CDAC GRAND RE-OPENING!

Exciting news!

CDAC is having a Grand Re-Opening today!

Sorry for not getting this info out to you earlier but I've been rather busy behind the scenes lending a hand with this revamp/reopening!  SO EXCITING!!

 

If you haven't ever visited Crafter's Digital Art Center you should definitely drop in.  And if you have been to CDAC please drop in and visit again.  There are lots of new community rooms where crafters can chat and share what they are working on and get advice from other crafters.  

You can chat with digital artists and even request a special image.  You can visit the digi art gallery to find great digi stamps from the CDAC Digi Artists.  And that gallery will be growing in the coming months.  Imagine one spot where you can find digis from many artists.  

 

There are 4 NEW challenges that will run for 3 months.  And EVERYONE that enters a project will get a freebie from the digi company that is sponsoring the challenge!  How fun is THAT?!

I have already made cards for 2 of those 4 challenges:

 

This card uses a digi image from Doodle Pantry and it's for the Inspiration Challenge.

And, this card is for the 1-2-3 Challenge and uses a "priscillastyles" digi image.

What fun ... won't you come check it out and join us!!

Stop in and visit.  Be sure to click to join the rooms so you can visit often.  

And while you're there be sure to drop in at Shelly's Images CDAC group to say hi ... you'll find me there too!  LOL!

As always my friends . . .

BRRRRR  ... it's cold in my cave today!

Cards to Share . . .

Happy Friday Everyone and sorry to make this a lengthy post but I have several cards I'd LOVE to share with you today.  I hope you will find inspiration in viewing them ... and as always, if you have ANY questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section or send me an email (at the top of my sidebar) and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions about my work that you may have!  OK ... let's get started!

Yesterday I mentioned that I would have MORE cards from the NEW images available at Nicecrane Designs.  Below my card creations, I will add the preview sheet, name of the product and link for your convenience.

Sweet, Sweet Angels CS

Vintage Magazine Covers

I will have two more cards from Nicecrane Designs to share with you later today or tomorrow.  But will wait until he has the images available for you in his store.  

* * * * *

The next few projects were created for the Progressive Challenge over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center).  We are in our 11th round of this progressive challenge and I tell you, the digi images just keep getting better & better!!  Here are just a few from this round ...

This last little creation is another Hershey Bar Pouch (directions came from Selma Stevenson).  I made a couple for the little girls next door for Valentine's Day next week ... but when I took them with me to breakfast this morning at Bob Evans to show the girls who work there, they were such a hit that they bought the ones I had made and now I'd better get busy making more for the neighbor kids!  LOL!

ALSO WANT TO MENTION ... Shelly (Shelly's Images) is offering a Valentine FREEBIE ... today through Monday ... be sure to pop over for that and also join in this week's challenge fun!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a wonderful day/weekend!

They are calling for 3-4" of snow here tonight ... we shall see!!

HUGS,

Darlene

WOW ... I'm SO Late ...

Today is the LAST day for entries in the 8th Round of the CDAC Progressive Challenge!  And, even though these images have been colored for over a week, I only today found the time to turn them into cards.

This first card uses an image from McMahon Five Designs.  Isn't it cute!  

I've used bubble paper from Joann's, die cut the circle using the Spellbinder Classic Circle Die, sponged with Tim Holtz "Iced Spruce" distress ink and colored my image using Whispers Strokes markers.  SU Crystal Effects was used on the fish body and the bubbles coming from her mouth.

my second card utilizes an image from Just Some Lines.

It appears Fido has retired his master's Christmas morning paper ... GOOD DOG!

The designer paper is DCWV ... Christmas tree was die cut using Spellbinder and decorated with MS glitter markers.  Prismacolor markers were used to color the pooch.

I have a couple more of the images colored and hope to get them turned into cards before the deadline!  

Guess I'd better get back to work!  Time is flying!

Hugs,

Darlene

CDAC Challenge Creations

Happy Sunday Everyone!

