Ink Something 2

Valentine Heart Candy Box

2012-01-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

Did you all see the fabulous heart box tutorial in the SCS Weekly Inkling?

I just had to try it out today and I paired it with Doodle Pantry’s cute set,

Heart Sheep and the Hearts a Flutter digi paper. *Ü*

I could have gone extra crazy by adding pearls between some of the hearts in the ribbon… but at some point ya just gotta say, “Enough already!!”

It’s a good-size box that holds quite a few of these yummy candies!

I’m entering this into the following challenges: Stampin’ Sisters in Christ (ha, my own challenge): Make a ♥ stand out Anything Goes Challenge: To the One I Love Craft Room Challenge: Valentine’s Oldie but Goodie CHallenge: Must have a Heart (my oldie is digiset – 1 yr old) Stamp-n-Doodle: must have an animal (sheep) Heartsong Inspirations: Red & white and/or ribbon (I did both!)

Happy SNAIL Mail ~ My DD’s New Digi Set

2012-01-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

Isn’t this snail adorable?? It was drawn by my 13-year old daughter Carly for her new store, Carly’s Digi Shop. She keeps pretty busy with school and after school activities, but on the weekends she loves to draw (she wants to be an artist when she “grows up”) and make up card sketches. So I used her sketch at Sketches by Carly this week but turned it sideways. Now she’s got a sample for her shop! If any of you have cards made with her digis, please share a link with us and we’ll add it to the store as well. *Ü*

This is a set of 7 digis, outline and colored version with sentiments, $2.50!

Hope you’ll join in the sketch challenge!! It goes for 2 weeks, so will end Feb. 2nd and we have a fabulous sponsor once again… come check it out! *Ü*

SSIC#123 - Let a Heart Stand out

2012-01-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! It’s time for a new challenge at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ and I am your challenge hostess this week! The Scripture I chose is Proverbs 3:3 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. " And so my challenge is to make a heart stand out in your card or project. You can read my devotional by hopping over to our Challenge Blog. I went really simple this week for my card. This is a stamp set I’ve had for about 1 year… I got it from Taylored Expressions for having been a Key Ingredients subscriber for a year. But I hadn’t used it until yesterday. Not sure why… it’s a very cute set. Seems I’ve pretty much gone digital and most of my rubber stamps have been neglected.

Anyways, I messed up and grabbed the wrong” sentiment… it was suppose to say under the “Thank You”, “From the bottom of my heart.” But “how thoughtful of you” will do ;)

Here’s an upclose shot to show the dazzling diamonds I added to the ♥s.

Hope you’ll join us for this challenge! Have a wonderful week!

Great Minds Think Alike - M5D Release

2012-01-19T04:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday!! Today’s another fun digi release at McMahon Five Designs!

I’ve used a new digi by Solocosmo called “Ferocious”… nah, they’re too cute to be ferocious eh?

Ferocious JPG and PNG

Come check out what the other M5D Girls created!!

Moonlit Wolf - a Doodle Pantry Release

2012-01-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the new digi releases at Doodle Pantry yet? They’re fantastic. We also have our monthly challenge going on right now and everyone who enters WINS! All you have to do is link up your creation using ANY Doodle Pantry image (lots of freebies HERE) and then you will be emailed a new release digi set complimentary for playing along!! How cool is that?!!

I use the Wolf set to make a masculine card for my boss’ birthday. To get the moon and the glow around him I brought the non-colored digi into photoshop and created my background, leaving the wolf white so I could color him with Copics. And since I’m all out of grey Copics I used several browns and a flesh tone to color him up. That’s all I got for today. Thanks for stopping by!!

SSIC #122 – Something NEW and W.A.W.

2012-01-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Today I have 2 projects to share for the Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenge. This first one is also for Word Art Wednesday. This first project is not a card… it’s actually 8x8” and I intend to put it into a shadow box frame and give as a wedding gift. The Word Art this week is perfect for a wedding card or gift, anniversary or for scrapbooking those wedding photos! It just so happens that a dear friend of our family is getting married March 3rd.

Her wedding colors include Sage green and Eggplant purple.

The sentiment is the FREE WORD ART given by WAW for their challenge. And my image is called Meadows Sunset by McMahon Five Designs. The lace is actually ivory, but looks white here due to all the distressing I did on the other pieces. And my flowers are also from the fabulous super store, M5d! *Ü*

This project also fits the Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenge which is to use something new… it could be new crafting supplies, or for a new challenge etc. Well I figured this is for a New marriage… a new beginning, and my flowers and key brad are new(ish).

My 2nd card uses LOTS of things new. This is a new digi released this week at McMahon Five Designs called Love Letter. I combined it with an older digi called Floral Banner. This paper pad is new in the store called Head Over Heals (by Lily Bee Designs) and the flower is Prima Flight of Fancy.

Hope you’ll join our challenges this week! Word Art Wednesday ends Tuesday night and Stampin’ Sisters ends Saturday night. Have a great week!

U Stole My Heart - New M5D Release

2012-01-13T03:01:00.000-08:00

Happy TGIF!! It’s finally Friday once again and I have another new release from McMahon Five Designs to share. This cute set is by Studio 313, called “Funny Little Things – You Stole My Heart”. As you can see I used Carly’s Sketch once again --- there’s still ONE MORE WEEK to get in on this sketch! We have a sponsor and some fabby DT inspiration, so hope you’ll hop on over and play along with us!!

I ran into a li’l snag while trying to color these up… I ran out of grey Copic marker… Grrr! ;) So I relied on my photoshop skills to color this up. What do ya think?

SVG Shaped Card & M5D Release Day

2012-01-12T04:05:00.000-08:00

Hi y’all … happy Thursday!! Today’s our first digi and svg release of the new year at McMahon Five Designs as we’ve got bunches to share!! I’ve made not one, but FOUR cards for this release, but I will show them to you over the next few days, although if you pop over to the DT blog you will get some sneak peeks of my cards *Ü*

For this card, I used the new SVG file to make a shaped card. And the best part… it’s FREE this week!! Not only does it come in SVG cutting file, but you can also get the DIGI FREE too!

I used my SCAL software and Cricut. It cut beautifully! I cut 3 of this file; two of the same size in black for my card base, and one slightly smaller in red for the front. I stamped a pretty li’l flourish all over the red in classic red ink. The red layer is pop dotted to the black card base and then I added white dots with a gel pen. I tied a cute li’l heart charm using some striped twine and finished it off by adding a vintage Valentine image that I colored with Copics. You can find this vintage clear stamp HERE.

What else is new?? We welcome a brand new artist for our D’Amour Allure line, Jeni Slack! She’s also joining our DT so you’ll get to see her style and get to know her as an artist too! Very cute stuff, so be sure to pop on over to the DT blog to see the new line and others… and there’s lots of eye candy from the Design Team that’s sure to please, so come on by *Ü*

Word Art Wednesday #9 - Ruth 1:16

2012-01-10T16:15:00.001-08:00

Hey there friends!! I know this is only Tuesday… but actually I’m getting this one into a challenge that started LAST Wednesday and ends today. My new bloggy friend and sister in Christ is running the Word Art Wednesday challenge where she gives you a Scripture (and offers a word art free digi to use!) … or you may use any other verse or inspiring quote in your project. My card today uses her FREEBIE and I jazzed it up a li’l bit with some photoshop flourishes and a frame.

This is a great verse, and actually came to mind this week when a friend tried out for the Spellbinders Design Team. She made it past the first round with a gorgeous album! But she didn’t end up making it on the team in the next round. She has a great spirit though and knows that when God closes a door it’s for her good. “Where He leads, I will follow.” I know that God will open other doors for her when the time is right. This is true for my own life as well.

This Word Art challenge is open until tonight and then a new one starts tomorrow! So hope you’ll pop over and play along!

I also want to just mention that Word Art Wednesday is linking arms with Stampin’ Sisters in Christ and is considered our “Sister Site.” We have the same goal, serve the same Master, but offer different crafting challenges based on Scripture. Hope you’ll find time to join in with these challenges – you’re sure to make some wonderful Christian friends and take in lots of crafty tutorials, eye candy and even “take home” some freebies!!

SSIC - Thinking of You Frieda

2012-01-08T03:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday wonderful bloggy friends!! Well, yesterday I did a "sister challenge" with my sister Kathy and today I'm doing a challenge with my Stampin' Sisters in Christ!

Our challenge is to create a "Thinking of You" card, and is based on Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Pop on over to read Peggysue's thoughts for the day and see the beautiful cards by the team.

Our sponsor is The Craft's Meow, and so I've used Little Frieda's Daisy acrylic stamp for my "Thinking of You" card--and although this stamp comes with a "T.O.Y." sentiment, I used a "Smile" embellishment instead.

Does this sketch look familiar? Yep, I used my daughter's sketch of the week at Sketches by Carly again. Love this sketch (good job Carly!!) Her sketch ends Jan. 19th, so you have plenty of time to enter! One player will win 7 Free digis from our sponsor, Bugaboo Digi Stamps *Ü*

Happy Sunday and happy crafting!!

Doodle Pantry Happy Birdie + a Sketch

2012-01-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday!! Isn’t this birdie so cute? Today my sister Kathy and I did a li’l “sister challenge” which was to use any Doodle Pantry image, along with the colors Blue, Green and Purple. Be sure to hop over to her blog and see her super cute creation!!

I used an “Oldie but Goodie” image called Happy Birdie (precolored version) and I added the newly released Winter Accessories which is perfect for so many of the Doodle Pantry animals!!

I also followed my daughter’s sketch from this week—LOVE this sketch!!

You can use any vendor’s image for this challenge – our sponsor is Bugaboo!

There’s also a challenge going on at Doodle Pantry as well, DPDC19… and all you need to do is Use ANY Doodle Pantry digital image to enter by Jan. 24th. Everyone who enters will be emailed this fun new release, Workout Birdie:

Thanks for dropping by!! Have a wonderful weekend *Ü*

Vintage Valentine by D'Amour Allure

2012-01-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Good morning and happy Wednesday!! Today I have a quick post to share a pretty vintage Valentine card. This is the first time I tried leaving the image non-colored and just highlighting one piece (the ♥) with red sparkly gellyroll pen. This stamp is called “My Sweet Valentine” and is from the D’Amour Allure line at McMahon Five Designs. You can get just this stamp alone or buy a Valentine set of 4 stamps! And I’m loving this pretty paper pad too—cute with a vintage flair. It’s called “Head over Heals” by Lilybee Designs.

We’ve been on break at M5D but will be back with another fabulous release on January 12th (new releases every Thursday!) And don’t forget to grab your BCA freebie to help us spread the word about breast cancer awareness. Sue comes up with some really neat digis and offers them free to you each month!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

New Year... New Releases at Doodle Pantry

2012-01-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year my bloggy friends!!

Are you excited for 2012? Full of opportunities and blessings… chance for personal and spiritual growth … (hopefully not sideways growth! LOL) … maybe some new crafting supplies you’ll collect this year, ha!! My girls have created a New Year’s Eve tradition a couple years ago and followed thru once again last night. Can you guess what it is? Let me give you a hint… staying up til midnight and watching the ball drop was NOT part of their agenda, lol. It’s a contest between the two of them to see who can balance the couch pillows on their heads the longest… and this is while doing other things!! The longest to date was Carly at an hour and a half. They thought this up on their own and for SOME odd reason are totally amused by it. I gave them one rule… DON’T TAKE IT IN THE BATHROOM!! Lol. They also love to watch the “Cutest pet of the Year” contest on t.v. (I ♥ watching it too)

So do you have any new year’s resolutions?? Mine is to get our garage turned into a bedroom. We bought the building permit last year (6 mo.s ago), took out the moving door and put up a permanent wall, added 2 windows where there was none before, and built up the floor. We’re ready to put insulation in floor and walls and build a hallway wall. My hubby is doing all the work himself instead of hiring out…. hoping to save some money in doing so. And actually he DID have a li’l help from the girls and I – garage door demolition ; P We’re really hoping to get it done by summer. (wish us luck!!) I have a few others, but this is the biggy for 2012.

