Some Bunny Loves You

Today's card features two of the new Die-Versions dies from the most recent release: Bunny and Curly Fries font.  And, as you might have guessed by reading the sentiment, today is my anniversary.  My how time flies! :-)

To create this anniversary card, I die cut the bunny on the left from double sided adhesive and used the Kiss Cut technique, a technique where you cut through the top layer but not the base layer for this bunny.  I carefully removed the negative pieces and added Toffee Flower Soft to the exposed adhesive areas.  Polar White Flower Soft was added to his tail, a little Pink Spirit flock was applied to his nose, and then Nut Brown Flower Soft was added to the rest of his body.



The bunny on the right was run through my Xyron machine.  Elephant Grey flock was added to the body, Pink Spirit flock to the nose, and Polar White Flower Soft to the tail.   I wanted both of their tails to be more dimensional (like the big cotton tailed bunnies we have around here), so I applied some Dimensional Glue and added a lot more Polar White Flower Soft.

The background was created using watercolor paper and Color Bursts (Ultramarie Blue, Violet, Pthalo Green, and Terre Verte).  The letters for my sentiment were die cut from the Curly Fries font, which also coordinates with the new Curly Words that were introduced during this release.

Happy 29th Anniversary to my sweet hubby who lets me work in my craft room as much as I want!

Be sure to use the code anne15 to get 15% off your next order from Die-Versions.  Happy shopping :-).

Easter Blessings {Scrapy Land #14}

It's the third Wednesday of the month and time for a new Scrapy Land Challenge.  The theme for this bi-monthly challenge is Spring or Easter, plus use any brand of die that Scrapy Land sells.  Easter is only a couple weeks away and I know everyone is wishing Spring would get here.

I chose to have a little bit of both on the Easter card I created.  I started out by die cutting a cross from an older set of dies by Spellbinders (Cross Collection).   I believe this set has been retired, but there are several other choices that would work just as well (or better), including these when I searched for "crosses".  While the cardstock was still in the die, I covered the exposed areas with VersaMark and then heat set it with Opaline embossing powder from Sparkle N Sprinkle.

The mat behind the cross is a Sue Wilson Designs die (Spanish Collection - Cordoba) which was cut from white cardstock and then colored with Pan Pastels (blending several colors together).  The back layer incorporates an old technique of pouncing alcohol inks onto glossy cardstock (Polished Stone technique).  I used Copic's Various Reinkers Y35, BV01, and R05.  The cardstock was semi-glossy so the inks didn't blend as well, but gave me the mottled look I was going for as opposed to a smoother look.

To finish off the card, I created lots of tiny lilies using the Sizzix die by Susan Tierney-Cockburn (Mini Lily).  Flower Soft was used for the stamens in lilies and Pan Pastels were used to color the throats of each of the petals.

Be sure to see what the rest of the team has created.  You'll have until March 29th to upload your Spring and/or Easter project and the winner will receive a $15 gift certificate to shop at the Scrapy Land store.

Altered Box {Scrapy Land Challenge #13}

Can you believe it's already March!?  Since it's the first Wednesday of the month, that means it's time for a new Scrapy Land Challenge!  The theme for Challenge #13 is Anything Goes, Plus use any brand of die that Scrapy Land sells.  You can see the list of all the brands of dies here.

For my project today, I altered a plain white box using various dies and patterned paper.  All I need to do now is fill it with some goodies.

The dies I used to complete my box are:

Sizzix: Susan Tierney-Cockburn Flowers: Lily

Sizzix: Susan Tierney-Cockburn Flowers: Mini Lily

Sue Wilson Designs: Striplet - Bevelled Glass

Die-Versions: Lacey Dots 

Die-Versions: Leafy Swirl

I used Pan Pastels to color the centers of each of the petals and I added Canary flock (from Sparkle N Sprinkle) to the stamens of the large Lilies and Flower Soft (Bright Pink) to the stamens of the mini lilies.  Black cardstock was used to die cut the Beveled Glass die twice and the patterned paper behind the die cut is digital paper from The Digital Press  (Thanks Faith A. for sending me info about that website :-).)  The Lacey Dots die was cut from white cardstock and adhered to all four sides of the box top.  The Leafy Swirl was also die cut twice to layer on top each of the Beveled Glass die cuts.  Mini Lilies were added to the leafy swirls using glue dots.

