Lil' Scrappers Ink Spots and Stamp Blocks

Use it OR Lose It! Challenge

2012-02-10T14:58:00.001-05:00

WEEEEHOOOO, so excited to be part of the new challenge group for CTMH! Use it or Lose it is the name of the game. This Weeks challenge is finding your first stamp and putting it to work. I used 'the simple things'. One of my first stamps if not my first one. I leaned on word stamps when I started as I was pretty new to the whole crafting thing. Today I love dabbling in techniques and mixed media art for fun. Welcome aboard, grab that oldie but goodie and play along!

Now this technique is impossible to photograph well, ARGH! It is the false mahogany technique from Technique Junkies. I used barn red and garnet ink from CTMH. We had great fun pounding out the chipboard hinges to look like old and beat up hinges (one casualty with my oldest catching his thumb). Head to the Use it or lose it site to see all the great projects people came up with for this challenge and link up your own :)

Shake it up!

2012-02-02T06:31:00.002-05:00

Photography Challenge - Something old

2012-01-19T18:13:00.000-05:00

So I joined a group that is challenging itself to photograph interesting things. This months theme is 'old'. Here are my choices so far....

These images are from around our farm. They all represent something old and many memories.

Top 12 Trends for 2012

2012-01-05T15:49:00.000-05:00

Scrapbooking trends that is!
1) Woodgrain
2) Spray Ink
3) Baker's Twine
4) Nautical Motifs
5) Chalkboard
6) Doilies
7) Honeycomb Shapes
8) Numbers
9) Divided Page Protectors
10) Western Motifs
I copied this list from CTMH bulletin board, a post that Brenda Rose made.

Tag #10 - A long time coming

2011-12-23T11:30:00.001-05:00

Well, it's taken me some time to get this posted. I have finished the 12 Tags and will try to post them all today. I was stumped on this one for a while, but.....TAH DAH!
I used Liquid Glass (ctmh) for the square ornament, over a stamp, the circle is an old sticky back epoxy embellie from CTMH that has lay dormant in my desk for years. I used music paper from my old paper stash and embossed the holly on , spritzed with Lindy's stamp gangs gold spray and voila!

Christmas Bow's

2011-12-16T13:40:00.000-05:00

FromFantabulous Cricut The perfect Christmas Bows. I love it!

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 9

2011-12-15T06:54:00.000-05:00

I don't have time right now to give all the detail, but I will say that this is my all time favourite tag!It looks like brocade and CTMH ink works like distress ink for this purpose. LOVE!

Tag #8-Tim Holtz 12 Days of Tags

2011-12-13T15:30:00.002-05:00

We are almost through the 12 tags. This is tag 8 (the steam punk one) I have never done steampunk before. I have to say....I quite like it, you will be seeing more of that style from me.
On this card I used an older stamp from Hero Arts and embossed it in white then sponged cranberry and new england ivy over it. I used the accent essentials cartridge to cut out a few gears, a MFT die for the arrow and cut the gameboard die out of the metal top of a coffee container. I happily splashed alcohol inks over it to age it (a touch of copper).
The Film strip is a CTMH stamp that I stamped on acetate and cut down to fit on the tag. THe little ladies on the bottom are part of Sassy Studio Designs Digi steampunk line, shrunk down and lined up and printed.
AHH, almost done, but how to get that 25 on the bottom?
I used a metal frame tag from long ago, stuck it to metal tape with the rub on 25 on it and filled the frame with liquid glass. The greenery is some of the glassine technique that Tim demonstrated a few tags ago. The UPC is a scrap that was sitting on my desk from another journalling tag. The wee lightbulb hanging from the top is a find from my brothers workshop, as is the washer just under the arrow :)
All products are CTMH, unless otherwise noted. They do work a lot like Tims Distress Inks.

Tags 6 and 7

2011-12-12T02:39:00.001-05:00

TAG 6

I loved this technique! I will do that again. I used acrylic paint rather than the ranger ink and made it a birthday tag for a little guy that is having a party next week. I took a chipboard letter and painted it red, covered it in liquid glass, added a few beads on a wire and TAHDAH :)

TAG 7

ohhh, I had so much fun with this tag. I used my Lindys Stamp Gang Metallic Starbursts for the background and CTMH Jingle Borders stamp lightly stamped on the background. Another retired CTMH - for the No peeking embossed stamp. I cut the greenery out on the cricut. I didn't have glassine paper so I used the backing from my Xyron and crumbled it up....worked like a charm :) I will be saving more of that.

Christmas Tags- Assembly Line Style

2011-12-12T01:51:00.001-05:00

Tag #1 -Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas

2011-12-08T14:54:00.000-05:00

Now I finished tag #1! I used a cutout from the Winter Wonderland Cartridge for the Joy...layered up on 3 pieces of cardstock, covered in glitter glue and diamond dust.I embossed the tag with my allegro cuttlebug folder as per Tim's technique and used CTMH embossing white. I then sanded the blueberry kraft paper to reveal the core :).
The pinecones are from the Art Philosophy Cartridge, as are the holly leaves.

Tags 2 and 3

2011-12-07T13:17:00.000-05:00

ARGH, uploading and photo taking have been the bane of this endeavour. My photo's are too dark or won't focus....and my computer has forgotten how to pull the pic's from the camera. Well, enough grumping.
I am using what I have, and the kraft resist paper was not part of my stash, so I downloaded some sheet music, used clear embossing powder and stamped the HOLIDAY on it. I stamped an image up in the upper left side as well, which didn't show up in the photo...but no open images in my stamps, so it stayed black :( The reindeer was cut on my cricut from the Winter Wonderland cartridge and the star and tinsel are from the kids craft bucket. I used brown cardstock spritzed with Tattered Angels glimmer mist in Coffee Shop for sparkle and cut the border from the Art Philosopy Cartridge.
My reindeer is fabric run through the xyron and stuck on scrap cardstock (yup, I will be doing this again :)It looks cool!) Brown Bag CTMH ink sponged around the edges and popped on pop dots. My hammer and eyelet maker dented the brads. Yeah....Love the hammer.
Tag #3 is a stretch, but I like it all the same. I embossed across the top of the tag , pulled ribbon from my stash (my mother in laws old sewing stuff) and teh snowman was a leftover from Tag #4. It was too small and ended up with the neatest blue outline from sitting in the splash on my desk while I completed the tag. The holly and berries are CTMH...the Art Philosophy and bling. The Cedar is Martha Stewarts punch.

