ATTENTION PLEASE

** FYI **
Our LOVE THOSE PRETTY PAPERS blog has been hacked and we've had to start a new blog ... you can still enter our October challenge at the new blog. Here's the link: Love Those Pretty Papers

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Terrically Thrilling Thursday

. . . at Shelly's Images and today our featured image is an "oldie".  This BASEBALL GLOVE image was the 2nd image added to Shelly's store and we feel it deserves to be FEATURED again today.

Now don't forget ... we are combining our 'featured' image along with our TTT challenge.  Here is my card using this fun image ...

(click on image to enlarge)

Recipe:
Paper - DCWV blue jean dp, white cardstock
Accessories - Baseball stickers, Prismacolor markers, Fiskars swivel craft knife, pop dots

AND ... here is today's TTT challenge!

BACK TO SCHOOL

I know my card doesn't really fit the 'Back to School' theme ... but like I said last week ... we're still getting things worked out in our idea to combine postings (and I have a habit of working ahead) ... hence the disconnect!  LOL  Please come join in the fun!!

FYI ... the Shelly's Images DT is taking next week off (Aug. 15th) for vacation! 


Hugs,
Darlene

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Sisterhood of Crafters

. . . is celebrating ANNIVERSARIES today!  One of the 'founding sisters' of The Sisterhood of Crafters,  Teri Sherman (Delicious Doodles) is celebrating her blog anniversary on August 17th so we would like to extend a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to her today!!

Here is my Anniversary card using one of Teri's awesome digi images called "The Lovers" available HERE.

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, red cs, old olive cs, background paper was an RAK from friend JenLee
Accessories:  PunchBunch lily & big sky punches, Martha Stewart leaf punch, gold Stickles, Fiskars swivel craft knife, PunchBunch flower making kit

Other challenges:
CRAFT- Anniversary
Craft Us Crazy - Anything goes in August
Sassy Studio Designs - Use a sentiment on the front


WAIT!  While playing around with SPONGING and STAMPSCAPES, I came up with another card for today's challenge.    What do you think of this one?  So quick & easy and I'm really pleased with the outcome.  I might just have to hold on to this one until November and give it to hubby!  He likes this sort of card,  he's not too wild about all my poofy, fussy creations!  Imagine that!  LOL!


 Please be sure to pop on over to The Sisterhood and join in the fun!  We'd love to see your ANNIVERSARY creations!  THANKS for stopping by! 

Hugs,
Darlene

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #116


I'm so happy to share another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge
with you today!  
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 MMSC115 Gold Star Award goes to...
 23. jodi r., 
 Our Remarkables Awards this week go to...
 6. Miesje  
 8. Kathy Bradley  
Please grab your award logos from the side bar and display them proudly :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our MMSC115 Weekly Bonus Winner is...
  8. Kathy Bradley  
Here are your random numbers:8
Timestamp: 2011-08-09 04:10:39 UTC
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our MMSC116 Weekly Bonus Sponsor is..
http://www.pizzazzaplenty.blogspot.com/ 
Pizzazz Aplenty began with only a bit of bling and some ribbon, but in the last few months, we've added so much more... from cardstock to cello bags, as well as charms, stick pins, brads, buttons, cords, twines, laces, and over 20 colors in flatback pearls and rhinestones.  The newest additions are teardrop pearls, button stick pins, leaf pins, and heart pins.  Look for resin cameos and flowers to be added soon!  Please stop by for a look at our store: Pizzazz Aplenty
Remember, there's no such thing as too much bling!
~Judy~
Here is the prize package:
One 3/8" x 25-yard roll Organza Ribbon, Old Willow with Gold stripes
One pkg (30) Leaf Stick Pins, Green and White mix
One pkg (12) Button Stick Pins (with 4 buttonholes)
One pkg (6) silvertone Nugget Word Charms
One pkg (90) 3mm x 5mm White flatback Teardrop Pearls
One pkg (65) 4mm x 6mm White flatback Teardrop Pearls
One pkg (100) Glitter Spray Rhinestones
One pkg each of: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm Orange flatback Rhinestones
One pkg each of: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm Dark Cranberry flatback Pearls
One pkg each of 3mm, and 4mm Chocolate flatback Pearls
One pkg each of 3mm, and 4mm Light Coffee flatback Pearls
One pkg (5 yards) Rich Cream Dream String
One pkg (5 yards) Foxy Brown Metallic Dream String
One pkg (5 yards) Simply Sage Luster Baker's Twine
One pkg (10 yards) Brown & White Baker's Twine
One Gel Picker
  Thank you so much for your very generous prize Judy :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our August Monthly sponsor is....
Click here to read about the fabulous Monthly Prize!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(click on image to enlarge)
I had SO MUCH FUN coloring and creating with this AnnaBelles image today!  Of course I just had to go with red/white & blue ... afterall, he looks like a cute sailor to me!!  LOL!