Okay… on to the real reason for my post today…

NEW RELEASE at Doodle Pantry today and it’s a biggy!! So many cute and fabby digis—oooh, there’s even a vintage one—some colored digis and lots of cute digi papers. You can see them all on the Doodle Pantry Blog today.

In addition… there’s 4 new January release digi sets available for 50% OFF (but only thru tomorrow Jan. 2) Just enter RINGITIN in the coupon field at the bottom of your shop cart, and then click SUBMIT to see the discount apply.

Quirky Mouse + Winter Accessories + Digi Papers = a SQUEALY cute card!

For this card I used the Quirky Mouse and put a hat, mittens and scarf on him from the Winter Accessories set, as well as all the papers used on my card. My DD Carly bought me a Cuttlebug embossing set (Animal prints) for Christmas, so I used one of those for the orange strip and sponged it with Marigold classic ink. The snowflakes are Spellbinders and OH… do you see the shiny clear (actually kinda orange-ish) circles on there? Those are stick-ons that I think used to be clear and kinda yellowed over time? ; P oops!

My second card uses the new colored version of Love Birdies (a previously released outline set). I used another animal print embossing folder for my teal layer (I think it’s peacock feathers?) and added sparkly gold stitching. Until I get the store links into this post, you can see ALL the new Releases HERE.

A New Challenge also begins today at Doodle Pantry!! I know, I know… we changed the date again for that. It will now (and for the rest of the year) begin on the first of each month, along with our New Releases!! Everyone who plays using a Doodle Pantry image will receive a FREEBIE set of the month!

Many Blessings to you and yours in 2012!!

SVG info for my Christmas Cards

2011-12-31T11:45:00.001-08:00

Good morning! I’ve had so many people email me and ask where I got the die cuts for these Christmas cards, so I thought I’d let you know here. They used to be a free SVG file on Cheryl First’s blog, however, it is no longer a freebie. Here’s her note from her blog about this:

This file is no longer available as a freebie!
If you wish to purchase the file, cost is $1.50. I accept Paypal payments only for my files. Payment can be sent to my yahoo email address. Please make sure to include the email address you want me to send the file to in your payment, as well as a note indicating which of my files you are purchasing.
Thank you!
email: cherylfirst1@yahoo.com

In other news… tomorrow is January 1st—WOOHOO! I will be here with a “New Release” post from Doodle Pantry! So come on back and see what’s being released!! Hope you have fun, safe and happy celebrating tonight!!

Breast Cancer Awareness Freebies

2011-12-26T10:50:00.001-08:00

Oops, I kinda jumped the gun a li’l bit and posted my card for this yesterday, when the freebie wasn’t in the store yet! It is now, so please hop on over to pick up your freebies and grab the blinky at the end if you care to help us spread the word about BCA awareness FREE DIGIS… and remember to do your self exam… the life you help save could be your own!!

Awareness Snowflake JPG and PNG

*FREEBIE*

(receive both file formats in one download)

Card by: Sue

Close up by: Sue

Awareness Snowflake SVG

*FREEBIE*

Card by: Kristine

Ornament by: Sue

Even though our emphasis is Breast Cancer Awareness,

the Ribbon stands for so many other Awareness.

Below are the

January Awareness Ribbon Colors:

Cervical Health Awareness Month (Teal & White Ribbon):

www.nccc-online.org/awareness.html

National Birth Defects Prevention Month (Pink & Blue Ribbon): www.nbdpn.org/current/resources/bdpm2010.html

Thyroid Awareness Month (Thyroid Cancer Ribbon):

www.aace.com

Glaucoma Awareness Month (Green Ribbon):

http://www.preventblindness.org/news/observe.html

Help us spread

The Word of Awareness!

Add the beautiful blinky below to your blog sidebar!

Smaller blinky for narrow sidebars:

Merry Christmas and a BCA Freebie

2011-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hope you’re all having a blessed Christmas day today with your loved ones!

“For Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

My first card today uses an older digi from Designed 2 Delight called Bethlehem. My 2nd card uses a new SVG from McMahon Five Designs… and it’s FREE this month!! Also, there is a beautiful snowflake digi FREEBIE for Breast Cancer Awareness. We release a new BCA freebie on the 25th each month.

MERRY CHRISTMAS friends!!

Make a Scene - Valentine Couple

2011-12-24T08:35:00.001-08:00

Hi, I’m back… for the 3rd day in a row—woot, woot! I just HAD to get one more scenario sets from Digi Drawn and play in the La-La Land Crafts weekly theme challenge: “all white except for image”. I also noticed more challenges at Feline Playful blog having the same challenge, so here I go!!

Stamps I used are Darling Marci & Amour Luka from La-La Land Crafts, and then the Tea Party scenario set from Digi Drawn. I added some fancy corners to my image and paper pierced holes in between them. Then I added 4 doilies on my base layer and paper pierced around the scallops for an elegant touch. I really love these li’l scenarios ~ and perfect for Valentine’s Day … OR an anniversary! My hubby and I just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this week *Ü*

CHALLENGES I’M ENTERING THIS INTO:

La-La Land Crafts: Customer Gallery

365 Cards: Masking and Stenciling

Cards and More: Monochromatic

City Crafter Challenge: Winter White

Try it On Tuesday: anything goes

Digi Doodle Shops Best: anything goes

Sarah Hurley Challenges: coloring

The Paper Shelter: Look of Lace

Paper Pretties: red/white/your choice (yellow)

Mod Marci ~ Colby Caillat Inspired

2011-12-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

I am really enjoying this time off during Christmas break… although I thought my girls and I would be baking more, which we did a li’l bit of but these last couple of days we’ve been on a crafting spree… lucky for my readers as that means more eye candy for you! (ha!)

This is Mod Marci and I sat her on the newly released Garden Bench. Are you familiar with Colby Caillat’s song, “Bubbly”? This card is totally inspired by that song. I stamped Marci first and then I masked her and used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement of the bench. I cut out some music notes with my Cricut and the grass is a die by My Favorite Things. The paper is from this month’s Key Ingredients kit from Taylored Expressions. Here’s a close up…

CHALLENGES I’M ENTERING THIS INTO:

Digi Doodle Shop's Best: anything goes

Flutterby Wednesday: use a butterfly, angel or fairy

La-La Land Crafts: Customer Gallery

My Mum’s Craft Shop Challenges: anything goes

The Poodles Parlour: Song Title inspired

Scrapbook Sisters: anything goes

Sarah Hurley Challenges: coloring

Meljen’s: no rectangle cards

Bearly Mine CHallenges: anything goes

Ribbon Carousel Challenge: use spooled item (twine)

THanks for dropping by!! I do have one more card to post on Sunday… as M5D always releases a new “Breast Cancer Awareness” freebie on the 25th of each month. I’m sure not many will be online that day, so I’ll be sure to leave it up for several days so you don’t miss it. ;) I’m so nice right? haha.

Ciao for now!!

Make a Scene! Digi Drawn & La-La Land

2011-12-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

Hi, I’m back today with possibly the most fun card I’ve made … this week anyways! LOL. I love playing around with digis and making a scene with them. Have you seen Maureen’s beautiful sets at Digi Drawn?? I just discovered them and knew exactly what stamps I wanted to pair this “Sweet Dreams” set with! Sitting on the bed is Capri Marci… she is missing her friend Autumn (in the picture frame on the wall). But good thing she has her dog, Tuffy to keep her company. When he’s out and about, she’s got lots of stuffed animal friends to play with, like Panda, and Teddy.

To add to the bedroom scene, I prettied her walls with some ~~wall~~ digi paper, and gave the carpet some texture in Photoshop. Also added the frame in PS. The zigzag stitching is done in sparkly gold thread to tie in the throw pillow and lamp. *Ü* There are more fun sets at Digi Drawn that I can’t wait to get my hands on. These are so fun!! If you’d like a tutorial on how to combine digis and work in PS, see my tutorials link above. Thanks for stopping by!!

CHALLENGES I'M ENTERING THIS INTO:

La-La Land Customer Gallery

My Daughters are the BEST!!

2011-12-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today I'm just sharing some family stuff... yesterday was my 15th wedding anniversary and my girls (ages 11 & 13) made us a yummy cake while we were at work and then while my hubby and I went out for dinner here in town the girls set a nice table, complete with candles, the cake, and cards they made! Very cute and thoughtful of them, and we felt so loved. THANK YOU GIRLS!!

Thanks for stopping by today!! Hope you all have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and I'll see ya again soon!!

CDAC Freebie Challenge #9

2011-12-20T11:37:00.001-08:00

Love is in the air... can you feel it?? My 15th wedding anniversary is tomorrow! We had a beautiful Christmas wedding and decorated the church with Christmas trees. Of course getting married in the winter proved challenging when it came time to fly somewhere for our honeymoon… nothing was coming or going for 3 days! Anyways… hubby doesn’t read my blog so I’ll spare you the sentimental schtuff. *Ü* Onto today’s card….

My sister and I have just recently come across the CDAC Freebie Challenges and so we did the “Buy-in” option last challenge (paid $1 to grab the image package) and jumped in! I decided to make a Tent Topper Card using the empty globe digi by Crafty Ann’s. Inside the globe, I added Cupid Marci (that will be released on January 5 at La-La Land Crafts!) and added some rub-ons for the sentiments and white hearts.

Here’s a close up of the sparkly gellyroll pen on her wings, and other:

Other Challenges I'm entering this into are:

Try it On Tuesday: anything goes

Tuesday Throwdown: For someone special

Carly's Christmas Card Set

2011-12-18T11:39:00.000-08:00

Hello and happy Sunday!! I haven't been 'round here much this week as I came down with a terrible tummy bug so didn't get much done in the way of crafting (or anything else)... but I wanted to pop in and share that my daughter Carly has just posted a fun set of 10 Christmas cards over at La-La Land Crafts 4 Kids blog and would love for you to stop by and take a peek!!

Also... today is a new challenge over at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenges, so be sure to check that out as well. We have a wonderful sponsor this week--you won't want to miss out!! Have a blessed week and I'll try to get something done to show you soon!!

CDAC Freebie Challenge #8

2011-12-12T07:32:00.001-08:00

Morning *Ü* I just discovered the CDAC Progressive Freebie Challenges that have been going on, and with each challenge you participate in, you are emailed a set of images from a variety of digi companies!! This is their 8th challenge already, and each challenge goes for 2 weeks. (Better late than never eh?)

The rules are that you have to make a project using at least one of the free images along with a specific theme/challenge. This time it’s “Animals Hold Our Hearts!”

I used the cute Doodle Pantry Birdie along with a santa hat and pressie from another set of Doodle Pantry’s (that I already had). The sketch I used is from Sketches by Carly and this sketch challenge is still going on for the whole month of December… actually til January 5th! Our sponsor is The Paper Shelter, giving away a $20 GC to their fabby store!!

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a wonderful Monday *Ü*

SSIC - Celebrate Jesus' Birthday

2011-12-11T03:01:00.000-08:00

Only 2 more weeks til Christmas… and how neat that it falls on a Sunday this year! Today we have a new challenge up at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ and our hostess this week is Marilyn who shares this verse, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14)

The challenge this week, in honor of Christ’s birth, is to

create a BIRTHDAY card/project!!

