Tuesday, November 30, 2010

DTD New Release Blog Hop

We did it! We have hit the official one month mark for Dude Time Doodles and Bonibleaux Designs has pulled out all the stops for the New Release Blog Hop this month!  


Here's what I worked up for you today.

I chose Airplane Crash for the cover of this card and I used Copic markers to color the plane.  Using the "out of the box" technique (see the tips of the wings) and deckled rectangles large by Spellbinders, I cut out my image before adhering it to my blue patterned paper.  To make the sky, I airbrushed it with my Copics and added some hand drawn clouds.  A strip of orange patterned paper was layered behind this.  The kraft paper layer was cut with Spellbinders Grand Labels Four (I cut the edges off) and I pierced around the sides.  I also highlighted the outside edges with a clear glitter pen.  Add a few brads, adhere to your base, and you're all set.
Copics used: R27, R29, R39     YR07, YR09     B60, B63    C00, C01, C03    YG17, YG67

Now for the inside of my card:


This is Hank Holla and he's a very opinionated football fan!  I used Copics to color him in and adhered him to my patterned paper layers before adhering to the card base.  The football (located in the $1 bin) was colored with Copics (E37 and then I used Colorless Blender on an old rag to get the bumpy effect footballs have - I know, very technical term).  I also pop dotted the ball for more dimension.


Copics used: E13, E15, E17, E39      Y23     E50, E51, E53, R20    YR04, B26, B29     R11, R20 E31, E33      E08, E09, YR04     E99, E42     B000       B02, B04  (left in the groupings that I used them in.)
Now, go check out the rest of the design team's work.  You will see all of the new release digis worked up for your viewing pleasure and be able to purchase any of the new images today in the store!


We're doing something different with the Blog Hop this time: One of the Design Team Members will be secretly chosen as the "MYSTERY HOSTESS" of the blog hop and one lucky commenter will receive a 
GRAND PRIZE
Free full set of New Release BDD digital images $30 value
WOW!


This Blog Hop does not have a starting and ending point so no matter where you HOP on you are in the right place.  Just keep going.  Don't forget to leave some love everywhere you land, including here!  If I'm the lucky Mystery Hostess, you will need to be a Follower (either a Networked Follower and get updates on your Facebook page or a regular Follower) of my blog to be eligible to win the Grand Prize.  Once you have gone full circle you have completed the Hop.
I'm so excited to link you to Miss Cleota next! 
 I hope you like what you see! Everyone on the DTD Design Team certainly had a blast putting it together for you!!
Don't forget all of the images you see will be for sale in the Store by 10:00 a.m. EST today!
ENJOY!!

Thank you!! 

Blog Hop Chain 
[in case you get distracted by all the art]
Anne 
and 

Friday, November 26, 2010

Holly Branch


This digital image is by Digidrawn was so fun and easy to color with my Copics (YG17, YG67, R14, R24, R27, E57, E39).  I also used a clear glitter pen to highlight the centers of each holly leaf and the centers of the berries.

I pop dotted the holly branch onto patterned paper that was cut with Spellbinders Labels Six. Then I began to layer: a blue layer which I doodled on with a clear glitter pen (can't see this very well in the photo), then a black layer, another piece of the same patterned paper where I punched two of the edges using a Stampin' Up punch, and finally a darker blue cardstock base.

The Christmas ticket is from the Tim Holtz line (used both the decorative strip from Sizzix and the coordinating rubber stamps from Stampers Anonymous.)  I also used a black Spica glitter pen to highlight different areas on the ticket stub.  I used the Tiny Attacher to attach the ticket stub to the card.  They are so small. but oh so cute!




Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Turkey Day


I started with Grand Labels One from Spellbinders as my base and then wrapped some raffia around one end.  The turkey is a digital stamp from Bonibleaux Designs called Turkey Lurkey (located under the Pilgrims and Turkey category) and I colored him with Copic markers (E35, E37, E57, R35) and pop dotted him for added dimension.

I free handed the table and the rest are Creative Memory stickers I had in my stash.  Found some great patterned paper and everything came together quickly and easily.  Gotta love that when it happens!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Stamping on a candle


I decided to try a new technique (to me) for the November Stamping Challlenge at Challenge Masters this month: stamping on a candle.  I know this technique has been around but I haven't had a chance to try it, and what better way than to make it a challenge?  It's actually a very easy technique and would make great little gifts to give (think teachers, hostess gift, secret santa, etc.).

The first thing you want to do is get a large diameter candle; one that burns down the center, not around the edges.  Also, a textured candle can be a little more forgiving.  The steps are pretty straight forward.  Begin by measuring the height of your candle and cut a strip of tissue paper the same height.  For the length, wrap the strip of tissue paper around the candle and overlap the edges just slightly.

