SU Stars April Hop

This Saturday I've decided to participate in a blog hop for SU! Stars.  This month's theme is anything but a card.  If you've been following along then you've probably just come from Loni's blog and viewed her colorful MDS scrappage.  So summery!

For my project I decided to create another birdbath.  This time instead of filling it with goodies, I simply chose to add a decorative element, i.e., the doves.

I hope you enjoyed my little project.  If you'd like to see the entire lineup on the hop for today, simply hop on back to the main SU Stars page to see the full line-up.

Thanks for taking the time to hop along.

Easter Cross Box Hop

Welcome to the first 2011 blog hop featuring projects from the Paper Crafters Design team.  We'll start things off right by showcasing the newest template, an "Easter Cross Box" template featured in the February issue "Easter Wishes".

If you've been following along, then you probably just arrived from Heidi Baks blog and here beautiful Cross Box.  The blog officially starts January 30th so if you're here a little early be sure to check back again Sunday morning to see the blog hop in its entirety.

Take a look at what I've done:

The Wasabi base of the Cross was run through the Perfect Dots embossing folder.  The flowers were created with the ever so versatile Boho punch and Bold Bright designer paper, followed by sponged edges using a tangerine dye pad.  Finish off with the addition of some self-adhesive basic pearls smack-dab in the center.

Here's another view of the flowers near the bottom, laying on top of a pretty daffodil ribbon.

Now it's time to check out the Lisa Hensley's amazing Easter Cross Box.  Simply select the button below and you'll be transported to her ShabbyStamper blog.

 

Tour de Freaks ~ Summertime!

Ready for another  Tour de Freaks blog hop?  The theme this month is "In The Good Ole Summertime'.   If you've been touring already then you've probably just come from viewing Jen Smiths beautiful creations.

I snapped this photo a week ago at my 6 year olds baseball game. Sometimes the images of all the gear and garb are just as memorable as snapping your kiddo running to first base. 

Ms. Wendy Weixler 's beautiful digital layouts inspired me to get more use from my own copy of My Digital Studio.  The real perk to it all was doing it in less than 30 minutes.

In case you're wondering, my kiddo is sporting the cleats on the far left.

What else is so prominent during summer than BUGS!   I've spent quite a few summer nights catching junebugs with my boys to feed our chickens.  I TRIED to pick them up and put them in the bug box, but as soon as their legs moved they were hurled across the yard.  I think the only thing worse was shaking the neighbors iris reeds to make the junebugs fly out, only to realize that the soft branch I was squeezing was actually a lizard!

Bugs are beneficial, but just the same I'd rathe keep them at a distance (from myself).  So, here I've created a faux bug jar with paper butterflies.  I've made it real GIRLY by adding chunky glitter to the real twig and base of the jar.  Hopefully this will keep the real bugs at bay, LOL!

Here's a view from the backside.  Love that glitter on the twig.  The pink and white butterfly has wired wrapped around it's throax, allowing it to poke through the tissue and foam and stand up a bit more erect.

Speaking of Ms. Wendy Weixlers, she's next on the tour.  I can't wait to see what she's drummed up this month.  Thanks for checking out my art this month!

VC Rock III ~ Digi Art

Welcome to the third installment of "VC Rocks blog hop".  Projects ideas offered by demonstrators to highlight SU! product.

The main image below is from the "Always Elegant" set.  Would you be surprised if I told you this is actually a digital image?  Yep!  It's one of the new downloads from My Digital Studio (MDS).

While the downloads are designed to be used with MDS software, you can purchase the images (PNG files) and use them as digital rubberstamps for your cards.  Most of the images included with MDS are solids, obviously to give you the choice to change the image to a pattern fill or specific color.  However, I've been searching for more 'coloring book' images so I can color them using markers, dye pads or watercolor pencils.

I'm looking forward to SU! offering more "digital" coloring book images (hint, hint).  What I really like about having this option is the capability to scale up the image to a size that's useable for my specific project (which is exactly what I did here).

One thing to note, if you want to purchase an individual image.  They work in MDS.  However, if you don't have MDS, you can pull them into Photoshop OR even a word document as an 'image', but this works ONLY for the open images (you can't change the colors of the solid images).

