Thursday, June 30, 2011

Joan's Garden Summertime Guest Designer Project

Hello Everyone!

I'm thrilled to be today's Summertime Guest Designer at Joan's Gardens.  I just came back from a workshop at Joan's and it was FABULOUS!  More to come on that topic!

Today's challenge is to make an  
ALTERED PICTURE FRAME.
It's really easier than you might think and you can make it to match any room in your house or any theme you need for a gift item.  Here's the one I will be giving you step by step instruction on today.  So please bear with me ... it's a long post ... but hopefully will cover all the details you need to create one of these beauties for yourself!!
(click image to enlarge)

Here is a list of items I used to create this 5x7 frame (items in bold can be purchased  from Joan's Gardens):
  • Unfinished 5x7 picture frame ($1.00 at dollar stores)
  • 1 - 12x12 sheet of designer paper (I have used Graphic 45 Le' Romantique)
  • Martha Stewart Lacy Butterfly Punch
  • Tim Holtz 'tattered florals' die
  • Glue (Art Glitter clear drying)
  • Kaiser Pearl
  • Punch Bunch Flower making kit
  • McGill black foam mat
  • bone folder
  • 12x12 paper cutter
  • scissors
INSIDE
  • White, Pumpkin & Old Olive cardstock
  • Scrap piece of green designer paper for sentiment backing
  • Sentiment - Tim Holtz Collection - Stampers Anonymous 'Nature's Moments' (CMS001) ... sentiment is also available on the 'Urban Chic' (CMS086) stamp set
  • Memento Cantaloupe & Bamboo Leaves Inks
  • Cheery Lyn Designs (B118) Pair of Ferns dies
  • Sponge Dauber
  • craft knife (inside butterflies were cut from Graphic 45 designer paper used on frame)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

 This is the sheet of 2 sided Graphic 45 Le' Romantique designer paper used.
 Cut your 12x12 designer paper to 10" x 8 1/4"
Center your frame upside down on the REVERSE side of the paper and draw a pencil line on the inside diameter.

Now measure & draw a pencil line 1/2" INSIDE your original pencil measurement line ... then CUT OUT the center.
 Next you will want to clip your corners (see dotted lines) then score as best you can on the outside lines that will be folded back on to the inside of the frame.
Using your favorite glue & a bone folder, start folding the inside flaps down to the inside edge of the frame and smooth with your bone folder
Here's how it should look once you have glued down your inside flaps to the inside ledge of the frame.
Now you are ready to do the OUTSIDE flaps.  Cut your corners in the same manner as the inside.  Using the 'diagonal corner cut' ... or 'square corner cut' as I have done for the outside flaps.  Your choice ... then, fold in and glue down to your frame.  Making sure the front of the frame is smooth by using your bone folder.

 Below is a view of the finished BACK of the frame.
 And, here is the finished FRONT view of the frame.  Now we're ready to have fun decorating the front!
 
* * * * * * * * * *
The technique used to make the homemade paper & flower was shared on another Joan's Gardens project which you can find HERE.  I also did a STEP-BY-STEP tutorial on making this paper & flower over on Shelly's Images Technique Tuesday.  There you will find how to use the PunchBunch Flower Making Kit to create the dimension on these flowers.

* * * * * * * * * *
Here is another frame I covered recently ... using Graphic 45 designer paper and have created the inside image using a LeBlanche image from Joan's Gardens.  

The ideas for these frames is ENDLESS and I can't wait to see what you come up with to inspire us all!

Have Fun!!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Card Creation and Workshop Fun


Happy 'Over the Hump' Day Everyone!

Today I have a card to share with you which uses the new flowers I learned to make at the workshop I attended last week at Joan's Gardens in North Liberty, Indiana.

 
(click on image to enlarge)

My card is for the very first challenge offered over on CDAC for the new SSBS Designs Group.  The beautiful silhouette image was offered to be used on our creations and you can find more over on their website found HERE.   I've used prismacolor markers to color in the image and SU Lovely Lilac to color the petals for my flowers.  The designer paper used on the background was purchased at Joan's Gardens and is from Prima (Sweet Fairy 6x6).



Here are the four punches I used to make the flowers.  They are all by PunchBunch and I purchased them at Joan's Gardens. (l.-r. Lily Mega Punch,  Sun Punch, Crystal Snowflake Medium, Big Sky punch)

 (click image to enlarge)

Here's a photo Joan's husband Jon took of the group before we all went our separate ways after a fun- filled informative day.
I always learn so much and have such fun when I attend the workshops at Joan's Gardens.  I will share photos of our projects in another posting ... later today I hope! 

