Card Design: Pattie's Creations Challenge #108...Green

Welcome all!  I'm here today to announce the next challenge over at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge.  This time around for Challenge #108, the theme is Green as the Dominant Colour.  With spring slowly making its way to many parts of the globe, green is the perfect colour to inspire the coming season to move a little bit more quickly.  It is due time for winter to say so long for another year, as far as I'm concerned. 

Here is my card, I hope that I haven't forgotten any important details:

FRONT

Digital Images Details: 

• Daffodils Circle Scroll:  The main image I've used is this pretty floral scroll.  I thought it would make a beautiful frame for a sentiment.  It is such a great image all on its own that I wanted it to be the dominant feature of the card.  You can find it in Pattie's Etsy shop by clicking on the name or watermark linked below.  I coloured the image with copic markers.

• Butterfly 1:  When I saw this image in the store I thought it would make the perfect accompaniment to the scroll.  It can also be found in Pattie's Etsy shop by clicking on the name or watermark linked below.  As I knew that it was going to be rather small, I coloured it in digitally.  I then fussy cut it three times in three different pieces to give it some more depth.

• Here is a closer look...

Digital Sentiment Details:

• Birthday Set: The sweet sentiment I used on the front is from San's Designs.  She has a really great set of birthday sentiments and I was fortunate enough that I found one in the set that worked great for this card.  Clicking on the name or watermark below will take you to its location in San's store.  Right now you can grab the set for only .75 cents, reduced from $3.00.

INSIDE

Digital Images Details: 

• Butterfly 1:  I also used Butterfly 1 from Pattie, on the inside too.  I thought that it would look nice on either side of the sentiment.  Details for where to find it are above.

Digital Sentiment Details: 

• This sentiment was a freebie created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  It was the perfect accompaniment to this card.  To find more great freebies, click HERE to go to the homepage of Paulette's blog and to find great sets for sale, click HERE to go to the store.

OVERALL
Paper Products: 

• Card, image and sentiment base:  Michael's Recollection's cardstock, white.  

Digital Paper Products:

• I used one of my own papers from the Flower Power kit and just recoloured it.

Challenges I am hoping to enter... 

• Avenue 613 -- Anything Goes with optional twist
• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ (5E)-- Anything Goes
• http://ttcrd.blogspot.ca (2E)-- Anything Goes
• http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes (unfortunately the service to allow me to join as a follower isn't allowing me to.  I have been trying for a few months now and I will keep trying.  Just not sure what the problem is.  I am able to join other blogs just not yours. :( )
• http://craftcreatoins.blogspot.ca/ (UL) -- Anything Goes
• http://scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://yourscrapbookplace.blogspot.ca/ (3E) -- Anything Goes
• http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://mmmchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Girly Birthday
• http://crazychallenge.blogspot.ca (4E)-- Happy Birthday
• http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Birthday
• http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Clean and Simple
•  http://www.conniecancrop.blogspot.ca (2E) -- Birthday Wishes
• http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.ca/ -- Birthday

You have until April 2nd to enter our challenge which should give you lots of time to get a Green Themed creation completed.  I really hope that you will be able to join us. Don't forget that along with all the typical rules that apply to the majority of challenges out there (please click HERE to become familiar with all the rules), you MUST USE A DIGITAL OR STAMPED IMAGE to qualify for the drawing (unless stated otherwise). We would absolutely love to see you use a Pattie's Creations (PC) image on your card, but you are allowed to use other images. If you do use a PC image, you will gain an extra entry in the draw and will have a better chance to WIN! You can enter twice per challenge and of course MUST follow all the challenge requirements that are posted for each challenge. Easy Peasy right!

Pop over to the challenge blog and check out what my fabulous teammates have offered up for inspiration.  Oh and don't forget...Pattie offers up a new freebie the first Friday of the month and it will remain up for approximately two weeks; so, be sure to pop over and check it out as well!

Until next time, 

Card Design: Digi Darla's Challenge #100--My Style

Wow!  Can you believe it?  Digi Darla's Challenges has just reached its 100th challenge.  Congratulations to Kim, Karen, Denise and the rest of my fellow teammies.  I'm thrilled that I am here to help mark this amazing milestone.  And on that note, it is time announce just what this challenge will be.  This week for Challenge #100 the theme is "My Style".

I've certainly come full circle because it was a year ago at this time (minus a day or two) that I participated in my very first challenge representing Digi Darla's and it was a 'my style' challenge then too.  I remember having such a difficult time with this challenge theme.  Back then, I had such a hard time putting a finger on what my personal style was and I can't say a lot has changed in the last year. I still tend to be all over the place. This is what I wrote last year:

I'm interested in everything from soft and subtle to bold and brass; from winsome and willowy to wacky and wild! I like the look of clean and simple but I also like things that are layered and involved. I like to be unique. I try my best to not just be part of the crowd. It is important for me to put my own unique 'stamp' on things with everything I do. So, how do I boil that down into a single card design? ...The best way I can summarize it is to say I'm eclectic and quirky, prefer to move to the beat of my own drum and have a soft and gooey centre.

I still tend to be rather eclectic and quirky, not honing in on any one particular style although I've now added a hankering for vintage to that list.  While my particular card style may not have changed much the way I go about designing them certainly has since now I tend to do a lot more in the way of hybrid cards--part digital, part by hand.  As is the case with the card below.

I've used the following Digi Darla images in my project this week:

• Candy Canes
• Snow Buddies Gift 
• Stockings On Mantle

Here is my project and the details, I hope I haven't forgotten anything... 

General Comments: 

• The card was put together digitally, including all eight layers you see below. The main image on the front and the inside remained as line art and then I coloured it once it was printed.  Both the front and the inside were cut out as one piece and then layered onto the card base.

FRONT

Digital Images: 

• Candy Canes: You can find this image in the DD store by clicking on the image name or watermark linked above.
• This image was coloured digitally in Photoshop Essentials.  While it is hard to see because it was printed rather small, I shaded bits and pieces of it.  The candy canes themselves were altered using layer styles courtesy of Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com.
• Snow Buddies Gift:  This image can also be found in the DD store.
• While the sky was added using digital brushes courtesy of Leboef the rest remained lined art.  Once it was printed, I coloured it in with Copic markers.

Digital  Sentiment:

• Merry Christmas sentiment:  The candy cane image was layered on top of a rather versatile circular sentiment that I keep using over and over again from San's Design.  It was picked up as a freebie from the blog a long time ago.

Digital Shapes:

• I created two simple rectangular shapes to add depth and both were adapted using a layer style from The Scrappin' Cop.
• A final rectangular shape was added and this layer was adapted using a layer style from Shelby Kate Schmitz.

INSIDE 

Digital Image: 

• Stockings on Mantle:  This image can also be found in the DD store. 
• I coloured it with coloured pencils.

Digital  Sentiment:

• I just added a simple phrase to the top of image.

OVERALL
 Paper Products: 

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's cardstock, white.

Digital Paper:

• The plaid paper is one from my Holiday Hoopla mini paper kit.

Digital Embellishments:

• The frames used on the front and inside were created using a shape from Shelby Kate Schmitz and also adapted with one of her layer styles.

Challenges I am hoping to enter... 

• Avenue 613 -- Anything Goes with optional twist
• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://digitallysweetchallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes (All but the main two images have been created and coloured in digitally)
• other challenges may be added to this list...

 

So, how about you come on over and show us what your style is by entering in our current challenge this week over at Digi Darla's Challenges?  While you are there please check out the great projects from the rest of the design team.  We always look forward to seeing the delightful creations you come up with.  

Until next time,

Card Design: December New Digis Over at Fresh Brewed Designs

A holly jolly day to all of you as I kick off this week with some holiday themed new releases over at Fresh Brewed Designs.  The Christmas spirit was prevalent in the Dennis household last week and the results are simply amazing.  Check out all the new images coming into the store TODAY!