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas

2011-12-05T12:13:00.000-05:00

I decided to play along with Tim this year and create the 12 tags of Christmas at least as many as I can. I don't have a lot of Tim Holtz toys, so I am improvising quite a bit, using Technique Junkies and Close to My Heart and my fertile imagination, lol. I have already learned new techniques and magic tricks that my kids are using to make their own ornaments :)Come play along with me at Tim Holtz's blog .

For this tag, I cut the snowman out of the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge, sprayed him with Lindy's Stamp Gang Bachelor Button Blue and Azure Sea Aster starbursts, then used the Feb/March 2011 technique from the Technique Junkies Newsletter called Faux Barn Wood (My all time fav) since my crackle paint finally bit the dust. The rest of the supplies are Close to My Heart.

For Day 5, I didn't have reverse written stamps, so I created a HOHO one with the 'A typeface' from CTMH August Special. You can use any background stamp as well. I used Martha Stewarts Cedar Bough punch to create a wreath. The rest of the adornments are old stock that I have lying around and never seem to use. Now to go back and make the first three tags, lol. I am having fun!

Sneak Peak! WOW!!!!!

2011-11-10T18:36:00.000-05:00

I am head over heels for this set! Are you?? Place your order through my link and get yours this December. THink of the possibilities :)

Making Christmas Cards in a Jiffy....Art Philosophy Style

2011-11-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

I am making cards for Christmas Tomorrow. Pictures to follow the event. I am going to try to make all my cards in an afternoon!

More fall fun

2011-11-03T10:46:00.003-04:00

Halloween Cards and Fun

2011-10-20T21:19:00.005-04:00

Well, I wish my camera knew how to take pictures, lol. I tried twice and still can't get it. I need to take a photography course......hmmmmm, that's a thought for another year.
I have been playing in my craft room late at night , as my work schedule has left me drained. I was sitting there last night and my four year old wanted to scrapbook with me (he loves the ink :)) So...all Close to My Heart except the glitter......

My cricut pumpkin....born from a CTMH bulletin board post and altered a bit. If I can find where I put the link, I will add it here.
See the witch in the back? She is scared of the camera and fades out on me. This is the best photo so far. She is a resist technique with Lindy's Stamp Gang embossing powder (it's two toned :)) and black ink sponged over the August SOTM from Close to My Heart. I used the Mischief paper pack, also CTMH. I will try to get a better pic' for you to see her. She's a spooky one, lol

Blogtoberfest! Are you in??

2011-10-12T05:13:00.000-04:00

Tresa over at Fabulously Artsy has inspired me to become more Blogger Fabulous! I started with my header....it still needs work, but I am going to play with it. Do you have a blog? Do you want to improve it? Join us over on Tresa's Blog for tons of tips and tutorials.

Heart to Heart Challenge Sympathy Card

2011-10-09T21:31:00.003-04:00

I created another sympathy card and have many yet to make,sadly. No special techniques on this one, but I followed the H2H challenge sketch using the Close to My Heart Dreamin' paper, ink and ribbon.
CTMH Treetops stamp with Outdoor Denim and Moonstruck ink. As for the
The Sketch Have fun trying yourself ;)

Along the edge Sympathy

2011-10-03T09:57:00.000-04:00

Sadly, you will be seeing a few sympathy cards as I make them up for the people that losing family (and pets :().
This card was inspired by the fact that I didn't really know where to start, so threw a bunch of sentiments on the acrylic block while I was thinking, and AH HA!
Technique Junkies to the rescue :) This is the along the edge technique from the summer issue, with a cricut flower from the Art Philosophy cartridge from Close to My Heart. You too can own it, just click the link in my sidebar and shop with me :)

It really is that simple. The stamps are Close to My Heart, cardstock from the dollar store and the flower is out of a Roxie scrap (ctmh) Ink as always is ctmh, it's all I have, lol.

World Cardmaking Day - Canadian Style Blog Hop

2011-09-30T21:56:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my blog and the world cardmaking day blog hop!I decided to create a card for my sister, seeing as she just got a new car and is proud as punch :) I used a stamp from bugaboo stamps (in Alberta, see my link on the side)for the car and Close to my Heart paper and sentiments. Lovin' Bugaboo for their way too funny nurse digis, lol.

The inside: I even decorated the outside of the envelope.

he side

The wee trinket on the side is a bookmark that I created with the Roxie scraps from a tutorial at Technique Junkies....again see my side bar for the link, Blogger is causing a ruckus tonight and won't let me do much.

You have come from Heathers Blog and are heading to Karey's Blog. For a complete list, see the next post down in my blog post, HAPPY TRAILS :)

Blogging Across Canada....are you ready??

2011-09-29T08:13:00.003-04:00

We are having a blog hop across Canada. If you have a blog and live in Canada, join the fun. Of course, if you live in Canada and love to craft, come along too! No toques or hockey sticks required, but lets find some of the hidden talent that we have here!
This is the list, well, half the list. We had to break it down to a manageable number. I believe the first and last on the list have a link to the rest of the hop if you are up for it!