I hope you'll take a moment and check out the fun challenge going on over at SSBS and also pop over to Joan's Gardens for some fabulous ideas & products!

Have a wonderful day!  I'm still playing 'catch up' after being away from my 'crafting cave' most of last week.  So if you're looking for me, just peek under the pile of designer paper, ink pads & embellishments!  LOL!     Happy Crafting Everyone and thanks for stopping by!
Darlene

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #110

Happy Tuesday Everyone! 
It is that time again...time for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  Here are the sketches we have to choose from this week.  OR ... you can create with BOTH if you choose!


"YOUR CHOICE"
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This week's BONUS SPONSOR is...
“Shelly’s Images store offers a variety of digital stamps for your paper craft projects. All of the images are hand drawn and perfect for getting your creativity flowing.   If you need more inspiration please visit the Shelly’s Images Blog.  There is always something happening at the blog.  You can see the newest images used by the design team on Marvelous Mondays and MM images are almost always offered at a special price on their spotlight day.  Technique and Tutorial Tuesdays are perfect for learning something new.  Every week they have a Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge so be sure to join for a chance to win an image. Be sure to become a follower of the blog so that you can visit often
Smooch Pearlized Accent Inks (Colors Moonlight, Silver Fox, Gold Lamé, Tuxedo)
Making Memories Heart Metal Pendant
Making Memories Gold Square Metal Frame
Making Memories Gold Flower Metal Frame
Making Memories Far East Metal Label Holders Set of 3
Plus..choice of two images from her store 
Thank you Shelly..what a great prize!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our June Monthly sponsors are....
 KennyK Collection & Whimsy Stamps
View their awesome monthly Grand prize worth over $100!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today I have chosen to use a combination of both the Fancy & the CAS sketches for my creation.  With July 4th right around the corner, I am using the "priscillastyles" Top Hat 4th of July Digi set which can be found HERE.  Please be sure to check out ALL the amazing digis available in Priscilla's Store.

(click image to enlarge)

This was such a fun image to color and create with . . . And, just in time for the celebration!!  I used Prismacolor Markers for my coloring ... DCWV designer paper ... Michael's ribbon and Creative Memories Star punch.
Won't you come join in the fun over at the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge Blog!?!  I'd LOVE to see what you come up with using these sketches!  

Have Fun!
Hugs to you all!
Darlene
 

Friday, June 24, 2011

Wags 'n Whiskers - Summertime Challenge


WOW ... here we are on Friday once again and that means I get to share with you my creation for the challenge over at Wags 'n Whiskers!  Today our hostess Angelique has challenged us to create with SUMMERTIME in mind.  
 

I have chosen to use an image from the Fun in the Sun Collection and today I'm using 'SUMMER TREAT'.  Isn't it just the cutest thing!!??

 (click on image to enlarge)

Recipe:
Papers - Whisper White, Pacific Point Blue, Pink Pirouette, DCWV Glitter Sweet dp
Stamp - Inky Impression
Ink - Versafine Black
Accessories - Spellbinder classic & scallop circles, Ocean Blue Stickles, Deco Art Glamour Dust, Prima flowers, White Signo pen, Fiskars swivel craft knife, MM brad, Prismacolor markers
 
 
Please be sure to pop on over to the challenge blog for more inspiration from the rest of the DT ... then come join in the fun!!  What could be easier than creating with SUMMERTIME in mind than right now (at least here in NE OHIO) ... the weather is gorgeous!!
 
Hope to see you there!  Happy Crafting everyone and thanks so much for stopping by!  HUGS to you all!
Darlene

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge

Today at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge we are  using RED, WHITE & BLUE.  

We are also thrilled to be creating with images from this week's sponsor ROBYN'S FETISH


(click image to enlarge)
Here is my creation using one of these fun digis from Robyn.  Please be sure to pop on over to the blog and check out more inspirational creations from my DT mates!  And, I'm looking forward to seeing your R-W-B creation!  

