Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Birthday Scene




For this card, I used the Die-Version's July new release Birthday Scene, but as a twist, I used all the negative portions.  It's much easier and quicker than you think.  After die cutting the image, I used the result like a puzzle (or the game of Operation - if you're old enough to remember that one) and inserted the negative pieces in each slot.  I could have cut the shape out in red and placed white cardstock behind it, but this way gives it added interest.  Next, I cut out a window out of the patterned paper (My Mind's Eye) and pop dotted the window for more dimension.  

Here is a side view so you can see the window that I'm referring to.  In hindsight, I would have cut the window out of the card base and placed the red part on the inside of the card.  Oh well, next time.

The message is an older clear stamp from a Hero Arts set that I added glitter to for a bit of bling.  There are so many different ways you can use this die, including birthdays and anniversaries and it's great for all ages.





Monday, July 30, 2012

Suzie's Summer



Time for a new Digi Makeover Challenge.  The theme this week is Endless Summer.  Who better to show us a fun summer activity than Suzie the fairy from Paper Makeup Stamps?





Suzie is colored with Copic markers and fussy cut out because I wanted her to look like she's underwater.  I also added Stickles (star dust) to her wings and Glossy Accents to her scuba mask.  Smooch pearlescent ink (illuminate) was added to the sentiment, which comes with the image.  Both layers were cut using Lifestyle Crafts' Nesting Flower dies (I call them the wonky circles).  Spellbinders' M-Bossabilities (Sea Beauty) was used to emboss the first layer.  A few under the sea embellishments and some twine were added to complete the card.


Head on over to the Digi Makeover Challenge blog and show us your endless summer project.  Don't forget to visit the rest of the digi makeup artists while you're there and be sure to say a special hello to this week's guest designer, Sammi (aka Sammibug).

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

Copics used: E70, E71, E77, RV95   YR04, YR07, YR09, R14, R17, R46   R02   Y08, Y17   RV00, R11   B0000, BG01    E13, E15, E17, E29

Friday, July 27, 2012

Dog Days of Summer



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

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


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

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

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

'Scuse me while I kiss the sky


Purple haze all in my brain 

Lately things just don't seem the same 

Actin' funny, but I don't know why 

'Scuse me while I kiss the sky

                                     - Jimi Hendrix 



It's time for the Dude Time Doodles New Release Blog Hop and as soon as I saw Yo' Jimi, I knew he was the one!  He, along with the other new Dudes, will be available in the DTD store by 10am EST.  Now that you have Purple Haze running through your brain, let's get this party started.



I've created an easel card with Jimi front and center on stage performing his favorite tunes.  He's colored with Copic markers, fussy cut out and pop dotted in front of some psychedelic glitter paper from Reflections.  The stage was created using one of the stickers from Echo Park's For the Record collection and the backdrop was cut using one of the Creative Book Pages dies from Spellbinders.






The bottom portion of the easel card was embossed with the Music M-Bossabilities and the electric guitar is one of new Sweet Petites from Die-Versions.  The sentiment was created using the Die-Versions Sparkler font.  All the embellishments are cut using the same psychedelic glitter paper.  Jimi's guitar and his sunglasses are covered with American Craft's WOW glitter (rouge) and several Spica glitter pens were used here and there for added sparkle.


If you came here from Kevin, you're on the right track, but if not, no worries.  As with all the Dude Time Doodle New Release blog hops, there is no beginning or end.  You just keep going full circle until you have visited all of the Dude/Dudettes.  Be sure to leave each of us some love in the form of comments, as one of us is the Mystery Host and the winner will be chosen from that host's comments.  Your next stop will be Mags and I know she's got something fun for you as well.  Here's the list of Dude/Dudettes, just in case:


Anne (you're here)
Dude Time Doodles

Copics used: FY1, R24, R29   FV2, BV29, YR04, YR07  BV23, BV25, BV29    E15, E17, E29    N5, N6, N7, N8    E31, E33, E99    RV32, R22
Spica glitter pens: red, lavender, orange, gold

Mr. and Mrs.





This was a really fun card to make, but fairly hard to photograph because of all the glitter.   Cut the Cake, a July new release from Die-Versions,  is such a versatile die.  It can be used for most any occasion.  