I came across this awesome (and free) SVG file on Cheryl First’s blog and I set out to make these easy side-step cards for my Christmas cards this year. THANKS again Cheryl *Ü*!!! (I used my Cricut and SCAL to cut them out.)

My first set was actually done in colored cardstock, (below). After making a dozen of those, with all the sponging of every layer (except the black) I decided to try a simpler version…. plain black and white… and was amazed at how much I liked that better! So I made a dozen of those too.

Here’s a couple pics of my sets.(yep, been busy!!) *Ü*

Hope you’ll hop on over to our challenge blog and read Marilynn’s awesome devotion for this week, and join in the challenge!!

One player will win a super cute stamp set from Simon Says Stamp

for playing along… it could be YOU!!

Word Art Wednesday and 2 Freebies!

2011-12-09T13:39:00.001-08:00

Hello *Ü*

So one of my DT alumni (from M5D) has started a new challenge blog called “Word Art Wednesday” where she offers a Scripture or encouraging quote for you to use in your project (or you can use another verse or quote that’s meaningful for you). Cassandra is a lovely crafter full of inspiration in the mixed media department, and she’s having a DT Call right now!

So hop on over to check out the new blog, and apply if this is something that interests you, or swing by and enter this week’s challenge!! (There is a wonderful FREE Word Art digi that she’s offering this week too!)

My card uses a newly released digi from McMahon Five Designs called “I Will Sing” … and the music note is a FREE svg right now!! I used my Cricut and SCAL to cut the music note out of designer paper. I also tried my hand at “collage” (which Cassandra is so good at!! Me… not so much! LoL) So I inked up some bubble wrap with white craft ink and splotched some in the top left corner and then inked up a musical background stamp for the bottom left. Kinda goes with my digi. And what better than to add a bird with a verse about singing?!! So maybe my colors aren’t real coherent together with the bird etc. It’s more “mod” colors than natural, but not TOO BAD is it (for my first try?) *Ü*

P.S. My daughter has a new SKETCH CHALLENGE today!! This one will go for a whole month (til Jan. 5th) so if you’re in need of a sketch, or just want a chance at a $20 GC to The Paper Shelter, come play!! *Ü*

M5D New Release Day – Peppermint Patti

2011-12-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

Today is ‘new release day’ at McMahon Five Designs!!

I’ve used the festive “Peppermint” girl from the Solocosmo line. The background paper is “Minty Digi Paper” and sentiment from the Peppermint Digi set, (both by Doodle Pantry), and I used Spellbinders Snowflake dies behind the peppermint candy.

You can purchase her in jpg or png

Now that you’ve seen my TRY at her, you’ve GOT to go see Jessica Grundy’s painting of this Peppermint girl at her online store. Isn’t that gorgeous?? I can sit and look thru her gallery for hours!!

There’s more being released today, so please come on over to our DT blog to check em all out and see the team’s wonderful eye candy!! *Ü*

Doodle Pantry French Horn and Mistletoe

2011-12-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Good evening *Ü* Isn’t this a wonderful time of year? Tomorrow is our town’s Christmas Lights Parade downtown, followed by the Sounds & Tastes of Christmas, which is a collaboration of 6 or 7 churches who’s pastors share in reading the Christmas story, and lots of special music from solos to choirs. Then we all enjoy Christmas cookies, eggnog etc. Well, this year my daughter Carly is playing in the community band and they’re going to have a float in the parade!! How fun *Ü* Then Sunday we’re off to Bend for the girls’ 4-H Robotic Lego League competition which is an all-day thing, so while they’re practicing, I’ll sneak out and do a li’l more Christmas shopping! :o)

Anywho… on to today’s card! Feels like so long since I’ve used my sewing machine, let alone made an actual card! So my sister Kathy and I challenged each other to make a card using a Doodle Pantry image. I chose this one called French Horn, which was released last year, I believe. I wish my camera captured it, but my thread is sparkly gold and so pretty IRL!!

I also used Carly’s sketch for this:

THis challenge is open for 1 more week, and our sponsor is Sweet n’ Sassy Stamps, so I hope you’ll come over and give it a go! And be sure to hop on over to Kathy’s blog to see what she made with Doodle Pantry! (Please be patient if hers is not posted yet… it’ll be sometime this evening) *Ü*

Quick Gifts - Notepads & Shopping Lists

2011-11-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm back with more cute-n-quick Christmas gift ideas! I don't know about you, but in my house I'm always in need of some notepads and shopping lists. I don't know how they all just seem to disappear (oh ya, two girls who like to take off with my stuff!) How easy it is to use some fun digi papers and colored digis to M.Y.O. (make your own)!! You can even print off muliple pages of the same (or different) design and bind them... or take them to get them bound for a small price. These would make great stocking stuffers too... or to wrap and give at office parties. *Ü*

Another great idea would be to enlarge a bunch of your favorite digis and make coloring books for your kids or grandkids and give with some crayons!!

For my projects today I've used images from the last couple new releases at Doodle Pantry: Four Seasons Digi Paper; Cute Quail; Snow Birdie; Christmas Wreath; Quirky Donkey; 12 Days of Christmas Color (digi paper)

Happy Holiday Crafting!!

Make Your Own Christmas Letterhead

2011-11-28T16:31:00.000-08:00

Hello! Just popping in to share a really quick and easy idea with you! I don't send out Christmas newsletters every year... but I thought I'd do it this year using some of Doodle Pantry's Christmas digi paper from the 12 Days of Christmas Color set to create a background. Then added a white text box on top and then in the corner I added a Cute Quail (geographically correct for the High Desert where we live). To make it more Christmasy, I added a half wreath from the Christmas Wreath set around his neck and wha-la!! Christmas Letterhead *Ü*

Each of our family members typed up a paragraph and I finished it by adding some photos from the past year.

Thanks for stopping by!

Warm Winter Wishes... and SBC44

2011-11-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

I'm finally back with something crafty :) I'll just give you a head's up... I'm taking a li'l break from my DT's during the holidays, although will try to do some when I can. Between our busy schedules, not feeling very well lately and remodeling our garage into the girls' new bedroom, I haven't found time or the mojo to craft.

But anyways, a couple months ago, I started helping out a friend with her online business (The Digi Garden) by coloring her drawn digis in Photoshop here and there, between all my DT stuff. She's been adding them to her store as I send them. Yesterday I started playing with combining parts of the characters to make new characters (she said that was okay *wink*) so I took the head from Shawna with Bow and combined it with the body from Anna Angel to make a winter girl who kinda sorta resembles me, except way cuter! LOL (I'm the redhead) and then I used Immie as my daughter Carly, and yes, she's just as cute as Immie ;) I printed this in black outlines and colored with my Copics. The paper is by Echo Park's "Everybody Loves Christmas" line. Yes, I do feel slightly guilty for creating something that's not for one of my DT's... but I gotta go with the flow when I've got the time and the mojo, hey that kinda rhymed!

I also used Carly's newest sketch

You can see lots more cuties at

(I made this blinky a couple months ago for The Digi Garden as well... idn't it cute??) Well, until next time.... hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving this week!! Gobble, Gobble *Ü*

Andy Grammer Video - Keep Your Head Up

2011-11-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

If the video doesn't show up, you can also see it at the Youtube site HERE

Hi there ~ sorry guys I haven't posted anything crafty this past week. Things have gotten really busy here at the Breach household so I might post more sporatically here for the next month or so... at least til after the holidays. Anywhoo... remember I told you my girls went to several concerts last weekend? One of the guys opening for Root Down was Andy Grammer, so they got to see him perform this song. Just thought I'd share.... I like it anyways *Ü* Have a great day!!

New Sketch Today at Sketches by Carly

2011-11-11T08:20:00.001-08:00

My girls are livin’ it up with their uncle and aunt out of town this 4-day weekend and going to several concerts— so I thought I’d share a pic of Carly & Maddy last night at the concert of one of their favorite Christian bands, Root Down. This picture’s a bit pixelly as it was taken with a cell phone. :)

They also got to see Shawn McDonald in concert and got pics with him. They were on cloud 9 when they came home!! ;)

Anyways, today our new Design Team at Sketches by Carly has provided LOTS of great inspiration using this next sketch!!

Our sponsor for this 2-week challenge is Bugaboo Stamps. One lucky player will win 7 digis of your choice.

and here's the sketch:

Lots of great samples by the new Design Team, so head on over to Sketches by Carly to be inspired and enter *Ü*

Whimsy & Stars Studio {Girl w/ Snowman}

2011-11-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

*Click Here for my Doodle Pantry’s 12 Days of Christmas BLOG HOP post.

Hello, so how are you doin’ with your Christmas cards?? Raise your hand if you’ve met your goal for this year? I’m afraid I’m not even half-way there, but I’m still pluggin’ along *Ü*

For today’s card I’ve used one of Whimsy & Stars Studio’s Christmas digis called “Girl with Snowman” and printed onto Kraft cardstock. I love the rich colors of Prismacolor pencils, used here, although I need a good pencil sharpener desperately! My white is completely flat across the top now. Hard to get in tight spots (like around snowman’s eyes). Oh, I did it again! Pointing out my mistakes, LOL! I added some glitter to all the girl’s trim, and some green glitter on the poinsettia (it was outlined in green anyways).

GREAT NEWS!!! You can still get a cute digi of your choice FREE with Mabelle’s special… it goes until December 10th!!

SSIC ~ Use Your Oldest Stamp/s You Have

2011-11-06T02:01:00.000-08:00

*If you are looking for the Doodle Pantry’s 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop, please CLICK HERE or scroll down one post! Thanks *Ü*

Good morning! This week’s Stampin’ Sisters in Christ challenge is to dig out your oldest stamps you have and use them. The idea behind this is to make something old NEW again!

Our challenge hostess this week is Peggysue who shares this verse: Genesis 3:6 “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.” And we all know what happened after that! She got Adam to eat of the fruit as well and then when “caught” by God, they blamed each other, the serpent, and even God Himself. If we, as Christians, are to come to the saving knowledge of Christ and BE saved, we need to acknowledge that we are sinners and not blame everyone else ~ you know that old adage: “The devil made me do it.” Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

I think the challenge fits this Scripture in that when we acknowledge we are sinners and repent, God forgives us and gives us NEW life! Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

So in a sense, He is making something old, NEW again! I encourage you to hop over to the DT BLOG and read Peggysue’s thoughts on this verse.

I actually found my very first stamp set I ever bought after attending a Stampin’ Up! home party… it’s this Christmas set called “Peace.” I wasn’t blogging back then so I don’t have a picture of my first cards made with it, but I guarantee they didn’t look like this! ;P I think I’ve come a long way since then…. and since discovering designer paper for card making! *Ü*

Hope you’ll come join in the challenge! One player will win a $15 Gift Card to our sponsor’s store, "Clear Dollar Stamps” for playing along!!

DP’s 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop, Nov. 5-8

2011-11-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

*Blog Hop officially begins at Noon, EST (9 a.m. PST)

Welcome to my stop on Doodle Pantry's "12 Days of Christmas" Blog Hop!! If you haven't been hopping, please start at the Doodle Pantry Blog and read the details... there are lots of PRIZES to be given away!! You'll find a complete hop list there and you should have come to mine from Sarah's Blog.

On Nov. 1st, Doodle Pantry released a fun digi set called the 12 Days of Christmas and it comes in just OUTLINES or COLORED + OUTLINES! Our DT is showing some fun projects using this set *Ü*

I saw this Double Sided Tote box full of li'l notecards on the Clearly I Stamp blog and decided to try it. I did however change the measurements to fit my 4.25” square notecards

I printed the colored versions and layered onto coordinating scallop circles.

