Oh dear . . .

. . . I nearly forgot to share my Crafty Secrets Forum challenge creation with you with week!  Marcy has us "just hangin' around" and I took that literally with this Christmas ornament.

 (click on image to enlarge)

I printed an image from the Crafty Secrets Vintage Christmas set with Stazon onto acetate ... colored the 'opposite' side with markers ... cut out the circle with the Nestabilities classic circle die ... added a piece of silver string ... rolled it up and put it inside this flattened round clear ornament from Michael's.  A few holiday ribbons were added and Viola!  Project complete.

This is a quick post for two reasons ... (1) it's past my bedtime and (2) I have a very LONG, EXCITING post to share with you tomorrow!!

Thanks for taking a peek ... hope you stop back tomorrow for all the NEWS!!  Nighty-Night!

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge

Can you believe 2 weeks has passed since our last PPCC challenge!  I tell you the days are just f-l-y-i-n-g by!!  

Today we have Di's Digi Downloads as our sponsor and she has shared her sweet digis for the DT to create with. So many wonderful digis to choose from it was really hard to settle on just one (guess I'll be going back for a little shopping spree, LOL) ... anyways, for today's creation, I chose 'Santa Hugs'.  

 (click on image to enlarge)

Isn't he adorable!!  The OTHER PART to this challenge is that you are to use CIRCLES ... anyway - anyhow you want ... just so you have CIRCLES on your creation!  

I will share TWO cards with you ... one WITH circles and one WITHOUT!!  LOL ... yep, I made the card then realized I had left out an important part of the challenge so had to go back and do another one!  Oh Well ... as one of my team mates remarked ... now I have another Christmas card ready for the holiday ... the perfect way to look at my screw up!!  LOL!!

Here is my 1st card ... very similar (liked the design) ... just forgot about the circles!  Brain-dead sometimes I think!  Or maybe I'm just trying to go in too many directions at the same time!!  Whatever ... today is a 2 for 1 card sharing day!

Please pop on over to Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge and check out what my team mates have created for your inspiration and then please join us!  I'm sure YOU WILL REMEMBER THE CIRCLES!!  Looking forward to seeing your creations!  Remember .. our challenges run for TWO WEEKS so you have plenty of time to join the fun!  Happy Stampin!

For PPCC
Hugs to ya, Darlene

The Sisterhood Challenge - Embellish with Flowers

WOWZA!  Thanks so much to everyone who has been participating (and supporting us) over at The Sisterhood!  It seems folks like our NEW way to doing things and we are thrilled to have so many players!  WHAT FUN!!

Today Diane has challenged us to use Embellishments ... THREE FLOWERS to be exact!!  I took a few liberties with this one and used the new Heartfelt Creations 'Daisy Patch Bouquet' (purchased at Joan's Gardens) and after stamping the image three times, cut out & popped up 3 different flowers.  I've used Whispers Strokes markers for my coloring and other than Whisper White cardstock, I've used Pumpkin Orange & Garden Green.  The sheer orange wired ribbon is from Michael's.

 (click image to enlarge)

Please be sure to pop on over to The Sisterhood to see what my sistahs have created to inspire you with ... then why not join in on the fun!  We've really been LOVIN' all the amazing creations you have been coming up with!!  Again, thanks so much for the support of our little challenge blog!

For the Sisterhood,
Hugs from Darlene

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #73

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 YEP ... it's time once again for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  This is a challenge blog for one & all!  If you like layers ... use the FANCY sketch ... if you like simple design, use the CAS (clean & simple) sketch!  Either way, you will be inspired and have a GREAT time!!

 For today's challenge I am using the FANCY sketch and I have used Priscilla's adorable image called "Charlie"  as my focus image ... isn't he just the cutest!?!  You can find Charlie and many other amazing digi images at Priscillastyles Store!

 (click on image to enlarge)

I have used markers for my coloring and liquid applique for the fur around his hat & cloak.  It looks so cool IRL with the puffy white trim ... too bad it doesn't look that good in the photo!  Use your imagination!!  LOL!!  The embellishments are left over from last year and I don't even know who the mfg. might be ... although I believe they were purchased at JoAnn Fabric & Gift's.