As I didn't have any glitter paper that I liked, I made my own using a Xyron machine and glitter.  Not only is the die a newly acquired item, I just discovered Sparkle N Sprinkle glitter at the Atlanta Scrapbook Expo that I recently went to.  They have lots of fantastic glitter colors and I used their Evening Glow for the flowers as well as the yellow icing on the cake.  The "Mr and Mrs" is a Die-Versions font called A Little Lime that is also glittered using some black glitter that I already had on hand.  The cake itself is covered with a crystal affect glitter.

The lace background was created using an older Cornish Heritage Farms rubber stamp.  I inked it up with VersaMark and then applied Perfect Pearls (biscotti) over the entire thing.  It gives it a very nice, soft shimmery effect.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Mummy Dearest



Today's challenge from the Digi Makeover Challenge group is do make a project showing your favorite holiday.  This was a tough one as Christmas is an obvious choice,  birthdays are really special around here too, but I decided to go with Halloween because I love seeing all the little kids dressed up in their costumes running around saying trick or treat.


I decided to go with Mummy, a digital download from Paper Makeup Stamps.  He's colored with Copic markers and cut out using a Spellbinders die (deckled rectangles-small #5).  The papers, the rubber stamped sentiment, and the coordinating die are all from Memory Box.

Now it's your turn to show us your favorite holiday.  Be sure to visit the rest of the team to see what their favorite is too and give a warm welcome to this week's guest designer, Wendy Keenan.  You have one week to upload your creation and don't forget, you must use a digi and follow this week's theme - pretty easy.

Starting tomorrow, Paper Makeup Stamps will be releasing a special digi set called Jen's Sunshine.  This is a charity event and all proceeds from the sale of this set of two digis and three word arts will go toward helping our fellow team mate, Jennifer Scull.  She's been battling cancer and this is our way of saying thanks for all she's doing/done for PMS.  Be sure to visit Paper Makeup Stamps tomorrow, 7/24 to purchase this special set.  (Also, there is a blog hop in the works and in order to participate, you will ned to use this set.)

Copics used: E81, E84, E87   E21   E47, E49, YG95


Friday, July 20, 2012

Happy Spring


inside




This card was created using one of the older jumbo Stampendous cling stamps that I fussy cut out and colored with Smooch pearlescent inks.  The frame and larger butterflies are dies from Cheery Lynn Designs and the small butterflies are the "negative" portions of a Memory Box border die.  I continued the theme on the inside as well.



Thursday, July 19, 2012

You Look Marvelous



Here is another CHA New Release font from Die-Versions called Middle School.  I combined it with the smaller font, A Little Lime.  After cutting out the middle school letters, I inked them with Versamark and used clear embossing powder for a very shiny look.  While I was making this card, I kept thinking about that Billy Crystal expression: "You Look Marvaaaaalous!"  So that's what I went with.  The image is a combination of a rubber stamp and a digital image, both from Bombshell Stamps.  The pin up, Bombshell Angel,  is rubber and you can play dress up and get digital outfits for her.

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says (no rules) challenge.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Need a Mechanic?


This is the third Wednesday and time for a new Inspiration Challenge from Dude Time Doodles.  This week our challenge is:

ANYTHING GOES, as long as it's for a DUDE


Our fabulous sponsor this week is The Ribbon Carousel and they have graciously offered a $10 gift certificate to their store.  Be sure to go check them out.

Using Grease Monkey Mike, a Bonibleaux Designs digital image, I created a gift card/business card holder with an easel stand on the back.  So once the gift card is used, it's still a functional gift to hold business cards.  As usual, Mike is colored with Copic markers, fussy cut out, and pop dotted for added dimension.

To create the background I used alcohol inks and glossy photo paper.  I made two different sheets, one using shades of blue and the other using oranges, yellows, and reds.  The card holder is an album pocket die from AccuCut and those fun tools are three of the Sweet Petite dies (pliers, socket, screwdriver) from Die-Versions that I cut out using sticky backed paper and covered with two different shades of glitter.  Who says you can't use glitter on a guy card?

