Show n Tell

Confession: I haven't used my COPIC markers in a while...nearly a year, in fact. I love them, though. When I was coloring my stamped or digital images 9 times out of 10 I used my COPIC markers...they're so easy to use and blend like a dream.

We were issued a challenge at the COPIC Markers blog to color a given image with 6 colors (some folks used less). Since I don't have the entire line of Sketch markers (300+colors) I figured this would be a good one for me to enter. I needed to be creative again, I needed a challenge to get my juices flowing, and it's also nice for those that are interested in COPICs or thinking about making the investment to see that you don't need an entire product line to get really amazing results. We were allowed to enter as many times as we'd like...I submitted two.

My first entry..... {you should be able to right click on the photos & open in new tab to see them a bit larger}

My second entry I decided to go monochromatic....
So, what do yo think? Could you color an image with 6 colors or less? I bet you can! The challenge ends tomorrow and you can see the entries HERE.

Stamp n Scrap Saturday

No project to share today, just some links to my favorite places to get digital stamps. I love my rubber & clear stamps, but having digital stamps...they're just so versatile! In the right photo editing program you can change their outline color, color them in, change their size to suit your needs. Heck, you can even design a repeating pattern to make your own custom background paper to coordinate with your main image.

And storing them? No boxes, no binders, no shelves...the only space they take is on your hard drive & if you burn them to a CD or DVD, then you've got YEARS of enjoyment from your digital stamps!

The following list is a mixture of freebies and vendors that you can purchase digital images from. I have made friends with a lot of these amazing artists over the last few years & can't wait to share their talent with you.

Bugaboo Stamps - stamps to purchase & a new freebie every Friday for you to play with.

Squigglefly - always adding new artwork AND new artists...be sure to check out their freebies tab!

Sugar Nellies - not only can you buy rubber from these wonderful folks, they have an AMAZING collection of digital artwork to purchase by artists like the talented Diane Duda.

Leanne Ellis - a very sweet & talented lady from Swansea, South Wales. I've been fortunate enough for her to allow me to use some of her artwork here on the blog before (I have a section dedicated just to her in my LABELS at the bottom of the page).

Mo's Digital Pencil - Maurie "Mo" Manning has some whimsical lovelies for you to purchase & play with

Stretch n Bubbles - one of my first dalliances into the world of digi stamps...something for everyone

Phindys Place - darling digital stamps

Sassy Cheryl's Digis - whimsical artwork by Cheryl Alger

Cheryl Seslar Designs - features colored AND black/white artwork for your enjoyment

Softpencil Studios - I'm giving you the link to her new shop, scheduled to open 7August2011

Beccy's Place - cute freebies

Digital Two for Tuesday - freebies every week, mostly vintage artwork

Free Digital Stamps - a DAILY listing of freebies found all over the WWW

If you snag any of the free images, PLEASE leave the artist that gave you the gift some love. A simple "thank you" really can go a long way. These folks give their time and talent away, so it's nice for them to know that their hard work is appreciated.

Also, be sure to read each artist's TOU (terms of use) for their artwork - most will specify if the art is for personal use or if you can resell. These pieces ARE bound by international copyright & we all need to respect that!

Thanks for stopping by & have a great rest of your day!!

Wishing you a...

Digi Scrappin'

Hey there! Hope y'all are having a good day today. It's rainy, cool, & windy here this morning, and it's making me crave things I really shouldn't have. Like the pumpkin spice cake that I'm running to Wally World to get the ingredients for just as soon as I'm done writing up this post! :-P

Yesterday, I had a chance to do something that I never do...digi scrap. I collect kits, but normally I print background papers off and use them in my card making, or I'll use them to make sig tags and word art. I've never had the urge to scrap a page.

This past Saturday, though, Middle Child marched in the Veteran's Parade with his JROTC battalion & the colors of this kit, just screamed "Make the page, woman!" *LOL* And here it is:

That's my boy on the back side of the unfurled flag, with the smile because he realized that Mom spotted him! *LOL* Saturday was the first day I've been able to see him in his uniform. He's so handsome! He was just promoted to Private from Cadet, too, so we're VERY proud of him.

This shot is from the same parade & it's our High School bagpipe, drum, & fife corps. I just LOVE the sound of bagpipes!
Finally, I used a picture from this summer, when Eldest Child busted his Chocolate skateboard deck doing a tre flip, for this clean n simple layout.
The pretty color scheme would lend itself to wedding pages, baby shower invites, French themed vacation pages or cards...it's just a great kit. It will be available for purchase 26November2010 at Kristine's Place and she was sweet enough to name it...."NORA"! {thanks Wench!}
Now I'm off to buy my cake fixin's and while it's baking, I may have to make something else with this GORGEOUS digi scrap kit. Thanks again, Kristine, for naming it after lil ole me!

Thanks for stopping by & have a great rest of your day!!

Some cards, a challenge entry, & a break from paper

Hey there! Hope everyone had a great 4th of July holiday (US), Canada Day, or just a fantastic weekend, in general. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous here - loads of sun, enough of a light breeze to stir my wind chimes, & the temps never made it over 75°...my kind of weather! Today it's breezy and sunny, but back to what July in Utah is traditionally...flippin' HOT.