Other challenges this card qualifies for are:
Christmas Inspirations - stamps
The Crazy Challenge - no buttons or ribbons
Daisy Doodles Creative Challenges - Critter Mad!
One Stitch At A Time Challenge - Anything Goes
Christmas Card Challenge -
The Crafty Pad - Christmas Sparkle
Charisma Cardz Challenge - Anything Goes
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Anything Goes
Other Lovelies: Thoughtful Thursday Challenge - use digis
2 Sisters Challenge - Christmas
Bee Crafty - Furry & Fluffy Friends
CES Challenge - Animal Antics


Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I do hope you'll check out the Midnight Madness challenge and play along!  See you soon!!
Hugs,
Darlene

There's a Squigglefly Mystery . . .

. . . Sketch Challenge going on over at PCP and you don't want to miss out on all the fun & prizes!  You can check out all the details HERE.

Here is a peek at the sketch:

 Please check it out ... there's time 
(expires October 7th)!

HAVE FUN!!!

Joan's Gardens Challenge #16

Good Evening friends ... I've had a wonderful day of crafting with my friend Terri (Terri's Cards 'n More).  We were working on Christmas card boxed sets, gift card holders, DT cards and both were very happy with how much we actually got accomplished!! LOL!!  I will share some of those creations with you later ... but now I'd like to show you the card I made for the weekly challenge over on Joan's Gardens.  

 (click on image to enlarge)

Here are the requirements for today's challenge:


Color - Brown and Tan
Embellishment - Buttons
3 Layers (preferably Nesties)
Fall Flower

This was great fun to make but I must admit "it really made me think"!!  I guess that's why they call it a CHALLENGE!!  LOL!!  If you haven't taken the time to get involved in Joan's challenges ... now's the time!  Can't wait to see your creation!!
FYI - the "button" is a vintage button brad which is the center of the flower.  The three layers are Nestabilites Blossom dies.



Hubby took the day off tomorrow so we're headed over to Pittsburgh, PA to see his Mom.  She is 90, has alzeheimer's and we haven't seen her recently ... time to take the day and visit!!
Hugs to you!
Darlene

Crafty Secrets Challenge Fun

Morning All!

Tuesday over on the Crafty Secrets Forum of SCS, Pammyjo dished out a fun challenge with a twist.  The actual challenge was to make a Thinking of You card ... and the TWIST was to sent that card to the NEXT person who posted their creation to the thread!  What a fun idea and mine is already on it's way!!

 So here is my creation that is on it's way to participant Karen.  Sure hope she likes it!!  What a fun idea and I'm so glad Pammyjo came up with it.

Well, my friend Terri is here and we are crafting ALL DAY!  Catch you later!!

Hugs,
Darlene

The Sisterhood Challenge - BIRTHDAYS

Today The Sisterhood is celebrating BIRTHDAYS and I have created this cute card using a "Whiff of Joy" image from Joan's Gardens.

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I have used scraps of designer paper from my stash to create a "livingroom" scene for these two cuties!!  An oval "rug" was created using the Nestabilities scallop oval die and I have used Ranger Vintage Photo distress ink to create the bottom "rug".  By popping up the top of the image and not the bottom ... it gives the illusion that the chair is "away from the wall"  (which is probably hard for you to see in the photo ... but looks really cool IRL).  Prismacolor markers were used to color my image.

Please stop over at The Sisterhood and see the wonderful creations made for your inspiration by my "Sistahs" ... then please join in the fun and play along!  I can't wait to see what you create!  

The Sisterhood
Darlene

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #72

It's time again for another AMAZING sketch over at Midnight Madness.  It's always a thrill from week to week to check out the "sneak peek" then if you have the time you can get a "head-start" on the next week's challenge. What a fabulous idea!!

Today I have used Priscillastyles beautiful butterfly digi for my focus image.  This beautiful image is one of my very favorite images of Priscilla's!  It is so much fun to color and can be used for just about ANY occasion!  For this creation I've used  Twinkling H20 to color, then covered with Crystal Effects.

