Playing Tag at Dilly Beans

Yup!  Do you believe it's Friday already?  Time for another Dilly Beans Challenge and this time it's Tags.  Thought I'd do another Christmas (or should I say "Creepmas") in July theme with the adorable #161 Zombie Christmas Elf.  and what do Zombie elves crave?  Sugarplum brains, of course, made by my fab DB and HDH Minion Sister Creepy Glowbugg.  She's got gobs of cool schtuff in her Etsy Store so be sure to check it out.  I wrapped 'em up and tied them with twine.   Don't they look yummy?   

I went with non traditional Christmas colors to compliment the brains and cut the mats for the tag, image and computer generated sentiment with my fave MS drippy goo punch.  Nothin' like a little oozing brain matter and bile to get you in the Creepmas spirit, eh?  Zombie Elf is colored with Copics and oops!  I just realized I left the little deely bobs hangin' from his collar unattended.  Nothin' that a few adhesive beads won't fix (trust me on that, I'm not takin' another pic.) So Falala!  Be sure to check out the fab tags from my DT sisters and come play along.  Remember to use a Dilly Beans image so why not stop by the SHOP.  Megan's added some adorable new gals and she has a fab bundle price going on now.

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center Christmas/Creepmas in July Challenge, the Simon Says Stamp and Show Celebrate Challenge, the Outlawz Alcohol Markers Anything Goes Challenge with an Optional Christmas Twist, the DLART Thankful Thursday Christmas in July, and the Stampotique Tag You're It Challenge (sorry, no Stampotique stamp this time, but 3 out of 4 ain't bad.  LOL)

Unlucky?

Well, I'm hot, tired and late with my HDH post this week.  I hereby promise never to complain about unseasonable cold weather again, EVER!  It's week 2 for our  "Unlucky for Some" (the number 13) challenge, meaning we want to see 13 elements on your project.  We Minions aren't too particular about counting, being the fabulously creative souls that we are, so give it a go and let us know how YOU count to 13.  My piece has 2 DP's, a Spellbinder's Grand Labels die cut, a distressed piece of kraft paper embossed with a Tim Holtz Halloween folder (folder not counted), 2 Grungeboard letters covered with Washi tape (tape also not counted) 5 Tim Holtz Alphabet cards, a label, and a black cat cut from a Tim Holtz die.  Personally, I think black cats are VERY lucky and speaking of...being LUCKY, I mean.

WE WON!

 

 

Haunted Design House took the hotly contested 6th DT Throwdown Challenge on the Smeared and Smudged Forum, narrowly edging out the fabulous Smeared Ink team in the first ever tie breaker.  I wish to thank all who participated, took the time to vote, voted for us (XX) and most of all my fabulous teamie Creepy Glo (we were one Minion short this time, which makes us all the more LUCKY!) See our fab winning projects HERE and scroll down a couple to see my personal post.  Hope you can all stay cool.  It's bloody hell here in the dungeon.

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center challenge under the LOC theme (in case the label doesn't count as a sentiment) and Simon Says Stamp and Show Anything Goes.

Lets' Hear it for the Red, White and Blue!

We're wavin' flags and setting off fireworks for our Dilly Beans Patriotic Challenge this week and I've turned the new #562 Hypno Eyed Monster Framed into Uncle Sam using the hat from #329 Top Hat Snowman.  He's fussy cut and layered outside his frame (cut with a Nestie).  The fireworks are stickers, the flag a cupcake decoration and USA is from the Cuttlebug Curls and Swirls Alphabet (retired).  He's got stars in his eyes and on the fab Americana DP from BoBunny.  Come celebrate with us and check out the fab red, white and blue offerings from my teamies HERE.  And don't forget, there's still a sale going on at the Dilly Beans SHOP.

 

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge, the Simon Says Stamp and Show Stripes Challenge, the Craft Lovin' Challenge Blog Independence Day challenge, the Chocolate, Coffee & Cards 4th of July challenge, the Simply Create Too Use the Colors of Your Flag challenge, the DLArt Thankful Thursday Patriotic Challenge and the KittyBee Aloha Friday Red, White and Blue challenge.