While it was so pretty yesterday, I felt quite creative, so I dug out some images that I already had colored & waiting, found some papers that I liked, and set about making some cards for you. Ready?

Image is from Beccy's Place; papers from K&Co; COPIC Sketch markers used - 0, B000, BG10, YG11, YG03, G24, RV11, W1, E50; Nesties Labels Four

Image is from Fairy Coloring Pages; paper is My Mind's Eye "Totally Girl"; COPIC Sketch markers used - E50, YR65, YR68, E09, E37, YR61, W1, W3, W5, W7, W9, YG11, G21, G24, Y21, E00, YR00, V04, E04; Nesties Labels One; Ranger Distress Ink "Vintage Photo"; Sakura Stardust Clear Gel pen

Image from TAC "Gerbera Daisy" (retired); Nesties Labels Four; Ranger Distress Ink "Vintage Photo" & "Tumbled Glass"; paper from My Mind's Eye "All Boy"; Brown flocking from Studio G; COPIC Sketch markers used - E25, YG03, G24, G21, R08, R29, R39

Image is from FunkyKits UK "Manga Boy"; paper is from Best Occasion (a Wal-Mart brand); COPIC Sketch markers used - E02, YR00, YG11, YG09, YG06, C9, C7, C5, C1, YR68, YR65, YR61, BV00, BV04, BV08

This is my card for Challenge 38 over at the Sugar Bowl (below). We were given a sketch to follow & an option of adding an additional theme of scallops.
I used "Demure" by Elisabeth Bell for FunkyKits. Background paper is from My Mind's Eye "Signature Series" paper pack. I used a paper doily for the circle shape, sponged lightly with Ranger Distress Inks in Vintage Photo & Tumbled Glass. I took my MS doily lace border punch to some spotted paper from My Mind's Eye "Totally Girl" paper pack for the horizontal strip. The striped paper, behind the image is also from MME's Signature Series. {LOVE those grungy, distressed colors!} I placed two pearl drops from The Robin's Nest in the left side corners (bottom pearl is obscured from view by the stand - sorry).
COPIC sketch markers used to color image - YR00, E00, YG03, E31, E33, E04, B32, RV11, BG10, C1, B000, Y00, Y11, Y21. I rounded the corners then sponged on some more Vintage Photo & Tumbled Glass.
Finished it all off with a patterned flower from Prima (sponged with Tumbled Glass) and a pearl brad.

Now, the short break from paper shouldn't last more than a week or two. I hope. I've got loads of sewing projects piling up that have to be done. Curtains for windows, gifts for a swap, and tote bags for a boutique I'm doing at the end of August. One of the sewing projects will be my birthday blog candy here, so stay tuned. I'm not leaving you completely! {wink}

I'll have more paper goodies to share after I'm finished with my annual Christmas in July swap on the 25th (can't show her ahead of time what she's getting!). If you haven't entered MY First Challenge, there's still time & I'd love to have you come play. Please be patient & know that if you have any questions or need anything, I'm just a quick e-mail away.

Thanks for stopping by & have a great rest of your day!!

card share and freebies

Last month, I was meandering my way through some freebies over at Bird's Crafts and found myself on the BALLOONS page. I'm not normally a hot air balloon fanatic, but these made the vintage girly-girl in me say "Hmmmmm....I wonder what they'd look like if...." then my COPICs hand started to itch and twitch, and you know what that means...I just HAD to color them! *LOL*

So I grabbed a few images, opened my Print Shop and started sizing 3 of them to go on a card. Here's what I ended up with:

Pretty isn't it? The background paper is a vintage map from K&Co and the little metal tag is one that I had lying around. May have to see what else I can do with these cute little balloons.

I told you a few days ago that I'd have some Patriotic word art freebies for ya, so I've got those below. There's also a really nice phrase that's a bit late for this Father's Day but definitely could work for next year or maybe on a card or gift for a new father. Remember to right click, open in a new tab or window to enlarge, then right click again & save to a folder on your computer. I'd LOVE to see what you do with them, so take a pic & send me an e-mail or link to your blog. Enjoy!








Might have a few cards to show you over the holiday weekend or even more word art as the mood strikes me, so feel free to pop back by between the cookouts and fireworks. Thanks for stopping by & have a great rest of your day!!

K.I.S.S.

Hey there! Ya doin' allright? Me? Well, the weather's cooler (hanging in the mid-to-upper 60s), the sun's finally shining after 72 hours of rain, thunder, & tornado strength winds, & I got to play in my she-cave this weekend, so I'm doin' just dandy! *LOL*

Here's what I made for you today:
Natural A2 base, images from The Angel Company's Level A hostess set "Swirled Spring Life" (TA3239) stamped in Burnt Umber Palette ink, and the dges lightly distressed with VersaMagic Wheat.

Inside: I used the top of the flower used on front stamped in the lower corner, sentiment from Hostess Level A set "Bless Your Heart" (TA3238) in Palette Burnt Umber and again lightly edged in VersaMagic Wheat. Very simple and very pretty!