I'm out of town for a few days attending a workshop at Joan's Gardens and I'm hoping Blogger is nice to me and posts when it's supposed to ... LOL!!  I'll be sure to take pictures to share with you upon my return ... Joan always offers awesome projects at her workshops and I'm also looking forward to seeing the ladies again!  
Catch you later!
Hugs,
Darlene
 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

IN MEMORY OF 

CLAIRE PAVLICK


It is with great sadness that I tell you that we lost this sweet lady Monday morning.  Claire is my wonderful husband, Mark's mom and has always been a very kind and fun loving mother in law to me.  She was stricken with Alzheimer's in 2006 and has been living in a beautiful nursing facility in the south hills of Pittsburgh and that is where she spent her final days.  I just ask that you say a quick prayer for my husband and family that they will find the strength to get through these next few difficult day.  Thank You!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #109

Time for another FABULOUS Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  Don't forget, you can choose to do either the FANCY sketch or the CAS sketch ... YOUR CHOICE!  


This is one of the things I love about the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge . . . it's flexibility. PLUS the sketches are AWESOME and so unique!  

 (click on image to enlarge)

Today I chose to create with the FANCY sketch and have used an image from this week's challenge sponsor . . . D'Amore Allure.  This image is just fabulous for all of us 'vintage lovers'!

After coloring the image with Prismacolor markers, I couldn't seem to find the 'right' designer paper for the background so I made my own using gray cardstock and a flourish stamp by Hero Arts.


 Here's a close up of the image and flowers ... which are also from D'Amore Allure.  Please be sure to pop over to the challenge blog for more AMAZING inspiration from the DT and then join in the fun!


Recipe:
Stamps - D'Amore Allure Digi
Papers - Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Gray cs, Paper Pizazz dp, Pear Pizazz
Accessories - Prismacolor markers, Spellbinder Classic & Scallop ovals, D'Amore Allure flowers, MS branch punch, Making Memories pink brads
Technique - Faux stitching


Happy Crafting & thanks so much for stopping by!
Darlene

Monday, June 20, 2011

Shelly's Images - Marvelous Monday

Are you ready for another MARVELOUS MONDAY at Shelly's Images??  

Our FEATURED IMAGE today is 'Bad Day Fishing' and you can purchase it at a SPECIAL RATE TODAY ONLY!!  You can click on the image name to go directly where you need to go for your purchase.


 I had a lot of fun coloring & creating this card.  I've used a scrap piece of Paper Pizazz designer paper for the background and a Hero Arts stamp for the sentiment.  Prisma color markers were used for the coloring with the exception of the sky ... which I used blue chalk and a makeup applicator.  The 'birds in the sky' is a stamp from Stampscapes which I added for dimension.  Of course the blackbirds is a punch from Martha Stewart.


What a fabulous image for those 'Oh So Difficult To Create' GUY cards.  Please pop over and check out what the rest of the team has created for your inspiration!  They are amazing!!!


Happy Day All!
Darlene

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #108

Today's sketch at Midnight Madness is another fabulous stroke of genius on the part of the designer!  Remember, you can choose to use either the CAS or the FANCY (or a combination of the two) for your creation.  

Today I have used the adorable 'vintage floral bicycle' digi image from "priscillastyles" for the main focus of my creation.  My designer papers are a combination of patterns from 'the Paper Studio' MIRABELLE paper pack.

(click on image to enlarge)

Though difficult to see in my photo, after coloring the flowers with Prismacolor markers, I have added a touch of 'copper' Stickles to them for a touch of sparkle.

If you've not played the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge ... what are you waiting for??  There's no time like the present ... hop on over and 'give it a whirl' ... I guarantee you'll be hooked just like I am with these fabulous sketches.  Hope to see you there!!

Hugs to you all ...
Darlene
(PSDT)

Monday, June 13, 2011

Marvelous Monday at Shelly's Images

Happy, Happy Monday Everyone!


It's time for another Marvelous Monday at Shelly's Images and today's Featured Image is 'Top Hat' ... perfect for those prom, wedding, and very-special occasion cards.  Did you know that you can get the featured image at a reduced rate for a limited time??  You'll want to be sure to pop on over to our blog and check that out!!

 (click on image to enlarge)

I thought that 'basic black & white' with a SPLASH of RED would be perfect for today's creation.  Always a CLASSIC color combo.  The background panel was cuttlebugged and my main image is showcased using a Spellbinder lacy square die cut panel.  Coloring was done using Prismacolor markers and I have popped up the Crystal Effect covered rose using pop dots.  A touch of fancy silver trimmed ribbon from Michael's and a couple sprays of pearls was all the added elegance this creation needed.  (see close up below)



(click on image to enlarge)


PLEASE . . . pop over to the blog and check out the wonderful inspiration my design team  mates have created for you ... then pop on over to the store and make your purchase.

