Holly's New Bed

Holly has found a new place to reside.  Unfortunately, her human isn't as happy about the spot as she is.  Oh well, as they say cats rule.......  This adorable image is from Stamping Dragon Designs and is colored with Copic markers.  I fussy cut her out so I could "display" it on a tablecloth (at least that's what I'm hoping you see when you look at this).  The "tablecloth" was created using the Classic Diamonds #6 die from Spellbinders.  I also pop dotted the image and made a portion of the tablecloth hang outside the frame I made.


The background paper was created using the spray starch technique that I found here under tips and tutorials.  It has such a shimmery look to it in person.  


Here's a close up so you can see details a bit better.  Don't forget about the Birthday challenge on the challenge blog still going on; you still have time to enter your project.


Copics used: B04, B06    Y21, Y32, Y35, Y38, YG21

Phoebe

Phoebe is the cutest little pig fairy you'll ever see.  She's from Pattie's Creations and their challenge this week is to incorporate a pet into your project. 

Copic markers were used to color Phoebe.   I fussy cut her out so I could adhere her to this cute sky paper (sorry, don't know the manufacturer).  There's a bit of painted cardboard poking out behind the card and I added a Tim Holtz Adage ticket.  The base of the card is kraft paper which I distressed with a distressing tool and Distress inks.

Edited:  Phoebe won the Allie's Choice Award this week.

Copics used: RV10, RV11, RV13, Y00, Y11, E53, E57    W3, W5, W8

Happy, happy

I'm so happy to share that I'm on the new design team for AiFactory.  There are two teams (you can look above at the page tabs marked "Design Teams" to see everyone's blog address).  We will be bringing you something exciting every week.


Here are the links for the challenge blog and for the AiFactory store.  Be sure to go check it out.  My first post for AiF will be on Thursday, March 3 and it will be a big splash!




On a side note, I did a bit of housekeeping.  You can now find all my design team members' blog addresses in the page tabs above.  I'm sure they would love for you to check out their blogs and leave some lovin' too.

DTD March New Release Blog Hop

Delmar is all ready for the Mardi Gras parties to begin and he's one cool dude in his outfit!  I decided to create a tag so Delmar could really strut his stuff (and you couldn't get distracted by things he considers unnecessary). You can find Delmar, new release by Bonibleaux Designs Digis, at the Dude Time Doodles store.

Copics were used to create his outfit and Flower Soft (nut brown) was used for his hair.  I also airbrushed the tag in the same colors as Delmar's suit with my Copic markers.  The fancy diamond behind Delmar is gold; however, it's really hard to photograph without getting some sort of reflection.  The cobblestones are a rubber stamp from Beeswax Rubber Stamps that are colored with Copics and cut down to fit the tag.  Here's a close-up of Delmar so you can see a bit more of the details:

This Blog Hop does not have a starting or an ending point; so no matter where you hop, you're at the right place.  Just keep going until you've hopped to each of us.  Don't forget to leave some love everywhere you land, including here (and become a follower if you like what you see)!  One of the Design Team Dudettes will be chosen as the "MYSTERY HOSTESS" of the blog hop and one lucky commenter will receive one of our new release images or any individual image of their choice for free.  The Dudettes do not know who the MYSTERY HOSTESS will be until after the hop, so, please leave love everywhere you go during the hop.  Once you have gone full circle, you have completed the Hop.  All the New Release images will be available in the store at 10 am EST.

Hop on over to Miss Theresa next!  We all hope you enjoy what you see along the way because we all have a blast putting it together for you.

These are all the places you will want to Hop to (in case you get distracted by all the art along the way): Anne     Theresa     Fink     Ginny     Cleota     Ruth     Hetty     Boni     Lynn     Chrissy     Tammy    Dude Time Doodles

Thanks for joining us this month for the Dude Time Doodles New Release Blog Hop!

Pelican Beach

This adorable fisher is for the Hambo Stamps Hoedown Challenge this week: A Trip to the Beach.  You have until tonight at 10pm CST to link up your creation.  (I've had mine colored for several days, but just now getting around to finishing him up.)

I colored this guy with Copic markers and cut the image out with the Spellbinder's large deckled rectangles (#4).  Added a few stickers from Creative Memories that I've had in my stash for quite a while, and matted him on kraft paper.  The background paper is actually the "catch-all" paper from spraying all different colors and manufacturers of the glitter/glimmer mists.  I liked it and the colors reminded me of a dusky sky - lots of blues and purples and golds.

Copics used: E41, E43    B93, B95, B97   E53, E33    YG0000, YG00, YG01, YR65    B00

Timeless Classic

It's the third Sunday of the month and that means it's time for the Stamping Challenge over at Ch{all}enge Masters.  It's free to join and there are lots of new challenges issued each week. 

