Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 372 - Anything Goes

It's Tuesday and time for a new throwdown! Okay, it's really time for a new Tuesday Throwdown challenge and this week it's anything goes. Our wonderful sponsor is Sparkle N Sprinkle. They've been in business for 20 years so you know they're doing something right! They kindly allowed me to pick the image for today's post. Honestly , I can say I got so side tracked looking at all their offerings that 2 hours disappeared from my day. Please check them out along with the TT design team's creations

The image I picked was Christmas Spirit Fairy Digital Set. This set contains black and white images (jpg and png), colored images, 4 sentiments and a cutting file. Bargin!

I printed off a black and white image as needed some coloring therapy. The color palette is from a paper pad my friend Legs sent me and my intent was to use a sheet as background. Didn't happen because I loved how the colors looked on the fairy and didn't want them to compete. She's colored with Copics. The background is Twinkling H2O's. Of course, I twisted my own arm and worked in just a bit of glitter...

The card is so beautiful in person; soft colors, shimmery background and sparkly wings, dress and snowflake. The card blank has a wonderful color shift from pearly blue to silvery gray (which I've discovered is extremely hard to photograph) and a ribbon texture. I'm loading the best I could capture.

Attempts at close ups:

Card Blank

Sparkle

Shimmer

 Promise me you'll check out Sparkle N Sprinkle and create some goodies to enter in the Tuesday Throwdown challenge.

PIP Challenge 1750 December 11, Bugaboo Stamps

I've had my thinking cap on all weekend trying to find a new way to say it's time for a new PIP challenge. Only thing I came away with is a really bad hairdo. So, guess what. It's time for a new PIP challenge,  #1750. Once again our sponsor is Bugaboo Digi Stamps. Love her images!

The digi I am using is Puppy - enough reindeer.
This stamp is an entire card by itself! Gotta love that! The fact that it's cute is like ice cream with cake, perfection!

Quickly colored with Copics, some glitter, a little blue applied for sky with a sponge and mounted to a red-brown card blank to which I also glued a piece of seam binding leftover from my ornament making days.

  He's what I like to call "stinkin cute" .

Give yourself an early Christmas gift and check out Bugaboo Digi Stamps where you are sure to find something you like. Then pop on over to the PIP challenge, check out the talented design team's creativity. And for the love of Pete, don't forget to enter a couple of cards for a chance to win.

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 370 - Ribbon & Lace

Wait. A Tuesday Throwdown challenge sponsored by Kitty Bee Design. Excited! What? The challenge is to use ribbon or lace? Thanks for catching me before I hit the floor... The mere mention of either makes me weak in the knees.

Luckily, Kitty Bee provided such a cute image to work with that my panic immediately subsided. Snow Penguin is the digital stamp I worked with, too cute for words and seeing that snowball took me back in time, to days of being so bundled it was hard to bend let alone walk or dodge snowballs.

I actually used 3 ribbons, yes I said 3. Here's a photo of what I used.

I know, hard to believe! 

First colored the image with Copics and while I know penguins don't need snowsuits, I colored as if he was wearing one. Successfully fought my urge to draw a zipper on the little guy. Ribbon was cut and pieced onto scarf (not an easy feat), flowers were trimmed off another ribbon and applied to the snowballs at the top and string ends of his hat. Glitter applied to the snowball. Cut him out and mounted to white card with a piece of designer paper as background.

Finishing touches are snowballs I made and stacked in a pile, a piece of chipboard colored with Copic, stamped with sentiment and a piece of ribbon knotted through the hole for mounting.

He makes me smile and I love the bright colors. What do you think?

Now that I've talked your ear off, it's time for you to check out Kitty Bee Design and join us at Tuesday Throwdown for challenge 370, ribbon and lace. I need the inspiration you provide 😀.

PIP Challenge 1748 November 27, MHK Designs

Turkey time is over and time for a new PIP challenge! Challenge 1748 and our sponsor is MHK Designs. Thanks Mynn!

I was provided Snow Babies to work with. I love the vintage style of this set and fashioned my card with that in mind.

Images were colored with Copics and fussy cut. I also printed the images on acetate which is trimmed down to fit the windows. I think the overlay helps the colors to pop. Card size is 9 x 4 and fits a standard business envelope. Thanks to my friend, Anne-Marie for the snowflakes. They are as lovely as the day I received them and the glitter is still holding after how many years!

Keeping it short and sweet so everyone can check out MHK Designs, the other PIP team's creativity and still have time to enter the PIP challenge.

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 369 So Very Thankful

Tuesday Throwdown time, challenge 369 and Sasayaki Glitter is our gracious sponsor. So very thankful is the theme and one I love to work with.

I've written in the past that I find something, no matter how small, every day to be thankful for. Good days it's easy peasy, bad days it might take a bit more effort. No matter what, it's always attainable and on those bad days, it's amazing how often it resets your outlook the rest of that day. With that in mind I created my card.