I was successful in creating images for the various challenges that are offered & last two weeks over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center).  If you are not familiar with this network and love digis ... then you REALLY need to check 'em out!  There are a ton of AMAZING artists offering even more amazing images ... and you can even collect free ones offered to be used in the challenges.  How awesome is that!!  Okay ...here we go ...

ONE of the images offered in the Freebie Challenge is a Pyramid Sheet created by Ignacio ... Nicecrane Designs and is called "Sweet Girl". 

There are other freebies offered by other artists in this challenge but I haven't yet gotten around to creating with those images ... I just printed them so I'll have them ready for you to see early in the week.

  * * * * *

My next creation is for the Color Challenge and is being hosted by Just Some Lines.  Check out this adorable image ... yep it's a free offering for this challenge and I had a wonderful time creating this Bee Happy Card.  

 

My background paper is from a Making Memories 12x12 pack and I have aged it with Tim Holtz distress ink, faux stitching and added the 'bee happy' stamping.

 * * * * *

This third creation is to satisfy the Embellishment Challenge and is hosted by Daisy Doodles.  Along with with adorable Bunny ... you were to use a maximum of THREE embellishments.  I just love the SMILE on this bunny's face ... he looks so pleased with himself for finding this egg!  LOL ...

   The designer paper is from Jo-Ann's ... I've used Prismacolor markers for my coloring and my THREE embellishments are Ribbon, Purple gems and this K&Co. purple glitter flourish.

 * * * * *

Next is my creation for the Sketch Challenge and the hostess is Stef Hughes ... better known as Glitterbabe!  Just in time for St. Patty's Day ... this shamrock is just perfect!

 Again, I have created my own background using Garden Green ink and a shamrock stamp by Hampton Art.  The other panels are various designer papers from my stash and I have used a gold Pilot marker to place a gold edge around my focus image.  Although it's difficult to see, the shamrock is bordered with green Stickles and the stars are dotted with gold Stickles.  Basic coloring was done with Prismacolor markers.

* * * * *

 Lastly is my creation for the Other Theme Challenge and is hosted by Designed2Delight Digital Stamps.  Besides this sweet birthday cupcake "free" digi image, Faith has asked us to use TWO DIFFERENT designer papers for our creations.  Here's what I've come up with.

I decided to use a paper pack that has been in my stash for quite some time.  It is Kaiser Craft (Gypsy Sisters Collection) and it is so bright & cheerful ... I thought it perfect for a birthday card!

* * * * *

So there you have it ... sorry for the long post but since there are for all the challenges over on CDAC ... I thought it would be okay to share them all at one time.  Did you notice too that for most of these cards I also made coordinating envelopes ... at least they are completed projects ... versus the PILE of cards laying on my table that need completed inside and packed with envelopes!  Maybe tomorrow .... (she said with her fingers crossed, lol).

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend and please stop back!  I will have some exciting news to share with you later in the week ... stay tuned!!

Hugs to you all!

Darlene

Let It Snow . . .

 . . . so I can keep playing!  LOL!

When I snows, I just stay in where it's warm and get creative!  Well ... there was supposed to be a 'clipper system' come through Ohio today so I was all ready to craft!  (Snow hasn't happened yet!) But I was in the crafting cave and couldn't see outside so I just kept playing . . . LOL . . . here's what I have for you today.

 First is a challenge over at Sugar Creek Hollow.  I know ... I just showed you last week's card ... but I was AFRAID of this one so got an early start ... WASN'T AS BAD AS I WAS EXPECTING!  The challenge was to use FABRIC on your creation.  I found this pretty piece of yellow lacy fabric in my stash ... wrapped it around a piece of white cardstock and used it for my background panel.  You really need to take a moment and pop over to see what the DT came up with ... they are AMAZING!!!

 

(click on image to enlarge)

The image I have used is from Sugar Creek Hollow and other than coloring & adding a little sparkle with Stampendous Diamond Dots ... this beautiful image can stand on it's own!!  Be sure to check out their store.