Recipe:
Stamps:  AnnaBelles Digi Stamp images, SU sentiment stamp 
Papers:  Paper Pizazz dp, red cs, royal blue cs, white cs
Accessories:  Spellbinder's classic circles, Pizazz Aplenty flowers (colored with Prismacolor markers), Stickles gold

* * * * *
ANOTHER creation  for today's sketch showcases one of the latest digi images from "priscillastyles".  Isn't he just the cutest of bugs??!!  This "Craft Bug Digi Stamp" comes in a set of four ... you can check it out for yourself HERE.   I created the background paper by using some of the MANY scraps laying on my worktable and I really like how it came together (helped in the clean up too!).

 (click on image to enlarge)

Recipe:
Image & Sentiment:  "priscillastyles" store
Papers:  various scraps of designer paper, garden green cs, white cs
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, Spellbinder scallop circle, hole punch, pop dots, double stitch grosgrain ribbon, Fiskars swivel craft knife

Why not come join in the fun!  The great part about this sketch challenge is you have the choice of CAS or FANCY!  I really like that ...

Thanks for the visit and I hope to see you again tomorrow for a new challenge at The SISTERHOOD of CRAFTERS.  (Quess Who will be your hostess?  LOL!)  Have a WONDERFUL day!!

Hugs,
Darlene

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Inspired by Lisa

 (click on image to enlarge)
I've been working on Tissue Box Covers for an upcoming 'Ladies Tea Party' which left me with MORE scraps on my table.            While blog surfing this morning, this beautiful 'collage circle vintage creation' over on Lisa Somerville's (Designs by Lisa Somerville) blog caught my eye.  She learned the technique through Technique Junkies (which I don't belong to at the present time) ... but after clicking on her image or a closer look ... I thought, "WOW what a great way to use up the scraps from my tissue box covers ... I can make matching cards. And these are the beautiful cards I created after being INSPIRED BY LISA!!

 (click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)

The theme for the "Ladies Tea Party" is butterflies ... so needless to say, the DCWV 'Mariposa' stack was the PERFECT designer paper to use.  There was even enough scraps left over to adorn the envelope flap.  I have left the inside of the card blank making it more versatile for any occasion!

 (click on image to enlarge)

This was such a wonderfully beautiful way to use up those scraps and the fact that it quickly turned my tissue box covers into a gift set was an added bonus.  I hope I have inspired you as much as Lisa has inspired me today!  Why not give it a try ... it's great fun!  (All cards are A-6 in size ...butterflies are Martha Stewart punches and I used the 1-1/4" SU punch for my circles.)

Other Challenges:
Clearly iStamp - Things with Wings
Inspire Me Fridays - Anything Goes
Raise the Bar - Anything Goes
The Poodles Parlour - Anything found in the Garden (butterflies)
Craft Us Crazy - Anything goes in August
Crafty Purple Frog - Anything but a card (tissue box covers)
Sassy Studio Designs - Use a sentiment on the front
Crafts and Me - Anything Goes
For Fun Challenges - Anything Goes


Enjoy your weekend!!  I know I am!!
Hugs,
Darlene

Looks Like Rain ...

here in N.E. Ohio today, so it's a good time to hang out in my 'cave' and while I'm here, I'd like to share with you a few creations I've made the past couple of days.

Tuesday is always Crafty Secrets Challenge day over at SplitcoastStampers and lately, it's the end of the week before I actually get around to creating my card.  This week, LoriLynn (aka Lucy) has stated that 'Wrinkles are Wonderful'!  Not on our faces mind you ... but in our paper crafting.  So along with any of our Crafty Secrets / Heartwarming Vintage Products, we were to create with WRINKLES in mind.  Here's what I came up with . . .

(click on image to enlarge)
Here I have used images from the Crafty Secrets 'Birds at Home' stamp set along with Crafty Secrets 'Earthy' designer paper to create this fun card.  My flowers were made using the PunchBunch Dahlia punch and the PunchBunch Flower Making Kit (purchased at Joans Gardens).  The smaller flower was cut from the Tim Holtz floral die, 'wrinkled' and colored in the same manner.

Product used:
Stamps:  Crafty Secrets 'Birds at Home' stamps set, sentiment stamp from Woodward USA.com
Papers:  White cs, CS Earthy dp, old olive cs, more mustard cs, black cs
Ink:  Versafine Black, More Mustard, Tim Holtz Tea Dye
Accessories: Zutter Distress-it-all, PunchBunch Dahlia die, PunchBunch Big Sky punch, Cheery Lynn B119 "tropical leaves" dies, Martha Stewart bird punch
* * * * *
NEXT I'd like to share with you two cards I made with some of the latest images offered by Ignacio at Nicecrane Designs.


 (click on image to enlarge)
This image comes from the "A Child's Garden of Verses" digi set which can be found HERE.  I have used Prismacolor markers for my coloring and Spellbinder classic & scallop circles for my cut/matting.  The background paper is Basic Grey 'Marrakech paper pack'. The corner dots are created with Black Stickles and the green organza ribbon is from Michaels.
Another fun group of images is called 'Queen Silver - Bell' and can be purchased HERE.  While you are checking out these two new sets ... don't stop there!  Ignacio has been working up a storm to create new images & papers for your crafting needs!  I swear ... the man NEVER sleeps!!

Here is my card using one of fun images from this Queen Silver Bell set.  The background papers are from the DCWV Latte matstack and again I have colored my image with Prismacolor Markers.  The sticker letters are by Stickabilities ... butterfly punch by Martha Stewart ... purple glitter by Stickles  ... and the flower was in my stash (Prima I think).



I have shared this close up of the mirror (below) so you can see I used SU Crystal Effects to give it some dimension.  That is always a fun technique to use on anything like mirrors or water.



I hope you have enjoyed my cards today.  I find so much inspiration from all the other crafters out here in blogland ... I just hope a few of you find inspiration from my work as well!  Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you again soon!

Hugs,
Darlene

Friday, August 5, 2011

Birthday/Blogaversary Candy WINNER!

Thanks so much to all of you who shared in my Birthday/Blogaverary Celebration!  Your visits & comments on my daughter, Carolyn's blog really made her day and put a big smile on her face!  She was so thrilled to hear that you enjoyed her writing. I truly don't know where she gets her 'way with words' ... certainly wasn't from her mother!  LOL!  ANYWAYS ... onto selecting our winner. 

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!

Via Random.org ... today's blog candy winner is:



Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
5
 Timestamp: 2011-08-05 21:36:54 UTC


THE HOOSIER STAMPER said...
Happy Everything! Congrats! Thanks for the chance. I think I'm a follower, but the last few days the followers is not showing up, don't know if it's blogger or me? Anywhooo I'm adding your candy to my sidebar. Will check back and try to get the follower's to show up...uugghh!

CONGRATULATIONS!  Please drop me an email with your snail mail address and I'll get your 'goodies' to you right away.  Enjoy!
Darlene

Wags 'n Whiskers - SPARKLE

It's time for Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge and today it's all about 
S P A R K L E


It may be difficult to see ... but if you click on the image to enlarge ... then click on it again ... I think you can see the sparkle on the flower centers, the unicorn's mane and the little girl's wings.  All created with various colors of Stickles.  Better yet, I've gone back and extracted a close up for you ... how's this?

Please pop over to our challenge blog for more inspiration from my team mates!  
Hugs,
Darlene

Thursday, August 4, 2011

A FUN CARD ..and .. A FUN TIME

I'm running a bit 'behind' (AGAIN) and want to quickly share this card with you and get it posted over onto the challenge blog.  I'm talking about the STITCHING CHALLENGE going on over at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge Blog. I chose to use FAUX STITCHING (not good with that blasted machine) as well as the stitching on the ribbon.  GREAT fun!  AND ... If you're considering applying for a design team spot ... check out Pattie's DT Call going on right now!  This would be a FUN PLACE to design!!
 
(click on image to enlarge)
I have used one of Pattie's freebies ... isn't he just the cutest little guy!!  Thought it would put a smile on the face of a friend who has been 'down in the dumps' lately!!  I think I might even add 'googlie eyes' on it before sending!  Just for an added chuckle!
* * * * *
Besides my card, I wanted to share a few photos of the group I met up with over in Pennsylvania on Tuesday for a little 'card class'.  Currently the group consists of only a dozen or so members now and they all have MS in common.  That was the basis of beginning this group back in the 1970s.  Some of the ladies couldn't make it so the sponsor invited a few of her relatives & friends to make up the difference.  We had a GRAND TIME!