 (click image to enlarge)

The green silk vine ribbon was an RAK and worked perfectly for this layout.  The beautiful flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and purchased through my friend Joan at Joan's Gardens.  I added a touch of Diamond Stickles here & there just to add that special sparkle.  Hope you are inspired by my creation and join in the fun at Midnight Madness this week ... be sure to check out the DT creations ... they are ALWAYS JAW DROPPIN' AMAZING!!!

I'm also entering this creation into the following challenges:
Aly's Sunday Challenge - Sparkle & Glitter
Paper Sundaes: Fabulous Fall - use fall or Halloween colors
Sundays with Crissy - Sparkle & Shine
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge -  Anything Goes
Stamp Something - September Digi Days 
Cute Card Thursday - Tweet & a Flutter


Thanks so much for stopping by today!  It's going to be hot & humid today with a rain storm coming in for tomorrow!  Sounds like a good time to head to the "crafting cave" ... catch you all later!
Hugs . . .
Darlene


 

Celebrating the years . . .

A friend I have had since childhood is celebrating her 60th birthday this weekend and her sister is having a surprise party for her.  She & I spent many days & nights at each other's home during our growing years and although we don't see each other often as adults ... we have remained friends and I'm thrilled to be able to share in her birthday surprise.

 (click on image to enlarge)

 

This is the card I made today to accompany the monogrammed gift set and post-it note holder I made & shared with you the other day.  The invitation to the party was made using an old photo of Judy (circa 1952-53) and I was hoping to incorporate it in her card but it just wasn't working so I found this adorable little girl who just called out to me!

 I thought you might like to see the inside of the card too so here ya go.  Unfortunately I don't always get fancy with the inside of the card but when I do, I like to share it with you.

Now I'm headed outside and get the lawn mowed before it gets dark on me.  It's a beautiful 72 degrees right now but going up to 85 tomorrow and rain on Wednesday so ... yes, I know ... I'd better get out there!!   Thanks for stopping by and all comments are VERY appreciated!!  Hugs to ya!  Darlene

It's SQUIGGLEFLY Monday . . .

and I have a fun creation to share with you!  Our challenge over on Squigglefly today is to use FELT FLOWERS on our creations.  I didn't have any actual FELT flowers but these are made of a velveteen type fabric and I thought they would qualify!  My image is from Heartfelt Creations (purchased at Joan's Gardens).  I've used Twinkling H2O and Prismacolor markers for my coloring.  I just LOVE how this creation came together!!

 (click on image to enlarge)

Please be sure to pop on over to the STORE and check out the new releases and as I said in a past posting ... our  new artist Marla Shega!  Her images are so awesome ... you'll want them for your collection.  
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Another artist I'd like to bring some attention to is Michelle Bertuzzi.  Here are a couple samples using her latest images.  This first card uses the set called "Sweet Baby Sentiments".  What a precious image to use for this quick & easy card.
 

 (click on image to enlarge)

This second card is made from a set called "Happy Hanukkah" and there are ELEVEN pieces to this set! WOW!  Everything you need for those holiday cards!

(click on image to enlarge)

You can click on Michelle's name to see what images she has available for your purchase over at the Squigglefly Store.


That is all I have for you today!  Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by today and I would appreciate it if you stop back tomorrow to see the creation I have made for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge ... I think you're really going to like it!  


Happy Monday to you!!
Hugs,
Darlene
    Squigglefly DT

What are YOU doing this weekend?

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Well this is what I (we) did yesterday ... 

yep Home Canning!  

I know ... people say "but why would you want to go to all that work when you can just buy it off the shelf at the grocery store!"  Well, they have obviously never had home canned ANYTHING in the dead of winter!!  Tomatoes taste like tomatoes (instead of cardboard), peaches taste like peaches and you can't even BUY some of the combinations we've put together this year!!  LOL!!

Friday I spent the day using up the last of the GREEN tomatoes ... small & large.  Turning the small ones into "pickled green tomatoes" and the larger ones were sliced and turned into the last batch of "picalilli".

My dear husband wanted to make another batch of Salsa (hotter this time) and I wanted to make up some quarts of just whole tomatoes that can be used for various stews, soups & sauces throughout the year.  SO ... with his help we were successful and got it ALL done!!

