paper a la Mode Red White and Pink challenge, My Sheri Crafts Valentine's Day, the Sweet Stampin' Love Challenge, Brown Sugar Use 3 different Embellishments (bow, foam hearts, Alpha Beads), Crafts 4 Eternity R#211 No Patterned Paper, Digitally Sweet ATG, Fussy and Fancy Fridays Things With Wings, and RRR Hearts and Ribbon.