Now it's your turn!  You can enter as many times as you like, but no back linking.  And remember, it must be for a guy!  It can't get much easier than this.  I can't wait to see what you come up with.  Be sure to visit the rest of the Dude/Dudettes to see what they've created for you this week.  It's sure to inspire!


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Konnichiwa



Today I'm getting to share with you one of the new CHA Releases from Die-Versions, the Fortune Cookie font.   The letters are approximate 3/4" tall and would be perfect for cards or layouts.

I have several images that this font easily goes with, but I chose this digi from Mayzy Arts.  I printed the image twice so I could cut out her body and pop dot it against the umbrella for more dimension.  She's colored with Copic markers and a clear Spica glitter pen was used to highlight the flowers and the trim around her neck.

The background is recycled from an old calendar that a local Chinese restaurant handed out.  I adhered Scor-Tape to the back before cutting it to make sure that the individual strips wouldn't come apart once the strings were cut.

Head on over to the Die-Versions Facebook page to see all the CHA New Releases.  There will be 5 new fonts, one with a shadow, and a new series called Sweet Spots.  If you're a die-fanatic like I am, you'll definitely want to check these out.

I'm also entering this in the following challenge: Simon Says (no rules).

Monday, July 16, 2012

Flu Bu Monster


Time for a new Digi Makeover Challenge and this week's challenge is to add dimension.



Poor FluBu Monster from Paper Makeup Stamps was an easy choice for this challenge.  I printed the image twice so I cut fussy cut out various portions of the image.  The blanket is actually layered at different heights, as is the ice bag on his head.  Spellbinders' (Deckled Rectangles - large) was used to cut the image out.  The matting was cut with Grand Labels Twenty Three.  A piece of netting from a potato bag was added for additional dimension and texture.  I also added some Glossy Accents to his eyes because everyone knows that when you're sick as a dog (or monster in this case), you have glassy looking eyes.  Distress Ink (tumbled glass) was used to create the background.

Head on over to the Digi Makeover Challenge blog and upload your project showing dimension.  Just remember to use a digi and to follow this week's theme.  Please welcome this week's guest designer, Zenita Smith (aka ScrappinwithZ).  Don't forget to visit the rest of the team to see what they've come up with too.

Copics used: YG00, YG01, YG11, E84, E87, E77    BG10, R14, R17   V22, V25, V28, colorless blender

Friday, July 13, 2012

Summertime, summertime



Challenge #48 from Pattie's Creations is Summer Time.  What better way to cool down on a hot summer day than to enjoy a nice slice of watermelon?  I remember sitting on my grandmother's back steps and spitting out the seeds onto the ground.  Luckily, we didn't have any ants wanting to join us - at least I don't remember any :-).

The image was printed twice so I could add dimension to the slice of watermelon.  Copic markers were used to color the image and cut using a Spellbinders' die.  The base card is from Doodlebug Design and the sentiment is a rubber stamp from Unity Stamps.  I've had the little ants in my stash forever.

Go check out what refreshing summer time creations the rest of the design team has made just for you and then upload your own creation.  you'll have two weeks and you can use either a rubber or digital stamp.   Be sure to visit Pattie's Esty store to see all the wonderful images she has too.

Copics used: G05, G07, G19, G28    BV29    G20, G21    R32, R35

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Special Delivery



Here's a quick and easy card I made with the Special Delivery Window new release from Die-Versions this month.  I added a cute baby feet button and a bit of twine and this cute card is ready to go.

Here's another version, for a baby girl:



The rubber stamps are from Our Craft Lounge and the inside of the invitation uses Die-Version's My Micro font.  I used a M-Bossabilities (Flower Fun) embossing folder for the front of the card.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Team USA



It's the second Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for the Dude Time Doodles Freebie/Guest Designer challenge.  Go pick up Jimmy Gymnastic at the challenge blog, work him up, submit him using the Mr. Linky button, and the winner of this challenge will also be our newest guest designer Dude (or Dudette).

Since this image was chosen in honor of the Summer Olympics, I decided to deck out Jimmy in Team USA colors.  The image was printed twice, colored with Copics, and fussy cut out.  I also added pop dots for added dimension.  The piece of equipment behind him is actually covered with a strip of suede ribbon (I copied the image onto the ribbon and cut it out).  All the background papers and elements are from the Echo Park Fourth of July pack.  I also added a bit of twine for the banner string and around the sentiment.

Now hurry on to the Dude Time Doodles blog and pick up Jimmy for yourself.  You only have one week to get him uploaded.  While you're there, be sure to visit the rest of the Dude/Dudettes to see what they've done with Jimmy.

Copics used: YG00, YG01, Y28, E87   E01, E02, E11, E13, BV20   YR12, YR09, E97   E57, E59, E37   R17, B18, B39, E40, colorless blender

Monday, July 9, 2012

Hershey




The theme for today's challenge from Paper Makeup Stamps' Digi Makeover Challenge is monochromatic and I thought Hershey would be the perfect choice.  (Although he isn't in the digi section yet, I'm sure he will be soon.)




He's colored with Copic markers and cut out with Spellbinders die.  Hershey is definitely a messy eater.  All the chocolate that's on his face, hands, and what he dropped on the floor is covered with Glossy Accents since melted chocolate has that shiny look to it.  I've added a bit of recycling by using a Hershey candy bar wrapper as part of the design.  The mats are cut with Grand Large Labels from Spellbinders and Lifestyle Crafts' Nesting Scallop Squares.  The papers are from WeR Memory Keepers (Cotton Candy) and Bo Bunny (Coffee Stripe).  On the inside is my computer generated sentiment and it says: "Enjoy Life,  Eat Dessert First" in chocolate, of course.

Now it's your turn to show us your monochromatic project.  Just remember, you have to use a digi and follow this week's theme.  Be sure to see what the rest of the Digi Makeup Artists have created for you and give a warm welcome to our first guest designer of the summer - Sarah L.

Copics used: E74, E77, E79   E13, E15, E17    E11, E97    N1, N2, N5   E70, B000, B01

Friday, July 6, 2012

Just Because


I thought I would share something that I haven't done too much of lately: a layout.  Why, you ask?  Just Because!

This design is so versatile in so many ways.  For one thing, it's a great way to use your scraps that are piling up.  You can mix and match your papers or go with a monochromatic theme, or what ever strikes your fancy.  Another thing about this design is that you can use a vertical or horizontal photo or multiple photos.  And this design works well for both girls and guys.

The steps to make this layout are pretty simple.  The hardest part was deciding which scraps I wanted to use and what my color scheme was going to be.  The title of the layout was created with a Stampendous rubber stamp that I inked with Festive Berries Distress Ink and heat embossed.  A Spellbinders' scalloped die was then used to cut it out.  On a piece of scrap paper, I sketched the placement of my rays and where the title was going to go.  This became my pattern pieces to cut out the designer papers.  After everything is cut, I began the assembly process.

I actually worked from the bottom up and layered my pieces in a block design.  I added a bit of texture to the solid cardstock (the panel to the left of the photo) with Goosebumps Texture Spray.  For more pizzazz,  I masked off the rest of the layout and applied VersaMark and clear embossing powder to the sun burst rays at the top of the layout, giving them a very shiny appearance.  As a final touch to the rays, add a bit of faux stitching.

I matted the photo so it would stand out more, adhered my title, and began adding the embellishments.  The tab and sentiment are computer generated and cut out; the circle border is a My Favorite Things die (Dainty Dots border); and a bit of Washi tape (My Mind's Eye) is the final touch.


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Ah, This is the life!


Happy Fourth of July!  Hope you're having fun in the sun and it isn't too hot.  Speaking of Fun in the Sun, that's the new First Wednesday challenge from Dude Time Doodles that begins today.

I've used Hammock Harold and he's enjoying a nice, cold beverage in his absolute favorite place.  Luckily, it's not so hot where he is that can enjoy being outside (definitely not the case here!)  He's been colored is Copics and fussy cut out.  The sun was cut using Spellbinders dies and PanPastel (sunny yellow) for shading.  Distress Inks (salty ocean) was used to add shading to the matting.  The papers are from Echo Park and the sentiment is a rubber stamp from Onyx Xpressions.

Now head on over to the Dude Time Doodles Challenge blog, check out what the rest of the team created, and then uplink your "fun in the sun" creation.  As always, you have one week to complete your project and remember, it must be for a Dude.