Breast Cancer Awareness creation . . .

Crafty Secrets has teamed up with Splitcoast Stampers to bring awareness to the fact that it is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH and we should all do our part to help those who are afflicted by it until a cure is found!  You can read the details HERE.   Throughout the Month of October, the Crafty Secrets Challenges over on the Forum of SCS will be themed in conjunction with this cause!

Last week Lori was our hostess and we used the color PINK ... you can see my creation for that challenge HERE.  Today our theme is ENCOURAGEMENT.  So many families & friends are facing the difficult time of dealing with this horrible disease and we need to do what we can to ENCOURAGE them to KEEP FIGHTING and know we are praying for them!!  You can find our current Crafty Secrets Challenge in the SCS forum or click on the name for a link.

(click on image to enlarge)

I just LOVE the new Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps!  This is from the creative scraps called "Little Blessings" and I thought was perfect for today's creation.  My designer paper is by GCD Studios, I have used Fiskar decal scissors and Wild Orchid flowers to complete this creation.  Pretty easy peasy ... yet hopefully will help someone through this difficult time!

Thanks so much for stopping by to see what I'm up to ... I sure appreciate your visit!  Hugs to you all on this fine day!!

Darlene

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #75

YES, another week has past and it's time once again for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  If you are not familiar with this challenge blog ... YOU MUST pop over and check it out!!  There are SO MANY CONTESTS going on & PRIZES being given away I just don't have the time to explain it all ... be sure to stop by the challenge blog to read all about it ... you don't want to miss out on all the fun & prizes!!!

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Here is my card for today's challenge!  I choose the FANCY sketch today and had so much fun laying this card out using Priscillastyles Rose Teacups & Rose Teapot digi images!  Although it appears there is a row of teacups on the top & bottom ... there are actually vertical strips of teacups and the others are hidden behind my center panel!  In hindsight, guess I should have made my teacups a little smaller so you could see that I actually DID follow the sketch!  LOL!

(click on image to enlarge)

Here's a little closer look at the Rose Teapot ... I've added Mauve Stickles for a little extra sparkle to the roses.  I've used Prismacolor markers for my coloring on these beautiful digis!  Oh, did I mentions they are both digis from Priscillastyles??  Oh, I did?   Well, that's okay ... I repeat myself all the time!  LOL!!  (comes with age you know!) Please pop on over to Priscillastyles Store and see ALL the amazing digis she has for you to purchase!!  Really good prices too!!  You don't want to miss out on ANYTHING Priscilla has going on!!!!!!!
Thanks for stopping by ... I'll be back a little later with my creation for the SCS Crafty Secrets Challenge.  We are helping to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month ... please stop back & by all means, PLEASE come join us!!

For "priscillastyles"
Darlene (PSDT) 

*Wink *Wink Ink fun . . .

It's been a while since I've shared anything from *Wink *Wink Ink with you so TODAY's the Day!  

I am STILL working on creations for an upcoming Craft Show and I'd like to have several different types of gift card/money holders to offer the folks.  As the kids get older, it's so hard to pick out a gift for them and sometimes gift cards are the best answer.

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I thought this adorable SNOWBODY would work perfectly and he does!  Don't you think so too?  Here's what I've used:

Image:  PRE-COLORED *Wink *Wink Ink  SNOWBODY digi & sentiment
Papers:  White 12x12 (for 3 holders) cardstock, DCWV designer paper, Basic Black
Inks:  Versafine Black
Accessories:  2-way glue, glamour dust, Martha Stewart icicle border punch, Nestabilities classic circles

(click on image to enlarge)

Here's another FUN card I made for the show (always need holiday cards ya know!).  I have used Prismacolor markers to color this adorable "Season's Tweetings" snowman and chalk for the background.  Other items used are:

Sentiment image:  *Wink *Wink Ink Season's Tweetings set
Papers:  Whisper White, Basic Black, DCWV designer paper
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, chalk, Nestabilities Labels 14

Thanks for stopping by and please be sure to take a minute and pop on over to the *Wink *Wink Ink Blog and STORE to check out all the newest image releases and meet our new Design Team!!    Catch ya tomorrow!


For *Wink *Wink Ink
Darlene

BEAUTIFUL Fall Weekend . . .

What a BEAUTIFUL Fall weekend 

we are having here in N.E. Ohio!  

