Let's Go Skating!

I made this cute tag for one of the Outlawz Festive Friday themes.  Naturally I got it in just under the wire (new themes started today) but I HAD to do this one, for sure.  There are always 4 themes to choose from each week and the first I decided to do was "Let's Go Skating".  The adorable image is #957 Ice Skating Girly by Sandra Caldwell. The background is from the Let it Snow Jewel It set from Gecko Galz on which I've digitally added a skating rink from a photo I'd cropped and tweaked  to fit my background.  Then I used Flower Soft snow to blur the crop and better integrate it into the design.  The gorgeous crinkle ribbon is from a combo of Steel Blue from the Blues Bundle and  Silvery Hues Sea from the Mermaids Tale Second edition from DL.Art.  I've also added little skates from Tim Holtz, attached with a tiny paper clip.

Here's a closeup of Ice Skating Girly.  I removed the background from her in the Lunapic photo program and added her the the digital background in my Printmaster Platinum program before printing the scene.  Then I colored her with Copics, cut a pom pom in two and glued the fluff to her earmuffs with Fabric Tack.

Ice skating is dear to my heart because I took lessons from the time I was 5 until age 12.  It was a special Daddy and daughter time.  Here's a picture at an outdoor rink when I was just starting to skate (circa 1959 or early 1960).  I still have the sweater he's wearing and it actually fits me now.  LOL  My Dad was a fabulous skater, an ice dancer actually, and I always felt so special skating with him.  He even built a rink in our backyard for me to practice on for years when the weather permitted.  Very fond memories but I better stop now.  Getting kind of teary eyed.  Once a Daddy's Girls ALWAYS a Daddy's Girl.  xxx

I'm adding this to the DL.Art Thankful Thursday Winter Challenge, the Craft Rocket Challenge Add a Bow, Simon Says Wednesday Anything but a Card, and the Sisterhood of Crafters Celebrating January.

New Double Release Showcase for Aurora Wings

Mitzi, artist extraordinaire of Aurora Wings, has done it again with a fabulous Double Showcase of fantasy and magic.  I have the pleasure of joining the Showcase team to introduce Jellyfish Sprite, available HERE in jpg and HERE in no background png.  Could she be any sweeter?  Her detailed frilliness called for the girliest of colors. In my mind she just HAD to be pink (at least this time) and with her flowing tentacles floating about like ribbons, I immediately thought of the most important pink ribbon of all...that of Breast Cancer Awareness.  The beautiful pink crinkle ribbon here is from DL.Art.  The sentiment "Hope floats" seemed perfect for the digi AND the cause.

Here's a closeup of Jellyfish Sprite.  She's colored with Copics, mainly R81, R83, and R85, with a little RV 52.  Fussy cutting this intricate design was a bit of a challenge, but I suggest always cutting the small interior portions first with your craft knife and then cutting outwards from the center, without removing the excess paper until a section is finished.  If and area seems stuck, go over the it again instead of trying to pull it away, or you may end up ripping off a portion of the image.

Here's a side view on the tent card.  The window was cut with Spellbinders Labels Seventeen.  I've recolored some digital paper from Gecko Galz La Isla Bonita pack pink, in my printing program, and added some Skittles (remember those?) as dimensional bubbles.  The computer generated sentiment was cut with a Spellbinders Circle over a Beaded Circle I've embellished with pearls.

The other release is totally different in character, but just as lovely.  Stunning, really.  Be sure to visit the Showcase Blog to see the amazing projects. (Nope, no hints.  Go LOOK!)

Here's a weekend Coupon code for Etsy only.

And a fabulous Gift with Purchase available through Oct. 9th and good at either shop.

And just a little reminder:  Today is the last day to enter our FB contest, All things Autumn and tomorrow our For Men & Boys Blog challenge ends at 11:55 pm EDT.  Hope to see you there.