Delicious Doodles for Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge, ADFD Blog Hop and Dilly Beans Sale

The current challenge at Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge is Headstones and Graveyards.  WooHoo!  Now, what image to choose?  I adore Teri's Delicious Doodles Graveyard digi which won out because of all the fabulous details.  Beautiful on it's own, but even cooler in 3D.

I printed the image at 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 (so I could mat for ATC size), printed it 5 times, and fussy cut up a storm.  Here's the dimensional view and I've gotta say I ADORE how it came out.  For once I'm not joining in at the 11th hour at Wicked Wednesday.  You've got 3 more days to enter and there's fab inspiration by the DT with a prize from Smeared Ink so what are you waiting  for?

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center Challenge using the LOC theme), ATC's with Attitude Neutral Colors (I hope they consider B&W neutral), Simon Says Stamp and Show Brought to You by the Letter "S" (SCARY and SPOOKY) Challenge, the C.R.A.F.T. Anything but a Card Challenge  (it's an ATC) and the very first challenge at PunkYouGirl Anything Goes.

There's a fab Blog Hop going on at ADFD showcasing their new June Club release and it's perfect for Father's Day.  Not a Club Member? (Well, why the heck not?  There are fab discounts to be had). Join in the Hop for a chance to WIN this fab release but HURRY!  Start HERE.

 

Dilly Beans Sale extended!  What are you waiting for?

Simply Steampunk Clocks and Timepieces

Woohoo, it's time for another challenge at Simply Steampunk and that's exactly it:  TIME.  We want to see clocks or timepices on your projects.  I call my piece, Cherish Every Moment Because Time Flies, using the adorable Jude from the Robert's Family Portraits Release.  Wanted to do a little staging here, with antique toys, a memory of how quickly children grow up.

I've assembled a faux watch using pieces from Tim Holtz.  Thought it would be fun to do something a bit different, for a change.  Jude is colored with Copics and captured in the pocketwatch.  The watch fob incorporates additional Steampunk embellishments.  The team has done an outstanding job so be sure to visit them HERE, at Simply Steampunk.  Remember, you must use an SBS Steampunk image to be considered for a prize but hopefully you snagged either a Freebie from our release hop or took advantage of the fabulous sale over the Memorial Day weekend.  We can't wait to see what you come up with.

I'm also entering this in the C.R.A.F.T. Anything but a Card Challenge, The Happy Campers Use Metal Challenge, Digi Stamps 4 Joy "Oh to be Young Again" Challenge, Pink by Design Anything but a Card Boys, boys, Boys Challenge, Simon Says Stamp Masculine, Simon Says Stamp and Show Brought to You by the Letter "S" (Steampunk) and Digi Darla's Make it Masculine Challenge.

Skull Appreciation Day Hop!

 

Welcome to the Skull Appreciation Day Blog Hop sponsored by Smeared Ink. It's the 3rd annual and I'm happy to say, my 3rd year of participation.  If you've arrived from  Alison's Blog, you're on the right track, if you'd like to start at the beginning, click HERE.  You can read about this fabulous day celebrating skullies of all types  and how it all began HERE on the SKull a Day Blog.  To follow the hop, scroll down for our very long, but FABULOUS list of participants.  Hey, it's Tuesday.  What else ya got to do?

 

 

I've altered some paper mache half skulls using techniques I (sort of ) learned from the Andy Skinner Book of Ruination Workshop.  I was going for a sort of rotting flesh effect but didn't read all the instructions or assemble all the tools I needed before I started so the effect wasn't exactly as I hoped (besides the fact I'm very impatient when it comes to drying times).  I don't think it turned out half bad for a first attempt, though.

The finished product was not what I intended either, but my day led me in this direction so I altered a box for love's faded memories. 

Now hop along and enjoy more skullie goodness.  Your next stop is another Fabulous Donna's Blog.  And here's the entire Blog roll in case you get lost.

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge, Simon Says Stamp and Show Letter "S" (skulls, duh!) Challenge and Left of Center using the LOC theme.
 