Yes, there is work involved in home canning ... but as a young girl, my father always planted a HUGE garden filled with EVERYTHING imaginable and my mother taught my sisters & I all about the 'canning process' and I'm thrilled to say that now my daughter does home canning for her family too!   

In fact she does a WHOLE LOT more than I do and a much larger variety!  I'm so proud she's carrying on the "family traditions".   I wished I'd had my camera with me the other day when I was at her house and saw the peppers she had just finished canning ... they were GORGEOUS!!!

Well, with the canning all finished ... I can relax today and watch Pittsburgh Steeler Football with hubby!  Then while he's watching all the other games ... I'm headed to the crafting cave for some "ME" time!!  Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Blessings!!
Darlene

New Artist at SQUIGGLEFLY . . .

Squigglefly is not only having a new release but is also introducing a NEW ARTIST ... Welcome to Marla  Shega!

I have added a couple of Marla's images for you to see ... aren't they awesome???!!!

You really must pop on over to the store and check out all the images available from this new artist as well as the other amazing artists images now available!  There are so many different digis offered ... you are bound to find what you are looking for .. and a few more I'm sure!!

Once you have found (and purchased, lol) all the images that caught your attention, by all means come join us for a new challenge every Monday!  We'd love to have you join in the fun!!

Darlene
Squigglefly Team Mate

It's *Wink *Wink Ink Time . . .

It's been awhile since I've shared any of my *Wink *Wink Ink creations with you so today I have TWO to share!

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First is a simple creation that came together in my head long before I got around to putting it on paper.  The background paper is from a Thomas Kinkade 8x8 Christmas paper pack that I purchased from Cornish Heritage Farms a few years back.  This "Deer Friend" digi image from the *Wink *Wink Ink store was perfect with this designer paper.  Add a little touch of glitter & a sentiment and ... card complete!

  (click on image to enlarge)

My second card uses one of Melanie's newest images called "Woolley Bear".    Are you familiar with this little critter?  

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania and in the country, we saw these little guys every late summer/early fall!  As a young girl I remember my father telling me & my sisters that the size of the stripe on the Woolley Bear tells us if we will have a short or a long winter.  "The wider the stripe ... the longer the winter".

(click on image to enlarge)

I must admit, Melanie (*Wink *Wink Ink artist) is the first digi artist I've seen online to share this little guys with us!  Like I said earlier, you usually see these guys between fall & winter ... hence my card design. This set also comes with a variety of sentiments ... go check it out!

That's it for my card sharing but I'd also like to remind you of a few things going on at *Wink *Wink Ink!  Did you see we are having a DESIGN TEAM CALL??  That's right, we are looking for FOUR new members to join the team for a SIX month term.  All the details can be FOUND HERE.    You still have time to apply ... deadline is September 24th.

AND, we have a MONTHLY CHALLENGE where TWO participants win a $10 gift certificate to use towards ANYTHING in the *Wink *Wink Ink Store?  Our challenges are held on our *Wink *Wink Ink Group over on CDAC (Crafters Digital Art Center).  Melanie has freebies offered in the discussion section so you have no excuse for not joining in the fun!!  LOL!!

Thanks for letting me share with you today!

Yippee ... time for another

Joan's Gardens Challenge

Hi Everyone!  It's rainy, windy here in N.E. Ohio which means it's a great time for hiding out in the "crafting cave" so today's I'm working on DT work and a few of my favorite challenges!!  

At Joan's today, she has really put us (ME) to the test but I'm glad she did because I would have NEVER made this card had she not!!  What do you think?

 (click on image to enlarge)

 The requirements for today's challenge are:

• Color - Orange, Green and Blue
• Embellishment - Printed Ribbon and something hanging
• 3 different prints - can include ribbon print
• Distress with ink

This will work out perfectly for my B-I-L's birthday in November and now I'm "ahead of the game" !

