The sky's the limit...

Hello, hello again! I've had a little extra crafting time so I decided to give coloring on Kraft card stock with Prisma Color Pencils a whirl. I have to admit that I jumped into this before I selected the style of card I wanted to do, what paper I was going to work with and the shape of the image. I'm not exactly thrilled with this card, because the Kraft card stock is so dull compared to using Cryogen or Xpress It Blending Card. The idea for an Easel on Easel card came from Pam Sparks and you can see her wonderful version here. This card was very hard to photograph because of the way the crayon worked against the Kraft! Instead of using mineral spirits I used the Prisma Blending Pencil. I wanted to achieve the pleats and folds and couldn't think of how else to do that.

Here are some pictures of the Easel in an Easel card I did. I used #3020 TILDA WITH KITE from the new Sweet Rainbow collection and created the background with some distress inks and a little chalk. This image is available from Diana here at Magnolia-licious.



In this view, I left the second easel part down so that you could see the full view of the upper easel part...



This artsy view of the card closed really shows better the coloring on the image and the puffy clouds...




Here is a full front view of the card...




Finally here is a side view so that you can see how the two easels work together.



Card Recipe

Card stock - Kraft and Ruby Red from SU
DP - The Paper Studio
Prisma Colored Pencils
Image - Tilda with Kite - Magnolia-licious
Pearls - gift from a friend
Ribbon - retired SU
Charm - stash
Silver cord - stash
Flowers - SU punch
Butterflies - MS punch
Sewing machine and thread
Scor-tape
Mounting tape
Art Glitter adhesive

I so appreciate your dropping in so see my latest creation. I will be back soon with more...

Hugs,
Barb

Another Mini Note book

While cleaning up the bit of a mess on my crafting table I found this other little Mini Notebook under a pile of 'stuff'. So I sat down and pulled it together into a decorated note book us #241 DANCING PARTY TILDA in the mini version of course.

She is colored with copic markers and I used a MS punch around the page for her backing. The sentiment is from Art by Moonlight. Hope you'll enjoy seeing all the fun stuff I'm coming up with for my ETSY shop or just to send as small token gifts of thanks.



Thanks again for stopping by....hugs...
Barb

A busy weekend...

After finishing another card for an upcoming challenge, I got busy this weekend making some more of those sweet little Mini Tissue Boxes. This time instead of gluing down the sides to the box, I actually made a box that would slide over the top of the box. When the tissues are gone, just replace it.

I have to admit that I struggled a little making up my first box. I'm useless with math, and trying to get the lid to be the right size for the box put me out of my comfort zone. But I finally got it down and decided to keep going with a second and third before I forgot my formula.

Here is the first cover I made. It's quite plain, even though I embossed the top and used a Nelly Snellen die for the tissue outlet and sponged the edges of the lid, but I didn't want to distract from the sweet images. I call this one Tilda Around the World. I used four images
#229 Mini Cowgirl Tilda, #303 Mini Spanish Tilda, #332 Mini India Tilda and #290 Mini Chinese Tilda. All of these images are available from Diana at the Magnolia-licious online store. Just click on the link above and it will take you to the home page.






Then I wanted to get girly and fussy so I made another Mini Tissue Box Cover using SU Shimmer White for the top and Pirouette Pink (or Bazzill facsimile) for the bottom. I again embossed the top and also embossed the die cut piece around the tissue opening. I then cut two more of those openings and embossed them and used them on two sides of the box. I decorated those ovals with some pretty flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts. I used my Marianne Dies for the leaves and then decided to make this little box a birthday theme. So I used#294 Mini Tilda with a Balloon and #233 Congratulations Tilda for the remaining opposite sides. As you can see soft pink, soft yellow and white are the theme here.






For my final Mini Tissue Box cover I went with a Christmas theme. This box took me forever to pull together and it's the least favorite of them all. I started out with Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive Card stock for the box and once I got it put together I didn't like it at all. Rather than throw it out I walked away from it for a while. Then my dear hubby suggested that I use some Christmas dp to cover the sides with. Oh, thought I, that just might work. So I sorted through my horde of Christmas dp and decided that most of it was much to busy to really work with the images. In the end I found this plaid which I thought worked quite well. So I covered the side and applied my images. Hmmmmm, still not happy with that, so I took the oval die cut off the top and redid it in the plaid. Okay, that works better! I added some pearls to it and really liked that, but the box was still too plain. I dug through my cut ribbon box and found some nice Christmasy red ric rak and glued it to the edge of the top....okay, now we're cooking. Then I added the tinest of pearls around the scallops of each image and put a larger pearl along the top of the ric rak. Okay, I better leave it alone now...leave well enough alone.