Dorrie is the digi I am using from Sasayaki Glitter and I love her simple, down home look. Her face is colored with Copics, rest of image in polychromo pencils. Semi fussy cut and mounted with Zot 3D glue dots on a purple card. Sentiment is two individual stamps, one on the left and one on the right of Dorrie for visual balance. Sweet, simple and true.

I am thankful to Sasayaki Glitter for sponsoring this challenge, the ladies at Tuesday Throwdown for letting me play with them and to those who stop to check my posts and leave their comment (I really do look forward to your thoughts.)

Please join us at Tuesday Throwdown this week with your ideas of So very thankful. I'd be thankful if you would check out Sasayaki Glitter where there are ample images to fuel your creative fire!


Parting thought: 
It doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full. Be thankful you have a glass and grateful there's something in it.

PIP Challenge 1746 November 13, Di's Digis

How was your weekend? Mine was filled with cold winds, a mix of snow, and freezing rain. Oh, and yesterday was my wedding anniversary - 41 years. I spent most of my day doing what I love, coloring because today is a new PIP challenge and this week's sponsor is Di's Digi Stamps.

I started with a Di's digi  printed off a while ago, for this post, using my polychromo pencils and Gamsol. I must have printed on a laser printer because I've learned the hard way, Gamsol lifts the toner enough it pollutes whatever color you are working with. Sadly, I had to toss the image and no computer to reprint.

Since a certain little man will be turning 6 the day before Thanksgiving, I picked He Is Loved from Sassy Cheryl out of my supply. Colored with polychromos and Gamsol in some of his favorite clothes colors. The number 6 was added to the bears hat using a gel pen. Background papers and image mounted to a chartreuse card. Happy Birthday sentiment stamped on a scrap of background paper and mounted slightly above the image with Zots Zip clear adhesive lines.

Time for me to stop flapping my fingers here because it's time for you to check out the PIP challenge blog and other DT members for inspiration. Why? Because I can't wait to see your entries! To make it easier, here's a link to The PIP challenge and to Di's Dig Stamps. 

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 367 Watercolor

Happy Halloween! I hope everyone in the Midwest stays warm while candy gathering. Today is a challenge for watercolor at Tuesday Throwdown. Doubly special is our sponsor, CraftyGirl Creations who just happens to be a long standing member of the Tuesday Throwdown design team. I am using one of her creations today, Snail.

Normally watercolors give a soft look, however, I rarely do normal 😊. I printed on regular card stock so I had to be careful with the amount of water to prevent paper pilling. I used a brush water pen applied to the tip of my Spectrum Noir AquaBlend pencils to lift color and apply to the image. Since it is such a happy snail, I wanted the colors bolder than normal watercoloring would accomplish so I reapplied in several layers.

The background is watercolor paper, which I saturated with water and used the pencils directly on the paper. Flowers, shrubs and sun were stamped in ink after the paper dried. Snail is mounted to this with 3D Zots. Sentiment right now is just "thankful" as the inside will be decided when I use it and thankful is always a great way to start.

My thanks to CraftyGirl for providing "Snail" for my use; be sure to check out her offerings! Then get your watercolor tools and craft away. As always, don't forget to enter them into Tuesday Throwdown challenge 367.

PIP Challenge 1744 October 30, MHK Designs

Guess what! It's not just time for a new PIP challenge, it's time for a themed one as well. This week the theme is Thankful and our sponsor is MHK Designs. 

I have to admit I am thankful I actually got my card completed! Goofy printer spit the image out using green ink, not the freshly loaded black. Nothing like a challenge 😬.

I am using Fabulously Fall (printed in green ink) and my soft pastels. A bit messy but fun to play with. Since my fixative spray was empty, I protected the finished image with a transparency "pocket" by folding the transparency along the left and right sides of the image and adhering to the back; no tape show through on the front. Below is my image, shortly before transparency application.

Here is my finished card.

See, I'm not kidding when I say I need to work on my photography skills 📷. That said, I am thankful MHK Designs allowed me the opportunity to work with this image.

Thanks for dropping by and I look forward to seeing your entries on the PIP challenge this week.

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 365 Clean and Simple

Tuesday always follows Monday. That means it's time for a new Tuesday Throwdown challenge. This week my favorite, clean and simple. Our sponsor is Lacey Sunshine, a crafter's candy shoppe. Everyone loves "candy" and I have to say there is some mighty sweet candy in her shop. The design team was provided three digis to pick from for this challenge.

I am using Eleanor Autumn days. Just love those spectacles! As a bit of a personal challenge, I only used three main colors of Copics: V15, G43 and R20.
I wanted to push my shading and texturing skills.

Here is my version of Eleanor Autumn days.

 I have always kept to the belief that clean and simple meant no layers or embellishments but just this once I will go with the general consensus that one layer is okay I mean really, she just looks so darn cute with the colored card stock behind her!

