Sunday, June 28, 2015

Salad Days


I'm posting on the RSD Sparkle and Glitter Blog today and having some fun with fruits and veggies.  I don't know about you, but nothing tastes better on a hot day than a cold fruit or veggie salad so when I saw these adorable digis in Rick's Zibbet Shop I just had to color them up.  First up I've got Fruit Monster.  Inside:  How sweet of you!
And here's Salad Bar Monster.  Inside:  Veggie much!  (Sorry, I just couldn't resist)  Both are colored with Copics, and double matted on A2 size cards. Clean and simple and perfect for a thank you card.  I photographed them against some bandana print DP to add to the summery feel.  They'd also be great for recipe cards or cookbook markers, don'tcha think?  Rick's got lots more fun kitchen themed digis in his Zibbet Shop so be sure to check out the Kitchen Robots, too.

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Friday, June 26, 2015

New Release for TEW


Today I'm featuring a brand new release for the East Wind called Lucy Loo 'Morning Stretch'.  Her little outfit made me think of an exotic island adventure so I made an 8x8" fat book page using DP and elements from the Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue Pack.  We had a once in a lifetime vacation to Bali some years ago and I think this is a brilliant start to an album of the wonderful trip.

I've colored Lucy with Copics, enhanced with Prismacolor pencils.  it was all I could do not to color her with red hair but for once I thought something out of the ordinary might be fun.   Come visit our Challenge Blog and FB Group to see our current challenge and inspiration from the teams. 
Here's the important stuff:
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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Cave of Skulls, Lair of the Sea Witch


Today, I'm posting on Airless Chambers, the RSD MFA darker Blog.  This is the place to go for inspiration from the EDT using the images a bit too scary for Sparkle and Glitter.  I've created an underwater scene using Cave of Skulls and Lair of the Sea Witch. The cave is actually one of the scenes Rick created for the Carnival De la Nuit, but I thought it made a perfect hideaway for the terrifying Sea Witch, don't you?  The rest of the Carnival De la Nuit stamps are fabulous as well, so be sure to check that category from the pull down menu top left in Rick's Zibbet shop. 

 I kept the scene very dark with die cuts in black of Memory Box Oceana Corner and Poppy Seed Stamps Weeping Willow Branches (that I turned upside down to make kelp) against the dark teal gauze paper from DCWV.   I got both of those dies at the fabulous summer sale now going on at SCACD.  Check it out!   I've added mica flakes to the floor and skittles (remember those, I've still got a TON!) as rising air bubbles.  "The Deep" is done with Label Letters from Tim Holtz.
Here's a closeup of the Sea Witch.  Both she and the Cave were colored with Copics in a monochromatic palette and fussy cut.  I left a white border on Sea Witch and then backed her in black and fussy cut again to help make her stand out a bit more in the dark scene.


Here's the dimensional shot.  The cave was printed twice and the top portion was popped.  The kelp was also popped and the final layer is the witch herself. If you look closely, you can see some of the fab texture from the gauze paper. The photos don't really do it justice, but I think you can still get the dark and foreboding feeling I was after.

 And by the way, there's still time to enter the 2nd half of the May/June Progressive challenge on SNG, even if you didn't join in in May.  Mr. Tea is now available HERE in Rick's Zibbet shop where there are well over 1000 images, for every taste, with more arriving nearly every day.  Hope to see you there.
Here are all of the important links:
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Friday, June 19, 2015

SCACD Eclectic Sea Rubber Stamp Release


I'm so excited to be participating in an exciting Blog Hop for SCACD.  We celebrate today a newly released exclusive rubber stamp set, Eclectic Sea (9 rubber stamps all together).  The Eclectic Sea is a twist of sorts in how something land bound might be seen in the ocean; for example a Sunflower that is now a Coral Sea Flower and vice versa.  So check out the collection as these are really unique and elegant.  SCACD artist Carmen Medlin and Susana collaborated on the images and we are so happy to be showcasing them to you now.