Then I pulled out another little notebook that has it's own little pen and covered it with some pretty dp from a 6X6 stack called Rose Garden by Papermania. Then I colored with sweet Tilda #3011 Tilda with Straw Hat also available from Diana at Magnolia-licious. Rather than covering that pretty paper with a mat and then Tilda, I cut Tilda out and glued her directly to the paper. It works for me!



So that's what has kept me going through this exceptionally hot weekend. All of the items will be available in my ETSY shop. The kids were well behaved, I had a visit from my friend and even took a nap this afternoon. Thanks for stopping by my blog, it's so much appreciated...
Hugs and blessings,
Barb

Here is Bill's leg...

Last night my hubby took some photos of his leg to send to his family. Every one is in agreement that he needs his foot amputated and the sooner the better. He still needs some time to deal with his emotions, and that's good!

He took these photos himself and they don't really show just how misshaped the ankle really is. His leg is moving to the left and each time he takes a step you can see the bone shift to the left.
If you squeamish, please stop now and don't look. The rash is quite evident around his previous incision area and it weeps serous fluid. I'm so afraid that infection will set in again and then it will be emergency surgery. It's so hard to bite my tongue while he struggles with coming to acceptance. This is his decision and his alone...

This is a photo of the incision area over the interior aspect of his leg and ankle. You can see how swollen the ankle and foot are...


This is looking straight down at the foot. Can you see how the leg veers to the left just above the ankle. That part of his Fibula is dying and won't heal.


Lastly, this photo shoes him standing on his foot with just barely any pressure. You can really see the swelling in the right part of his ankle, but also just how far to the left his leg bones have moved. There is little attachment at that juncture.


So many of you are praying for us during this difficult time and I'm so very thankful for you all. Even though I don't have the time to answer each of you in return, please know that our gratitude is huge and we can feel the power of your prayers. Thank you so much...

Blessings,
Barb

Thinking of you...

This card has sold already!! Just three days after I made it! Let me explain how I came up with this sketch. In my hall way hangs a portrait of my hubby and I with the three kids. The larger photo at the top is of the five of us. Underneath is one small photo of each of the kids. I must walk past that photo a kazillion times a day and it just struck me that I could really use that layout on a card. Once again I've used this darling Lying Tilda.

So here is my card...



I had tons of fun working on this card too! I love this image of Tilda. She is #264 LYING TILDA. Isn't she just adorable? I love the way she can be used to come off a card and gives so much interest to the card. Then below her I have used some Mini images. #3021 MINI TILDA WITH PONY TAIL, #3280 MINI TILDA WITH STRIPED TIGHTS AND #3321 MINI DREAMY TILDA. All of these images are available from Diana at Magnolia-licious

Here is a close up of Lying Tilda so you can see how I colored her clothing. I'm learning so much about coloring the pleats and folds. Practice makes perfect they say!



Here is a closer view of my flower arrangement in the corner. I tucked in a Melissa Frances Corner adornment just under the flowers to kind of finish every thing off.



I didn't take individual pictures of the Mini Tilda's because you can enlarge any of my photos and see them up close and personal if you'd like. So here's a picture of the three of them together...




On the inside of the card I used a computer generated sentiment which reads "Just having one of those 'thinking of you' days". Then I stamped off Lying Tilda again and popped her into the corner of the notation panel. A little Sizzix corner die completes the rather simple inside.








Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by and taking time out of your busy day to visit me.

Hugs,
Barb

Beach, Barbecues/Picnics and/or Fishing Blog Hop

Welcome to our Summer Bash Blog Hop! This month we've combined the talents of both the Magnolia-licious Highlites DT and the Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog DT. You will find the complete directions on how to enter over on the Magnolia-licious Highlites Blog.

If you've hopped over here from Mindy's blog your right on track. If you've just popped in here, please go back to the beginning, which is Sharon's blog, and then follow along from there. I'm telling ya, the projects created for this Hop are outstanding and you'll want to get inspired! From here your headed for Angela's blog where you'll pick up another letter. Please be sure to read down to the bottom of this post for the letter you will need to complete the sentence.