Now it's your turn. Go, check out Lacey Sunshine's shop. Check out the rest of the Design Team creations. Enter your masterpieces in Tuesday Throwdown's clean and simple challenge.

I'm waiting on pins and needles...

PIP Challenge 1742 October 16 Bugaboo

What? It's Monday? That means two things. First, another weekend went too fast. Second, it's time for a new PIP challenge. I like the second far better than the first. Even sweeter is our sponsor, Bugaboo Digi Stamps. Love her tag line because it's true: "go ahead make someone smile.

I used Autumn Critter Stack 01 for my card. Determined to master my poloychromo pencils made them my tools of choice. Kept it clean and simple in style. I will admit to feeling a bit devious when making this. For some reason I was thinking about a certain lady I had the privilege of making cards with. What I loved when stamping with her was the mistakes creative opportunities she worked with. In Marion's memory, I made this with the card opening on the left. I'd like to think she'd approve of my choice of sentiment.

With all that said, please stop and shop at Bugaboo Digi Stamps. Then mosey over to the PIP challenge and enter a creative item or two, it's anything goes.

PIP Challenge 1740 October 2 Newton's Nook

Hello October! What better way to kick off a new month than a new PIP challenge? Challenge 1740 is anything goes and sponsored by Newton's Nook  Just saw some awesome Halloween stamps and dies. Seriously, go look, I'll wait. Done? Okay, okay, you can resume shopping when I'm finished! I want to tell you one of my favorite things about October - weddings. They can be a riot of rich colors or subdued earthy tones because either works with the crisp autumn season.

Soooo, someone we know tied the knot Saturday and I wanted to make a card for the couple. Yes, Terri, this one's for you. My apologies you are seeing it here before you receive in person.

I stayed with a more subdued pallet of peach, ivory and brown. VersaMark ink on brown cardstock, embossed them with peach embossing powder. Followed up by stamping Newton's Antics with timber brown StazOn ink (to penetrate the embossing powder) and die cut/embossed with the coordinating die.
Border punched with MS "Cathedral Lace" on ivory cardstock; threaded brown ribbon through openings. Stamped one of my favorite sentiments using the StazOn ink and mounted snuggling kitties with foam tape.

This might not be a typical wedding card but sometimes you have to think a little out of the box for those special people in your life.

Okay, resume shopping and for Pete's sake, don't forget to enter the challenge; winner receives a very generous $15.00 gift code to use at Newton's Nook.

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 361 - Fantasy

What a fitting challenge at Tuesday Throwdown. I am living my fantasy, you know... I only weigh 110 pounds, still look 20 and have endless amounts of time, talent and money. Okay, you can stop laughing, seriously you can stop. Okay, I mean it, stop now!

Our sponsor for the challenge (she's not responsible for my fantasy) is Alicia Bel.This is my first time using her creations and it was hard to pick. Ultimately I opted for Cheshire Cat because it's hard to beat Alice in Wonderland for fantasy in my opinion.

Time for a confession. I wanted to make something other than a card. Did you catch the "I wanted"? Combine that with life and you get lots of interruptions, to the point that you run out of time and end up creating a card. I'm not giving up on the project, just have to regroup. Here is a peek of what I originally started.

There's a painted rock group in town and with Halloween coming I thought it'd be fun to do the smile with glow in the dark paint. I learned from Sassy Cheryl that if you print on an inkjet printer, you can transfer the image by rubbing the back with a pencil. It did pretty good when you factor in all the pits and bumps on a rock. Curled paper in photo is the backside of the printed image; took a lot of rubbing. Watch for an update.

Now back to the regularly scheduled card. Clear Wink of Stella applied to alternating stripes as well as their teeth (fantasy, remember). Gloss to the cups and eyes. Trimmed shanks off buttons for flowers. Almost didn't get this posted because I was having a heck of a time getting them to adhere. First time ever I couldn't get a Zot or red line tape to hold them!

I repeated the image thrice, reversing one to create a heart with the tails. It's printed on flecked card stock and all coloring with Copics. Not the best choice of paper as tended to bleed; lesson learned.
Here kitty, kitty, kitty:

Inside sentiment: make everything better.

A closer shot, to show their glittery smile.

 

My thanks to Alicia Bel for providing such a fun image. I hope you check the shop and then join the fantasy challenge at Tuesday Throwdown. If you managed to read all this without fantasizing how much you want me to be done already, thank you!

PIP Challenge 1738 September 18 Bugaboo

Wait! It can't be Monday already! I still have a mile long list of "must do" that didn't get done 😱. Guess it's a day for those big girl panties. No matter, there's always something to smile about and today it's a new PIP challenge with one of my favorite sponsors, Bugaboo Stamps.

While the calendar says fall starts September 22nd, it's obvious to anyone observing the trees that the colors started changing about 2 weeks ago. Another sure sign around our house is squirrels begging for nuts to bury. With those beggars in mind, I created my card and yes, we name them when they come calling.