Now it's your turn to create a project and upload it to the Scrapy Land Challenge.  Be sure your project includes any brand of die that Scrapy Land sells.  You will have until March 15 to enter.  Be sure to see what the rest of the Design Team has created for your viewing pleasure too.

Born to Shop

It's time for the Sparkle N Sprinkle New Reveal.  This month there are 5 new rubber stamp sets that are being debuted: Born to Shop, Iris Frame, Crystal Medallion, A Winter Cardinal, and Spring Time Spunky.  Two of the sets are perfect for Christmas, so you can get an early start on all those Holiday cards (like you always promise yourself you're going to do).  These five sets will also be 20% off through 3/3/14.  If you are a subscriber to the monthly Technique Kit Club, the stamp set featured this month is A Winter Cardinal.  The Cardinal and the Crystal Medallion are also available in digi format (see the SNS Exclusive digis here.)

The first of the month also means it's time for our Designer Mystery Party!  Five Winners (one for each new stamp set) will be selected by Random.org during the Designers Mystery Party.  Winners will also get to choose one Glitter and one Embossing Powder to go with their new stamp set.

How the Mystery Party works:

On Five of the participating blogs below, a Commenter will be selected to receive the prize.   No one knows who the five Mystery Designers are, so you'll want to visit each blog to leave a comment.

The winners will be announced on March 3 on Facebook, the SNS blog, and on our blogs:

April Williams
Anne Temple
Anita Scroggins
Donna Ellis

Shona Erlenborn
Eret Pank
Mayra Duran-Hernandez
Emmy van den Heuvel
Belinda Shupe
Marie Berquist
Jazzy Jill

For my project reveal, I've chosen the Born to Shop rubber stamp set and think it's very versatile.  You could use the entire stamp (like I did) or even cut up the individual shops to use separately.

I started off by stamping the image twice so I could fussy cut several areas to pop dot onto the main image for added dimension.  It was a lot of fun to color everything with Copic markers.  I also added a little Flower Soft and Cyclamen glitter to the flower boxes on building one.

Diamond Dust glitter was applied to the awning with Dimensional Glue and Spirited Green glitter makes the topiary in front of building four sparkle.









To create the sentiment, I die cut a piece of Super Adhesive Sheet with a Spellbinders die and took an Xacto knife to remove the center portion.  This was then covered with Cloud Nine velvet glitter.  Next I removed the outer portion of the super adhesive sheet and covered it with Daisy velvet glitter.  The sentiment, which is part of the set was stamped with Staz-On.

For more detailed instructions, please visit my SNS Art Gallery page.

Your next stop is Anita and she has a gorgeous project to share with you.  Don't forget to leave each of us a comment to be eligible to win one of these stamps.

Bicycle Race

When I saw this new rubber stamp set called Bicycles from Sparkle N Sprinkle, the "Bicycle Race" song by Queen immediately started playing in my head.  So I decided to use lyrics from the chorus as my background.  I copied them into Word, changed the color of the font and made it semi-transparent.  I also digitally colored the gradient background.

Next I stamped one of the bicycle images directly onto the lyrics and began adding my Copic markers.  Since the background is already a shade of green, you need to be careful of which colors you choose.  I used V22 and V25 for the bike.  Even though these are violets, they appear more of a silvery-gray color.

I stamped the image twice so I could pop dot the basket of flowers as well as the bouquet beneath the seat.  After coloring (and fussy cutting), I added Flower Soft (Heather mix) to all of the flowers.  It's hard to tell in the photos, but I also sprinkled Orchid Rose velvet glitter on all the flowers.  You want to shake off the excess Flower Soft and sprinkle on the glitter before the glue dries. It gives it just the right amount of sparkle.  I also added Orchid Rose to the bow and ribbon streamers trailing under the seat as well.  Sonic Silver velvet glitter was added to the chrome areas of the bike, including the pedal.

The final steps were to add a few details.  I faux stitched around each panel to coordinate with the stitching on my ribbon and I glittered the brads with Orchid Rose as well.  (You can see the tutorial on how to do this here.)

Be Mine

It's time for a new challenge from Pattie's Creations: create a Valentine's Day card.  Perfect timing since Valentine's is only a few days away.  I've used the Valentine Bear Be Mine from Pattie's Etsy shop.

I printed him out multiple times so I could add lots of dimension and I used two different colors of ultra fine Flower Soft for his body.  Copics were used to color the small areas and Glossy Accents covers the "Be Mine" heart.  He's so soft and furry in person - just like a real teddy bear!


