My First Domino Book!

I've been dying to try a domino book for ages and this month's new Gecko Galz Pretty Peacocks Dominoes and Squares finally got me rolling.  I basically followed a tut by Laura Carson to make an accordion fold version.  Here's the front with an added crown that I bejeweled and some fab metal roses.  

Inside I found that printing the images on copy paper, instead of card stock kept the folded pages less bulky.  I also did score at a full 1" instead of the 7/8" Laura suggested for the images to fit better and it still didn't stick out too far beyond the dominoes.

I used more of the glorious peacocks on the back, as well.  I painted the dominoes with metallic gold acrylic paint and added stickers to the edges that I colored with a permanent Bic marker.  I also colored pearls with a marker to add to the bottom as feet.

Finally, here's the back side.  I did print these two images on card stock, rather than the thinner paper to add to the front and back as it was easier to glue without wrinkling.  I added some gems to the feather and trimmed the images, both front and back, with more stickers.  The ribbons to close the book were attached to the domino backs before gluing the pages in place.  There are tons of Jewel It collage sheets  in every theme imaginable, available at Gecko Galz and sized perfectly for these tiny books, as well as for jewelry, etc.  The images can also be enlarged for cards, too.  I've always been fascinated with tiny things and this was so much fun, I can't wait to do another.

Come join the GG FB Challenge Group for 5 fun challenges each month, and don't forget our Monthly Challenge and inspiration on the Gecko Galz Blog, as well.

I'm entering this in the Gecko Galz FB Group April ATG Challenge, the DL.Art April Linky Challenge, Crafting by Designs May ATG, Simon Says Monday ATG, Simon Says Wednesday ATG, TTRCD April 28-May 4 ATG, Not Just Cards Challenge #18, All Crafts Challenge April/May Anything but a Card, and Crafty Boots things With Wings.

New Challenge at Lacy Sunshine

A new challenge starts today at Lacy Sunshine and it's a fun one.  It's called Topsy Turvy Mismatch and the idea is to take an image with one theme, and make it for something else.  For example, take a summer image and make it for winter, or a Christmas image and make it for Halloween.  Get the idea?  I've chosen the adorable Rosalind, one of the Melancholy Moppets from Lady Heather's Curiousities Collection, and made a Christmas card.  

Here's a closeup of the adorable Rosalind.  I guess you'd call her a bit Steampunk with the clocks and gears (one of which I've turned into a peppermint candy) and the expression on her face hardly exudes enthusiasm for the most wonderful time of the year, so I thought she'd work well for the challenge. Besides, she was really, really, really fun to color.  Inside reads "It's Christmas time...AGAIN!"  Had to play up that clock reference, especially with that big Tim Holtz clock die hanging on there.  LOL

Here's the Lacy Sunshine Recipe Card with all the info.  Hopefully this is helpful to you for color combos.  My teamies have some fab creations so be sure to check out the Challenge Blog for more inspiration.  Can't wait to see what you create for this fun challenge.

I'm entering this in the Outlawz Friday Coloring Challenge ATG/Christmas Twist, Christmas Card Challenges ATG, The Glory of Christmas Use a a Digi Stamp, Crafty Hazelnut's April Patterned Paper Challenge, CHNC April Christmas Extra Challenge ATG as long as it's Christmas, Ladybug Crafts ATG, Crafts Galore Encore Make a Card, 613 Avenue Create ATG/Optional Humorous Sentiment.

April Inspiration for Gecko Galz

Here's a lovely first Mother's Day card with elements from some of the new April releases from Gecko Galz.  The gorgeous DP is from the Flower Power digital paper pack and the beautiful vintage image is from the Mum's the Word digital Collage set.  I've made a 3D frame for the image using a Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page set and scoring each corner at the 3rd and 4th scallop down from the point, then folding the inner scores as valley folds and the outer ones as valley folds.  The image was then matted and popped within the frame. 

I've adhered the frame to the card with a pocket for a hidden tag. The sentiment was computer generated and printed on one from the Graphic 45 Babies to Brides Collection.  I've added a heart charm, roses I colored to match the DP and some organdy ribbon.