 Now available for purchase in the USA HERE for the Eclectic Sea collection.
Our International Friends, if interested can email Susana.

I'm thrilled to be showcasing the beautiful Steampunk Siren's Call.  Top of the page you can see her after coloring, fussy cutting and laying on a piece of DP awaiting her undersea shell throne and she looked so pretty, I just had to snap a pic.  Above you see her in all her glory.  I've glued 3 shells together on a card stock base and added gorgeous Steampunk die cuts, Alice's Clock, only one of the exclusive SCACD dies behind her.

Again, a closeup of this beauty.  She's colored with Copics, Prisamcolor pencils and gel pens.  And for those of you who prefer digital stamps, there's a slightly different digital stamp available HERE.

Finally, here's a side view of the shell throne.  The netting is actually a knotted portion of a produce bag that I thought made a lovely backdrop.  

 You should be going next to the mega talented Kathi who I'm sure has something wonderful featuring another stamp from the fabulous Eclectic Sea release.  If you get lost please visit the SCACD Store Blog for the full list of participants.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

June bugs, Gems and Gew Gaws at HDH




Okay, so I'm a day late with my Macabre Monday post (actually 2 weeks and a day, but who's counting?) because yesterday was so damn BUSY!  Three posts did me in, so lucky HDH gets it's own day to remind you of the current challenge called June bugs, Gems and Gew Gaws.  (Hey, I don't write 'em, I just do 'em.) So in case you haven't guessed, I did the bugs and gems part (although I suppose you could call my project a gew gaw as it is totally decorative and non functional).  The fabulous digi is called Emerging and is from Delicious Doodles, now called ArtiDoodles on Etsy because of the evil VAT laws and a long story.  She's colored with Copics, fussy cut and mounted on a piece of palm tree bark that I picked up on a morning walk ('cause I thought it might come in handy some day and today is the day) on which I've added black gem swirls from Recollections.  She's got fancy gem eyes, too.  Black Alpha Bead letters were strung on a wire and also glued to the bark and a mossy and lichen encrusted twig was added to the base.  (Yes, I walk with my head down.  Never know what you might find) And TaDAA! 

 Be sure to check out the fabulous makes by my Minion teamies and come play along.  Remember, we don't do cute, though.  Capisce? (Capeesch for you non Italian speakers.  LOL)

 I'm entering this in the Delicious Doodles Dark Side only FB Challenge, Left of Center using the LOC theme, Sisterhood of Crafters Going Buggy, the Delicious Doodles Blog Hop and ATG Challenge and Dream in Darkness June ATG.
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Monday, June 15, 2015

Aurora Wings Sprite Delight II



Our new challenge starts today at Aurora Wings with a second run at a favorite challenge, so we're calling it Sprite Delight II. 




 I recently purchased a printable journal called Cottage Garden from Ephemera's Vintage Garden with the adorable Sprites in mind.  I've used the PNG versions now available for many of Mitzi's Sprites, so I was able to add them to the printable journal pages, as if they were a part of the original design.  No fussy cutting needed.  The cover features Petunia Sprite.  The text is all computer generated as well.  All images were colored with Copics and layered on an additional page from the journal kit. The cover is from Tim Holtz which I've covered with papers.



The first page features Wild Rose Sprite.  I've added pages via a ring binder (also Tim Holz) that is the perfect size for the cover.  That way I can add more pages whenever I want.  WooHoo!

Next I have a 2 page spread featuring Tulip Sprite.  I've added journaling lines to the left hand page.



Here we have Ranunculus Sprite.  I've tried to color the images as similarly as I could to the printed versions already on the pages.  There's no dramatic shading so as to appear a part of the original designs.


And on the other side, we have the adorable Snapdragon Sprite.  Tell me he's not precious!  I'm a bit bummed at the photo as he is colored with the same shades of lavender as the page but it doesn't seem to photograph that way. Same With the petunia on the cover.  In person, it really does match.  Such a bummer!


