Creating a BOXED SET . . .

using digi images from a NEW (to me) artist out of Spain whose name is Ignacio and his company is called 'Nicecrane Designs'.  I discovered this artist through his group over at CDAC and he is amazing!  So many of his creations satisfy my need for Vintage ... check out his WEBSITE to see what I mean.  He also has something called 'Twisted Pyramids' ... which I'll be sharing with you soon.

Today I have used digi images from three different sets.  First four cards are from the "Incredible Friends Collection'.

 This next card image is in the 'Wild Swan Series #1' ... and I just loved working with it!   I used chalks for my coloring and I found this image perfect for a sympathy creation.  So calming!

And the last creation in this boxed set uses one of Ignacio's 'Mark Twain Series' images.  I've use chalk for my coloring on this creation also.

I recently purchased a 12x12 pack of Making Memories designer paper and that is what I've used for these cards.  

Thanks so much for stopping by and PLEASE check out these images ... you'll fall in love with them just as I have!

Hugs,
Darlene 

Sugar Creek Hollow Fun

It's STILL snowing here in N.E. Ohio so that means I'm spending a lot of time in my crafting cave playing with ink, paper, digis, markers, lace, pearls ... and anything else I can get my hands on.  SO with that being said, forgive my over abundance of postings over the next couple of days ... I just want to share what I make with you and hopefully pass along some inspiration!

First is a sweet digi image from Sugar Creek Hollow that I picked up over on their group at CDAC. The bird is a stamp from Woodware USA and the sentiment is Inkadinkado.  This beautiful lace is by Wright, pearls by Kaiser and satin ribbon by Offray.  I have colored this pretty digi with Whispers Strokes markers from JoAnn's.

Challenges this card fits are:
Gem of a Challenge - Sketch
Sentiment Sunday - Sentiment and Anything with Wings
Scrappy Frogs - use Sentiment
Gingerloft - Celebration
Aly's Sunday Challenge - Things with Wings
Woodware USA - Hearts

AND

It has been brought to my attention also that there's a wonderful sketch challenge going on over at the Sugar Creek Hollow Blog and you know I can't pass up a sketch challenge!  LOL!!  Unfortunately I don't have many SCH images other than Christmas so I'll be playing the challenge with a different company image.

This sweet bird image is from Crafty Secrets Birds & Blooms Creative Scraps.  I have quadruple matted it to pick up the colors in the image then continued on with this fun sketch.  The items used in this creation are: Making Memories designer paper, flowers are Prima, Kaiser pearls, Martha Stewart doily lace border punch and a SU sentiment.

Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
Hugs,
Darlene

The SISTERHOOD is BACK . . .

We may be off to a slightly 'slow' start, but The Sisterhood is back and we hope as we are getting geared back up, you will join us for the fun!!  We are changing a few things ...  we are now a bi-monthly challenge and we will be looking for a few new SISTAHS to join the group. Stop back for more information on our changes.

Today Tanis is our hostess and she's asked us to create with BIRTHDAYS in mind.  Using this sweet 'snowdrops' digi image from Delicious Doodles (Teri Sherman-artist), I have created today's birthday creation. 

A few challenges this creation qualifies for are:

Daring Cardmakers - inspired by snowdrops and/or carnations
The Crafty Pad - Birthday 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  See you soon!
Hugs,
Darlene

SCS Crafty Secrets Challenge

Today I am your hostess over on the SCS Crafty Secrets forum Challenge and I've ask the participants to use something NEW along with their Crafty Secrets / Heartwarming Vintage products.   I have used a couple NEW Crafty Secrets stamp sets I received last week to create this collage style card.  The two NEW sets I created with are Artsy Banner and Birdies.   Using designer paper from a GCD Studios pack (NEW), I have stamped the music stamp diagonally across the background paper (see above image) before going further in my design.  

  (click on image to enlarge)

The image is Crafty Secrets ... from the Birds & Blooms Creative Scraps and the birdcage/stamp are from the Birdies set.  The crochet trim is from Stampin' Up and is called 'Victoria' (NEW).  The only other embellishment are the Stampendous 'Diamond Dots'.

If you have any Crafty Secrets / Heartwarming Vintage products in your stash ... why not come join in our challenge fun!  Challenges are every Tuesday with CLUES offered the day before.  Hope to see you there!