I'm entering this in the Crafting by Designs Mother's Day challenge and the DL.Art Thankful Thursday Mother's Day Challenge.

Also, here's a little reminder that you have until April 29th to get your project in for the Gecko Galz April Easter Challenge and chance to win the fabulous prize of a $25 shopping spree at Gecko Galz.  All that's required is at least one element from Gecko Galz and yes, freebies count so check out the Gecko Galz Pinterest Board or the incredible deals (as low as $1.00) in the Gecko Galz Etsy Shop.  

This is an all digital Easter card done with more DP from the Flower Power pack, Paper and Icons from the Easter Parade April Digital Club Kit, Icons from Coquettes February Digital Club Kit, and the Fab Frames Digital Collage Set.

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

New Challenge at Aurora Wings.

Our new Challenge at Aurora Wings starts today with the fabulous theme of Flowers.  We want to see beautiful blooms in your image, papers and/or embellishments.  I've chosen the gorgeous Easter Basket of Flowers (available as a jpg and also a png with a transparent background HERE)  but made a card that could easily be used for a birthday, Mother's Day, a happy Spring or thinking of you card.

Here's a close up of the gorgeous image.  I've colored with Copics with some additional shading with Prismacolor pencils and added a gingham bow to the handle.  Besides the glorious flowers that Mitzi draws to accompany her magical creatures, she also has many images that are flowers alone, available on Etsy and in the Aurora Wings Web shop.

I've made an easel card using the Spellbinders Labels One Grands with an added layer from Noor designs.  The white on white design is fresh and feminine and makes the fabulous image pop.  I've embossed a bottom layer with Swiss dots and the sentiment is computer generated on a Spellbinders Fancy labels die.  I've printed the image 3 times to allow for fussy cutting some of the fabulous blooms and popping them for dimension.  I really love how that brings the image to life.  Be sure to visit the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog to see the gorgeous creations by my DT sisters and don't forget to check the Winner's Post to see if you're one of the lucky ones chosen by Mitzi, the DT or Mr Linky.  And don't forget our Mommy and Me contest currently running through the end of the month on our FB page.  Hope to see you there.  

I'm entering this in the 2 Crafty Girls Spring Time Challenge, Artistic Inspirations ATG with a Twist of Spring, Digi Sketch Challenge F is for Flowers, Oh-La-La Creations at least 5 Layers, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Addicted to Stamps Girly but No Pink, Pile it On April Showers Bring May Flowers, the Corrosive Challenge Floral Fantasy, A Gem of a Challenge Spring is in the Air and the Kit and Clowder April Flowers challenge.

Aurora Wings New Release

I'm joining the Aurora Wings Showcase DT today to introduce the adorable new image, Little Kitsune Anko.  She is available HERE on Etsy and HERE in the Aurora Wings Web Shop.  She was inspired by one of Mitzi's dear kitties and also some fascinating Japanese folklore.  You can read more about her on the Aurora Wings Showcase Blog and see all the wonderful interpretations from the team.  I decided to alter a box I'd saved that had previously been filled with tea.

I've colored her with Copics with additional shading from Prismacolor pencils. She come in two versions, one with kimono details and one without.  I chose the one without because I wanted to paper piece her outfit.  I've used digital paper from the Mori Girl pack from Gecko Galz.  This is a bit tricky when choosing a dark pattern.  After printing and coloring her I reduced my digi paper to just the size of the image so the print was the appropriate scale and printed it.  Then I turned the page over and put it back in the printer, positioned the image in my printing program where I'd previously had my paper on the page, reversed the image and printed again. I then fussy cut the image from the back side (cutting just within the printed lines), turned it over and glued it to the colored image.  I used copy paper for the paper piecing because it glues flatter to the card stock but still inked the edge of the fussy cut pieces with the side of the brush tip of my Black Memento Marker (it doesn't bleed as much as the Copics do) so there was no white edge.  I hope that makes sense. 

Here's the dimensional view.  She was printed 3 times on white card stock and then twice as described above for the paper piecing. The layers were popped with foam, as was she onto the box so the lid could be removed and replaced without disturbing the image.

I finished off the box with some Starform sticker trim, layered flowers, a pearl brad and tassel.  I think she makes an adorable gift box, but I love her so much, I just may have to keep her.