Another two page spread with Tiger Lily Sprite and a page for garden notes.


My favorite flower is the hydrangea but the poor things have been having a tough time since our CA drought.  This little Hydrangea Sprite is an all time fave of mine too but looks none the worse for wear.  I've added a pocket with a card perhaps to add a watering schedule.  


Here's Poppy Sprite and another pocket across the page.  I've added some seed packets that were included in the journal kit just for fun.


Finally I have the adorable Fuschia Sprite.  I  love the bold colors of this flower and enjoy the hanging basket abloom with these lovelies. They're a fave of the hummingbirds, as well.  This is the end of my Garden journal so far, but I'm sure I'll be adding to it soon.  thanks so much for hanging in there with my mega pic post and I do so hope you still will visit the AW Challenge Blog to see more fabulous inspiration from my DT sisters.

And as a special incentive to join in this challenge, Mitzi has discounted  some select Sprite at 50% off for the duration, so please visit the AW Etsy Store to take advantage of this fabulous offer.  They'll be in the "Featured Items".

Here are all the links you need:
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
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RSD Progressive Challenge 2/2



It's the second month of the Rick St. Dennis Progressive Challenge on Sparkle and Glitter where the EDT brings you inspiration for the fabulous stamp those who participated in the the first month of the challenge got for FREE!  Meet Mr.Tea.  He's just purrfect for tea lovers, cat lovers, AIW lovers (you gotta admit, he does look like chessy, eh?)  Well, I say he's just purrfect any way you look at him.

I've used the version with the sentiment, but he comes without, too.  And better yet.  You can get BOTH versions, even if you missed the first half of the Progressive Challenge because he's now available on Zibbet HERE so there's no excuse not to play along for a chance at the prize.   I printed the image 4 times so I could do some decoupage.  I started my drawing around the sentiment for the base, colored with Copics and fussy cut and popped the layers until I was satisfied.


Here's a side view of the tent card with a better shot of the dimension.  I've used digital paper from the Wonderland Pack from Gecko Galz.    I've added a silver teaspoon with a "sugar cube" I made by coating a blank Alpha Bead with salt (the glitter was to shiny, LOL).  There's also a tea bag charm in the center of the layered flowers top left.  I hope you like it as much as I liked creating it.
Here are all of the important links:
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Ode to Nature at The East Wind


Our new challenge at The East Wind is Ode to Nature and I knew exactly what image I wanted to create with.  This beautiful gal is called Aurora 'What Matters'.  She seems to be at peace and communing with nature in her mind.  I don't practice yoga but perhaps I should if this is the result.  Could she be more serene?  The card is made with Spellbinders Grand Labels One, the butterfly is also Spellbinders and the sentiment is a very old Sizzix die.  I have her floating in the clouds via DP from MME.

I've colored Aurora with Copics and Prismacolor pencils. Looking closely at the digi, I noticed it was drawn as if the flowers were translucent, almost a figure of her imagination so I colored them that way, like you could see her hair right through them.  Clearly, she looks as though she is somewhere else in that blissful meditative state.  I need to take a lesson from her, for sure.  It's been a stressful week and this is just the first of 4 posts that will be coming shortly. Please come back to see the rest of what I've been up to and check out the fab makes by my DT sisters at The East Wind.
Here's the important stuff:
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Friday, June 5, 2015

More Tea Time Inspiration for Gecko Galz and a Fab Freebie


We're doing something different on the Gecko Galz Blog.  Each designer gets a special day to post their inspiration pieces but now we also each are offering a free stamp from Gecko Galz as a thank you for visiting our personal Blog.  First you have to wade through my pic heavy blog post, though.  LOL

 A special thanks to Art Jypsy for the inspiration and link for this fun Tea Bag Book. When I saw her creation, I knew I just HAD to make one using the fab new Icons from the High Tea Club Kit, and the gorgeous Portabello Road papers.
GG Products:  June High Tea Club Kit Icons and Extra Collage Sheet, Portabella Road Papers
Other: 2 pieces of 12x12 card stock, Score Tape, lace, twine, Distress Ink in Tea Die and Frayed Burlap, dimensional foam, Spellbinders Labels 18, Sticko Nostalgiques stickers for sentiment.