* * * * *

My second card today is another Nicecrane Designs Pyramid Twist Digi creation. This particular digi image comes from the Water Babies 3 Collection and is so unique!  I just love these Pyramid digis. If you haven't taken the time to pop over and check these out ... I urge you to do so.  Once you do one ... you'll want to do more!

 (click on image to enlarge)

I've used JoAnn's Whisper Strokes markers for my coloring and you don't need many embellishments with an image like this ... so I have only used a Martha Stewart butterfly punch, a McGill dragonfly punch and finally used this cattail image that I've had colored / cut / sticking up on my station for over a year! Sorry can't remember who this stamp belongs to.

A couple other challenges this card qualifies for are:

Paper Play - Cutie Patootie

Sassy Studio Designs - Something over a year old 

(cattail image & punches) 

Stars & Stamps - SKETCH 
Pattie's Creations Design Challenge - Anything Goes

* * * * *

And lastly is a fun easel card using an image by Fairy Knoll offered over on CDAC for the Color Challenge this week.  I thought she was so cute with her little bear that it would work perfectly for a little girls Birthday card.

 (click on image to enlarge)

I have used Making Memories designer paper for my background ... hot pink card stock, Michael's lime green ribbon, Tim Holtz peeled paint & broken china distress inks, Martha Stewart border punch, Royal Lace Heart doily, distresser and Studio 112 pearls.

A few challenges this card qualifies for are:

 

Fairy Fun Friday - Birthday

Raise the Bar - Child Image

Stamp Man - Distressing

Totally Papercrafts - Birthday

Delightful Challenge - Easel Card

Digi Doodles - Pink & Green

Do You Stack Up - Distress It

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Hope you're having a wonderful start to your weekend!  Time for the BIG PLAYOFF GAME (Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens).  See you later!

Hugs, Darlene

HEART POCKET CREATION

Good Day to you all!  

This is a scheduled post due to the fact that I will be spending the day at the hospital with my Mom over in Pennsylvania today!  She caught a cold over the holiday's and although she thought she was getting better, it came back on her and now she's dehydrated along with all the congestion a cold/flu can cause.  Please say a little prayer that she has a speedy recovery .. I appreciate it!  She'll be 81 on January 27th.

I just couldn't wait to share this creation with you!!  Over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center), Priscilla starting setting up monthly 'classes' ... in December we made Angels and now in January we are making HEART POCKETS.  Denise has offered the template, directions and samples HERE.  What fun and you could make these for ANY occasion ... doesn't have to be Valentine's Day but of course hearts are always perfect for Feb. 14th.

Isn't this adorable?  As I was creating my card using this NEW technique, I also kept in mind a few challenges going on right now that are requesting SOMETHING NEW.  

Here's the recipe for my creation:
Image:  NEW Heartwarming Vintage Vintage Photo Creative Scrap (came in the mail only today)
Papers:  Paper Pizazz dp, white cs
Inks:  Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress
Accessories:  NEW pink lace w/pearls & small eyelet, NEW Making Memories Heart Charm, NEW Outline Stickers (rak), gold pilot marker for outlining, Kaiser pearls, Nestabilities scallop heart dies, Fiskars decal scissors, Wilton paper doily, scallop border punch, Michael's dotted swiss ribbon
Technique:  NEW Heart Pocket

I apologize for the lesser quality photos ... for some reason my camera was acting up when i was trying to get these pictures and it kept loosing sharpness and it made my distress ink look orange ... but I think you get the idea how pretty this card really is IRL.

Here are the other challenges I mentioned:

Creative Cottage #30 - Something NEW

Woodware USA - Something NEW

Paper Sundaes - Something NEW

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Something New + ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  And thanks in advance for your prayers!  (update forthcoming)

Hugs,
Darlene

LOVE is already in the air . . .