 

 

Terra

Tori Laura Kapree Kristy Sandy Jacki Rick St Dennis Airless Chambers Wendy Julia Susan Lady Brayton Black Dragon Kay Miko Creepy Glowbug Aletha Ike Miranda Hazel Monique Shoni Suzi Leigh S-B Designs DominoART Alison Donna M You are HERE Donna W Jane De Stempelwinkel Evil Edna Jenn Steph Anna Bombshell Stamps Helen Shell Movie Magic Monthly Blog Fiona Serena Little Black Kitten Maureen Karen Milo Teri

Stephen King Knightmare

It's the second week of the Stephen King Knightmare at Haunted Design House.  I'm a hug fan and have done a number of cards in this theme, Carrie, Pet Semetary...and had planned to do IT this time but it was already well covered by several of the Minions.  What to do?  Draw on an oldie but goodie...CHRISTINE!   Found this groovy pic on the net.  Came up with the sentiment, myself (she's a 1957 Plymouth Fury, in case you were wondering).  Cropped a book cover image and set it in a frame for the license plate. 

Both sentiment and plate were printed right on the car pic, then I printed the car again and cut out the words and plate to add a little dimension.

The car pic was an odd size so I added an extra panel and tire (embossed with the Cuttlebug Herringbone folder) to make it fit nicely into a business size envie.  The cool skully car key was a serendipidous find at my LSS.  If you know the story, the tag on the key is pretty chilling.  Again, computer generated and laminated with my Xyron.  Might be a nice "congrats on your new car" card for some young man, eh?  Okay King fans, we're waiting on you.  I know you're out there, but please do mention your inspiration in your post.  For example, check out the Minion's takes HERE.  There's still a week to play. 

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center (LOC theme because I can't believe I actually didn't use a digi stamp although the image Is digital), Simon Says Stamp and Show Inspired by (Stephen King) Challenge, Paper Creator's Crafts For the Boys Challenge, and Moving Along with the Times One for the Guys Challenge.

Smeared and Smudged DT Throwdown #4

WOW!  It's the 4th DT Throwdown at the Smeared and Smudged Forum and I'm joining my Minion Sisters Teri and Croms to proudly represent Haunted Design House.  The theme is Leather and Lace chosen by US 'cause we won last time, WOOHOO! and I've made a Butterfly Queen Dress Form Art Doll.  It started with a papier mache dress form which I gessoed and painted with acrylic.  Hubby drilled a hole through which I inserted a wooden spoon to fit in a spool base.

I've been collecting printed leather remnants from the fabulous Britex Fabrics in San Francisco and chose this piece for the dress.  (That's a chair seat for point of reference as to the size.)

I tried to make a sort of pattern with tissue paper before cutting into it.  Scared the crap out of me, to be honest, a seamstress I'm not, but the lace conveniently hid the seaming and I was on a roll.  Wouldn't mind one like this myself.

With the theme covered, I proceeded with the stamps.  All are from the Specimen Jar Set by Smeared Ink.  I printed the butterflies in different sizes on transparency film and thought I'd be able to color them with Copics, but the colors were too pale. Then tried Alcohol Inks with a brush but it looked streaky.  Finally I just dripped colors on the acetate and WooHoo!  Wasn't prepared for the lack of control you have as the colors mix and blend, but the final effect was pretty cool.  then I cut them out, attached little antennae and wire so they could fly.  I cropped and printed the lady to use only her head and neck.

She was printed several times, colored with Copics, fussy cut and layered for a bit of dimension.  Then I glued her to the front of the spoon.

The back served to be more of a problem.  The stamp had no rear view.  I considered making some rosette or something to cover the back of the spoon but didn't want to interfere with her wings, so I flipped the image and a bunch of just her hair, printed, colored, cut and pieced it together to form the back of her head.  I have to say I was really, really REALLY thrilled with how it came out.

Finally, the spool just wasn't a big enough base so I added a round box cover, cut more of the leather (with a Nestie, who knew?) and embellished it as you see here.  When I was done I did the "Happy Dance" and so did my teamies who were sweatin' it waiting for me to finish.  LOL  Please visit HDH to see their fab projects and also the Throwdown Post for more info and inspiration by the rest of the participating teams.  We all are bringing our "A" game and every team should consider themselves a winner.  However, there is a VOTE which starts tomorrow around noon EDT so be sure and support your fave!  You must be a member of the Smeared and Smudged Forum to vote, but it's free and fun (just ask) so why the heck wouldn't you?