Wanna see what I'll be turning into cards later this week while Chris is on a road trip making deliveries/sales for his company?



I really enjoyed just sitting and coloring while the rain fell. And here's that cute kitty that I stamped last week, then colored with OMS & pencils. Isn't he darling?!?
Any guesses what this is for?
I'll let ya know on Tuesday! {insert wicked chuckle here} Thanks for stopping by & have a great rest of your day!!

We'll always have Paris...

*sigh* Bogart & Bergman...I just LOVE the classics! Don't you? I was playing around with my newly made vintage seam binding this morning, uncovered a little digital stamp button and a photo of the Eiffel Tower in my pile of "clippings" and it hit me....I had to make this:I used papers from My Mind's Eye; the dress pattern from Little Birdie Secrets & my sunflower decorative edge scissors (the sleeves and the bottom scallops); my yummy new ribbon colored with my homemade glimmer spray in Mix #3; distressed the edges of the photo & inked them with Ranger Distress in Vintage Photo; some homemade pearl glimmer spray on the butterfly; COPICs to color the digital stamp (E04, E50, & BG10); two crocheted flowers from friends; half pearls; Ranger's Liquid Pearls around the neckline. For the ribbon, I just did a double row of 1/4" tacky tape, slightly layered over each other (NOT butted), then scrunched the ribbon as I laid it down. I made sure to leave some on the ends to wrap underneath - it's not bulky at all!I love my little crocheted flowers...I need to use them more instead of just admiring & putting them back into the jar! *LOL* When I finished with the project, I wasn't really thinking about Ingrid Bergman, although that famous line from 'Casablanca' was stuck in my noggin. I actually pictured...{bowing} Your Majesty....
Ingrid probably would have done better in a navy wool or black/gray tweed ensemble, I think.

Whaddya think? These two papers & some more of my pretty ribbons for the next KISS? These are DCWV papers & two 1-yd pieces of ribbon that I dyed the other day, using mixes #1 & #5. Mandy was right in her video on how to make this vintage ribbon....it just wrinkles so beautifully and looks perfectly aged. I just got some COPIC various ink refills in the mail today...think I may dye up some more ribbon this weekend...This is a sneak peek of tomorrow's post...any ideas on what it might be? Thanks for stopping by & have a great rest of your day!!

'Bout Time!

My crafting mojo's been dried up for about a week now & I was beginning to wonder if it was going to come back. Last night, though, just as I was ready to shut down the house for the night, it came back to me. Like a semi doing 105mph...in the dark...with NO running lights. *LOL* So, before going to bed, I put together my K.I.S.S. cards:

For this one (above) I figured I'd let the paper do the work. It's from DCWV's "Garden Party" Mat Stack. I stamped the wording with Ranger Distress Vintage Photo, using TAC's level A hostess set "Bless Your Heart" (TA-3238).

Now this one (above), doesn't LOOK simple, but technically it is....IF you have a stash of already-colored images sitting in a box, waiting to be used! *LOL* Dotted background paper is from K&Co, some tan Scrapper's Floss from Karen Foster Designs (via The Angel Company), & Ranger Distress Ink in Vintage Photo. The Gorjuss girl image "Guardian Angel" was stamped onto an ATC a couple of weeks ago & I colored it with pencils & OMS.

Now for the cards that I put together today....

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I LOVE Sarah Kay images - they remind me of Holly Hobbie. They just SCREAM "simple, country life" & they're a joy to color. I used colored pencils (no OMS), two crocheted laces, some antique buttons (thanks, Sharron!), more tan Scrapper's Floss, & two blue roses from Prima. The sweet calico floral background that reminds me of a dress I had as a little girl is from Making Memories.

This one could qualify for K.I.S.S., but I didn't get the stamps till today, when I was at JoAnn's with a friend (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those $1 bins at the beginning of the month!). Background is from the "Nursery" collection of papers by Prima, the clear mini stamp set is from Inkadinkado, & I inked it with Ranger Vintage Photo.

What can I say about this one? I'm finding a deeper appreciation for Manga, thanks to my boys. I downloaded this digital freebie off of Deviant Art & colored her with pencils (no OMS), inked the edges with Ranger Vintage Photo, then mounted her at an angle onto some K&Co. It looks amazing in real life, & I give all the credit to the Manga artist, Princess Elemmirial, for drawing some lovely images. I'll be playing with them more in the future, that's for sure!

Another sweet Sarah Kay, colored with pencils & OMS, then cut out with my Nesties (Labels Two), trimming it ever-so-slightly along the edges with a Krylon silver leaf pen. Add in a K&Co background paper, some crocheted lace, and you can't lose!

This last one is a nod to my biker hubby. I snagged a vintage ad (sorry I can't remember from where - I can tell you that it was the result of a Google search), colored the printed image with Ranger Distress Inks (Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, & Weathered Wood), then mounted it & a frame of black cardstock onto some K&Co paper.
I really like it! Hope you enjoyed my "share" today. Thanks for stopping by & have a great rest of your day!!