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

I have THREE creations to share with you today and it seems that LOVE is in the air.  As fast as Christmas came & went ... Valentine's Day is right around the corner!!!  So I thought I'd better get a head start on these creations!

First is a FANTASTIC digi creation from "priscillastyles" Store called 'Heart Tree'.  If you haven't seen Priscilla's digis you really should take a moment and see what she has offered in her store!  This is just a SMALL SAMPLE of adorable images she has ready for your Valentine's Day creations.

Creating CAS (clean & simple) cards is not typically my style ... but with digis like the two I am sharing with you today ... you need not add many embellishments to create a masterpiece!  
Priscilla is also the creator of the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge and get ready for another amazing year of sketches on this blog beginning today!!  Here is the creation I have made for the MMSC85 challenge and this time around, I have used an image from Delicious Doodle and the CAS sketch for MMSC85.

* * * *

This next creation was made using a "heart corner"  digi image offered up by JenLee over on CDAC.  Yesterday was her birthday and for the 24 hours of her birthday she offered all of US a gift of this wonderful image.  I have used an image from the Crafty Secrets Valentine Cotton Scraps to go along with these beautiful hearts ... and the coloring was done using Prismacolor markers with a touch of red Stickles at the end.  The heart border is from Martha Stewart and the red satin ribbon & pearl heart are from JoAnne Fabric's.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you & your family are happy & healthy today!  
Snow is predicted for the end of the week here in Ohio, USA ... that makes me feel bad for the numerous Robins (SPRINGTIME birds) I saw outside the other day when the temperatures were unusually warm for this time of the year!  I guess they'll go back into hiding for a few more months!

Happy Crafting
Darlene

Challenge Creations for CDAC

A new year has begun and I'm starting it off with a Challenge Bang!  The challenges over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center) are up and run through January 12th.  I have taken this holiday time off opportunity to join in the fun.  Here's what I've created.

 (click image to enlarge)

 First is my creation for the Sketch Challenge using the image offered by Hodge Podge Shop. Would you like to see a close up of this image?  Here ya go ...

(Love the detail!)

 (click on image to enlarge)

Secondly, is a creation for the Color Challenge ... using Bonibleaux Designs Digi called 'Gary the Giftbearer'.

(click on image to enlarge)

My third creation is for the Holiday/Special Occasion Challenge sponsored by Whimsy and Stars Studio.  I thought you might like to see a close-up on this one ... here ya go ...

 (Isn't he adorable?)

 (click on image to enlarge)

 And, lastly, is a creation for the Other themed challenge.  This time we're creating with FRIENDSHIPS in mind.  The image was provided by KAH-wink-E-dink and aren't these ladies a Hoot!


Well, that's it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by and if you haven't been over to check out CDAC ... you are missing out on a lot of fun!!  Please pop on over ... I've given you a link!


Darlene

Making Time to 'PLAY'

Hello Everyone!  

Can you believe another year is nearly at it's end!  WOW!  

Hubby is back at work for a few days so I've been back in 

the 'crafting cave' playing with ink/paper/digis. 

The Crafty Secrets Challenge over on the CS Forum of SCS this week is hosted by Marcy and she has challenged us to "BLING IN THE NEW YEAR" ... how clever is that!!  Of course you need to create with your Crafty Secrets/Heartwarming Vintage products so I went right to my Seasonal Booklet.  You didn't have to make it New Year's but I saw this image and thought it was PERFECT for the occasion!  My BLING came in the use of DCWV glitter background paper, holiday ribbon from Michael's and beautiful glittery snowflakes which I had in my stash for a LONG time and finally put them to use!  To attach the glittery snowflakes, I used Doodlebug glitter brads.  The last touch of 'sparkle' came in the form of Diamond Stickles zig-zagged around my image.  It's so pretty IRL ... I hope you can see all the sparkle!  Now I'd better get it in the mail!  LOL!