HAPPY SUNDAY TO YOU!!  We are headed to Pittsburgh, PA to visit with my MIL today but we sure enjoyed yesterday!!  I was still trying to get the 2nd coat of paint on my "poofy room" since hubby's knees were bothering him & going up/down the ladder wasn't a good idea!  So he decided he would help me with some of the outside work that needed done before cold weather set in.  He not only trimmed all the hedges along the front of the house, he also went back into the picnic area and burned the pit full of branches that had been piling up due to high winds this summer.

The little neighbor girls were thrilled to see him out there and went back and forth visiting with him.  Olivia got busy with making a 'chain' using the flexible twigs that fall from the locus trees ... she was very patient and made a VERY long chain.  

Of course since I took Olivia's picture, Emily just had to get in on the act!  LOL!!  She's our little 'drama queen' (note the pose)!

Mark gets the biggest charge out of these two little girls and they just love visiting him ... especially when he gets the fire going and they know there will be marshmallows to roast.  When Emily came down for the marshmallow I realized I had thrown them away because they were from last summer.  In a panic I ran to the other neighbor to see if she had any ... she didn't but made her son Tony run to the local store for some.  Tony's 18 ... here's what he brought back . . .

Yep, they are multicolored Halloween "ghost" marshmallows!  It was tricky but we roasted them anyways and the girls thought it was GREAT to roast-ghosts!!!

What a GREAT day ... hope you're weekend has been as much fun and as productive as mine!  Happy Day All!!

A Gift Card Holder TUTORIAL

Happy Friday Everyone!  

Today I'd like to share with you a "Gift Card Holder" which is very easy and can be created for ANY occasion!  The basis for these gift card holders came from a posting I saw in the September 2010 CardMaker magazine (pg. 75) by Rhonda Visser Johnston.  I have however made a few changes to "make it my own"!  The size is different and I've reversed which side you enter your gift card.   

Here is a look at the END result using 1 sheet of 12x12 card stock and various designer papers ... I've used the DCWV Wintertime Matstack.  You can decorate these holders however you'd like ... depending on the occasion you are celebrating!  Here I've used digi images from Delicious Doodles on TWO holders and K&Co. chipboard images on the THIRD.

Here are the steps you'll need to take:

1.  For the base card holder, use ONE 12x12 sheet of cardstock and cut it into THREE 4"  strips.

 2.  Score each 4"  x 12" strip at 5" and 10" and fold on score lines to create the cover & card pocket.

3.  I like to border the edge of the card pocket using a Gold Pilot marker in order to define where the edge of the card pocket starts.

4. The finished card holder measure 4" x 5" when closed, so they fit perfectly into an A-2 sized envelope. 


5.  As you can see, you can also add a sentiment to the inside cover if you'd like ... or leave blank for a hand written message to the recipient.


So, there you have it ... like I said, very easy to create and I hope you give them a try!!  I'm working on SEVERAL for an upcoming craft show!  Here's a close up of the other two holders in this set.

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by today!  I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and if you make some of these fun holders, please post back here with a link ... I'd LOVE to come see your creations and leave you some love!!
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Hugs,
Darlene

MMSC #74 and more . . .

Only ONE of the fun things about this challenge!!

"YOUR CHOICE"

 

Can you believe we are into October already!  WOW ... time is certainly marching on and I'm behind on creating & posting my Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  This week I'm going with the CAS sketch ... just too many irons in the fire this week to think about the FANCY sketch!

 (click on image to enlarge)

I have used two sheets of Memory Boutique designer paper for this creation along with Priscillastyles wonderful sunflower digi image.  You can find this image and many more at the Priscillastyles Store.

* * * * * * * * *

Here's my Delicious Doodles creation for today!  We have a brand new Design Team and you can meet them each day this week &  next over on the Delicious Doodles The Blog.

 Thanks so much for your kindness in commenting and for taking the time to stop by!  I can't express how much it means to me!  Have a great day today and WONDERFUL upcoming weekend!!
 Hugs
Darlene

The Sisterhood Challenge - Color My World

Today's challenge at The Sisterhood is a color challenge!  Here are the colors we are using for our creations:

Please be sure to check out the wonderful inspiration my 'Sistah's' have provided for you over on The Sisterhood Blog.  And PLEASE come join in on the fun!!  Here's my creation for today ... hopefully it will be of some inspiration to you!!  I'll show you the close up of this adorable K&Co Holiday chipboard image first ... then the entire card.