Crabby Christmas Sign

 

Joy

 

Let It Snow Snowman

Sandy the Snowman

Snow

Snow What Fun

Snowman Noel

There is something for everyone in this selection.  I especially love Sandy the Snowman as an option for all the people who don't live in regions that get snow during the Christmas season.  And, isn't that Snow What Fun image, absolutely adorable?  There is a dressed up sentiment, Noel, and a placard you could use to send Christmas wishes from your family to another with the Crabby Christmas Sign.  More winter wishes can be sent out with Snow and the Let It Snow Snowman.  Finally, help someone bring in the new year with the wonderful Joy image.  Such a great selection of images to choose from, I am sure you will find something to fulfill your needs.

There is one more to add to the bunch, the one that I got to work with for my card.  So, let me introduce you to...

Angel Cake Christmas Sled

What would Christmas be like without at least one new image showcasing Fresh Brewed Designs' iconic Angel Cake?!  How can you not fall in love with that little sweetie pie?!  Today she is headed out to bring some presents to the local homeless shelter.  She can't do much herself, she is only one little angel, however, she can do her part to ensure that a few children are recognized this Christmas.  If you do your part too, all the children in the shelter will have a chance to experience a little bit of joy this season.

Here are the card and details.  I hope I haven't forgotten anything...

FRONT

Digital Image:

• You'll be able to grab this or any of the new release images in the store today.
• I've coloured this image with a combination of digital colouring and Copic markers.  Copics used include:  E000, E00, E02, R20 (skin); Y11, Y12, Y15 (hair); R22, R24, R29 (coat/scarf/mitts/muffs, & red bow); iridescent glitter glue (wings); C2, C5, C7 (boots/rope/sled); E23, E25 (brown bow).
• Digital Credits:
• Brushes:   cloud brushes are from Leboef
• Layer Styles:  The glittery snow (although it is hard to see in the picture), the glitter ribbons on the presents, the dotted wrapping paper and the effect on the tree are all adapted using layer styles from Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com.

Digital Sentiment: 

• The circular sentiment is from San's Design.  If it looks familiar, I have used this one, plus similar ones in the past.  It is from a freebie set, I got quite awhile ago that has really been useful.  It certainly won't be the last time I use it either.

Ribbon: 

• The red ribbon is Crafts brand from Dollarama.

Embellishments: 

• Both the metallic snowflake and the clear little plastic embellishements are from a stash I got from my momma so I have no idea what brand they are or where they came from.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment: 

• I added one of the sentiments I offered up last year as a Holiday Handout.  If you are new to my blog and interested in obtaining over 22 freebie images related to the Christmas season, just click on Holiday Handout in the label section and you should be able to find them all.

OVERALL 
Paper Products: 

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's card set, white, large.
• Designer Paper:  
• Both papers used are from Recollection's All Seasons Paper Pad.
• The red cardstock used for matting is Michael's Recollection's Cardstock.

'Tis the season, and the holiday hoopla is about to begin...HEY WAIT...that reminds me.  Next Saturday, we want to you join us over at Fresh Brewed Designs for a special Holiday Hoopla Treasure Hunt.  We have some fun stuff planned so I hope that you will join us.

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my card and the latest digital images over at Fresh Brewed Designs.  I hope you have the chance to take some time for yourself, grab a cuppa and relax while browsing through the store.  Maybe one or two of them will find their way back home with you.  

At Fresh Brewed Designs we always have a fresh pot of creativity brewing. So stop by and join us for a cuppa whenever you want!

Until an hour from now,

Card Design: Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge #10-First Card

I hate to say it but I am running so late this month that I may not even get my second card in.  That is the first time since this challenge started that this might happen.  Thankfully, it is just a bonus to be able to do so but I really want to.  The problem is that in addition to the second card for the Christmas challenge I also have three more cards that I have to finish--two by Saturday and one by Sunday including a mountain of behind the scenes stuff to wade through, typical to my week.  Now for all you suave card makers out there, I'm sure most of you could pull off three cards in one simple evening.  While I am getting a little bit faster, I'm nowhere near that fast.  Maybe if I do one digital design and one partial digital design and then....well however I get things done, I am at least going to try and get my second card done.  At this point I still have 2 and 1/2 days left.  Wish me luck please!

Unfamiliar with my progressive Christmas card posts?  Well, each month Lady Anne hosts a progressive Christmas Challenge where we get two images to play with.  As long as we submit a card with at least one of them, we are eligible to receive two more the next month.  This cool arrangement works for me and is definitely incentive to work ahead of the Christmas Card Panic sessions! 
 
I finally decided to take five minutes just now and do a proper count.  I was actually right on in my thinking as I stated that my second card last month would have been 20.  Then with the addition of the Nicecrane card I did last weekend that brought me up to 21 and now today's card makes it 22.  Arghhh!  So much for avoiding the Christmas card panic.  It is officially in full swing.  Since 10 of those cards are headed to my mom as part of her Christmas gift that means that I only have 11 left for myself and I probably need close to 50 just for my own needs.  Oh Lord, I am in trouble.  Now I know I can get away with some store bought ones for some of these people--those who don't know I make cards!  I know you can all agree with me just how awful you feel when as a card maker you have to send someone a store bought card--ESPECIALLY when they know that you make cards.  It always makes me feel, that they must feel, they aren't good enough to warrant me spending time to make them one.  Guilt, guilt, guilt!  Why do we have to deal with an emotion as awful as guilt...but that is a topic best suited for another kind of post.  Right now I need to get on with this one so that I can get back to making some more Christmas cards!!!  Then there are a couple thank you cards I still have to do.  Oh and a couple birthday cards as well.  Right, I still need to get that adoption anniversary card done for my cousin...oy vey.  I am REALLY in trouble!  <sigh> Let the panic begin...
 

This month the sponsor is...

I've never actually used an image from Fred, She Said so this was a treat!

Here is my card and details.  I hope I don't forget anything...
 
General Information: 

• Doesn't this cute little Santa look like he was meant to stand next to that tree?  Well, I thought so and it allowed me to showcase another artist's image (details below), alongside the one from Fred She Said.  You know how much I like to give as many artists as possible as much exposure as I can.  I just wish that I could combine more digis this way but of course they have to work together, to make it look seamless.  

 
FRONT

Digital Images:

• Santa:  This cute Santa image is of course from this month's sponsor, Fred She Said.  You can find it in the store by clicking on the watermark below.

• I used Copic Markers to colour in the image.  Santa:  E000, E00, E02, R20 (skin); colourless blender, N0, C1 (facial and regular hair); R22, R24, R29 (outfit); C4, C7, 100 (boots). 
  
• Tree:  This awesome tree is from San's Designs.  San may be taking time off from the blog but the store is still open for business and she has some great images to help you with your own Christmas card panic.  This funky tree being one of them.  You can find it in the store by clicking on the watermark below.

• The tree itself was also coloured with Copics.  Tree:  G02, G05, G09.  Star: Y32, Y35, Y38.  Garland:  R22, R24, R29.  Baubles: Assorted colours.  Mat: W1, W3, W5 (base); W7, W9 (hearts).
• Flooring and wall was done with coloured pencils.   

Paper Products: 

• Designer Papers (DP):
• Plaid paper--Recollection's Bright Christmas paper pad. 
• Shimmery Green cardstock used as a border--Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.

Embellishments: 

• Little metallic stars are from Dollarama.  Unfortunately, with the lighting in this photograph, it is hard to see that they are indeed metallic and nice and shiny.

Punch: 

• While it is difficult to see, the top of the green shimmer cardstock was punched with a pine tree border from...well I just went to look and I honestly can't remember who made it.  I can tell you that it isn't a Recollections punch or a Fiskars one and I can clearly see the packaging in my mind's eye but for the life of me, I've gone blank on the manufacturer.  I'll have to keep the packaging from this particular company next time I'm lucky enough to get another of their punches.

INSIDE  

Digital Sentiment:

• I kept the inside very CAS and just added one of the sentiments I offered up last year as a Holiday Handout.  If you are new to my blog and interested in obtaining over 22 freebie images related to the Christmas season, just click on Holiday Handout in the label section and you should be able to find them all.  This particular one can be found HERE. 

Paper Products:

• Designer Papers (DP):
• Shimmery red cardstock used as matting--Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.

 

OVERALL 

Paper Products:

• Card base: Crafts Brand Cardstock, pastel green coloured--available Dollarama.
  

Challenges I am entering:

• Lady Anne's Challenges -- Progressive Christmas Card Challenge #10

Other challenges I might get it into...

• http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.ca/ -- Christmas
• http://hollyjollychristmaschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Warmth (using warm colours--reds, yellows, beiges)
• http://cardsformen.blogspot.ca/ (max 10 others) -- Christmas
• http://craftybloggersnetwork.blogspot.ca -- Christmas
• http://www.withoutwordschallenge.blogspot.ca/  --  Getting Ready for Christmas
• http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Christmas
• http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.ca/  -- Christmas Indoors
• http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/  -- Anything Goes Christmas

Oh, oh.  Something came up and I had to write a tutorial for someone so while I started this post at 2:00 p.m. it is now 7:00 p.m. which means I don't have much time left to get my Wonderful Wednesdays post done and out tonight.  So, I just wanted to let you know that there is a possibility that it will be deferred a day.  I hope that isn't so, but just in case it is, I wanted to give you all a heads up.

  Moving on to making some freebies.  Fingers crossed they'll get finished tonight...

Card Design: A Christmas Card using San's Design

Hello my dear peeps.  I hope that you are all well on this fine Wednesday morning.  It is time to showcase another card using one of San's great images.  

 

Part of this card you have seen before, as the front was entered into the last Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge.  On the front of that card, I used a freebie sentiment that I picked up quite awhile back as part of a set of Christmas sentiments.  Here is a refresher as to what the front of that card looked like...

 

Digital Image:

•  As mentioned in the original post, the image of the santa and tree is from Nana Vic Digitals. It was coloured with Copic Markers and I used glitter glue to highlight certain areas.

Digital Sentiment:

•  As mentioned earlier, the sentiment is from San.  I love this circular sentiment.  The snowflake is really cool and the stitching around the edge of the circle adds a nice touch to the overall design.  I also like how the snowflake extends past the inner circle.  I used chalk to colour up the snowflake; although, it is a bit faint in the picture.
• I used my Cricut machine to cut a snowflake shape to sit in behind the sentiment. 

Embellishments:

•  The large half 'pearls' are Crafts brand from Dollarama.

INSIDE

Digital Image:

• This funky little snowman is a recent release over at San's Design.  It was part of the 'Christmas in July' release from just last month.  I love this cute little snowman and was glad to get a chance to use him on my card.  It was coloured with Copic Markers.  Snow/snowman/flakes: Colourless Blender, BG 70, BG 72.  I used the palette method to soften the difference between the colours.  Stick arms:  E31, E33, E39.  Birds:  R20, R22, R24, W3.  Lantern:  B21, B24, Y 21, Y23.
• If you are interested in purchasing this image, please click on the watermark below and it will take you to its location in the store.

Digital Sentiment:

• One I created for the holidays last Christmas.  You can find it HERE if you'd like to grab it.  It comes in two different styles and four different colours for each of the styles.

Embellishments:

• The metallic snowflakes are from a stash I got from my momma so I'm afraid I don't know where they came from.

 

OVERALL

Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• Designer Paper: Christmas paper and dotted paper (front & inside)-- Recollection's All Seasons Paper Pad.
• Shimmery white cardstock (matting behind dotted paper, front & inside) along with the red paper used as matting in behind images/sentiments (front & inside)--Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.

Cricut Cartridge:

• I used Elegant Edges to create the snowflake backdrop used in behind the sentiment on the front of the card.

I hope that you have liked these fabulous images from San.  She really does have some wonderful digis and if you haven't been by the blog or shop in awhile, now is a great time to visit.  You never know what little gems you may find.

Your place to go for amazing digital designs and card inspiration! You can also find San's Design on Facebook.  Click HERE 

to go there now. 

 

 

Well that is it for this post.  I'm so glad you had a chance to stop by. 

 May your day be filled with sparkles and sunshine!

 

Until next time,