The image is Squirrel (aptly named) and can be found by clicking the link. Printed on white card stock, colored with Copics. Embossed with a Stampin Up folder (closest to a leaf pattern I have.) To tone down the white, a blend of red, orange and pumpkin Versa Mark inks were applied with a sponge, sometimes a little heavy with the hand ... it happens.

Believe it or not, the card itself is a piece of cardboard. The type any who works with forms should be familiar with as it usually sandwiches those forms. They are so handy in the craft room and your recycling too. An old Stampin Up oak leaf stamp applied with Versa Mark and a dusting of yellow chalk over that. I did discover that on humid days like today, the cardboard tends to bow at the bottom opening when standing.  Also explains the skew in the photo. Speaking of photo....

Before you go, please do yourself two favors. First, check out Bugaboo Stamps, I promise you won't be disappointed. Two, join the PIP challenge this week. It's anything goes and you could win.


Parting thought and alternate sentiment for my card:
   I've noticed the squirrels are beginning to gather
   nuts for winter. A couple of my friends are missing...
   Are you in a safe place?

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 359 - Dies or Punches

Holiday over so back to work for me. Before I go, I would like to welcome you to my blog and invite you to join in the Tuesday Throwdown challenge this week. We want you to use dies, punches, or both. Bugaboo Stamps is our gracious sponsor and I hope you take the time to check out her website. I am never disappointed by her variety; she covers the 3 "S's" well. Sweet, serene and my favorite, snarky!

Speaking of snarky, I used Gus Beach Body. My first thought was a birthday card for hubby with a nice sentiment. Then he sort of ticked me off. Needless to say, I wound up on the snarky side of life.

Gus was colored with Copics. A Spellbinder die was used to cut him out, as well as the front sentiment. Another Spellbinder die was used to cut the sun, which I trimmed to fit in the corner. A little Spectrum Noir clear glitter pen to the sun and Gus's speedo for bling. Added a few shells around the sentiment and done.

If hubby keeps up his current attitude, this just might be his birthday card. The inside sentiment is "I'd be happy to do it for you." All I have to do is picture him in a speedo, sparkle or not!

Before I go, remember to check out Bugaboo Stamps and have the fun with the Tuesday Throwdown challenge.

Parting thought: Snarky, an adjective. 
        Sarcastic, impertinent, irreverent in tone or         manner.
         

PIP Challenge 1736 September 4

Wishing everyone in the USA a safe and fun Labor Day.  My fun time is making a card for the PIP challenge this week. Yes, card making is my idea of a good time. Speaking of  PIP,  you can find the challenge here. My enjoyment doubled because the sponsor for this week is Di's Digi Stamps. Love her digital images.

While the 4th is a holiday here, Tuesday the 5th is far more anticipated in this family because a certain little man will be starting kindergarten and going to school all day long. While his mom is doing the happy dance of anticipation, Grandma is pretty sure there will be a bit sadness when the time comes, probably for both of them. I don't think he quite understands what all day school involves. No matter, like everyone before him, he will adjust. To celebrate this big step I made a card to mark the occasion.

I used Di's Digi "Boy off to school." He's colored with Prismacolor colored pencils, poloychromos and a few Copic markers. Backing paper is from pad I've had for far too long. Outside of the crayon being blue (his favorite is black) I think he's going to love this. I am debating if I should work the grade and year onto the backpack flap. Maybe one on the cap and the other on the flap? Can't decide, what do you think? Feel free to weigh in with your comments.

Good gracious, another rambling post, sorry about that! Back to the important things... Be sure to check out Di's Digi Stamps where you are bound to find what you need/love. Then craft away and enter your creations at the PIP challenge blog for a chance to win.

Parting thought:
                              Children want the same things we want.
                              To laugh, to be challenged,
                               to be entertained, and delighted.
                                                   Dr. Seuss
     

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 357 - Add Metal

Welcome to Tuesday Throwdown's latest challenge, adding metal to your creations. Our sponsor this week is Digital Delights by Louby Loo who also provided Steampunk Tasha for the design team to work with.

I admit I was daunted by this challenge, so much that I actually looked up the definition of "steam punk". While interesting, it's not something I would normally think of doing. After some serious coloring attempts I was feeling rather beaten down and realized most of it was due to me printing the image too small for my color heavy hand. Luckily, I have a talented daughter who after asking if she could try one, was busy painting it in with metallic acrylic paints and her tiny paint brush that she uses to paint rocks. So between the 2 of us, we have a card!

As I said, the image was painted with metallic acrylic paints, and while the photo doesn't do it justice, it is very metallic in person. The background was something I made years ago playing with mica powders; see, it pays to hang onto those experiments. For added metal a few different brads were added to clock faces.

Steam punk? You decide.