His backdrop is old patterned paper from Creative Memories and is cut using a Spellbinders die.  The outside rick-rack die is from Lifesyle Crafts.  I added a touch of lace colored with Distress Stains, and this little cutie is all ready to go in the mail.

You'll have two weeks to upload your Valentine's Day project to the Pattie's Creations Design Challenge blog.  Don't forget to visit the rest of the team and see what they've created for you as well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wheelbarrow Allie

Pattie's Creations is the sponsor for the 100th challenge at Craft Your Passion today. So that means it's going to be BIG.  The theme is Anything Goes - how fun and easy. Their rules are listed on the challenge site.

For my card, I decided to color Allie and Wheelbarrow from Pattie's Esty store.  If you haven't visited her store lately, you really need to.  There are so many cute images to choose from. Everything is colored with Copic markers and for dimension, I added Flower Soft to all the flowers in the wheelbarrow.  A bit of tulle, ribbon, and other embellishments and I have a card ready for most any occasion.

Now it's your turn to join in the festivities.  Be sure to see what the other Pattie's Creations design team members came up with for this special challenge.

Copics used: N4, N5, N7, N9, R20, R000    W1, W3, W5, W6    E15, E34, E34    C1, C2, C3, C7, R46, R59, R89    N7, N8, N9    G03, G07, G19    B00, B01, B12    
Flower Soft: lemon, sunshine yellow, lavender, shamrock green

Count Vladimir

Head right over to Dude Time Doodles and grab Count Vladimir (he's a freebie), create a project, and upload it for your chance to be a DTD guest dt.  You'll have one week to upload your project.

For my card, I chose to do the "out of the box" technique so it would look like he's really handing his sweetheart the bouquet of flowers (which are covered with a combination of Lemon and Sunshine Yellow Flower Soft and pop dotted).  Spellbinders die was used to die cut the Count out and Copic markers were used to color the image.  I also added touches of glitter here and there.

Be sure to check out what the other Dude and Dudettes did with the Count.  And don't forget, you only have one week to strut your stuff.

I'm also entering this card in the Crafty Cardmakers challenge (no added florals) and Blockheads' challenge (Out of the Box technique blog hop).

Dude Time Doodles Oct New Release Blog Hoop

The October New Releases from Bonibleaux Designs and Dude Time Doodles is here and I'm very exited to be able to share two of the new images with you today.  The first one is Fanny Bunny and the second is Heath Hunter.  Both will be available in the store at 10am EST on 9/28.

Fanny Bunny is one of a series of Fanny images from DTD that are so funny.  When I saw her, I immediately began thinking of her as one of Hef's Girls Next Door; his new arm candy.  After fussy cutting her out, I colored her with Copic markers and added Polar White Flower Soft to her bunny ears and cotton tail.  The border is cut from netting with the Little Open Scallop Strip die from MFT and the flower is two parts (netting and paper) cut with the Sizzix Flowers, 3D die.  The background is Core'dinations paper embossed with a Sizzix Texture Fades embossing folder (Rays).  I found the Playboy font image on Google.

Next up is Heath Hunter and he's such a softy.  Why he ever thought he could shoot a deer is beyond belief.  The sentiment is cut with Spellbinders Grommet Tag and the image is adhered to Spellbinders Classic Ovals, Small (#5 - assumes the smallest is #1) die.  I had originally covered the oval in coordinating fabric, but Heath blended with the background a little too much to me, so I flipped it over and inked the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  Heath's coat and hat are fabric, cut out and layered on top of the paper (fabric piecing).  The background is also a piece of coordinating fabric.

As some of you know, there is no starting spot in the blog hop; it's a circle.   You just keep going until you've hit all the wonderful creations the Dudettes have designed for you today.  Be sure to leave some love in the form of comments everywhere you stop, as one of us is the Mystery Hostess.  Once the Mystery Hostess is revealed, one person who commented on her blog will be chosen as the winner.

Now it's time to head on over to see what Cleota has created for you.  Here's the list in case you get lost along the way.

