Whoop-Dee-Dooo

Hello my family of crafters and friends! I have been away trying to recover from a state of depression due to the loss of a family member and a decline in my health.  

After recovering from family matters I had to focus on my health.  It took a while (longer than expected) but now it is under control and my whoop-dee-dooo attitude has returned just in time to for me to re-engage myself by joining a few challenges. 

Here is the card that I am entering.  Hope you like it.

I used the "Mummu" image from Mo Manning.  She appeared to have the attitude that goes well with the greeting "whoop-dee-dooo" that was part of a Stampendous clear stamp collection called "Birthday Wish".

I used three different design papers from Maja Design and Bazzil to create the layout. My embellishments include flowers from Wild Orchid and Recollections.  

The lace, bling and cheese-cloth I found in my stash.  I used lace although I have equal amounts of lace and ribbon.  I mostly use lace simply because I haven't mastered the tying of bows and I think when you use ribbon you have to add a bow.

My friends say I do okay with bows but until my bows resemble those made by Becca Feeken, I will continue to use lace as often as I can but that's not to say that I won't tie a bow from time to time or use ribbon on my projects. 

On the inside I used different leftover scraps and a couple of sheets from the same Maja paper pad.  I added a corner flourish and used a Hero Arts stamp for my sentiment.

The card size is 6 x 6 and my image was colored with the following copic markers.

E00, 11, 23, W0, 00, 01, 03, 04, 05, 07, BV000, 00, 01, 02, BG90. BG93, and V28.

I'd like to enter the following challenges.

Southern Girls - #153 3 or more Pattern Papers (M15)

Crafting With Attitude - #24 Anything Goes (2/24)(M101)

Mo Manning - #272 Anything MO Goes (2/24)(M18)

Simply Papercraft - #43 Anything Goes (2/22)(M120)

Creative Fingers - #124 Anything Goes (2/16)(M129)

Polkadoodles - Week #6 Anything Goes (2/24)(M09)

Crafting With Friends - #36 Anything Goes (2/15)(M121)

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Sending Hugs from Texas

~Lesia~

Christmas Season

Greetings fellow crafters and card-makers.  The Christmas Season is closing in upon us and before you know it we will be rushing to get those cards made and in the mail.  I was so excited and ready to get started on my cards, so for this post I would like to showcase a Christmas card inspired by "Jo Jo's Bits N Bobs", that I enjoyed making.

This card features the cutest image from Lily of the Valley (LOTV) which is called "James In the Snow".  Isn't he the cutest little bear? I think there is a series of stamps that is designed all around the comings and goings of this little bear.

I continued on the inside with the same designer paper and included a blank space for a personal message. The paper I used is from the Vintage Autumn Basics collection by Maja Design.  The embellishments used include the Tim Holtz "Holiday Lamppost" die, Spellbinders Scalloped Circle, Wild Orchid Flowers, and lots of stickles.  I added a few snowflake stickers and stamped the "Let it Snow" greeting by Hero Arts.  Everything was inked with Vintage Photo before adhering together. The finished card is 5.5 x 5.5.

Copics Used: V95, V93, V91, V99, V01, V000, V0000, E31, E42, E50, B00, BG0000, C5, C1, C00

I'd like to play along in the following challenges:

Great Impressions - Oct Challenge Anything Goes (10/31)
Addicted to Stamps - #134 Lots of Layers (10/04)
The Pencil Case - #31 ATG Colouring Challenge (11/05)
MFP Stamp Challenge - #44 Anything Goes (11/04)
Allsorts Challenge - #387 Start on Christmas (11/04)
Kraftin Kimmie - #355 Lots of Layers (11/04)
Crafty Friends - #43 Anything Goes (11/04)
Christmas Card - #46 Create A Christmas Card (11/05)
A Gem of A Challenge - #181 Snowflakes (11/09)

That's all for tonight and thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to leave a comment and tell me what you think.  I love hearing from you.

Sending hugs from Texas

~Lesia~

Make Time To Make Stuff

Season Change

The season change is slowly creeping upon us.  In the last week we have had temperatures in the mid-90s and now our meteorologist says to expect rain within the next couple of days and the good news is that immediately following the rain our temperature will fall into the comfortable 70s which is perfect for me and the season of course!  

I am so excited..I love this cool weather.  The only sad thing for me is I still haven't had time to get my hot tub back up and running (phooey).  Between stoves catching fire, remodeling issues in the kitchen and dryers blowing cold air, my focus has been on many things and unfortunately the hot-tub was not one of them.  Lucky for me, I can always raise my windows to let the cool air in while I sit in my craft-room and create.

Speaking of creating...I have another card to share. Its an image that could be considered Fall or Winter.  I decided that since it hasn't snowed here in Texas, I decided that it would be a scene with dusty dirt (its what we call it) that is found during the Fall time of year just before Winter.  The basket reminds me of a bushel of apples...ummm...like I said in the beginning...I love this time of year.

This is another gorgeous image from Northwoods Rubber Stamps called "Birds on Water Pail" (PP8884).  Make sure you check them out.  I used my copics and promarkers to color this image.  

I think the paper is My Minds Eye "Portabella" collection (don't hold me accountable for this guess).  I embossed one of the mats with my dots folder and used Walnut Stain to ink the edges of my paper.  Everything was adhered to Kraft card-stock that was cut to create a 4.5 x 6.5 card.

I'd like to enter the following challenges (mostly ATG).

Inspiration Destination - Challenge #104 ATG
Digital Delights - Delightful Challenge #14
Crafty Girls Creations - Challenge #26 ATG
Crafting With An Attitude - Challenge #19 ATG
Cardz 4 Galz - Challenge #31 Anything But Square
4 Crafty Chicks - Challenge #317 Colors of Fall

Well now its time for me to go demonstrate my domestic ability, you know what I mean...dishes, vacuuming, folding clothes, and other stuff that fall under housework.

Thanks for stopping by and remember all comments are welcomed.

Sending hugs from Texas

~Lesia~

Make Time to Make Stuff

Crazy Birds

Hello everyone, its me again! Can you believe I am back before the month ends? I think it was the extra time we got from celebrating Labor Day.  

So now to share my latest endeavors.  I just found the joy of creating with "Crazy Birds" from Tim Holtz.  I think this is going to be fun and I am hoping we will see these little creations as mini birds in the near future.  How about it Tim, can we look for it in the near future. I'm not sure how long I will be in awe of these things but that is where I am at the moment.

I have additionally as a direct result of these birds been introduced to shrink plastic.  If you haven't used shrink plastic, you have got to try it.  It is amazing watching something shrink without losing its definition.  Once I perfect the technique of using it then I will try creating with it.  But until then I will continue to make cards as I always have. 

This card actually measures 6.25 x 4.25 and is a tent-fold style card.  The image was made using "Crazy Birds" along with "Crazy Things".  I colored my image with Copic markers and used foam tape to pop everything up.  My greeting (which is actually a sentiment) is by Stampendous. 

My inspiration for this card came from K. Werner Designs, a fabulous designer for Tim Holtz and Ranger.  I think I will be creating with these birds for the next week or so and I'll be sure to share with everyone.

I want to enter the following challenges:
(unless otherwise noted these challenges are Anything Goes)

Lost Coast Portal - Challenge #28
House of Cards - Sep Challenge: Add A Bird or Colors
Craft Your Passion - Challenge #328
Crafting From the Heart - Challenge #326
Unicorn Challenge #13 - Happy Birthday
Sunny Day Crafting - Challenge #13 
Lemon Shortbread - Challenge #23
Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes
Just Keep On Creating - September Link Up

I can't wait to start my next Crazy Bird card! This is as addictive as my scenic stamps. It feels great to have options and time to play in my craftroom.  I'm finally feeling the joy and freedom of retirement.

Until next time, be creative and don't forget to leave a comment and let me know you visited.

Hugs from Texas
~Lesia
"Make time to make Stuff"

Color Time

Hello my crafting friends.  Hope everyone had a great weekend and is having a great start of the week. I'm here to share a couple of fun cards with you.  I created these cards after spending a couple of days just sitting in my craft room without really thinking.

Sometimes, I like to just sit in my craft room and play with my crafting stuff.  I haven't mastered all my markers so I decided to practice a bit with watercoloring using my distress pens and Aqua ProMarkers.  Then I practiced coloring and mixing Copic with Spectrum Noir.  It wasn't about being perfect but more of relaxing and relieving a bit of stress.

The two cards I have to share is the product of my playtime.  They were both made with leftover scrap paper, reducing the small mountain I had going on (smiles). Another technique I tried during this playtime was creating liners for my cards.  After watching about 4 different ways to create a liner I finally settled on one that worked best for me.

On my first card you can see that I am truly challenged when it comes to mixing water and ink...I sometimes think it looks like something exploded on my paper and definitely not close to being perfect so if anyone has ideas for me then please share!! Watercoloring is so outside of my comfort zone but fun.

Sorry about the discoloration of the images.  I tried but evidently I am not real good with this new Samsung phone or the lighting in my photo area needs replacing.

The paper used on this card was leftover paper from my hat-box I altered and previously shared. Its from the Bo Bunny Enchanted paper collection which I have had stashed for quite some time now.  I used both Aqua Promarkers and Ranger Distress Markers to color my image and it was a good start for practicing.  My reservoir of Aqua Markers is limited to 12, but I have a complete selection of Distress Markers. Not sure if I will purchase more or not at this point.

Entering this card in the following challenges:

The Ribbon Girl - April Any Image (4/30)
Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes (4/23)
Crafting From the Heart - #108 Anything Goes (4/23)

My second card was created using My Mind's Eye paper collection and I have no clue which collection because the front cover has disappeared from the sheets I have left (I've had it for a while now).

I used an image from LaLa Land Crafts that I think is called "Marci With Umbrella".  She was colored with Copic and Spectrum Noir Markers. I was really pleased with how she turned out especially the umbrella. I wanted to create a clear plastic look.

Didn't do a lot to this card, just a piece of Offray ribbon and a MS Border Punch to create a couple of embellishments, and I used a Spellbinders die to cut out my image after coloring her.

Hope to enter "Marci" in the following challenges:

Lost Coast Portal - #23 Anything Goes (4/24)
Crafty Boots - Use A Sentiment (4/23)
Cuttlebug Mania - April Showers (4/25)
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Anything Goes (4/24)
Pixie's Crafty - Snippets (4/23)

As usual I used any leftover paper to decorate the inside of the cards and this time I used the leftovers to create my envelope liners as well.

Well that's all for today.

Thanks for stopping by and until next time...

be creative and enjoy life 

Sending Hugs from Texas

~Lesia

Gift Set

Mema's Online Store - Click Here (or click tab above)

Enter Giveaway(Group A) - Click Here (or scroll down)

I decided for this post to start out with something a bit different...no nothing new but something I hadn't did in a while and that is create a gift set which simply means I will create a card with a matching gift bag, or matching box, or maybe a matching tag. This time I am using a gift bag and matching envelope to go along with my card.

The designer paper is from the Graphic 45 "Gilded Lily" collection.  I wasn't able to get a complete set of this paper but I did manage to get a few pages that I thought were delightful.

So here is what I created and want to share with everyone, and you know what...I am going to give away Group B of my giveaway to one lucky person that leaves a comment on this post. So you don't need to enter a name or anything, just tell me what you think of my creation and you could win 3 Spellbinders dies.  WINNER will be announced on August 31st so don't forget to check back.

To find out what Group B dies are check out my giveaway post by clicking here or click the giveaway found in the right sidebar.  And if you haven't entered for Group A there's still time to do so.

Now on to my creations.  Beware there are about 6 photos in this one post.

Here you have all three pieces of the set.


Card
Matching Envelope
Matching Gift Bag

The Gift Bag is up next.

This is the front where I used a string of flat back pearls and Wild Orchid Lace to decorate the top.

The paper is "Royal Gardens" from the Gilded Lily paper collection.

My flowers are Wild Orchid flowers that I ordered from "The Rubber Buggy" which is a stateside distributor of Wild Orchid products.

I used several Spellbinders dies to create a frame for the image I fussy cut from the paper.

I continued the theme on the back using "Her Majesty" from the Gilded Lily paper collection.

The cardstock was Bazzil "Wildberry Pie" and "Vanilla Stone."

Now on to the card that I created using leftover scraps once the gift bag was completed.

I simply used the reverse side of the designer paper, added the last bit of lace and pearls and then colored up my image.







The image is from Sarah Kay and she is colored with Copic markers of course.

Here is what I hope is a close-up view of my image.  I think I used the following markers (not real sure) because I tend to clean up immediately following a project.

B91, 93, 95, R83, 85, E00, 11, 13, E53, 55, 57, YG61, 65

Here is a peek at the inside of the card.

Again I used left over scraps to keep everything coordinated.  The card size was going to be 6x6 but it had to be a 5x5 instead because of the size of my leftovers.







Well my fellow crafters, this is all I have for tonight.  Don't forget to tell me what you think for a chance at some free dies and even if you don't need the dies share your thoughts with me. I appreciate the comments.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:
Crafty Calendar Challenges - Bingo (horizontal twice and down the middle) (8/28)
Fantasy Stampers - #42 Lots of Layers (8/14)
Scrappers Delight - Anything Goes (08/31)
Sweet Stampin' - Anything Goes But Birthday (8/14)

Christmas Is Near

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and had time to celebrate the official start of the Holiday Season with family and friends. Now is when the signs of Christmas come to life, you know the hustle and bustle in the stores and on the streets.

The scenery changes from colorful leaves to the colorful lights around homes and along the highways at night. And then the sound of music fills the air along with smiles and hellos seldom heard throughout the year.

For crafters, this is the time to start creating those Christmas cards and home decor items that say Christmas is around the corner, and I am no different.

Here is the beginning of my Christmas cards for this year and be sure and check out our DECEMBER CHALLENGE by clicking the tab above.  Its "Anything Goes"  with the theme of "celebrate the holidays" or "cold winter days".  I'll get you started here and then you can check out what the M&M Girls have when you enter your project.

I always seem to forget to keep track of the paper and copics I use on my cards but for this card I think the following recipe is at least 80% correct.

DP:  Authentique and Paper Studio
CS: Kraft (from Hobby Lobby)
Copic Markers Reds: R35, 37, 39 Browns: E50, 53, 55, 57 Grays: T1, 3, 5

Image: Peppermint Tea (Stitchy Bear Digital Outlet)
Offray Ribbon and a doily from Bo Bunny Collection

Inside
Dies: Whimsy Circle and Statley Doily
The Greeting was computer generated and the sentiment came with the image from Stitchy Bear.  Card finished size is 6x6.

My second card I wanted to resemble the winter so I used embellishments that would go with the coldness of winter although I did add a few flowers (which would not be found in the cold of winter) silly me in fantasy land of crafting.

Anyway let me see if I can remember what all I did with this card.  The image is from Bugaboo "Kidz-Winter" and I colored her with copics. I used a Marianne Design Snowflake die and Tim Holtz Holiday Lamp Post die on the front.  The flowers are from Wild Orchid and the leaves are Cherry Lynn Designs.


The DP is Maja Designs Vintage Frost Basics collection. Kraft is the card base and the cardstock is Recollections. Adding Frosted Lace Stickles gave the card a little shimmer that looks really cute (can't capture on camera) and the snow ...well I'm still trying to get the hang of it.




On the inside I added the trees (supposed to be snow trees) but the snow hasn't started falling yet (lol). Oh of course the tree die is from Tim Holtz.










I think the copics used were:
Blues: B90, 91, 93, 95, 97, 99
Skin: E15, 13, 11,00
Hair: E21, 23, 43, 53, 55, 57
Browns: E40, 43, 44, 45

Well that's what I've got to share for tonight but I have lots more Christmas cards to go so its on and popping in my craft room.






Your comments are always appreciated so please take time to leave a comment and don't forget to join in our challenge.  I love seeing what others create and finding new ways to use old stuff.

As always

Until next time

Lifting Case Frenzy

Hello everyone.  This past week I have been so busy just handling everyday things that I really couldn't get my noggin in the creative groove. Hackers make it really hard to keep trust in others...this week my debit card was compromised so I've had to deal with that mess.  Lucky for me "Bank of America" was on top of things and noticed an inconsistent or unusual spending habit for me and immediately began to decline charges against my debit account.  So we think the crooks got nothing! It had to be someone with a weight problem because the items were all around nutrisystem, treadmill, scales and stuff like that. Glad to know that folks want to be healthy but not at my expense.

So just to keep my faith and not lose sleep I went to visit my friend "Tracy" to check out what she had created that I felt I could case and I found quite a few, although my coloring will never match hers.



First let me share with you the original card that caught my eye and click here to go to Tracy's post where I found it.  You'll have to scroll down to around July 9th to get to it.

Isn't it absolutely adorable? I have several Mo Manning images and if I don't have one but need it, then its off to get it.  You can't go wrong with Mo's images.  They are all so perfect for any occasion and for any age as well.  But moving right along I want to show you my version of this adorable card.

And here is my inspirational version.  I know it is missing in so many ways but that's okay. I did try to follow the color scheme and capture the overall concept of the design.

I enjoyed coloring it and now that I have a complete set of Spectrum Noir, Copics and ProMarkers I feel like the Queen of Markers...I just have to learn how to master each of them.  One day at a time, right?

So what is the verdict? I think it turned out pretty good and my coloring on this one did make me smile for once.



I hope Tracy takes my mimic as a compliment because between her and a few other designers, I think I have grown quite a bit in my coloring, my style and my technique, but when I find it to stressing to sketch out a design its good to know that you can always find inspiration on the internet.

Different styles, techniques and designers.  From Shabby Chic, CAS, Steampunk, Whimsical and even the Gothic and Dark can be found.  I tell you when I stress I surf and it usually helps bring back that smile.  Oh such a delight this crafting is.

The paper used was from My Mind's Eye and I forgot all about writing down the markers.  I did mix both my copics and the Spectrum Noir... and yes they do blend together.  The new brush tip on the Spectrum Noir is a bit different from the Copic but work the same with less pressure.  Give'em a try.

Okay that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs

Lesia

Mema's Challenges Update

Hello Everyone

This is a quick post to let you know that beginning April I will be changing my challenges to post on the first Monday of every month and run until the end of a month with a winner on the 15th and the 30th  of the month (almost every two weeks).

So the earlier you post the more chances you have to win.  A winner will be chosen on the 15th and then again on the 30th of the month.  Hope you will join in the fun and share your talent with us.

Additionally, my challenges will always be "Anything Goes" with an optional twist so if you feel like a twist take the plunge but if you're not up to it then share with us your style...its your choice.   I want my challenges to be a way for you to have fun, win prizes and share your passion for crafting with others that have the same passion.

So look for this change next month, but for now I have a couple of cards to  share with you.

For this card I used Glitz Pretty in Pink paper collection along with the layered sticker that came in the collection.  The flowers and the crystals are Recollection.  I used a piece of ribbon from my stash and a few buttons.  I inked and distressed the edges.

This masculine card was created using  "The Craftsman" a new paper pack from Prima that I just received.  I stamped the sentiment twice and then popped it up using foam dots.  I also added stitching around the outside of the card and cut out a gear from a sheet of the paper.


I think I'll enter this card in:
Penny's Paper Crafting Challenge - Stitching or Faux


Both of these cards were inspired by other designers who are a bit more talented than I am....so big kudos and thanks for keeping me inspired.

Well I hope everyone is having a great weekend and I look forward to seeing your creations.

Take Care Until Next Time

Lesia

Tic Tac Toe

Hope you had a good week and have fun plans for the weekend.  I am real anxious for spring to step on up to the plate so we can stop playing the game of 45 degrees one day and then 75 the next.
Anyway, I am here to share my DT card for this week's challenge over at 613 Avenue Create.  It's our first challenge for the month of March and we're playing "Tic Tac Toe" so get ready!

My card base and mats are Recollections and the patterned papers are from Authentique Essentials Collection 6x6 pad. The image is The Vicarage Scene by Rick St Dennis.

I printed my image on Neenah paper and colored it with my Copics. I cut it out, added a mat and then used foam dots to pop it up on my card. I added green stickles to the bushes around the house for a little glistening effect.

I punched out a few pennant flags using my Paper Studio 2" pennant punch and then outlined it with my white gel pen. I also included a couple of brads and some bling. Lastly I stitched around the outside of the top layer to box in my image. The sentiment is by Poly Cling clear stamps.

Tracing my tic-tac-toe three times finished my card. I am entering this card in the following challenges:

All That Stickles - Use Green Stickles

Catch the Bug - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by and while you're here don't forget to enter our March "Anything Goes" challenge by clicking the tab above, and then hop over to 613 Avenue Create.

First Anniversary Card

Click Here For August Challenge

Don't Forget: Sign In To Be Counted For The Top Follower Prize

Hello all, hope you had a wonderful weekend.  My weekend was uneventful for the most part but there were a few events of interest. It was a 3-day weekend for me so that made my weekend even better (yipee!). I managed to get my hair taken care of, so as not to scare any more little babies at the grocery store and to eliminate all the stares.  Guess I should have kept my wig on...oh well, that wig just got to hot and since it was mine, I didn't think of what would happen if I  politely removed it from my head. Underneath the wig I did have my hair twisted so it wasn't a horrible sight at all, but it scared the dickens out of one little kid which disturbed the mother who stared at me with eyes of ice. I didn't respond to her stare...she looked younger and in better shape so I just prayed that her daughter would quit screaming.  I didn't kill anyone with my wig...I just took it off.

Anyway, I was enjoying the mornings without an alarm and the rush to shower and dress, let the dog out, put the food down and all the rest of a working morning. I didn't miss that routine at all.  Mother Nature cooperated this weekend by cooling the temperature with a few rounds of nice soothing and cooling rain.  Those beautiful drops of water falling from the sky were welcomed and appreciated after suffering the triple digit temperatures for a while now.

Our 100 store outlet mall opened this weekend and it was tax-free weekend as well here in Texas.  But trying to get to that mall was harder than trying to hide an elephant downtown.  Every highway was crowded and God forbid if you had anything going on in your vehicle because there was a policeman at every stop and turn.  Some folks love the thrill of the fight...its an adventure for them.  If my wallet had just a bit more green in it, I would have been out there with the rest of the bargain hunters, all for the deal of a discount.

During this wonderful weekend I had the opportunity to create an Anniversary card for a co-worker.  I tried to add a bit of elegance and flair and then afterward I decided to create a matching envelope.  I'll know tomorrow if she likes it, but I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts.

The CS and double-sided DP is by Anna Griffin.  I found one of her paper packs in my stash and it had the perfect pastel colors that I needed, so whoopee.

The bling and the flower is by recollections. I used a Cheery Lynn die to cut the doily and then inked the edges with tumbled glass distress ink.

In this photo you can see a snippet of the matching envelope I made.  I added a sentiment in the lower left corner of the envelope and on the inside I folded the paper so the coordinating pattern was visible on the opening flap.




The sentiment is computered generated and I picked up some chipboard stickers at Tuesday Morning that had numbers included.

I continued on the inside with the same paper and added a verse for my co-worker, while leaving room for a personal hand-written message.

Well that's my anniversary card and I can't wait to read your comments, so don't forget to give me your thoughts.

Quick Post

Click Here For August Challenge

Don't Forget: Sign In To Be Counted For The Top Follower Prize

NOTE:  Changes were made to this post to protect the innocent and those with vivid imaginations!

Today has been a day of hope and daydreams.  The Power Ball lottery is up to 320 million so talk about daydreams...wooowewewe.  What would I do...well with only one ticket the odds don't look that good but what the heck you can't win if you don't play so I think its okay to pay $2 on a dream.

This post will be shorter than normal because I am rather tired.  After working all day, I had to come home and convince my daughter-in-law to take the braids out of my hair when she left work at 9:00 pm, and that took about an hour.  Then into the shower I went to finish up with some hot water running through my hair, and that killed about 30 minutes.  Now I am sitting here in front of my computer wearing a nightie from the 1930s that has been cut to resemble a shirt (someone got happy with the scissors, so there's not much marterial left in my opinion) with the ugliest birds flying on it....where in the Sam Hill did I get this thing, and the bigger question is why did I keep it.  Who put this thing on me? (God I hope my webcam isn't on).  Did I mention that I am also talking to my BFF (Joyce on the phone) with a towel wrapped around my wet noggin as the water drips down my neck and face and I continue to stare at this screen.

Guess I should go and at least blow dry this mess before I get to tired, after all I am expected to go to work tomorrow.  Wonder what outfit I'm going to wear...I mean it has to match this hairstyle I'm fixin to whip up (surprise surprise).

In between everything that I did today I was still able to pull the winner for my mid-month challenge entry draw, so without holding you guys in suspense any further allow me to send a great big

CONGRATULATIONS TO

LISA S.  FOR HER ENTRY #8

YOU ARE THE WINNER OF A SATURATED CANARY DIGI IMAGE OF YOUR CHOICE

(please contact Mema usingthe "email me button" in the right sidebar or just email Lesia at lesia1707@att.net)

Remember you have until August 18th to claim your prize

Now that we've taken care of announcing our winner, I'd like to remind you that we will have another drawing on August 30th so hang around for a while.  Additionally, we might have a grab bag winner should I get 7 more followers so tell your friends to check out my blog and if they like it then join our team.

I never like to blog without sharing something so I am going to post a few scrapbook pages that I did a few months back.  I hope you enjoy them.

They look like sisters but they are actually cousins.  Go Figure.

This is my one of my girls (grans)

This photo is a glamour shot I had taken to celebrate reaching the big 50. 

My grand-daughter and name sake.  She is very versatile in her extracurricular activities.

Well my lovelies, it is now past 10 pm and that is not a good thing for me.  I should be snoring, slobbering, moaning, groaning or yelling at the dog to scoot over or something.  In other words I should be in the bed and close to meeting Mr. Sandman, so I am going to wish you all a good-night and and best wishes for a better tomorrow where ever you are.

Remember to find beauty in all things and then...take time to create your own.





Fan Cards and Tent Cards

This is starting to be a habit...finding tutorials and trying them out. You've seen my little gift box which wasn't so bad, but for my next test I had to contact the creator of this little fan card. Granted mine is amateurish (is that a word) to say the least so if you would like to see the master creator's version visit Inky Angel's blog for one of her fabulous fan designs. This is my first attempt but I promise you I will try again and hopefully will do better. 
When I tell you that I had to bring out math books, reach out to family members I am not joking! Between radius, diameters, protractors and compasses, I wasn't sure I would get the concept...but now that I have, everyone should watch out.   
This first snapshot is the card laying on its side (It's a bit darker than it really is). The Tim Holtz clip in the upper right corner doesn't belong (that reminded me of the kid's song that says "which of the items doesn't belong", and for some reason I found my words funny...go figure. Anyway as I was saying the clip is there because I made a small mistake that couldn't be corrected so I had to use the clip to keep the card closed. That's how we learn right? Well the next snapshot is the fan standing up.
This snapshot got lighter (but a more true color) and I'm not sure why, but here you can see the little pocket on the front that holds a tag where the sentiment can go.  By the way before you put the pieces together you really must decorate...that was mistake number 2 for me. Yep this little project had lots of mistakes for me...but it sure was fun figuring out things.  Glad I used regular paper and not my paper stash that I have yet to convince myself that it will be okay to cut.  I know you ladies know what I am talking about....be honest.  .    