PIP Challenge 1734 August 21 - Bugaboo

Anybody excited and planning to watch the solar eclipse today? I think I last saw one around 1994. Rain in the forecast here so I'm not making plans to catch this one. But, I digress... what I am doing is saying thank you. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you join the PIP challenge this week. We are grateful to Bugaboo Stamps for sponsoring us.

Once again, I went for a simple look. I used Birthday Puppies and tried some polychromo pencils I got to replace my Faber Castell confiscated by an un-named, artistic daughter. Not sure what I think of them. Blended colors with white, no Gamsol. Found them harder to blend but that might be from lack of practice, too soon to tell. Used Twinklette markers in blue and yellow for accents.

Cute little pup, isn't he! Now is the time I ask you to check out Bugaboo , fair warning - plan on spending time there shopping; so many styles and images to choose. Don't get so lost that you forget to share your creations with us on the PIP challenge blog. Like I always say, you can't win if you don't enter. 

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 355 - Interactive Card

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy...time for a Tuesday Throwdown challenge! This week we get to do one of my favorites - interactive cards! Our sponsor this week is Newton's Nook so be sure to visit the shop (sale going on, just saying.)

It was rather late when I had an opportunity to work on mine so I kept it pretty simple. I used Newton's Antics on my card. After stamping the mouse and Newton twice, because 2 Newton's are better than one, I was thrilled to use the coordinating Newton's Antics coordinating dies. No fussy cutting for me, these worked like a hot knife through butter! I made my own wobbles and attached one closer to the head (left in photo) so Newton's rear wobbles as he prepares to attack the mouse and on right Newton, it's attached in the center to give a small pounce motion. Sir Mouse can scurry between them with a light touch of the finger. Note to self, do NOT continue cutting straight lines while sneezing.

Here is the completed card with space between the kitties for future sentiment.

Enough gab from me, be sure to check out Newton's Nook for some really sweet stamps and dies then swing by Tuesday Throwdown and show us your motion. Okay, that was probably a bit cheesy... but you can't win if you don't enter.

PIP Challenge 1732 August 7 - FabrikaFantasy

Welcome to PIP challenge, #1732. We are happy to have FabrikaFantasy return as this week's sponsor.

I was graciously provided an image of my choice from the store. I went rather whimsical and decided on Frolicking Possums. Don't ask me why but they make me smile.
I opted to use the pre-colored image though the file comes with black and white images as well. Image was cut and embossed with a circle die. Sky effect added with Versa Mark ink pads, direct to paper. Stash background paper cut with a Spellbinder die and glued to card front. Another circle die cut the front "hole" and the displaced paper was added to The card inside, lining up with the "hole." Image mounted with foam tape to the inside of card. Sentiment from The Angel Company, split stamped as an indie & outie. Yes, I was attempting a play on the apples a day saying. Yes, I'm a dweeb who often cracks herself up 😂.
Here is my take on Frolicking Possums.

Sorry about the white block style, formatting issues by me. Told you I am a dweeb.

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 353 - Black, White & 1 Color

Today is Tuesday, July 25th and your throwdown challenge is to create something using black, white and one other color.  Okay I'm a Mission Impossible fan but the Tuesday Throwdown challenge is possible! Once again, we are grateful to MHK Designs for sponsoring and providing the images.

I worked with her Funky Flowers digital stamp set and kept to my love of a clean and simple look. I knew the sentiment was going to be the focal point so my other color became the card base and accent on the flowers. I used a Sakura glitter gel pen for my coloring tool. There was a bit of a mental debate on coloring the word Wonderland; opted not to in the end for fear of orange overpowering the eye.

While you've been busy reading I took the liberty of adding to your mission, should you accept. Stop by MHK Designs and check out her offerings. Create your black, white and one other color masterpiece and enter the Tuesday Throwdown challenge. While your there be sure to check out the rest of the design team's interpretations.

This blog post will not self destruct. (Cue music for dramatic exit.)

PIP Challenge 1730 July 24 - Bugaboo Stamps

Normally I don't get too excited about Mondays, outside of the fact it's time for a new PIP challenge. However, the weather we have been having (read that as hot and humid) makes me thankful for the air conditioned workplace (no AC at home.) Speaking of thankful, I would like to say thanks to Bugaboo Stamps for supplying the lovely image I worked with. It's called Blocks - Hummingbird and can be found by clicking the link.

In May, some things happened that reinforced how great the human spirit can be when someone is down and struggling. With those people in mind, I created my card. The image was printed and colored with Copics, except the hummingbird. He was colored with some fabulous Spectrum Noir glitter markers. Mounted this to a black panel and all mounted onto an almost goldenrod color card blank. Sentiment is from the defunct Angel Company. Here is the finished product:

I look forward to seeing your entries in the PIP challenge this week and would love for you to check out Bugaboo Stamps offerings (hint, her Christmas in July sale goes till July 31st - 50% off digitals!)