My challenge to everyone is to make your own stamped metal accents.  I used this technique in two different places on this tag: the gears and the hub caps. 

I found this great video at Hero Arts that shows you how simple and easy these are to make.  I ended up making 6 layers, instead of the 4 that was recommended on the video for the gears (my base is larger than the one in the video though). Here's a close-up of the gears metal accent:

Using this same metal accents technique, I also made my "metal" hub caps for this antique car.  I created the hub caps using my Epiphany Crafts round shape tool 14 and bubble caps. 

I also experimented with a different technique.  I used my colorless Art Masking Fluid (which I've used before) to mask the car.  After that dried, I applied my Versamark pad over the entire surface of the tag and heat embossed with this cool Denim embossing powder.  What I wasn't sure about was if the heated powder would release with the masking fluid.  It did!  I had to rub a bit harder to get it off, but I'm really happy with the results. 

The car is a rubber stamp from Art Impressions and the gears and sentiment are rubber stamps from an older Stampin' Up set called Sense of Time.  The oval background for the metal accent was cut with Classic Ovals #3 Spellbinders die.  I distressed the edges of my sentiment and hung it with jump rings found in the jewelry aisle of your favorite craft chain.  

By the way, Ch{all}enge Masters is looking for several new Divas for the term beginning April 1st through September 30th, 2011.  If you are interested, please contact Terri at: terri@challengemastersonline.com for the details!!

I would love to see what you come up with using this fun technique.

True Love - TLC Blog Hop

Welcome to the Create with TLC Blog Hop.  I needed an anniversary card for a couple who have been together for a long time and thought this rubber stamp image from Magenta and the sentiment from Create with TLC fit the bill perfectly.

I used Distress inks to created the sponged background as well as coloring this cute image of Susie and Benjamin's First Kiss.  I pop dotted their heads and left the bottom of the image flush with the background for a more dimensional look.  Here is a closer look so you can see the details better.

A  glitter pen was used to create twinkling stars and to highlight portions of the sentiment.

 

The next person on the hop is .................. Krisa.   Thanks for stopping by and looking around.  (You'll notice that I use sentiments by Create with TLC quite a bit.)   

Sweet - SDD Challenge

It's time for another challenge at Stamping Dragon Designs.  The image I used is the Heart Cupcake Under Dome.

Here are the details and a little about the store: 

Challenge blog website: http://stampingwithdragon.blogspot.com/

Sponsor: Paper Cupcakes

Theme: Birthday Celebration

Time frame: 7pm EST Feb 17 - 7pm EST March 2 (12 am England time 2/18 till 12 am England time 3/3) 

Prize: 3 images, winners choice; 2nd prize Guest DT spot.

Nina May is the owner and the illustrator for all the original images that can be found at Paper Cupcakes Stamps.  Paper Cupcakes just turned a year old in December and has around 300 original stamp image to choose from.  Paper Cupcakes also carries a wide variety of digital stamp images from cute, to floral to realistic.  There's something for everyone.  Nina has a lot of fun drawing these images and loves to see everyone's creativity when using her images. "I realize how much goes into our handcrafted projects and I have always felt that the main ingredient in our projects has always been love. So I say spread the love!"

Copic markers and a Spica Glitter pen were used to color/highlight this image.  I also used the "out of the box technique" and Classic Diamonds (#5, #6, #7) dies from Spellbinders to cut out my image.  The Dymo Caption Maker with interchangeable heads was used for my sentiment.  It's just the same as what you used as a kid and it's still fun.  (I purchased mine at a local craft chain).

Head on over to Stamping Dragon Designs challenge blog and show off your creativity!  Also, go check out what the other members of the Design Team has whipped up for you too (see sidebar for blog info).  Can't wait to see what you create for this birthday celebration challenge.

Copics used: Y00, Y02    YR0000, YR00    G0000, G000    R24, R29, R39    R21, R30    

Oh, Garcon! - DTD Inspiration Challenge

Guess what?  It's the third Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for the Dude Time Doodles Inspiration Challenge. Be sure to check out what each of the Dudettes have be inspired to create as well (see side bar for blog addresses).

I immediately thought of Gordy Garcon plying his trade at some swanky new outdoor restaurant in South Beach when I saw the inspiration board.  The only thing he doesn't really like about his job is the fact that his tux (which should ALWAYS be black, in his humble opinion) is Miami Beach Blue and that the linens (which should ALWAYS be white, again, in his humble opinion) are Key Lime Green.  But when in Miami (I mean South Beach)....