 Next, stamp your image onto the tissue paper in what ever design you like.  I chose a simple image from Outlines Rubber Stamps.  I stamped it with Blazing Red Staz-on ink and colored it with markers.  You can also use a digital stamp for this technique.  You just have to trace your image onto the tissue paper and color it.  The rest of the steps are the same.

The final step is to take your heat gun and slightly melt the wax on candle as you press the tissue paper into the melted wax.  You continue to slightly melt the wax, press in the tissue paper, smooth out any wrinkles until you have completely gone around the candle.  You can alway re-lift the tissue paper and re-smooth it as needed. 
 You could also dress it up a little more by placing ribbon around the bottom edge of the candle (to hide any possible mistakes - not that you would have any).  As always, be cautious about the flame and how the candle burns.

Now that I've challenged everyone at Challenge Masters, I'm challenging you to make one (or lots) too.  While you're at it, head on over to Challenge Masters and sign up.  It's free and we have LOTS of new challenges every week.  So there's something fun for everyone.  You don't have to do them all, but the more you do, the better your chances of winning the monthly prize.  This month it's from Nikki Sivils.









Saturday, November 20, 2010

RBI Robby: DTD Inspire Challenge


 Today is Dude Time Doodle's first Inspiration Board Challenge.  This will be held the 20th of every month and here is your inspiration for this month:

The inspiration boards are courtesy of The Craft Begins.  Brianna has given DTD explicit rights to use her inspiration boards for these challenges - pretty cool!  You will have two weeks to use whatever grabs you for your creation!  Be sure to head over to Dude Time Doodles and link your project up with the InLinkz button.  Winners will be announced on the 27th.

I chose the baseball as my inspirational starting point.  And there's no better dude than RBI Robby from Bonibleaux Designs.  (Robby is listed under the Sports category).   I used my Copic markers to color him in and cut him out with my Large Deckled Rectangle dies from Spellbinders, using the "Out of the Box" technique.  

For the baseball "brad", I used a new tool (to me) called the Shape Studio Tool - Round 14 from Epiphany Crafts.  This cool little tool allows you to cut a shape anywhere you want on your piece of paper, allowing instant coordination.  Since I didn't own any baseball patterned paper, I went to my computer, found some clip art that I liked, and printed it out.  Used the tool punch and then the epoxy covering, and I had an instant embellishment.  Very cool!  I found the sentiment online and printed it out, Distress inked it, and adhered it.  

Don't forget to check out all the other great projects from our Design Team.  Now it's your turn to inspire us at DTD!  I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Cardinal



Today I designed a very simple card using Spellbinders dies,  rubber stamps and die cut sets from Heartfelt Creations, and a little Liquid Applique.


First, using Distress inks, I stamped the tree branch from the Heartfelt Creations' Holly Berry Filler set onto white cardstock, which was pre-cut using Labels One from Spellbinders.  I also used my clear Spica glitter pen to highlight each pine needle as well as the outside of this first layer.  I used a Copic marker to color in the branch itself and then applied the Liquid Applique for snow.  Distress ink was also used to ink the edges of the other two layers die cut with Labels One.


The cardinal was a bit trickier for me because I have the Heartfelt Creations dies, but not the rubber stamp set that goes with these dies.  So I improvised a little since I do have the Holiday Cardinal Mailbox pre-cut rubber stamp set.  So I stamped the image onto glossy cardstock that I pounced red alcohol inks to make a background, then embossed him with black embossing powder.  I then cut the cardinal out using the Cardinal Family die cuts and adhered my cardinal onto the branch.


My sentiment (which I also outlined with a clear Spica pen for added sparkle) also came from the Holiday Cardinal Mailbox set and was stamped onto my label created using the Ribbon Tags Trio from Spellbinders.   Used a little bit of raffia, and tied everything together.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Swingin' Santa - DTD Special Release Party

Couple of things to share with you today.  One is the Holiday Special Release where YOU can win the gifts and the second thing is a sale.  So be sure to read all the way to the end to find out all the details.


Dude Time Doodles, in conjunction with Bonibleaux Designs, is having a Holiday Special Release Party today,  just in time for you to make your Christmas cards (of course, I'm assuming you're behind, just like I am :) ).  When Dude Time Doodles reaches 100 followers today, one VERY LUCKY follower will win the complete set of these special releases.  There is also a second chance to win:  when BBD's group over at Crafters Digital Art Center reaches 100 members, one of the members gets a chance to win the complete set as well.


Today, I made a swingin' Santa card and used two of the new Christmas releases.  The front panel has St. Nick (I fattened him up a bit - one of the benefits of digital images) checking the "All I Want for Christmas" list of good dudes.  I colored him with Copic makers and used Flower Soft on his hat and boot tops.


When you open the card, it swings and.....