Then I embossed some white cardstock with the Swiss Dots and added coordinating colored stickled dots inbetween the repeating sentiments.

Here’s an upclose shot of the stickles added to all my digis.

Now it’s time to hop to Karen’s Blog!

McMahon Five Designs Introduces Safmat

2011-11-02T16:40:00.001-07:00

Hi there! I have a fun and inexpensive gift idea using the new Safmat from McMahon Five Designs. Safmat is a printable adhesive-backed film that can be run safely through all inkjet and some laser printers*. I colored up a couple of digis from Studio 313 and then printed them onto the 8.5 x 11” sheet of Safmat. Then I just peeled the backing off, and stuck it to this star tray I found at the Dollar Tree!

Sue has an awesome video tutorial on how to use this stuff HERE. Now, I did NOT do this on purpose… but as you can see from my picture below I guessed at which side was correct and was wrong! LOL. The one on the left was my first try and you can see it printed on the waxy backing—OOPSIE! Sue has a great tip for finding the CORRECT side, so be sure to watch her video *Ü* There’s also some other great projects using this on the M5D Blog!

♫ ♪ Happy Birthday Carly ♪ ♫

2011-11-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

Today’s my daughter, Carly’s birthday and she ((♥))’s turtles! This particular digi is actually drawn by Carly herself, so I printed it out and used it for her birthday card! She also loves stickers, so I added some 3D ones for fun, and of course “AWESOME” is her favorite word right now. *Ü* Again, I used her newest sketch challenge at Sketches by Carly. We are also announcing a brand new DT over there, so I hope you’ll hop on over and take a peek… and join the challenge!! *Ü* Looking forward to working with all the new members!!

♫ Happy Birthday Carly ♪

Doodle Pantry New Release - Cute Quail

2011-11-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy November 1st *Ü* Today’s my oldest daughter’s birthday… and you’ll see a card in my next post for her. This card here is my hubby’s birthday card (which isn’t til Dec.) but I thought of him when I saw this new release from Doodle Pantry! It’s called “Cute Quail” and comes with this awesome digi paper too! His favorite color is green, and we live in the high desert so we have tons of quail around, so I thought this was a fun one to use. The sentiment if from one of DP’s birdie sets, but it was perfect for this quail card soo…

There’s LOTS more being released today at Doodle Pantry, and you’ll even find some great sales and bundles too!! Come check them out and see some great samples by the Design Team!! (Our monthly challenge will begin on Nov. 5th.)

SSIC - Fall Colours

2011-10-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

Good Sunday morning! We have a new challenge going at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenges where every challenge is inspired by Scripture. The challenge this week is to use Fall colors such as crimson/gold/orange and the like. I think this fits the bill?!

Our hostess this week is my friend and co-founder of SSIC, Lisa Hjulberg. The Scripture she chose is: Isaiah 1:18 "'Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” I encourage you to pop on over to the DT BLOG to read her devotional about colors – you see God’s beauty in nature in a different light!

Our sponsor this week is Lily of the Valley who’s offering a £10 gift voucher to their online store!

For my card, I used a stamp called “Melissa” from the D’Amour Allure line at McMahon Five Designs. I wanted a note to send someone that let her know I was thinking of her… this cute li’l girl does just that. The paper is by Basic Grey – I think it’s called Ambrosia? And again I used the new sketch at Sketches by Carly, except I didn’t have room up top for the sentiment so I put it down lower.

Sketches by Carly & Whimsy n' Stars Studio

2011-10-28T03:03:00.000-07:00

WHOA, Is it FRIDAY already?? This week just flew by! I think our schedules are getting crazier by the minute! Last night was parent-teacher conferences and I’m happy to report both girls have all A’s and nothing but positives were mentioned! Woohoo, so we made a li’l stop at Dairy Queen on our way home *Ü* OK, onto today's card!!

There's a new sketch up at Sketches by Carly today!! And our sponsor is the very sweet Mabelle from Whimsy and Stars Studio Digi Stamps!! One player will win a gc worth $9 in digis *Ü*

GREAT NEWS!! Mabelle is extending this awesome offer to her store until

Dec. 12th!!

Well, I can’t believe it’s 10 p.m. already! So I’m gonna leave you with some links for the things I used (below) and I invite you all to come play along in Carly’s Sketch Challenge! Have an Awesome TGIF today *Ü*

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Pastor Appreciation Card – SSIC & ODBD

2011-10-24T12:19:00.001-07:00

Hi, are you having a great Monday so far?? I am. I am on vacation today and tomorrow—at home, but it’s nice to be home doing whatever I’d like and have the rest of the fam busy about their days at school and work *Ü* This past weekend I took my girls to our annual “Girls Night Out” where we stay at a fancy hotel out of town with a pool, and we dine out at a fancy restaurant that we only go to once a year, see a movie (we saw the Mighty Macs this time) … and let’s see, oh what they would say is the best part… (but the employees worst nightmare I’m sure) we go to a shoe store and try on the funkiest high heels and wedges and strut down the shoe aisles like we’re in a fashion show. Yep, we had a blast! *Ü*

Anywhoo… I am a bit late in posting my card for this week’s Stampin’ Sisters in Christ challenge, which is *TIME*… to use something that resembles time/seasons etc. This may not look like it fits, but I did use the word “TIME” in my sentiment. It’s that time of year when we show appreciation to our clergy/pastors. So this will go to our pastor this Sunday, along with some delicious home-made “canned” pears (my MIL gave us a dozen jars that she canned this year--Yumm!) You can read my sentiment closer up in my 2nd photo.

I’m also entering this into this week’s Geometric challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs, which is to use 3 shapes; I used a square, a rectangle, and an oval.

The wood you see here is real wood paper from McMahon Five Designs!

Here is the inside of easel card. I will write on the vanilla c.s.

If this sentiment looks familiar, it’s because I used it for another P.A. card I made in 2008. Funny how I totally forgot about that card until just last week when one of my blog readers left me a comment saying she found my card from 2008 and loved the sentiment and copied it for a card for HER pastor this year. It’s all good… we are actually attending a different church so we have a different pastor. And even if I did give a different card with the same sentiment to the same man 3 yrs. later, chances are he won’t even remember. Funny story, my mom gave my dad the same Father’s Day card to him for about 3 yrs. in a row to see if he would notice. Of course… he didn’t!! LOL.

Now it’s “TIME” to pop on over to SSIC blog to read Marilynn’s devotional and enter our challenge!! One player will win 3 digis of your choice from Digital Delights by Louby Lou store!!

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Doodle Pantry Quirky Owl

2011-10-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

I got my October Key Ingredients kit from Taylored Expressions yesterday, so I broke it out and made this card using the Quirky Owl from Doodle Pantry! Speaking of which… we have the DPDC #17 challenge going on right now at Doodle Pantry and all you need to do is use ANY image from Doodle Pantry and enter by the 24th. Everyone who enters will be sent the QUIRKY PENGUIN dig set FREE!! So come on over and play along *Ü* (If you don't have any DP images yet, you'll find LOTS OF FREEBIES in the store HERE)
The sketch for my card can be found at my daughter’s sketch blog, Sketches by Carly: (her sponsor is The Digi Garden)

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Awesome Blog Candy & Support for Kids Blog

2011-10-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

My girls are 2 of the 4 kids that are hosting a kids' challenge blog at La-La Land Crafts 4 Kids and we'd love to get more support the blogging community! The kids host contests bi-weekly and also share tutorials for the crafts they make!! So Irina is doing a big GIVEAWAY of the whole NEW RELEASE of Rubber Stamps for those who show their support of the Kids!!

There are several things you can do to be entered into the drawing!! One way is to grab this code for the Kids' BLOG BUTTON and display it on your own blog: Please see THIS POST on the LLLC blog to read all the deets!!

Whimsy & Stars Studio New Releases

2011-10-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Today’s the day!! Whimsy & Stars Studio is releasing their Christmas digis today… plus when you buy 2, you can get 1 FREE of your choice!! Come check out the new releases and some fabby inspiration from the Design Team on the Whimsy & Stars Studio Blog!

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

SSIC - 2 of Everything... and a Freebie

2011-10-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone! Boy has it ever been a busy week at the Breach household! The weekends are always a welcome change. Today begins a new challenge at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ where every challenge is inspired by Scripture! This week’s hostess is our sweet friend Miesje who shares this verse…

Matthew 11: 28 – 30 “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” AMEN! I know this verse has touched all our lives at the SSiC DT. We are so blessed to have each other to share our burdens and to pray for each other. We know that in taking each other’s request to our Father and leaving them in His loving care allows our hearts to “find rest”. It also is just very comforting to know we have so many “sisters” who care for us and about our problems as well as delight in our accomplishments too!!

So the challenge this week is to use 2 of everything you use!!

I have used 2 designer papers, 2 colors cardstock, 2 stamps (1 rubber stamp and 1 digi stamp) 2 snowflakes (green one underneath the blue), 2 stick-on brads (twice) and 2 sets of stitching.

AND… what perfect timing this challenge is because this digi stamp I used is a Sneak Peek of what’s to come at Whimsy & Stars Studio this Tuesday, the 18th!! Not only are we releasing lots of new Christmas digis, but we’re having a sale… BUY 2, Get 1 Digi of your choice FREE!!

Here’s a close up of the Fluff on her trim. I didn’t realize when applying it that I had to get it very even. I figured when I heat set it that it would puff up to fill in the un-evenness, but guess not. OH WELL… gives it character right?? :)

Hope you’ll pop on over to the SSIC BLOG to read Miesje’s wonderful devotional, see the fabulous DT cards and enter to win!! One player will receive a $10 coupon to Designed 2 Delight store!! *Ü*

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Sketch by Carly #42

2011-10-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all... it's Friday and that means a new sketch up at Sketches by Carly!! My daughter draws some really great sketches i must say. Some are kinda challenging, but this time she went easy on us! *Ü*

Our sponsor is The Digi Garden and one player will win 5 digis of their choice! The Digi Garden provided our DT with some cute digis and I chose Shawna with Bow and colored her with Copics. Come show us what you can do with this sketch. There's lots of inspiration by the DT too!

M5D New Releases - Psalm 106:1

2011-10-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy Thursday! I’m back with a New Release from McMahon Five Design… and one of my own digi creations *Ü* The sentiment is from M5D and is Psalm 106:1, a perfect sentiment for this season of giving thanks!

The digi stamp below is one of my creations … inspired* by a similar “Spellbinders Compatible Stamp set” by a popular rubber stamp company ;) (*okay, more like copied… I just loved the stamp set and I knew I had similar silouettes in my Photoshop, so I set out to see if I could possibly create something similar that would work with the Nestabilities that I own!!) *Ü* I was happily surprised how it came out!! I have a few ideas for more with Christmas coming up and even a masculine one. So… we’ll see how that goes! I’ll share here if they come out!

McMahon Five Designs has lots of other great new digis released today, so why not hop on over to the BLOG and take a peek at all the gorgeous DT creations!! *Ü*

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

2011-10-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!! It’s Sunday and that means a new challenge at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenges today!! Our challenge is really easy…

ANYTHING GOES!

Linda is the host and she shares a wonderful Scripture and devotional on the SSIC blog, so I encourage you to head on over and read that and play along in our challenge! One player will win an exclusive clear stamp set from our sponsor, Simon Says Stamp, and 3 will be chosen as our SHining STars for the week!!