Parting thought:
         None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone's help is a big part of understanding the importance of saying thank you.      Harvey Mackay

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 351 - One Layer

I'm back and it's time for another Tuesday Throwdown. This week's challenge is a one layer card, my favorite style. Our sponsor is Sweet n Sassy Stamps; a family owned, Christian based shop with both clear and digital stamps, does and other goodies for card making and scrapbooking.

Today I am showing Gold Finch Collage. I couldn't resist using this image since it is the state bird where I come from. One layer to me means the cleaner my front is the better so I centered the image and printed on craft card stock. Simply colored with a yellow, white and an orange pencil. This look makes a card perfect for any occasion.

I can't wait to see every one's take on "One Layer" so visit Sweet n Sassy and get creating!

PIP Challenge 1728 July 10 - Fabrika Fantasy

I have been such a slacker and so disorganized since my computer bit the dust. I am constantly fantasizing about the system I need want. Speaking of fantasy... welcome to this week's PIP Challenge 1728 which is sponsored for the first time by Fabrika Fantasy. Please stop by the shop, there are some pretty awesome fantasy images as well as coloring pages, comical and realistic images. They are even offering different levels to join their digi club.

Fabrika Fantasy provided me with Spring Chic. Luckily the image comes in uncolored and colored versions. Originally I started out coloring but didn't feel I was doing it justice in the balloons, certainly not as well as their colored version. Brainiac that I am, I switched to the colored version and boom, we have a card!

Well still struggling with blogger and formatting so will keep it short. Look forward to everyone's creations and be sure to check out Fabricka Fantasy for some great images.

                                                                                                                          

   

  

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 347 - For the Men

First, kudos to anyone that blogs from their phone. Here it is,time for another Tuesday Throwdown and I haven't resolved my lack of a computer yet. Thanks for staying with me during my phone blogging attempts.

I hope you join in the challenge, the theme this week is "for the men."

Our sponsor is Doctor Digi's House of Stamps (try saying that fast three times.) I am a  big fan of these stamps; they are a perfect avenue for those more sarcastic sentiments and outrageous colors we normally refrain from using.  Seriously, they make crafting soooo much fun.  Dr. Digi graciously provided me with Roadhog Rita and she was a hoot to do. Do yourself a favor and check out the shop!

The image is colored with Copics and a second piece of card stock was cut to shape and mounted to the backside to prevent the dreaded Copic "see through".  This was mounted slightly higher than the card fold but low enough it fits a regular envelope. The sentiment is from The Angel Company.

Here is Roadhog Rita, guaranteed to annoy any driver, not just men.

PIP Challenge 1724 June 12 - MHK Designs

Welcome to Monday and PIP challenge 1724. This is another anything goes and our sponsor is MHK Designs. Mynn kindly provided me Butterfly Elements to work with.

I selected the single butterfly and repeated the image two more times to make the border.  Resized and centered the sentiment.  Printed on craft paper and colored with pencils. The leaves are colored with a green glitter gel pen. Border punch is MS Petal Lace. Two pieces of Recollections glitter tape were added behind the punched area. One facing out and one facing the inside, for a nice finishing touch.

Here is my take on Butterfly Elements,  hope you enjoy as much as I  did in making.

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 345 - Stitching

Tuesday, the new Monday if you had the day off. It's also time for a new Tuesday Throwdown. Challenge 345 - Stitches. Our sponsor this week is Kim Sherrod - Lily Patch Boutique. Kim is one busy woman so don't be alarmed if the link tells you it's being updated. It is and it's worth a second trip.

I'm a self taught sewer, embroidery, knitting, crochet, tatterer. I just wasn't interested in Home Ec in school. If only I could do it over again; might "master" more than the basics, though I'm not sure my level indicates mastering any of them. My strongest skill is I never give up or to quote my mother, I am bull headed.

Today I used an image from Inky Antics, stamped with Staz-On black ink on a metallic gray piece of cardstock. Coloring was done with Prismacolor pencils. White pencil used to blend and tone down the metallic sheen. Spellbinder's rectangular die set to create the frame. Once the "window was assembled it was adhered to a card blank made with Stampin Up's Tempting Turquoise. Clean, simple and thanks to some embroidery floss (colored with a Copic marker) the kitty has fur! I left room for a sentiment beneath the tail. I feel this would work well for a thinking about you, a what's new or happy birthday occasion.

What do you think?

PIP Challenge 1722 May 29 - Di's Digis Blooms

Memorial day, the unofficial start of summer, a holiday for remembering those who gave their lives defending this great country.  May they always be remembered with honor and gratitude.

Today is also time for a new PIP challenge. This week is sponsored by Di's Digi Stamps and as it's the 5th Monday, we have a theme of blooms. I am using Izzy's Stroll from Di's shop. I guarantee you will find something with blooms in her shop!