Now, on to my project:

The flourish was inserted into MDS and scaled up (so I could work with it at reasonable size).  I copied it 3 other times so my final white cardstock had 4 images (3 to color in the future).

Markers were used to color the main image.  I used the Coffee Crumb and the small row of flowers from "Because I Care" to stamp just above and below the flourish.  The main image is lifted with dimensionals.

Be sure to check out the other projects the VC Rock demos have set up for you.  To do so, you can select the blog directly in front of after me.

Preceding blog:   Jackie Watson

Next blog:   Kim Overholt

VC_Rocks blog hop #2

If you're looking for new paper crafting ideas this weekend, be sure to check out the VC_Rocks Blog Hop.  This month features products soon to be off the market as well as some of the newest releases.

If you've already started the hop, then you've probably just come from Holly Podkowa's blog.  You can also find all the blogs on the main VC_Rocks site in the event you need to back-track.

Below I've created a floral card using the new Newsprint designer sereis paper and "Because I Care" stamp set. You can see the flower is a hydrangea, but who says you have to use the typical blues and pinks of the actual flower?

The main image was stamped with the Cherry Cobbler dye pad and mounted on Coffee Crumb and Espress.  Funny how many of the new dye pad names relate to food. 

A few close ups for you.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my projets.  Your next stop is Angela Walters.

Tour de Freaks ~ June 2010

Yep, it's the 20th of the month which means another Tour de Freaks blog hop.

I'm setting up now but the hop doesn't officially start until the 20th.  So, if you're here early be sure to come back Sunday morning when all the links are working, allowing you to view full-circle.

If you're already been touring this month, then you've probably just come from  Debbie Currier  and her beautiful art work.

The projects for bloggers this month was to focus on the products offered in the upcoming 2010-2011 SU! catalog.  It was hard narrowing down what to use.  Here were my final decision.

First up, a french style card using the yummy new Early Espresso and Cherry Cobbler.  Those two colors sing out to me, especially with the new Artistic Etchings stamp set.  Extra texture was created with a new embossing folder and some super think espresso ribbon. 

These colors are so rich, like those dark chocolate covered cherries during the holidays.

Here's a fun 3D project.  It's a magnet friend coaster.  I've been smitten with sewing on my cards and knew it would jazz up those plain strips.

With the "FRIENDS" text displayed so prominently, you'd had to give it to someone.  Wouldn't this brighten up her/his dull file cabinets at the office?

Once again I used the new embossing folder.  The new "Friends Never Fade" stamp set was used to add the stamped Espresso and Marina Mist (blue) on the strips.  In addition, I stamped the flower from the set 3 times, cut out selective pieces and then reassembled to create a 3D flower.

Isn't that thin ribbon super cute?  So dainty.

A little close-up of my stitching handy work.  I figured out the other day how to make a stitch backwards, LOL, (and I don't mean by turning around the paper/fabric).  My sewing skills are very limited, but THIS I can do!

I hope you've enjoyed my projects.  It's time to head on over to Jen Smith's beautiful blog by selecting the button below.  Thanks for joining me.  Enjoy the rest of your tour. 

Together Forever ~ The Wedding Issue

Our May Paper Crafters Sampler blog hop as arrived!  This month, we celebrate weddings.  The hop doesn't 'officially' begin until May 1st.  So if you're coming a day early, be sure to check back on the 1st to run through the entire hop.

 If you've already started the hop you probably just came from Laurie Forehlich's blog.

Our "Together Forever" issue offers ideas for invitations, favors and gifts for the bride and groom.  Each design team member will be sharing a small preview of the project they are offering in the May issue.

This month's issue offers the Pyramid Box template.  There were so many ways to use this box, it was hard narrowing it down to just one!  I decided to use it as a bridal party favor.  Tucked into each box is a pearl bracelet.  The template includes a lid, but I cut it off so the tissue could pop out of the top (it added some fun color).  Of course you can choose any type of gift to tuck inside or maybe just some chocolates.

The Pretty in Pink and Mellow Moss pair together so well.  Very girly.. 

I love all things nature and that includes bare branches.  The simplicity of the branch compliments the frilliness of the boxes.  The brances are held in a crystal vase with some epsome salt.  Clever huh?!

I hope you enjoyed my projects!  Now, if you select the button below it'll take you on over to Tiffany Bauer's beautiful pyramid box project!

Here is a list of blogs you can check out to see this fun pyramid box:

Tiffany Bauer
Lisa Hensley
Cherie Franklin
Andrea Buckland
Laurie Forehlich

The Poet's Attitude (preview)

If you're an avid reader of this blog, you're in for a BIG weekend!

First up we have the Paper Crafters Sampler blog tour highlighting sneak peeks of the May sampler, "Together Forever, the wedding issue".  Included in this blog tour are samples offered by the design team of the pyramid box template in the May issue.  The tour takes place Saturday morning.

What else is happening?  Well, I was asked a few weeks back to be on the design team for the new challenge blog "Paper Cubed (p3)".  It's a site designed to challenge crafters to create 3D paper projects, which pretty much leaves card making OUT.  I have to say, this is something right up my alley as I LOVE 3D projects!

Saturday will be the first launch of the P3 design team challenge.  We were asked to create a shadow box.  I'm going to offer a little sneak peek of my project below.  You can view the full scale project Saturday morning on the P3 blog.  I'll have close-ups on my blog Sunday, so check back then.  I'll be anxiously waiting like you guys to view the projects.  Design team members have to wait and see the projects on Saturday with you, so we have no idea what other  members have made.

Here's a snippet of my shadow box.  I LOVE the way it came out!

Together Forever

What's more popular during the summer than the beach?  Weddings!

Ever hear of the phrase "June bride"?  Well of course you have. June is one of the most sought after months for a bride.  The beautiful weather no doubt (that's my guess).   With a month so popular with brides/couples, it only seemed fitting to offer an issue of Paper Crafters Sampler dedicated solely to weddings.  I did mention the themes were planned months ahead of time didn't I?

With May right around the corner and the release of another sampler issue, it's time for another sneak peek blog hop.  Out theme is appropirately named, Together Forever, the wedding issue.  Mark you calendar for Saturday May 1st, as the design team members of PCS host another blog hop.  Each team member will share a glimpse of the May project and their take on the new Pyramid box template.  This template is offered in the May issue of PCS (available May 10th).

If you missed our April hop featuring the exclusive PCS "Paper Lantern" template, you can check it out on the "Winged Things" page.

Here's a little glimpse of what you're in store:

"Here birdy birdy"

A few of the PCS design team whipped up a few extra samples based on the upcoming April issue "Winged Things".

For this little hop you will be visiting three design team blogs.  The links are provided before and after so you can hop in any direction.  If you've already started this hop you might have visited Lisa Hensley blog "Shabby Stamper" just before mine. 

If you are familiar with chipboard at all you know how much fun it can be for altering.  I went a step beyond and decided to emboss my ENTIRE bird!  Here, take a look:

Using the Manhattan Flower embossing folder, I inserted part of my bird and ran it through the folder.  I then repositioned the bird and ran it through again.  

After running the chipboard through, I applied a Real Rose craft pad to the entire bird, used a heat gun to dry it, sanded the top layer of the embossed area and then applied a white craft pad to the top of that.  Whew!  That was a lot!

Several other pieces of cardstock and designer paper were used to embellish the birds; more distressing and sponging.  Can you see where I used the Perfect Polka dot embossing folder?

What 'cha think of this head piece?  It was a last minute detail and gave the bird an entire different look.  The pink part of the eye is a "Sweet Pea Felt", topping it all off with a half pearl from the Pretties kit.

Overall I think this came out rather nice.

I've completed one other bird for the April sampler.  You can get a sneak peek below.  It was designed for a girls room with fun flowers, a crown and polka-dot ribbon.  Full directions for recreating this can be found in the April issue of PCS "Winged Things" (release date April 10th). 

Now, you can hop on over to Tiffany Bauer's wonderful blog and check out her awesome samples.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tour de Freaks ~ February

It's time for another fabulous Tour de Freaks blog hop.  All projects this month are created with products from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini catalog.