I colored up a new release set from Doodle Pantry called “Vintage Globe” My husband has a vintage globe and I thought it was interesting that the water was black on instead of “vintage brown” or the typical blue water. So I colored this to represent his old globe. Most of this is colored digitally in PS, except all the parts that appear tan. Those I left white and then colored with my clear sparkly gellyroll pen which gives it a shiny gold appearance. My camera didn’t capture that. :(

I asked Laurie (owner of DP) if she could create this sentiment for me for today’s card and she did *Ü* PLUS… it’s available to all of YOU for FREE! No purchase required, just go HERE and download it! I just wish now that I would have printed the sentiment larger. *Ü*

Matthew 19:26, “And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Tutorial ~ Coloring Digis in Photoshop

2011-10-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments on yesterday’s tutorial on Paper Piecing in PS *Ü* A few of you said you'd like to know how to color your digis in Photoshop, so I'm back to show you how! I use an old version of Photoshop, PS7 in fact. So your screenshots may not look exactly the same but you should be able to find similar buttons etc.

For my tutorial today, I'm going to work with Doodle Pantry’s Quirky Penguin ~ complimentary digi set if you come play in our Doodle Pantry Challenge going on now thru Oct. 24th!! The Quirky Owl above is also from Doodle Pantry… aren’t they just the cutest??

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tutorial ~ Coloring Digis in Photoshop * I do have a PDF of this tutorial suitable for printing, if you are unable to open that link, please email me at krisb33 (at) yahoo (dot) com and I will gladly send it to you!** ~ ~ ~ **Note, I am using a white-filled PNG digi here. This will also work for JPG’s or non-filled PNG’s. If you are using a non-filled PNG, you will get to skip a few steps *Ü*

STEP #1) Open your digi in PS.

STEP #2) Resize your CANVAS (not image) a li'l bigger than your digi so you can add a shadow w/o it getting cut off. You can do this by going to the IMAGE tab at the top and clicking on CANVAS SIZE and changing the measurements. I usually go about 1/2 inch larger both width and heighth.

*NOTE: if you are working with just a black outline png (not white-filled), then skip steps 3-6 and go to step #7.

STEP #3) Make sure you can view your LAYERS. If you cannot, go up to WINDOW tab at top and click on LAYERS until a box shows up similar to mine below. Now RIGHT-CLICK on "LAYER 0" and click "DUPLICATE LAYER" and name it "OUTLINE"

STEP #4) Uncheck LAYER 0 by clicking on the eyeball, and click on OUTLINE so that it's highlighted.

STEP #5) Click the MAGIC WAND in your tools (to the left) and then click on a white-filled part of the penguin and hit the DELETE button. (If you are still seeing a white-filled wing, then you did NOT do step 4 correctly. MAKE SURE that you have the LAYER 0 unchecked so you are not seeing that layer, and then be sure you have the OUTLINE layer highlighted!!)

STEP #6) Repeat STEP #5 until all white-filled parts are gone and you are left with a black outline. Click the eyeball on LAYER 0 now so that your original white-filled layer is showing.

STEP #7) We are now working on LAYER 0 so be sure to click it so it’s highlighted. On the TOOLS bar, click the MAGIC WAND. Now click on the outter body of the penguin.

STEP #8) Go up to the LAYERS tab at the top and create a NEW LAYER and name it OUTTER BODY.

STEP #9) Click on the PAINT BUCKET tool (on left) and then click on your color palette (the black/white squares) and choose your color. A normal penguin would be black, but since he’s “Quirky” I’m making him some fun colors ;)

STEP #10) Repeat STEPS 7-9 making sure you go back to LAYER 0 before you select a new part of the penguin, and making sure to create a new layer to “fill” the color. When you get to his TUMMY, do the same as the other layers, but color it white.

*NOTE: you should now have each part of your penguin colored! Now I’m going to show you how to add dimension and drop shadows to your li’l guy!

DIMENSION & DROP SHADOWS:

STEP #11) Let’s start by giving his white tummy some shading. On your LAYERS window, click to highlight the TUMMY layer.

STEP #12) Go up to LAYER up top and click on LAYER STYLE and then INNER SHADOW. (Make sure you on on your TUMMY layer)

STEP #13) You’ll want to change the color of your shadow from black (default) to whatever color you desire. I did a light turquoise color for mine. Also you’ll want to play with the DISTANCE and SIZE sliders until you get something you like! See my photo for reference:

STEP #14) Now let’s give the wings some depth! In your LAYERS window, click on one of the WINGS layers.

STEP #15) Go up to LAYER tab up top and click on LAYER STYLE and then INNER GLOW. Now look in the “ELEMENTS” section ~ there are two boxes. Check the one that says CENTER. Now move the SIZE slider until you get the desired amount of glow! Mine is set at 90 pixels here. Click OK.

STEP #16) Now let’s give it more dimension by adding an inner shadow. So Go back up to LAYER tab up top and click on LAYER STYLE and then INNER SHADOW. Change the color to be a DARKER SHADE of the color you used for his wings. Then change the DISTANCE and SIZE sliders until you get what you want! Notice how much it changes when you slide them? Click OK.

STEP #17) Now to get the same styling on his other wing, you’ll want to RIGHT CLICK on the same WING layer you were just on and click COPY LAYER STYLE. Now RIGHT CLICK on his other WING layer and click PASTE LAYER STYLE. That will make them exactly the same.

STEP #18) Just repeat Steps 11-16 until all your parts have glows and shading! Here is mine so far:

**SAVE YOUR WORK** Make sure to save it in both PNG format as well as PSD so you can work in layers later! The PNG format will allow you to place your digi directly on digi paper and not have that white background behind it. So **SAVE YOUR DIGI NOW**

STEP #19) Now let’s give him an outter shadow and/or drop shadow. We’re going to be working with LAYER 0, so click on that layer in your LAYERS box. Go up to LAYER tab up top and click LAYER STYLE and then OUTTER GLOW.

STEP #20) Change the COLOR of the glow to a turquoise (or whatever color you desire). You can change the SPREAD & SIZE and the OPACITY until you get something that suits you. Remember that it’s a bit hard to see with the checkered board in bg but when you save as a jpg it will be much stronger. (see pic beneath this one)

Here’s my Penguin with an outter glow:

NOW… if you’d like to put this guy directly onto digi paper before you print out, here’s what you’d do:

STEP #21) You need to work with the PNG version of this guy, so Go to FILE, then OPEN, and find your colored PNG penguin and click OPEN. Then go back up to FILE, then OPEN, and find a digi paper you want to put him on and click OPEN.

STEP #22) Click the MOVE tool and then click on the penguin layer and drag him onto the digi paper. Now you can resize him by dragging the corners of the square around him. If you do resize him, you’ll prolly need to validate that change (mine has a checkmark in top right corner on my taskbar and says “commit to transform” if I hover over it. Yours may ask in a different way?)

STEP #23) Go up to LAYER tab up top and click LAYER STYLE and then DROP SHADOW. Make sure you are on LAYER 1 in your LAYERS box.

STEP #24) Leave the color black (or you can change to a dark grey) and change the DISTANCE, SPREAD & SIZE to get the desired results! Click OK

Here’s he is on DP!!

*Doodle Pantry has the cutest Quirky animals line… as well as many other kinds of digi sets and many of them come with DIgi Papers like I used here! Please come visit us at Doodle Pantry Store & Blog! *Ü*

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

Tutorial ~ Digitally Paper Piecing in PS

2011-10-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hello! So *HAPPY* you dropped by!! Doesn’t this cutie remind you of “Happy Feet”?? He looks like I paper pieced him, cut him out and popped him on the blue doesn’t it?? But I DIDN’T!! I’m going to show you how I used Photoshop to digitally paper piece this li’l guy with digi papers, but FIRST… I’ve gotta tell you that you can get this digi set FREE at Doodle Pantry when you play in our challenge right now!! It goes til the 24th and all you gotta do is USE ANY DIGI (not just a sentiment) from DOODLE PANTRY STORE and you will receive this QUIRKY PENGUIN set in your inbox!!

Now let’s get to the tutorial. I didn’t realize until I made this tutorial how quickly I do this, and therefore didn’t realize just how many steps there are!! So I took lots of pics for those who need to SEE what I did. (just ask my mom… she’ll tell ya I’m one of those “Have to see it” type people, LOL)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

TUTORIAL ~ Digitally Paper Piecing digis in Photoshop

(*I am working with a white-filled digi in png format here. If you are working with just a black outline png, you can skip Steps #2-5)

**I don’t know how Laurie (owner of Doodle Pantry) digitally colors hers… but this is how I do it.

STEP #1) Open your PNG digi & digi paper in PS

**If you are working with a Black Outlined digi only (not white-filled) then skip steps 2-5 and go directly to step #6)

STEP #2) In your LAYERS toolbox, right-click LAYER 0 and click DUPLICATE LAYER and name the new layer OUTLINE

*If you don’t have “LAYERS” showing, just go up to your “WINDOWS” tab at top and click on “LAYERS”

STEP #3) Click the "eyeball" (or uncheck) on LAYER 0 so it doesn't show. Then, click on the OUTLINE layer so it is highlighted. Also click the MAGIC WAND on the tools (left)

STEP #4) Now click on the white-filled parts of your digi (one at a time) and hit DELETE button on your keyboard

STEP #5) Click on LAYER 0 in your LAYERS box, making sure it is highlighted

STEP #6) Click the MAGIC WAND in your tools (left) then click on penguin’s wing; it should show that the wing is selected (mine has a dotted line around the wing)

STEP #7) Now click the MOVE TOOL on the toolbox to the left and then click on the digi paper and drag it onto your digi

It will look like something like this, but you should still see the wing selected.

STEP #8) Go up to the EDIT TAB up top and click CUT

STEP #9) Go up to the LAYER TAB up top and click NEW > LAYER

STEP #10) Go back to the EDIT TAB up top and click PASTE. Then click the “eyeball” on the LAYER 1 so that layer no longer shows

STEP #11) Making sure the MOVE TOOL is selected (on left) click the pattern wing and drag it into place

STEP #12) Repeat steps 5-11 until all parts you want pieced are pieced, making sure you start each time on LAYER 0 so that it selects the parts on the original layer.

STEP #13) Click the OUTLINE LAYER and drag it to the top of your layers. This will put a nice black outline on top of your patterned pieces in case parts of them got covered up *Ü*

I’m assuming you know how to then color the rest of your digi in PS?? If not, let me know and I’ll make another tutorial for you on how to color digis in PS and add drop shadows like my penguin on my card. He isn’t cut out at all, just given a drop shadow and layered onto digi paper! *Ü*

Thanks for stopping and hope this helped someone out there! See you at Doodle Pantry!!

SSIC Challenge ~ Fruit {of the Spirit}

2011-10-02T03:12:00.000-07:00

Good morning *Ü* It’s my pleasure to host the challenge at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenges this week and I hope you’ll come over to play along!

This summer my family and I spent a week at the beach, and each morning I got up early with lawn chair, Bible and a li'l devotional book in hand, and spent some quiet time at the ocean. That li'l devotional is a monthly "magazine" by Turning Point (Dr. David Jeremiah who I wake up each morning to on the radio) I believe it was June or July issue called "Fruitopia". The first half was filled with li'l articles and interesting facts about fruit, and how to apply it to our Spiritual lives. That’s when I started jotting down notes which led to my devotional today. (yes, long time comin’ lol) It’s based on Gal. 5:22-23a "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." And so I challenge you to use FRUIT in your creation (stamps, digis, fruit in your background paper, or charms) And if you want to keep with the season, pumpkins are by definition fruit as well as other Harvest type produce so those would count as well! ;)

You can hop over to our challenge blog to read my whole devotional… and see the lovely inspiration by our Design Team! One player will win a $15 Gift voucher to our sponsor’s store, Clear Dollar Stamps!

