HERO

Today I have a fun fold card using one of the new Die-Versions Sweet Phrases die: Hero.  This month's release is being used as a fundraiser for Operation Write Home (see this post).  I've paired it up with this patriotic digi from a company that unfortunately is no longer in business :-(  but who had great masculine images (so I still use them from time to time).  He's colored with Copic markers and highlighted with several Spica glitter pens.

I wanted to create a different fold for this, so I cut my card base slightly larger than the focal panel.   I scored the focal panel about 1" from the top so I could adhere it to the white card base.  When you look at it closed, it appears that the white is a matting around the blue, but when you open it vertically, you see the inside.  I also added a few punched hearts (from an old Creative Memories punch) and floss to the inside.

Grand 2013

Did you see the new Black Friday die release from Die-Versions?  If not, you need to go check them out (after you finish reading my post of course :-P).

This is the new Grand 2013 die and boy, is it grand!  I thought it would be fun to create a birthday calendar using this die.  I'm planning on writing my friends and family's name on the corresponding line for the date and month.  Now there won't be any excuse for me not sending out happy birthday wishes.  I created my own glitter papers (see my post using the Ornament Trio die on 11/20, for details on how to make your own) in both red and silver.  As you can see, I die cut the silver and used the red for the background.

The digital image calendar is by Clear Dollar Stamps and it's so versatile and I printed one for each month, although I'm only showing a couple so you get the idea.   I added stickers that I've had in my stash for ages to the centers of each month.

I also think this die would be great on a layout - maybe celebrating the beginning of the New Year, or the Fourth of July perhaps.  This is for the upcoming New Year and I incorporated the Die-Versions' New Years Collage die with my design.

When I first saw this die, I knew I wanted to try something totally different and I'm SO happy that it worked out!  I created my own stencil with chipboard so I could use embossing paste.  It works the same way as a metal stencil and embossing paste does.  (Except that I couldn't re-use it again.  If I had been a bit neater, then it probably could have been reused after everything was dry).

You can really see the dimension the embossing paste gave the layout and how crisp everything turned out.  Originally, I was planning on adding some color to this after it dried, but I liked it so much in white, that I left it as is and then worked up the layout using white accents.  I did spritz it with Perfect Pearls for a bit of shimmer though (that's what the small splotches are - not embossing paste).  Sometimes I can spritz and get a nice fine mist and other times I get splotches - I prefer the fine mist!

Now you need to visit the Die-Versions store and the Die-Versions Blog to see all the Black Friday dies and projects.

Christmas Eve Scene

I was so surprised and excited to see my card as the one used on the newsletter email announcing all the October new release dies from Die-Versions.  If you haven't signed up for the newsletter, you definitely should.  The signup is located on the bottom right of the Die-Versions' home page.  If you are signed up, then you already know the new release is here.

This is the Christmas Eve Scene, one of the new Whispers dies.  It's such a versatile die because you can make something quick and easy, something in between, or something very detailed - it's up to you.  I cut the image out twice, once in dark blue cardstock and once in white so I could use some of the negative pieces.  I also cut a scalloped circle in light blue patterned paper for the background.  The white pieces were given a bit of shine with Smooch pearlized ink (Illuminate) and the moon was painted with Smooch's gold lame.

To see more examples from the new release, head on over to the Die-Versions blog.  The rest of the design team have created some wonderful projects!

I'm also entering this in the following challenge: Oozak (die cuts/punch).

Woofie Under the Christmas Tree

I'm so excited to share my first project as one of the new designers at Sparkle N Sprinkle.  It's one of their new digi images, Woofie Under the Christmas Tree, by Michelle Perkett and it also incorporates this month's sketch challenge.  Sparkle N Sprinkle has created a brand new site just for the SNS challenges: Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenges Blog. (They still have the blog site, which can be seen here.)

Here is this month's sketch so you can play with us too.  As you can see, I followed it pretty closely.

Woofie is colored with Copic markers and fussy cut out.  I've added touches of Evening Glow glitter here and there and Liquid Pearls (gold) for the ornaments.  Some of the presents were given a bit of sparkle with various Spica glitter pens.

I created the background using wax paper from a similar technique I came across a few years ago.  (Unfortunately I didn't write down from where.  I'd love to give proper credit, if anyone knows.)  For those of you who want to re-create it, here's how to do it.  I'm calling it the Wax Paper Embossing technique.