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge, Simon Says Stamp and Show Color Challenge, Left of Center Challenge (hoping this is LOC enough?), the Stampotique Trimmed Stamp Challenge #97, the Going Grey With Scrap-Creations Insects or Animals, LEJ Designs Mystical, Magical or Mysterious, TTRCD Anything Goes, {Pin}spirational CHallenge #54, the Outlawz Paper a la Mode Anything Goes Challenge, the Art With No Boundaries Linky Challenge and the DLArt April Linky Party. 

Spring has Sprung!

Don't faint, I have TWO posts today, so please scroll down to see my Simply Steampunk card and find out about the new monthly challenge.

Looking out the window here it's evident Spring has sprung, so we're celebrating the season at Dilly Beans with Spring inspired cards this week.  Here we have #351 Amalia and Butterflies Framed gazing up at #529 Grandpa's Flower.  For a little play on words, I made a spring for the stem by winding green wire around a skewer, then fussy cut and attached the leaves behind.  The bloom is layered and popped on an action wobble.  You tired of my Alpha Beads yet?  Me neither.  LOL  Be sure and pop by Dilly Beans to see more Spring inspired cards from my DT sisters and how about joining us this week?  We'd love to have you.

I'm also adding this to the DLArt Thankful Thursday Spring Challenge, Simon Says Stamps and Show Anything Goes, Craft and Me Spring Flowers, Flutter by Wednesday Flowers Challenge, Stampotique Flowers Challenge #94 and Can You Digi It Pick a Season Challenge.

Simply Steampunk Bits of Lace Challenge

WooHoo, it's the first Friday of the month which means it's time for a new Challenge at Simply Steampunk.  This month we're asking for Bits of Lace.  All this month, the DT is showcasing the Original Steampunk Images from Simply B Stamps.  Today I'm working with the beautiful Emma.

I know some of you may be a little intimidated by the fabulous detail of these images.  I'll admit, I collected a ton before I ever got the nerve to color one, but here's a little trick;  I like to print mine out fairly large.  Not only is it easier to see what's what, but they make a beautiful bold statement on your project that way.    Also remember, there is no right or wrong way to color them.  If you need some inspiration, the DT will be providing all kinds of it, starting with our Re-release post from March 25th and continuing through the month of April so visit Simply Steampunk often.

I colored Emma with Copics to match the K&Co DP from the old Blue Awning Stack.  the large embossed flower was fussy cut from another of the pages. The expression on Emma's face makes me think she's contemplating a decision so I chose this glass paper clip from Melody Ross that says "Choose for Yourself".  If only life were that simple.  My bits of lace are adhesive backed "lace tape" from Decollections and I've added a bit of velvet rick rack as well.

The little butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch.  I used a kraft knife to fussy cut the image because I love to pop them for dimension.  Be sure to visit Simply Steampunk to see the fabulously inspirational work by my DT sisters and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you create this month for our Bits of Lace challenge which runs through May 2nd.  You needn't limit yourself to an original Steampunk image.  Just add bits of lace to any of the fabulous Steampunk images HERE. 

I'm also entering this in the Pals Paper Arts Fresh Breeze Color Challenge, the Simon Says Stamp and Show Anything Goes Challenge, Papertake Weekly Anything Goes and Cards and More Add some Metal Challenge (the metal paper clip).

White Embossed Background for ADFD

Yes, I know Easter has passed but for someone who just got her tree down last week I think this is pretty good.  You think I'm kidding, don't you?  Well, at least I made my resolution deadline.  (BARELY!)  LOL  I've been wanting to play at A Day For Daisies and keep missing the boat.  The current challenge is use a white embossed background and I have sooo many embossing folders I just couldn't decide so I tried a trick with a new die from Spellbinders I got at the Expo.  Instead of using the cutting plate, I ran it through my Grand Calibur with the embossing mat and plate only and got this cool effect.  Now what?