....Santa shows you what he wants for Christmas!  A vacation!!!!!  Santi Beaches is sitting on some tropical beach sipping a wonderful pink concoction (and only he knows the recipe!).  Of course, Santi has to keep his hat on his head, but I think he forgot sunscreen everywhere else.


Copics used:E000,E00,E11,R20   FRV1   T0,T2,T7   R83,R85,B000   E33,E55,E97,E37   YR00,YR07,YR09,FY1,FYG1,FRV1   R43,R46,R37,R89   E15,E15,B24,W7,WOO,W5    R46,R9,C1,C2   E07,E09   B16   E55,E59


Now, for the second part of the post:  a 50% off sale at Bonibleaux Designs!  For the next 3 days, BBD is having a sale to retire all the Halloween images released last month.  Go check it out.

And last, but not least, there's still a little time to submit your project using Hippy Rocker (a free download) to be a Guest Design Team member.  How cool is that!  Look here for all the details.  Winner will be announced on the 17th, so hurry!!!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Operation Write Home Valentine Blog Hop



Operation Write Home is having a Valentine's Blog Hop.  It's a privilege for me and Dude Time Doodles to be participating in this wonderful cause. OWH is a wonderful organization that collects hand-made cards and distributes them so our soldiers will have cards to mail to their loved ones.  There are a few basic rules (check OWH's site) for making cards  for our soldiers.  The big NO-NO is glitter.  It can flake off and be seen in night vision goggles, putting our heroes at risk.  Also, they don't need any Christmas cards at this time - it's too late to get them to our soldiers.


I designed a couple of cards for the OWH Valentine Blog Hop, both using images from Bonibleaux Designs.  The first is Hippy Rocker, and he can be found under the Manly Men category.  Copic markers were used to color him in.  I distressed his head band and jeans using an old rag and colorless blender.  


Then I fussy cut him out so I could pop dot him onto the alcohol ink background I made. This is a pretty easy technique.  Start off by using glossy cardstock and then squeeze a drop or two of alcohol ink onto the paper and move the splotch around with air.  I used my air compressor, but blowing into a straw would work too.  Keep doing this until you are happy with the results.  I was going for the tie-dyed look.


Scrap-Mart Label 1 dies, made by Spellbinders, were used to cut out the layers.  I stamped my sentiment, by Unity Stamps, on a separate piece of the tie-dyed background and adhered it to the base layer.


Copics used: R27,39   YR16, Y15, E30, E31, E33   B91,B93, B95   B21   YR21, YR23, YR24,   E000,E00,E11,R20   Y28   B26, B28, B29    YR07,YR09, YR18   colorless blender  


My next guy is Gary Giftbearer (he's also under Manly Men) and he reminded me of Forrest Gump (or maybe Gomer Pyle).   Copics were also used to color in Gary, as were the Label 1 dies from Scrap-Mart.  I used the "out of the box" technique to die cut Gary out.  The hearts are a couple of rub-ons from my stash.  The pink base cardstock was airbrushed with Copic markers to coordinate better with the patterned paper.  I used Distressed inks to ink up my edges.


Copics used: E25, E29   Y04, Y08, YR04   EOOO, EOO, E11, R20   B91, B93, B95   397, E99, E39, E47   T2, T3, T5, B28, B29   YR02, YR04, YR07, Y04, B93, B95, B97   YG17, YG23, YG67   B000    colorless blender


Be sure to visit Cleota, Hetty, Tammy, and Theresa  from the DTD design team and see their projects as well.  Once you'e visited all of us, head back to Dude Time Doodles to find your next hop!  Have fun and I hope everyone is inspired to make Valentine cards for our heroes!!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Gingerbread houses


I worked on several projects this past weekend, including these gingerbread houses.  Everything is completely edible, so after you make them, you can eat them.

This is a close up of the side of the larger house, complete with a little boy playing in the snow:


These are kits with complete instructions and different ideas on how you can decorate them.  All of the Wilton kits come with icing, pastry bags, tips, and candy.  Go have some fun making your own gingerbread houses - you could make a whole neighborhood!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Guest Designer Spot at DTD



Did you ever want to be a guest designer on a design team?  Well, TODAY is your lucky day!  Head on over to Dude Time Doodles to find out all the info.  You'll be able to download a FREEBIE stamp and then see what you come up with.  (Hint:  you'll be able to see what I did with him on Saturday - so be sure to stop back here).  I can't wait to see what you come up with (and I will be checking : )  )


Mark your calendars for the upcoming events at Dude Time Doodles:
     Saturday, 11/13: Operation Write Home Blog Spot  (I'll have something here too!)
     Monday, 11/15: 50% off sale at Bonibleaux Designs
     Saturday, 11/20: Inspiration Challenge
     Mon/Tue 11/29 & 30: New Release Blog Hop


I'll keep a schedule posted on my side bar too, so you'll never have to miss an event! 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Ms. Fluzzie - Sex Goddess



Ms. Fluzzie (also known as the Sex Goddess), as I affectionately dubbed her, is a rubber stamp image from I Brake For Stamps and she's located in the humorous seniors section.  I used a sample of the new Copic XpressIt blending paper and loved working with it!!  (It even cuts like a dream too.)  I'll definitely have to go buy some.