Hugs,
Darlene

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #86

 Time for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge and what a fun sketch we have to create with this week!  Remember, you have the choice of either the FANCY sketch ... or the CAS (clean & simple) sketch.   Today I chose to use the FANCY sketch and use one of the new "priscillastyles" digi images called "Love Birds" .   You can find this adorable image and many, many more at the "priscillastyles" Store.

 (click on image to enlarge)

The recipe for this creation is:
Image: "priscillastyles"  Love Birds digi
Papers:  Red, White & Black cardstock, The Paper Studio Vintage designer papers
Accessories:  Spellbinder Nested Scallop Heart Dies, Darice satin flower, Offray red/white satin ribbons, Bow Easy, Darice paper flower, White gelly roll pen, homemade tag

Other challenges this creation qualifies for are:
Bunny Zoe's Crafts Challenge - Love is in the Air
Crafty Cardmakers - Use Red and a Die Cut 
Lexi's Creations - Say It With Love
Craft Your Days Away - Anything Goes
Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps - Valentine's
One Stitch at a Time - Love & Valentines


Thanks for stopping by!  Please come back later today to see my creation for the Splitcoast Stampers Crafty Secrets Challenge.  Hope to see you then!

Hugs,
Darlene

LOTS OF MONDAY FUN . . .

. . . over at *Wink *Wink Ink's NEW SITE!  Just click on the BLOG TAB to learn more about what I'm about to tell you!!  Not only is the Birthday Party continuing on throughout the month of January ... BUT ... Melanie has designed FIVE (5) NEW STAMP SETS for Valentine's Day (or any day you want to let someone know you love them) with an amazing creation made with these images.  You REALLY MUST check them out.  

All you have to do is pop on over to our NEW *WINK *WINK INK SITE ... click on the VALENTINE PAGE and they will be there for your viewing & purchasing pleasure.  AND, you can pick up FREE SENTIMENTS for each of these stamps also.

 If you haven't taken a moment to check out our new site, please do!  Melanie has worked really hard to make it SO MUCH EASIER for you to find what you are looking for and has even added samples for inspiration.

If you think of something that you think would better our site ... please feel free to email Melanie (or myself) with that suggestion and we will certainly consider your thoughts and appreciate your opinions!

So what do you think??  ADORABLE HUH!!  Now mind you ... with having a cold and not feeling 100% ... I've taken advantage of the fact that you get a PRE-COLORED IMAGE in each set and that's what I've used for my creations today.  Saved me precious time with not feeling well!  The pre-colored images is a wonderful bonus when purchasing *Wink *Wink Ink images ... not everyone has this available to you ... and at $3.50 a set AND FREE SENTIMENTS ... WOW ... how can you go wrong!!  

Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to pop over and see our NEW WEBSITE!  There's even a My Team page with info on our design team (including me, teehee!).  Happy Day to you!!

Hugs
Darlene

I JUST REALIZED . . .

I had not shared these Valentine creations with you that I made using the latest digi images over at "priscillastyles" Store.

These images AND MORE are now available in Priscilla's Store.  Please pop over and check 'em out!

Hope you've had a wonderful weekend!  I'm still FIGHTING this cold and I'm really trying to NOT let it win!!  LOL!!  Back to the crafting cave I go while I still have a little energy & mojo left!  See you tomorrow!

"Cyber"  Hugs (wouldn't want you catching this cold!) ...
Darlene

Joan's Gardens TAG Challenge

Yesterday I told you about a NEW challenge Joan has going on over on her Joan's Gardens Blog.  Here's the details:

I am challenging you to start completing all the tags you will need for this new year. Every Tuesday, I am inviting you to post at least one tag that you may need throughout the year. The tag(s) can be for birthday, baby gifts, graduation, congratulations, Christmas or any other occasion you might need a tag for.  

You will have until Sunday at 9:00 pm EST to add your tag(s) to the Inlinkz icon on the bottom of your post. After the entry time closes Sunday night, you will be able to vote on your favorite tag of the week. One vote only please.

 Be sure to pop on over to Joan's Blog for ALL THE DETAILS including PRIZES involved in this challenge.  