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 DL.Art September Linky Challenge, Time Out Breast Cancer Awareness or Friendship w/optional twist use pink, Craft Rocket Ribbon and/or Lace, Simon Says Stamp ATG, Deep Ocean Challenge ATG, TTRCD Sept 26-Oct 3rd, Crafting from the Heart #129 ATG, 613 Avenue Create September ATG, the Corrosive September ATG, Inspiration Destination ATG, Creative Fingers ATG#117 ATG, Not Just Cards ATG, the Alphabet Challenge "P" for Pretty in Pink, Cut it Up challenge Pink or Breast Cancer Awareness, QKR Stampede Cut it Up, Crafty Girls Creations ATG, Crafty Ribbons Use Ribbon or Lace, Creative Crafts Creations ATG, Artistic Inspirations ATG, Di's Digi Designs Ribbon, Lace or Twine and Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG.

New Challenge at Aurora Wings

Our new challenge starts today at Aurora Wings with the theme of Fantasy. Wow, that's a pretty easy one considering all of the gorgeous Fairies, Sprites and magical creatures available in the Aurora Wings shop.  The hard part was choosing which one to use.  I finally decided on the gorgeous Enchanted Visions. I had great plans for this image, but some of them didn't work out.   I envisioned a night sky with glowing fairies.  Ummm, note to self.  Do not color the image and THEN try a background technique you've never attempted before.  Back to the drawing board where I stuck with what I knew and a softer, sweeter color palette.  The final result included a die cut frame from Spellbinders and portions of one from Memory box.  All DP's are from the Susan Winget pad from K&Company that dictated the color scheme. The gorgeous bow is from 3 different bundles from DL.Art and I've added some flat backed pearls as well.

Here's a closeup of the gorgeous Enchanted Visions.  This is an intricate image, for sure, but lends itself to many beautiful color schemes.  I've colored entirely with Copics and added some Stardust Stickles to the wings of the fairies and Diamond Glaze to her eyes and lips. I have to say I felt a real sense of accomplishment, once I was done.   

This was the hard shot to take.  I also printed the image on a transparency sheet and cut out the wings of the three bottom right fairies and attached them in the center so they would flutter above but till show the coloring and sparkle of the fairies underneath.  I couldn't quite capture the dimension in the pic without getting a glare so you'll have to take my word for it.  You can see the shine on her eyes and lips though, the sparkle underneath the transparent wings, not so much.  Although my first thought was to color this to reflect the changing Autumn hues in the garden and capture the magic of the dwindling summer days.  Though that didn't go as planned, I'm still quite pleased with the outcome.  Hydrangeas are my favorite flower any time of year.  

Please be sure to visit the Challenge Blog to be inspired by the fabulous creations by the rest of my teamies and I hope to see you join in.  

We also have a new FB challenge, All Things Autumn, that runs through the end of the month.

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 DL.Art September Linky Challenge, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Creative Fingers ATG, the ABC Challenge "O" is for Open, Not Just Cards ATG, the Sparkles Monthly (15th of month) Lots of Layers challenge, Your Scrapbook Place ATG, and Simon Says Wednesday ATG. 

Guest Designing for Sandra Caldwell

I'm so excited to be Guest Designer for Sandra Caldwell for the months of September and October.  Every Monday Sandra releases a boatload of new images in her Etsy Shop, Babycakesdnd and it's my privilege today to introduce #734 Seafood Kitty Cake Party.  Well, you know I love me some kitties , and Sandra draws some of the cutest. 

I've made an easel card with digital paper and cut the image, mats and sentiment using Spellbinders Labels Four.  It's a party, so I made a banner with a die from  (oh crap!  I can't find the packaging) and punched two of them with pawprints.  The twine and ribbon  are from DL.Art and I've added a fishbone charm from Blue Moon.

Here's a closeup of #734 Seafood Kitty Cake Party.  It's colored entirely with Copics, except for the silver lid on the can, which was done with a Prismacolor pencil.  I hope you come and check out the Sandra Caldwell Stamps FB Group and check out more inspiration from the team.

I"m entering this in the DL.Art September Linky Challenge, the SUYP (cats only) Furrything Goes Challenge, Simon Says Wednesday ATG, Your Scrapbook Place ATG and the Outlawz Saturday Paper a la Mode Easel Cards Challenge.