The image is colored with both Copics and colored pencils. Semi-fussy cut and mounted to a 5 x 7" white card. Prior to mounting Izzy and her pup, I stamped the wall (Judith stamp O-63) directly to the card and colored with pencil.  Since no computer, I had to write the sentiment so apologies for penmanship.  Here is my take on Izzy.

This is a birthday card for Pam (founder of PIP), I thought I'd share the inside just for kicks. Image here is from Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers  (out of business ) and some more of Di's blooms and grass. Pam is use to my weird sense of humor in case one would wonder if I might have offended her;  I don't think so.

Happy birthday Pam! 

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 343 - Texture

Time to stop, pull up a chair for crafting and join us at Tuesday Throwdown's Challenge 343. This week's challenge is sponsored by Fred She Said Designs and our theme is to use texture. Fred She Said Designs offers a boat load of digital products.  Seriously.  Pre-colored, uncolored, cutting files, floral, animal, templates. The list goes on so I know there is something you will "have to have."  Me? I had to have Tea Cup Pansies. Love pansies and especially love when they are potted in old china. This stamp was meant to be used by me!

After coloring the image with a base Copic color, one blue, one yellow and one green, I continued my fun work, attempting to build some texture through use of color. I grabbed the old Prismacolor pencils and started working on the details. In addition to the buildup of pencil, I dry embossed around the rim of the teacup, flowers and leaves. It doesn't show well in the photo but one can certainly feel it in "real life." Added a small amount of glitter, around the center of the flowers for some sparkle, to the fringe on the cup and more texture.

I wanted the cup to appear as if sitting on a table in some one's living room or kitchen so more texture with the use of some glittered background paper and a half a doily. Not really happy with my attempt on the doily as a bit too flat looking compared to what my mind was envisioning. Either way, another texture.

Here is the result:

Now that I'm finished, it's your turn to get crafting and share your masterpieces on the Tuesday Throwdown challenge. Also, I would appreciate your stopping by Fred's and giving some thanks for sponsoring this event.

Parting thought:

                I think that a good deal of poetry and art gives us some sense of access to another's voice, perception, texture of thought, imagination. Sometimes it gives us better access to the strangeness in ourselves. 

                                          Mary Szybist

PIP Challenge 1720 May 15 - Bugaboo Stamps

Good morning! I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day here in the U.S. I know I did as spent the day with my daughter and grandson - okay, it might have been this huge chocolate cupcake frosted and filled with even more chocolate that made the day. It was so seriously huge that I couldn't fit it into my mouth without breaking it down in pieces. Best breakfast ever! Love those two for thinking of such a great gift.

Today is Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge 1720. How lucky are we to have Bugaboo Stamps as our sponsor again? Pretty darn lucky in my book because her shop (click link for new shop) is chock full of images of all types. Hardest time I have is deciding which ones I want. Such a problem to have.

This week I am using her Beautiful blocks - Live Love Laugh.  This image is so tranquil to me and I let that guide me in making my card.  I "water colored" the image on regular card stock with Copic Various Ink refills, a bit of blending solution and a paintbrush.  Color palette was kept simple using one blue, purple, yellow and green from nature's beauty . My only regret was I didn't have watercolor paper for the colors to flow better; all in all, I'm happy with the effect. I trimmed the block border off and mounted to a slightly large piece of black card stock, and then green, mustard and purple pieces. Center mounted all onto a white card blank measuring 5 x 7 inches. Clean, simple and in my opinion still tranquil.

Here is my card using Beautiful blocks - Live Love Laugh:

Be sure to shop Bugaboo Stamps, While you are there, maybe leave a little love thanking her for sponsoring this challenge. Then hop on over, check out the talented Design Team and enter your creations in PIP's Challenge 1720.


Parting thought:
                           "Life is too short to be anything but happy, Love deeply, forgive quickly, take chances, give everything with no regrets, Forget the past with exception of what you have learned and remember everything happens for a reason."   Unknown

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 341 - Sketch

Did you know May 2nd is the national holiday for both life insurance and truffles. Me, I'd go for the truffles...

Welcome to this week's Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 341, sponsored by Kitty Bee Design; these cute and whimsical images are created by Ruth and can be found in her store. I am working with Kitty Bee Digi Stamp this week and the challenge is to use the following sketch.

I've written in the past how much a sketch can stress me out. I take them so literally and can not get "creative" because I fear failing if I don't follow it exactly. Silly I know, but oh so true. So, I think these challenges are really good; forces me out of my comfort zone. If for no other reason, I hope you play along just to expand your horizon and squash any fear you might have.

I printed Kitty Bee Digi stamp at 3" and cut out with a Nestability die after coloring with Copic markers. A background circle was hand cut to frame the kitty. Since the sketch had 3 dark spots, which could be interpreted as oh...pretty much anything, I decided to print the image 3 more times at 1 inch. These were also colored with Copics. Taking a bit of creative license I left the backing paper under the sentiment a bit longer and mounted the 3 little kitties half on it and half on the yellow background. Sentiment is from The Angel Company and stamped with Memento "Lady Bug" ink. The big kitty is mounted on foam tape for a bit of dimension.  Here is my result working from the sketch.