ALSO   . . . remember to stop back to the blog for Tutorial Tuesday ... always great information shared on Tuesdays!  AND, of course our new challenge will be posted on Terrifically Thrilling Thursday.  This week's challenge is all about the 'boys' ... just a hint so you can get a head start!!  LOL!! 

Other Challenges this card qualifies for are:
CES Challenge #40 - Inspired by Movie (Fred Astaire movie 'Top Hat')
Crazy 4 Challenge -  Masculine creation
Secret Crafter - Male card
Joyful Stamper - Inspire Me Friday - Anything Goes
Digi Doodles Shop #62 - No Backing Papers



Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope to see you again real soon! 

Sunday, June 12, 2011

A "Challenging" Challenge at Joan's Gardens

Happy Sunday Evening Everyone!

I just wanted to share with you this evening a creation that was certainly OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE!!!  Each week throughout the summer, Joan & Selma at Joan's Gardens have decided to have Guest Designers who will challenge you to a project which entails a new technique, tutorial or template.

Last week Glenda Brooks challenged us to make our own designer paper & flowers to cover a box ... remember my creation ...

Well, I'm THRILLED to say I was the winner of this challenge!  Thanks so much ladies!

THIS WEEK ... the Guest Designer over at Joan's Gardens is Sue Walsh and she has provided a template and inspiration to make a beautiful 'Heartshaped Basket'.  Now mind you ... mine's not quite as elegant as Sue's ... but I think it came out 'kind of cute'!!  What do you think??  

 (click on image to enlarge)

 After printing out the template, I wasn't happy with the printer marks that were still showing, so before putting the heart together, I cut out 2 Pink panels ... one for the inside and one for the outside of my basket.  I used the Spellbinder Scallop Heart Dies for my BACK panel as well as the front smaller panel.  By cutting a gold paper doily in half, I was able to add a lacy look to the backing.


(closeup)

The homemade flowers on the front were extras I had laying on my work table.  I learned to make these during one of Joan's workshops and they were just perfect for this project.  They are made from vellum and the butterfly is a MS punch which was then 'sparkled up' using 2-way glue and Deco Art Glamour Dust.  The leaves were created with the MS frond punch and I've curled the leaves for dimension.  The pink satin ribbon is May Arts.

I must admit ... these past two challenges have certainly taken me more time ... but I'm so happy to be able to try something NEW and CHALLENGE myself!!  Why not come join in the fun and maybe learn a few new tricks along the way!

Have a wonderful week!
Darlene

Saturday, June 11, 2011

WOW What a CRAZY week . . .

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Just a quick stop today to share a couple of things with you!  Last week was crazy with a sick husband who required a trip & stay at the local hospital.  He came down ill last Friday night and with each passing day, things got worse!  Well long story short, he ended up in the hospital with dehydration and kidney failure.

I am, however, very happy to report that he's back home (driving me crazy, LOL) and doing much better!  His BP was extremely low but with lots and lots of fluids ... that too is almost back to normal.

Thank goodness I could do preposting here on my blog for this past week's challenges with DT requirements ... or I would have really been behind the 8 ball! 
 (click on image to enlarge)

One challenge that I finally got around to playing today is for the Crafty Secrets Challenge Forum of Splitcoast Stampers.  Lori Lynn is our hostess and she has asked us to use a VARIETY of card sizes for our project ... vs the typical A2 size.  I decided to make an A6 size card and used the bi-fold style.  The image for my closure panel is from the Crafty Secrets 'Birds & Botanicals' booklet.

Time to get back to playing 'catch up' ... thanks for stopping by my blog today and I hope you're having a WONDERFUL weekend!

Hugs,
Darlene

Friday, June 10, 2011

Let's Hear it for the BOYS . . .

Happy Friday Everyone!  
Are you ready for the weekend???

Today at Wags 'n Whiskers, we are creating "One for the Boys" and I have chosen another sweet image from the 'I Want It All Fun in the Sun Set'.  You can find this fun set and MORE HERE.   