Now for my FIRST tag submission to Joan's new TAG CHALLENGE I have used my new Crafty Secrets "Bathing Beauty" stamps ... colored with Whispers Strokes markers and cut out with my swivel craft knife.  Since I was running out of time ... I grabbed the closest scraps laying on my table and put this together quickly.  My sister's birthday is in June and she's a "bathing beauty" so I will use this for her birthday present.

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

Darlene 

Joan's Gardens & NEW Beginnings Challenges

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I hope this posting finds you in good health and having fun!  

A quick update on my Mother ... she's getting better, in fact they sent her home from the hospital with the thought that she can finishing her recovery just as easily at home.  She still has congestion that keeps hanging on from her cold and she's trying really hard to eat & drink more so she can get her strength back. But it's going to take a little longer before she's back to her 'ole self!   Thanks to those of you who extended prayers & kind thoughts ... I certainly appreciate it!! 

Over on Joan's Gardens, the NEW challenges for 2011 have begun and I hope you will come join in on the fun.  Every Thursday there's a new unique challenge with great prizes for the winner.  ALSO, Joan has also started a new TAG challenge on Tuesdays ... create any occasion tag you want but be sure to upload it back on her blog by the following Sunday.

(click image to enlarge)

For Joan's FIRST challenge of the new year you are to use the following: 

1. Use some kind of animal, bird or whatever  (Martha Stewart bird punch)
2. Use a floral background paper (Paper Pizazz dp)
3. Do something that takes you out of your comfort zone (making paper flowers using Glimmer Mist)
4. Use some kind of Die (Nestabilities Scallop Heart, Heartfelt Creations Posey Patch)
 

The image used here is from the "Little Woman" collection over at Nicecrane Designs.  He has some amazing images ... you'll have to check it out for yourself.

Other challenges this creation fits are:

Crafty Calendar Challenge - New Beginnings
Creative Card Crew - Something New
Simon Says Stamps - New Beginnings
Try It Tuesday (formerly Tuesday Taggers) - New Beginnings
Quirky Crafts - New Beginnings
Fairy Fun Friday - Something New 
Ellephantastic Challenge - New Beginnings 


Thanks so much to all of you who are taking the time to stop by and leaving kind words!  I'm thrilled to have you here and hope you stop back again very soon!  Now that hubby & Mother are starting to feel better ... the flu bug is trying to get ME ... Yikes ... that will really cut into my crafting time ... don't want that!  Happy Day Everyone!  Stay healthy & happy!


Darlene

Delicious Doodles Challenge

Happy Friday!

Before I move onto today's challenge/creation ... I would like to put a special thanks out to all my new 'followers' who have come to my blog via Feline Playful.  I appreciate you following my blog and I hope you find inspiration from my work!  Thanks also the the ladies over at Feline Playful for all the work they put into providing us with the daily lists of challenges and now this fabulous idea of 'Give a Comment, Receive a Comment'.  If you don't know what I'm talking about ... you need to pop RIGHT OVER!!  Now onto today's challenge creation.

 

Are you ready for another  

Delicious Doodles Challenge?

Today we are concentrating on  

NEW!  

Try something new, or use something new on your projects.

After much thought, I decided to try a NEW FOLD TECHNIQUE for my DT creation in today's challenge.  My choice of fold is the JOY FOLD.
  

 (My JOY FOLD card 'closed')

I found my inspiration and instruction over on Shelly's Images website.  She supplied very easy easy to follow directions and there's a few other tutorials available on her site also.  Do check them out.
The Delicious Doodles digi image I used today is called "Bark at the Moon" ...  Isn't it cool!!  I simply used chalk and a make-up applicator to do the 'hint' of coloring on the image.  Other than the BASE card, I've used scraps that were laying on my worktable for this creation!  (trying to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak! there's such a mountain of scraps after the holidays! LOL)

 ( My JOY FOLD card 'opened')

Now it's your turn.  We would love to have you join us in this challenge and I'm sure Santa brought you all types of NEW toys that you're just 'compin' at the bit' to use!  Here's your chance!!


This challenge runs until next Friday, January 14th and YOU could win some of these amazing digis from Delicious Doodles!