 (click on image to enlarge)

I have gone a little "out of the box" with this creation ... pulling my colors from this Basic Grey designer paper and this wonderful image.

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

Hugs,
Darlene

Crafty Secrets Challenge and more . . .

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

I'm on my way to my sister's beauty shop for a cut/color but before I go I wanted to share with you my creation for the SCS Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge.  Throughout the month of October, Crafty Secrets will be teaming up with SCS with a card drive to benefit those affected by breast cancer.  You can read all  the details HERE.  This week's hostess is LoriLynn and she has asked us to "how me your pink".   Here's what I've come up with:

(click on image to enlarge_

My image comes from the new Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps "Little Blessings".  Have you seen the new products by Crafty Secrets ... well pop on over and check them out ... they are awesome!! 

Other items used on this creation are:

• Paper:  Pink Pirouette, 1" scrap of DCWV heart dp
• Ink:  Ranger vintage photo distress ink
• Accessories:  Martha Stewart butterfly punch & arch trellis border punch, Offray satin ribbon, Mauve Stickles.

I hope you'll join in on this card making effort and if you need more information please email me ... I'll be glad to help you!


****************
Here's my creation using Delicious Doodles images for today . . .

(the BLUE is really PURPLE ... my camera, Uuugh!)

You can find a wide variety of digi images at Teri's Delicious Doodles Store and please be sure to pop over to the new Delicious Doodles The Blog to meet the NEW DESIGN TEAM members.  This group is as unique as Teri's images and from all over the world!!

Thanks for stopping by today ... now I'd better get on the road! 

Hugs to you all today!
Darlene

Joan's Gardens Challenge and more

Happy Tuesday Everyone!  

This week's challenge over on Joan's Gardens was a tricky one for me but finally I found time to "put my brain in gear" and here's what I've come up with. 

 (click on image to enlarge)

 The challenge was to use the following:

• Paper - plaid, polka dots & stripes
• Pearls or Rhinestones
• Circles
• Sentiment for any occasion

I have placed my sentiment on the inside of my card ... here's a peek:

If you've not been to Joan's Gardens, you are missing out on not only a FUN weekly challenge but some AWESOME deals on crafting products!  Joan has a full line of up-to-date papers, stamps & accessories that you really need to check out!  Just like the Glue Glider Sale she just had ... buy one refill get the second for $1 ... see what I mean!!  Now pop on over and see what Joan has that will help enhance your crafting experience!! 

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Here's another Delicious Doodles creation I promised to share with you!

Again I have used the Pumpkin Corner image ... but this time I have printed it directly onto my card front in a little larger size ... with the thought of only embellishing one corner.  My sentiment comes from a set put out a year or so ago by Carolyn King and the burlap dp is from JoAnn's.

Pretty easy peasy but makes for a wonderful creation!   Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope your day is filled with joy & laughter!  MINE will be filled with running errands and hopefully some crafting!!  I haven't been in my crafting cave since last Thursday and believe me I'm starting to think I'm going into withdrawal!  LOL!  Have a great day!!

Hugs to you all,
Darlene 

DELICIOUS DOODLE creations to share . . .

As promised, here's another fun creation using one of Teri's DELICIOUS DOODLE images.  Each day this week I will share another fun creation using these amazing digi images and if you haven't yet checked out DELICIOUS DOODLES - or - the NEW design team blog ... now's your chance!

 This creation incorporates TWO Delicious Doodles images ... Pumpkin Corner and Echinacea.  I have used Whispers Strokes markers for my coloring, Nestabilities classic oval to showcase the Echinacea and the Martha Stewart Floral Vine border punch to accent the top.

Thanks for stopping by!!  I'm now in the process of painting MY favorite section of the 1st floor of our home ... the PARLOR!  That's right, I have a PARLOR (aka "poofy room") and it's decorated with Queen Anne furniture and all things vintage/victorian (my woman cave).  I'll share photos when completed!  (new lace curtains already on order!  LOL)

Hugs to you all,
Darlene

Squigglefly time . . .