1. Nicole http://www.canadiannickelscrapn.blogspot.com/
2. Seriously Creative Challenges http://creativeaccentschallenges.blogspot.com
3. Graphicat Designs http://www.graphicatstamps.com/_blog/Blog
4. Heather http://princesspaperprojects.blogspot.com/
5.You are here! http://www.inkspotsandstampblocks.blogspot.com/
6. Karey http://www.creativecraftcorner.com/
7. Kelly http://craftingcreatively.blogspot.com
8. Tracey http://thecroppingcanuck.blogspot.com/
9. Chelle http://maybecreative.blogspot.com 10.
10 Barbara http://barbscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
11. Janet http://hilltopcreations.blogspot.com
12. Chris http://chrisscreations.blogspot.com/
13. Sarah http://stampinsars.blogspot.com/
14. Kerry http://mommakcrafts.blogspot.com/
15. Jill Sarginson http://jillelizabethsarginson.blogspot.com
16. Tara http://tarashomemadehappiness.blogspot.com/
17. Kim http://kraftinkimmieskorner.blogspot.com/
18. Becky http://beckscricards.blogspot.com/

Our summer students are back to school

2011-09-23T21:24:00.000-04:00

This is a card I created, just for the fun of it. I used a technique junkies tech. on the circle punch background and the CTMH pair-a-phrase stamp set for the sentiment and little pot of gold.
It was fortunate that I made it as I needed a card to give to the summer students as they finished their placement for the year. YAY for cake and icecream celebrations :)

Prepping Your Cricut Mat

2011-09-22T08:52:00.000-04:00

Is your mat too sticky and tearing your paper? Try Cricut Dan's technique to condition the mat as seen here

Back to School Thank You

2011-09-11T08:33:00.001-04:00

We get the same teacher again this year, which is fabulous! We wanted to give her a special treat, so created a cupcake (see the previous post for the link) and a little bag to carry it in . My laddie took it in to school special for her. I had to send a note for her to peek inside and find the gift card, lol.

All close to my heart supplies, the new paper is heavenly to work with. The little tags are cut with the Art philosophy cartridge. My cherry is a marble from the kids collection painted red, glittered and glued to a bulldog clip.

Cupcakes anyone?

2011-09-02T21:15:00.001-04:00

I saw this first on www.fabulouslyartsy.com and followed her links back to the 'I think' originator of this awesome gift card holder. I have given this one away, alas without showing you how to pull the gift card out, so I am making another for Ben's teacher this year,as she gets him twice in a row, poor lady, lol. The original directions are from Linda Albrecht....hmmm, no link for her, I will have to search. Enjoy my Calorie Free cupcake!

How many flowers from the Art Philosophy cartridge did she use?

2011-09-01T18:16:00.001-04:00

Art-Philosophy-Cricut-Cartridge-Giveaway
I love this consultants challenge and want to share it with you. Check her out :)

Layout to try

2011-08-18T20:14:00.000-04:00

From heart to heart challenges...the link is on the side of my blog. Join me and create something from this sketch.

Flower Clusters

2011-08-04T16:35:00.001-04:00

My summer garden and bits and peices

2011-08-03T04:10:00.000-04:00

This is a piece of my world, even the frog was found in the vegetable garden.....along with 3 5 gallon pails of green beans!

Random Stamping

2011-07-04T05:31:00.000-04:00

Morels!

2011-06-04T11:12:00.000-04:00

Look what I found in my backyard! Just in time for my Birthday too, lol. Love this place, it's full of surprises!

Swingin' in Style!

2011-05-16T16:20:00.000-04:00

Hoppy birthday

2011-05-05T08:28:00.000-04:00

I thought I had posted this already, but I guess not :) I have been revisiting my older posts and realized my submission for the Regional CTMH Meeting wasn't here. The challenge was to create a project with cardstock and stamps, no patterned paper and all CTMH product. I randomed stamped and distress colour blocked the backgrounds.

2011-04-22T21:25:00.000-04:00

Spring Clear Card....for H2H Challenge

2011-04-12T22:14:00.000-04:00

THis is the hardest card to take a picture of. A clear acrylic card from CTMH and the buttons are on the under layer. The bunny is coloured with water colour pencils and a waterbrush.

Say it in Style!

2011-04-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

Say it in Style - CTMH
Blocked Collage - Technique Junkies

Super Easy single layer card that I created :)

Studio J - Digital Scrapbooking

2011-04-02T07:36:00.004-04:00

Have you tried it? Have you thought about it......Here's a step by step 'How to'

I tried it and I like it. Why don't you give it a try click here.....you don't buy anything unless you want the layout you create :) Easy Peasy!

National ScrapBooking Month

2011-04-01T15:43:00.000-04:00

Birthday Cake

2011-03-24T08:35:00.000-04:00

Its not paper, but it's still art....right?? I spent yesterday creating 50 cupcakes and this COOL train cake! My baby is 6 today. I can't believe it! (well, not my baby, my oldest, but still.....)

A quick cake (made with coffee, shhh don't tell ;)) to celebrate all three birthdays while we had Julia here for the March Break.....cuz we are going to miss her real birthday. My princess....she got BELLE from Beauty and the Beast as a gift and we did her hair up like Belle and dressed up......Can you tell I only have boys in my house, lol. I wish I'd got a picture.

I'm in the mood for FAbric....sewing....needles.....and flowers

2011-03-22T05:35:00.001-04:00

I started this search for a good place to buy fabric online, seeing as I am stuck out here in a rural (read....no stores in an hour's drive ;) ) that carry fabric and notions and crafty stuff. In my searching, I stumbled on some amazing blogs, sites and creative people. I am going to share a few with you so you can be inspired too :) My sewing machine is in for repairs, so I won't be following up on this urge anytime soon, sadly. But I can dream while I finish the project I started last winter of painting my kitchen cupboards.
www.blairpeter.typepad.com ahhh creative bliss and search out her fabric flowers!
http://www.tipjunkie.com/anthropologie/ for cute skirts and lots of stuff! Use those flowers ;)
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com I am in love with this site!
www.distinctivesewing.com is a sewing pattern site with retro and victorian patterns.....cool!

http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/coffee-date-dress-multisize-sample

The Ultimate Craft Spot!

2011-03-07T10:52:00.000-05:00

You need to look here

and see this! There is a Canada Workbox Giveaway going on and I'm in love! I think the Original Scrapbox is my favourite item.

Herringbone Technique - Scraps Put to Use :)

2011-03-05T12:06:00.002-05:00

Ahhh, time to finish while Thomas Paints!