The New East Wind FB Contest

Our new FB contest for TheEastWind Group starts today with the theme of R U Kidding Me? We want to see projects for or about a child.  The stamp is an older one called 'girl with cat' (actually little girl with her adorable cat wearing bear hoodie which she made, LOL).  It made me think of all the plans I had when I got my first kitty for my 4th birthday.  Twinkle was not a'mews'ed, however. She's colored with Copics.  The fab crinkle ribbon is from DL.Art and I've added an epoxy sentiment.

I've used the sketch from the Outlawz Wednesday Sketch challenge.

I'm also entering it in the Outlawz Monday Greetings Friendship Challenge and Festive Friday's Friendship Day Theme (OOOH, a threefer!), Left of Center Friends, the DL.Art August Linky Challenge, Jo's Scrap Shack ATG, Cute Card Thursday Kiddies/Babies, and Cards in Envy Hip to be Square (that bow squashes down, big time).

Hope to see you join us for this new East Wind FB Contest, and also for the current TEW Blog Challenge, Paper Piecing, which runs through August 25th.  Always lots happening at The East Wind.

Here are of all the important links you need.

Challenge Blog

Unky's Coloring Therapy

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

Hot Colors for The East Wind

Our new Facebook challenge begins today in The East Wind Group with the theme of Hot Colors.  Conveniently, a hot pink gift bag just happened to be laying on my craft room floor, so I decided to decorate it accordingly.  I've been wanting to color the adorable Hanna 'Wildflower' for some time and thought she'd be lovely in and array of colors from the warm side of the color wheel.  I've layered the image with mats cut from the Graphic 45 6x6 Voyage Beneath the Sea and found the perfect floral in an ancient MAMBI 8x8 stack (a truly lucky find, since I'd colored her first).  The cascade of gorgeous crinkle ribbon came from DL.Art Supplies with two colors from the Vintage Vineyard bundle, one from the Rainbow bundle, and one from Tropical Summer.  YUMBO!

Here's a closeup of the adorable Hanna 'Wildflower'.  She's colored with Copics with a few highlights done with a white gel pen.  I attempted a bit of interest in the background with drops of Copic blender.  (Very subtle, as I decided to do this after the entire image was already colored.) I still quite pleased with how it all turned out.  I hope you'll come join us on the TEW FB Group page and also check out the new Blog challenge.

Also, Unky, the artist behind the fabulous East Wind digis, is off on a meditation retreat until the end of the month, and is offering the gorgeous Aurora 'What Matters' for only $1.00 until she returns.  Don't miss it!  This is Unky's gorgeous coloring, don't you love it?

Here are of all the important links you need.

Challenge Blog

Unky's Coloring Therapy

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

I'm entering this in the DL.Art July Linky Challenge, Decorate to Celebrate ATG, the Paper Shelter Ribbon/s Challenge, TTRCD ATG, 613 Avenue Create Color challenge using Orange, Pink and White, Love to Scrap ATG, and Coloring in Scrapland ATG. 

Tic Tac Toe for Aurora Wings

We're playing Tic Tac Toe at Aurora Wings this challenge.  Doesn't that sound like fun?  Here's our fabulous board.  You know how this goes, 3 in a row, but OUR board gives you lots and lots of options.  I've chosen the gorgeous Floral Masquerade for this challenge.  I think she's exquisite and was so much fun to color.

I've chosen the top row of purple/red/pink as well as the corresponding elements of string/die cuts/beads.  You may use the colors, the elements, or some combination of both, if you like.  Check out the Challenge blog for examples of the many possibilities.

Here's a close up of the gorgeous Floral Masquerade, colored with Copics.  She's also available in the AW digi shop HERE.  I had a hard time deciding on the color scheme, but finally chose what I thought would be most dramatic.  I'm quite happy with how she turned out, even though photographing this combo was a bit challenging.