The items used on this creation are as follow:
Stamps:  Heartfelt Creations (purchased at Joan's Gardens) Posey Patch Flowers, Anita's sentiment (Joann's)
Papers:  Bo Bunny Life's Collage dp, DCWV Fall Stripes dp, Patriot Blue, Medium Blue, Whisper White
Inks:  Versafine black, Ranger Vintage Photo, Peeled Paint and Spiced Marmalade distress inks (all Ranger inks purchased at Joan's Gardens)
Other:  Tim Holtz distress ink applicator, Nestabilities Fall Leaves die, Fall wired ribbon (RAK), SU photo corner punch, Paper Reflections tag

If you've not played along in Joan's challenges ... you are missing out!!  Please pop on over to Joan's Gardens ... check out all the awesome products in her store and play the challenge!  You won't be sorry!!

Back to the cave I go for more crafting fun!!!  Hugs!  Dar

Wednesday Challenges

I have TWO challenge creations

to share with you today!  

Our challenge over on Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog is all about BABY!  We have the wonderful SEW MANY CARDS as our sponsor today and I've used the adorable image named "Jaden in Baby Carriage". 

Items used on this creation are:

Papers:  Whisper White, Marina Mist, DCWV Nursery dp

Stamps:  Fiskars

Other: Martha Stewart Floral Vine border punch, Offray ribbon, Prisma color markers, Itsy Bitsy buttons, Bow Easy, Fiskar Swivel craft knife, pop dots.

(click on image to enlarge)

What a fun challenge idea ... please stop by Our Challenge Blog and join in the fun!  Also be sure to be inspired by the creations made by my PPCC team mates (links on my sidebar)!!

* * * * * *

In an effort to "inspire" you more, The Sisterhood of Crafters has changed our challenge line up and evidentally it's working!  AWESOME!  We've had wonderful participation and AMAZING creations!  Thanks so much everyone!!

Today's challenge is called: SIMPLY HANDMADE ... create a homemade gift for someone.  Well, it just so happens that I have an 'ole high school friend who is celebrating a birthday later this month and her family is having a surprise party for her ... to which I am invited.  

 (click on image to enlarge)

I thought a monogrammed set of cards and a Post-It Note holder for her desk would be a nice gift idea.  She doesn't have any of my cards and I think she'll enjoy the fact that they are personalized! 

The card set was made using K&Co. (Ancestry) designer paper, Martha Stewart Butterfly & Floral Vine punches, Nestabilities classic circle dies and the JustRite Monogram Stamper Kit.  

The Post-It Note holder uses Webster's Pages (Sweet As Cherry Pie) designer paper, Nestabilities classic circles, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch and the Bind-It All.


We would love to have you pop on over to OUR BLOG ... check out the challenge details and come play along.  While you are there, check out what my Sistahs have created for your inspiration ... this is one VERY TALENTED group of ladies!!!


Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you're having an AMAZING day!

Hugs,
Darlene

Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge - ANYTHING GOES

Today was my turn to host the Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge over on SplitcoastStampers (SCS).  And, since I couldn't come up with a "really good" challenge idea, I decided to make it ANYTHING GOES and that left it wide open for the girls to play with.  Besides,  I needed to get busy on Christmas Boxed Sets for the upcoming craft show, I used this as an excuse to "GET STARTED"!!

 (click on image to enlarge)

I just LOVE the "Vintage Christmas" large stamp set by Crafty Secrets and that is what I've used for this set.  ALL the stamps used here are from this one set!!  Here is a close up of one of the cards for a better look.

 (click on image to enlarge)

I chose to only color 'select' items on the image so I didn't lose the awesome detail in this image.  Here are the items I've used in the creation of this boxed set:

Stamps:  Crafty Secrets (Vintage Christmas)
Papers:  Graphic45 (Christmas Past) dp, Christmas Red cs, Whisper White
Inks:  Versafine Black
Others:  Martha Stewart icicle border punch, Nestabilities classic & scallop circles, Prismacolor Markers & Pencils, Gamsol, Marvy Snow Marker, heat gun

I loved being able to adorn the inside of the card as well as the outside flap of the envelope ... not something I always do ... maybe I should start!!   I think it looks awesome!!  (hope it sells ... lol)  

Hope you are having a wonderful day!  It is GORGEOUS here in N.E. Ohio ... just a wonderful, cool, sun-shining fall day!  Very difficult to be in the crafting cave when it's so beautiful out doors ... maybe I'll go a walk then head back to the cave!  Happy Day Everyone!!