I’ve used raspberries digi and sentiment from the Pears & Raspberries set at Doodle Pantry. More deets & links below. See you at SSIC!! *Ü*

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Quirky Turkey ~ New Release at Doodle Pantry

2011-10-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hi and happy Saturday!! As you know I'm on the Creative Team at Doodle Pantry and we've made a little change-a-roonie... we are now doing New Releases on the FIRST of every month (instead of the 5th) as it's easier to remember. Then we will still start our monthly challenge on the 5th. So that means today's NR day!! You will not be disappointed. There's so many CUTE digi sets and if you are in love with the Quirky line, there are several more today, amongst several other non-quirky sets!

I've used Quirky Turkey ~ so fun to say! This set is actually FREE with purchase for a limited time!! In this set, you will get an outline version, a fully colored version, a colored using fun pattered paper version (similar to what I did here), and a few digi papers!! I pieced my feathers with 2 papers from this set, and the teal if from the Quirky Owl set. I colored his body with my Copics. This was a lot of fun to make. Can't wait to create more!! Come on over and see what all is releasing today *Ü*

Just have to say... Sue (from McMahon Five Designs) gifted me with a new set of Spellbinders that included this fancy border I used on my card! THANK YOU so much Sue... ((♥♥♥)) the whole set ~ you are the sweetest!! *Ü*

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Sketch by Carly #41 - Sock Monkey

2011-09-30T01:01:00.000-07:00

Woohoo, it's TGIF!! And today we have a new sketch up at Sketches by Carly for you all to try! Our sponsor this time is Bugaboo Stamps who generously supplied our DT with some fun digis to help inspire you to play along!! You may use any vendor’s stamps or digis… just follow the sketch!! One winner will get a gift code for $21 to spend at the Bugaboo store... that's like getting 7 Digis FREE!! We also have several Bugaboo DT members play along with us, so you'll get to see some of each team's cards to inspire you to come play!!

Will add my supply list soon! I'm too wiped out tonight as I'm pre-posting this, LOL!

Whimsy & Stars Halloween Girl

2011-09-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

Good Tuesday evening to ya! (ok, did that sound Irish to you? lol ) I just thought I'd check the challenges that I entered my Thanksgiving Card (that I posted here last week) into and it turns out I won Top Three at The Kraft Journal!! WooHoo!! It was my first time entering there, so that's a nice surprise *Ü*

Ok, onto a new card for today... as you may have noticed I recently purchased a pack of Kraft cardstock and have had some fun coloring my digis with Prisma color pencils. Today's card uses a new Whimsy & Stars Studio digi called Halloween Girl... and I'm entering this one in the challenge at The Kraft Journal which is witches, ghosts or goblins. Other challenges with a Halloween theme this week are: KB Cute Monday #29, Paper Playtime #56, Crazy 4 Challenges c4c106. And here she is… too cute to spook! *Ü*

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Butterfly Blessings

2011-09-25T03:02:00.000-07:00

Morning *Ü* Doesn't this Catepillar Butterfly just make ya smile? Does me. He's from Doodle Pantry (of course!) *Ü* Today's Devotional at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is about Blessings and is brought to us by Grace who shares this verse: John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

CHALLENGE: Create a card / project that either says "Blessings" or uses an encouraging Scripture.

Hope you'll join us this week!! One player will WIN 5 FREE DIGIS from Pink Cat Studio!!

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Thanksgiving is Just Around the Corner...

2011-09-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

So… have y’all noticed the new way blogger displays your pictures when you click on them?? It used to bring your photo up close in the original size you uploaded, and now when you click, it puts all your photos in a black slideshow and resizes them all to fit the screen. Hmmm, not sure I like that as you can’t get up-close shots if you wanted to. How are you all liking it??

Now onto today’s card! This is my “Happy Pilgrims ~ Jessie Rone style”

And I say that because Jessie uses paper piercing on all her cards, and many times uses these li’l spiral doohickeys with ribbons tied on them. She always uses lots of silver brads too which look fabulous, (which I don’t have) but anyways … dontcha kinda think this resembles a “Jessie Rone” creation *Ü* (consider it a compliment when someone else tries your style… it’s the sincerest form of flattery!)

This cute Pilgrims image is by Whimsy & Stars Studio, and I’m entering this into the following challenges:

Make It Monday with Kraft Journal – Fall/Autumn Theme, and use Kraft
Stamp with Fun – Anything Goes
Pile it On – Fall Colors
Always Something Creative – Fall
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge – Just Sayin’ (must have a sentiment)
The Squirrel and the Fox – Anything Goes

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

My Winner of D2D Blog Hop Prize is…

2011-09-21T06:16:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Jessica!! You will receive $3 Gift Code to spend at the D2D digi store *Ü* THANK YOU to ALL who hopped with us these last couple of days!! I certainly had fun hopping myself, and seeing all the cute new stamps now available at Whipper Snapper Designs, and I hope you all grabbed your Free Digi Papers at D2D?!! Happy Creating *Ü*

A couple of reminders:

Sketches by Carly is needing some players! One player will win a Free La-La Land Crafts rubber stamp of their choice, so hope we get some players *Ü*

If you have kids who love to craft… and have any La-La Land Crafts stamps or digis, please encourage them to come play along at La-La Land Crafts 4 KIDS!! The contest theme is to Use your Favorite Color!

D2D Blog Hop w/ Whipper Snapper Stamps!

2011-09-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hi ... welcome to my stop on the D2D hop!! Faith of D2D is now designing rubber stamps at Whipper Snapper Designs (in addition to her fabulous digis at Designed to Delight) so this hop is showcasing some her fabby new stamps and her new line of Digi Papers!!

I will be giving away a Gift Code to the D2D store to one hopper who…

1) Follows my Blog
2) Leaves a comment on this post

PLUS... a SURPRISE awaits you at the end of the hop, so I encourage you to do this short blog hop clear to the end!! I will pick a winner on Tuesday evening and all winners will be announced Wednesday.

You will find a complete hop list at the D2D blog here. You should have come from Debbie's blog. *Ü*

For my first project, I've made another Treat Dish Card (my 3rd one this week! Link to template in my supplies list!!) using Christmas Mouse with the following digi papers: Riding Hood Gingham, Jolly Green Gingham, Riding Hood Plaid, Butter Plaid, Butter Gingham.

and my second card uses Chicken Noodle Soup

along with digi papers: Candy Corn & Green Grunge

(P.S. the dotty candy corn paper reminds me of "CHICKEN POX" lol ~ get?)

aren’t these stamps fabulous?? Love em!! There’s LOTS more to see…

Your next stop on this hop is Jen McGee!

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Pumpkin Birdie Treat Dish Card – Psalm 136:1

2011-09-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

Hello *Ü* I have another fun Treat Dish Card to share… this one is for our Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenge today which is use a Bible Verse and something with wings on it. Our hostess is Chris Olsen who shares this verse: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with winds like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31. Please hop over to the DT Blog to read her devotional, see the lovely creations by the design team and then… enter our challenge *Ü*

Funny that while I was just sitting down to print my Pumpkin Birdie from Doodle Pantry yesterday, I got an IM from my sis who asked if I’d like to do a “Sister Challenge”. Well, you know me… never turn down a challenge ;) She wanted to make one of these Treat Dish Cards (template by Doodle Pantry) so … I combined that with our SSIC challenge for this week. Check out what Kathy made using this fun template.

Here is the Treat Dish folded up flat like a card:

and again, here it is open with candy and Sentiment :

Hope you’ll come on over to join our “WINGS & VERSE” challenge at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenges! One player will win a $15 GIFT CARD to our sponsor’s store, Our Daily Bread Designs!!

SUPPLIES USED TO MAKE THIS:

Whimsy & Stars Studio - Acorns Pumpkin Teddy

2011-09-17T08:53:00.001-07:00

I am loving this weather right now… the crispness in the morning air really feels like Fall! Still a bit smokey here though due to the fires nearby, but not as bad lately. Anywho… here’s a card I made using this adorable li’l Acorns Pumpkin Teddy, new at Whimsy & Stars Studio! I used an older Key Ingredients kit (papers, ribbon, stickles, & buttons) that was perfect for Fall cards. Come check out lots of cuteness on the Whimsy & Stars Blog… and if you aren’t a fan at Facebook yet, we do have FREEBIES there now and then, so come on over and join the group!! *Ü* I’ll be back tomorrow with a fun project for SSIC. See ya then!

CARD RECIPE:

Carly's Sketch Sponsored by La-La Land Crafts

2011-09-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

Hello *Ü* My daughter Carly has a new sketch up today at Sketches by Carly ... AND, she has recruited a couple of her very loyal supporters; Aunt Kathy (my sister), Lorie Ames (friend), and her younger sister, Maddy for a li'l Design Team!! Welcome aboard ladies!!

Secondly, We are happy to have La-La Land Crafts sponsoring this 2-week challenge, and one player will receive a rubber stamp of their choice for winning this challenge, so I hope you'll come over and play along!! These stamps are so adorable. And you've GOT TO COME SEE what the other girls created... seriously, they are so awesome!! *Ü*

I had fun coloring up this Faerie Marci from the new release.

CARD SUPPLIES USED:

Candy Corn Cootie - Treat Box Card

2011-09-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hi there and happy Tuesday!! Today I’m sharing another cute image from the Whimsy and Stars Studio Fall release! This li’l guy is called Candy Corn Cootie. Love the name :) I decided to make this Treat Dish / Card that be can be folded and put in an envelope, with a li’l bag-o-candy on the side… or you can leave it in box form and take to work with you for your desk ~ that’s what I’m gonna do because I have lots of families with li’l kids pop by my office *Ü*

Check out what the other designers have made with this Fall release!!

SUPPLIES USED:

Image Fashback Monday at M5D

2011-09-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hello *Ü* Today's card if for the “Image Flashback” at McMahon Five Designs . This one is called “Feels Like Fall” by Solocosmo (Jessica Grundy). Isn’t she pretty and perfect for Fall? I had fun coloring this up with my Copics… although my camera does not like yellow so much. Oh woops ~ just noticed I forgot to color her li’l bow on her dress … that should be blue. I followed my daughter’s current sketch at Sketches by Carly (picture in top right sidebar).

See more DT's creations at the McMahon Five Designs Blog!

SUPPLIES USED:

Cowboy ~ Cowgirl ♥ Love Birdies

2011-09-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

*This is my 2nd post for today. If you’re looking for my SSCC post, please scroll down one. Thanks *Ü*

♫ ♪ Two Little Love Birds… ♪ ♫ This is a card I made for a [cowgirl] friend of mine. We have kind of a unique relationship. Once upon a time… when I was a teenager, I babysat her (and her brothers) from the time they were born pretty much… we attended the same church for years … and then when she was a teenager, she became MY daughters’ babysitter. Now she’s graduated college, met a fella and ther gittin’ hitched! LOL. She grew up on a ranch and loves a good rodeo. In fact, she sings at various rodeo shows from time to time, like at the Lewiston Round Up last night (hope it went well Katy!!).

Anywhoo… the western-themed wedding’s not til March, but I thought I’d send her a li’l “CONGRATS on your engagement” card using this new digi from Doodle Pantry called Cowboy Birdie. I just flipped the image to make a 2nd and colored accordingly. Not sure if you can see it in the close up or not, but I embossed the black heart with the Paisley embossing folder to match the paper that resembles a handkerchief, and the font I used for their names is a ROPE font *Ü*

Congrats Brice & Katy!! Your engagement photos are gorgeous... and they are "Soo YOU!" Your wedding will be beautiful and we wish you life-long happiness together. Although you'll HAVE to move back here when you start having kids so my girls can babysit your kids. *Ü*

CARD RECIPE:

Peek-a-Boo... I See You!