I  used an older Sizzix Texture plate, but an embossing folder works just as well too.  Ink your plate (I chose Memento - Bamboo Leaves) and lay down a piece of wax paper slightly larger than the plate.  Run it through your Big Shot/Big Kick machine using the impressions plate and silicone rubber mat.  The ink is transferred to the de-bossed areas, leaving the embossed portions of the plate clear.  The only hard part about this technique is that you have to let it dry for a few hours (I try and let it dry over night - just to be sure).  Once the ink on the wax paper is dry, cut it to the size you want and continue embellishing from there.  I added a layer of green cardstock between the card base and the wax paper.

You can also find this card with complete instructions in the Sparkle N Sprinkle Art Gallery as well.

The rules for the sketch challenge are on the challenge site, but basically, you need to use a Sparkle N Sprinkle stamp (either rubber or digi), no back dating, and link to that specific post (not your entire blog).  The sketch challenge starts today and you have an entire month to complete the challenge.  The winner will receive some fabulous product from Sparkle N Sprinkle.  (It truly is a joy to work with!  I think once you try it you'll be hooked and not want to use anything else - just like I was.)

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Copics used: G14, G17, G19, G89, R14, R24, R29, E40, R21, R22, E31, E33, E35, E51, Y11, Y08, V12, V17, B01, B05, B06, C6, YR02, YR04, BV01, BV02, BV13, BV34, BV25, YG99, B63, B66, YG06, Y06, Y28, FY1, N0, N2

Leif Monster

We're starting to get a bit cooler at night - a sure sign that fall will be here soon.   Leif Monster from Paper Makeup Stamps is the perfect digi to help us welcome fall.  And Welcome Autumn is this week's challenge from Digi Makeover Challenge.

Copics were used to color the image.  The leaves are from an old Creative Memories punch that I glittered and pop dotted around the image (like falling leaves).  Glossy Accents was added to his eyes to make them more googly.  The ribbon and papers have been in my stash for quite a while too.  (I don't think I throw anything away :-P ).

Don't forget to see what the rest of the team has created to help you welcome fall.  You have one week to upload your fall creations.  Just be sure to use a digi and follow the theme.  If you use a Paper Makeup Stamps digi and are selected as the lucky winner, your prize will be bigger.  Please give a warm welcome to Tina Keller, this week's guest designer.

Fisherman's Delight

I'm so excited to say that my card using Pattie's Creations Fisherman's Delight was selected to be published in the Designed to Color June/July 2012 edition.  This is a new magazine that is both in print (by subscription) and online.  One of the conditions of being published is that I couldn't share my project until 30 days after publication.  So I'm sharing it with you now.

The image is colored with Copic markers and fussy cut out so I could pop dot the fish for extra dimension.  I also applied Shimmerz (Angel Wings) paint to the fish for a more realistic look.   Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Labels 7 were used for my mats and distressed with Distress Ink (Brushed Corduroy).  The sentiment is a rubber stamp by Unity Stamps that has been stamped on a Sizzix Movers and Shapers (Mini Ticket set) die cut.  The wires one each side of the image are actually Christmas ornament hooks that I picked up after Christmas because I thought they would look cool on a card.  Added a bit of ribbon, and a perfect card for any fisherman.  One more quick note - when I showed the card to my husband, he said "hey, those are my boots!"  Yep, I got the color idea from a pair of rubber boots he has.  Inspiration is everywhere.

I'm also entering this in the following challenge: Simon Says (sentiment).

Copics used: YG93, YG97, C3, YG99    Y23, YR21, E31, E35, E15, E18    R02, R05, R35, C00, C2, YG91, YG93

papers: first mat and card base: Creative Memories; middle panel- from stash, manufacturer unknown

other: Christmas ornament hooks, ribbon, pop dots

Dog Days of Summer

The challenge starting at Pattie's Creations today is to use an Animal or Insect in your project.  I decided to use Dog Days of Summer because I thought the bassett hound was so darn cute!

The image is colored with Copic markers, cut out with Spellbinders' Grand Large Labels, and matted onto We R Memory Keepers designer paper cut with Grand Labels Twenty Three.  The polka dotted papers are from Doodlebug Designs and the red stripe paper is from Creative Memories.  I added twine to show the fan was blowing and around the computer generated sentiment.  Glossy Accents was added to the sunglasses, the sentiment, and the ice cold drink.


Now it's time for you to show us your Animal or Insect project.  If you don't have any, there are lots to choose from at Pattie's Esty store.   Stay cool y'all!