Hugs,
Darlene

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #71

WOW ... where's the time going??  Here we are in the middle of September already ... Yikes, Christmas will be here before you know it!!

Anyways, now that shocking fact is behind me ... LOL ... I would love to share with you, today's creation for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge.  ANOTHER awesome sketch for this week and I knew immediately what I wanted to do with it (that doesn't happen often, LOL).

Have you taken the time to check out the new digis Priscilla has available in her store??  Well let me tell you, they are as unique as her challenges and equally amazing!!  Today I decided to use her "flying birds" set for my creation.

(click on image to enlarge)

So here is my interpretation of today's FANCY sketch (remember there is also a CAS sketch available for you too!)  I am so happy with the outcome of this card ... I love when the thought in my head actually comes together on paper!  

Items used on this creation are as follows:
Images - Flying Bird from "priscillastyles"  Store, SU sentiment
Paper - GCD STudios from Hobby Lobby
Ink - Versafine Sepia
Other - Zvacreative.com gems (purchased at Joan's Gardens), Kaiser pearls (also Joan's Gardens), SU Crystal Effects. Prismacolor markers 

Here are the other challenges this creation qualifies for:

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Blue and optional Flowers
Fab 'n' Funky Challenge - "What 'eva"
Fresh Brewed - Brown
Pocket Full of Posies - Floral Fantasy
Kaboodle Doodles Challenge - Get Inspired
Crafts and Me - Gems and Sparkle
Your Next Stamp - Anything Goes
Totally Gorjuss#47 - Flowers


Thanks so much everyone for stopping by today and taking the time to comment on my creation!  Your comments mean so much to me and inspire me to "do better" to hopefully inspire you more!!  Have a great day!!


Hugs,
Darlene
"priscillastyles" DT

DeeDee's Digi Fun . . .

I've been wanting to participate in this gal's challenge for weeks and finally today I had time to color & create and play in a few challenges over on CDAC as well as Crafting With Deedee's Digis Challenge (actually was posted on Monday) ... I'd better hurry, I'm nearly out of time!!

Now here was my dilema . . . After getting my card created and in the process of uploading it to CDAC ... I was going crazy ... I had marked the image with Dee at the end which tells me who the artist is ... but I couldn't find it anywhere on her CDAC group or blog!  Thanks to Lori Stokes Wright ... she headed me in the right direction and now I'm ready to play DeeDee's challenge!  Uuugh, must be getting too late in the evening!!

 (click image to enlarge)

Isn't this digi adorable??  And I don't know if you can see it in the photo or not ... but out around the red panel I have written "oink!" the whole way around ... goofy but I thought it was a cute idea!  LOL!
Thanks so much for taking a peek!  I think I'll keep this short and head off to bed!  Big day tomorrow ... first official PITTSBURGH STEELER game of the season and since dear hubby signed up for the NFL package on our Directv ... our friends are coming over to watch it with us!!  I made potato salad today and we're doing hot sausage on the grill ... YUMMO!!

Uugh!  Told you it's been a goofy day for me today!  I just went over to add my card to the challenge at Deedee's ... Ooops ... I neglected to realize that it was a SKETCH challenge too!  OH WELL ... it's still a cute image and creation!  

NEVER FORGET!

Hello Everyone and Happy Weekend to You!  

I don't have any cards to share with you at the moment but would hope that we all could take a moment today and say a little prayer for those who lost the fight they didn't even know they were fighting nine years ago today!  May their souls rest in peace!

  GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

More DIGI creation fun . . .

I have posted several times about the new network called CDAC (Crafters Digital Art Center) and if you haven't checked it out yet, now is your chance.  Just click on the link and take the tour!

Today I have a couple creations to share with you using images offered  by only TWO of the SEVERAL (presently 67) Digi Artists involved in this new network.

(click on image to enlarge)

This pumpkin digi is from DigiDrawn and just perfect for this time of the year.  I printed the image twice, colored using Prismacolor markers then cut one out using a swivel craft knife and popped it up on dimensionals in front of the first pumpkin which was showcased using Nestabilities classic & scallop circles and sponging.