I'm entering this is the Kitty Bee Fairytale/Fantasy Challenge, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Crafting With an Attitude Freestyle/Fantasy, the DL.Art April Linky challenge, Moving Along With the Times Anything But a Square Card, All Crafts Challenge Anything But a Card April/May, Crafting From the Heart ATG, Marker Pop ATG, Monday Morning Challenge Colorful Creations  and Open Minded Crafting Recycle Something.

Fibre-licious at The East Wind

A new challenge starts today at The East Wind with the theme of Fibre-licious. We want to see some type of fibers on your project, including burlap, lace, etc. I chose the fabulous Twisted Venus 'Hairnest' because it's Spring and it's amazing what birds and other nest building creatures will find to make their little places a home.  We've not been particularly thrilled with their choices around my house as birds bit through our icicle lights and carried them off earlier this year and most recently an exceptionally bold squirrel was caught pulling apart a porch seat cushion and shredding the foam.  Grrr...   Besides the threads these birdies have woven throughout their nest, I've also added a ring of shredded cheesecloth and a bow of embroidery floss.  The double sided DP is Authentique and I've drawn a circle on the backside and made 4 diagonal cuts through the center, folded back the points and glued them to frame the image.

Here's a closeup of the amazing Twisted Venus.  She's colored with Copics with some additional shading with Prismacolor pencils.  Hopefully you can see the threads I've sewn through the nest.  I had a ball with this challenge as there's loads of room for creativity and I think you will too.  There's lots more inspiration at The East Wind Challenge Blog as well, so be sure to check out the fab makes by my DT sisters.  Can't wait to see what you create.

Here's the important stuff:

Challenge Blog

Show Room Blog

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Monday In the Middle Challenge, Wonderful Wednesday ATG, Creative Moments ATG Spring/Easter, TTRCD April 14th-20th ATG, Artistic Inspirations ATG with a Twist of Spring, Crafting From the Heart ATG, Inspiration Destination ATG and Marker POP ATG.

Head Over Heels for Spring!

There's a new release at The East Wind Etsy shop today today called Unkytoon Hello (a bargain at only $1.55 USD).  The East Wind Artist goes by the name of Unky Lastrange and this fun little witch is Unky personified.  She seemed to be decked out in Spring clothes today and her pose made me think of cartwheels, so I colored her in BRIGHT Spring colors (those are Copic neons), fussy cut her, attached her to two pennies with foam between them, and made a Spring spinner card with her.  

I made a video of her spinning, but I couldn't figure out how to upload it from my camera.  And, I'm probably the last person on earth who does not own a Smartphone so...  Here's how she started.

And how she ended up (after spinning "head over heels" along the slot). This brings painful thoughts to mind as I couldn't for the life of me ever do a decent cartwheel.  As a Jr. High cheerleader I dreaded our "Sis Boom" cheer which publicly revealed my hideous in ineptitude and I've been scarred for life.  Really! I'm curious to know if you're actually reading this post.  LOL  DP is ancient Heidi Grace and the the sentiment is computer generated.  

Be sure to stop by the East Wind FB Group page to see what's up.  Every Tuesday and Friday there's a new release and the current FB challenge is Make it Krafty, which ends April 17th (separate from the Challenge Blog where a new one starts tomorrow). 

I'm entering this in the Inspiration Destination ATG Challenge, the DL.Art Thankful Thursday Use the Color Orange challenge, Moving Along with the Times Anything but a Square Card, Creative Moments ATG/Spring or Easter, and Artisitic Inspirations ATG With a Twist of Spring.

Vintage, Shabby Chic, Steampunk at Lacy Sunshine

Our new Challenge starts today at Lacy Sunshine with the theme of Vintage, Shabby Chic or Steampunk.  Take your pick!  I was all set to do Steampunk when I came across the gorgeous Breena Garden Music Box Melancholy Moppet and I knew she'd be perfect!  I made  a vintage banner wall hanging using DP from K&Co, a lace die from Heartfelt Creations, ovals from Spellbinders and music notes from Cuttlebug.

Here's beautiful Breena all colored up with Copics with a bit of extra shading with a black Prismacolor pencil.  She's fussy cut and popped with foam.

And here's the Lacy Sunshine Recipe Card listing all the supplies and colors used.  I gotta say, this makes such a great reference for future coloring as well as this particular project.  Hope you find this helpful to you, as well.

Here's the dimensional shot.  You can also see the bit of distressing I've done to the DP on the banner and oval with the edge of my scissors.  Wasn't quite sure if the project is Vintage or Shabby Chic, but either way, it flies for the challenge.  LOL  Finishing touches were the roses on the music notes and crinkle seam binding bow and hanger.  There's a great variety this time on the Lacy Sunshine Challenge Blog so be sure to check out my teamies' fabulous creations.  Also, don't forget to check out the Loyalty Program digi you can get for free if you used a Lacy Sunshine image in the last challenge or may buy for 50% off for the duration of the challenge.  And for those of you who just like to color, we now have a colored image only category for our challenges.  WooHoo!  Can't wait to see what you create.

I'm entering this in the Allsorts Bingo challenge (ribbons flowers, die cuts), Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge ATG/Spring Flowers, Crafty Catz 2 or More Patterned Papers, DL.Art April Linky Party, Inspiration Destination ATG, Not Just Cards ATG, Craft Your Passion ATG, Papertake Weekly ATG, Natalie and Amy's Frame It Challenge, and Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge.

Birthday Wishes

I've been playing along with the Art by MiRan Progressive challenge on the FB Group page for 3 months.  Yea, me!  Here's the latest.  I received this adorable image for free because I participated in the last month's challenge, but if you'd like to buy in (hurry, this challenge closes April 9th) you can get her HERE at a 50% discount.  She's colored with Copics and I fussy cut around her balloons until I could position the Spellbinders Labels 25 die appropriately and cut her out.  I also used my Scalloped Ovals to cut a window in the floral mat.  The punched border is Martha Stewart.  The DP's are Authentique.  Birthday Wishes are peel off stickers that I colored black with a Sharpie.

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday Happy Birthday challenge, Show Your Digi Love Challenge 3, Fan-Tastic Tuesday ATG w/ Die or Punch and the Art by MiRan ATG Challenge.

Going Green with Haunted Design House (please avert your eyes if boobies offend you)

Our new monthly challenge at HDH begins this fine Macabre Monday with the theme of "Going Green".  This fabulous challenge is open to a few different interpretations as in use the color green predominantly in your project (zombie skin anyone?), "green with envy" or the eco-friendly choice to recycle something, all of course in a deliciously wicked or or macabre way.  I, being the overachiever that I am, (LOL, JK) chose all three.  I immediately thought of the "Trophy Beauty" stamp from Smeared Ink, and came up with the sentiment after pairing it with my new Tim Holtz Trophy Antlers die.  "Green with Envy"...one down...

Trophy Beauty was colored with Copics being sure to add a bit of lime green to her complexion (it's gotten a bit humid in that bell jar and he was so anxious to display his prize he cut a few corners in the preserving process.  She seems to be putrifying just a tad). There's your color green (along with the green wood grain boards on the wall),  Two down...And WAIT!

Those wall boards were cut from the DCWV Green Stack which is made from 70% recycled paper and EVEN BETTER, it's all backed with a cut up Priority Mailing envelope.  Yea ME!  Truly the Minions have outdone themselves with this challenge so be sure to check out HDH and the fabulous interpretations of the theme found there.  We can't wait to see what YOU create!

I'm also entering this in the Smudgy Antics ATG challenge and Left of Center using the LOC theme (or it's sort of monochrome, well, maybe not).

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone!  Hope your weather is better than ours today.  After weeks of sunshine and very warm temps we expect a high of 59 degrees and rain. Bummer! Will be off to our annual Easter dinner at Auberge du Soleil. Guess no sitting on the balcony today.  Thought I'd share some cute Easter crackers I made with TP rolls and adorable images from the Gecko Galz Easter Circles and 1x2" collage set.  Another easy recycling project but pretty fun little favors, if I do say so myself.  Covered the tubes with paper (not card stock, it's easier to stay stuck) and resized the 1x2's in my printing program to fit the tubes.  Wish I'd printed them on copy paper instead of card stock as you really need some strong adhesive to keep them on there.  (It helps to sort of roll the images a bit, but still!)  I cut them out (3 per roll), inked the edges and added pom pom trim.  Rolled up goodies in tissue paper, stuffed the tubes and tied with ribbon on each end.  Added some Melissa Frances embellies to the top and there ya go. Have a wonderful day.


I'm entering these in the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Easter or Spring challenge, and Decorate to Celebrate ATG Challenge.

New April Customer Challenge at Gecko Galz.

Our new Customer Challenge begins today at Gecko Galz with an Easter Time theme.  

I made a basket using the corrugated inserts that reinforce the tuna in a pouch display boxes at the grocery store.  Yup, I each a lot of tuna.  It makes me popular with my cats.  LOL

I took 2 of them and glued the center sections together, punched holes at the corners, tied some bows and VOILA!  A basket! Used my threading water punch to trim the top 

Each side is decorated with one of the circles from the Easter Circles and 1x2" collage set, enlarged in my printing program and cut and matted with my Nesties.  Here are the rest of the sides.

I've twisted wrapped wire, raffia and buds from a Spring wreath I got at J's and disassembled to make the handle.  I punched holes at either side and twisted the wire into a know with pliers to secure it on each side. 

I also used the wired buds from the wreath to trim each image and attached moss to the bottom corners with hot glue.  My GG teamies have made gorgeous Easter creations so be sure to stop by the Gecko Galz Challenge Blog and find further inspiration.  There's a $25 gift certificate to be had and all you need is a single GG product on your submission. It can even be a freebie which you can get for signing up for the monthly GG newsletter (sign up on the left side of the GG Blog) or grabbing them from the GG Board on Pinterest.  Can't wait to see what you create.  and don't forget our GG Papercrafting FB Group with fun challenges every month.  Hope to see you there.

Guesting at Show Your Digi Love

This month I'm guesting at Show Your Digi Love, a new(ish) challenge blog where you can show your favorite Digi companies your love of their stamps. Each month the blog hosts several digi companies and you may join the challenge with any of them.  It's a "just for fun" challenge, but if you win you receive a fab badge (check my sidebar) and a GDT position for the next month's challenge. This month they're featuring SBS, Slinky Tart, The Paper Shelter  and Kenny K. I chose Kenny K because I bought this image awhile back for my "bum loving" man (heehee!) but had yet to color her up.  Meet Jayne Jettpack.  She was such a blast to color with my Copics.  She's a bit Steampunky, so I've used DP from the DCWV Tattered Time pack and embossed the mat with my Cuttlebug 5x7" Gears folder.  Added a couple of Tim Holtz mini metal gears to the corners and she was good to go.  I want to thank the gals at Show Your Digi Love for having me join them this month and invite you all to come play along.

I'm entering this in the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode Femme Fatale Challenge, Simon Says Monday ATG, Simon Says Wednesday ATG, KennyK's Krafty Krew ATG/Just a Girl.

New Challenge at The East Wind

Our new challenge starts today at The East Wind Challenge Blog with the theme of Make Mine Extra Sassy.  Let's see some images or sentiment with some attitude.  The team is using the gorgeous Aurora Summer Breeze which is the April Freebie from the newsletter.  Sign up to received yours on the Challenge Blog, top right.   I wanted to make a cover for my Art journal and was inspired by this gorgeous image and the quote from the Gecko Galz Beautiful Words collage sheet.

Here's a closeup.  She's colored with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.  I colored her skin and hair first but couldn't decide on the dress and flower colors until I saw this lovely 6x6" page from the BoBunny Serenade pack.  The window and scalloped circle were cut with my Spellbinders Nesties.

Here's the quote from Gecko Galz.  I'm hoping this will inspire me and help me overcome my fears of art journaling (among other things.  LOL).  Be sure to visit the Challenge Blog to see my teamies makes with the gorgeous image.  Also, don't forget our Make It Krafty (coloring on kraft) FB Challenge that runs through April 17th.

Here's the important stuff:

Challenge Blog

Show Room Blog

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop