Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge

I am still away from home preparing for the Crafting Workshop at Joan's Gardens in Indiana and hopefully Google will behave and share with you today's Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge creation!

Today's challenge hostess is Angelique and she's requested SPRING INSPIRED creations and here's what I've come up with using "Thinking of You" digi image.

Of course any of us living in the areas where you deal with winter weather, snow, rain, mud ... YUCK ... then you know we are all really ready for Spring!!  To me ... one of the first signs of spring is seeing the flowers beginning to POP UP through the ground and the yards turning GREEN instead of brown or white from snow!  

Please pop on over to the Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge Blog and join in the fun!  And be sure to check out all the inspiration offered by the design team.  I can't wait to see YOUR Spring Inspired creation!!

Hugs,
Darlene

Do you remember the song . . .

. . . someone's in the kitchen with Dinah!?!

Well today, someone's in the kitchen with Meljen's Designs!!  Yep, we gals at Penny's Paper-Craft Challenge are creating FROM THE KITCHEN using Meljen's Designs!!

(be sure to click image to enlarge)

I have used TWO of their digi images and what fun I had creating this card!!  I have used Webster's Pages designer paper for my base with faux stitching around the edge.  Coloring was done with Prismacolor markers and Crystal Effects was used to add dimension to the lids and silverware.

Please come join in the fun and YOU might be our lucky winner!  Hope to see you at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges!
Hugs,
Darlene

Midnight Madness . . .

Hi Everyone ... a very QUICK post this afternoon  to share with you my Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #95 creation.  

I'm all packed and ready to head out to Indiana first thing tomorrow morning.  So excited to be going to another workshop at Joan's Gardens ... I will have photos to share upon my return!

Today's sketch is VERY UNIQUE and here's what I've come up with ...

(click on image to enlarge)

The image I have used on today's card is from Nicecrane Designs and I have used SU watercolor pencils & blender pen for my painting!

Sorry for the short posting ... please stop over and check out all the amazing creations using this sketch ... you will be in AWE!!

Hugs,

Darlene

Glitterbabe Tuesday

It's time once again for Glitterbabe Tuesday.  That means every Tuesday I will be showcasing one of Stef Hughes (Glitterbabe) digi images and share the creation I have made using that particular image. 

(click on image to enlarge)

Today I am using her adorable 'Lucky Panda Pearl' image.  Be sure to pop over to her BLOG  to see all the wonderful creations made by the team to inspire you (not always the same image used) and then pop on over to the STORE and get this/that image for yourself.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

For Glitterbabe's Digi's
Darlene

Sugar Creek Hollow Challenge

Today's challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow is to

** CREATE YOUR OWN FLOWERS **

and here is my creation using Tracy's beautiful butterfly and my handmade vellum flowers which I learned how to create at a workshop held at Joan's Gardens in Indiana last summer and taught by Selma Stevenson.  You can visit Selma's blog for instruction on making these flowers and several other types also.

(click on image to enlarge)

I have used Prismacolor markers to color my butterfly and after cutting out using my Fiskars swivel craft knife, I have added 'Waterfall' Stickles to the outside edge for added sparkle.  My background paper is from a K&Co. designer 12x12 pack and was all that was needed to showcase my vellum flowers.

REMINDER ... Sugar Creek Hollow is celebrating their 1st Anniversary with SPECIAL EVENTS throughout the month of March.  Be sure to pop over to the blog for ALL the information.


While you are there, be sure to check out all the wonderful inspiration for today's challenge from the Design Team and then PLEASE come join us!!  I'd love to learn how to make 'other' ... 'different' types of flowers ... and I'm sure you can teach me!  


Hugs,
Darlene

CDAC Challenges - 3/10 - 3/23

Good Evening Everyone!

I have a couple creations to share with you tonight that I did for the new set of challenges offered at CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center) this time around.  The challenges change every two weeks.

(click on image to enlarge)

This first creation is for the Embellishment Challenge and it's being sponsored by Nana Vic's Digitals.  Nana Vic has offered us this beautiful free 'Easter Cross' for the challenge and asked that we use FLOWERS as the embellishment.  I've added Deco Art Glamour Dust to the Crown of Thorns for added dimension ... please see closeup view below.

(click on image to enlarge)

 *  *  *  *  *

Next is a creation made for the Sketch Challenge and the sponsor is McMahon Five Designs.  This butterfly was also offered to be used with the sketch and here's what I came up with:

(click on image to enlarge)

 The designer paper is from an 8 x 8 GCD Studios pack and was edged with a gold Pilot marker.  I've used Spellbinder Beaded Circle & Classic Circle dies ... gold metallic cardstock & kraft cardstock.  The butterfly was colored using Sugarloaf Whisper Strokes markers (JoAnns).

*  *  *  *  *

Next is a creation using one of the freebies offered in the Freebie Challenge.  This adorable digi image was created by "priscillastyles"  and can be found in her store HERE.

(click on image to enlarge)

I decided on a CAS style for this image in order to showcase these flowers.  The background panel was embossed with the Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers EF and faux stitching was added around the outer edge.  Coloring this time was done with Prismacolor Markers.

*  *  *  *  *

The last creation I'd like to share with you is this GATE FOLD creation which is basically 'made for you' ... all you have to do is print, fold, cut & adhere into place from two sheets offered by Nicecrane Designs.  There is the BASE CARD ... and the decorative panels sheet. 

(click on image to enlarge)

I chose to mat around the oval image panel and pop it up for added dimension. I also added the flowers in the corner.  Not only is the outside easy and wonderful to look at ... but the inside is decorated too and you just have to add your favorite sentiment & embellishments.

(click on image to enlarge)

Ignacio ... the artist/owner of Nicecrane Designs is constantly coming up with new images and ideas ... be sure to check out not only his store but also his group over on CDAC.


Well, it's finally Friday night and I'm headed OUT OF MY CAVE and upstairs to spend some time with dear hubby!!   I hope you find inspiration in my cards and if you do, please feel free to let me know!  I love hearing from you all!!

Happy Weekend Everyone!
Darlene

 

Joan's Challenge #9 and Tag Challenge

Hello Everyone!

The challenge this week at Joan's Gardens is to 

* use the colors orange & blue

* use a spring theme

* use a die cut

* use a circle

Here is my card and I have used a digi image created by Tracy over at Sugar Creek Hollow for my focus image.  

(click on image to enlarge)

Spellbinder Nestabilities Lacy Circles & Beaded Circles were used for the backing on my butterfly and Prismacolor markers were used for the coloring.  Crystal Effects was used on the butterfly and the Martha Stewart fence border punch was used on the bottom panel.

Please stop over at Joan's Garden Blog and check out the challenge fun as well as all the amazing products she has for sale in her store. 
 - - - - - - - - - -
Oooppps ... nearly forgot to share with you the tag I made for Joan's Tuesday Tag Challenge.   Every Tuesday you can make & share your tag over on Joan's Gardens ... there's no 'prize' but there is 'VOTING' and your tag might be voted the BEST IN SHOW for that week.  AND ... you'll have all these beautiful tags ready for those special occasion packages.

(click on image to enlarge)

OKAY ... now I'm finished with today's BLOG SHARE!! LOL!   Hope you are having a wonderful day!   Pretty soggy here with all the rain but that's about to change ... now they're saying something like 6-12" of snow overnight & into tomorrow!!   WHAT'S UP WITH THAT!!??!!  

Hugs ya'll ...
Darlene

The Sisterhood Celebrates . . .

. . . St. Patrick's Day!

Today Lisa is our hostess and we are creating with ST. PATRICK'S DAY in mind.  So get out your Blarney Stones, Pots of Gold, Green Beer, Shamrocks ... whatever says St. Patty's to you and turn it into a creation you can share with The Sisterhood!

I have chosen this happy Leprechaun digi image created by our very own Boni at Bonibleaux Designs.  This image and many more can be found at Dude Time Doodles.

Now if you need more inspiration ... jump right over to The Sisterhood Blog and check out all the AMAZING creation provided by my 'sistahs' and our March Guest Designers!!  That's right we have THREE Guest Designers this month ... be sure to check 'em out!! 

Looking forward to seeing YOUR St. Patty's Day creation!
Hugs,
Darlene

Midnight Madness #94 & Crafty Secrets #162

It's time once again for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge.  Today I'm using the CAS sketch and "priscillastyles"  Easter Egg Hunt Dog (set of 4 different doggie images) which can be found HERE.

(click image to enlarge)

Is this pooch cute or what!  And I couldn't help but add my little 'The Stamp Pad' bunny up in the corner!  Looks like he's not happy about the pooch grabbing on to some of the eggs which had been left for the kids to find!!  LOL!!

Recipe:
Papers:  Pixie Press (eggs), Paper Pizazz (plaid), Black cs
Digi image:  "priscillastyles" Store
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, Chalk, Prima flowers

Other Challenges:
For Fun Challenges - Purple, Green, Yellow
Charisma Cards - 4-legged friends
Cute Card Thursday - Signs of Spring (Easter Egg Hunt)
Fab 'n' Funky - Spring (Easter Egg Hunt)

* * * * *   Crafty Secrets Challenge #162

  This was SO MUCH FUN if I do say so myself!  

 
Today, I'm your hostess for the Crafty Secrets Challenge over on SCS and after tossing several ideas around in my head I came up with the idea to USE ONLY ONE STAMP SET for your creation ... background paper, main image & sentiment.

(click on image to enlarge)

Here is what I came up with using the Crafty Secrets Clear Art Stamp Set SM32 - Poppy.  (I know poppies aren't blue but dragon flies are and that's where it all began!)  I used the dragon fly in the set to create my background paper ... stamped/embossed and colored my poppies with Prismacolor markers ... stamped the sentiment and cut it out to add over the ribbon panel ... the completion of the sentiment is in the lower right corner.  As you can see in my close up of the dragonfly ... I stamped it again separately, cut it out and popped it up for dimension.  I also added a strip of the paper to the back flap of the envelope to coordinate the two.  I am SO PLEASED with how this came out ... I'll be doing this little trick again soon!!


Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a GREAT week!
Hugs,
Darlene

Glitterbabe Tuesday

It's time once again for Glitterbabe Tuesday.  That means every Tuesday I will be showcasing one of Stef Hughes (Glitterbabe) digi images and share the creation I have made using that particular image. 

(click on image to enlarge)

Today I am using her adorable 'Corsets-2' image.  Be sure to pop over to her BLOG  to see all the wonderful creations made by the team to inspire you (not always the same image used) and then pop on over to the STORE and get this/that image for yourself.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

For Glitterbabe's Digi's
Darlene

Marvelous Monday at Shelly's Images.com

Happy Monday!  

Did you have a good weekend?  

I sure did!

Through a FUN discussion over at Shelly's Images Group of CDAC on Saturday, I became today's Guest Designer for the Marvelous Monday Challenge on the Shelly's Images Blog.  

 (click on image to enlarge)

 This adorable Pot 'O Gold digi is today's featured image and if you act fast, you can get it at a reduced price!  Pop right over and check it out.  Here's a LINK.

I had so much fun creating this card and with the help of 'chocolate'  (don't ask ... it's a long story ... LOL)  it came together very quickly!!

Recipe for this card:

Papers - Paper Pizazz, Golden Rod CS, Black CS, White CS

Accessories - Prismacolor markers, Crystal Effects, Chalks, Gold Stickles, Celtic Button (JoAnn's), Martha Stewart border punch, Spellbinder's Lacy Circles Nestabilites Dies, Michael St. Patty's ribbon

Other challenges:
Crafty Emma - St. Patrick's Day / Good Luck
ECP Challenges - Green
Alphabet Challenge - R is for Ribbons
Card Makin' Mamas - Something Green 
Paper Cutz - St. Patrick's Day
Stampin with the Dragon - green, gold/yellow, white in the St. Patrick's Day Theme

Thanks for stopping by today and thanks to Shelly for the awesome fun!  I was thrilled to be our Guest Designer today!!

Hugs to you all,
Darlene

A March Anniversary ...

When I looked at the calendar this morning, I realized that our closest friends will be celebrating an anniversary on Friday.  I told my husband I'd better get a card made and ready to mail right away ... lest I'd forget!!  Especially with him having a Pet Scan scheduled for Friday ... that of course is utmost on my mind.  (routine since his transplant ... but non the less concerning when that time comes around).

(click on image to enlarge)

If you peek at the left corner ... you will see I have made a matching envelope.  The inside of the card matches the paper used for my lacy strip on the front of the card & envelope flap.

The recipe for this card is as follows:

Image - Inkadinkado rubber stamp

Paper - K&Co. Susan Winget Botanical designer paper, white & eggplant cardstock

Accessories - Spellbinder Labels 10 Nestabilities, Kaiser pearls, Martha Stewart lacy butterfly and lacy border punch, K&Co. dimensional flower sticker, Deco Art Glamour Dust

A few other challenges this creation qualifies for are:

Sentimental Sundays - Pearls & Lace 

Let's Ink It Up - NO DIGI and Embossing (heat embossed words)

Stamptacular Sunday - Good Luck, Congratulations or Best Wishes

Little Claire's - Flowers

Raise The Bar - Just a Sentiment

Totally Papercrafts - Pearls & Lace

Moving Along with the Times - Anniversary

My girlfriend rarely looks at my blog (as far as I know!) ... let's hope she doesn't decide to start looking now!  LOL!!  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you are having a very RELAXING Sunday afternoon!!

Hugs,

Darlene

More exciting news & a Touch of Vintage

WOW, what an amazing week I am having!!   I just couldn't wait for today to make my announcement!!! I was invited to be  Guest Designer for the month of March at Sugar Creek Hollow!!!! WOOOHOO!!! Thanks so much Tracy for giving me the opportunity to work with you and your very talented design team!!!    What a fabulous month this is going to be!!

It's going to be a SUPER EXCITING month at Sugar Creek Hollow as they are celebrating their 1st Anniversary!  All the activities will be listed at the bottom of this post.  Bear with me ... it's going to be a long post ... LOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!
 

First of all is today's challenge and we have a sketch for you to play with.  I had so much fun with this sketch and I hope you do too! 

For my creation, I have used the beautiful dress called Ladies "Frock" Together - Springtime in Paris Collection which can be found HERE. 

(click on image to enlarge)

The designer paper I chose to use is Daisy D's and I have used Tim Holtz distress ink to distress the edges as well as paper piecing the digi dress image.  Another technique used is faux stitching around the outside edge. 

Now, I'd like to tell you about the upcoming 'schedule of events' at Sugar Creek Hollow.

March 5 - Tracy, our wonderful owner has put together a lovely package of blog candy that could be yours so just head to the Sugar Creek Hollow challenge blog on March 5^th and follow the instructions.  The winner will be chosen on March 31^st.  Here's a peek at the goodies . . .

March 12 - the first Guest Designer chosen from our Cards of the Week will join us.

March 19 - we are having a blog hop with prizes to be won on each designer’s blog as well as a grand prize on the Sugar Creek Hollow challenge blog.

March 26 - we are having a contest to name a new image.

More details on all the activities will follow but make sure you mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and sharing in my excitement!  Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!!

Hugs,
Darlene

Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge

Happy Friday Everyone!

I can't tell you how much fun I am having being the Guest Designer for Wags 'n Whiskers!  The images are awesome and the team is just so warm & friendly ... thanks again for this opportunity ladies!  

Before moving on to today's challenge ... did you notice the photo of the adorable little boy named Luke in my sidebar?  Well Luke needs your help!  He is battling complications from Spinal Meningitis.  You can read Luke's story and all about the fundraiser going on HERE and then you can do your part to help by purchasing this adorable image in the store HERE.  Thanks in advance for you participation!!  I will be sharing a creation with this adorable image very soon ... keep watching!


Now . . . for today's challenge at Wags 'n Whiskers, Debbie has challenged us to use

  MORE THAN ONE FOLD 

on our creations and here's what I've come up with.

 (click on image to enlarge)

I know I used this precious little ballerina last challenge, but I just think she is SO PRECIOUS and with two little girls living next door ... I'm sure these creations will come in handy!!  Here's a peek at the inside of the card . . .

 Prismacolor markers were used for the coloring on my image and as soon as I locate it ... I will share with you who the maker is on the designer paper!  Sorry!!  I have done paper piercing around the edge of the focus image and faux stitching around the left side panel of my gate card.  Two techniques I enjoy doing but sometimes forget to do!  


Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you'll take a moment and pop by the challenge blog for all the details ... then come join in the fun!!  I look forward to seeing all the different types of FOLD CARDS ... I know they are out there!  Show us what your favorite Multi Fold card is!!


Have a WONDERFUL day!
Hugs to you all,
Darlene

Joan's Gardens Blog Hop

A quick post for this evening just to share with you the creation I made (well, actually two)  for the Just Rite Stamps Blog Hop/Challenge going on over at Joan's Gardens this week.  The prizes are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and you'll want to pop over to get all the details ... then get involved.  

(embossed version-click to enlarge)

First I stamped this Just Rite sentiment ... then thought I should have embossed it ... so stamped another ... hence the TWO cards!!  (can't let anything go to waste you know!)  I've used Basic Grey Marrakech designer paper for both cards ... only difference is I distress the 2nd card with various Tim Holtz distress inks over top of the patterned paper.

I like how both cards turned out but I think it will be the SECOND card that I will enter into the challenge!  I wish you could see it IRL ... it's so pretty and there is glitter all over the butterfly which really gives it a nice dimension.


Thanks for stopping & looking!  I know I'm kind of going CRAZY this week with postings but I just want to share with everyone and hopefully inspire a few along the way!  OH ... and I truly LOVE all your comments ... but if you don't leave a comment, that's okay ... I'm just thrilled that you stopped by! 

Hugs,
Darlene

Alice In Wonderland . . .

Good Day Everyone!  

The sun is shining outside ... and I'm energized!!

Today I'd like to share my creations made using the Alice In Wonderland collection from Nicecrane Design.  Ignacio has several different versions of Alice in Wonderland for you ... so you can choose your favorite author.   I have used the Digital Collage sheet of images by A.L. Bowyle ... you can find it/them HERE. 


I decided to make a Boxed Set using these adorable images.  They can be used as Birthday, Get Well, Note Cards ... what ever you choose!  Here's a view of the collection in a group. (Remember, you can click on any image to enlarge)

Now here is a view of each card individually . . .

There are six - A2 size cards in this set 

with coordinating envelopes.  

 When I shared this boxed set with everyone over on the Nicecrane Designs Group of CDAC, Ignacio was inspired and came back with a FREEBIE for everyone!  A different Alice in Wonderful image ... so of course I had to FINISH OFF THIS SET and create SOMETHING ... so I decided on a Personal Planner (altered composition book) which I thought this image was PERFECT for!!  What do you think??

So there you have it!!  Me ... having fun ... with childhood memories!  BTW ... did you see the last Alice In Wonderland Movie with Jonny Depp?  What did you think??  I thought it was a little 'dark' ... but I LOVE Jonny Depp so I truly enjoyed it!!

OTHER CHALLENGES:

Creative Belli - Animals (mainly rabbits in these images)

Gingersnap Creations - Working Life ( must have a personal planner)

Papercraft Star - Movie, book or song inspired

Bearly Mine - Birthday Card

Digital Tuesday - Celebrations (include a digital element)

My Time To Craft - Hats (Mad Hatter's Hat)

Scrap-Creations - Kids (what kid doesn't know the story of Alice?)

Cheerful Stamp Pad - Anything but a Card (Personal Planner)

Quirky Crafts - Alice In Wonderland 

Challenge Up Your Life - Fairytales

Little Claire's - Anything Goes

Crafty Catz - Create something for a Friend

Fuzzy Wuzzy - Animal, birthday wishes

Okay ... gotta go ... Joan over on Joan's Gardens has an AMAZING, PRIZE PACKED challenge going on right now and I don't want to miss creating for it ... better get my thinking cap on!!  Catch you later!  HAVE A GREAT DAY ... I KNOW I AM!! 
Hugs from me to you, 
Darlene

Tag Challenge at Joan's Gardens

(click on image to enlarge)

Just a quick post this afternoon to share with you the TAG I have created for the Tuesday Tag Challenge over on Joan's Gardens. Each week we are creating tags for FUTURE use and to have in stock ... just for the fun of it ... and WOW you should see some of the tags that are coming out of this challenge!  AMAZING and SO INSPIRATIONAL!!  PLEASE ... go check it out!

Other challenges:
A Spoonful of Sugar - Tags
Paper Take Weekly - Anything goes
Craft Your Passion - Girly
Cupcake Craft - Anything but Square
Stamp Fairy - Anything but a Card
Stamping Scrapping Central - Pink
Woodware USA - Anything Goes
Cheerful Stamp Pad - Anything but a Card
Creative Inspirations Paint - Birthdays
Card Creations & More by C - Sparkle


Thanks for popping by ... have a great day!
Darlene

Penny's Paper-Crafty Creations

Hello Everyone!  

It truly amazes me how fast these WEEKS go by in between challenges. WOW!

Anyways, it's time once again for a challenge at Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges.  Courtney is doing an AWESOME job of 'running the show' and has set up some fabulous sponsors & challenges for the upcoming months!   AND ... before moving on to today's challenge ... I'd like to welcome our newest DT member

HANNAH

Please be sure to check out Hannah's creation along with the rest of the team when you're looking for inspiration on today's challenge.

Today we once again welcome Dew Drop Craftz as our sponsor. 

And our challenge to you today is 

GO FOR THE "GREEN".  

That's right ... use your imagination and interrupt this as you see fit.  Could be literally the color GREEN ... could be something to do with St. Patrick's Day ... heck it could even be a GRASSY MEADOW  ... show us what 'cha got!!  Here's what I've come up with using one of the freebies offered over on  Dew Drop Craftz.

(click on image to enlarge)

 After printing this 'flowers & grasses' image, I used chalks and inks go give it color.  The sentiment is a rubber stamp from Stampscapes and the butterflies are a Martha Stewart punch.  My only other embellishment is the faux stitching done around the outside edge with a Signo White Pen.

Thanks for stopping by today and I can't wait to see what YOUR GREEN creation turns out to be!  What fun!!  

EXCITING NEWS . . .

WOW!  Can you believe today is the First day of March!!??!!

Spring will be here before we know it ... hang in there everyone!!

As you can see by the title of this posting ... I have some exciting news to share with you today and here it is!  

I'm SO THRILLED to tell you that the awesomely talented, Stef Hughes ... GLITTERBABE  has asked me to be on her Design Team and help showcase her AMAZING digi images.  If you're not familiar, you can click on Stef's name to go to her blog or you can jump right over to her Art Store and check out all the wonderful images and sentiments she has available.   So without further ado ... here is my 1st Glitterbabe DT creation ...

(click on image to enlarge)

This image is called "Sewing Basket" and can be found under the New Releases Tab.  I have used SU double stitched ribbon and Bucket 'o Buttons - buttons for my embellishments.  Along with scissors which is a stamp from the Crafty Secrets 'Sew Special' stamp set and sentiment from the same set.  My designer paper has been in my stash for quite some time and I 'think' it's paper pizazz but not exactly sure.

Before I forget ... please let me introduce you to the other members of the TEAM.

• Theresa Gerber
• Tracey Clark
• Stacie DeBurger
• Stef Hughes - Ms. Glitterbabe
• Melanie LaBelle

Thanks for stopping by today and sharing in my exciting news!!  I will be sharing more Glitterbabe's Digi creations with you every Tuesday.  And if I haven't shared enough inspiration with you ... be sure to pop on over to the BLOG where you can see more wonderful creations by my team mates!!


Happy Day,
Darlene

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #93

It's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge time again and today I chose to create using the CAS (clean and simple) sketch vs the fancy.  Remember, you have the choice of either the CAS sketch or the FANCY sketch to create with.  While working on my card I decided I didn't want to put a lot of embellishments on my creation ... just wanted to bring focus to this beautiful ballerina digi image.

(click on image to enlarge)

This lovely digi image is a new release over at the "priscillastyles" store. Priscilla has been coming up with so many ADORABLE, SPRINGY images ... you really don't want to miss out ... take a moment and pop right over!!