Here's the link to the Whiff of Joy tutorial that I followed HERE.  Print papers from Portabella Road papers, cut to size and ink with Distress.  Fussy cut icons from the High Tea Club kit and pop kitty with tea cup on top of tea pot with cups.  Glue to front and add sticker sentiment.  


Use Labels 18 die to cut sentiment from club kit collage sheet for the back and ink with Distress while still in the die.  Add to back. 

Cut additional sentiment from collage sheet for inside front cover.
  


I covered the tea bag inserts with papers from Portabella Road as well, but printed those using copy paper to as not to add too much bulk to the inside.  Fill with assorted teas.

 I'm entering this in the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop.

Bright Spot in my Day Card

GG products: Extra Collage sheet and Paper from June High Tea Club Kit, Tally Ho Jewel It set
Other: Bright pink and turquoise card stock, small doily, ribbon, silver spoon and metal rose from my stash, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Frayed Burlap, Glossy Accents.

Size paper from High Tea paper pack to 4 3/4 x 6 3/4" to fit on 5x7" card from bright pink card stock.  Ink edges with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink and apply to card base.  Size Bright Spot sentiment from extra collage sheet to approximately 3 5/8" to  5 5/8".  Resize lady from Tally Ho Jewel It set and fussy cut her out.  Carefully cut around the tea cups  to the bird and slide lady into position and glue.  Mat with turquoise.  Glue doily to right top corner as shown and add matted image at an angle.  Tie bow around spoon handle, use Glossy Accents to glue metal rose to spoon bowl and also to glue spoon to card.

Scroll one post down to see my DT card for the current Tea for Two Challenge. Hope you can join us for a chance to win a fabulous $25 shopping spree at Gecko Galz.

And here's the fab Freebie offered by Gecko Galz as a thank you for visiting my Blog today.  We have a masculine theme going.  Perfect for Father's Day.  There will be stamps offered by each of the spotlighted DT members all month so be sure to visit the Gecko Galz Blog for inspiration and a link to the all of the fun freebies.

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Monday, June 1, 2015

Tea for Two with Gecko Galz



A new challenge starts today on the Gecko Galz Challenge Blog with the theme of Tea for Two.  


My card features the icons from the new June High Tea Club Kit.  I've assembled the icons in my Printmaster Platinum Program, changing the color of the medallion behind the tea pot to match the colors in the card. 


 I printed the tea pot girl twice so I could fussy cut and add dimension to the pot and lid.  The sentiment and "tea" pouring from her spout were computer generated.  The corners are stickers from Starform.  Now I can't get that song out of my head.  LOL

 Come join the Gecko Galz and celebrate Tea Time.  The only rule is you must use at least ONE Gecko Galz product, be it an image, stamp, or digital paper. Even Freebies count (subscribe to the newsletter for monthly Freebies and visit Gecko Galz on Pinterest)!  Hope to see you play along.
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New Challenge at The East Wind


Our new Dots and Stripes challenge starts today at The East Wind and the team is using the fab new freebie available to newsletter subscribers, Betty Cockus 'Black Lipstick'.  Not a subscriber?  Sign up top right of the TEW Challenge Blog. I've recolored and resized the image several times in my Printmaster Platinum Program and added a grid of lines.  At first I planned to do it all digitally, but I preferred the look of the images being cut and layered so after designing the card, I moved each image from the grid and cut them individually.  I added an offset mat to the center one, matted the entire design in red, then black dotted DP and finally on the white card.  The three of metal embellishments are dotted as well.  I'm kind of lovin' the asymmetrical design and hoping my man does too. ;D  My teamies have done such fun things with this image.  Hope you go visit the TEW Blog and come join us with your Dots and Stripes.
Here's the important stuff:
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