 (click on image to enlarge)

How adorable is this little 'SPEED RACER' !  Every little boy want's to be #1 and I know my grandson (now 13) has loved racing since he was a tiny tike ... probably because daddy races ... so now he's been racing for several years along with his dad & sister. 

Please be sure to stop over at the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog and be inspired by my team mates creations!  Then join in the fun and show us what clever ideas you might have for the "guys" in your life!

See you there!
Darlene
Wags 'n Whiskers DT

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

The Sisterhood of Crafter's presents ...

. . . a challenge honoring Dad!  With Father's Day right around the corner (June 19th) ... why not surprise Dad with a 'special card' made JUST FOR HIM!!
Unfortunately my Dad has passed, some 20 years ago, but I still enjoyed pretending this was for him.  

(click on image to enlarge)

Please pop on over to THE SISTERHOOD and see what wonderful inspirational creations my Sistahs and Guest Designer's have made to share with you today.

Recipe for this card:
Papers:  Paper Pizazz dp, black cs, white cs, old olive cs
Stamps:  SU Seaside Sketches, Hero Arts
Inks:  Versafine Black
Accessories:  Michael's double stitched grosgrain olive ribbon, MS bird bunch, Spellbinder classic & scallop oval dies, Prismacolor markers

Have a wonderful day and thanks so much for stopping by my blog ... you have made me smile with your kindness!!


Darlene (Sistah)
The Sisterhood of Crafters

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge

Did you know it is "BEST FRIENDS DAY"?

Well, it is over at Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog and I can't wait to send this fun creation out to one of my best friends and hopefully put a smile on her face!

(click on image to enlarge)

I have used an image from the TJ Designs Vintage Photography Collage Pack  as my main image.  These 'gals' looks like they might be great friends and having a fun time (back in the day!).

Recipe:
Papers - Kraft, DCWV leather dp
Inks - various Tim Holtz distress inks
Accessories - Medallion from a gift box of candy, twill bow from same package, Spellbinder scallop long rectangles, Tim Holtz ink applicator

Please pop over to the PPCC Blog and check out what my team mates have created to inspire you.  THEN ... why not join the fun and create a card for one of your 'Best Friends'.  Be sure to come back and share it with us at PPCC before sending it along it's way to that lucky friend of yours!

Happy Day!
Darlene
(PPCC DT)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #107

It's Tuesday and that means it's time to share another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge creation with all you lovely people!

This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.

"YOUR CHOICE"


 Enter one style or both this week.
Just have fun and come play with us :)
--------------------------------------------------
Our MMSC107 Weekly Bonus Sponsor is...
Stamp and Create and is offering a $25.00 gift certificate.
Stamp and Create is an on-line store carrying many popular brands of stamps, paper, and embellishments including: Wags ‘n Whiskers Rubber Stamps, High Hopes Stamps, Sweet Pea, CC Designs, Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps, Whiff of Joy, Stampavie, Penny Black, The Greeting Farm, Basic Grey, 7 Gypsies, Shimmerz, Nestabilities (always 20% off!!), charms and more!! Lacey is always adding new items to the store…so check it out at www.stampandcreate.com
Thanks Lacey for your wonderful prize this week!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our June Monthly sponsors are....




The KennyK Collection exclusively for Whimsy Stamps and KennyKDownloads digi stamps will add the perfect dose of attitude and style to all of your creations!

   Prize itemized list:
*  10 Rubber stamps from the KennyK Collection at Whimsy.  Theses stamps are deeply etched rubber mounted on cling cushion foam, untrimmed.
*  3  Digi stamps - Let's Party, Tori Famous and Super Hero.

*  1 Pad Basic Grey Olivia Paper
*  1 Package of Mixed Flowers
*  1 Package of Mixed Charms
*  1 Package of Jump Rings
*  1 Package of Lace Ribbon
*  1 Whimsy Ticket Die
What an awesome monthly Grand prize worth over $100!!
WOW! WOW! WOW!!  Thank you so much!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is my creation using a KennyK digi image. Today I chose to go with the FANCY sketch. 

  (click on image to enlarge)

I had a fun time coloring this image using my prismacolor markers.  The hearts are embellished with red Stickles (though it is difficult to tell in the photo) and Spellbinder classic & scallop circles were used to mat this adorable image.

Please be sure to pop on over the the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge Blog and check out all the AMAZING inspiration for you today!  These ladies are SO TALENTED!!

Happy Day to you!  
Darlene
(PSDT)