Choosing the image was equally hard.  I have hundreds, literally, but this adorable Bunny Ears won out.  I did a minimal of coloring with Copics and paper pieced the little jammies.  Had to have a fuzzy bunny, so I paper pieced him, as well, by printing again, fussy cutting, running him through the Xyron right side down and flocking before gluing to the image.  Added a mini pom pom tail too.  I wanted a panoramic egg effect so I again used Spellbinders to cut the egg and window, embossed and glittered it to look like sugar.  I snipped a punched strip and carefully taped it around the back for the decorative edge.  I used the same punch (Stampin' Up) for the card mat.

My plan as to keep the card mostly white so I dug in my stash and found a Spellbinders Easter border I've had for ages but never used.  The color was added with my Copics while it was still in the die.  More succesful had I pulled out my air compressor and sprayed, but with a light touch I managed not to have it bleed too much.  Finally I popped the elemants for a little more interest and added a sentiment with Alpha Beads.  Thanks for hangin' in there, I'm awfully chatty today.

I"m also entering this in the DL Art Thankful Thursday Spring Challenge, Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Easter Challenge, Simon Says Stamp and Show Very Strict Anything Goes Challenge, the Outlawz Monday Greeting Card Challenge Anything Goes, and Papertake Weekly Anything Goes and The Crafty  Bloggers Network Anything Goes April Challenge.

Wicked Wednesday Sporty Girls

I'll tell you I had a tough time with this week's Wicked Wednesday ATC Challenge, Sporty Girls, until I came upon a freebie image I had from Kenny K.  For those of you who don't think jumping rope is sporty, TRY IT!  Holy crap!  Not for wimps, I'd say.  She's colored with Copics and the sentiment is computer generated.  Glued twine to where the rope was and added a little sun brad.  Looks like she's having a ball, don'tcha think?

I'm also entering this in the Forever Friends Girls Challenge, the Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes Challenge, and Simon Says Stamp and Show Very Strict Anything Goes Challenge.

Macabre Monday "Bare Bones" Challenge

WooHoo, look at me!  Usually I'm part of the "B" Team at Haunted Design House but here I am posting the first week of the challenge.  This fortnight the challenge is "Bare Bones" which means CAS (clean and simple), no (or very minimal) embellies.  RESTRAIN yourself!  Normally this is not my kinda style, but because I DO find it such a challenge, I've been dabbling quite a bit lately.  The cool thing is if you manage an idea, these projects are soooo much quicker to execute.  Although not required, I immediately thought of skellies (you know, the "bones" reference) and remembered the fabby dancing ones from De Stemplewinkel.  The Trees with Crows completed the scene.  Wow, TWO rubber stamps on this!  Will wonders never cease?  Anyway, once they were stamped, I masked off the bottom of the card (one layer no less, go me!) and used a Nesties circle as a mask for the moon and sponged a bit of Stormy Sky Distress ink.  Removed the masks, drew a line with my Micron pen to separate the design and ran it through the printer for my sentiment.  DONE!  See, how easy?  Now it's your turn.  More fab inspiration from at least half the Minions HERE.

I'm also entering this in the Left of Center Challenge 2 where it's Anything Goes if it's LOC, Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes, Simon Says Stamp and Show (Very Strict) Anything Goes (LOL) and  the Outlawz Sunday CAS Challenge which is Anything Goes.

ADFD for Wicked Wednesday

Just under the wire again for the Wicked Wednesday ATC challenge this week.   The challenge is A Fairy Happy New Year, too cute!  I also wanted to play in the ADFD Something Shiny Challenge so I chose this adorable digi called Christmas Delivery.

She's colored with Copics with Stickled wings and the details on her outfit shine with Spica pens.  I first colored the ornament with Silver gel pen and then used Glossy accents to shine it up further.  In person it looks like the glass ornaments you pour the floor wax into and coat with glitter from the inside.  The DP has foil accents and is mounted on mirror board for further shine.  The numbers were cut on my Cuttlebug (again in mirri) from my ancient Typeset Alphabet and I've added silver adhesive beads to the corners.  Shiny enough?  I sure hope so, but not the easiest to photograph.  I rarely say a project looks better in person, but this one truly does.

And speaking of ADFD, you still have time to do their mini blog hop for a chance to win the new January Club Kit which is ADORABLE.  Click HERE for deets.  You have until Midnight January 10th CST.