Here is the card I made for the hop. I chose an ocean theme, and technically you can't have a beach without an ocean, so I'm close!!! I have a lot of pictures to show you and I hope not to bog you down too much. I decided to make a center step card and I found this awesome paper recently during a clean up. I have no idea who made it, as the edge was cut off. I have used several images on this card so stick with me while I list them all out. Here on the front I've used 5 images...#237 BEACH TILDA, #612 BATHING RING,#367 TILDA SWIMMING (all from the 2009 Summer Collection). The little fish swimming in the waves was an image someone stamped for me years ago and I have no idea what his number is. I also used # 432 SEAWEED from the Bon Voyage Collection.


Here is a side view of the card so you can see how it sits. I've used mounting tape behind Tilda and behind the waves for dimension.

On the inside of the card I used another Tilda image #3057 TILDA SURFING and another little fish. Dew drops were used all over this card for bubbles. The waves are made with my Fiskars Bordering Waves punch. The sentiment is one that I made up and computer generated.



Here is a closer look at Tilda Surfing. All my images were colored with Copic Markers and the backgrounds were done with Distress Inks. Stickles were added to the waves, water and the little fish.



Here is a closer look of the fish on the inside of the card. The little one on the front of the card was colored the same.


Whew! You've made it to the end of my post and now it's time to reveal my letter. "M" is what you're needing to help complete your sentence. It's time now to hop on over to Angela's blog, I hope you'll enjoy the rest of your journey.

Hugs,
Barb

Belated Birthday....

Hello blogging friends. I'm back today with another card, but this time it's a Digital Image from Mo's Digital Pencil. She is called "Two Jill". Believe me, with twin 3 year olds around the house I see this pose on a regular basis, usually followed by a flow of tears!

I needed something to do last night, since I had finished a card which is scheduled to post later this month, and it was late and I didn't think I'd have time to get much done. But in the end, I went surfing some challenge blogs for a sketch and found this awesome sketch on CLP. The DT entries are mouth watering so I decided to see if I could pull something together.

Back in December, when I was helping my daughter through a rough patch in her life, I colored up a bunch of images - most of which still need to be made into cards. I ran across this sweet image and then went digging for some paper. Since I went through my marathon paper clean up a week or so ago, I have a ton of paper already cut into 6X6 pieces. So now I don't have the name of the paper or the company who makes it, and I didn't keep track of the copics I used either.

Anyway...here is my card front and my entry into the CLP July challenge...



Here is a close up of my image. I can't believe how much I've grown in my coloring in just a few months...



I always try to repeat some of my design elements on the inside of my card. Of course the paper is a repeat, but I also used more rhinestones around my Marianne Design doily die.



Well that's it! I've had a marathon of a day and I'm ready to retire to watch the Ranger's play against Seattle.

Thanks for dropping by :-)

Hugs,
Barb

Matchbook notebooks...

Well, I'm really on a roll for altering stuff. Here are two little Matchbook type notebooks that worked up so quickly I surprised myself!

I've really got to get back making some cards again as my shelves are getting full with small altered items. Here is the first one I made...I used some Magnolia paper which I've had sitting around for ages and #340 Fairy Dust Tilda. The ribbon is from SU and retired years ago



My second little notebook was made with some scrap paper from my bin and I used #321 Hello Little Butterfly for my image. I trimmed the scalloped area with some very tiny pearls...



Here they are together...



Here is how they open. The top just slips into the fold at the bottom. Inside there is a little note pad which is lined and ready to have your message jotted down!



I so appreciate your taking the time to visit my blog and for the encouraging comments you leave me.

Hugs,
Barb

Mini Tissue Box

I'm back with another sweet altered project for you, using several Mini's and a little Mini Tissue Box. There is a theme for this little box, and if you follow the pictures in order you will see that it is a garden theme. All of these images are available from Diana at Magnolia-licious.

On this first panel I have used #253 GARDEN TILDA who is digging up her flower beds in preparation for the planting.




This next panel is #324 SEEDING TILDA. She needs to get her seeds into the soil before the summer rains come...





The third panel is #3035 TILDA IN SUMMER RAIN. She is all ready with her umbrella and rubber boots to ward off the rains...