We made two cards and I took along various sentiment stamps so they could customize them to fit their needs.

Old or young ... fun was had by all and they asked if they could do it again sometime!  Of course I told them to just let me know when & where! 
It's always heart warming to share my love of cardmaking with others, and the fact they they enjoyed it so much, really MADE MY DAY!  Maybe I should check around at the senior centers here in Akron, OH and see if they'd be interested in doing something like this!  I say that because of the comment one of the older ladies said to me. And I quote, "This sure beats sitting at home and falling asleep in my chair!" 

Here are the two cards we created:


Have a wonderful day!  See you later!
Hugs
Dar

JUST A REMINDER!

TODAY'S YOUR LAST CHANCE!
Don't forget about my Birthday/Blogaversary BLOG CANDY - going on now!
Time is running out!  August 4th Deadline
Get all the DETAILS HERE!

 TWO MORE ITEMS HAVE BEEN 
ADDED TO THE GOODIE BOX!

Changing things up at bit . . .

. . . at Shelly's Images.  Instead of have a featured image showcased on Mondays ... we are now combining our Featured Image along with the Challenge offered on Thursdays.  We might stumble a bit through the month of August (please bear with us) but we should be running smoother come September!  SO ... with that being said, today's featured image is called "Hen" and can be purchased here.  If any of you are 'country kids' ... you will certainly appreciate how fabulous this digi image is!!



AND ... today's Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge is a SKETCH Challenge.  Team Mate Min has come up with this awesome sketch.

NOW ... here is my creation using this wonderful, fun, country 'Hen' image.  (Notice I didn't follow the sketch (told you we'd be stumbling through August, LOL)

 (click on image to enlarge)
Recipe:
Paper - DCWV designer papers (blue jeans, wooden planks, straw)
Accessories - Prismacolor markers, Spellbinder Egg Dies, Martha Stewart fence border punch


Before I forget . . .  today's Featured Images will both be offered for $1 OFF the regular price TODAY ONLY!!  
AND ... for those participating in our TTT, we give 4 prizes each week!  Our "TOP HAT WINNER" (first name out of the hat) and our Gold Medal Winner get the image of their choice from the store!  Our Silver Medal and Broze Medal Winners receive a "BOGO Voucher (buy one get one free). How awesome is that!!  

Thanks so much for my loyal followers for continually 'putting a smile on my face' with your comments and visits!!  Thanks SO MUCH!  And for those of you who are new ... thank you for your kindness and I hope you'll be back again real soon!


Hugs,
Darlene

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

CDAC Progressive Challenge

WOW!  How much fun am I having over at CDAC, participating in their 'NEW' Progressive Challenge.  You really MUST check this out!  All details can be found HERE on the CDAC Main Page.  (And check out this Grand Prize ... Whoo! Hoo!)



CDAC PROGRESSIVE CHALLENGE 
FIRST SERIES GRAND PRIZE

Here are THREE creations I made today to showcase some of the digis offered in this Progressive Challenge and they are shown in no particular order.

Is this little girl cute or what!  She seems so fascinated with this butterfly!  I've used DCWV water & bubble designer paper as my background and added purple butterflies punched using a Martha Stewart butterfly punch.  Prismacolor markers were used for my coloring and the sentiment is by Serendipity Stamps.



Next is this adorable Pastry Chef by JenLee over at Digistamps4joy.  Looks like he's a little shakey with that yummy looking cake ... sure hope he gets it to the party without an incident!  LOL!  HERE'S A LINK to their CDAC Group ... be sure to check 'em out!  My background paper is by Little Yellow Bicycle 'Cupcake Love' and came in a HUGE RAK package from my online friend Audrey (Peace, Love & Crafting) that I received today ... WOW!  Prismacolor markers for coloring, sentiment by Impression Obsession, EK Success tag punch and the little coupon sentiment was in the same paper pack.
 

And the last creation I have to share with you tonight is this adorable dancer from Whoopsie Daisy.  You can check out their CDAC group HERE and click on their name to go to their store.  My background paper was in my scraps (sorry don't remember who makes it) and the flowers are from JoAnn Fabrics.  Spellbinder classic & scallop ovals were used to showcase this cutie and I've used the 'out of bounds' technique.