Besides the Spellbinders Grand Ovals I used for the image and mat, I also used the Joy Crafts Billie's Flourishes for the die cut element, and a stick pin for the beads.  I layered the flower from my stash and added gorgeous crinkle ribbon from DL.Art Supplies to further the color scheme. 

The final element of thread, yarn, or string proved to be the most challenging until I found the sweet crocheted butterflies in my stash that helped carry the reds throughout the design.  I hope you're inspired to join our Tic Tac Toe 

Challenge at Aurora Wings.  

And don't forget our July Shades of Summer contest going on in the FB Group. We'll be celebrating  2750+ members the end of the week there, too.  Lots of places to play.

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 DL.Art July Linky Party, TTRCD July 12-18, Dragonfly Dreams ATG, Glitter and Sparkle ATG, Lil Patch of Crafty Friends ATG, the Ribbon Girl July Any Image challenge, Crafty Calendar July Punches/and or Dies, Crafty Friends Use your Dies, ABC challenge "L" is for Lots of Layers, Chocolate Coffee and Cards Fancy and Use Pink, Crafting-With-Friends ATG, Creative Fingers ATG, Simply Papercraft ATG, Crafting with an Attitude ATG, 613 Avenue Create ATG, 4 Crafty Chicks Flowers, A Bit More Time to Craft ATG, Craft Your Passion ATG, Love to Scrap ATG, Crafting from the Heart ATG and Craft Rocket ATG.

Aurora 'Dark Pixie' from The East Wind

It's another new release day for The East Wind.  Meet Aurora 'Dark Pixie'. She's not so dark today, though.  Maybe another time.  The color scheme came about by accident.  The bubbles (?) in the image reminded me of one of the digi papers from La Isla Bonita digital paper pack from Gecko Galz, so I played with the colors in my Printmaster Platinum Program, et voila!  Most of the newer East Wind images some in a variety of formats, all for one low price, and I often use the NB (no background) png version so I can use my digi paper behind with no fussy cutting.  WooHoo!  I've matted several times, including one I'd sprayed with Dylusions spray and a pink/orange dot from BoBunny.  Just got some fab new dies, too.  This one is the Memory Box Large Ringlets.  The bright double bow is made with crinkle ribbon from the Rainbow and Vintage Vineyard Bundles from DL.Art.  YUM!

Here's a closeup of Aurora 'Dark Pixie'.  She's colored with Copics and I've added Glossy Accents to her eyes, lips and "bubbles" for shine.  Be sure to check out the TEW FB Group page for more inspiration from my teamies, our current Mini Coloring contest (Aurora Floral Kiss at discount price HERE) ending TODAY, so HURRY) Here's my version, in case you're not familiar.

Our FB contest, "Make Mine Girly Girl", runs through July 17th).  And we also have a new Blog Challenge, with a photo inspiration, that starts TODAY.  Lots going on, eh?  Hope to see you there.

Here are of all the important links you need.

Challenge Blog

Unky's Coloring Therapy

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

I'm adding this to the DL.Art July Linky Challenge, A Bit More Time to Craft ATG, ABC "L" is for Lots of Layers, Country View Crafts Have Fun With Circles, Craft Rocket ATG and Sisters of Craft July ATG.

New "American Shorthair" from The East Wind

You know I love me some kitties so I was thrilled when Unky came up with this new digi for The East Wind.  Meet "American Shorthair". The DP on my square card is all about cats, something I've had in my stash and was waiting for just the right moment to use.  I just got a huge order of yummy hand dyed ribbon from DL.Art and couldn't wait to use it.  The fab "leaf green" from the Fall Bundle made marvelous grass and I've used "Turning Leaf" (from the same bundle) on the tag sentiment, cut from an old Cuttlebug Emboss Plus folder.  I added flowers, to join in the SUYP (cat's only challenge) which asks for them this month, also from my stash with glitter and gem centers from JoLees.

Here's a close up of "American Shorthair".  He's colored with Copics in colors my Goliath found appropriate (because they resembled HIM).  I've also added some fur detail with my Prismacolor Pencils.  When Goliath left the room, however, I accidentally colored his eyes yellow, which caused quite the ruckus because Goliath's are green.  OOOps!  No worries.  This guy was so fun to work with, I'm sure I'll be coloring him again and again.  You'd be amazed at how different he can look in different colors so check out the FB Group and see what my teamies came up with.