2011-02-28T10:39:00.000-05:00

Distraction, ahhhh :)
This is an older project...January...but I forgot to post it. Eat cake graphics and Copic coloured, I made a snowball fight revival kit for a thank you gift for my husband to give. If you look closely you will see a bit of sky colour...that is Thomas' contribution...artist in training, lol.

This project I fell in love with in the store....sigh...I love Batik and turquoise....and the two together....bliss! Ha, So I and my sewing machine embarked on a project together. Now, I don't get along with my sewing machine as a rule....I get frustrated and it makes funny noises....GRRRR, so this Project from November was finished today and my machine is going back for repairs at Wool'n'Things...AGAIN!!!

This is a quick shot of the inside :) More sewing adventures to come as I try my hand at a simple quilt for Ben ;)

My latest projects....Scrappy, Sewing and More

2011-02-28T10:02:00.000-05:00

This is Ben's first snow angel, he asked me to share it, lol...we have had such mild weather that we are outside every day playing on the pond.

A few of my homemade flowers from coffee filters (not the brown one) For directions follow my sidebar link to the fabulously artsy blog and check out her TV series! I will teach these soon at our classes :) The box is an old slide box I rescued from work and refurbished with the Magnifique paper from CTMH and the 'a little thanks' stamp set.

And then filled with goodies ;)

Ben and Tom's snowmen....which promptly melted the next day in the rain....and Pal ate the nose from Tom's :o...wish I could have captured that on film, lmbo!

This is Tom blocking the camera so I can't show you the rest, lol....I will be back after I distract him!

Sharing a video :)

2011-02-27T21:15:00.000-05:00

Found this video, and wanted to share. I hope you enjoy it :)

My Hunny's Valentine

2011-02-25T11:42:00.000-05:00

And for a little trick that only CTMH blocks will give you....the background square is a 3x3 acrylic block pressed into the ink pad and applied to paper. The stamp is.....hmmmm, I don't remember. If you know, let me know :)

Lollipop Covers

2011-02-16T08:04:00.000-05:00

Check out these quick cuties for a treat! CTMH animal cookies paper and I think its the animal cookies stamp that I used with it.

Valentines Treats

2011-02-15T08:30:00.001-05:00

I used the Sweetheart paper from CTMH and the Bonus Technique from Technique Junkies newsletter and created this loverly surprise for my mother. We have the lovely experience of working together and I was able to slip the gift into her med cart at work yesterday, teehee, what a lovely surprise! The stamps used were CTMH's Heartthrob.I morphed the technique a bit, as I tucked acetate behind the window to hold the hearts in. This box is the perfect size for little votive candles/cookies/any tiny gift :)

Challenge!

2010-11-17T07:22:00.000-05:00

Raindrops on roses
And whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles
And warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies
And crisp apple strudels
Door bells and sleigh bells
And shnitzel with noddles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters and melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorites things
And then I don't feel so bad

Raindrops on roses
And whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles
And warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies
And crisp apple strudels
Door bells and sleigh bells
And shnitzel with noddles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters and melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorites things
And then I don't feel so bad
This is the inspiration for the Wednesday Stamp Challenge over at My Favourite Things this week. Join me in creating something based on this song by Julie Andrews for the Sound of Music!

My Favorite Things - are now MY favourite things, lol

2010-08-03T08:46:00.000-04:00

I love this stamp set from MFT! It was enough to convince me to try to order across the border, lol. Well that and the new dies they have. This card is the first of many I am making with this set, using the grass border too :) The sentiment on the inside is my favourite all time kids song and I have been singing it since the stamps showed up. (My husband wants to shut me up, lol) Coloured in with copics and inked on the edges. The picture is fuzzy, any ideas what I did wrong??

Heres the inside, I pulled a scrap of paper and used my sentiment. I have seen come fabulous insides of cards and think I need to ramp it up a bit!

My first attempt at a card box

2010-07-21T20:47:00.001-04:00

I created this based off of Mel Stampz idea (www.melstampz.blogspot.com), although mine falls far short of her stupendous work. I beaded, stamped and sewed to my hearts content and produced this cool box. When you take off the lid, the clouds dangle and shimmer with the motion. This is an older project that I just hadn't photographed, so details elude me at this point. I do love it though :-)

You Toadally Rock!

2010-06-05T22:05:00.000-04:00

First of all, let it be said.....I adore Mel's Blog, love it and am constantly inspired by it. So saying, I had to try one of her latest projects, which I have shamelessly copied and now share my version....Thank you Mel for being such a genius! This is the project that inspired me. And mine is going to a nine year old with money hidden in the waves....I forgot to wait and photograph it finished, oopsie! Deets must follow, as I need to go to bed and I had to finish this month long project and get it off my desk, lol.......Lotsa copics, new stamps and Mel templates and foooling around!

2010-05-23T22:17:00.000-04:00

Sassy Door Hanger Challenge

2010-05-16T21:55:00.000-04:00

Wow, you really make me think outside the box, lol. I loved this image and finally found the best way to showcase her. I used some scraps and some of the new cherry-o CTMH paper pack. Coloured with copics (BG01 and 09on the towels, E00 and E11on the skin and E25 and E29 on her hair). The letters are CTMH rubon's in chocolate, mmmmm. Compose
I laugh because my kids call my bathroom time my time outs (my break from them when I've had enough parenting).

The challenge is over at paper craft planet.
Check it out!

Monochromatic Bookmark

2010-05-15T21:38:00.003-04:00

I was playing around with Sassy Studios latest freebie over at papercraftplanet and ended up playing the copic creations challenge too! I used W5,3 and 1 and a little toner 8 and 6 on her hair. I found this daisy chain in my grandma's stash and borrowed a bit. Used a cuttlebug just my type folder on the bottom (it's coordinations cardstock with a beautiful spring green on the other side! Delish!