Copics used: E000, E00, E02, E23, E37, E49   E71    YR16, YR09   FB2, B29, Y02, Y06, Y13, YR27, YR28, YR15   YR07, YR23, Y35   BG0000, BG000, BG10, BG32   YR16, YR18

Patriotic Pete

Dude Time Doodles is being featured in Papers and Pixels e-zine, which was released yesterday (6/15).  I'm so happy to say that my tag was one of the cards published in the article.   This cutie is being offered as a freebie for 30 days to subscribers of the e-zine.  Papers and Pixels is very reasonable (only $1.50 per issue) and is loaded with lots of great stuff.  Go check it out for yourself and see.  Once you subscribe to the magazine, you will see the code used to acquire this image through the DTD store.

The tag was created using the Sizzix tag die and DSE digital paper.  First, I distressed the edges of the tag with Distress Inks (Gathered Twigs, Brushed Corduroy).  I also printed the image multiple times so I could add quite a bit of dimension.  He's pop dotted off the tag base, his body is pop dotted away from the flag, and his hat is pop dotted off his head (for a total of three layers).

My star "buttons" were created with a Creative Memories punch that I added holes to the center and threaded paper floss through each one.  They are colored with Copics, as is the twill ribbon at the bottom.  The twill ribbon at the top of the tag was colored with Distress Stains (Antique Linen) and then a Copic on top of that, cut in half, and threaded through the opening.  I also pulled a few of the threads for a more distressed look as well.

Copics used: R35, R46, R59, B26, B37    E00, E01, E11, E13, R20    YR12, YR09, E97    YR21, Y21    YG93, YG97, C3    B91, B95, B97    E49, E41, E40, B21

Rules of Engagement

 Johnny on the Spot is this week's freebie from Dude Time Doodles and what a versatile image this is.  Be sure to visit the rest of the team to see all the fun and different creations.

I couldn't think of anything more fitting for this image than the Embossed Toilet Paper technique, which is my background.  It's a really easy technique to do and doesn't require a machine to emboss the toilet paper.  I did change up the directions a little though.  I let it dry overnight as suggested, but the next day it was still slightly damp, although well embossed.  So I opened the embossing folder and let it air dry.  The result was lots of dimension and waves, as you can see in the photo on the right.  I loved the way it looked, so I applied my adhesive so it would continue to look that way.

I also printed out the image several times to add lots of dimension to the toilet as well.  I sponged Distress Ink around the edges of the image as well as highlighting the embossing on the toilet paper.  The sentiment is computer generated and cut out with a Creative Memories tag punch.  Washi tape, which is all the rage right now was used to create by "ribbons" going through the hole punches and for a border on the bottom of my project.  So it's official: I'm addicted to Washi tape.  It's so fun to use and removable too.

Johnny on the Spot is a freebie for this week only.  Go grab it while you can and create something fun with it.  You have one week to upload your project to the Dude Time Doodles Challenge blog.  Not only do you get the freebie, the winner will also be a guest designer for Dude Time Doodles.  And believe me, we have lots of fun.

One other note, anyone can now upload their DTD creations to the Dude Time Doodles Facebook page.  We would love to see lots of your DTD creations on our page, and there may be some future prizes to be had over there as well.

I'm entering this in the following challenges: Blockheads Stamps (hand made embossed toilet paper); Dream Valley (for that special guy); Great Impressions (die cuts/punches); Simon Says (anything goes).

So Sweet!

The Digi Makeover Challenge for this fine Monday is Tic-Tac-Toe and I went straight down the left side (bling, die cut, paper pierce) for the win.

This delicious looking cake is part of the So Sweet Set from Paper Makeup Stamps.  It's pretty obvious where the bling and paper piecing are, but what about the die-cut?  Well, it's the actual envelope - a Sizzix Mover and Shaper called Pocket Envelope and it's so cute!  Today, I've used it as a gift card holder.

The papers are from Creative Memories that I've had for years.  I added Glossy Accents to the icing, since everyone knows that a strawberry/confectioner's sugar glaze is shiny (and yummy).  The sparkles on the cake pedestal were added with a Spica glitter pen (clear) and Copics were used to color the cake pedestal.

Now it's your turn to make a winning combination of tic-tac-toe and upload it to the Digi Makeover Challenge before next Monday's new challenge.

Sun and Surf

It's the first Wednesday of the month, so that means it's time for a new challenge from Dude Time Doodles.  This week's challenge is all about sports.

Living in the South, most everyone lives for football.  Other sports (basketball, baseball) are fillers until college ball begins again.  Since I lived in California for many years, I immediately thought Waylon Waves  would be a fun image to use for sports day.

