Card Design: From the Heart Stamps May Challenge

It is time to post my project for the May, From the Heart Stamps (FTHS) progressive stamp of the month challenge. Thank goodness I got it done in time. I'd hate to miss out on the opportunity to earn more stamps from such an incredible designer!

In order to enter the progressive challenge, you must either have received the latest image by having participated in the previous month or you can buy the stamp for the current month's challenge.  Everyone who enters and follows the rules is a winner because you automatically get the stamp for the next month's challenge.  Stop by the site and check out the rules for yourself.  While you are there, have a look around.  They have some really awesome images.

This time around I decided to make a 'congratulations on your pregnancy' card.  Here is my project and the details.  I hope I haven't forgotten anything important...

General Information: 

• I thought carefully about what I wanted to do with this particular image.  I already had a Mother's Day card but thought it still might lend itself well to a thank you card of sorts for my parents.  I went back and forth between that idea and the one I decided on.  The great thing is that because the card is mostly done digitally, I could easily swap out the inside sentiment and then just have to print, colour and assemble to create the thank you card I was thinking of.  I love that about digital.  You end up with lots of different reusable templates where you can just swap things out if you want.

FRONT

Digital Image Details: 

• The image on the front, Apple Blossom Birds, is available for purchase over at From the Heart Stamps. Click HERE or on the watermark below to go to its location in the store.
• If you missed out, you can still play along with the challenge by purchasing the image. Then you can enter the challenge and receive next month’s digi free. Alternatively, if you spend $10 in the From The Heart Stamps store this month, you'll receive the image for free.  To find the special code you need, be sure to check out the original post by clicking HERE.

Digital Sentiment Details: 

• One I created specifically for this card.

Digital Embellishments: 

• The pennant shape was created using a template from Marisa Lerin, Pixel Scrapper.  I paper pieced it with a digital paper from my Mommy Dearest: Patterned Papers kit (preview below).
• The digital brad and ribbon are from the Mommy Dearest: Buttons Bows and Brads section.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment: 

• This great sentiment was created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  While I picked it up a while back as a freebie, you can purchase it as part of the Lots of Congratulations Digi Images and Word Art set.  I've linked the watermark below to go to its location in the store.  For great freebies and inspiration be sure to click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and for more awesome sets for purchase, click HERE to go to the home page of the store. 

OVERALL 
Paper Products: 

• Card, image and sentiment bases: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.

Digital Paper Products: 

• All the patterned papers used on this card, including matting, are from my Mommy Dearest:  Patterned Papers Kit.

Digital Embellishments:

• The shadows to give each element some depth were created with a layer style, from Sheila Reid, Pixel Scrapper.

Challenges I am hoping to enter: 

• From the Heart Stamps -- progressive stamp of the month challenge

Others I might get it into...

• http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ -- Always Anything Goes
• http://stampandcreateblog.blogspot.ca/ -- May Flowers (limit of one entry per week: this is my first entry)
• http://artbymiranchallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes but no digital colouring
• http://www.scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk -- Anything Goes 
• http://bunnyzoescrafts.blogspot.ca/ -- Buttons & Bows (Okay, so I only have one of each on the top left hand side, hope that is sufficient)
• http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.ca/ (3E) -- Always Anything Goes
• http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.ca/ -- Lots of Layers (their digital layers, but layers nonetheless.  I hope that is okay)
• http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.ca/ -- Things with Wings
• http://www.withoutwordschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Pink, Blue and Yellow with opt. of Floral (my flowers are pink, the outline around the image is blue and my birds are yellow.  I hope this is CAS enough)
• http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/ -- Anything Goes
• http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- All Creatures Great and Small

Just one more progressive challenge to go this the month plus two other DT posts.  You know, I just might make it.  However, since I have a minimum of four post plus three creations to get ready for June first....maybe not.  Wish me luck!

 
Until next time,

Scribbles Designs Challenge #27 Midway Point...Feline Frenzy!

It is the start of a new month and that means that it is time for the midway for the latest Scribbles Designs Challenge.  

There are two whole weeks left for you to come on over and enter. In case you've missed it, the theme this time around for Challenge #27, is Feline Frenzy!  It used to be that dogs were man's best friend and for many, they still are.  However, cats are starting to rival dogs as pet companions.  In fact, there are a lot of statistics to back that up.  According to Ipsos Reid (2011), there were approximately 7.9 million cats and 5.9 million dogs in Canada. With approximately 35% of Canadian households having a dog, and 38% having a cat.  In the States, the numbers are a little bit different.  According to several different sources of stats compiled by Psychology Today, there were roughly 86 million cats and 78 million dogs in the US. With approximately 39% of American households having a dog, and 33% having a cat. In the UK, according to stats provided by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (2013), the percentages of animals is even with roughly 8.5 million of each.  However, dog owners accounted for 25% of households whereas cat owners only accounted for 19% of households.  So, this month we are looking for cats as the primary focus for your creation.  Wild or domestic, it's up to you.  This month, cats rule and dogs drool. 

Entering is super simple!  You do not need to use a Scribbles Designs image; however, if you do, your name gets entered into the draw twice.  You can purchase your Scribbles Designs images HERE or you can also find one for a limited time on the challenge blog HERE.  Also, be sure to check out our special Freebie Friday posts as it is another great way to build your Scribbles Designs collection.  You can find the rest of the rules and information regarding winners in the sidebar on the challenge blog.  You have until 9pm PST on April 14th to come over and play with us.

Here are my card and all the details... 
 
General Information:

• I don't have any 'congrats on your new cat' cards ready so this challenge offered me the perfect chance to get one created.

FRONT

Digital Image Details: 

• Kitten Pea Pod: This is one of my favourite images from Sandy and I can't believe how long it has taken me to finally use it!  I have coloured the image with Copic markers.  I decided to create some 'wall paper' for the background.  What is a cat's room without fish wallpaper?!  While it is hard to see, I made a wider stripe with a very light blue-green (BG000) then added a thin stripe down the centre with a darker blue-green (BG02).  Then I thought it would be fun to add some fish.  Of course it was 11:45 p.m. when I was doing this so I'm afraid that not all my fish are quite the same size. Oh and why is the pea pod brown instead of green?  Well, I could give you this bull**** story of how I wanted to make it a hammock instead but the reality is I just plain forgot it was a pea pod.  Did I mention what time it was when I did this?!  Click on the name or the watermark below, to head to its location in the store.

Digital Sentiment Details:

• Congratulations circle sentiment:  This versatile sentiment is from Merit Meijer of MMDesigns.  I've picked up several of her free sentiments.  If you'd like to check out her blog you can find it HERE.

Embellishments:

• The ribbon is Celebrate It brand and was purchased at Michael's.
• The button is one from our old stash.

Designer Paper:

• The strip of paper on the front used as an accent is from my scrap pile but it is originally from Recollection's All Girl paper pad (YaY, I remembered where another one came from).

INSIDE 

Digital Sentiment Details: 

• All You Need is Love and a Cat:  This sentiment is from Sandy.  Such the perfect sentiment for the inside of my 'congrats on your new cat' card.  Once again, clicking on the name or the watermark below will take you to its location in the store.

OVERALL

Paper Products: 

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

Digital Paper Products:

• I had really wanted to create a specific cat paper but unfortunately, I just ran out of time; so, I decided to use my paws paper instead.  You can find this particular paper in either the Scribble Doodle Designs (a collaboration between Sandy and I) Puppy Powers Papers Patterned and Solids set or simply in the Patterned set.  Clicking on either watermark will take you to their location in the Scribbles Designs store.

#DP 005 Puppy Power Paper Set ($3.99)

 #DP 006 Puppy Power Patterned Papers Only ($2.99)

Challenges I am hoping to enter... 

***Please note that if the word verification appears, ignore it and simply click the 'publish' button**

• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ (5E)-- Anything Goes 
• http://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes
• http://ema-ginationstation.blogspot.ca/ -- Always Anything Goes
• http://craftcreatoins.blogspot.ca/ (UL) -- Anything Goes
• http://artbymiranchallenge.blogspot.ca/  -- Anything Goes (hand coloured)
• http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Feature a Creature
• http://paperminutes.blogspot.ca/ -- Buttons
• http://memascrafts.blogspot.ca -- Anything Goes
• http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.ca/ -- Add a Sentiment
• http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au (3E) (Max 10) -- Anything Goes

So put on those thinking caps and design a project that fits our theme. If you need some images to help you out you can check out all wonderful ones that are in the Scribbles store. You have an entire month to enter at the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog, so I hope to see you there. If you have some time I invite you to go and check out the wonderful inspiration offered up from my colleagues on the DT. We always look forward to seeing what you come up with for each month's theme!   

Until next time,

Card Design: From the Heart Stamps June Challenge

It is time to post my project for the June, From the Heart Stamps progressive stamp of the month challenge.  In order to enter the progressive challenge, you must either have received the latest image by having participated in the previous month or you can buy the stamp for the current month's challenge.  Everyone who enters and follows the rules is a winner because you automatically get the stamp for the next month's challenge.  Stop by the site and check out the rules for yourself.  While you are there, have a look around.  They have some really great images.

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

General Information:

• I've gone super CAS with this card but I think that the shape helps to give it some flair. 

 

FRONT

Digital Image Details: 

• The image on the front, Super Birdbrain, is available for purchase over at From the Heart Stamps.  Click HERE or on the watermarks below to go to its location in the store. It was coloured in with Copic Markers.

Digital Sentiment:

• This great sentiment is from MM Designs: Scrap-a-Licious-Times.  I've linked the blog name to head to her circle collection where this sentiment comes from but there are several more freebie categories to choose from. 

INSIDE 

Digital Sentiment:

• One of the sentiments available in the Super Birdbrain set.  I added faux stitching to the box before printing it out to match the stitching on the circle sentiment from the front.

OVERALL
Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Soda Pop collection.

Cricut Cartridge:

• The circular card base was cut using the Birthday Bash cartridge.

Challenges I am hoping to enter:

• From the Heart Stamps -- progressive stamp of the month challenge 

Others I might get it into...  

• http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://fitztownchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Shaped Cards (13 days from 24th)
• http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.ca/  -- Shaped Cards
• http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/ -- Repeat Impressions DCC618 ~ Shaped or Fun Fold Cards 
• http://cascoloursandsketches.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Stamping + Shaped Cards (You don't state anywhere in the rules that the stamp cannot be digital so I'm hoping it is okay to link this card up.)
• http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.ca  -- Make It Masculine
  

 
Thanks for popping by everyone!  I hope you enjoyed my card and post.  While I would have liked to have been able to get another post done tonight, I think I better go and get my Creative Bug on the Loose Saturday Sneak Peek created and maybe start the DT Delight post for The Path of Positivity which comes out on Sunday.  Best not to leave them until the last minute.  So, if everything goes according to plan, I'll be back tomorrow with my Gerda Steiner progressive challenge card.  
 
Until then,

Card Design: Scribbles Designs Challenge #13-- Sparkle It Up!

It is time for the next challenge over at the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog.

Today we celebrate our one year anniversary over at the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog.  For the last week and a half we have had a Blogiversary Bash Extravaganza Treasure Hunt taking place.  Yesterday, the final clue was released over here on my blog.  If you missed that post or are brand new, there is still time to play along.  Just click HERE to go to my post from yesterday and you will find everything you need, including a link to the original post over on Scribbles Designs Challenges.  If you haven't joined in already, you are missing out on the opportunity to win a great prize and a free image just for playing along. Throughout the past 10 days, those of us on the DT have been releasing sneak peeks of cards and today it is time for the big reveal!!! First though I want to say a big congrats to Scribbles Designs Challenges for their one year blogiversary...

If you'd like to join me in congratulating Sandy, please feel free to grab this badge for your sidebar.

Now it is time to introduce this month's challenge.  This month for Challenge #13, the theme is Sparkle It Up!. Here is your chance to grab your glitter, sparkles and other forms of bling and get to it!  This challenge is going to be so bright, you're gonna need shades just to check out everyone's work!  

In order to participate in our challenges you DO NOT NEED TO USE A SCRIBBLES DESIGNS IMAGE on your project but you must follow the monthly theme.  You can enter as many times as you'd like AS LONG AS YOU USE A SCRIBBLES DESIGNS IMAGE; or, if you choose to enter the challenge using another artist's image you are limited to three entries.  As always, you are welcome to combine your entry with other challenges and we ask that you enter new projects/cards only - no back linking, plus the standard rules of linking your blog post and mentioning Scribbles Designs in your post.  This challenge will end at 9pm PST on February 14th.

The winner, chosen by Random.org will receive three digital images.  If you use a Scribbles Designs image, please add SD after your name--example: Lisa SD--and your name will be entered twice into the drawing for the prize.  Additionally, there will be one digital image handed out for each of the Top 3, chosen by the Scribbles Designs Design Team.  We look forward to seeing your interpretation of this month's theme. There also might be some extra recognition or prizes, you just never know.
You can purchase your Scribbles Designs images HERE and there is a free image over on the challenge blog as well to help get you started.

To help inspire you, I've created a card using one of Sandy's older images,  Flower Chicklet.  Click on the watermark below to take you to its location in the store.

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

General Notes:

• Sparkle, sparkle everywhere.  I've added glitter glue to the image and some sparkly ribbon to the front.  While it is hard to see, the white spots on the DP are actually sparkly as well.  In addition, the little half pearls add a tiny extra bit of bling.  I believe that covers all three aspects:  Glitter--check; sparkle--check; bling--check!!!

FRONT

Digital Image: 

• Flower Chicklet:  Information for where to buy this image is included above.
• This image was coloured with Copics and grounded in chalk (although unfortunately, you can't really see it very well).  Chicklet:  Y11, Y13, Y15.  I've added yellow glitter glue to the light petals in the flowers, and green glitter glue to the darker ones.

Embellishments:

• The green glitter ribbon is Celebrate It brand, purchased at Michael's.
• The yellow and white dotted ribbon is Crafts brand, purchased at Dollarama.
• The little half pearls are also Crafts brand, purchased at Dollarama.

Electronic Die-Cut Cartridge:

• I made the frame using the Elegant Edges cartridge from Cricut.

INSIDE

Digital Image:

• This perfectly appropriate sentiment is another fabulous one from Paulette over at Create With TLC.  Click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and HERE to go to the store.

Embellishments: 

• The little flower stickers are also Crafts brand, purchased at Dollarama.

 

OVERALL
Paper Products: 

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Card Kit, white, lg.
• Designer Papers:  
• Yellow and shimmery white dotted cardstock--Recollection's Everyday Memories Paper Pad.
• Green paper  used as matting on the inside--Michael's open stock scrapbook paper. 

Challenges I am hoping to enter... 

• http://scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes
• http://avenue613.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes with optional twist
• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/-- Anything Goes 
• http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.ca/2014/01/make-it-glitter.html  -- Make It Glitter

So put on those thinking caps and design a project that fits our theme.  If you need some images to help you out you can check out all wonderful ones that are in the Scribbles store.  You have an entire month to enter at the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog, so I hope to see you there. If you have some time I invite you to go and check out the wonderful inspiration offered up from my colleagues on the DT. We always look forward to seeing what you come up with for each month's theme! 

Until next time,