Mother's Day

2010-04-29T19:16:00.003-04:00

I started this card eons ago....well the image anyway. Thanks to Mel of Mel Stampz fame, I printed out script paper and gesso'd it and let that dry. I then printed a digi from sweet'n'sassy images on it and embossed it (note to self, use antistatic sheet next time) My printer didn't like that, but the results are Fantastic, Super fragalistically so. The texture is amazing!!!! and it looks cool and copics love it!! The red paper is the ruched paper from Paper Temptress and I used nesties to cut it out.

I framed the inside with the leftover TJ, Pearl Ex something technique, cuz I couldn't resist using every last scrap. That image is sweet'n'sassy too and done the same way. Sentiment is CTMH.

Challenge for Copic Junkies (photo to follow)

2010-04-26T21:38:00.001-04:00

am so scatterbrained lately.......but somehow realized that I was due for a challenge. So welcome all this week to the challenge of woodgrains with copics. Here's a link I found helpful

and a quick run down of how
1. Start with your lightest brown (likely E33 in my case) and just colour in straight lines, leaving it kinda streaky
2. Using your middle brown (E37) streak in the direction of the wood grain, leaving lots of lighter brown showing
3 Using your darkest marker (E39) or E47 for me :) add in very little, quick streaks for the cracks in the boards
4. Go over it streakily with the lightest marker again.
Get brave and add in knotholes and cracks.

I have a pic coloured, but can't seem to get around to mounting it. I keep colouring instead, help.....I have a stack of coloured images that I haven't finished, lol.....I need a quiet day at home, no kids!

Happy colouring,
Connie Willis

BUGABOO GOES RUBBER AT STAMPALICIOUS!

2010-04-21T17:44:00.002-04:00

Look:-) my favourite stamp site is going rubber with another Canadian company! Check both of em out!

Have a Happy Day!

Clips n Cuts perpetual blog hop

2010-04-19T20:32:00.003-04:00

--how FUN! Found this on Mel McCarthy's site...They are aiming for a 1000 blogs.

You can add your blog post too. Just copy the code (below)
and paste it in your post while you're in html mode (More info here.)

Paper Crafts blog hop!
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Designed to Delight

2010-04-09T22:10:00.007-04:00

I discovered this little blog Designed to Delight somewhere along the line and try to play when I can. Unfortunately I never get my cards posted in time. Hopefully this week......
I coloured with copics and popped the petals on dimensional tape I curled the leaves and glued them on top too...I loved the simplicity so mounted it on an ATC sized card and left it alone!

Gesso Resist- Who hid the EAster bunny?

2010-04-08T14:44:00.003-04:00

I loved this image (from a colouring book)and couldnt' wait to use it. Then forgot to send it. Figures! I used the gesso resist TEchnique from Technique Junkies ( a long time ago ) and filed it for easter. See the hidden eggs stamped in the gesso??? I coloured with copics and cut out, trying the out of the box technique....need more practice! lol.

Magic Mosaic (and an awe inspiring way to use up scraps!)

2010-04-03T20:29:00.001-04:00

This card was created for the Try that Technique on the yahoo group for technique junkies. The Technique is Magic Mosaic and I twisted it a little, lol. I decided to use scraps off my desktop and came across this little duck I had stamped and cut out and coloured with copics, so I added him to the mosaic. I also came across scraps of the Frog in a Blender technique and punched out little frogs from those pieces and tucked them in. Some of the scraps are Antiqued Glimmers, too. The rest are miscellaneous papers. Come join us at www.techniquejunkies.com ;-)It's great fun and inspiration!

Bugaboo Blog Candy!

2010-03-28T22:12:00.004-04:00

www.bugaboostamps.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-got-blog-candy.html

My new favourite Stamp Site is having blog candy. Follow the link and check them out.

Sassy Shopper Pocket Card

2010-03-19T21:48:00.005-04:00

I coloured this Sassy Studio stamp a while ago with my copics. Took a while to get it on a card and the sassy studio's challenge this week was the perfect reason, lol. To make a pocket and use a flower on my card. The flower is a digi from ???? and the purse is from a retired CTMH set. I used the reverse embossing technique from Technique Junkies and stuffed the purse and tucked in a medallion. I stitched the edges of the purse with silver thread and used the same thread to hold the medallion on the purse strap and tucked it inside. I have also (not yet scanned) put a pocket on the inside to hold a gift card for some lucky someone! Hope you like my playing, Happy Stamping, Connie

Feather Blending

2010-02-07T21:40:00.005-05:00

I created this card for a friend for Valentines. It uses the technique mono dies from the latest technique junkies newsletter (see the blinkie on the sidebar). It also uses the wispy frames from this issue. The stamp is from Clear Dollar. The copic colouring is a feather blending technique for the copic challenge blog (on the flower) Thanks for looking in! Connie

Valentines by the dozens

2010-02-07T19:44:00.003-05:00

I created a bunch of ATC's today for my sons JK Valentines party on Wednesday. I coloured the images with copics, Used the wisped frames technique on a few, the mono dies tech on one (both techniques from the latest TJ newsletter,see my sidebar for a link). The stamps are Penny Black and Clear Dollar. Glitter from the dollar store, embossing from CTMH. TOO MUCH fun and Ben glittered everything!

Hey There Mr Snowman.....

2010-01-20T09:09:00.003-05:00

Hey Mr Snowman, bring me some snow......
Our snow has been melting with our January thaw and I hate to see it cold without snow in February. I created this 'man stamped in Ocean Blue and coloured with W1 and BG10. The clouds are compliments of Mel (MelStampz) I was playing with her lovely techniques and ended up with this card. So the snow is acrylic paint on the BG paper and a Background Stamp stamped into the paint. I then stitched snowdrifts in.
The clouds are white embossed background stamp on water colour paper and stitched with the same embroidery thread around the edges. Mr Snowmans scarf has a beaded fringe, which I borrowed from Mel as well Love you Mel, keep it up, teeheee. The snowy swirls are all glittered too. The picture cannot do justice to the card :(

BlueBird

2010-01-19T06:53:00.003-05:00

This little guy was coloured for last weeks Copic Junkies Challenge, but I forgot to upload him :(. I used BG01 and 09 along with YG 23 and 21 and a splash of R46 and YR04 and 06. Isn't he charming? He was a freebie from Dustin Pike. He is printed on text weight Curious Iridescent Paper. The BAckground.....Now I need to show MelMcCarthy my messed up background :)I attempted a Mel Stampz technique that went delightfully wrong. More on that later. Now I have to go to work :(

Searching.....