My final snapshot shows the fan open. Excuse the non-decorations but like I said lots of learning opportunities came with this project. Katie was kind enough to share her secrets with me just so I could get started. Be sure and visit her blog so you can see how lovely this fan can truly be. Here's the link to her  Shabby Vintage Fan Card and the link to fan #2.  She also created a tutorial along with another fan card which is stunning.  Click here for the tutorial and yet another fan card.

The next card I want to share was fairly simple if you follow the instructions correctly. By the way I recommend that everyone have at least one cutter that has measurements in centimeters and inches.  It comes in handy. The next card is another tutorial so I didn't do a lot of planning for it but it turned out okay.  Here you go.

It turned out really cute although my snapshot doesn't show it that well.  I stamped and colored Tilda and then cut her out so she could dangle in the oval cutout. In hindsight the next one I make I will add a scenary behind the oval so it will add an illusion to the card, additionally decide a different way to dangle the image should I use one.  This little card has great potential and has invoked a lot of ideas for me.  I actually excited about creating my next one.  The next snapshot is missing...forgot to take the snap.  It was one from the side so you could see how I put the pieces together to form the tent. I'm adding the tutorial to my blog in case anyone wants to try their hand at it. You would put your personal message on the back of the card and by the way it folds flat to create a 6x6 card. I wasn't going to show the back because it is so unfinished. 

Like I said on the back you would place your personal message and/or greeting.  I was trying to show that but was in to much of a hurry and the camera captured my mistake....my sentiment is crooked...not a little...it appears to be the Leaning Tower of Pisa..(so sad).  But it is what my BFF (Joyce) and I refer to as a demo card, but I broke the rule that states a demo will never be posted.  She is going to talk about me and I can hear her now "what were you thinking" or "how do you plan to fix that." She's a funny gal but she is my BFF and she'll get over it, then proceed to figure it out and show me the error of my ways.  After all in the end she'll love me anyway (at least I hope so).

And to all my followers I love you guys and hope you will continue to

"find beauty in all things, and then go create your own"

Another Challenge

Well it's time for me to post another challenge entry. Since it is kinda late in my neck of the woods I won't waste time.  Here's this week's card.

I thought this little image was just plain adorable.  I had planned to use her in a valentine card but couldn't find her and then all of a sudden there she was so I had to use her.  The image is from Bugaboo Stamps and the paper is DCWV.  I colored her with copics R39, 37, 35, 25, 27, 29 and RV17.

I used paper from the same paper pack to finish the inside.  I added a doily to follow the layout of the front of the card and then added the border.  I am entering this card in the Wednesday Sketch Challenge SC031412 hosted by The Outlawz.

Well that's all folks.....see ya next time.

"find beauty in all things and then go and create your own beauty"

Triangle Tri-Fold Card

Dawn Olchefske, Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

dostamping@yahoo.com, 612-269-5540

http://dostamping.typepad.com
Supplies:

 4" x 12" piece of Rich Razzleberry Cardstcok

 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" piece of Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper (cut in half diagonally)

 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" piece of Pale Plum Cardstock (for inside panel)

 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" piece of Old Olive (for punched front panel)

 2-3/16" x 2-3/16" piece of Rich Razzleberry (to layer on Old Olive punched panel)

 Scrap of Rich Razzleberry (for cutting butterflies)

 22" Old Olive Satin Ribbon

 Vintage Labels stamp set (FREE with $50 order)

 Scallop Border Trim Punch (FREE with $50 order)

 Scallop Corner Punch

 Scallop Circle Punch

 Paper Trimmer w/Scoring Blade

 Beautiful Wings Embosslit

 Big Shot Die Cut Machine

 Stampin' Sponge

 Stampin' Dimensionals

Instructions:

4" x 12" piece of Rich Razzleberry Cardstock

1. Score 4" x 12" piece of cardstock at 4" x 8"

2. Fold each side into the center

3. Score each side on the diagonal (both in the same direction)

4. Fold each diagonal away from you.

5. Decorate the triangles indicated with an arrow with half of the 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" (which was cut in have on the diagonal)

6. Tie off with ribbon and pull all the way to the right.

7. When adding the decorative panel to the front, only adhere it to one of the "triangles" (so your card will be able to open).