Thanks so much for allowing me to share these creations with you tonight!  Hopefully I'll get time tomorrow to work with a couple more awesome digis offered for this FIRST ROUND in the CDAC Progressive Challenge.

Have a wonderful day/night and I'll catch you again tomorrow when I have EXCITING NEWS from Shelly's Images.  HUGS!

Darlene

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge

OH MY GOSH ... where is the time going?????   I nearly forgot to share with you today's challenge over at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog.  YIKES ... where is my mind?

Before I share my creation with you, I'd like to say "See You Later" to my team mate Julye!  She's having to step down from the team and she will be truly missed!  I'd like to wish her ALL THE BEST in her future endeavors!  AND, I'll be seeing you around blogland!

TODAY'S CHALLENGE IS:
WATERMELON

This week... for our "Watermelon" Challenge, we are lucky enough to have 
not 1, but 2 sponsors!!


Our first sponsor is:

Original Digital Stamps

That's right, our featured artist will receive 5 digis of their choice from Tiffany Doodles!

And for our second sponsor....


That's right, one lucky random person will win a $10 gift certificate from Digi My World!!

PLEASE be sure to pop over to our challenge blog and check out all the AWESOME creation made to inspire you by my team mates.  What a talented bunch!!!  Now here's what I came up with using 'Watermelon Day Brittney' from Digi My World.

REMEMBER ... you have TWO WEEKS to join in our challenge fun!  I can not wait to see what you create!  Hmmmm watermelon!  This challenge is making me hungry ... think I'll head over to the fridge and see what's available!!  LOL!!
Hugs,
Darlene

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Midnight Madness SC #115

It's Tuesday and time for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge ... hooray!!


Big big news!!
The NEW Progressive Challenges are starting this week over on CDAC !
Not only do you get all of the images for Free,
Look at what the Prize for the first Challenge Series will be!!
Copic Sketch Markers!!! WOWZA!!
Stop by and check them out!!

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 MMSC114 Gold Star Award goes to...
 Our Remarkables Awards this week go to...
2. karin van eijk  
 9. iruha  
Please grab your award logos from the side bar and display them proudly :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our MMSC114 Weekly Bonus Winner is...
  9. iruha 
Here are your random numbers: 9
Timestamp: 2011-08-02 02:47:45 UTC

Our July Monthly Winner is....
 28. Kathy Bradley 
1-Here are your random numbers:28
Timestamp: 2011-08-02 02:50:44 UTC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our MMSC115 Weekly Bonus Sponsor is..
http://priscillastyles-store.blogspot.com/ 
The MMSC115 Weekly Bonus winner will win a 
$10 Gift Voucher redeemable for any digi images in the "priscillastyles" Store
Stop by and check out all the new images!!
GC redeemable for digis only

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our August Monthly sponsor is....
At AnnaBelles we have an exclusive range of clear photopolymer stamps, a great range of embellishments including our popular Sprinkles, as well as twines, buttons and ribbons!  With our twice monthly hops and weekly challenges there is always something for everyone!  We hope you'll visit us soon :)
The Prize :
1 x 6" x 4" set Flowers With Love
1 x 6" x 4" set Floral Stems
1 x 6" x 4" set I can Fly
1 x AnnaBelle Buttons pack
2 x AnnaBelle 6mm Sprinkles
7 x 1m Ribbons
1 x Institchz by Bazzill
 Thank you so much for your Wonderful Month end Prize
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HOW ADORABLE is this digi by "priscillastyles"!!   I've basically followed along with the FANCY sketch today but didn't add the flowers in the lower left corner.  Wanting to keep this a 'boy' card, I decided to add this 'inch worm sticker' instead.

Recipe for this card:
Paper:  DCWV grass dp, black and white cardstock
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, TH floral die, Prima flower, Copper Stickles, Michael's gingham ribbon

Other challenges:
Creative Inspirations - Summertime
Here Come the Boys #7 - Travel
Order of the Opus Gluei - No Sentiment Allowed
Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge - Creatures Big and Small
2 Sisters Challenge - On the Farm
Craft Your Days Away - Summertime
Easy Craft Projects - Summertime theme
Just Some Lines - Outdoors/Summer Colors


Please take a moment and pop over to see the AMAZING creations the team has provided for your inspiration today!  They are such a TALENTED bunch!!!  Then come join in the fun ... what have you got to loose??  Hope to see you there!
Hugs,
Darlene