2010-01-16T20:47:00.002-05:00

I coloured this image a month or so ago and never got it to a card until the other day. The image is a Mo Manning digi and the technique behind it is called Brown Bagging from the last technique junkies newsletter. I love this tech. and flipped for Mo's images, what talent!

Clothesline...runaway snowman ;-)

2009-12-20T19:38:00.002-05:00

I had fun with this. It was done for the stamping boutique how do you show snow challenge, but never finished in time. I adhered it to a box I painted and filled with stamping stuff for my sister. Coloured with copics and I hope you can see the stickles and glitter on the card.

Ornaments

2009-12-19T18:21:00.002-05:00

I loved the ornament a fellow TJ'er made, so chased the links to find directions to make my own. You can see Kathys's here and the directions arefound here. If you scan through the post you will find them. The post previous to this shows another ornament
as well. Try it, it's easier than you think ;^) Ummm, I should have rotated that photo,lol

Copic Junkies Challenge #4-SnowPeople

2009-12-14T09:15:00.000-05:00

Check out my challenge for the copic junkies here. It showcases my two projects, lots of links and other peoples work on snow.....Enjoy and have a CREATIVE day! Connie

Snow, Snow, Snow

2009-12-13T16:12:00.009-05:00

I have a confession to make. Shhh, don't tell......I love snow, I love playing in it, building with it, skiing on it, snowshoeing or winter bonfires. But I do love snow. And now, I love creating snowy art! This was fun!! So, thanks again Mel for the inspiration! I made a little box to hold an ornament and created this front for it. So, broken down into small parts :^)The box template is found in the following link too.
The hills template can be found here.
I used a download from Mel for the christmas text and gesso'd over it for the 1st and 3rd layer. The middle layer was gesso'd and imprinted with one of CTMH Jingle border stamps. I then took my glue pen and edged the hills and sprinkled them with glitter.
I used the All Decked Out set from CTMH for the snow flurries and clear embossed them on the front hill and on the sky. I punched holes and stitched the flurries with silver thread on the hill and used a white ink on the sky.
The rest is easy! I silver embossed the tree from Warm Memories (CTMH), adhered my hills, embossed my hat from All Decked Out and coloured it with Copics T6, T8 and T10 and R49 and R43 on the band.
The snow dust in the background is embossing powder in white and clear sprinkled on and heated from beneath to look like fine snow (so it doesn't just blow away).
That cute little bear and snowman is from ILDI stamps. I will add the link when I find where I put it. For the Christmas text too. the snowman is approx 1 1/4 inches high (digital, I love it, any size you want for the project at hand!) Coloured with copics....
Snowman - BG10, hat T8 T10, R59 for the band
Bear - E33 and E37
Cut out and tuck in where they look best.
The background is faux blanket stitched to the box (see the link to Mel for that one!)
Whew, This was so much fun and looks so good when done! I will probably use it on a scrapbook page in the future! Let me know if you try this, I would love to see what you create. Have a wonderfully creative week and join us on our Copic Challenge this week....Snow People!

Beading, Snowmen and Cool Techniques

2009-12-11T21:23:00.003-05:00

Wow, this took me longer than I thought! I wanted to try something a la Mel ;^) from Mel Stampz fame. And I wanted to learn to bead. So here is the result.....a little gift basket with beads and fringes. I will walk through what I have done and give you the link to Mel's far more beautiful version.
The snowy hill is made from white cardstock with CTMH December Word Puzzle collaged and embossed in white in the background. I highlighted the Merry Christmas with YG21 copic and beaded around the edges (thanks Mel for the hints and help. I then sewed the edges of the hill for more texture.
I then cut out a toboggan shape and coloured a white ribbon with the YG21 to match, added a bead and glued it down.
The lime green background is white cardstock stamped with an old stampin up alphabet block and coloured with that same marker.

My snowman is from a CTMH build a snowman set, embossed and cut out. The top two balls are raised up for extra dimension. I also used my C1 gray marker to create some shading on the edges. His scarf is from that same set only I cut the fringes off and used double sided tape to add a yarn fringe.
If you follow Mels tutorial here, she poked holes through the background, so I tried that, but it doesn't show up in the picture.

Quilted Cards

2009-11-26T21:45:00.004-05:00

It's been a long time since I have been able to create with a Technique Junkies technique! The herringbone technique is perfect for using up scraps that I just can't throw out! I used a piece of faux designer paper (also TJ)that I created when the technique first came out and quilted it all together after. The stamp is from Sweet Pea Stamps and I just love it! Coloured with copics using techniques from Suzanne Dean's blog to get the hair colour and skin tones right. More on skin tones next week as I am preparing to post my Challenge for the copic junkies!

Iridescent Pearl and Copics, mmmhmmmm

2009-11-24T21:07:00.004-05:00

I created this card for a recent grad. I used Iridescent Pearl paper to colour on, It's really different as the ink does not absorb at all. I used up my scraps, since they suit this Sweet Pea image to a tee! The sketch is Clear Dollars blog challenge. The fibres are from ctmh. Thanks for looking! For some reason the shine of the cardstock does not come through and the shading on her face is blotchy...not like that in real life!I actually found that I finally had the shading on the face done nicely :(

Wedding Bells!

2009-11-16T21:26:00.003-05:00

A wedding card for friends of ours. I created it for the copic buzz sketch challenge over on paper craft planet. I used Paper Temptress's Silver Lustre paper to colour. Uber cool though, the ink slips under the texture...I wish I could show it better.