The final panel is #3005 RUBBER BOOTS TILDA. I don't see her at the moment, so I suppose Diana is out of her. If you ask I know she will work her magic to get the image in stock again. She is doing the happy dance that her garden is ready to harvest a bounty of beautiful flowers.




Finally, there is the bounty of flowers atop the pearl encased top of the tissue box. Pretty flowers and rose buds festoon the lid allowing the space in the center to pull out the tissues.



This was a fun project to do and I hope it will adorn someones desk or crafting table somewhere and brighten their day.

Thanks for stopping in to see my latest project.

Hugs,
Barb

I'm having Notebook mania here....

Hello all, I'm back today with another altered Mini Notebook, this time using #3032 WATER CAN TILDA. She is just so sweet and how easy she was to color up to adorn my notebook with. She is available here at Diana's Magnolia-licious shop. This whole collection is fabulous and I'm loving the versatility each image has.

This little notebook is in my Etsy shop for a very reasonable price. I've already sold several items since I opened it up, so that's been pretty exciting.

Here is my notebook....



That's it for today. I've had a sick baby home but she is doing much better today. I'll be back soon with more creations soon!

Hugs,
Barb

Altered.....

Over this long weekend we've been quite busy, visiting with family and swimming and eating out! It's been a blast. I did however manage to get just a few small items altered and I am going to be putting them up for sale in my ETSY shop. You can check them out in my side bar.

Since these are small items, it didn't take me long to finish them up. I've done two bookmarks using jumbo paper clips that I've had for a few years. The other is a small note book with pen you can slip into your purse, it's a perfect size.

So here are my items...

#3021 TILDA WITH PONY TAIL



#250 TILDA WITH BUTTERFLY DRESS





#259 KNEELING TILDA


Well, that's it - a very short post. I hope you'll be inspired to alter some items for yourself and give them for gifts or just enjoy them for yourself...

Hugs,
Barb

Happy Birthday USA!

Welcome back to my blog! Even though this is not a traditional red/white/blue celebration card, I'm celebrating the 4th with this birthday card! As summer is heating up, here at Magnolia-licious Highlites Challenge blog we have a hot new challenge for you. Mindy Baxter is our fabulous and uber talented designer of this months sketch! You'll love this one. So come along, sit back with a long tall cool lemonade or beverage of choice and let your creative juices flow.

For my card I have used #3019 HOPSCOTCH TILDA from the newest Sweet Rainbow collection. You will find this image and the rest of the collection, as well as the Mini images over at Magnolia-licious. I had another dp in mind when I colored my image, but this designer paper by Fancy Pants Designs was much better suited to the sketch. I used my Creative Memories Oval cutter around the image and distressed the edges with Tea Dyed Distress Ink. I used my Go Create XXL Square Frames Frilly #2, flipped it on it's side to get the shape I needed for the center focus. The sentiment is by JustRite stampes, cut with Spellbinders Lace Edge Circle and plain circle. The embossing was done using a new Provo Craft embossing plate.

I stitched each panel to my cardstock and used Tea dyed Distress Ink around the edges. The leaves are made with my Marianne Designs die. All flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and are sprayed with Pearl Glimmer Mist, the pearls are from my stash. I made the pin with some extra beads I had on had from a recent project. I added self adhesive pearls around the edge of the sentiment. The ribbon is also from my stash.



Here is a side view of the flowers and front of my card...



A closer look at Miss Tilda...


On the inside of my card I repeated that pretty Go Kreate shape in two layers of cardstock and I made a pocket from that cool birthday designer paper. I added a little touch of lace with my Magnolia Vintage lace die. To tuck into that pocket, I used the matching Magnolia Vintage Tag to which I added #233 MINI CELEBRATION TILDA. I hand dyed the seam binding ribbon and then added a couple of pearls to two of the ends. I distressed the edges of the tag with Tea Dyed Distress Ink and added a row of pearls. A bow made with my Bow Easy and a little heart charm from my stash complete the embellies on the inside.


Here is a closer look at the tag.


Both images were colored with the following Copics...
E0000, 000, 00, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, B21, 23, 24, YR 12, 14, 24, 30, N1, 3, 5 and Spica Sky Blue
Distress Inks - Weathered wood, Tea Dyed

This was a very fun sketch to do. I hope you will join us this month by using the sketch and adding your creation to Mr. Linky at the Magnolia-licious Highlites blog.

Thanks for stopping by - happy stamping!

Hugs,

Barb