2011-09-11T03:01:00.000-07:00

Today’s card is for the new challenge at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ challenges. The challenge is to have a door or window. Some ideas include a gate, a house, church, birdcage, paper with a door or window on it, or ... why not try creating a door or window on your project by making it see-thru (window) or a door that opens? Stop by our challenge blog to read Rebekka’s devotional and see the Design Team’s creations! Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp. Hope you’ll join us *Ü*

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: “My Friend” by Mo’s Digital Pencil
Paper: August Key Ingredients by Taylored Expressions
Dies: Labels ? Nestabilities by Spellbinders
Coloring: Copics
Sketch: my own
Size: 5.5” square

McMahon Five Designs New Release Day

2011-09-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hello “deer” friends! *Ü* This cute deer is part of a Studio 313 set from McMahon Five Designs called Deerest Deer! Isn’t she adorable? There’s several really sweet sentiments as well, which I decided to add one to the inside of my card. This sketch is the current challenge at Sketches by Carly. You can see more releases and inspiration from the DT at the McMahon Five Blog.

Update on Miss Cathy:

Many of you sent cards and prayed for my daughter’s Kindergarten teacher last year (April, 2010) after she was in a horrific car accident and was close to death. After a long recovery… with God’s healing hand… she is doing relay races at Mt. Bachelor!! Absolutely amazing and inspirational!! You can read the article in our local newspaper HERE. Welp, that’s about all for today. Hope those of you with kids or who are teachers are getting back in the groove! *Ü*

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Deerest Deer (M5D)
Paper: Kraft, Cranberry, and DP from Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions)
Dies & Punches: Classic and Scalloped Rectangles; Corner punch by Martha Stewart (for scallop border)
Coloring: Copics, classic ink for sponging
Sketch: Sketches by Carly
Size: 5.5” square

There's Sumpthin' About QUIRKY Animals...

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hiya stampy friends and welcome to another Quirky Wednesday!! Today my youngest starts 6th grade—her first year in Middle School! I think we’re ready though as we visited yesterday and got her schedule and visited all her classrooms—ran into a li’l bump in the road but thanks to some awesome teachers got it straightened out *Ü* I’m sure it’ll be a great year!

Anywhoo… Doodle Pantry just released some more QUIRKY animals this week including this Quirky Ostrich. I just love all the quirky animals—too cute and they come with several fun sentiments as well! I decided to make a side-step card. Hope you like?!

Would you like to WIN a FREE digi set?? Come play along in our monthly challenge and you will win a complimentary digi set, complete with outlines, fully colored, sentiments AND digi papers!! How cool is that? Everyone who enters wins the newly release Popsicle Ants set, and all you have to do is use ANY digi from Doodle Pantry *Ü* There are lots of freebies HERE.

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Quirky Ostrich (Doodle Pantry)
Paper: Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions)
Dies: Scallop long rectangles (Spellbinders)
Coloring: Copic markers
Size: 5.5” x 4.25” when folded

New FALL Releases at Whimsy n' Stars Studio

2011-09-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!! Today it's all about FALL at Whimsy and Stars Studio with their new digi releases! The design team has created some fun projects in hopes to inspire, and entice you~heehee! *Ü*

My card today showcases Pumpkin Girl with Banner

Ok, here’s a close up – showing you what I printed on the banner because my 12 yr. old DD, Carly suggested this saying, so I thought I’d amuse her ;)
“You’ve been tagged by the Fall elf”

Be sure to stop by Whimsy and Stars Studio Blog for more new release projects!!

Feel free to also click on the Design Team's links in my sidebar for more deets on their projects :)

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Pumpkin Girl with Banner (W&SS)
Paper: Summer Days by Echo Park
Coloring: Copics
Sketch: my own
Size: 5.5" square

Doodle Pantry New Release Day!!

2011-09-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday... (and Labor Day to all my U.S. friends)!! Today is the 5th which means a bunch of new digi releases at Doodle Pantry! And the BEST news is that we're having a LABOR DAY SALE, today through Wed. 7th ~ 30% OFF everything in your cart!!

Doodle Pantry's release includes vintage, realistic, and quirky cute & they keep getting cuter and cuter... and really, if you are new to this company, you will be blown away by how much value you get for your buck! Many sets inlcude several outline digis plus a variety of sentiments, as well as an option of fully colored versions plus digi papers!

For my first card I used a realistic style set of parrots called Parrot Play, which includes another digi of just the head of a parrot, plus lots of cute sentiments.

We also have a change in Design Team at Doodle Pantry. Many are staying on for another 6 mo.s to a year and we've also added some newbies to the mix....welcome newbies!! We really have a lot of fun at DP together and everyone is so good about commenting and supporting each other. For some great inspiration, check out their links in my sidebar *Ü*

CHALLENGE: Today starts a new Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge... all you have to do is use any Doodle Pantry Image and enter!! Everyone who enters WINS a complimentary digi set (includes outline, fully colored images, sentiments AND digi papers!!) ~ so come over and check it out!! *Ü*

I have another new release card to share with you so hope you'll check back in a couple days!

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Parrot Play (Doodle Pantry)
Paper/Cardstock: Canson Watercolor Paper, 90 lb., Red Riding Hood, Green Galore (SU!)
Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities; Leaves by Marianne Designs
Coloring Medium: SU! markers and water pen
Size: 9" x 4.25" (fits legal sized envelope)

SSIC - Use Quiet Colors

2011-09-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Good morning and happy Labor Day weekend! *Ü* Yesterday my girls went to a super fun place up on the mountain with their aunt and uncle. They had Alpine Sledding (bobsledding), bungee jumping and zip-lining, while my husband and I stayed home cleaning the garage and taking more boxes to the storage shed. We are remodeling the garage into a big bedroom for the girls. It's getting there! *Ü*

So today's card is for this week's Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge, which is hosted by Peggysue who shares this verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living, just as we told you before.12 In this way you will win the respect of those who are not believers, and you will not have to depend on anyone for what you need."

The challenge is to use Quiet Colors ~ nothing bright, use calm beiges, tans, earthy colors.

As some of you may know, I'm a church secretary and my boss (the pastor) is ministering in Zimbabwe for 2 months, so we have men from the congregation taking turns preaching each Sunday. I wanted to send a T.Y. to each one during the week following their turn. Diane Noble posted this card the other day which used a verse that I thought was perfect for what I was needing, so I printed the same verse and whipped up these four cards ~ Thank You Diane for your inspiration *Ü*

Here’s a closer look:

I hope you’ll pop on over to the challenge blog and give it a try!!

One player will win a $15 Gift card to Clear Dollar Stamps Store!!

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: none
Paper: Prima
Dies: Spellbinders
Sketch: my own
Size: 5.5" x 4.25"

New Whimsy and Stars Studio DT

2011-09-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday... and Happy first day of September!! (Well, in a couple hours it will be!) *Ü* I've got exciting news on top of exciting news!! *Ü* First of all, I was recently asked by Mabelle of Whimsy and Stars Studio if I'd like to join her Fall/Winter Design Team and I jumped right on board! I first saw her digis over at CDAC and fell in love with them! Thank you so much Mabelle for this opportunity to work with your fabby digis and work alongside you and the rest of the very talented team for these next few months (my favorite months of the year)! *Ü*

Secondly... we are gearing up for a Super Cute FALL RELEASE coming on September 6th!!

So today we get to share some SNEAK PEEKS of what's to come on the 6th, and let me tell you... FALL is in the air... and I am sure you will FALL in love with these cuties like I did *Ü* Ok, nuff cheese for today?? Heehee... let's get on with my first card!

I’ve created this center step card using Alex Pumpkin.

These cards are so fun to make... adds a bit of surprise to your recipient... and they fold flat for mailing in envies!

I colored my image with Copics. The papers I used were from my Key Ingredients kit months ago and I added machine stitching on all my panels. I couldn't resist adding the fence border... just brought the scene together *Ü*

Be sure to stop by the Whimsy and Stars Studio Blog to see more sneaks today. I will have more cuteness to share on Sept. 6th so hope you'll come back to see!!

If you're on Facebook, and you're a member of Whimsy and Stars Studio Group, you can grab FREEBIES every now and then (we've had 2 freebies in the last couple weeks!) and share your cards!

Feel free to visit the rest of the team for details on their creations!

Here’s the new team for Fall/Winter:

Cheryl Gorka http://shestamps.blogspot.com/
Cheryl Rowley http://cheryllrowley.blogspot.com/
Jacqui Dennis http://jacqui47.blogspot.com/
Jennifer (Jeni) Tidwell http://jeniflipflop.blogspot.com/
Kris Breach http://inksomething2.blogspot.com/

Returning Whimsy and Stars DT:

Angela Kelley http://www.angelakelley.blogspot.com/
Chelsea Comer http://www.inkystamps2.blogspot.com/
Danni Bindel http://dannisdreamscrafts.blogspot.com/
Kathy Curry http://willstampforwine.blogspot.com/
Lis Murphy http://mycraftblogumentary.blogspot.com/
Michelle: McDaniel http://michellescreativejourney.blogspot.com/
TriciaTraxler http://www.simplystamping.blogspot.com/

((gasp... I know at least 3 of you!! How FUN to work with you again and looking forward to getting to know the rest of you as well!!)

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Alex Pumpkin by Whimsy and Stars Studio

Paper: Key Ingredients by Taylored Expressions
Coloring Medium: Copics
Punches/Die Cuts: Fence border punch by Martha Stewart

Size: 5.5”

Vintage Oldie But Goodie

2011-08-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hi again! *Ü* Gawsh, I felt so guilty today realizing how long it's been since I posted a card of mine -- what, a whole week? LOL... so I whipped up this card. Actually, I had this image colored up days ago but just didn't have the mojo going to make it into a the "right" card until today. I tried a technique--new to me--which is coloring with Prisma color pencils onto Kraft cardstock. Love the results but boy did it take me a loong time to color! Much longer than with Copics. Anywhoo... this is a new digi set by Doodle Pantry called Vintage Auto and comes with lots of fun sentiments and you can choose outlines or fully colored *Ü* Love that about DP sets!

Want a chance to WIN some free digis from Doodle Pantry?? They are sponsoring Paper Playtime Challenge this week!! So hop on over to play along and you just might win!! *Ü*

Get Your Cute Harvest Freebie!

2011-08-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

I invite you to come join the Whimsy & Stars Studio group on Facebook so you can grab this "Limited Time" free digi called "Blessed Harvest". If you are not yet a member, it's easy! Just click the "Request to Join" button at the top and you will be added and can grab the freebie, but hurry as it will be taken down after Wednesday! *Ü*

P.S.
Sorry I haven't shown you my crafty creations lately... but I HAVE been working on some and will post them very soon! I have some very exciting news coming up in the way of some new releases etc. Can't let the cat out of the bag yet! ;)

SSIC - A Simple Recipe Challenge

2011-08-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning *Ü* It's time for another fun challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge. Our challenge hostess is Miesje who shares this verse:

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:17 – Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” Miesje shares a wonderful devotional on the challenge blog, so be sure to hop over and read that--you will be blessed!

The challenge is an easy Recipe Challenge - choose at least 3 of the following for one card. (ribbon, button, a swirl, hat pin, brad, charm, popped up image)

We've been pretty busy at our house these last few days, putting up a new outter wall where our garage door used to be, pouring concrete and adding tar paper and then yesterday we put siding up. So hot out too, and today was almost unbearable being outside for very long at one time as it's so smokey! We've had 3 fires burning in our area for the last several days, due to lightning. I live in Oregon's High Desert, so it's pretty dry anyways. In fact, my hubby's friend has a wheat field that just burned about $40,000 worth of crop this week. Lots of homes have been evacuated of course. Please say some prayers for them... I know they'd be appreciated. The sun last night was FIREY RED... I tried to get a picture but didn't capture the color. Anyways, I am thankful I can go inside where the A/C keeps it nice and cool (and fairly smoke-free) all is well. My thoughts and prayers also go out though to those dealing with Hurricane Irene on the east coast.