Gordy, a digital stamp by Bonibleaux Designs Digis, is colored with Copic markers and the Fancy Floor is a rubber stamp from Beeswax Rubber Stamps that was stamped with Distress ink.  The pot and flowers are from Flower Soft (summer).  I pop dotted the end of the linen towel and the dish in his hand for added dimension.

The inspiration comes from this color board:

Here are the Rules: 
1. Use inspiration board and creations from the Dudettes to get your mojo moving.  2. You are not required to use BDD images although it would make us really, really happy and giggle a lot if you did! 
3. MUST be a masculine themed card; you can use humor, innuendo, be a little naughty, sarcastic, but it has got to be for a DUDE!
4. Be sure to use the InLinkz at DTD to submit your creation.
You have until Tuesday, February 22nd to upload your project using InLinkz .  The winners will be announced at Dude Time Doodles Challenge Blog that evening.  

Copics used: B24, B26, B29    Y15, Y19    E31, E57    C7, C9    E00, E01, E11, R20    YG23, YG25   Papers: Creative Memories, Georgia Pacific

Smooch-y Gary

Gary is ready to give his girl a big Valentine's bouquet of flowers and something special in that little white box (but it's too long for an engagement ring and it's not Robin's Egg Blue - so it's not from Tiffany's).  I'm sure his girl will like it though.  How could you not like getting something from Gary Giftbearer, a digital image from Bonibleaux Designs Digis?

By the looks of things, he's about ready to go disco dancin'.  His shimery, shiny duds are colored with Smooch pearilized accent inks (carrot, kiwi, pool, nautical navy, sundance, moonlight, and taffy).  Copic markers were used for his skin tones (E00, E01, E11, R20).  The background paper is by Basic Grey.

Here's a closer look at those cool duds:

Happy Valentine's (or un-Valentine's, if you don't like celebrating) Day to all.

I've got my eyes on you

True Love - monster style.  This cutie pie is a digital image from Hambo Stamps and the challenge this week is to use this image plus add an additional heart (or another Hambo image if you didn't participate in the challenge last week).  Before printing, I reversed one image so I could have a boy and a girl monster (notice the pearl earrings and bracelet?), each holding a heart.  (I got the idea from Tammy - thanks!).  Flower Soft (Bright Pink) was used to give the hearts more contrast. I also cut out the sentiment using the Nested Hearts (#1) from Spellbinders, embossed it, and then highlighted the embossing with Distress inks and a glitter pen.  Copic markers are used to color the images.

The heart paper clips are made using the Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio Tool Round 14 and heart stickers.  Then I attached these to jumbo paper clips that I colored with my Copic marker (R39).  These are so fun and easy to make.  Here is a close-up of the paper clips.  (Epiphany Crafts also has a heart shaped tool, but since I don't own it, I improvised.)

You still have a few days to play along with Hambo Stamps Hoedown Challenge this week.  Have fun!

Copics used: BG15, BG32, BG34, BG45, BG49, Y06, Y08, Y11, colorless blender     C1.   Other ingredients: Mrs. Grossman's heart stickers, Distress Ink (Spun Sugar), pop dots 

Rupert's Valentine

Rupert wants to give his favorite girl, Penny, a nice box of yummy treats for Valentines.  Rupert's Valentine is a digital image from Stamping Dragon Designs and is so sweet.  I colored everything with Copic markers and then highlighted the hearts in the sentiment, the bow in Penny's hair, their wings and the horns with Distress Stickles (Spun Sugar, Scattered Straw, and Antique Linen).  It's extremely hard to tell in this picture, but the background was colored with pearlized chalks (blues for the sky and beiges for the ground). 

I printed the image twice so I could pop dot the end of the box top closest to Penny's hand for a more dimensional look.  Both the image and the card base are die cut with Spellbinder's Curved Rectangles Mega (#5, #6) and the sentiment is die cut with Spellbinder's Ribbon Tag Trio Two.

Valentine's Day is getting close.  Are you ready?  Rupert certainly is.

Copics used: R81, R83, R85, R89    G21, G24, G28    Y02, Y04, Y08, Y000    YG21, YG23, YG 25, G29    C00, C01

Luck o' the Irish to You

With a little luck from the Irish, you could see your name in bold over on the Dude Time Doodles Challenge Blog announcing that YOU are the winner of the Guest Design Team spot for the month of April.  Today is the day to challenge yourself with Shamus Shamrock, a FREEBIE from Bonibleaux Designs Digis.  Shamus loves to dance jigs, drink Irish Whiskey and flirt with the ladies.  He seems to have the luck of the Irish about him and he'd like to know if you want to come out to play among the clover and rainbows with him......