After coloring with Copic markers and fussy cutting,  I pop dotted Waylon onto Creative Memories paper cut with Spellbinders Labels Ten.  As I was trying to decide how to make the card base, I found this piece of Echo Park paper (Splash collection) in my stash and it started screaming to be made into a layout.  I used to do layouts all the time, but not so much anymore.  There are probably less than five posts on my blog with layouts.  But it's fun to do something different for a change.  I kept going through my stash and adding layers that coordinated.  I even have a pocket tag for journaling (or another photo).  On the Bazzill cardstock base, I randomly painted watered down gesso for a fun look.  The border on the side is from Lifestyle Crafts.  Nothing fancy or formal, but low key - just like a dude ridin' the waves.

One final note, for those of you afraid to use glitter on your guy creations, don't be.  If you look closely, I've added PK Glitz glitter to the white cap and parts of the water.  Gives a very shimmery look to the layout.

You have one week to upload your Sports themed project to the Dude Time Doodles challenge blog.  Remember, it needs to be for a Dude.  Can't wait to see what sport you use.

I'm entering this in the following challenges: That Craft Place (one for the boys); The Crazy Challenge (summer/beach); Ooh La La (make it manly).


Copics used: E01, E11, E13, BV20    YG91, YG93, YG97    YR12, YR15, YR18, FVG2    Y23, E51, Y38, E55    E51, E53, E55, YR14
PK Glitz: White Pearl, Tanzanite, Aquamarine

Mama Yoga

I discovered a new place to purchase digital images thanks to Tammy.  It's Mayzy Arts and her images are a delight to color.  Love the way she draws hair and eyes (which usually give me troubles).  This is Yoga Mama from the parenthood section, and she's colored with Copic markers.

I also used a couple of recycled items.  Can you guess what they are?  The "yoga mat" that she's sitting on is actually a piece of nubby shelf liner and the yellow background is a piece of packing material from a die I purchased that I painted some gesso on for more of a distressed look.

I'm entering this in the following challenge: Stampendous (recycle).

Lifestyle Crafts: Scalloped Oval #3 die
papers: Basic Grey (Lime Rickey), Creative Memories
Copics used: Y38, YR04, YR18 (shirt/socks)    T2, T3, T4 ( shorts)  V93, V95, RV99, W7, 100, Y11 (hair)    E15, E17, E29 (skin)    E31, E35, E37 (eyes)

Baby Giraffe

Challenge #42 for Pattie's Creations is a photo inspiration challenge.

 These colors inspired me to make a baby gift box and use Pattiboop's Giraffe for the front of the gift tag.  He's colored with Copic markers and fussy cut out so I could adhere him to a tag I made using an old punch from Creative Memories.   The gift box is a die from Sizzix that I distressed with Distress Inks, added a bit of ribbon and baby themed paper that I've had for ages, and completed the gift by attaching the tag with twine.

You have two weeks to upload your project to the Pattie's Creations Challenge Blog.  Don't forget to check out Pattie's Esty store for lots of great images and there is a freebie each month on the challenge blog (just click on the freebie button at the top).  Plus, don't forget about the sale going on now.  You can save 20% by using the coupon code ALLIE at checkout.

Copics used: B0000, B00,B01, B02, E41, E93
Spica glitter pen (baby blue)

Easter Dress

It's hard to believe that two weeks have passed by so quickly.  That means it's time for a new challenge from Pattie's Creations and we are celebrating Easter.  As I was looking through all the wonderful images at Pattie's Esty store,  I came across this gorgeous Little Girl Dress.  It reminded me of when I was little and would always get a new dress to wear for Easter services and then the Easter Egg Hunt.  Usually my grandmother made them, making the dresses even more special.

The dress is colored with Copic markers and fussy cut out.  The flower on the dress is a Sizzix die (Flowers 3D) that I cut down slightly.  I thought the Cheery Lynn Designs (Large French Lattice) die looked like one of those grids where clothing stores will display their favorite items.  So I hung the dress on that.  I was very fortunate that the background paper (very old from Creative Memories) matched the colors I had chosen for this.  (I usually do things opposite of most people in that I color my image and then find papers to coordinate.  From what I read, most people choose the papers and then color.  Oh well.)  The sentiment was generated on my computer and then highlighted with Paper Soft Colors (lilac).

You have two weeks to upload your Easter projects to the Pattie's Creations challenge blog.  The rules are posted on the challenge blog, but the main one is that you must use an image (either a rubber stamp or a digital one).

Copics used: E00, colorless blender    RV91, RV93, RV95, RV99