I highly recommend checking out Kitty Bee Design, so many cute images like this one. While the challenge doesn't require you use an image from there, remember without the sponsors, we wouldn''t have these challenges. Then join the fun by following the sketch your way and entering it here.


Parting thought:
     "Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew."     
                                                                     Cicely Tyson

PIP Challenge 1718 May 1 - MHK Designs

Happy May Day everyone! What better way to celebrate than playing along with the PIP challenge this week.  MHK Designs is our wonderful sponsor, and as always, it's anything goes. Seriously, if you can't find something in her shop for this, you aren't looking!

This week I worked with Beginnings & Ends Digital Stamp set. Specifically the Apple Blossom branch and the Sincere Sympathy sentiment. The apple blossom was duplicated and rotated to create a corner on the card. Card stock is a soft grey and white. The sentiment was changed to print in grey tone rather than black for added softness.

The blossoms were colored with Zig Photo Twin Markers, which I have had for more years than I can remember. I admit they are so old I actually did a Google search before writing this post to see if they are still around. I'm happy to report that they are. The nice thing about these markers are the softness of color and that they don't bleed through papers. I will list the colors used at the end.

I punched a butterfly from some scrap paper and applied a coat of Clear Wink of Stella. Yup, broke down and got a new toy tool to play with. The butterfly was then glued to the upper right for balance. Here is the card and I must admit I really like it in person. Still debating on the need to add some shadows behind the blossoms. Any thoughts?

I think the photo is a bit darker than in person; still working on my photography skills.

This is such a beautiful set to work with, as are all MHK Designs. Thank you Mynn!  I highly recommend you take some time to check out all that she offers and I can't wait to see what creations you will enter on the PIP challenge this week.

For those of you interested in the markers here are the colors I used.
Blossoms colored with  Rosewood, Blush and Peach Glow. Centers are Honeycomb.  Stems with Woodland and leaves in Meadows.

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 339 Photo Inspiration

Hey there! Time for another Tuesday Throwdown challenge. This week our challenge is a photo inspiration.  Our sponsor is The Cutting Cafe, where you can find digital images, SVG files, and a bit of something for everyone.

I used their printable stamp set One Spring Day.  The photo inspiration we were given is:

Here is my take, accomplished with Copic markers and bit of blending solution. All is mounted to a white card blank.

I've shown mine, now get creative and enter yours!

PIP Challenge 1716 April 17 - Sasayaki Glitter

Happy day after Easter and what a glorious day it was! Weather was perfect and while not with extended family, I still had those near and dear with me. Now if we could just stop this silly bug from passing among us. I certainly hope open windows yesterday aired them out.

It's Monday and that means playtime at Pammie's Inky Pinkies challenge blog.  This week's sponsor is Sasayaki Glitter and she has kindly offered the winner a digi of choice. Be sure to check out her etsy shop and on facebook at Sasayaki Glitter Digital Stamps.  The image I used is Smile.

I knew as soon as I saw her that I would be matching her with a favorite sentiment fromGinger's House. Colored with Copics, a bit of glitter and some Amuse Studio Stardust Finishing Spray applied at random to background with a cotton ball, MS Teardrop Lace border punch on contrast paper and I have a special card for a special person. Seriously love this card in person, not sure photo does it justice.

Short and sweet, so not like me I know. Just giving you time to go shopping and get creative. Challenge is issued so don't forget to enter!

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 337 - Tropical Critters

It's all about Tropical Critters this week at the Tuesday Throwdown challenge. Our fine sponsor is My Grafico, purveyor of all things digital,  who kindly provided Koalas Digital Stamps for the design team to use.

Personally, while they are a cute and cuddly looking creature, I've never understood wanting to own an animal who would rather spends it's time up in trees eating leaves.

I decided to make my koala brown because I just discovered there really are brown ones! The inner ears are a combination of Copic and Prismacolor pencil. Fur and eucalyptus leaves are colored with Copics. Sentiment is computer generated on Bazill cardstock using Frangipani Rose font. Design paper is from DCWV "The Green Stack." Added a slight curve to the ears and paws with my stylus for some subtle dimension. Texture accomplished on the fur with a small bit of a terry towel and blending solution.

Here is my Tropical Koala and it's dedicated to all my friends "down under."

Thank you to the gals on Tuesday Throwdown for letting me join the fun, to My Grafico for such a cute image and most importantly to you for taking the time to stop by and taking the time to let me know what you think. Your comments mean a lot.

Well, time to get off the computer and go finish a book I've been reading. Due back at the library Wednesday.  Time for you to join the challenge and get your Tropical Critters entered.