Zodiac Taurus {Scrapper's Delight VIP Deals}

Hey everyone, I have a new project to share with you from Scrapper's Delights. It's from the Chibi New Release and you can only get the Zodiac images if you get the Chibi Taurus VIP Deal.

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I had so much fun with these digi images that I created two cards.  The first one, above, is a mixed media project that has a more masculine feel to it.  I combined several images from the digi set and colored everything with Copic markers.

Here is a close-up of the bull.  He's pretty cute.  For the background, I added a die from Elizabeth Craft Designs (Planner Pattern), some corrugated cardboard, and some packing material.  A string of hemp completes the project.  I love recycling materials like that in my projects 😊.) 

My second project also uses multiple images from the digi file, but my focal point is the Cowgirl.  She's also colored with Copics, as is the fussy cut banner below the focal point.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the team created on the Scrapper's Delights Inspiration Blog and join our Facebook Fan Page as well. 

Until next time...

I would like to enter the following challenges:

Alphabet Challenge Blog: A for Animals

Colour Crazy Challenge: Anything Goes

Polkadoodles Crafting Challenge: Anything Goes

Do-Al (l) Creative: Zodiac

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Animals

Cat's Meow

This was a fun birthday card to create.  I recycled some junk mail for the presents  (these were fussy cut out from a larger sheet) and used the Cat's Meow rubber stamp set from Sparkle N Sprinkle to embellish those presents.  What cat doesn't like boxes, whether it's getting into them or sitting on top of them?

I used the Stamp Platform to stamp the two cats onto white cardstock.  (Be sure to leave the stamps in place.)  Then I colored the images with Koh-I-Nor colored pencils.  Once this step was completed, I placed the cardstock with stamped and colored images back on the Stamp Platform and stamped on top of the colored images with VersaMark and heat set with Clear Detail embossing powder.  This gives you great details and is an extra step that I do most every time.








For the background, I started out by dry embossed a piece of orange cardstock with a Tonic Studios embossing folder (Modern Chevron). Then I covered the entire piece with VersaMark and Sparkle embossing powder and heat set.  Just as the name of the embossing powder implies, this gives it lots of bling.

I adhered the packages with 1/4" Tear-ific Tape and then pop dotted the cats on top of the packages. Bubble Gum glitter was added to both cats' noses and the inside of their ears. Sunny Daze glitter gives the little butterfly the grey tom cat is holding its sparkle.

The Happy Birthday die cuts are from a Sizzix set (Balloons Step Up) and were die cut from white cardstock.  The letters were given lots of bling using the Glue-less Glitter technique.  VersaMark and Clear Detail embossing powder are first applied, then another layer of VersaMark and Denim velvet glitter.  The shadows are covered with Sparkle embossing powder.

The sentiment, which is part of this rubber set was die cut using a die from another Sizzix set (Ticket-Fold A Long).  Using the Stamp Platform, I stamped the sentiment with a Nuvo Hybrid Ink pad (Empire Blue).  I decided I wanted the entire die cut to be shiny, so I covered it with VersaMark and heat set Clear Detail embossing powder over it.  This was then given a bit of dimension by adding a pop dot in the center of the die cut and gluing down the two ends.


Tonic Studios Mirror cardstock (Glossy Black) was used for the card base. To complete my birthday card package, Goldenrod glitter was applied to a strip of 1/2" Tear-ific Tape to create my glitter ribbon. 

Surfin' Woody

The theme this month at Sparkle N Sprinkle is Beach related stamp sets.   I used Surfin' Woody and lots of masking to create today's card.  If you are unfamiliar with the masking technique, you stamp the image in the foreground first.  Stamp it again on a scrap pice of paper and fussy cut it out.  Temporarily adhere it over the stamped image and then stamp your second layer, in this case the hammock and trees, and repeat the process if you are stamping a third image.  For this card, both the car and the trees had to be masked to create my fence border.