I'm also entering this in the ATC's and Cards With Attitude Happy New Year challenge,  the Simon Says Stamp and Show Embrace the Old challenge (numbers are cut with a very old Cuttlebug Alphabet), and Sparkle and Glitter with Rick St. Dennis New Beginnings Challenge (hopefully I can enter again with one of Rick's designs).

Week 3 Chapter 20- Twinkle Like a Bat, Shine Like a Tea Tray

...it was at the great concert given by the Queen of Hearts, and I had to sing "Twinkle, twinkle, little bat!How I wonder what you're at!"You know the song, perhaps?' `I've heard something like it,' said Alice. `It goes on, you know,' the Hatter continued, `in this way:-- "Up above the world you fly,Like a tea-tray in the sky.Twinkle, twinkle--"'-- Chapter 7, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
 

 Just like the Mad Hatter's song, we at The Altered Alice, want you to create something that twinkles or shines; bats are optional! Think bling, metal, glitter, mirror card; the possibilites are endless! Some of the design team will be using some very unusual Alice-inspired designs. Just like you dress up for Halloween and take on another persona, these racy images have Alice and other characters all grown up and taking a walk on the wild side!

My project is a wall hanging using the fabulous White Rabbit Single, one of our great sponsor's fabulous Wonderland images.  This ain't no ordinary fairy tale.  LOL

Our sponsor this month is Smeared Ink, home of edgy, wild and fun designs in rubber and digital forms has released a Wonderland Collection; images are available individually or as a set. The randomly-chosen winner of this month's challenge will receive a $15 shopping spree in their online store.

Smeared and Smudged is an online community of rubber stampers and crafters who enjoy using alternative, gothic, edgy, and unique stamps in their designs. We thrive on different and unusual. We welcome the macabre and devious side of things, and most of all, we embrace ALL types and styles of art. Whether or not you “come to the dark side”, your creations should be a reflection of you. At Smeared and Smudged, the most important thing is being yourself. There are lots of ways to interact with the community! [ Ning Community | Challenge Blog | Facebook Group ]

Here's a close-up of the fabulous image.  I've colored with a mix of Copics and metallic gel pens and added a serious amount of bling with adhesive gems.  The clock hands are part of the Tim Holtz die cut I've layered the image on.

I had a particulary fun time with the White Rabbit herself, fussy (or should I say fuzzy, LOL) cutting and flocking her and adding a fluffy white tail.

The fabulous glittered and embossed wings were done with the Cuttlebug Vintage Collage Emboss Plus folder, the scalloped circle and shaped mat layer with Nesties Grands.  Time certainly does fly, almost right off the page as each layer is popped with dimensional foam.

Finally, I've added tea time charms from Alpha Stamps  and spelled out the rather obvious sentiment with colored Alpha Beads. (I just couldn't help myself).
There is more fabulous inspiration for our sparkly theme on The Altered Allice and if you haven't already, scroll down to see the previous 2 week's offerings.  There's still time to shine in this month's challenge.

Enter your project by Friday, October 25 for a chance at the shopping spree. As always, multiple entries are encouraged (after all, this is a monthly challenge) but each entry must be on a separate post. All projects that meet the challenge criteria are welcome, but entries that feature Wonderland will have two chances with each project entered instead of one.  DON'T BE LATE!

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Your Favorites Challenge (mine being dimensional layering, combining stamps and die cuts, and Alice in Wonderland.)

BBTB2 In Honor Challenge

If you're looking for Haunted Design House, please scroll down.  In fact, please scroll down anyway because I had a horrendous week, and that project (which isn't at all creepy) took me FOREVER to do and I think it's cool, so please leave me some love!  I need it...BADLY!

This week at BBTB2, Our dear DT sister Brenda has chosen the theme, In Honor, remembering the 11th anniversary of Sept 11 event that has so impacted our lives.  Our projects reflect our appreciation for the emergency and military personnel who risk their lives on a daily basis to keep us safe.  My wall hanging if from Stand and Salute, with a gorgeous banner from Artiste.  I've trimmed the word "Home" from the latter part of the sentiment and added "Because" to the banner with my computer.