Well, not much of an excuse, but guess I've had a lack of mojo lately for creating cards, so I don't have one for today's challenge post, but wanted to invite ya to come over and play along. Our sponsor this week is Sweet n' Sassy Stamps and one player will win a $10 gift certificate to the Sweet n' Sassy store by playing in this week's challenge.

Bookmark Contest for KIDS!!

2011-08-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! There's a fun Bookmark Contest for all kids under 18 yrs. at La-La Land Craft For KIDS! They must use any stamp or digi from La-La Land Crafts and must enter by Aug. 31st. The WINNER will receive a FREE LaLa rubber stamp of their own! So tell your friends, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews... and come join the fun! Here are the bookmarks my daughters (ages 11 & 12) made to inspire your little ones. Carly & Maddy are co-hostesses of the blogs (Design Team if you will) with Jana's daughter Julia (age 8) and Ursula's daughter, Hannah (age 9)

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Chef Marci; Genie Marci

No Fear - Napkin Fold Anniversary Card

2011-08-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm back with a fun new challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenges!

Our challenges hostess this week is Marilynn who shares this verse:

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

So the challenge is to try something that you might have been afraid to try before now (ie. a new technique, a new color combo, a new style --CAS if you are a layered stamper, or reversed)

After you're done here, please hop over to the challenge blog and read Marilynn's devotional for this week and enter the challenge! One player will win $15 to spend at our sponsor's store, Paper Fashions, Etc.

Now that we got all that out of the way *wink* I've gotta say that creatively, I am pretty fearless. I actually love a challenge... and can't wait to try something new, so fear for me doesn't belong in the same sentence as crafting. The only thing that holds me back at time is not having specific supplies. But given this week's challenge I decided to make something I'd seen on Sue McMahon's Blog and that's a Napkin Fold Card which is perfect for my mom & dad's 44th Anniversary this weekend!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad, ♥ U!

I didn't make a tutorial because that's already been done on SCS (see my link above) but I do have several pics to share...

awww, aren't they adorable?? That's the BEST picture of my dad smiling that I've ever seen. Normally he doesn't like to smile much in pics. But they look very happy and I wish them many more years together!

Thanks for stopping by!

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: none
Paper: Victoria Garden by Echo Park
Dies: Classic & Scallop rectangles by Spellbinders
Size: 6" square closed; 12" square open

D2D Designer's Challenge Reminder

2011-08-17T08:00:00.001-07:00

We would love to have you join us for this week’s Designed 2 Delight's DT Challenge! It's being hosted by Debbie S.: “Color Combo: Pink + Black.” Challenge ends Friday night. Here is my card.

I used the Dancing Mice set (D2D) and then used my Cricut to cut out “friends” and covered it with pink glitter (much more sparkly IRL)… and the rest of the card was cut using my SCAL and the free “Hello” kit from Sherry K Designs. Shaped cards are so fun. And I’m getting more use out of my Cricut! *Ü* Hope you’ll join us in our Pink & Black color challenge!! One player will win a digi of your choice for playing along!

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Dancing Mice by Designed 2 Delight
Paper: digi paper (see below)
SVG's: Hello Card Kit by Sherry K Designs
Size: 5.5" x 3.25"

FREEBIE for All... If You Hurry!!

2011-08-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

You can get this cute FREE digi if you join the Whimsy & Stars Studio group on Facebook! If you aren’t a member yet, just go HERE and click “Request to Join Group” and you will be approved and can then grab the freebie! But HURRY… it ends Wednesday evening *Ü*

I used the Sweet Sunday Sketch #130 along with my papers from July’s Key Ingredients Kit (Taylored Expressions). She was fun to color up with my Copics, although I went a li’l crazy with my blender pen sooo… just don’t look too closely *Ü* I added stickles to the crown tips (gems) and tiny adhesive pearls for her bracelet. Here’s a close-up:

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Balloon Girl digi by Whimsy & Stars Studio
Paper: July’s Key Ingredients kit by Taylored Expressions
Dies: Spellbinders
Sketch: Sweet Sunday Sketch #130
Size: 5.5” square

School Time Sheep, Contests, and Freebies!

2011-08-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday friends!! It’s almost that time of year again!! My girls will be starting 6th and 7th grades very soon! It’ll be nice to have them both going to the same school this year so I don’t have to drive opposite ends of town to drop off and pick up, however… they’re both in Middle School! *big sigh* Hold on tight… it’s gonna be a wild year! :)

Doodle Pantry came out with an awesome School Time Sheep digi set as well as some School Time digi Papers, and right now if you use ANY Doodle Pantry image and enter our challenge going on right now, you will receive these two digi sets FREE!! Hurry though, it ends at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 18th!! If you miss it, OR if you are a school-time buff and would like to see MORE school themed images, ALL the sets in the SCHOOL CATEGORY are 40% OFF through Aug. 28th!! Perfect for many occasions throughout the year.

Jovan is having a Back-to-School Blog Hop and you can enter your card to win prizes! I used my Cricut for this apple card! My girls bought me the Create-a-Critter cartridge for Christmas last year and it has so many options with it… I LOVE it!! I did cut off the top leaves that came with the apple and used a Marianne Designs die and ran through the Cuttlebug. I think these are more realistic and detailed.

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: School Sheep (Doodle Pantry)
Paper: School Time Papers (digi papers by Doodle Pantry)
Dies: leaves by Marianne Designs (not sure name of set - came with a flower die)
Cricut Cartridge: Create-a-Critter (apple)
Size: 5.25" from top of stem to bottom of apple

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CONTESTS, PRIZES & FREEBIES!

Today starts the Kids Contest at La-La Land Crafts 4 Kids!! The 4 girls each made a project to inspire, so if you have kids who love to craft, please pop over and check it out! The contest will run for 2 weeks and there’ll be a rubber stamp prize at the end!!

If you are a member of Whimsy & Stars Studio on Facebook, you can get a super cute FREEBIE today thru Wednesday!! If you aren’t a member yet, just go HERE and click to “Request to Join this Group” and you will be approved and can grab the free digi! *Ü

SSIC - Sing With Grace in Your Heart

2011-08-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! We have a new challenge up at Stampin’ Sisters in Christ Challenges.
I still have quite a few more Christmas cards to make, so that’s what I set out to do. Before I get into the details, let me tell you about the challenge! Our hostess is our lovely Guest Designer, Teresa Kline! She chose this verse to share: “Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” And her challenge for us is to use MUSIC in some form on your card. Please pop over to the SSIC blog to read Teresa’s devotional for this week and enter to win a nice stamp set by Simon Says Stamp!

I grabbed this beautiful set by Layers of Color called Reindeer Waltz to begin with and this sheet paper dp and floral paper is from the Madeline Prima pad by McMahon Five Designs. It was all coming together lovely and then had a space to fill. Perfect spot for this blue music symbol (the name escapes me at the minute) it is from the Joyful Noise set, also by Layers of Color. And lastly… I printed a Christmas sentiment from the Blessed Christmas digi set by Doodle Pantry and layered onto a Fancy Tag Spellbinders by M5D. Hope you like!

Pop on over to the challenge blog to see what my design sisters created to inspire you!!

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Reindeer Waltz, Joyful Noise (Layers of Color); Blessed Christmas sentiment (Doodle Pantry)
Paper: Madeline by Prima (McMahon Five Designs); Neenah White 80 lb. (M5D)
Dies: Classic & Scallop Rectangles, Fancy Tags (Spellbinders); Grass border (My Favorite THings)
Sketch: my own
Size: 6" square

My First (Drawn) Self-Portrait

2011-08-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

...and possibly the start of my very first Art Journal!

Hello. *Ü* So, I was reading my friend, Danni's blog post yesterday about her new venture--an art journal! I loved her page she did and I clicked on the links she gave and was WOWed! Actually, I was intimidated and thought I couldn't possibly do something like that. But then I saw this card with this quote... "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't... you're right!" (by Henry Ford) So... I started drawing (I used to in college, but haven't done much since). And This is my first self-portrait. After you look at it, then go click on my picture in my right sidebar. See any resemblance? Any at ALL??? LOL

I think if you turn the drawing sideways it definately looks more like me!! ROTFL!!

Honestly... from here I have no idea where to go. I'd love to see this in color... am definately skeered to try. And thinking about what to put on my pages of this journal causes you to be very introspective. That's a good thing! :) I might need some peeps egging my on ... I might need to join a group for this sort of thing. But I will definately share what comes of it. And if nothing does... hey, at least I've got a drawing of someone that resembles a lady that I'm sure I could sell on Ebay, lmbo... JUST KIDDING!!

Do Something FUN Today!

2011-08-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Every day should have a little something FUN in it right?? What do you consider fun? My girls went to dance camp last week and drama camp this week (just mornings while I'm at work)... and the afternoons we're finding a li'l crafty time, t.v. time, mom getting after them cause they don't work on their CLEANING time! I know, such a mean mommy, after all it IS summer. (although too hot to be outside every day—we love the a/c!) Okay, onto my card...

This is an older digi by Doodle Pantry called Caterpillar Swing. I had printed it months ago and, well, I like to print as many different ones on a page so I don't waste c.s. and I just never got this one colored up, so into my stamped & printed bin it went. Carly's been doing SUCH an awesome job micro-cleaning my craft room for me (thanks Carly!!) and I came across this li'l guy so I colored him up! Whaddaya think?

Don't forget the new release!! There's several really great specials going on right now plus, everyone who enters our challenge on the Doodle Pantry blog will receive the School Sheep and School time digi papers complimentary!!

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Caterpillar Swing
Paper: It's All About Girls (DCWV)
Dies: Spellbinders
Size: 4.5" x 6.25"

Too Cute to be Crabby

2011-08-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all… here’s a quick card I made for Doodle Pantry’s new release using Quirky Crab! Isn’t he cute? We were at the Oregon Coast last month and the girls found LOTS of crab… pieces of them anyways! :) Sometimes they get a li’l crabby… especially this summer when they get bored. I just remind myself how “cute” they USED to be! HAHAHA!!! What am I talking about, I don’t know. Oh ya, my card! This set comes fully colored OR just outlines so you can color yourself. I chose to use the pre-colored image because I was kinda in a hurry. That’s what’s great about pre-colored ones though. If ya need a card on the run, just print it out, cut it out with some cute Nesties and slap it together! *Ü*

This last release is HUGE so be sure to pop over to the store, here’s the link to the New Releases. We have a challenge going on as well on the BLOG and all ya have to do is use any Doodle Pantry image! There’s lots of freebies HERE if you don’t have any yet.

I’ll leave you with a piccy of Carly and Maddy collecting their crab pieces on the beach:

CARD RECIPE:

Stamps: Quirky Crab Digi & digi paper (Doodle Pantry)
Paper: Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions)
Dies: Spellbinders
Size: 5.5"

New Craft Blog for KIDS!!

2011-08-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

La-La Land Crafts has started a new blog for kids... by kids!! There are 4 hostesses, including both my daughters who are sharing their cards, some "how-to's", and even bi-weekly contests!! If you have kids who like to craft, please come on over and join in the fun!!
Maddy just posted her first card for the new blog tonight, so I hope you'll hop over and support the girls. They're very excited about this new venture. =)