 (click on image to enlarge)

How about these cute ants ... looks like winter fun is in full swing.  This digi image is from Doodle Pantry and again I've used Prismacolor markers for my coloring.  The background paper is DCWV and I've used a Creative Memories snowflake punch on the striped panel.  Chalk was used for the sky and Liquid Applique for the snow.

I hope you will take a moment and check out this new network ... it's great fun and wonderful artists that deserve recognition!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs to ya!

Darlene

NEW CHALLENGE BLOG . . .

Yesterday was the launch of a brand new challenge blog called Southern Girls Challenge.  It originated through the friendship of two ladies ... one from New Zealand and one from Australia!  Be sure to pop over, check out their story and play along!  Today's challenge is ANYTHING GOES!

 (click image to enlarge)

One of today's challenge sponsors is one of my "very favorite" digi stamp stores . . . *Wink *Wink Ink.  So of course I couldn't help but create using one of *Wink *Wink Inks fun images and I've chosen the image called "BEAUTY" . 

Our little neighbor girl (Olivia) is having a birthday this weekend and I had her in mind when creating my card.  She will be 8 years old, loves the color blue and is always dreaming about "something!"

Now I've gotta go!!  Lots to do ... and that includes more crafting!  LOL!  Please be sure to hop on over and check out this new blog and hopefully you'll find the time to play along!  

Hugs to you all!

Darlene

Joan's Gardens Challenge #14

Time again for another fun challenge over at Joan's Gardens.  Today we are instructed to make a card/project using the following:

• Color - Red, Brown and Green
• Embellishment - Pearls and Trim - preferably lace
• BONUS: If you use a Heartfelt Creation Stamp, your name will be entered twice. If you also use a Heartfelt Creation Die your name will be entered 3 times. If you don't have any, I can quickly send you one. But, as always you can use what you have.

I couldn't wait to use one of the new Heartfelt Creations Stamps I purchased while visiting Joan's Gardens last month during her workshop.  And the colors required were just perfect for this beautiful "Cardinal Holiday Mailbox" set.  Unfortunately I didn't purchase any of the matching dies (ran out of $$$, LOL) but hopefully soon!  

 (click on image to enlarge)

After coloring my image with prismacolor markers, I cut it out using a Fiskars swivel craft knife and mounted it onto this Nestabilities large scallop circle.  

Here's the entire recipe:
Stamps:  Heartfelt Creations
Papers:  DCWV designer paper, whisper white
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Paper Doilies, Nestabilities, Prismacolor markers, Kaiser half pearls (also from Joan's Gardens)

Thanks for stopping by!  I will be back shortly to share with you a creations made for the VERY FIRST Challenge a new challenge blog called Southern Girls Challenge.


Hugs, 
Darlene

Glitterbabe's Challenge

{Shew!}  I've been wanting to play the challenge over at Glitterbabe's and finally created for it late last evening!  Time is nearly up so I'd better get this posted quickly!! 

This week's challenge (#10) is to FREE UP A FREEBIE.  That's right ... select one of Stef's awesome 'freebie' images and along with the SPARKLE ... have fun creating!!  Here's what I've come up with using Stef's Wheelbarrow . . .

 (click on image to enlarge)

I have used designer paper from the DCWV glitter sweet matstack and the gems are by Zva Creative.com purchased at Joan's Gardens on my trip last month to Indiana.  Of course my butterflies are from the Martha Stewart butterfly punch and I've added sparkle to their bodies by using portions of the gem swirls.  My adorable wheelbarrow image is showcased using Nestabilities Labels 14 dies and I've used Liquid Pearls for my faux pearl edging.  The little Garden Notes sentiment is from the Crafty Secrets Garden Girl stamp set and my coloring was done using Prismacolor markers.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Hope everyone in the paths of these storms is staying safe!  Last evening was a doozie ... never saw rain/hail fly sideways like that!  Yikes!  But, it's much calmer & cooler today!  You can certainly smell FALL in the air!  Happy Day Everyone!!

Hugs to ya!

Darlene