I used watercolor paper and all the images were stamped with VersaMark and heat embossed using Black Detail embossing powder. Everything was then colored with Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers, including the water and the sky.  It's hard to see in the photo, but Sparkling Coffee Sparkle N Soft flocking was also added to the coconuts.

I created a frame for my beach scene using a couple Spellbinders Grand Square dies and white cardstock.  I used the Glueless Glitter technique, along with Clear embossing powder, to decorate the frame with Cobalt Glaze velvet glitter.  

The card front is actually a piece of recycled mail that a friend of mine received.  It was made from heavy cardstock and was a promotional piece.  She saw me eyeing it, and knowing that I love stuff like that, asked me if I would like to have it :-).  I thought it was perfect for this fun-in-the-sun scene.  I added 1/8" Tear-ific Tape around the edges and covered it with more Cobalt Glaze velvet glitter.

My sentiment, which is part of the set, was stamped onto a piece of white cardstock die cut using a Sizzix die (Tim Holtz: Labels) with Black Detail embossing powder.  Some Zig watercolor brushes were used to give it color.  Once I was happy with the color, I covered the entire piece with VersaMark and Clear embossing powder.  Before heat setting it though, I sprinkled on a little Sparkling Snow glitter so that it would sparkle. As the embossing powder melts, it adheres the glitter beautifully.

Cheers

Today's card features the Die-Versions Mixed Drinks die and is a bright, fun card which would be perfect for celebrating just about anything.

To start off, I die cut the image twice from white cardstock and once from black fun foam.  I kept all the negative pieces from the first die cut and colored these with Copic markers.  Sunny Daze glitter was also added to the flower centers and Glossy Accents was added to the drinks.

After coloring the second die cut with Copic markers, I adhered this layer over the die cut with all negative pieces, automatically giving me extra dimension.  A trick I learned from my fellow team mate, Lisa, was to add a "shadow" die cut. (Thanks, Lisa.)  Instead of black cardstock, the image was die cut from black fun foam, my favorite way to add dimension without having to worry about cutting down dimensional dots to fit the space.

The corrugated circle was recycled from a cookie tin and Fireworks Ink spray (Dandelion) gave it a fun, vibrant color.  The background layer was created using Bister wood stains on regular cardstock and a water brush.

My sentiment was die cut using the DV Cuppycake font, colored with Copic markers, and then covered with Glossy Accents.

Life at the Beach

Today I'd like to share with you a plaque I created for a friend's beach house using the Tiki Bar and the Life Is Better Cute Cube, both from Die-Versions.

The sunset background for the Tiki Bar is actually a paper towel that I used to sop up Distress Inks from my craft mat.  I thought it was too pretty to just throw away, so I used an adhesive spray and adhered it to a piece of cardstock.  Then I die cut it using a scalloped oval  die.

The Tiki Bar was die cut from a semi-glossy grey piece of cardstock and also from fun foam (my favorite way to add dimension).  The sand is from Mudd Puddles.  (It's actually called Snow, but it looks more like the type of sand I'm used to seeing, not snow.)  The small shells are also from Mudd Puddles (Shells).  The large shells are from a beach trip to Florida a few years back.

I left the Life is Better at the Beach Cute Cube in white as I wanted it to stand out from the glossy black background.  The netting is recycled from a sack of oranges.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the DV design team has created using all the new releases.

You Are Here

Sparkle N Sprinkle has come out with a fun mixed media rubber stamp set called Travel Mixed Media.

To start off, I stamped the map with VersaMark and then heat set it with Blackened Bronze, one of the new mixed media embossing powders.  If you look closely, it leaves a soft black halo around the entire image.  I was ok with it for this project as it automatically aged the white cardstock for me.  The halo effect looks more dramatic in the photos.  In person, it's much more subtle.

The rest of the elements, including the patterned paper, are digital elements from DSE (Digital Scrapbook Experts) that I've had for quite some time.  I printed them out and then fussy cut around each piece.  I applied glue from a Sakura glue pen around the edges of two of the elements and the word "vacation" and then added Gypsy Red velvet glitter to the glue.  The lens of the camera has Opaline embossing powder heat set on it and the car was covered in glossy accents for a more dimensional  look.  The yellow netting behind the map is part of a recycled vegetable bag and the brown cardstock was crimped, using a crimper.  If you're like me, this is one of those tools that you probably have hidden somewhere and forget to use it.  It's fun to bring those things out every now and then and play with them.

Remember

Today's card incorporates two of the new April releases from Die-Versions:  Remember Express Edge Mini and the Hexagon Punch Border.

One of the things I like to do is to try and recycle items that come in my junk mail.  This Dream Catcher, which was originally a key ring, was one of them.  I started thinking about the various rubber stamps I have and remembered having a couple that centered around the word "dream".  This Stampers Anonymous (CMS 037) rubber stamp was heat embossed using Sparkle N Sprinkle's Native American embossing powder.  I also carefully sprinkled more of the embossing powder on top of the black cardstock and heat set it from the bottom.  (See you don't have to use Frantage powders to get that same look.  Try what you've already got on hand first.) 

To create the background, I started off by cutting a piece of white cardstock the size I wanted and then die cut the Hexagon Punch Border die all the way across the panel until the entire area was cut out.  Distress Inks (Salty Ocean, Vintage Photo, and Squeezed Lemonade) came out next to ink up the white cardstock.  The Remember Express Edge Mini was adhered to the side of the now colored background panel.

A little distressing along the edges of the card base and you're all ready to go catch some dreams.

Pumpkin in the Window

Although it's quite hot here in Alabama, I decided to do a fall themed card just for a little change.  The Pumpkin Patch is part of the Fall Harvest stamp set by Sparkle N Sprinkle and the sentiment is from the Shabby Chic Birdhouse set.

I colored the image with Copic markers and cut it down to fit the Our Daily Bread Window die set (which includes the window and all the curtain pieces).  I added a piece of acetate behind the window panes for a more realistic look.  The curtain pieces are covered with Mustard flock and highlighted with  a Distress Marker (Mustard Seed).

The "wallpaper" background is an M-Bossabilites embossing folder called Dainty Dots.  It's one of the newer Spellbinders folder that's approximately 8" x 11".  I love that large size as it allows me to emboss an entire sheet of cardstock at one time (no more seams).  Distress Ink (Scattered Straw) was lightly blended over the dots to give it a bit of color and to make it look more like wallpaper.

The sentiment was stamped with Staz-On and cut out with the Spellbinders Grommet Tag die.  Next came out the Cloud Nine Velvet glitter to give it a sparkly look.  A couple of pearls on either side complete the look.  I also pop dotted the center of the tag so that it bowed outward.

Note to self...

Here is another of the March new releases from Die-Versions, called Crystal Chandelier.  I had lots of fun creating this one.

To start off, I die cut the chandelier twice so that it would have a more realistic look.  I colored both pieces with Copic markers and added Diamond Dust to the crystal drops.  After everything was dry, I glued the center spindle of the second one directly on top of the first one and gently folded the arms out, giving it a great visual effect.

I stamped and colored the undies (rubber stamps from Doodle Factory) with Copics and fussy cut them out so they would hang from the chandelier.  The card base is actually a thick piece of vellum that I recycled from some junk mail.  I heat embossed Black Detail (from Sparkle N Sprinkle) embossing powder for my sentiment, which is a rubber stamp by Art Impressions.  I inserted a piece of patterned paper on the inside, to simulate wallpaper.  The vellum is quite opaque, so it doesn't show up well in the photos.  Even in person, it's quite subtle.

You are definitely going to want to visit both the Die-Versions Blog and the Die-Versions Facebook page to see the rest of the March release and to see all the fabulous creations the design team has come up with this month.

Never too late...

This Free Spirited Hat Ladies rubber stamp set from Sparkle N Sprinkle is full of fun images and sentiments.  I've paired Sadie and Gertie with the Never Too Late sentiment.  

Both ladies are colored with Copic markers (Gertie just loves her animal prints!) and then I added Gypsy Red velvet glitter to Sadie's dress, head band, and shoes.  Not to be outdone, Purple Potion velvet glitter is Gertie's favorite color choice for her accessories.  Goldenrod velvet glitter is the finishing touch for their earrings.

The image is then die cut using the Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Sketchbook die.  The backdrop for the girls is actually a recycled piece of copy paper.  Whenever I spritz or spray something with any of the shimmery spritz bottles that on the market, I lay down a piece of white copy paper.  When it's covered with color, I then try to use it in one of my projects.

To create the glittery sentiment, I used Stickum powder  to adhere the Gypsy Red velvet glitter.  (Be sure to read the instructions on how to use this product- but it's easy to do.)

Although I don't use too many flowers on my projects, I decided that was exactly what was needed here.  I created the handmade roses using the Spellbinders' Rose Creations dies and the Foliage die for the leaves.  I added some brushable glue to the edges and sprinkled them with Cloud Nine velvet glitter for a bit of sparkle and the look of morning dew.  The final steps were to add some fibers and a vintage button.

Hibiscus

We want to see your altered or recycled projects for Pattie's Creations Challenge #60.  It's alway fun to think of new ways to add new life to older items.  Once you start thinking about how to recycle everyday items, you'll look at every thing in a different light going forward.

This hibiscus image was one of the monthly freebies that Pattie posts on the first Friday of each month on the blog (look at the very top for the button).  So be sure to mark your calendars to snag one of her fabulous images for free.

Can you guess what I recycled for today's card?  It's the tulle behind the main flower.  It originally was the wrapping for a bar of handmade soap someone gave me.  So not only is it pretty, it smells nice too.

I used the same image and resized it multiple times to create the background as well as the focal point.  Being able to resize your image easily is one of the many things to love about digis.  Both the background and the main flower are colored with Copic markers.  I fussy cut out the large hibiscus and added Raspberry Soda glitter and Glossy Accents to the petals (to simulate dewdrops).  After positioning everything to see how I liked the arrangement, I decided the background was a bit too vibrant.  So, I covered the entire thing with double sided adhesive and covered it with Cloud Nine glitter.  Now, not only is it shimmery, but it had the muted look I was going for.

Now it's your turn to create something altered or recycled.  You have two weeks to complete the challenge and upload it to Pattie's Creations Design Challenge.  Don't forget to check out what the rest of the team has created too.

Have You Picked a Minor?

The theme for this week's Dude Time Doodles Inspiration Challenge is Greetings/Sentiments.  How easy is that?

I decided to use parts of the Coal Miner set from Bonibleaux Designs.  College is in full swing around here and I thought this would be a perfect sentiment for any college kid.  The images are colored with Copic markers and fussy cut out.  I created what I thought a coal mining tunnel might look like by free handing the opening supports.  The black background is actually a piece of a used plastic spiral notebook left over from my son's high school days.  I cut it out, rounded the top and adhered the coal cart to it and pop dotted the Coal Miner, since he's coming out for lunch.

The support was embossed with a Sizzix embossing folder (woodgrain) and inked with Distress Inks (Weathered Wood and Black Soot).  It was also pop dotted for more depth.  The sentiment is a Spellbinders die (grommet tag) and positioned above the tunnel opening (just like I've seen in old movies, with the name of that specific tunnel).  The card base is by Core'dinations.  I used the cut out portion from the supports for the inside to write a message and distressed it with Black Soot.

The sponsor for today's Dude Time Doodles Challenge is Create with TLC and the winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to the store.  You have one week to upload your Dude project that includes a greeting or sentiment.  You don't have to use a Dude Time Doodles image, but we all love it when you do.