Other challenges this card qualifies for are:

Woodware USA - Something NEW (technique)
Creative Cottage - Something NEW
Paper Sundaes - Something NEW

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

MORE FUN CHALLENGES . . .

Today I'd like to share a couple more challenges & their creations with you.

First is a challenge over at Crafty Ann's Challenge Blog and she has generously offered up a free digi to be used on your submission.

Isn't this a cute image?  And such an inviting scene when there is actually snow flying outside!!    I've used Prismacolor markers for my coloring then covered it with SU Crystal Effects to give it that 'waterglobe' appearance.  The background paper is Paper Pizazz Water paper and I've added the sentiment 'Dream' from a Crafty Secrets Words Stamp set and clear water drops from Joanne's.  The shape comes from a Nestabilities Nested Egg Die set.

Next is a creation designed for the Crafty Secrets Challenge over on the forum of Splitcoast Stampers.  Lori Lynn has challenged us this week to "USE UP THOSE SCRAPS"   so that's exactly what I did!  You know we all have a mountain of them in our scrapbox left over from the holidays, so I just started look around.  First I saw this tag that I had started for another creation but 'nixed' the idea ... of course there's a ton of scrap pieces of DP to choose from, the key was laying on my worktable so I grabbed it too, next was to find a Crafty Secrets image to go with my other pieces.  The Crafty Secrets GIRLFRIENDS booklet was the perfect place to go to find this adorable trio.  I did add pearls & Stickles for added dimension but hey, she didn't say it had to be ALL scraps!  LOL!

Other qualifying challenges are:

My Time to Craft  - Up in the Air 

(I think ocean breezes qualifies)

Papertake Weekly  - Anything Goes

Crafty Your Passion  - Anything Goes

The Cheerful Stamp Pad - Life in Times Past (win Unity Stamps)

Thanks for stopping by today . . . I hope you have a wonderful day filled with FUN!


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

STAMP - BY - STEP Sales & Creations

It's a new year, and over at Stamp-By-Step  Cheryl is offering some wonderful deals ... be sure to pop over and check them out for yourself! 

The January Special is 20% off the Stamp-By-Step price of all stamps (even clearance!), 

using coupon code STAMPSAVE20. 

AND

The Bonus Buy is 40% off MSRP of all adhesives

(will be reflected as online price, no coupon needed).

As a member of Cheryl's DT, I have created the following cards using products carried in her Stamp-by-Step Store.  They include images from Crafty Secrets Booklets, Cotton Scraps & Stickers, Basic Grey designer papers, 7Gypsies designer paper, Webster's Pages Trim & Lace, Stickles, Stampendous sentiment stamp, and Kaiser Craft pearls.

 

 

 

 

You can click on any of the image to enlarge for a closer look at the details.  A few other items I've used in these creations are Spellbinder Nestabilities, Martha Stewart punches and a Wilton paper doily.

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you've had a wonderful start to your New Year and if you're looking for some good prices to use that 'left over Christmas money' on ... stop over at Stamp-by-Step ... I'm sure you'll find exactly what you're looking for!

Have a wonderful day!

Darlene

BIRTHDAY PARTY AT *Wink *Wink Ink

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

and

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO *WINK *WINK INK

WOW, I don't know if I can handle all of the excitement!!  Shew!  I still can't believe it is 2011 ... my brain is still back in the 1900's!  (Only the last half ... I'm not THAT old!  LOL! )

Yes, I have exciting new for you today ... *Wink *Wink Ink is officially ONE YEAR OLD today and we are having a MONTH LONG CELEBRATION.  You can check out ALL THE DETAILS HERE (a quick link to the blog) ... OH! AND PLEASE check out Melanie's NEW WEBSITE.  She has been working really hard behind the scenes to freshen things up and WOW what a fabulous job she has done.  By all means, check out the new STORE layout!  There have been some changes in stamp sets ... samples to inspire you ... and just so much more YOU HAVE TO SEE FOR YOURSELF!!

I even made a Birthday Card for the occasion!  

Would you like to see it??

This celebration contest is SO EASY, PEASY (NO cardmaking required!) ... you certainly won't want to miss being a part of it!!  

SO, RUSH RIGHT OVER TO SEE WHAT ALL THE EXCITEMENT'S ABOUT!!

See You At The Party!!

(click HERE)