  As usual, I chose Copic markers to color her in.  I decided she has a very pale complexion, since she entertains inside most of the time.  It's hard to tell in the photo, but I used E000 and R20 for her skin tones, using E000 multiple times and letting the ink dry each time, thereby giving it a little darker look each time.  The other colors I chose are listed below.  I also highlighted the feathers with a Pink Star Gelly Roll pen by Sakura.

I was a bit trigger happy with my Smooch Spritz too.  Both the base card, which was cut using the new Grand Scallop Circle (#2 - assuming #1 is the smallest) by Spellbinders, and the intricately cut paper lace (from the new Cricut cartridge called Paper Lace) was sprayed with Pink Sprinkles Smooch Spritz.  The background for the paper lace was sprayed with Gingersnap Smooch Spritz.  

On the inside of the card, I stamped my sentiment with Rocket Red Gold, a very shimmery, shiny pigment ink by Brilliance.


All in all, a VERY glittery sparkly card - sort of like I would image Ms. Fluzzie's personality to be.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Dude Time Doodles October Blog Hop Winners!!

Hi everyone,

Head on over to Dude Time Doodles to see who all the WINNERS are from our very first New Release Blog Hop.  Just to give you a teaser, the person who won "Pete the Plumber" from Anne-Made said:

"Love the sentiment. How cute! And the glitter!!"  


The DTD sketch challenge is going on now; you can check out my project here and you can see all the great projects created by our fabulous design team while visiting DTD.


While there, be sure to check on the left hand side for all the events coming up.  If you would like a chance to be a Guest Designer, you'll have a chance on the 10th (plus you get a FREEBEE).  How cool is that!


Thanks to everyone who participated and left comments (I LOVE comments).  They were so much fun to read!  Congrats to all the winners!  Now go make some projects and enter the DTD Sketch Challenge! 

Friday, November 5, 2010

Tom Turkey's Deadline


Tom Turkey's a little stressed out!  He doesn't want you to miss the first sketch challenge over at Dude Time Doodles!! This dude is a new release digital stamp by Bonibleaux Designs and I printed him out twice so I could pop dot the body.  Here's a close up:



Copic markers were used to give him life and color.  I also used the new Grand Calibur machine and Grand Labels Four Nestabilities by Spellbinders to cut the base of the card.  These new larger size dies are perfect for creating uniquely shaped card bases (plus lots more).  Labels Four (the regular size) was also used to die cut the background paper behind Tom.  It's really hard to see in the photo, but I did a bit of resist embossing and used Distress inks and a spritz of Glimmer Mist to make this.  I completed my card by adding a bit of paper floss, my sentiment, and a cute button.
Copics: R37, R39,YR04   B95, B99   E08, E09   Y17, Y19   YR20, E00, E01   I left them in the grouping that I used them to color different sections.

Now it's your turn and here is your sketch.  Twist it, flip it, use as is to create your artwork  You are not required to use BDD images although it would make all of us on the Design Team really, really happy and giggle a lot if you did!   The card 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!  And last, but not least, be sure to use the InLinkz button to submit your wonderful creation.




Glitterbabe's Greetings is graciously sponsoring our very first challenge with a special prize package of FOUR digis of your choice from her Store for one RANDOM winner.

So be sure to head on over to Dude Time Doodles  and link up your projects with the InLinkz button.  The Top Blog winner and Top Three winners will be announced on Dude Time Doodles Challenge Blog.   You have until the 19th to strut your stuff (that's what Tom Turkey is going to be doing on Nov 26).

While you're already there submitting your project, be sure to check out the left-hand side and see all the up-coming events.  Put'um on your calendar; that way you won't miss a single exciting thing.  I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Fall Splendor


Edited: Fall Spendor was published in the February, 2011 edition of Scrapbook News and review Magazine.

For a change of pace, I decided to share a layout I made for the Stash Challenge over at Challenge Masters.  You had to use die cuts that were already in your stash (you couldn't cut them specifically for this project). 

The photo is a cluster of trees in my yard taken last fall (it's been too hot and dry this year for any great changes of color).  I hand-stitched concentric circles, using both paper floss and embrodery floss.  Then I added the photo and my die cut leaves.  The title in the bottom left says "joys of the season".  I love to see the changing leaves every fall.  Granted we don't get nearly the degree of color in the South as they do in Vermont, but it's still gorgeous here.

Here is a close up: