love to create

Hooked on Digis

2012-01-28T10:52:00.001-07:00

I admit it. I adore the immediacy of the internet. I sign in at my public library (6th busiest in North America) and I can download audio books directly onto my ipod or EPUB books into my Adobe Digital Reader and eventually onto an e-reader (don't pop my dream bubble - I would love to have one!).

There are several reasons I love digital images; They come without postage and are relatively inexpensive. I love the immediate gratification of placing my order with any number of digital image companies and my images are in my inbox within the hour and occasionally within 24hours. They don't take up room on my overflowing stamp shelves. A key factor is that it feeds the anal control freak in me that doesn't get to surface very often - I can re-size the images to fit my creative vision. I adore that!

The down side is that I only know how to print in black or tones of black. There's no pink, red, blue or green. I only print on white card stock because my printer sucks and doesn't print in colour anymore, even with brand new cyan, cadmium, and magenta cartridges.

I don't use digital paper designs because I haven't advanced technologically beyond black and white. I don't digi scrapbook either because it's really too technical for me. I find a place of great calm and peace as I copy and paste digi images from my computer files into a word document and then fiddle with the size until it is so perfect, I can hardly stand it!

This darling image is A Special Flower from A Day For Daisies. My colours are all from an older Basic Grey paper, Sultry. I do love that pink and green combination!

This card is very thick and I doubt it would make it safely through the mail. There is something that appeals to me in making a card that is so decadently thick that it has to be delivered by hand with some for real face to face time!

I used my Spiral Blossom 1 die from Spellbinders to create the pink part of this flower. This die cuts a flower so much bigger than I had imagined it would be! My fault, not the die's fault. I cut it, rolled it, became alarmed with it's size, squished it, then cut off the smallest third of the length from the center. Then, I grabbed a mulberry floral embellishment and re-curled the spiral blossom around my pre-made flower. I worked the pink petals a bit to create some additional texture, and let a little sigh of happiness escape from my happy place. I ran a narrow bead of glue around the petal edges and dipped it in glitter. While the final product is bigger than the original die cut flower, it isn't as thick - it's a much flatter flower which works better with my card.

I love this little sentiment. It's from tlc Creations in their word art section. I have several pages of their sentiments printed and ready to go should the urge jump up and grab me. And I can re-size it to fit whatever die I want to use to cut it out! *DIVINE*

As with the flower, I ran a bead of glue around the pink Labels 16 layer and dipped it in my glitter. I coloured my image with copic markers and added a little magic to her background using stardust stickles.

copics used today; E000/01/11/74/77/79, B0000/00/01/02, YG01/05/07/09, RV11/13/17, YR 01/02/04, colorless blender, 100 special black

stamps; a special flower (adfd), sentiment (tlc creations)
paper; sultry (basic grey), slipper dotted swiss, green tea, maltball, white canvas (bazzill), x-press it blending card stock (copic)
accessories; lg classic square nestabilities, label tag trio, spiral blossom 1, eyelet squares, labels 16 (spellbinders), sultry button (basic grey), crystal ultrafine glitter (art institute), mulberry floral embellishments (recollections), old olive striped and pink pirouette taffeta ribbons (SU!), stardust stickles (ranger)

colour create - pink and green
paper crafting journey - floral
my mum's craft shop - flowers
my time to craft - favourite embellishment (ribbon)
cardmadfairy's - ribbon and bows
papertake weekly - happy highlights
stamping with the dragon - anything goes
sew many challenges - circles
whoopsie daisy challenge - let's bling it
AUD sentiments - inspiration challenge (love)
crazy4 challenges - lots of layers (c4c121)

Love Ya!

2012-01-21T12:08:00.004-07:00

I haven't coloured in almost a month and I was starting to suffer a little withdrawal, so I set aside the books to do something a little more creative today.

I took my main inspiration from this week's Deconstructed Sketch and the colour challenge from Splitcoast. The rest of my challenge inspiration is listed at the end of this post. There is a long list of inspiration which I'm thankful for, since my creativity needed a little jump start after being abandoned by the side of the road for the last month.

I have had this 'Love Ya' image by Mo Manning printed since last June. It has been sitting in my printed and stamped image file along with some images that were printed more than a year ago. Time sure can get away from me when I'm not looking!!! I used Stardust stickles on the background and I do love that darling, magical sparkle.

I have seen paper buttons on various cards, and it was a technique challenge on SCS awhile ago, and I'm thrilled I had a chance to give it a try today! I die cut 6 identical hearts using the Hearts Nestabilities die from Spellbinders and glued them together. I punched 2 holes with my crop-a-dile and gave it a good coating of Glossy Accents by Ranger. Note to self, grab a little patience and wait until the glossy accents is completely dry before touching;

That is such a clear fingerprint that it could be used by the police for identification purposes!!! I tied a bit of Brown Sugar Divine Twine and stuck a little floral embellishment on it.

I saw this sentiment and promptly typed it out and enlarged it for this image. It pixellated when I printed it, making it look a little fuzzy, because I am really not a digital designer. Looks pretty good in the photo though. And it is so perfect with this image.

Copics used today; W00/0/1/2, E000/01/11/43/44/71, YR000/20/21/24, R000, RV00/21/23, colorless blender

stamps; love ya (mo manning)
paper; bittersweet (basic grey), brown, canvas white, pirouette dotted swiss (bazzill), x-press it blending card stock (copic from ihp)
accessories; lg & sm classic circle, lg scallop circle, heart nestabilities (spellbinders from ihp), brown sugar twine (divine twine by ihp), stardust stickles, glossy accents (ranger from ihp), floral embellishment (recollections), crop-a-dile (memory keepers)

colour challenge scs - pretty pink rose with dessert option button & heart (cc358)
technique challenge - paper buttons (tlc325)
technique challenge - twine it up (tlc360)
deconstructed sketch - #35
pile it on - fuzzy friends
stampin for the weekend - out with the old
anything goes - anything goes
poodles parlous - valentines/love
memories of time - be mine bingo (glitter, heart, glossy accents)

IHP - Doggie Bag

2012-01-17T04:00:00.006-07:00

I know several people who have recently brought new pets into their homes. On a regular basis through our fostering, I know many people who adopt pets into their families, but I can't give gifts to everyone of them! Instead, I'm trying to make a gift for friends who have a new furry addition.

It's a Doggie Bag!! I may break my arm patting myself on the back for the name of this project. My inspiration came from the i {heart} papers design team inspiration for this month;

I love the windows in the blue room, and the colour of the pink accessories, so I combined the ' feel of the 2 rooms.

I stamped my cute little dog from my Paw prints on Our Hearts stamp set by Market Street Stamps on X-Press it Blending card stock by Copic with London Fog Memento ink. I made her nose and eyes black by colouring over the grey ink with a black 0.3 Copic multi liner pen before I coloured her with C00/01/03/05 copic markers. Because I use Memento ink and copic pens, my image doesn't smear or run when I colour using copic markers. This collar image is too short for this dog image since it is intended for the Chihuahua image in the set, but it's not a problem since I extended the collar by filling in the gaps with my multi liner pen.

That sweet little bling on this pup's collar is a light pink basics rhinestone from kaiser craft. A must have for all puppy fashionistas!!

This tag was made using leftovers from the window - waste not! I stamped the sentiment in London Fog Memento ink and the little paw print and wings was stamped in Rich Cocoa Memento ink. I used a larger light pink rhinestone below the sentiment and attached it with a tiny paper clip. Natural Linen cord was cut to length and then separated into strands before being tied to the paper clip. This paper is from Uncommon by Authentique. I wanted to add a little more personality to my bag so I cut off the top 2" using Pierceabilities Pinking cutting border die. The effect is fabulous!!

Check out what the rest of my friends did with this inspiration challenge, and if you are inspired, please use code ihp0112 when you upload so we can find your project and leave a comment for you!

stamps; paw prints on our hearts (market street stamps from ihp)
paper; uncommon (authentique from ihp), x-press it blending card stock (copic from ihp)
ink; london fog, rich cocoa memento ink (tsukineko from ihp)
accessories; labels 7 die, pinking border (spellbinders from ihp), lt pink rhinestone basics (kaiser craft from ihp), linen cord (canvas corp. from ihp), multi liner pen and copic markers (copic from ihp)

IHP - A Day For Thanks

2012-01-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

I started my Master's of Education today and so I think it's a good day. My courses are all online and since I'm not the most tech savvy person, I spent the morning fumbling around on the website and I ended up actually finding all the reading I need to do. Um, it's a lot. I told my dad how much reading I have to do this week alone and he said he'd never get through it in 300 years. The man makes me giggle, and I'm so thankful for him! In theory, my plan is I'll read in the morning, write in the afternoon and decompress in the evening. The theory worked out and so today is a good day.

And to celebrate, I made a card tonight. I combined a couple of challenges and came up with this gem. This sketch is from deconstructing jen #31.

I used stardust stickles on this little fairy's wings and once dry, I applied a thin layer of glossy accents to make them look 'wet' - a splitcoast technique challenge.

This whimsical sentiment is from pretty phrases by paper smooches I do love this set and there are a couple of sentiments in it that work very well for multiple occasions. I stamped it using rich cocoa memento ink.

I coloured this Poppy Fairy using copic markers. I like the colour combination because it looks quite a bit like the flower fairies by Cicely Mary Barker. I do love the whimsy of it.

Copics used today; V91/95/99, YG0000/00/61/91/93/97/99, B0000/000/91, E000/00/11/95/97/99, colourless blender

stamps; pretty phrases (paper smoochesfrom ihp), poppy fairy (a day for daisies)
paper; a beautiful life (mme from ihp), x-press it blending cardstock (copic from ihp), yam, maltball (bazzill)
ink; rich cocoa memento ink (tsukineko from ihp)
accessories; crepe purple ribbon (creative impressions from ihp), stardust stickles, glossy accents (ranger from ihp), copic markers (from ihp)

art impressions - anything goes
papertake weekly - anything goes
house of gilli - anything goes
sparkles forum challenge - anything but a christmas card
ribbon carousel - anything goes
craft you passion - mythical creatures
simply create too - more than 2 layers
simon says stamp - something new (digi image)
fairy tale challenge blog - something new (digi image)
freshly brewed challenge - something new (ditto)
little miss muffet - something new (ditto)

Christmas Cardinal for a Friend

2012-01-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to make a card for her specially to give away this Christmas.

Her Mother-in-Law loves cardinals and her favourite colour is blue. I wanted to combine the blue request with a more traditional colour scheme, and I think I failed miserably. I used my Jovial pad by Basic Grey because it had the blue in it I wanted, and I adore this stylized poinsettia paper so I chose to put them together. It took a day of looking at this card before I decided I liked it and that it all really did work together.

I referred to my cardinal colouring tutorial to pick the right colours again since I couldn't remember for the life of me what to colour the cardinal with.

Here are my copics of choice for this image;

YR12/16/68, R08/27/29, B0000/00/01, N1/3, E87, G94/99, colourless blender

stamps; snowy cardinal, cardinal holiday mailbox (heartfelt creations)
paper; jovial (basic grey), ivy, tropical breeze (bazzill), x-press it blending card stock (copic)
ink; rich cocoa, black tuxedo memento ink (tsukineko)
accessories; beaded ovals, lg oval nestabilities (spellbinders), stardust pen (sakura), copic markers

IHP - Hot Concoctions

2011-12-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

The blur I fondly call Christmas is over. We have lost a total of 3 pups from our current fostered litter which deeply saddens my family. Last night I had to make another emergency dash to the vet with yet another pup from this litter. This pup had a lump on the underside of her throat the size of a large gumball and all I could think was not another one! It turned out she had an abscessed infection without any sign of how it started. There are no puncture wounds or other obvious signs of trauma which might typically lead to an infection of this magnitude in a 4 week old puppy. The lump was lanced and drained and we are applying hot compresses to aid the drainage.

And card making went by the wayside this month due to life hitting us with a tonne of bricks. Today, I stole some time between compresses to finish this lovely thing I started 2 days ago for the sketch challenge on SCS.

I really love my Generations paper pad from Simple Stories! The paper designs are so rich and warm.

This fabulous coffee to go cup and sentiment are from Hot Concoctions by Paper Smooches. I had a coffee stamp set that I loved but it had only one huge cup in it and so when Kate started carrying this stamp set, it easily became my new favourite coffee set and I really love the adorable images and versatility of it!

My new favourite embellishment is a bow cluster and while this one isn't my all time favourite, it works well with this card. I keep thinking it needs a little pink rhinestone in the flower to coordinate better with the rest of the bling, and it may still get one before this card is given! I am in love with the burgundy ribbon and I need more because I don't think I have enough left to do a bow but I might just have enough to do a lovely knot, we'll see.

If I can't do another blog post before New Year's, I wish a blessed and very happy new year! *MWAH*

stamps; hot concoctions (paper smooches from ihp)
paper; generations (simple stories from ihp), java, clover leaf, saguaro (bazzill), kraft (american elements)
ink; rich cocoa memento ink (tsukineko from ihp)
accessories; sm & lg classic circles nestabilities, ironwork motifs (spellbinders from ihp), white gel pen (sakura), branch punch (martha stewart), floral embellishments (recollections), basics light pink rhinestones (kaiser from ihp), burgundy crepe ribbon (creative impressions from ihp)

Snowflake Card

2011-12-19T04:47:00.002-07:00

I really like this card and I think it is very versatile. I got my inspiration from the Virtual Stamp Night on splitcoast last weekend. This card is so easily made in 45 minutes!!!

I used pearl pearlized card stock and cut out 4 snowflake, layered them using pop dots and that's it! The largest snowflakes were cut using Snowflake #2 by sizzix and 2 die from Create a Flake 1 by spellbinders. I used white ribbon and a rhinestone button from bazzill. Seriously, you can't get any easier than this one!!

paper; pearl pearlized card stock (paper accents), horizon, coconut swirl (bazzill)
accessories; create a flake 1 (spellbinders), snowflake #2 (sizzix), white ribbon (su!), rhinestones (basic grey), rhinestone button (bazzill)

IHP - You Always Know...

2011-12-17T04:50:00.003-07:00

I'm running out of time and energy to continue making Christmas cards, so I created a more generic card instead just to make the creative spirit in me happy.

I've had this Generations pad of paper on my desk, waiting for my Christmas card making frenzy to use it. So far, it hasn't happened because so many unexpected things popped up over the last 4 weeks. Seriously unexpected. I'm now registered for Master's classes at the University of Calgary, Hannah's root canal went well and she is booked to have her wisdom teeth removed in a month. Our latest foster dog, Asha, has been a really significant part of our AARCS foster dog journey with her c-section, equivalent to postpartum depression, her runt L'il Mouse needing puppy formula supplements and the death of one of Asha's other pups. My dad's cataract surgery went perfectly and gosh, I hope nothing else pops up!!! I started Christmas shopping on Tuesday finally and was almost done the following day. I'm down to Rachel's gift and ear muffs.

And Christmas cards went a little by the way side. I really, really love this pad because it is so warmly coloured and vintage gorgeous. My sentiment is from You Always Know by Technique Tuesday, stamped using rich cocoa memento ink and cut out using large square nestabilities and mounted on pattern paper cut using labels 15 shapeabilities.

I embellished this card using ivory ruffle edge trim by maya road and crepe burgundy ribbon by creative impressions. This card simply makes my heart happy.

stamps; you always know (technique tuesday)
paper; generations (simple stories), maltball (bazzill), kraft (american elements)
ink; rich cocoa memento (tsukineko)
accessories; labels 15, lg squares (spellbinders), burgundy crepe ribbon (creative impressions), ivory ruffle trim (maya road), pearls (k&co), floral embellishment (recollections), brown satin ribbon (offray)

Riddersholm Design - Sketch Inspiration

2011-12-16T04:25:00.001-07:00

I used last week's sketch challenge to create this card for Riddersholm Design.

This image printed directly on the paper is divinely vintage!! I nearly swoon over it, and I'm thrilled that it is already beautifully coloured for me. This card was easy peasy to create because most of the work was already done for me.

Have a wonderful weekend!

stamps; prancer (marketstreet stamps)
paper; i believe, holly & angels (riddersholm design), walnut creme, hershey (bazzill)
ink; antique linen, tea dye, vintage photo, walnut stain distress ink (ranger)
accessories; lg petite oval, labels 20 (spellbinders), flower, ribbons (riddersholm design), rock candy maple (prima from riddersholm design)

By Lori Designs - Warm Fuzzies

2011-12-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

My calendar says it's Thursday, so I know I'm a couple of days late with this post. *sigh*

I made this card from the inspiration of last weekend's Virtual Stamp Night on Splitcoaststampers. This darling bear is from the By Lori Designs digi image Puddle Jumper Winter Landon and the sweet sentiment is from Christmas Sentiments. I've used a simple sketch so I could really showcase this darling little bear.

Copics used today; B0000/00/01, E74/77/79, colorless blender

stamps; puddle jumper winter landon, christmas sentiments (by lori designs)
paper; snowfall (bo bunny), soft sky (su!), java (bazzill), x-press it blending card stock (copic)
accessories; pleated velvet trim (making memories), soft sky ribbon (su!), brown brads (bo bunny), copic markers

BLD Merry Christmas, Lollipop Amy

2011-12-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

As a style statement, this card couldn't be any more different that my previous post today;

This darling girl, Lollipop Amy, has been Christmasified! She is also beautiful for Easter, First Communion, Flower Girl, Tea Party or birthday. I paired her with one of the gorgeous Christmas Sentiments.

I adore her little dress!!! I've made similar dresses for my girls since it's always so much fun to dress up little girls. Now that my girls are almost grown, I'm not sure if it's more or less fun to shop for them. I'm so thankful they like my fashion ideas for them.

copics for this image;
E0000/00/01/42/44/47/49, YG0000/00/21/61/63, R37/39/59/89, T1/3/5, colourless blender

Stay tuned, I'll have more puppy pictures and stories over the next little while. Lots has been going on behind the scenes with rescue dogs in our house. Some is wonderful and some is heartbreaking, which is really why I haven't done any AARCS posts in awhile.

Have a wonderful week and do peek at the rest of the By Lori Designs team inspiration.

stamps; lollipop amy, christmas sentiments (by lori designs)
paper; eskimo kisses (basic grey), riding hood red (su!), coconut swirl (bazzill), x-press it blending stock (copic)
accessories; labels trio, sm, lg classic squares, sm scallop squares nestabilities (spellbinders), white brad (unknown), candy apple, parakeet brads (bazzill)

I {Heart} Papers Market Street Stamps Blog Hop

2011-12-06T04:00:00.002-07:00

Welcome to the i {heart} papers and Market Street Stamps combined teams blog hop! We're so excited to have you join us, and we know you're in for a real treat!

You should have arrived here from Kendra Wietstock's blog. If not, visit Kate's i {heart} papers blog to start from the beginning. You'll go from there to the blogs of our designers and finish up at the Market Street Stamps blog. If you get lost, both company blogs have the complete list of links.

about i {heart} papers:

i {heart} papers is proud that we recently celebrated our 3rd anniversary in October. We’ve grown by leaps and bounds and have not strayed from our core principle of stellar customer service with FAST and FREE shipping. You ALWAYS receive free shipping with your $50 US order/$150 CAN order with no gimmicks or restrictions like so many other companies, and orders are almost always shipped within 24 business hours. We’re thrilled to be hopping along with the MSS team today and to be carrying the MSS line of stamps. If you’ve never ordered from us before, please mention that you learned about us on this hop for a free gift with your first order! Please visit us at www.iheartpapers.com, “like” us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/iheartpapers, where you'll find over 1900 other IHP fans!) and follow us on Twitter (@iheartpapers). Enjoy the hop! If you order by Wednesday midnight EST, all MSS sets are 15% off! Leave comments along the hop to be entered in a drawing to win one free MSS set. The more you comment, the more chances to win! You have until Wednesday at midnight...winners will be announced on the ihp blog on Friday!

about Market Street Stamps:

Market Street Stamps, LLC, was founded in January 2010 by Angelica and Jorge Suarez, a husband and wife team who create unique stamps made from peach-tinted photopolymer, the best available on the market today! Market Street Stamps' goal is to produce durable, high quality designs that you'll turn to again and again! We are thrilled to be hopping with i {heart} papers and their incredibly talented design team today! Be sure to "like" us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MarketStreetStamps) for the latest releases and project ideas from our Design Team!

For my blog hop card, I stamped on December 25th paper by Kaiser Craft using the Grace background stamp and Season's Greetings is from Prancer. All product used on my card is from i {heart} paper and is directly linked below.

From here, you're headed to Lori Tecler's blog. Enjoy the hop! Thanks for your comments! Remember to order your MSS from ihp before Wednesday to get the 15% discount!

i {heart} papers
Amy Kolling
Brenda Weaver
Carolyn Mustopa
Deb Felts
Dobea Alberts
Gretchen Belknap
Julie Day
Kendra Wietstock
Loretta Lock
Lori Tecler
Lynn Mercurio
Michele Gross
Samantha Casey
Stephanie Muzzulin
Stephanie Washburn
Tifany DeGough
Tracy Schultz
Market Street Stamps

stamps; grace, prancer (market street stamps)
paper; december 25th (kaiser craft), ivy, raven (bazzill)
ink; black soot, tea dye, vintage photo distress inks (ranger)
accessories; fancy tags 2, lg petite oval nestabilities (spellbinders), mixed blooms - black (petaloo), green satin ribbon (may arts)

Riddersholm Design Sketch Challenge Week 48

2011-12-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

For the current week's Sketch Challenge with Riddersholm Design, see on the info on the blog. We really would love for you to play along with us for a chance to win some great prizes! The rest of the design team has some absolutely stunning projects for you to take a peek at as well.

I used 'I Believe' for my card today and the coordinating cut outs. I really love these no brainer images because sometimes, a gorgeous image is needed for a quick card.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy your weekend!

Riddersholm Designs Sketch Challenge - Week 47

2011-12-01T13:47:00.005-07:00

Riddersholm Designs is hosting a sketch challenge contest. Here are the rules;

Important YOU have to be a follower on Riddersholm Design’s blog, so if you not already are – join :o)
You have to write about this card sketch challenge and put our Xmas badge with link to the challenge on you own blog where it is visible.
Confirm your participation by adding your blog address to your picture of your challenge card beneath on the Riddersholm Design's blog.
Your participating card must be done with basis in the card sketch and be a Christmas card.

Well, I completely forgot to upload this card last week in the midst of all the hubb bubb in my house;

I love the rich vintage feel of the Riddersholm Design paper!!

And I really love the instant vintage images that coordinate with these papers!!

To keep with the vintage look, I cut white snowflakes out and sponged them with Tea Dye distress ink. Once the ink was dry, I covered the snowflakes with adhesive and dipped them in vintage glass glitter. This snowflake sparkles like it is covered in diamonds. I do love me that glass glitter!!!

I'll post the current sketch and card tomorrow for the Riddersholm Design sketch challenge. The sketch is FABULOUS!

paper; I Believe, christmas cutouts - vintage christmas tags (riddersholm design), dotted swiss clover, raven (bazzill)
ink; tea dye distress ink (ranger)
accessories; create a flake 1 (spellbinders), snowflake punch (martha stewart), stardust stickles (ranger), beetle black brads (bazzill), black satin ribbon (offray), krystallos vintage glass glitter (art institute glitter), button (basic grey)

aud sentiments - christmas sentiment
CCEE1148 - snowflakes and bling
crazy 4 challenges - snow
DYSU - ribbon or anything you can tie
penny's challenge - tie one on
crafty creations - photo inspiration
our creative corner - photo inspiration
tuesday throwdown - masculine holiday card

BLD Puddle Jumper Winter Landon

2011-11-29T11:13:00.001-07:00

On today's docket, Puddle Jumper Winter Landon. This digi image comes with a darling teddy bear that I will be using next month all on its own!!

With Christmas just around the corner (*eeeeeeppp!!!!*) I'm in full on Christmas card making mode, like most of you. I love digi images because I receive them in less than 24hours and I can size them to fit my needs. Wonderful stuff!!!

I'm almost through a bottle of Stardust Stickles since I'm using it on almost everything frosty and wintery.

Really, if it's related to winter, it gets a coating of stickles...

Today's copic selection; E000/01/11/55/57/59, W1/3/5, YG91/93/97, R37/39/59, B0000/00/01/93/95/97/99, colourless blender

We invite you to peek at the design team inspiration posted on the By Loris Designs digi shop blog for some pre-Christmas inspiration.

stamps; puddle jumper winter landon (by lori designs)
paper; figgy pudding (basic grey), flintstone, coconut swirl (bazzill), x-press it blending cardstock (copic)
accessories; icicle border punch, snowflake punch (martha stewart), button brads (making memories), stardust stickles (ranger), create a flake 1 (spellbinders), iridescent rhinestone (zva), white satin ribbon (SU!), copic markers

shopping our stash - digi image
little red wagon - christmas
pattie's creations - christmas
poodles parlour - christmas
2 sisters - holiday
sweet stampin' - punches and dies
inspire me fridays - anything goes
make it monday - anything goes
paper craft journey - anything goes
stamping with the dragon - anything goes christmas
sweet n sassy - favourite things (copics, stickles)
craft your days away - buttons or bows (both!)
decontructed sketch #28

Another card of many challenges...

2011-11-26T09:20:00.001-07:00

I've been running around for 2 weeks now. It's a really long story and the bottom line is I'm going back to University to upgrade my teaching certification. I've been substitute teaching for 2 years and I need more hours so rather than waiting by the phone (figuratively speaking), I'm taking charge. I know this has all been prepared ahead for me because when I started pursuing this new direction, everything has fallen into place quite easily in a very short time and I've not had any push back from any administration I've dealt with. I'm intimidated about returning to post secondary education after 16 years, especially since I've been told I need to take graduate courses and by the time I'm done my teaching practicum, I'll be 1/4 of the way through a Master's degree. My pre-menopausal brain may just fall out my left ear!!! The final pieces on my new path will be in place in the next couple of weeks since I can't register for my classes as an Open Studies student until December 9th. Yoish!

And since all of this new stuff is running around inside my head, I couldn't fall back asleep very early this morning. Instead, I took a peek at a bunch of challenges and they all inspired this card;

It didn't turn out quite the way I wanted, but it's close. I'm trying to reassure myself that the mojo has NOT left the building, but I am quite distracted right now...

Most of the supplies for this card are from i {heart} papers and there are direct links in the recipe list below. Kate has a fabulous Black Friday sale going on her website this weekend, and you would do well to take advantage of it!!

stamps; good cheer by ali edwards (technique tuesday from ihp)
paper; bonjour (kaiser kraft from ihp), walnut creme, coconut creme (bazzill)
ink; tea dye distress ink (ranger from ihp), rich cocoa memento ink (tsukineko from ihp)
accessories; sm classic circle nestabilities (spellbinders from ihp), white pleated ribbon, sage/brown ribbon (may arts from ihp), pink basic lines rhinestones (zva from ihp), dotted scallop border punch (ek success), resin rose (recollections)

scs sketch challenge - SC360 - going to call this inspired by...
scs colour challenge - CC350
scs ways to use it - WT350 - again, inspired by - I used a bow AND a straight line...
scs inspiration challenge IC312- glenna jean Riley nursery

BLD Puddle Jumper Winter Ella

2011-11-22T09:54:00.001-07:00

American Thanksgiving is fast approaching and so I decided to make a more fall themed card this week and I've used Puddle Jumper Winter Ella.

I just think she is so super sweet!

here, in the northern end of the continent, we've already hit -20 celcius and I'm feeling quite put out that long term weather forecasts indicate that it will be yet another particularly cold winter. *ugh* However, this cutie patootie girl is all bundled in her perfect fashionista way and has a perfect sentiment from the Christmas Sentiment Collection to warm her heart, if not her fingers,toes and nose!!

With the dip in the thermometer reading, anything that was once alive outside has been transfixed into frozen beauty on the landscape, much like the floral spray I've used here. Each element of the spray was glued where snow would land and dipped into vintage glass glitter and the result is so HEAVENLY!!!

Copics used today; E0000/000/01/04/07/09/29/71/74/79/93/95/97/99, Y23/26/28, YG91/93/97/99, B0000/000/00/01, colourless blender

Many more beautiful samples for your inspiration are posted on the By Lori Designs blog, so go ahead and get your mojo on. As an added bonus, Lori has released many more images designed by bother herself and her very talented daughter, Hannah.

stamps; puddle jumper winter ella, christmas sentiments (by lori designs)

paper; nutmeg (cosmo cricket), brown, yam (bazzill), old olive (su!), x-press it blending cardstock (copic from ihp)
ink; peeled paint distress ink (ranger)
accessories; foliage shapeabilities (spellbinders), branch punch (martha stewart), krystallos glass glitter (art institute glitter), mulberry flower (petaloo), copics (from ihp)

pile it on - 'p' is for puddle jumper winter ella
2 sisters challenge blog - let it sparkle
digital tuesday - sparkle and shine
fab 'n funky - baby it's cold outside
CCEE - 2 die cuts or 2 punches
incy wincy - colour challenge

PCP Whimsie Doodle Challenge

2011-11-19T04:22:00.002-07:00

Happy weekend! Whimsie Doodles has invited the Paper Craft Planet Super Novas to use some new release images. I invite you to head to the Paper Craft Planet blog to see the rest of the projects and do leave a comment their for a chance to win a prize from Whimsie Doodles. I've used Cookie Fairy, and made her a friend of Santa Claus.

Isn't she just so sweet? I wanted to use her on a Christmas card, and my thoughts went straight to a plate of cookies for Santa.

I coloured her hair with lots of little dots and for a little fairy fun, I gave her pink dots in her hair too. I love every opportunity to cute-ify whimsical images. In real life, I'm not enthusiastic about hair dye, especially candy colours that nature never intended for us, but on a sweet, little fairy it is perfect.

And in keeping with cute-ifying this little fairy, I used stardust stickles liberally in her hair, on her shoes and on her wings.

I highlighted the sentiment that comes with the Cookie Fairy image by cutting the sentiment using a spellbinders die from Labels Trio, leaving the paper in the die and using a copic marker to colour inside the die edges.

Snowflakes on a Christmas card are especially lovely. I used Create a Flake to cut and embossed these flakes. I also used a Martha Stewart punch so I would have snowflakes to layer.

Copics for this project; E40/41/42/51/55/57/59, R20/32/35/39, G0000/000/00/20/21, C0/2, colorless blender.

Good luck with the contest!

stamps; cookie fairy (whimsie doodles)
paper; holly jolly christmas (echo park from ihp), patch, white canvas (bazzill), x-press it blending cardstock(copic from ihp)
accessories; create a flake 1, labels trio, doodle parts (spellbinders), white ribbon, clear chunky glitter (SU!), candy apple button, cardinal rhinestone (bazzill), snowflake punch (martha stewart)

BLD - Rockin' Around the Tree!

2011-11-15T10:19:00.001-07:00

Good morning! I've used Puddle Jumper Winter Hannah today. I love her fun nordic hat. My own Hannah has just taken to wearing a hat much like this over her mass of red curls, and I can't image a more adorable wintery sight.

I guess these colours and papers are a little more 'Christmassy' than I seem to lean towards typically. The pattern papers are from Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey and I'm not sure it's available anymore. I love it! I love the large ironworks motif pendant (spellbinders) that I cut in half to ornament the card in a bigger way. To that I added some blue rhinestones.

This sentiment is from Christmas Sentiments and I decided to have a little fun with it. If I had a do over, I would center the sentiment around the image more evenly. I really love Winter Hannah's outfit and wish I had this exact ensemble for my youngest daughter. She would be in heaven!!!

Copics I used today; B0000/000/00/02/04/52, R37/59, YG91/93/97/99, C2, E0000/00/01/55/57/59, colorless blender

There are more beautiful samples on Lori's blog, and I invite you to go take a peek and be inspired.

stamps; puddle jumper winter hannah, christmas sentiments (by lori designs)
paper; figgy pudding (basic grey), vintage collection (core'dinations), java, coconut swirl (bazzill), x-press it (copic from ihp)
ink; peeled paint distress ink (ranger)
accessories; sm oval, labels 18, iron works motif (spellbinders), ice blue rhinestones (kaiser from ihp), brown satin ribbon (offray)

2 sisters challenge - anything goes
digital tuesday - christmas
pile it on - christmas
wags n whiskers - christmas
totally gorjuss - christmas
daisy doodle - anything goes with a digi
crafter's companion - let it snow
crafty catz - digi
floweret stamplar - christmas

Purple Calendar of Happiness

2011-11-15T04:04:00.003-07:00

I was given Mini Calendar stickers to use for my i {heart} papers challenge project this month. I'm not normally a fan of stickers, but these stickers are terrific. I like that they are stickers with purpose, not an embellishment and so I made a perfectly functional calendar with them.

I've used paper which is a new favourite called A Beautiful Life by My Mind's Eye. This crepe ribbon is such a gorgeous, saturated purple that I've had it in a little pile on my desk just so I can gaze at it drink in the colour. I used my handy dandy Bow Easy to tie the bows. I sponged the edges of my pattern paper with seedless preserves distress ink from the autumn colour limited edition ink pad collection and I loved the same deeply saturated purple as the ribbon. These jet black rhinestones are a divine little sparkly add on from Zva Creative. A perfect little gift that I can tuck away for gift giving in a few weeks!

Check out what the rest of the i {heart} papers team did with these fabulous stickers;

O, Christmas Tree!

2011-11-08T05:01:00.045-07:00

I pulled out my container that holds all my Christmas stamps this week, so I must be thinking about getting into the swing of this card making season. The beauty of digital images is that they don't take up so much space or weigh much at all!

I used my By Lori Designs Lollipop Christmas Tree for my card. It is such a cute tree that I just had to use cute, non-traditional paper for it! My winter pattern paper is an older line, Winter Joy by Bo Bunny, and this shaped paper is from their Noteworthy pad. I combined it with Picket Fence from Lily Bee because the greens are a perfect match and I do love it when that happens.

I do like the fine sparkle that Fireworks glimmer spray has, so I used my aqua painter and New Sprout Fireworks to paint over my copic marker coloured tree. Since my digi image is laser printed, the ink is well cooked into the paper and colouring with copic markers provides a waterproof surface to aqua paint on! To adda little more whimsical shine, I spritzed my image using Lulu Lavender Fireworks. I tried to rub off some of the shimmer once it was dry and I'm thrilled to report that there is no simmer shedding. To top my tree, I used more shine with Yellow Stickles, another of my favourite go to's for sparkle.

copics used today;

YG17/21/23/25, BG32/34/49, B0000/000/00/02, BV00/02/04, E55/57, N0/2, colorless blender

Thanks for stopping by today!

stamps; lollipops christmas tree (by lori designs)

paper; winter joy noteworthy (bo bunny), picket fence (lily bee from ihp), green cardstock (core'dinations), elephant, coconut swirl (bazzill), x-press it (copic from ihp), aqua mist (pti)

accessories; new sprout, lulu lavender fireworks (tsukineko from ihp), ironwork accents (spellbinders), yellow stickles (ranger from ihp), ribbon (very old & discontinued from american elements), copic markers

card makin mamas- die cut

4 crafty chicks - die cuts

inspire me fridays - anything goes

papertake weekly - anything goes + bling

stampavie - anything goes

crafty catz - anything goes

freshly brewed challenges - anything goes

paper crafting journey - use a digi

2 sisters - use ribbon

charisma cardz - cutesy

You Never Go Out of Style!

2011-10-29T10:14:00.000-06:00

Today, I've used Poppy the Circus Girl, one of my Saturated Canary digi images. I simply adore Krista's art and I darn near swoon every time she adds images to her store!

When I saw today's Inspiration Challenge, I trolled through the Blue Carrot site and found inspiration in some Vintage Ephemera. The image on the hair net package is lovely, and inspired my card. My sentiment is from the WordArt of Create with tlc.

Isn't she simply divine?!!! I used the colours from the shirt and the lightest green of the skirt to polka dot 'sparkle' her skirt tulle.

Now, one of my latest favourite things to do is paint with glimmer mist. The sparkle is so fine that it is super hard to photograph, but the effect is spectacular!!! I used the following Fireworks Mists; Dandelion on her hair, New Sprout on her skirt, Cantaloupe on the balloon, tulle and ribbon.

I used the following copics; Y000/00/11/21/23/32, YG0000/91/93/97, B93/95, W00/0/1/2, E0000/000/00/02/07/09/11/31/71/95/97/99

Have a happy weekend, all!

stamps; poppy the circus girl (saturated canary), wordArt (create with tlc)
paper; butterfly garden (pink paislee from IHP), saguaro, coconut swirl, brown (bazzill), x-press it (copic from ihp)
accessories; sm classic rectangle nestabilities (spellbinders from ihp), joy ride button collection (cosmo cricket from ihp), sugar picks (jillibean soup from ihp), fireworks (tsukineko from ihp), brown ribbon (unknown), olive ribbon (su!)

IC308 - blue carrot shop

Relax!

2011-10-27T09:47:00.003-06:00

Today I used a sentiment from Create with tlc and made a MAN CARD! I cut this sentiment using a Reverse Wonky Rectangle die - a simple but effective shape that looks like a fat bow tie silhouette.

I think I'm getting more comfy with the man card, so I've started making more of them. I think I've learned that simpler is better for a masculine card and so using a fabulous pattern paper for the card base tends to be the direction I lean towards. This paper is from Timeless Vintage, a Kaiser Craft paper pad I got from Kate at ihp.

Have a terrific day!

stamps; sentiment (create with tlc)
paper; timeless vintage (kaiser craft from ihp), cashmere, raven, coconut swirl (bazzill)
ink; pumice stone, frayed burlap, black soot distress ink (ranger)
accessories; reverse wonky rectangle nestabilities (spellbinders), black brads (bazzill), black grosgrain ribbon (su!)

lexi's creations - just a sentiment
scrapbook sisters - anything goes
aud sentiments - make us laugh
eat, sleep, stamp - sketch (I turned it sideways)
SCS CAS challenge - inspiration challenge (I used the colours)

Farewell to Heartfelt Creations

2011-10-26T11:30:00.002-06:00

I can't write all the things I'd like to say here today or we'll all be crying in our coffee, so I'll get right to my Heartfelt Creations post instead.

I chose to play with embossing powder on this card image. I sprinkled embossing powders like I was baking since I combined several different colours and brands.

Initially, I used shabby blue embossing enamel and then I did the same with chestnut embossing powder by Zing!.

It makes the Wisemen look like they are traveling through mist. Love that look!

I heat set the powders by heating from underneath so the big, white pieces of enamel didn't get blown off course. I really love what the combined powders looks like with the star!

The left over mixed up powders were used on the little ornament so there was minimal waste. I really get bothered by waste. The final look of these 2 powders together really is quite spectacular.

I will miss the Heartfelt Creations design team and am sad to see it go. It's been a joy!

stamps; poinsettia ornament 2, wisemen ornament (heartfelt creations)
paper; turquoise hills (riddersholm designs), java, walnut creme (bazzill), splash pearlized paper (paper accents)
ink; versamark (tsukineko)
accessories; heirloom ornament 2011 (spellbinders), getaway dew drops (the robin's nest), ivory satin ribbons (offray), shabby blue embossing enamel (stampendous!), zing! chestnut embossing powder (american crafts), clear rhinestone (heidi swapp)

simon says stamp - anything goes
scrapbook sisters - anything goes
crafting when we can - christmas
christmas inspiration - punches or dies

Birthday Party for Susanna!!!

2011-10-21T22:05:00.002-06:00

On October 22nd, we are celebrating Susanna's Boyd's birthday with a week-long challenge event that every member on the Planet can participate in!

The Super Novas got together and each made a special birthday gift for Susanna's birthday. In honor of this momentous occasion, we invite everyone to post a birthday project or card for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Yes, there are several chances to win some awesome paper crafting goodies just by posting a birthday themed project!

Further details can be found by clicking on The Planet Blog. Check out where the party is and join us for a week of celebrations!

My card for Susanna is cheeky, eh?!!! I love it and I bet she does too, if a little ruefully.

I didn't have to colour a thing! I pulled out my Steampunk Debutante paper from Graphic 45 and used one of their elegant images for the ever elegant Susanna! Easy peasy gorgeousness!

I combined 3 ribbons to create my d'vine bow and then I glued a brad from the Gabrielle collection by Bo Bunny on the top with some super strong fabric adhesive. I used wide brown satin from Offray for my large bow and the other ribbon and crochet trim are from the Sienne Collection by Making Memories.

This is another word art digi sentiment from Create with tlc. I think this quote is originally attributed to Bette Davis, but I could easily be wrong! I love it!

HB, SB!!! You keep getting better every year! Now go to the Paper Craft Planet blog and try to win one of the MANY prizes up for grabs!!!

Pure Innocence - Mr Snowman

2011-10-20T05:05:00.007-06:00

I'm just starting on my Christmas cards for this season. I haven't decided on a card that I can mass produce and safely mail so I am working on my 'special' cards.

Heather Ellis is the artist behind Pure Innocence images, and I adore her Etsy shop containing her digital images. I have her Mr Snowman 002, used on this card. So adorable!!! The sentiment is a Kaiser Craft set from last year called Be Merry Collection. I don't know if it is available anywhere, but it's a great set if you are able to find it!

As I have done recently, I used Stardust Stickles to add a magical sparkle to the image background. I love the softness of this card so much!

hat; T1/3/5/7, R22/24, G82/94
scarf; G20/82/94
heart; R00/20/22/24, T1/3
snow; BG000/01
background; B0000/000/01

I hope you have a blessed day!!!

stamps; mr snowman 002 (pure innocence), be merry collection (kaiser craft)
paper; eskimo kisses (basic grey from ihp), coconut swirl (bazzill)
ink; london fog memento (tsukineko from ihp)
accessories; lg rectangle, snowflake pendant 2010, create a flake 1 (spellbinders from ihp), bracket border punch (ek success), say it in crystals - pink (prima), stardust stickles (ranger from ihp), pink and white rhinestones (heidi swapp), ribbon (su!)

aud sentiments - wintery theme
ooh la la - let it snow
case study #62 - I used Niki's colours in similar proportions for my card - love her combo!!
4 crafty chicks - marker it up!
charisma cardz - embossing (My border punch embossed my white edge)
daring cardmakers - use a bird

Just Magnificent

2011-10-19T08:47:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday!!! I've created a card that might be for Christmas or not, if you are like me and on occasion find yourself scrambling for a card for a hostess or house warming or any other generic card need that suddenly pops up.

I've used Magnificent Spruce Trees by Heartfelt Creations for my project today. All the sparkle and shine looks so elegant up close and personal.

I used dries clear glue and angel dust fine glitter by art institute for the frosty sparkles on this spruce tree by following the lines of the image.

The angel dust glitter adds a very subtle sparkle and shine when the card sits upright, just like a frosty December morning. *sigh* Loveliness itself!!!

There are many more beautiful samples on the Heartfelt Creations blog so do hop over there for some wonderful inspiration today!

stamps; magnificent spruce trees (heartfelt creations)
paper; abbey road truffle (bo bunny), coconut swirl, lagoon, brown (bazzill)
ink; bundled sage, forest moss, walnut stain distress ink (ranger)
accessories; satin ribbon, chunky glitter (SU!), rhinestone brads (making menories), charlotte vintage rhinestone button (bazzill), angel dust glitter (art institute),

little claire's - christmas
floweret - christmas
cupcake craft challenge - buttons and bows

BLD Sugar Stick Sallie

2011-10-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

I used Sugar Stick Sallie for my By Lori Designs project today.

She's so simply sweet and so I decided to do a simple card for her.

skin; E000/00/01
hair & shoes; EE53/55/57/59
dress; BG11/13/15/18, N1
shadow; N0/1/2

Have a terrific day!!

tip top tuesday - layers
do you stack up - use your scraps
simon says stamp & show - show some stripes
whoopsie daisy - anything goes

Fireworks in October

2011-10-18T03:03:00.004-06:00

I have a product focused project for you today. I was recently invited to play with one of several new Tsukineko products released at CHA Summer 2011- a fabulous new glimmer spray called Fireworks. It creates colorful, sparkly, shimmery effects on both light and dark papers and is available in 24 colors, all complimentary to Memento ink colors. This glimmer spray is easy to use and quick-drying on most paper surfaces. It is water-based, acid-free and non-toxic so it is easy to clean up if the dog grabs the bottle or if your little ones happen to 'borrow' your crafting supplies! However, it does say right on the bottle to keep out of the reach of children... The 0.5 fluid ounce spray bottle is a fabulous little size for those of us who only use glimmer spray occasionally rather than on every single project, page and flower we create!

Kate will be giving away some Fireworks to a random commenter ON TODAY’S DESIGN TEAM POSTS, so the more you hop and comment, the more chances you have to win! The winner will be announced on Friday so you have until Thursday at 9 p.m. EST to leave your comments!

I started by stamping my image (Ornamental Season) using tuxedo black Memento ink which didn't smear or run when Fireworks were spritzed on. I coloured using the following copic markers;

B0000/000/01, YG11/13/17, V04/06, N3, R46, colourless blender

Once this image was coloured, I painted over the ornaments using my Fireworks shimmer mist since the copic tones of green and violet I used are a perfect colour match for the New Sprout and Lulu Lavender Firework glimmer spray. It was simple enough to remove the spray nozzle and dipping an aqua painter in the liquid and paint the image. I used lipstick red atyou spica glitter pen to add red shine to the ribbon and red ornaments.

The shine is superb making my ornaments look like they are sugared miniatures of life size ornaments! To add a little more shine, I spritzed the image panel with Lulu Lavender spray, and the background with New Sprout. As you can see on the dark brown of my card background, the new sprout spray shows up on the dark brown card stock. This product is fun to work with. I didn't have trouble with the spray circumference but, to be safe, I did use a wide box to spray in that I got from a book shipment I received ages ago. My double bow was made using red sheer twinkle ribbon and my bow easy.

The rest of the i {heart} papers design team has some more fabulous ideas using Fireworks, so do take a peek and enjoy!!

stamps; ornamental season (itty bitty by unity from ihp)
paper; holly jolly christmas (echo park from ihp), brown (bazzill), x-press it (copic from ihp)
ink tuxedo black memento (tsukineko from ihp)
accessories; lulu lavender, new sprout fireworks (tsukineko from ihp), red sheer twinkle ribbon (may arts from ihp), bow easy (from ihp), red lipstick atyou spica pen, copic markers (copic from ihp)

order of the opus gluei - into the swing of

A Wee giggle for a Fall Sunday

2011-10-16T11:38:00.002-06:00

My husband has a habit of dramatically whipping of his glasses when he need to see something up close. I admit it drives me crazy! Just go get your eyes checked for crying out loud!!! He insists it will have to be a special day with a daytime appointment, blah blah blah. I see right through him and know it's one more discouraging sign for him that he's getting older and he's procrastinating since the optometrists hours are very generous including evening appointment times. He's going to need bifocals and we both know it.

I found this sentiment from Create with TLC and expressed my delight with one very unflattering, loud honking laugh. It was a must have from Paulette's Word Art category! My design was inspired from this week's Teapot Tuesday challenge on SCS. I opted for a man card (required) with black vertical stripes. I don't have any fishing anything that was another part of the challenge which I hope wasn't required.

Have a super day!!!

stamps; word art (create with TLC)
paper; black tie (basic grey), raven, white canvas (bazzill)
accessories; labels 18, reverse wonky rectangles, symbology (spellbinders), ribbon, buttons (basic grey)

An Update on Katie Renz from Lori Boyd

2011-10-14T10:24:00.002-06:00

I am writing this morning about and for Katie Renz you can meet her HERE on her Card blog and HERE on her Family Blog.

Many of you may know that she has a wonderful husband, 3 beautiful little boys, that she is a super Mommy and way talented crafter...she also has Stage 4 Gastic Cancer.

Today, her husband wrote an update on her blog. This is so sad, my heart is broken and my thoughts have been consumed with her and her family. I am continuing to pray for Katie's Miracle!!!!! I hope will join me!

I was asked at the start of the year to design a stamp for Katie, I did and ended up getting an email from her telling me how much she loved it. Thank You Katie! She said it really was her boys. She was so very very sweet and very appreciative! Sooooo, I wanted to do a HUGE push of this image for her babies!! I told her we were going to do this and that forever this stamp would be theirs!! It just so happens that her 2 little guys have a birthday on the 19th of this month and her big boy has one on the 1st of December. I would LOVE to bless them with a wonderful birthday and Christmas, so that Kevin and Katie do not have to think of worry about that!!

_________All donations placed on Lori's blog will receive a random image__________

THANK YOU!

If ANY of you would like to help spread the word on EVERY forum, blog, etc etc you can think of then the proceeds will go to The Renz Family...I and I know they would be so appreciate that we are helping to wrap her boys with our love and care.

I also wanted to ask everyone to make a card with their image and mail it to Katie (her boys), so if you would like to...the address is below. This what she wrote on one of my posts about a card I made:

Katie Renz said...Hi Lori,

I absolutely adore this image! It is one of my
absolute favorites of all the donated images :) Thank you again from
the bottom of my heart. I also wanted to let you know that I've
received numerous cards with this image and they have all been so cute!

so I know she would love it!

P.O. Box 5913

Bellingham, Washington
98227-5913

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for supporting and loving Katie and her Family!

PLEASE keep Praying for Katie's Miracle!!

Tons of Love and Many Blessings-

LORi BOYD

Happy Fall!

2011-10-13T14:42:00.002-06:00

While it's been a mild fall, it has felt like some leaves starting turning colour early, and the rest have yet to catch up. As a result, fall around my neck of the woods seems to be dying a slow, painful death rather than going out in a blaze of glory!

I dug deep and pulled out a stamp that hasn't seen the light of day in far too long - Fall Time, one of the Stick Chicks line by Gourmet Rubber Stamps (formerly American Art Stamps). I'm thrilled these stamps are available again because they are a favourite of mine, and I don't have nearly enough of them {wink*grin}. The sentiment is from another neglected set of mine from Whipper Snapper Designs, Give Thanks.

I used papers from the Apples & Flax fall collection by Riddersholm Design. I really love that these papers are vintage coloured and a little grungy without being over the top unusual and beyond distressed looking before I've had a chance to mess with it! Connie even has some lovely rose images in her lines that I just love and will be using soon!!! There are really not many rose papers that I like since they all remind me of Rose china patterns which I find a bit garish and verging on repulsive. Not to name pattern names...

Since the image parts are narrow, I tend to gravitate to Prismacolor Pencils to colour with and then I fill in the back ground using copic markers. I love when the air is so crisp in fall that it virtually sparkles, so I added a few stickles once I coloured my background.

I wanted to have a little more pizzazz to my simple brown bow, so I added a paper rose from a generic line by a big box craft store. It was fun taking a peek at a bunch of challenges this morning and then feeling that some of my time today was free enough to play around for a bit using images that I love and haven't used in awhile.

ground; E51/53/55/57/59, YR23/24, YG93/97
background; B0000/000/01

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and have an opportunity to indulge in something that makes you over the moon happy!!! Ta for now...

stamps; fall time (gourmet rubber stamps - stick chicks), give thanks (whipper snapper designs)
paper; apples & flax (riddersholm design), kraft, walnut creme (bazzill), ridinghood red (su!)
ink; antique linen, tea dye distress inks (ranger), rich cocoa memento ink (tsukineko)
accessories; border and leaf punches (ek success), label punch, chocolate chip satin ribbon (su!), metal embellishments (7gypsies), mulberry flower (recollections), stardust, diamond stickles (ranger)

4 crafty chicks - colour challenge
creative stamp friends - autumn colours
CASE study - #61
deconstructed sketch challenge - DS23
pile it on - just because
meljen designs - use ribbon

Oh Holy Night

2011-10-12T09:36:00.000-06:00

It's time for a new release from heartfelt Creations. The Classic Christmas Collection features 6 new precut stamp sets that coordinate with the Heirloom Ornaments 2011 and the Labels Seven Spellbinders dies. The classic images in this collection are perfect "not only" for your Christmas projects but very versatile and you will find yourself using them throughout the entire year! Leave a comment on the Heartfelt Creations blog by October 18 for a chance to win the entire release valued at $89.99.

I decided to do a simple card for Heartfelt Creations today.

I do like the shepherd scene very much and the star is perfectly sized for a wee bit of rhinestone shine. I overstamped the left side of the paper using a musical score found in the Book Frame 1 set. My lovely papers are from the Good Old Santa Collection by Riddersholm Designs. While I do enjoy breaking the traditional Christmas mold by making cards that are pink, purple, and blue, I find great satisfaction in creating traditional themed projects as well.

Do leave a comment on the Heartfelt Creations blog for your chance to win this newest release!

stamps; shepherd scene set, book frame 1 (heartfelt creations)
paper; good old santa collection (riddersholm designs), brown, coconut swirl (bazzill)
ink; pumice stone, walnut stain distress inks (ranger)
accessories; brown satin ribbon (offray), stardust stickles (ranger), hemp twine (unknown), brads (k foster), clear rhinestones (bazzill)

Swim for Katie - Day 3

2011-10-12T08:38:00.000-06:00

Enjoy the hop list for today!

Amy Heller
Jackie Pedro
Julie Masse
Kecia Waters
Sandie Dunne
Susan Liles
Latisha Yoast
Laurie Schmidlin
Lisa Arana
Lisa Henke
Lisa Silver
Lydia Fiedler
Lyn Bernatovich
Lynette
Maria Gurnsey
Meg Craig
Melissa Bickford
Michelle Woerner
Mona Pendleton
Niki Estes
Robyn Weatherspoon
Sarah Jay
Sarah Martina Parker
Savannah O'Gwynn
Stephanie Washburn
Susanna Boyd
Tobi Crawford
Julie Lacey
Kim Kesti
Shemaine Smith
Danielle Lounds
Debbie Carriere
DoBea A.
Fran Gumprecht
Geny Cassady
Gina K.
Holly McMillen
Jak Heath
Javablustamper/Jacquie
Kimberly Crawford
Jeanne Streiff
Trudy Sjolander

Lollipop Bella

2011-10-11T10:09:00.004-06:00

Lori has released several more darling images this month. Today I am using Lollipop Bella.

I surfed challenges for some inspiration for this card, and they are listed below! More of the By Lori Designs design team have made other sweet projects for your inspiration and they are on the By Lori Blog - ENJOY!

copics used;
skin; E01/11/13
hair; E11/13/15/18
clothes; B12/14/16, Y21/26, N1/2/4
flower; R21/24
ground; N0/1/2/4, E11/13/15/18
background; B0000/000/01

stamps; lollipop bella (by lori designs), warmest regards (su!)

paper; journey (authentique from ihp), kraft, java (bazzill), x-press it (copic from ihp)

ink; tea dye distress ink (ranger from ihp), rich cocoa memento (tsukineko from ihp)

accessories; ivory crochet trim, blue satin ribbon (may arts from ihp), sm & lg petite oval, labels 20 nestabilities (spellbinders from ihp), ice blue rhinestones basics (kaiser from ihp), butterfly trio punch (martha stewart), barely banana ribbon (su!), silver bells dew drops (the robin's nest), copic markers (from IHP)

CASE #60 - birthday card, butterfly, butterfly
CCEE - Favourite colour combo and a half circle (upper and lower 1/4 circle = 1/2 *grin*)
one stop craft challenge - anything goes
abc challenge - anything goes
penny's paper crafty challenge - anything goes
ribbon carousel - anything goes
one stop craft challenge - anything goes
inspire me fridays - anything goes
anything goes - dies/punches
fab n funky - dies/punches
papertake weekly - get in shape
crafts & me - use a digi
truly scrumptious - distressing ( I used distress ink and sponging)
terrifically thrilling thursday - something sweet

Day 2 - Swimming for Katie

2011-10-11T09:41:00.000-06:00

Enjoy looking at the projects by the contributors for Day 2 of the Swimming for Katie Blog Hop. Information Central is HERE.

Ashley Harris Clare Buswell
Jessica Diedrich
Lisa Somerville
Charlene Merrick
Eva Dobilas
Judy Rozema
Sharon Doolittle
Tifany DeGough
Windy Robinson
Ashley Cannon Newell
Connie McCotter
Heidi Van Laar
Karen Maldonado
Lori Craig
Melissa Phillips
Tosha Leyendekker
Amy Kolling
Angela Thomas
Angelica Suarez
Angie Blom
Becky Oehlers
Betty Wright
Bev Gerard
Brenda Weaver
Carolyn King
Chari Moss
Charlene Driggs
Cindi Bisson
Claire Brennan
Corinna McGregor
Craft Critique
Karen Hunsaker (Rubbernecker Stamps Designer)
Keely Yowler
Kelly Schirmer
Keri Lee Sereika
Kim Hughes
Kimber McGray
Kittie Caracciolo
Kristin Eberline
Wendy Price

Blog Hop; Swimming for Katie

2011-10-09T22:01:00.002-06:00

From October 10-12 some of the best stampers are joining together to support and encourage our friend and fellow stamper, Katie Renz, who is currently battling inoperable gastric cancer. If you're not familiar with her, Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of 3 with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer. Her first post about it is here. The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post here.

This exclusive stamp used in my sample, designed by Becky Oehlers is available as a clear stamp, as well as a digis or a dig and SVG cut file. 100% of the profits go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family. Her husband Kevin and her three young children need our help and support. In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker and True =D Doodle Designs both also donated digis that are for sale. Direct donations are also being accepted. Information central is HERE. This is a permanent page that will stay active at i {heart} papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing, as well as the donation button.

Here are all the items available for sale.

Keep Swimming Octopus
Peachy Clear stamp
$5.50 with free shipping

Keep Swimming Octopus DIGIstamp
$3.00 with instant download

Keep Swimming Octopus DIGIstamp with SVG cut file
$3.50 with instant download

Keep Swimming Mermaid DIGIstamp
$3.50 with instant download

Keep Swimming Ribbon Fish DIGIstamp and DIGIpapers
$5.00 with instant download

I hope you will join me in supporting Katie through a purchase or donation. The following is a list of everyone who has projects posted today. I hope you will be inspired by them and moved to purchase or donate. If you would like to send Katie a card, her mailing address is:

Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Thank you!

Here is my project for the hop today!

Katie and her family have been going through so much for almost a year now that I am inspired to honour their courage in this way. Purple and scarlet together feels like such a rich and royal colour combination which it fitting for Katie's stamina, battle weariness and humanity. To undergo such a situation, I would hope to have as much grace and dignity as Katie has shown.

The light, watery background is sparkly. Yup, it's just that simple. Besides, every girl needs a little sparkle in their life!!

There is oodles of dimension here since I printed 3 of my image to cut and paste it. The pen I used to edge bled a little when I applied stickles so, her darling crown is a little tarnished...

The copics list;

octopus; V20/25
crown; Y21
sign; R000/11
background; B0000/000/01

As was already mentioned, this blog hop will span 3 days with 125 designers so it is not like a normal blog hop. Below, you will find a list of links to the designers who are participating today and we invite you to take your time and enjoy all the projects designed for 'Swimming for Katie'. Each day of Swimming for Katie, I will have the current blog hop list posted for you here (because I want to see what everyone is up to!) and it will also be posted on the i {heart} papers blog. Now, go hop and enjoy!

AJ Otto
Beate
Carolyn Mustopa
Dawn Burnworth
Deb Felts
Gretchen Belknap
Heather Jensen
Jen del Muro
Julie Ranae
Kate - i {heart} papers
Kendra Wietstock
Lisa Johnson
Loretta Lock
Lori Tecler
Lynn Mercurio
Marianne Walker
Michele Gross
Stacy aka Twinshappy
Tracy Schultz
Debbie Olson
Cindy Lawrence
Cindy Haffner
Julie Koerber
Christine Okken
Tammy Hershberger
Danielle Kennedy
Barbara Anders
Makiko Jones
Ashley N Newell
Shannan Teubner
Taylor Usry
Jen Tapler
Jenn Balcer
Jenny Chesnick
Jess Larsen
Jessica Knutsen
Jimmi Mayo
Joan Bardee
Joan Ervin
Julia Aston
Julie Day
Julie Ebersole

stamps; keep swimming octopus digi stamp
paper; picket fence (lily bee design from IHP), pomegranate, white canvas (bazzill), x-press it (copic from ihp)
accessories; fancy tags, sm & lg classic circles, sm scallop circles (spellbinders from IHP), white sheer tinsel ribbon (may arts from IHP), stardust stickles (ranger from IHP), large white dew drops (the robin's nest), copic markers (from IHP)

Christmas Place Cards

2011-10-05T09:15:00.000-06:00

I think beautifully set Christmas tables are one of the most wonderful elements Christmas celebrations. There isn't much that can compare to food and fellowship around a common table at Christmas. For my Heartfelt Creations project this week, I've made Christmas Place Cards which might adorn the most traditional table.

I created a set of 4 place cards using Poinsettia Ornament 2 and Petite Poinsettia Sets and these card were created in the same manner as the place cards I made in this blog post.

I stamped the poinsettias and ornaments on coordinating red pattern paper from the Noel Collection by Bo Bunny - their traditional Christmas paper collection from last year. I love the mottled look of this paper!

I used the Decorative Window Die for the place card base and cut the name 'plate' using petite oval nestabilities. Further instructions are available on the Heartfelt Creations blog along with many other inspired projects by the rest of the Heartfelt Creations design team!

stamps; poinsettia ornament 2, petite poinsettia (heartfelt creations)
paper; noel collection (bo bunny), raven (bazzill)
ink; versamark (tsukineko)
accessories; sm petite ovals, layered poinsettia, heirloom ornament 2011 (spellbinders), decorative window die (heartfelt creations), gold superfine embossing powder, peeled paint stickles (ranger), gold brads (making memories)

i {heart} papers is 3!!!

2011-10-05T04:00:00.007-06:00

i {heart} papers is turning 3 and we are inviting you to celebrate with us all week long! And since Kate is a wonderful, generous person, you will receive 20% off EVERYTHING in the store – code: 3bdayDT (valid 10/1-10/7) and daily Facebook giveaways! In addition, every order is entered to win a $50 gift certificate plus refer a friend who orders and you both get an extra entry! You have until Saturday, October 8th to enter. Wowza, that is a whole lotta opportunity for some fabulous loot!

To celebrate the i {heart} papers's birthday bash, the design team is having a blog hop. We have all made projects using the sweet colours of the i {heart} papers's logo;

I made this birthday card using almost all i {heart} papers supplies to celebrate;

I have used Hazel paper pad by My Mind's Eye since the colours are just so perfect! I added white paper ribbon to embellish the center panel and blue silk ribbon for a little additional feminine touch.

The sentiment was created by combining 2 stamp sets; You & Me by Unity and Talking in Circles by Technique Tuesday. The frame was made using Labels 1 Nestabilities by Spellbinders.

Now, do take a peek at the rest of the team's wonderful creations and enjoy your day!!!

stamps; talking in circles (technique tuesday), you & me (unity)
paper; hazel (my mind's eye), white canvas, flintstone (bazzill)
ink; london fog, tuxedo black (memento by tsukineko)
accessories; labels 1 nestabilities (spellbinders), ice blue basics rhinestones (kaiser), white paper ribbon (basic grey), light blue silk ribbon (may arts)

By Lori Tuesday - I'm 1!

2011-10-04T03:02:00.048-06:00

Lori has many darling new images available this month. For today, I've used 'I'm One! - Boy'.

I've used the Midnight Madness sketch for my layout featuring this sweet little boy image. I tried to use the 'more' layout, but I think I ended up with 'less' which works well because I find the number pattern paper from Joy Ride is quite busy. I just had to use that paper though because it is so PERFECT for this image!!!

To frame this little guy, I doodled around the edge of the circle cut using the slightly embossed edge as my guide. I coloured this image using the following copic markers;

skin; E000/01/11
shirt; YR0000/21/24
diaper; C0/2
'1'; BG70/72/75
background; BG000/10/11/13, YR0000/12/14/18/21/24

stamp; i'm one- boy (by lori designs)
paper; joy ride (cosmo cricket from ihp), flintstone (bazzill), x-press it (copic from ihp)
accessories; circle, stars nestabilities (spellbinders from ihp), dusty durango ribbon (su!), grey satin (offray), copic markers (from ihp)

midnight madness - sketch #123
pile it on - do it for fun!
speedy the cat - polka dots
crafty purple challenges - lots of layers
meljen's challenges - circles and squares
pixie cottage challenge - pop it up
aud sentiments - birthday card
deep ocean - birthday card
crafts 4 eternity - anything goes
inspire me friday - anything goes
4 crafty chicks - anything goes
southern girls challenge - anything goes
digistamps 4 joy - anything goes
penny's paper crafty challenge - anything goes
scrapalicious challenge - anything goes
simon says stamp - anything goes
whimsical wednesday - anything goes

World Card Making Day

2011-10-01T03:55:00.003-06:00

Happy World Card Making Day!!!! To celebrate the day, Kate at i {heart} papers is offering a code for you to use at check out when you make a purchase from her store; WCMD2011DT - 20% off everything in the store. No exceptions or exclusions!

I've made a card to celebrate and I hope you like it!

I've combined some new and old supplies in this project. I really love the new Authentique line of paper Kate is carrying and I've used some of the Journey Collection here which I combined with the Postcard Embossing Folder by Tim Holtz. I layered solid metallic silver ribbon over white satin pleats ribbon (both by may arts). The bow was made using my bow easy tool.

The layout for my card is from the deconstructed sketch challenge #20 and I thought it was perfect for the stamps I wanted to use. I'll admit I was kind of generous with the stamp sets, using Mon Ami Paris, Ordinary Days and Talking in Circles, all by Technique Tuesday. Memento ink with acrylic stamps like these because the coverage is wonderful. I've used Tuxedo Black and London Fog for this project. I love using I cut the image using both the large and small classic circles set, framing it with a small scallop circle. Kate just got Kaiser rhinestones in stock, and I used the ice blue ones to embellish my card.

I hope you can celebrate the day with me!!

stamps; mon ami paris, ordinary days, talking in circles (technique tuesday)
paper; journey (authentique), white canvas, flintstone (bazzill)
ink; london fog, tuxedo black memento (tsukineko), tumbled glass distress ink (ranger)
accessories; sm & lg classic circles, sm scallop circles, postcard emboss folder (tim holtz sizzix), solid silver metallic ribbon, white pleated ribbon (may arts), ice blue rhinestones (kaiser), double scallop border (ek success)

deconstructed sketch challenge #20
crazy 4 challenges - operation write home
our creative corner - inspired by another country (I chose Greece on the sparkling Mediterranean with its recognizable flag)
SCS inspiration challenge #304 - http://www.2modern.com/
CCEE Challenge (CCEE1139) - postage/post card
CASE Study #59 (CSC59)
delightful challenges - pearls and swirls
paper pretties - sentiment as focal point
anything goes challenge - anything goes

Butterfly Mojo

2011-09-29T02:41:00.004-06:00

When I can, I like to play along with the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. Today is my lucky day using mojo monday sketch 208!!

I love the pairing of this sentiment from 'Soar' by tlc Creations with the many layers of butterflies. I have such a wonderful weakness for butterflies and I love it - don't even think about rescuing me!

This is a wonderful sentiment and on the tlc Creations website, there are many gorgeous text as graphic sentiments that Paulette aptly calls 'Word Art'. They are definitely words and most definitely works of art. You'll see me using a lot of her sentiments from now on and I'm so happy I found her digital images!!!

The largest and mid-sized butterfly layers were cut using Spellbinders Dies from the Fanciful Flight Set. The smaller butterflies were all made using the Butterfly Trio punch by Martha Stewart. I stamped the butterfly base using Dream Text by Stampendous since the collage look of this stamp mirrors the sketch layout.

Well, the weekend is fast approaching and I trust you have wonderful plans that will be restorative for you!

stamps; soar (tlc creations), dream text (stampendous)
paper; gabrielle (bo bunny), lagoon, java, coconut swirl, white canvas (bazzill)
ink; antique linen, tea dye, vintage photo, walnut stain
accessories; waterfall dew drops (the robin's nest), fanciful flight shapeabilities, large long classic rectangles nestabilities (spellbinders), butterfly trio punch (martha stewart), blue rhinestones (mambi), satin ribbon (su!)

HC - Christmas is in the Pink

2011-09-28T05:25:00.004-06:00

Good Wednesday morning to you! Have I told you lately I'm so thankful when you stop by? Especially when you let me know you've been here.

For my Heartfelt Creations project this week, I decided to go with a less traditional coloured Christmas card.

I love the elegance of this image from the Poinsettia Ornament 2 set which coordinates perfectly with the Heirloom Ornaments 2011 die by Spellbinders. To accommodate the embossing folder I've used here, this card is 5"x7" and I must admit that while creating it I kept thinking it was a HUGE card, but now that it's done, I quite like this size!

I heat embossed the image using silver detail embossing enamel. I stamped extra layers of poinsettia from the Petite Poinsettia set on the same Eskimo Kisses paper I used to layer the card, and heat embossed them as well before cutting them out using . The delicate pink of this Christmas card is quite striking and by using the coordinating Layered Poinsettia Die set by Spellbinders, it is a super quick card to make with maximum impact!

The instructions to make this card are on the Heartfelt Creations Blog along with the projects by the rest of the design team, for your enjoyment!

stamps; petite poinsettia, poinsettia ornament 2 (heartfelt creations)
paper; eskimo kisses (basic grey), white canvas (bazzill)
ink; versamark (tsukineko), spun sugar, worn lipstick distress ink (ranger)
accessories; love is in the air embossing folder (provocraft), layered poinsettia die, heirloom ornaments 2011 die (spellbinders), silver superfine detail embossing powder (ranger), pink silk ribbon (may arts), silver painty pen (zig), pearl brad (making memories), bow easy

teapot tuesday - MMTPT165 (fishnet stockings, big bows and pink poodle skirts)
magical mondays - christmas in september
crazy challenge - 3 colours (pink. white, silver)
the pink elephant - CASE (Sheri Gilson's colours)
whoopsi daisy - make your own embellies (It was all hand made and hand cut)
going grey - girly card (pink @ christmas!)
belli challenge - paper piecing (poinsettias)
inky impressions - punches or dies
crafty creations - CAS
southern girls - anything goes
simon says stamp - anything goes

A Wee Spooky Giftie

2011-09-27T05:09:00.032-06:00

Here's the honest to goodness truth behind this card - uh, bag. Last Friday it should have been illegal for me to be a mom. I gave my kids a serious, loud lecture at least twice. It was a hard day. Then our sewer pipe backed up and flooded out furnace room with 2" of yuck, and my house smelled a lot like potty activity #2. City workers came to unplug the sewer pipe and I could hear the them talking and they were blah blahing about it was likely plugged from toilet paper since there are so many females in my house.

Once my furnace room drained and they gave me the all clear, my kids gathered at the stair rails because they were loudly summoned. I was in the basement looking up to give them whatfore about the toilet paper thing, and I felt the ligaments give way in my neck. It felt like my whiplash recurred full force and I thought I might be sick right there. My payback for the illegal parenting I was doing all day, I guess. I have hardly been able to hold my head up unsupported all weekend and there was a significant pain factor. There was no crafting this weekend. No stamping, knitting or sewing.

Last night, I wasn't able to sleep and I got up at 3:30am and came into my studio. My neck wasn't hurting as bad so I thought I'd get my late Halloween card project done for By Lori Designs.

I finished up fairly quickly and went back to lay down at about 5:30am. When I got up an hour later to take my older kids to school for band rehearsal, I took a peek at my email and was kindly reminded about my 3-D Halloween project that was past due. I had forgotten it needed to be a 3-D project...

So I grabbed a gift bag and stuck my card front on it. Desperate times call for desperate measures!!! I saw a tutorial for this bag topper by Tosh Leyendekker on her blog. Thank heavens I was able to take a little time to surf this weekend!!! Tosh, I owe you!

I used Lollipop Lil' Chef (girl) dressed up for Halloween and the Pumpkin By Lori Designs Halloween Tote along with a sentiment from Halloween Sentiments, from the set pictured below.

I coloured this darling girl using the following copic markers;

hat, bowl, apron, background; T0/1/2, colourless blender
shoes; T5/6/8
skin; E000/00/01, R12
hair, spoon; E51/53/55/57
tote, shirt; YR000/01/12/16/24

stamps; lil' chef (girl), halloween totes, halloween sentiments (lollipops by lori designs)

paper; spooks (sei pad available from ihp), x-press it (copic available from ihp), raven (bazzill)

accessories; drippy goo border punch (martha stewart), pumpkin pie stripe ribbon (su!), long classic rectangles large (spellbinders available from ihp), orange rhinestones (mambi), copic markers (available from ihp), bow easy (available from ihp)

crazy 4 challenges - halloween
hiding in my craft room - halloween (was an A2 card until panicked realization set in!)
delightful challenges - fall
4 crafty chicks - fall
paper pretties - fall
crafty catz - autumn
card mad fairy - lots of layers
stampin with the dragon - 3D
scrapbook sisters - fall

Lily of the Valley - Just For Me

2011-09-25T10:12:00.003-06:00

Every once in a while, I become slightly delinquent with my design team work and I pull out images I bought because I love them and they have been sitting in a tidy little pile on my desk quietly waiting for my attention. Sometimes it takes me a week to find enough free time on the sly to get these projects done! Today, I want to share a 'just for me' project.

I love the whimsey of the Lily of the Valley stamps because they make me remember snippets of my children when they were small and played dress up and would use the entire living room to create a village and the center piece was a tea party on the low table.

This darling image is Birthday Fairy which I stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento ink (recommended by copic for use with their markers) and she was cut out using the largest classic rectangles nestabilities die. I have used some old Cosmo Cricket paper called Little Girls. It's so old it isn't on the CC website anymore!!! Jeepers, it likely should have been used up long before now. Paper doesn't come with an expiration date, does it?! If so, I have more than my fair share of expired paper products... *sigh* My stardust stickles are also getting so old that I have to shake them to re mix the glitter and glue so if you see more sparkle that I normally have on my projects, I want to get this stuff used up not wasted. Now, for fresh supplies like newly released Cosmo Cricket paper and NEW stickles, Kate can meet your paper crafting needs and wants at i {heart} papers!!!

I used tiny flora and fauna punches by EK Success for the floral spray in the corner. Cute, eh?!! I used some really old dew drops for some shine without sparkle.

I used the following copics on this project;
skin; YR0000/000, R12
hair & floor; E11/13/15/19
sweater, pom poms & gift wrap; BG70/72/75, (dots) YG91/93
wings, tutu & bow; R000/20/21/22/24
slippers; R000/20, E71
bear & socks; C0/2/3/4/7
background; E40/42/43, colourless blender

stamps; birthday fairy (lily of the valley)
paper; little girl (cosmo cricket), canvas white, lagoon (bazzill), x-press it (copic)
ink; tuxedo black memento (tsukineko)
accessories; {really old} teal ribbon (american craft elements), white satin ribbon (SU!), flora and fauna punches (ek success), lg rectangle nestabilities die (spellbinders), spring bloom dew drops (the robin's nest), border punch (martha stewart), stardust stickles (ranger)

bows & berries; glitter
kaboodles doodles - lots of layers
lexi's creations - card for a child
tip top tuesday - kids
art impressions stamps - for the girls
paper shelter - anything goes
southern girls - anything goes
stamp with fun - anything goes
sweet stampin' - anything goes
inspire me fridays - anything goes
crafty ribbons - anything goes
crafty sentiments - birthday
totally stampalicious - birthday card for a child
stampin' for the weekend - what a cutie
di's digi design - make your own flowers
splitcoast inspiration challenge - http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2011/8/11/inspiration-daily-08-11-11.html
card makin' mamas - get punchy
simon says stamp - dies &/or punches

By Lori Designs Birthday Blog Hop

2011-09-23T05:57:00.002-06:00

Happy birthday to By Lori Designs ~ Happy birthday to By Lori Designs ~ Happy birthday dear By Lori Designs ~ Happy birthday to you!

Yup, Lori Boyd and the Design Team are celebrating one full year of By Lori Designs. If you just happened along and arrived at my blog, ((hugs)), I'm thrilled you are here and I would invite you to start the hop at the beginning at Lori's Digi Shop and hippity hop your way back here and through to the end of the hop.

For my project, I've used Peek to create a Halloween Party invitation. She's so super sweet!!!

I created a wee night scene for Peek as she heads off to her party. She has shadows and highlights from the near by street light. The supplies I used are in the recipe list below and I coloured the image using copic markers;

background; C4/6/8, V25/99
bow/shoes; V09/17, YR23
pumpkin; YR000/20/23
Peek; Y0000/00, C00/1

So, hop along and be sure to comment on every blog for chances to win PRIZES! You have until Sunday night at 12 Midnight EST to hop and comment. Winners will be announced on Monday on the By Lori Designs blog!

Next on the hop is the lovely and talented Tori, so go on and enjoy!!! If you've become lost and need a little guidance, here's the complete blog hop list in order;

By Lori Designs Digi Shop

Lori

Jodi

Hannah

Anna Maria
Karen
Loretta (you are here!)
Tori
Kadie
Krista
Mary
Joni
Peggy
Shelby
Lysa

Frances
Tracy

Arielle

Sheri

stamps; Peek (by lori designs)

paper; x-press it (copic), yam, raven (bazzill), old olive (SU!), indian summer (basic grey)

accessories; floral doily motif, lg & sm circle nestabilities (spellbinders), old olive stripe ribbon (SU!), black satin ribbon (unknown), paris dew drops (the robin's nest), copic markers

HC - Hark the Herald Angels Sing

2011-09-21T09:33:00.001-06:00

It's Heartfelt Creations Wednesday! I'm continuing showing projects made using the Christmas Cheer Collection.

I have used Elegant Angels for my main image. I really like the soft loveliness of this image! In addition, I used Herald Angels Background and the gorgeous Decorative Lace Border die.

When Basic Grey released their Wassail collection, I bought a whole pack of 'Snow Dust' because I just love the muted pattern of the white snowflakes on the almost kraft coloured background. This love of muted colours inspired me to use the lightest of my warm grey copic markers. The little 'shines' on this image are perfect opportunities for embellishment!

The rest of the Heartfelt Creations Design Team have some gorgeous projects on the Heartfelt Creations blog. Go, take a peek!

Thank you for stopping by today!

**edit** ink; pumice stone distress ink (ranger)

crazy challenge - no red or green

kraftin' kimmie - christmas in september

createalicious - anything goes

inspire me friday - anything goes

make it monday - anything goes

crafty ribbons - anything goes

wags n whiskers - use lace (border die)

delightful inspiration - girls and glitter

crafty boots - things with wings

IHP - New Fabulousness

2011-09-20T04:52:00.002-06:00

Today, the i {heart} papers design team has been 'challenged' to use new product that is flooding into Kate's store. Challenge? *snort*

I wanted to make a simple little gift set that is appropriate for many different occasions. It is a darling gift for bridal or baby shower favours or thank-yous, birthday party or wedding favours. Perfection!

I made a little box using a widely available die. Then, I pulled out my new pad of Baby Steps paper from Simple Stories and simply cut a rectangle to fit the front of the pillow box. Before adhering it, I embellished it using Chocolate Pearl Brads by Kaiser, Light Blue Twill Stripe ribbon by May Arts, and Crochet Trim by Maya Road. The little gift card using the same supplies as the pillow box and I used a stamped sentiment on it. Kate started carrying the Paper Smooches line of stamps by Kim Hughes. These stamps are so super cute! For my gift card, I used Pretty Phrases.

If you can play along with us, please use code ihp0911 so we can find what you have created! Check out all the gorgeousness created by the rest of the i {heart} papers design team using Kate's new product;

Riddersholm Designs Blog Candy

2011-09-19T08:08:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday morning! I wanted to have a project for you as I share the happy news that I have been invited to join the Riddersholm Designs design team. Connie has stunning papers and is a very gifted designer. My box of paper is stuck somewhere in the great big cog know as Canada Post and has been there for at least a week according to the tracker I've been checking daily. And so I don't have a project. I do have a little wonderfulness to share though! Connie is giving away some blog candy! Click on the button above to enter.

The 3 simple rules to participate are:

Important: YOU have to be a follower of the Riddersholm Designs blog.
You have to write about this Blog Candy and put badge with link to the
candy on your own blog where it is visible.
Confirm your participation by adding your blog address on the Riddersholm Designs blog.

Whimsie Doodles Challenge!

2011-09-17T06:24:00.003-06:00

On September 5th, Whimsie Doodles released several darling images, and Keely Yowler and I had the opportunity to use 3 of them (School Girl, Frankie's Girl, Steampunk Lizzie) for a Whimsie Doodle Challenge on the Paper Craft Planet blog! For your opportunity to win, head over to the PCP Blog and read through the Challenge details there.

First, I used the super sweet School Girl image.

I went with a simple layout and minimal accessories because I just love the plaid printed paper and her divine red hair.

There are tutorials for colouring pleats almost everywhere I turn on the web including on the Whimsie Doodles blog, but I forgot that while I coloured School Girl's little skirt, and so her skirt is a little more ruffled than pleated. Consider it to be a simple fashion variation!!!

copics used;

hair; E09/15/17/19
skin; E0000/000/01/11
bow/skirt; YG61/63/67
tights; YG61, T0/1, colourless blender
shirt; T0/1/3
shoes; T1/3/5
tie/waistband; R35/39
bodice; Y00/21/23
background; B0000/00/01

For my second project, I used Steampunk Lizzie;

I really love the look of the steampunk genre in all its earthy fabulousness. I am particularly drawn to all the little old fashioned details that create the steampunk look.

I've used little screw head brads and a Tim Holtz watch face combined with the Tim Holtz Gadget Gears cutting die by Sizzix.

I wanted this image to look like a pencil sketch, so I lightened the lines of the digital image using a freeware image editting program (Gimp) and coloured it monochromatically using only my warm grey copic markers. I really love this old fashioned photo/graphite pencil look.

Now, seriously, haul hiney to the PCP blog and get entered in the Whimsie Doodles Challenge for your chance to WIN!!! Good luck!

lollipop crafts - use brads
simon says stamp and show - steampunk
stamps r us - friendship
digital tuesday - celebrate the season
the three muses - fall
really reasonable ribbon - fall
bee crafty - beautiful borders/fantastic frames

Heartfelt Creations - Christmas Cheer

2011-09-13T22:01:00.003-06:00

It is a most happy Christmas Cheer Collection launch day at Heartfelt Creations!!! The Christmas Cheer Collection features 14 new precut stamp sets and one exclusive Heartfelt Creations die manufactured by Spellbinders. The possibilities with the classic images in this collection are absolutely endless. You will achieve handmade projects that will "wow" your friends and family this Christmas season. Leave a comment on the Heartfelt Creations blog by September 20 for a chance to win the entire release valued at $240.00.

I chose to use Scenic Christmas Bells and Snowy Winter Background for my project today. I coloured my image with the 'Black Magic' technique - stamp image on dark card stock using white ink and colour with prismacolor pencils. Since the Snowy Winter background has the first 2 lines of 'It Came Upon the Midnight Clear', I thought this was a perfect technique/image pairing.

This image lends itself beautifully as well to a little layered Paper Tole technique;

I love that all these layers have the effect of making the bell look as though it could sit on a table top or hang on a tree and be rung!

The bell could be hung by this darling bow! I cut several 1 1/2" snowflakes using my Winter Lace Cricut cartridge. I scored the snowflakes in half and then cut the snowflakes in half perpendicular to the score line. Each of the snowflake halves were glued together at the fold line, allowing the snowflake tips to flare in a fan effect, further creating bell shaped dimension - so loverly!

I created a little snowfall down the edge of the image by cutting out extra snowflakes using the Winter Lace cartridge and glittered them with crushed glass shards. I have links for the products used on this card in my recipe list below.

We invite you to see the rest of the projects using the newly released Christmas Cheer Collection on the Heartfelt Creations Blog, and do leave a comment to be eligible to win the entire new release!

stamps; scenic christmas bells, snowy winter background (heartfelt creations)
paper; midnight frost (bo bunny), amsterdam, raven (bazzill)
ink; moonlight brilliance pigment ink, versamark (tsukineko)
accessories; say it in crystals vintage swirl (prima), white satin ribbon (SU!), gala glitz white, dries white glue (art institute glitter), bridal embossing tinsel (ranger), winter lace cricut cartridge (provo), prismacolor pencils

pile it on - lots of layers

my mum's craft shop - layer it up

dysu challenge blog - texture

teapot tuesday - tattoo shop tea party (MMTPT163)

crafty catz - ribbon

delightful challenges - bling it

By Lori Designs - Schooltime Accessories

2011-09-13T12:12:00.001-06:00

With the kids back to school I noticed that 3 of my kids have the identical black back pack - what was I thinking?!!! They were high quality on sale and I was thinking that I knew they would need a new back pack and I could save a little money on the way is what I was thinking. So we got creative about being able to tell them all apart as they scramble out the door every morning.

I made this tag for the one child that doesn't have a black back pack so he wouldn't feel left out! He is in junior high (middle school) and I'm stunned that he LOVES his tag!!! Getta outta here oh son of mine!!! I told him to take it off and we'll attach it to something here at home if he gets teased but so far it's all good! *phew*

My techie daughter showed me how to make digi image lines light so I can give this new colouring thing a good go. I found my lines were very unforgiving and I needed to have an incredibly steady hand so that I didn't ubitz Lori's darling Schooltime Ezra image.

skin; E0000, E000, E01
hair, backpack, shoes; E71, E74, E77
sweater; G20, G21
shirt; T0, T1
shorts; B93, B95, B97
shoes; T5, T7, T9
ground; T0, T5, G21, E71
background; B0000, B00, B11

stamps; schooltime Ezra (by Lori designs)
paper; x-press it (copic), red (bazzill), cupcake (basic grey)
accessories; sm. petite oval, reverse wonky rectangle (spellbinders), copics, hemp twine, staples

stamp something - anything goes

c.r.a.f.t. challenge - children

fussy and fancy - school

divas by design - back to school

digital tuesday - celebrate the season

card makin mamas - digital images

digi designs challenge - digital images

prairie fairy - snips, snails & puppy dog tails

totally gorjuss - it's a man thing