Anne  (me)

Cleota  

Michelle 

Ruth

NanaConnie 

Dawn 

Lynn 

Linda 

Tammy 

Ginny  

Dude Time Doodles  

Copics used:  Fanny Bunny - RVOO, RV02, RV04, RV10    E00, E01, E11    YR23, N5, N8    B000
Heath Hunter - E00, E01, E11, R20    E99, 37, T0, T2    YG93, YG97, C3    E1, E35, E37    E97, E99    W00,W5    R000, R11, R20
Other ingredients: Smooch pearlized ink (Siren); Rusty Pickle paper; Kraft paper; Distress ink (Vintage Photo)

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!

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

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 

Naughty or Nice?

Here's Maude peeking through the snow covered window.  So has she been naughty or nice this year?

....... and the answer is......

This humorous image was a digital freebie from Just Inklined. Neither of the guys in my household thought she was very attractive, but I think she's outright hilarious.  I think the caption flowing across the entire card tells what Santa believes.  

Maude is colored with Copic markers (she's very pale because she's indoors so much) and I added Flower Soft to the window, which was cut with the Peony dies from Spellbinders, and to her Santa hat.  All the papers are from Echo Park's Everybody Loves Christmas collection.

So what do you think of Maude?

Copics used: E50, E51, E53, R20    BV01, BV04    RV23, RV25    R46, R89    RV00, RV04, RV06, RV17, W00    Y28, Y38    RV000, RV00, RV02, RV04, RV17   YR12, YR18, 397, E39

Cowgirl Pattiboob

I used this adorable digital image for two different challenges.  The first one is for the Color Challenge going on at Challenge Masters.  (Sign up - it's free and there are tons of new challenges each week.)   You had to use red, green, and pink.  I'm not a big fan of pink, but I love this Echo Park paper and knew it would be perfect for my cowgirl image by Pattie's Creations.

The second challenge is for Pattie's Creations Design Challenge and you are to be inspired by a photo.  Although the photo is of belly dancers, there are greens and reds and pinks, so I decide my Christmas cowgirl would fit the rules there too.

My cowgirl is colored with Copic markers and I used the Spellbinder's Deckled Mega Rectangles to cut the image out.  When I saw the image, it looked like she was standing in snow, so I used Flower Soft on the ground and for the falling snow.  I also used a Viva Decor pearl pen to make my pearls in the corners.  Added a little red rick rack, and Cowgirl Pattiboob is all ready to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Ya'll!

Copics used: G17, G14, G19, G29, colorless blender     E00, E01, E11, R20     G19, G29, E43, E55, E57       R14, R24 

Edited:  this card won the Allie's Choice Award from the Pattie's Creations Design Challenge 12/16/10 (yea and thanks!)

There are two posts today; be sure to check both of them out.

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!!!

Hearts a'flutter

This is a more subtle version of this post.  I chose to make this a vertical card and toned down the patterned paper.  I applied glue and Flower Soft to fill in my heart and Stickles to highlight the wings.  A soft yellow solid piece of cardstock is used for the base of this card.  Both stamps are from Unity Stamps.

I personally like this version better.  The original post was based on a sketch challenge, using multiple pieces of patterned paper.  What's your opinion; which one do you like better?  Leave a comment and let me know.

Flower girl

Copic markers were used (as usual) to color in the images.  The stamp is from Magenta and I purchased it here.  After I finished coloring everything, I used my Spellbinders Labels Eight to cut out the image as well as my mat.  I sponged Distress inks over the mat for more definition. 

I used Flower Soft to highlight the outside edge of my image and the rubber bands in her hair.  As a finishing touch, the ribbon was airbrushed the same color as the dress using Copic markers.  All of this was layered onto a light green patterned paper and then white cardstock for the base.

Fluttering Hearts

This card has a lot of layers and four different patterned papers, some more subtle than others.  I don't often mix a lot of patterned papers together, so I'm stepping out of my comfort zone a little.  Both the image and the saying are from Unity Stamps.  I embossed the solid cardstock with a heart pattern using a Fiskars texture plate, which look like this.  Distress inks were sponged around all the edges of the papers for a more finished appearance.

I stamped the heart image and, after trimming around the edges, I used Flower Soft's Heather mixture to fill in the center.  You can now find Flower Soft in various places on the internet.  It's fun to think of all the different places you can use this product on other than flowers.  (Think snow, a coat collar, animal fur, etc.)

I also outlined the wings with Ranger's Crystal Stickles.  They are VERY sparkly in person.  I rolled the wings up so they aren't flat against the paper so they would  look like they are fluttering in the air. Lastly, I used a black Atyou Spica Glitter pen to outline the words "heart" and "flutter" so they would sparkle as well.