Copic Junkies Design Team

2009-11-15T07:47:00.002-05:00

I am so excited!!!!! and a little nervous......Cuz I am now a design team member for the Copic Junkies! I don't know if I know enough, have never been formally taught, but I AM head over heels in love with my COPIC markers :^)
Watch for more.......or join the copicjunkies at yahoo groups. I don't know how to link that just yet.

The Land of Nod

2009-11-14T20:12:00.001-05:00

Image from The Stamping Boutique, Coloured with this weeks Copic Colour Challenge Colours G05 R29 Y08. Well.....G 29, R29 and R27 and Y06 because that's what I own! A few Diamond Dust Stickles for stars and liquid glass on the star at the top. I left the nestability on and sponged the edges with Outdoor Denim (CTMH) ink to create the night sky. Off to the Land of Nod! The sketch is from the Stamp Something Challenge Blog as well!

Search for a Solution to Meningitis

2009-11-13T20:50:00.001-05:00

This adorable image is from Mo's Digital stamps. It was a fundraiser for meningitis cure as a little boy was taken by this disease. I fell in love with the image and had to colour it right away. The paper is from my scrap pile and the metal embellies are from the dollar store. I think I need to find a 6x6 envelope and share this card with someone. My favourite copics right now are Raw Silk and the W1-3-7 combo, I seem to use them on every card!

The Secret to Staying Young

2009-11-13T15:38:00.002-05:00

Well, took me all day with the boys, but I managed to get Papa's Birthday Tin decorated and make an easel card. Now to bake the cookies ;^)
Okay, details......I used a free digi from last weeks challenge on PCP Copic Buzz Group it is a doodlebean image. I added glitter to his edges and coloured him with Twinkling h20s. Added a bit of flower soft to his hat holly. I used some CTMH bling and that's it Folks!

As for the cookie tin, I used a vinegar tube from Epicure Selections (www.epicureselections.com) and wrapped it in Birthday paper and ribbon. I stamped the top with a CTMH saying....The secret of staying young is..... and added glitter. The image is from Louby Lou and is coloured with copics.....My fave colour right now is Raw Silk E53 - I used it on everything today :) and just blended back on itself to deepen the colour, I also had E57 to highlight it. The back of the tin says 'to live healthy eat slowly and lie about your age!

Cryogen Blue Paper, mmmm

2009-11-12T21:57:00.003-05:00

I had to try this cryogen blue iridescent paper from the paper temptress. It is heavenly to colour on and fit this image from Firecracker Designs perfectly. Coloured with copics, cut out with nesties.

Sarah's Art

2009-11-11T21:43:00.003-05:00

I came home from work tonight to find this amazing drawing on my boys MagnaDoodle. I couldn't resist sharing what an obviously talented young lady created while babysitting my boys.

2009-11-10T15:40:00.007-05:00

I love this little image from Phindy - see PCP - I will add the link when I find it again! I coloured it with copics, cut it out with a nestie, added some bling and words....

Mo's Glitzy Challenge (and her stamp too!)

2009-11-08T21:18:00.008-05:00

I love Mo's Digital Art since I discovered her (thanks Mel) and I love Mel Stampz blog too! I saw the silver embossed image there and borrowed the idea. The nestie behind the image is cut from the sealer to a coffee can (yup I get people to save them for me, they are the perfect size and thickness to play with and I Recycle too!) It doesn't crinkle like tinfoil. Coloured the image with copics and glued glitter for snow at the base of the tree. Oh yah, I added a few stickles to bling it up more....This card is gorgeous, but didn't scan well at all :( That's all, I think :)

The first card is essentially the same with a stampavie stamp and no foil, just a scrap of paper :) this card is the best I have made in a while...very elegant, to my eye. And the piece d'resistance....the Paper Temptress (www.papertemptress.com)order arrived and I used the Iridescence Cryogen White paper. It shimmers and even when coloured the shimmer shines through! So its sparkly everywhere! I LOVE this paper, gonna haveta get more....it's like dessert ;P

Blog Candy Alert!

2009-11-06T18:02:00.002-05:00

Can anyone help me figure out how to post blog candy in the side column?
You can find some here but I can't figure out how to link the picture. I love the image of the little girl and her sled, but don't know how to get it on here to show you!

What's Up Cowboy?

2009-11-06T09:11:00.002-05:00

WHew! I have been trying to clean up my desk from all the half done projects lying around! This card base was the jeweled acetate technique from technique junkies. The stamp was a free digi from Paper Popsicles that I did for a challenge and never got posted. He is a cutie.....I will get some mileage out of him. I am trying to not buy, but to use what I have here......how hard is that!

I'm Corn-fused.....

2009-11-06T08:16:00.004-05:00

This Card was created from one of Mo's digital freebies on PCP.......I love it! It's a simple card. Paper from my scrap pile, corn metal embellie from the dollar store and the saying is clear dollar stamps stamped onto Mel Stampz gesso paper technique (see previous post)Isn't this little guy adorable?

Shadow Box Card

2009-11-05T20:36:00.003-05:00

I love this technique from the latest technique junkies newsletter. However Mel at Mel Stampz totally kicks my butt at making these spectacular! I now have to try to stretch myself and make something more detailed, lol....Stamps are from Firecracker Designs by Pamela, my first rubber stamps instead of acrylic (I still like my clear ones better, sorry!) But I love the scene creations that you get with these. I haven't played with them enough. Nuff said! off the computer and back to stampin' :)

Shaker Card Snowman

2009-11-05T20:18:00.005-05:00

Well, the card is cool, but I can't take pictures to save my life :) . I used a free digi image from the Copic Buzz group (doodle bean digital designs is the sponsor) on PCP as the background. Close to My Heart stamped snowflakes in acrylic white paint and on the (too cool) medallion that I made with embossing powder and stamping into it while still hot to get the snowflake image! The Card template and idea is from Technique Junkies Dec 06 newsletter. I coloured the snowman with twinkling h20's so he is sparkly and shiny under that glare! This card is the one I will be giving my nieces and nephews, cuz they will LOVE it! Point to note, I used glitter from the dollar store, not such a good idea as it sticks to the acetate.......

Paper Pieced MFT Digi Girls-Revised

2009-10-31T21:47:00.005-04:00

Well, I looked at the card and looked at it and decided those girls needed a little bling....so here it is! The BG for the paperpiecing is the ledger paper, see Mel Stampz blog and posting 2 down from here (I thinks...maybe 3 or so, been playing lots :))I used nesties to cut out the shapes and blinged up the edges with old sparklies that I had lying around. My goal is to use up lots of the embellies that I have been ignoring this season and its working!!!!Make room for more!!!

Cuttlebug Challenge Blog - New folders

2009-10-30T10:18:00.000-04:00

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Paper Pieced MFT Digi Girls

2009-10-29T22:31:00.001-04:00

Deets in the morning....must sleep now :)

Texturized Acrylic Paper

2009-10-29T10:14:00.006-04:00

I love this technique!!!!!! I really do! Check out the directions for the background atMel Stampz. I used a digi stamp freebie on the Copic Buzz group at Paper Craft Planet, coloured it with copics for the Copics Colour Challenge Blog, using R20, E33 and YG63 and blending colours (R26, YG67, E37, E39)and a few others I forgot to write down :(. Now I now why people take pictures of the copics they use!. I dyed the flowers with reinkers. The hardest part was waiting for everything to dry. It didn't scan well either, the colour washed out or something.
Using Copics on Acrylic paint is FUN. The ink moves around more or something. It is harder to blend it though. As for the background, Mel does a great job explaining it, but in a nutshell, I printed out ledger paper, overpainted with acrylic paint, waited and waited for it to dry and then ran it through the printer again to print out the digi on top....tried to emboss it, but my paper was still damp or something and it didn't work well.....maybe I need the antistatic bag?? Thanks Mel for an awesome texture technique! Oh yah, out of the box technique too.....how do you do that well and get a nice embossed edge with nestabilities? Any hints?

PaperCraftPlanet

2009-10-28T16:55:00.000-04:00

Visit Paper Craft Planet
I love the challenges, the people and the connections you find here!

Recycle, ReUse

2009-10-19T07:58:00.003-04:00

\I used a tin seal from a coffee can and painted it with alcohol ink in eggplant and stream as the BG. I used a sweetnsassy digi for the snail and coloured it with copics for practice blending (hence the odd variation in the shell :P) I then raised it with a pop dot off the shiny BG. The ribbon is a scrap from my oddsnends bin and the saying is clear dollar stamps. Drat, I looked at the sweetnsassy sketch challenge and could have used this there, but didn't follow the sketch. Ah well!

Blog Candy Alert!

2009-10-18T07:13:00.000-04:00

Chrissy's having a blog candy giveaway....an awesome package! Go see here

Witches Shoes

2009-10-17T21:38:00.004-04:00

This was fun. I wanted to use the free shape template from paper popsicles and then met a challenge to create a love/halloween card. In the bargain, I think i meet the criteria for the stamp something blog challenge BLING!! And I get to challenge myself (use my own writing, yuck! :P and use my bling which I never think to do) I used miscellaneous paper, a SU tag punch, dollar store embellies. The tag says There's something 'witchy' in the air...(inside cont. 'cuz I've been under your spell since we first met!)Inside is decorated too, but I didn't scan it....too much work left to do tonight!

Lil' Scrappers Ink Spots and Stamp Blocks

Use it OR Lose It! Challenge

Shake it up!

Photography Challenge - Something old

Top 12 Trends for 2012

Tag #10 - A long time coming

Christmas Bow's

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas - Tag 9

Tag #8-Tim Holtz 12 Days of Tags

Tags 6 and 7

Christmas Tags- Assembly Line Style

Tag #1 -Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas

Tags 2 and 3

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas

Sneak Peak! WOW!!!!!

Making Christmas Cards in a Jiffy....Art Philosophy Style

More fall fun

Halloween Cards and Fun

Blogtoberfest! Are you in??

Heart to Heart Challenge Sympathy Card

Along the edge Sympathy

World Cardmaking Day - Canadian Style Blog Hop

Blogging Across Canada....are you ready??

Our summer students are back to school

Prepping Your Cricut Mat

Back to School Thank You

Cupcakes anyone?

How many flowers from the Art Philosophy cartridge did she use?

Layout to try

Flower Clusters

My summer garden and bits and peices

Random Stamping

Morels!

Swingin' in Style!

Hoppy birthday

Spring Clear Card....for H2H Challenge

Say it in Style!

Studio J - Digital Scrapbooking

National ScrapBooking Month

Birthday Cake

I'm in the mood for FAbric....sewing....needles.....and flowers

The Ultimate Craft Spot!

Herringbone Technique - Scraps Put to Use :)

Ahhh, time to finish while Thomas Paints!

My latest projects....Scrappy, Sewing and More

Sharing a video :)

My Hunny's Valentine

Lollipop Covers

Valentines Treats

Challenge!

More Blog Candy Links.....Look for Copics!

My Favorite Things - are now MY favourite things, lol

My first attempt at a card box

You Toadally Rock!

Sassy Door Hanger Challenge

Monochromatic Bookmark

Mother's Day

Challenge for Copic Junkies (photo to follow)

BUGABOO GOES RUBBER AT STAMPALICIOUS!

Clips n Cuts perpetual blog hop

Designed to Delight

Gesso Resist- Who hid the EAster bunny?

Magic Mosaic (and an awe inspiring way to use up scraps!)

Bugaboo Blog Candy!

Sassy Shopper Pocket Card

Feather Blending

Valentines by the dozens

Hey There Mr Snowman.....

BlueBird

Searching.....

Clothesline...runaway snowman ;-)

Ornaments

Copic Junkies Challenge #4-SnowPeople

Snow, Snow, Snow

Beading, Snowmen and Cool Techniques

Quilted Cards

Iridescent Pearl and Copics, mmmhmmmm

Wedding Bells!

Copic Junkies Design Team

The Land of Nod