Here's the dimension shot which also gives you a better view of the embossed layer of the map.  Please visit BBTB2 to view our tribute and join us this week in honor of the brave men and women who serve our country and are so deserving of our heartfelt thanks.

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Hero Challenge.

It's a Girl with CTMH Artiste

I've been playing with my new CMTH Artiste cart and was excited to use the sweet baby shoes on page 63.  Our nephew's wife is expecting and although we don't know the sex yet, I figured I had a 50/50 chance.  I cut them at 4" in the sweetest flocked DP from Me&My Big Ideas and then set out to find something to do with them.  I loved the cool box on page 74 and used DS to determine how large I wanted the top to fit the shoes with room to spare.  I was surprised to find out it was 2".  Must be measuring from the height of the box.  At this size, you need a 12x24" mat and you still can't fit the top, bottom and side cuts on one piece of 12x24" card stock but the box was then a substantial size, with the interior being approximately 5" square.  I chose to do the top and bottom cuts out of white, instead.  The assembly instructions tell you to glue the shoe upper flaps to the top of the soles, but I wanted a more finished look inside so I cut the soles again at 3 7/8" and glued the flaps under the smaller soles and then glued the 4" soles on the bottom.  This was a bit tricky and I ended up doing a teeny bit of trimming, but I preferred the clean look both inside and out.

I made a second layer for the top, again using DS so I could add another layer of DP.  The sweet bows on the toes are another cut from Artiste, (page 56) which I embossed (along with the shoe straps) with Swiss Dots.  They started at 1" but I shrunk them down to fit with DS.  "It's a Girl" is another fab cut (on page 64 at 2 1/2") and I cut it twice, embossed the top layer and offset them slightly and popped them for a little more dimension. 

I have to say my fave cut of all on this is actually the bow.  Couldn't help but use it again cut at 1", and embossed with the Cuttlebug Polka Dots folder. This is cut in a single piece with holes cut with your Cricut for a brad for easy assembly.  Too cute!

For a finishing touch I lined the top and bottom sections of the box with DP.  I just cut a square at 5" and attached inside which not only added strength, but also hid the flaps used for assembly.  I'm really loving CTMH Artiste because it really has fabulous 3D projects  and cuts for all holidays and occasions as well as coordinating chipboard and stamps.  If you haven't already purchased it, please visit my fab friend, DT sister and CTMH consultant Susan HERE.  Also be sure to visit her personal blog HERE for many more inspirational projects from this versatile cartridge.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Stamp and Show No Rules Challenge, the Allsorts It's a Gift Challenge, and the Divas by Design Anything Goes challenge.

Dilly Beans Hearts Challenge

This week our Dilly Beans Challenge is Hearts.  No prob.  I've been dying to use a robot from Megan's new release and went with the adorable Luv Bot Framed.  However, instead of coloring, I decided to try something new.  I have a bunch of colored metal sheets that haven't been touched in maybe 3 years and thought it would be fun to emboss the stamp in metal.

I printed the image and taped it to the back of the metal sheet and used a stylis against my foam piercing mat to trace the image.  You actually have to go back and forth (meaning back to the front and back again) and rub the unembossed portions with your finger and trace on either side of the embossed lines on the front and sometimes retrace over and over to get a crisp enough image to sand, and mine is in no way perfect (even though I worked on this for probably 45 minutes) but it was fun, different, and came out sort of cool.  Remember, if you want to try this, to flip your image if you want it to face the same way as drawn, but in this case I didn't think it mattered.  The mat is embossed on metallic paper with the Robotz Cricut Companion folder in my Cuttlebug and the hearts were cut in the some colored metal with my Nesties.  So there you have it, my attempt to mix things up a bit.  Always fun trying new techniques and the adorable Robots in the Dilly Beans Shop are perfect for that.  Oh, and BTW, Megan just added some MORE new designs, so check them out HERE and also the fab work by my teamies HERE.

I'm also entering this in the Penny's Paper-Crafty Masculine Challenge, Simon Says Stamp and Show No Rules Challenge, the WishCraft Waste Not Wednesday Challenge (the colored metal sheet), and the Card a Day August Embossing Challenge.