(click on image to enlarge)

If you have any Crafty Secrets / Heartwarming Vintage products, PLEASE come join in the fun!  2011 promises to be another exciting year of inspiration in this group and if by chance you don't have any of these amazing stamps, stickers, booklets, creative scraps ... and more ... in your stash, now's a great time to check them out by clicking either on the link above ... or by clicking on their LOGO in my sidebar!  You won't be sorry!  Sandy Redburn is the owner/artist and her products are TOP NOTCH in every sense of the word!  Go see for yourself!!

* * * *

MORE NEW YEAR'S FUN was had when I attended an 'online End of the Year Party' over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center) in the "priscillastyles" Group.  Oh my gosh ... I never laughed so much ... hubby thought I had lost my mind as he was watching TV and I was on the computer in the other room laughing hysterically!  Priscilla even provides us with a free digi to create with for the party ... once we requested our invitation!  Here are a couple of cards I came up with ... isn't this digi image awesome?

What a fabulous idea Priscilla had here and we all had such a great time!  I'm so looking forward to the new images & ideas that Priscilla will come up with in 2011!  She's a VERY clever, talented lady!!  To see more of her amazing images & ideas, please visit her STORE as well as joining in on the fun over at CDAC!  There are a TON of digi artists displaying their awesome creations ... I'm sure you'll find MORE THAN ONE that will fit your style.  OH YEA, don't forget about Priscilla's other LOVE ... The Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  There's ALWAYS something amazing & fun going on over there too!!  See what you've been missing!!  PLEASE ... CHECK IT OUT!!

THANKS SO MUCH for stopping by today!  Sorry I was so long winded ... I just couldn't wait to share all the fun with you!!  Have a great day and if I don't make it back here in the next couple of days, HAPPY NEW YEAR to you!!

Thanks for the friendship ...
Darlene

Sugar Creek Hollow Challenge

HAPPY AFTERNOON TO YOU!!

I have been wanting to play the challenge over on Sugar Creek Hollow for a very long time and finally, today, I took the time to do just that!!  This week's challenge is to use LACE on your creation along with one of their images (and they have some awesome images!).  I happened to have a couple of images they offered up over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center) so that's what I chose to use. 

(click on image to enlarge)

I just thought this image was so clever and I wanted to make a couple of cards using it for the upcoming craft show I'm a part of this weekend.  I think it will be snapped up in a jiffy!! (Be sure to click on the image to enlarge ... so you can read the words!)

I have used a 'copper' metallic paper for the background scallop circle as well as the photo corners.  The Kaiser pearls are also copper colored and were purchased at Joans Gardens.  A Wilton's paper doily helped showcase this beautiful digi along with DCWV dp and Wrights Lace trim from the sewing department of JoAnn's.  I wished my photo really showed how pretty this card really is!!!

Now that you've seen my card for the challenge.  Here's another image from Sugar Creek Hollow that I thought was really clever and turned it into a CAS creation to add to my stash for the craft show!

(click on image to enlarge)

How clever is this digi!!  I simply rubbed Pan Pastel Artist Chalk over the front of the image with my finger then inked the edge with Old Olive SU ink.  I also added Gold Stickles around the black lined border of the image as well as around the outside parameter of the Graphic45 background.

A very easy, CAS (clean & simple) creation that looks awesome (my opinion of course! LOL).

If you're not familiar with Sugar Creek Hollow you really need to take a moment and pop over!  The DTs work is AMAZING and Tracey is a BEAUTIFUL ARTIST!!  Their work will definitely INSPIRE you!!

THANKS so much for stopping by ... your visits mean SO MUCH to me!!  Have a happy day!
Hugs,
Darlene

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

Sharing the fun ...

Last evening I finally took the time to create cards for a few of the challenges going on over on CDAC.  Now I'd like to share them with you.  If you are not familiar with the new "Crafter's Digital Art Center" network, you are missing out on a lot of fun!!  I've linked the name to make it easier for you!  If you scroll down the homepage, all the information is there to help you navigate around.  Now for my cards:

 (click on image to enlarge)

This first creation is for the Embellishment Challenge, and is hosted by Doodle Pantry.  The rose digi image is the freebie offered to use in the challenge.  I have used designer paper from GCD Studio (purchased at Hobby Lobby) for my background and paper doilies from the Wilton cake decorating aisle of JoAnn's.  My background panels for my digi are cut from Spellbinder's Labels 14 which I purchased recently from Joan's Gardens.  