Here's what do you need to do: 
1.  Grab the freebie image at Dude Time Doodles.  
2.  Submit a photo of your creation via InLinkz button. 
3.  On February 15th, we will announce our Guest Designer for April.
4.  Spread the word - you only have one week - this will be a monthly event so be sure to come back on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and play again!


Copics used: YG07,YG09, G17    R05, R08, E07    Y19, Y38    N0, N2    R35, N37, R20, R81
Other ingredients: Spellbinders Labels Eight (#6), glitter pen, buttons, paper floss

Wee Henry Hockey

Henry love playing hockey.  Good thing he lives where it's cold so he can skate on his pond any time he wants (at least in the winter).  Wee Henry Hockey is a digital image from Hambo Stamps and is colored with Copic markers.  I fussy cut him out so he could actually be on the ice (which is covered with Stickles (icicles).

The snowbanks are pieces of torn paper edged with Distress ink that are strategically placed around the pond and the background paper is from My Mind's Eye.

Copics used: R35, R37, R39, RV99, Y06, Y18    T6, T7, T9    E53, E55, E57, E99    C2, C4, W1, E70, E71    B93, B95    N4, N6, N7    E50, E51, E53, R20   

Quackers over You - SDD

Stamping Dragon Designs has a new challenge beginning today and Stamping Dragon is the sponsor.  The challenge is : ANYTHING GOES!  How fun is that?  You have two weeks to complete and submit your project.  Here are the details:
     ~ Sponsor: Stamping Dragon Designs
     ~ Prize: 4 images, winners choice and a second prize of a Guest Design Team Spot. 
     ~ Challenge: Anything goes, show us your best work
     ~ Website to the challenge blog: http://stampingwithdragon.blogspot.com/
     ~ Link to the store: http://dragonslairdesigns.com/shop/
     ~ Challenge will run from Midnight the 4th of Feb and End Midnight 17th of Feb. England Time or   7pm the 4th of Feb to 7 pm the 17th of Feb EST.


I chose Quackers over You and printed this digital image twice.  I colored the ducks with my Copic markers and fussy cut them out because I wanted to pop dot their tail feathers.  All the hearts are paper pieced with paper from my stash and the bubbles are accented with Glossy Accents for a shiny look (I know it's hard to tell that in this picture).

The card itself is folded using the Spring Fold technique.  I first saw this type of card here (thanks Fink!) and then found the tutorial here.  I made my dimensions smaller, but it was easy to adjust the measurements.  I love trying new things.  They don't always work out, but I'm very happy with the results.

The background of the focal image is fabric, which is cut with Spellbinder's Standard Circles Small (#7) and the base of the card is the same piece of fabric.

Head on over to Stamping Dragon Designs and link up your newly created project.  I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Rodney Doesn't Do Mornings

**edited:  click here to see more information about the Create with TLC Blog Hop.

Today is the Dude Time Doodles Sketch Challenge but Rodney has trouble getting up most mornings.  He would much rather sleep late, but unfortunately he can't because his boss told him he'd better not be late again or there would be serious consequences!  

Rough Night Rodney's coloring (with Copic markers) was inspired by Graphic 45's "A Proper Gentleman" paper.  I don't know about you, but I absolutely love Graphic 45 but I have the hardest time using it because I don't want to cut it up.  Foolish, I know and I'm trying to get over that - I can always buy more!  Normally, I don't choose my papers before I start coloring.  I know that's the way most people do it, but as I said in an earlier post, I don't usually take the easy way.  I let the image "tell" me what colors to choose.

Spellbinder's Deckled Mega Rectangles Large (#4) was used to cut out this digital image, then it was matted on black cardstock.  The sentiment is from Create with TLC and I used Enamel Accents as my accent pieces.

Copics used: E07, E08, E09, B37, B39    E00, E01, E11, R20    C3, C7    E55, E59    R01

Now, it's your turn.

THE SKETCH:




THE RULES:

1. You will have one week (till Feb 8) to flip the Sketch, twist the Sketch, work the Sketch and submit the Sketch.

2. You are not required to use Bonibleaux Designs Digis although it would make us really, really happy and giggle a lot if you did!

3. MUST be a masculine themed card.  You can use humor, innuendo, be a little naughty, sarcastic, or whatever but it has got to be for a DUDE!

4. Be sure to use the InLinkz button at  Dude Time Doodles to submit your creation.

Two winners and the Top Blog winner will be announced on the DTD challenge Blog on February 9.

It's always exciting to see what everyone comes up with and I'm sure this week will be no different.  Good luck to all.  Oh, and Happy Ground Hog's Day!