Mo's Challenge #124

Sketch or Anything Goes!

This week we have the choice of following a sketch or doing anything we like! I almost  always choose to do what I like, but I was inspired by the symmetry of Iulia's (our hostess this week) sketch.

I think this image is adorable! It reminds me of our oldest daughter when she was little. She was a climber!  She would keep trying until she'd mastered it, then keep getting down and back up again until she felt comfortable with her accomplishment. It was fun to watch such determination!

The little clusters of punched flowers and leaves were inspired by the patterned paper. I really like the effect!

I didn't  realize that  the center on one of the red flowers had fallen off until after I'd edited the photo. I'll fix it before putting it out for sale.

Images: "Big Chair" (also available in a boy version) from Mo's Digital Pencil, Digital sentiment from Ginger's House

Tools: Copics, White gel pen, Assorted mini punches, Mounting tape, Glue dots

Papers: SU! Blushing Bride and Real Red, Neenah smooth white, and SU! "Twitterpated" DP

Here's Iulia's great sketch, if you decide to use it.

Enter your creation in this week's Mo's Challenge using one of Mo's wonderful images for a chance to win! Mo gives out one gift certificate for every fifty entries!

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

This card uses another designer paper from SU! called "Everyday Enchantment".  I got a 6"x6" sample of each paper in the collection from a friend who's an SU! demonstrator. I liked it so much that I got the digital version as a Sale-a-bration  reward! This one reminds me of wallpaper from the 20's or 30's. And, no, I wasn't around then!

Image: Vintage from Digital Two for Tuesday

Tools: Copics, Cuttlebug with Nesties, Wire, Mounting tape, Sookwang tape, Nellie Snellen embossing leaf punch set

Papers: SU! Cool Caribbean and Kraft, Neenah smooth white, SU! DP

Embellishments: Satin ribbons, Cotton lace, Beads, Butterfly bead, Flowers

I always love it when you drop by!

Elaine

Mo's Challenge # 123

Laced!

Mo's Challenge this week is to use lace. Simple, isn't it?!

Meet "Adelle," one of Mo's new images for spring. Isn't she adorable? I used her because I'm feeling ready for warmer weather, returning birds and budding trees! 

Spring seems to be coming early to New Hampshire this year, but I'm not all that sure that we're done with winter. We've had some pretty good snow storms as late as April in  past years !

 Images: "Adele" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Digital circle greeting

Tools: Copics, Mounting tape, Circle punch

Papers: SU! Pool Party and Wisteria Wonder, Neenah smooth white, Plaid DP

Embellishments: Lace, Narrow satin ribbon, Grosgrain ribbon, Assorted flowers from WOC

This is an easy challenge...almost no challenge at all! Just use one of Mo's images and some lace to create something wonderful and enter for a chance to win. Mo gives out one gift certificate  for every fifty entries.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

No lace and no Mo image on my second card, but it does look like spring!

Image: Vintage from Digital Two for Tuesday

Tools, Copics, Cuttlebug with Nesties and Die-Namics Dizzy border die, MS Bird punch, Cricut with Bloom birdcage die, Mounting tape

Papers: SU! Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette, and Rose Romance, Neenah smooth white, SU!
Twitter-Pated DP

Embellishments: Grosgrain ribbon, Pearl flower brad, Pearl heart brad, Pearl cabochons, Seed beads

Thanks for visititng!
Elaine

Lots of Cards!

Assorted Greetings!

I've made a lot of cards over the past few weeks that I never got around to posting, so here are a few using Mo's images.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

This was for one of my daughter's friends who is very ill. We thought she could use a laugh!

.

Inside: "An onion a day will take care of everyone else!"

 Images: "Bite?" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Silver Spica pen,  White gel pen, Exacto knife, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! River Rock and Night of Navy,  Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Satin ribbon, Red lace, Heart pin with beads

I cut some of the elements in the DP partially free and slid the image panel under them. I also cut out some of the leaves and flowers and used them to embellish the panel.

 *******************************

 This was for the 11th birthday of one of our grandsons.

Inside: "Here's your ticket for an awesome day!"

Images: "Skateboard Schoolboy" from Mo's Digital Pencil,  Digital sentiments

Tools: Copics, MS zig-zag border punch

Papers:  SU! Bayou Blue and Riding Hood Red, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Screw brads, Baker's twine

##################################

I made this one for our school nurse who is recovering from back surgery.

Images: "Nurse" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Sentiment stamp from Hero Arts

Tools:  Cuttlebug with Hear dies, and Die-namics  border die, Paper crimper

Papers: SU! Really Red, Brocade Blue, Going Gray, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Satin ribbon, Nurse's hat and Stethoscope brads, Rose
####################

A couple using vintage images from Digital 2 for Tuesday

***********************

Two using floral images.

This lily of the valley image from Fred She Said was colored using Prismacolor pencils on SU! Kraft CS

This vase of roses was done with Copic markers.


That's it for now. Thanks for dropping by!
Elaine

What a Pain!

Tall, Dark, and Skinny!

 "What a Pain" actually has a double meaning in this case! First, because it was a real pain doing all that fussy cutting. I don't know what I was thinking! It also alludes to the image and the saying inside the card. 

I had a hard time with this card. Dark and Gothic really isn't even close to my style. I don't do 'elegant' too well, either, but I think the saying is fun, and it will appeal to someone for that reason.

Inside: ....Even when you're being a pain in the neck! Happy Anniversary, Honey!"

Images: "Come Hither" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Ornate frame from Graphics Fairy, computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Gold metallic pen, Cuttlebug with Embossing folder, Diamond Glaze, Tacky tape, Scissors, MS Dripping Goo punch 

Papers: SU! Real Red, Basic Black, Confetti White, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Satin ribbon, Pearl cabochons, Ornate button (shank removed)

I'm glad you stopped by!

Elaine

Kraft & Prismacolors

This was fun!

Since I'm a little ahead with my DT cards for Mo's Challenge, I decided to try out my Prismacolor pencils on images printed on Kraft paper. I've been admiring the stuff Dorcas (Be sure to check out her wonderful blog!) does for some time now and, although I don't think I could ever be as proficient at it as she is, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I wasn't ready to try people yet, so I printed off some nature images  and got started!

Goin' South

White is never really white, so I used several shades of pink, blue, yellow and green along with the white pencil.

Image: Magnolia from  Just-Inklined

Tools: Prismacolor pencils, OMS, Stumps, Cuttlebug with Nestie oval dies, Mounting tape, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! Kraft, Garden Green, Gable Green, Very Vanilla, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Natural cotton lace, Narrow satin ribbon, Vanilla antique brad, Pearl cabochons

'Button' Mushrooms

I love the 'woodsy'  feel of this card!

Image: Mushrooms from Tidbits Trinkets (Great vintage public domain images!)

Tools: Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Stumps, Cuttlebug with Nesties circles, Leaf dies, MS Branch punch, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! Kraft, Kiwi Kiss, Soft Suede, Basic Grey DP

   

Embellishments: Natural cotton lace, Grosgrain ribbon, Buttons (mottled with Copic marker), Linen thread

I have a few more images all colored up, and will be making them into cards today. It's my birthday, so I get to play all day!

It's always nice to have you drop by!

Elaine

Cheating!

Recycled Greeting!

This card was pretty easy! I received a manufactured Thank You card, which I only keep for a short time before  tossing , unless the sender has written something meaningful on the inside. I thought the embossed piece with the pansies on it was too pretty to trash, so I cut out the center sentiment, under-mounted a stamped greeting, placed it onto textured purple CS using mounting tape, decorated it with ribbon, pearls, a cameo brad, and a punched butterfly. Now I have a card all ready to go out to the next Birthday Girl!

No matter what I tried,  I could not get a picture that was true to color! It really is a rich,  deep purple, but appears very blue in the photo.
 I've entered this in the Allsorts Free and Easy Challenge and the challenge at
Sentimental Sundays...Garden with a Sentiment

Thanks for looking!
Elaine

Sympathy Cards

In Sympathy

This has been a terrible year for losses. I can't count the number  of condolence cards I've  had to make so many over the past months!

These two use images from the Digi Doodle Shop. They have a lot of realistic floral and vintage images.

This one uses their "Roses" image. I've been practicing my shading on flowers. I think it turned out okay, but I've got to do a bit more blending next time to get a more realistic look. 

The Copics I used for the roses were R81, R83, R85, and R59. G82, G94, and G99 were used  for the leaves.

This is a close-up that better shows the "dew drops" I made using Crystal Effects.

Images: "Roses" from the Digi Doodle Shop Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Cuttlebug with Craft Concepts embossing folder, Nesties label die , and Marianne dies, Circle punches, Mounting tape, Tacky tape, Crystal Effects

Papers: SU! Rose Romance and Mauve Mist (both retired, unfortunately), Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Satin ribbon

I'm entering this in their Challenge  #59, use embossing.

**************************************

Ever make a card where you loved all the elements of the card, but didn't care for the card itself? This is one of those cards for me! I love the image and the way the pump is colored. I love the way  the sentiment looks and the cluster of flowers. I like the colors, but.......the card itself......not so much! LOL!

Images: "Antique Water Pump" from The Digi Doodle Shop, SU! sentiment stamp

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, White gel pen, Cuttlebug with Nestie oval dies and Marianne leaf die, Martha Stewart Branch punch, Mounting tape, Dimensional dots

Papers: SU! River Rock, Rich Razzleberry, Lavender Lace, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Pearl cabochons, Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts (colored with Copics)

Thanks for looking!
Elaine

Rick St. Dennis

Rick's Ladies

I'm not the least bit elegant, but I did love coloring up this 1930 beauty by Rick St. Dennis. She's available on a sheet of heads of some very stylish women.

 Thank goodness for Copics as I was able to color the leopard beads and feather to match my color scheme. I also used a VersaMark pen and gold embossing powder to turn the silver trim on the jeweled brad to gold! The leopard paper was printed off the computer to carry through the theme. (Let's hope her coat is faux fur!)

The inside will say, "Happy Birthday to you! Celebrate in style!" 

Images: Lady head  from Fashion digi sheet by Rick St. Dennis, Dollar stamp sentiment  

Tools: Copics, Gold Spica pen,  Cuttlebug with Nestie ovals, Dauber, SU! Creamy Caramel ink pad, Circle punches, Mounting tape,  Crystal Glaze adhesive

Papers: SU! Real Red, Basic Black, and Textured More Mustard, Computer leopard print, Neenah smooth white, Red paint chip, Gold metallic CS

 

Embellishments: Feather, Jeweled brad, Leopard beads

*********************************

Hootchy Mama!

I did this card at Rick's request for his blog. He asked all of us on his DT to make invitations using this quirky image. She is one of a series. His images of these ladies are very popular in Russia. He asked us not to use flowers, which was hard for me...I love flowers! 

Images: "Fedora Fashion Plate" from Rick St. Dennis, Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Gold metallic pen, Cuttlebug with Quick Cutz swirl die, Glue Dots, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! Red Razzleberry (?) and Orchid Opulence, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Shoe button, Pearl flower hat pin, Pink and pearl beads, Butterfly bead, Hear button, Lace, Tulle, Satin picot ribbon, Ruffled tulle


I'll have more from Rick soon.
Thanks for the visit!
Elaine

Mo's Challenge #69

No Red or Pink?!

Cathy's given us a real challenge for this week! I love red, pink, and white Valentine's Day cards, but that's a 'no-no' for this week.....we had to make a Valentine in non-traditional colors!

I was really worried about this one, but I think it turned out well.

I've used "Alice With Present".  I just love this image....it's so versatile, so sweet, and a dream to color!

Images: "Alice With Present" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Oval Nestie, Tacky Tape,  Mounting tape

Papers: SU! Cool Caribbean, Certainly Celery, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Grosgrain ribbon, Heart charm, Pearl cabochons, Ruffled lace, Lace trim, Mini hearts from MS border punch

So, let's see your non-conformist Valentine cards! Remember....NO red or pink!

Good luck!

Elaine

Thoughts of Spring

I'm a little tired of all the snow we've been having here in New Hampshire, and I'm not the one who has to shovel or plow it!  My husband does, but he skis, so he welcomes snow, even with all the extra work.
When he asked me to make a Get Well card for an elderly aunt, I jumped at the chance to make something to remind me that spring will come eventually!

I love the colors in this, but I'm not completely happy with the design. I wish I'd put the bow on the other side...it would have been in better balance. Because of the way I attach bows, I wasn't able to change it.

Images: Vintage image from Digital Two for Tuesday,  Dollar sentiment stamp from Michaels

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Cuttlebug with Craft Concepts embossing folder and Nesties and Marianne dies, Martha Stewart leaf punch, Circle punches, Mounting tape, Tacky Tape

Papers: SU! Sage Shadow and Bashful Blue, Neenah smooth white, PTI white

Embellishments: Roses and Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts, Grosgrain ribbon, Dragonfly charm, Pearl cabochons

More Digital Images

A Vintage Image


I check the Digital Two for Tuesday Blog every week or so. She posts at least two free vintage images each week. The subjects run the gamut from nursery rhymes to fashion through the decades to old autos, so I'm sure you'll find something to your liking there.

This is an image I downloaded quite some time ago....it looks to me as if it's from the 20's or 30's. She gets a lot of her images from old children's  books. She also sells vintage images in clear stamps.

Image: Digital Two For Tuesday

Papers: SU! Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Basic Grey DP

Tools: Cuttlebug with Nesties, Paper crimper, MS branch punch, Nellie Snellen embossing leaf punch set, Tacky Tape, Glue dots, Mounting tape

Embellishments: Prima flowers, String of pearls, Buttons, Bird charm, Ribbon


Thanks for stopping by!
Elaine

The English Countryside

I came across a new digital company, Just Inklined, on Lydia's Blog recently. Of course, I had to check them out and found this pretty image (and a few others!) that I had to have. I'm not usually fond of scenic stamps, but I needed something other than flowers for sympathy cards, and this looked so serene and inviting.

Images: Scene from Just Inklined, Sentiment from PrintWorks, SU! Itty Bitty Backgrounds 

Inks: Gold metallic, VersaMark, SU! Creamy Caramel, Basic Gray

Papers: SU! Garden Green and Certainly Celery, PTI Vanilla, Gold metallic

Tools: Cuttlebug with Nestie label die, Gold EP, Glue dots, Mounting tape, Nellie Snellen embossing leaf punch set, Heat gun

Embellishments: Pearl Cabochons, Flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts

Antique Furniture

Vintage Doll Furniture

I just love this little antique doll bureau. I had to have it the minute I saw it years ago at a local antiques shop. It stands a little under 18 inches, which makes the scale about1/4 to 1/5. I actually use it as a jewelry box. As you can see below it's part of an old-fashioned doll bedroom vignette arranged on a bureau in my bedroom.

The 'room' is furnished with antique, vintage, and reproduction doll furniture and accessories. The pictures above the doll bed are actual photos of my maternal grandparents, taken on their wedding day in the late 1800's! The little kerosene lamp really works. Two of the little perfume bottles were a gift from a friend, who brought them back from a trip to Paris. There's a small, working brass clock on the shelf under the mirror. You can't see the beautiful little rosewood hand mirror on the bureau to the right of the pitcher and basin. It was a gift from my husband, and may have been made by the Shakers, as I've seen full sized versions at the Shaker Village in Canterbury N.H. Don't you just love the bed warmer that's hanging on the wall? I think I squealed out loud when I first saw it!  If you look closely, you'll even see a miniature shove-under hiding under the bed. I can actually remember using one when visiting one of my country relatives as a very young child. They didn't have running water, so it was the 'thunder jug' at night and an outhouse during the day!

This image is from Digi Doodle's Best Shop. They have a lot of wonderful vintage images: vehicles, furniture. people, etc.

This was colored with Copics, of course! I tried to achieve the look of oak on the washstand  and marble for the top. I really like the way it turned out. I used Basic Grey's Kioshi DP and SU!'s Purely Pomegranate CS along with some purple textured Bazzill for the card base.The border punch is one of Martha Stewart's, as is the branch punch. The flowers are almost all from Wild Orchid Crafts with the exception of the pale pink rose from Prima. I added a few purple pearl cabochons to balance the bouquet.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my tiny bedroom. Come back to visit soon! I'll have more of Digi Doodle Shop's images in future posts, and more doll furniture and miniatures!

He Wouldn't Scare Anyone!

Belated Birthday

I had so much fun making this card! The image is  public domain artwork from a coloring book site. I thought this scarecrow would be perfect paired with this computer-generated sentiment for a belated birthday greeting. The inside says, "....I would have remembered your birthday!"

As usual, he's colored with Copics and Prismacolor pencils. The DP is from Basic Grey, and the CS is Soft Suede, Garden and Gable Greens from SU! The swirl is from SU!'s set "Priceless".

I used MS punches for the zig-zag border, the little sunflowers (Cosmo punch), and  the leaves. A little Fun Flock on a 1/2" punched circle makes the center.

The mini sunflowers to the right are arranged in a tiny red-ware pitcher from my collection of miniature pottery.