 (click on image to enlarge)

My next creation is for the Color Challenge, which is hosted by Tallen's Place Designs and we were to use yellow & brown and of course this very happy girl digi (Mandy) was offered for use also.  I have used Stampscapes to create my background and prismacolor markers to color my digi.  This little gal makes me smile everytime I look at her!  LOL!!

 (click on image to enlarge)

Lastly is a creation for the Freebie Digi Challenge.  There are so many wonderful freebies offered up on this challenge and it's so great to get to know the different artists and their style!!  This fun Halloween digi comes from Pattie's Creations.  This was certainly a quick & easy holiday creation and a lot of fun to do!  I recently purchased this "burlap" designer paper by Paper Pizazz at Joann's with all my fall creations in mind and I love how it looks.  Using a cute little set from StudioG, I've added the sentiment and these cute (in ink only) spiders!  Nestabilities classic & scallop ovals were used to showcase my image and a little faux stitching helped to really make him POP!

So there you have it.  Please take the time to pop on over to CDAC and check us out!  It's a wonderful new spot and you'll surely want to be a part of it!!  SO MANY ARTISTS IN ONE PLACE!!  

Headed to the grandson's birthday party now!  Can't wait ... going to be so much fun!!  Have a wonderful, safe holiday weekend!  

Hugs, Darlene

MMSC #69 - My First PSDT Creation

  Hello everyone!  I'm so exciting to share today's card with you!! It is not only my creation for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #69, but it's also my 1st PriscillaStyles DT creation!  This adorable image is called "Time-Out" and you can find it and MORE at Priscilla's Store.

 (click image to enlarge)

For my first OFFICIAL Design Team card, I am using Priscilla's digi called "Time-Out" ... isn't it adorable??  My layout is for this week's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #69 and other challenges this card satisfies are as follows:

CDAC Color Challenge - cdaccc5  (yellow & brown)
CDAC Embellishment Challenge - cdacec5 (get it cornered)

Sharing the fun ...

I found time this weekend to play with a few of the many digi images I have colored and ready to create with, laying on my work table.  I would like to share those with you this afternoon!  All of these artists can be found over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center).  You can either click on GROUPS tab to find each artist's individual group ... or you can find them on the main page ... be sure to check out that Main Page ... there are NEW things happening all the time!!!  I hope you'll become a part of this fun network ... there are some AMAZING digi artists out there and to get you started in the digi world ... there is a TON of freebies being offered.  If you have questions ... just let me (or any of the other board members) know ... we'll help you out!! 

First is a creation using the cute little Kittie by Robyn's Fetish ...
Someone over on CDAC (not saying WHO) mentioned that with the blue under the kittie's feet ... it appears maybe she had an "accident" ... please be assured that was NOT my intention!  Although she does make a valid point ... LOL!

How about this fun PURSE digi by Shelly's Images ...

It's the perfect time of the year for CHERRIES ... doesn't this cherry image by Doodle Pantry look good enough to eat!?!  Gotta love that Crystal Effects to give your creation that "real" factor!

And last by not least ... time to get started on those holiday cards and I am using this adorable digi from Angela over at Sew Many Cards called "Eris Christmas Lights".  I decided to get a little creative with my Nestabilites Nestled Tree dies.  This is actually all on the front ... the holiday wishes are on the inside.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  If by chance you have questions on any of these creations, please do not hesitate to ask!  I hope you will take a moment and pop on over to CDAC and check out some of these artists ... they are amazing!  I wish I could draw ... I'm still in the "stick figure" phase!  LOL!!

Hugs to you all!
Darlene