Yes, it's that time again ... Squigglefly has MORE amazing artists & images to share with you!  Please be sure to pop on over and check it out after viewing the creations I have to share with you today!!  For today's Squigglefly Challenge #69 ... we are making CAS (clean & simple) CHRISTMAS cards.

 How adorable is this little elf by 'Delivery Boy Santa' by Cheryl Alger found HERE.  Now for a couple of creations using new releases for this week.

For a quick & easy Sympathy card, I have used the new "Pray for You" image by Roanne Mathias.

And I've turned this adorable "A Loving Hug" image by Diane Carubia into a friendship card which will go in the mail in the morning!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  

Hope your week is fun & exciting!! 

Hugs,

Darlene

LIVINGROOM PAINTING IS DONE!!

NO card making this weekend ... hubby FINALLY decided he would like the livingroom painted something other than WHITE!!   Would you like to see what we did this weekend??

BEFORE

AFTER

HOW NICE ... except I think we need new artwork over the mantel and new curtains!  (Would you believe he agrees!! -- yippee!) Thanks for stopping and taking a peek!  
Hugs,
Darlene

While we slept . . .

 . . . this is what was done to the outside of our house!!

 Evidentally some of the neighborhood kids didn't have anything better to do with their Saturday night but go around throwing toilet paper all over people's houses & front yards.  And yes they even did some in the backyard!  There is a motion sensor light back there so they didn't do nearly as much as the front.  They were bold enough to even walk onto the front porch and wrap it around the lights on either side of the front door!!

The dots in the photos are RAINDROPS ... yep, it's raining and that makes the TP stick even better.  WHAT A MESS!!  Oh well, I'm not the only one in the neighborhood that this has happened to so I'm trying not to get too upset!  Uuugh, kids!!  We didn't go to bed until after midnight!!  Why are these kids out so late??  Where's their parents??

Oh well ... we are headed out to breakfast then I'll deal with the cleanup!  Not a nice thing to wake up to ... BUT the house up the street got it twice as bad as we did ... guess I should consider myself lucky!

Happy Day All!

It's going to be a LONG post ...

so grab another cup of coffee & find a comfortable set because I have a LOT of EXCITING NEWS to share with you today!!

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!

Let's begin with all the excitement over at *Wink *Wink Ink.  Today Melanie is announcing her NEW DESIGN TEAM as well as a NEW RELEASE!!  I would like to welcome our four new design team members:

Kathryn

 Patty

Jessy

Bettina

It was very difficult  to narrow the applicants down to only FOUR selections and we hope those who were not selected for this term will try again next time.  Thanks so much for applying!!

NOW for the NEW RELEASES . . . you will want to pop over to the *Wink *Wink Ink Blog for all the details but in the meantime, here are a couple creations using our new images that I just couldn't wait to share with you!  

I have used the PRE-COLORED image from the "Seasons Tweetings" set for this card.  What a wonderful way to get that card you need completed lickety-split!!

 How about this little guy!  "Snowbody" is his name and I just love the look on his face ... just begging to be YOUR friend!!  PLEASE be sure to check out other samples created by the DT using these adorable images over on the WWI BLOG.

MORE EXCITING NEWS . . .

A short while back I posted about the Blogaversary and DT Call over on TERI'S CRAFTY CREATIONS  (owner/artist of DELICIOUS DOODLES BLOG).   Well, I'm PROUD to announce that I have been asked to be a member of this AMAZING TEAM and I mean amazing!!  There are several members and just as many design styles represented on this team!!  I'm SO EXCITED and can't wait to share Teri's images with you.  Of course, my regular followers know that I have shared Teri's images several times in the past AND I really look forward to sharing even more ... let's start now . . .

  I will have a new creation using the newly released (and available in the Delicious Doodles Store) images each day next week so please stop back often to see these amazing digis!  Teri will be introducing each member of her new DT over the next couple of weeks so please pop on over to Delicious Doodles The Blog and meet these AMAZING ladies from all over the world with a wide array of styles!  This is a brand NEW BLOG, set up specifically to showcase the work created by the Delicious Doodles DT as well as cards submissions by Teri's customers.  There will be challenges offered in the future as well!

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT!!  If you're still with me . . . thanks so much for being patient and letting me ramble on about all this EXCITING NEWS!!  Thanks so much for stopping by and have a WONDERFUL weekend!!

For *Wink *Wink Ink & Delicious Doodles
HUGS,
Darlene