Here are of all the important links you need.

Challenge Blog

Unky's Coloring Therapy

FB Group

FB Fan Page

Etsy Shop

I'm entering this in the SUYP Floral Kitties Challenge, DL.Art July Linky Party, TTRCD July 12-18 ATG, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG, the Outlawz Color Challenge, 613 Avenue Create ATG, Simon Says Monday Flora andor Fauna, A Bit More Time to Craft ATG, Left of Center Animals, Crafting-With-Friends ATG, Creative Corner ATG, Simply Papercraft ATG, Crafting with an Attitude ATG, Craft Rocket ATG and the Corrosive Challenge Nature/Animals.

New Butterfly Sprite from Aurora Wings

I'm thrilled to be joining the Aurora Wings Showcase Team to introduce the newest member of the Sprite Family.  Meet Butterfly Sprite.  I've gone a a bit out of my comfort zone making an altered canvas garden for her to play in.

Here's a closeup of this little cutie that I've colored with Copics and fussy cut. I've used the "simple wings" version, but she comes with "fancy wings" as well. Check out the Showcase post to see inspiration using both versions.  You will get both versions and may choose between the jpg or png files in the Aurora Wings Etsy Shop.  The png files have no background, but a white image to color, so they can be used with digital paper or merged with other digital stamps, if you like.  The gorgeous ribbon here is from DL.Art Supplies.

My original plan was to do something pretty CAS with the new butterfly die from Memory Box.  Instead, I went WAY out of my comfort zone with a mixed media extravaganza using paint and inks and frantage and stamping (with real rubber on the canvas, yea, me!) and even some stenciling with modeling paste and had a ball.  Doesn't she look happy among the flowers, dancing with her friends?

Gotta say my inspiration came from Lisa's flower tutorial HERE.  I was so enchanted by her gorgeous floral inspiration and shabby chic style as a DT member for DL.Art month after month, that I just had to try some of my own. Mine look slightly different because I didn't have the same floral die and I added centers I had in my stash and crinkled some leaves, as well.  The light pink flower was made with mottled pink paper, the darker, smaller one started out white and was sprayed with Dylusions sprays.  I had so much fun with them, I decided Butterfly Sprite would love them too, so her magical garden came into bloom.  On the left corner you can see the bit of my stenciling with modeling paste.  My paste was so thick, that most didn't stay on the canvas, but I kind of liked the shabby result.

Finally, there's the dimensional shot.  I hope you like my project as much as I loved making it.  Be sure to visit the Aurora Wings Showcase Blog to see the amazing creations from the Showcase Team and some of my Aurora teamies. You'll also want to check out the June Discount code and special "Christmas in July" giveaway that ends June 30, so hurry!

There's also a few days left for our Black and White Plus One Other Color Challenge which ends at 11:55 pm EDT on Saturday, July 2nd.  Hope to see you there.

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 DL.Art June Linky Challenge, Simon Says Wednesday ATG, Simon Says Monday Tic Tac Toe (using bottom left diagonal Spray, Stencil, and Stamp), Allsorts Photo Inspiration, Crafty Creations ATG, TTRCD ATG, Inspiration Destination ATG, the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG challenge, Tuesday Throwdown Fairies and Fantasy, Try it on Tuesday I Believe I can Fly, 613 Avenue Create ATG w/optional Sights, Tastes, Sounds of Summer (sights, Butterflies and Flowers), Shopping Our Stash How Does Your Garden Grow, Crafting from the Heart ATG, Craft-Dee Bowz June ATG w/bow, Corrosive Challenge June Lots of Layers, Left of Center Monochrome, Robin's Fetish Butterflies, A Gem of a Challenge Anything But a Card, We Love to Create ATG Mixed Media, Crafting by Designs July ATG and Crazy 4 Challenges Add a Butterfly.