I'm posting my creations early as I'm heading out for a workshop.  Remember, the blog will officially begin the 20th of the month, so make sure you come back Saturday in the morning to see the entire hop.

More than likely you have just come from the oh very talented Gretchen Barron's blog.  She does a fantastic job with all her projects.

This month, I've created something to focus on the awesome designer papers in the mini catalog.  My first project is an Easter dress using the Shades of Spring paper.  The large flowers in this paper series are so beautiful, to cover them up is not an option so I try to use them in a way that will best showcase their beauty.

Start by cutting a dress template from the paper, focusing on where you want your flowers on the dress.  Additional flowers were cut, jazzed up with glitter and applied to the dress with a dimensional.  

THANKS to everyone who enjoyed my Easter dress.  I've had multiple request for the pattern.  You can download your Free copy at Craftside.typepad.com. 

Here's the back of the dress.  I ran it through a texturz plate for a little added detail and sponged Saffron ink around the edges along with some Sahara Sand.

What do you think of my satin ribbon flower?  I took an interest in ribbon flowers during the holidays.  With a quick trip to the library, I checked out as many books as I could on the subject "Ribbon Art".  This rose worked perfect for the back of the dress as you can not see it when looking at the front of the dress.   

For the ruffle, (on the base), I used the new Scallop trim punch from the SAB catty and crimped it.  Then there's a layer of pink tissue under that I just HAD to add.  Maybe it's a Southern thing, LOL!  It made it so much more girlie!

Hard to see here, but all those white circle surronding the yellow flower have crystal effects added to them.

Next up I have an Easter card.  Again, the paper here is from the new Occasions Mini catalog (Sweet Pea Designer Paper).  The top of the card uses the new Perfect Polka dot embossing folder.   The ribbon is one of the several new Satin ribbons available in the catalog also. 

If you're wondering about the ivory and grey swirls on my images, they were created with My Digital Studio.  Just having some fun with the cool software.

I hope you've enjoyed my samples this month.  Next on the hop is LeeAnn Greff.  She's got some beautiful creations waiting for you.  Hop on over to LeeAnn's blog by selecting the button just below.

PCS Easter Bonnet Hop

Welcome to the Paper Crafters Sampler Easter Bonnet hop.  I hope you have been enjoying the hop.  You might have just arrived after viewing Virginia's beautiful bonnet sample.  I really like how creatively she used the punch on the edges of her flower.  If you're just starting the hop at my blog, make sure you select the button at the bottom of each post, as that will allow you to come full circle.

The Easter Bonnet hop came about when the PCS design team was given a little challenge for using the Easter Bonnet template offered is this months Paper Crafter Sampler.  The February sampler showcases "Baskets, Bunnies and Bonnets" for our Easter edition. 

The sampler is released the 10th of the month.  If you haven't signed up yet that's OK, just head on over before the 10th so you'll have a chance to win a $15.00 sampler buck reward.  Only those who subscribe or have purchased the current edition are eligible for the drawing on February 11th.

Let's move on to my bonnet.  The base of the hat usesere Sending Love DSP from SU! and the small leaf embosslit.

The white flower beneath the button is from the Birds and Blooms embosslits.  Tell me, what do you think of this handsome couple?

Below is a front view of the bonnet.  I think my model loves it, look at that smile on her face.

There you have it.  I'd like to take the time to thank Mr. and Mrs. Hare for being such good sports and not dashing off before I completed the photos.

Now, hop on over to Ms.  Lisa Hensley's blog to view her ADORABLE hats!  Just select the link below.

Introducing: Tour de Freaks

It's the 20th of the month! You know what that means? It's time for the 1st ever "Tour de Freaks" blog hop! You're in for lots of great ideas for using rubber stamps!

If you're hopping along with us, make sure you visit the blog featured just before mine "Wickedly Wonderful Creations". The link at the bottom of my images will take you to the next blog; this will help guide you to every blog so you don't have to jump around and look for all of us.

We've been waiting for this for a long time, so let's get started!

First up is a fun magnet coaster using the "Pretty Amazing" stamp set and the retirning Urban Garden designer paper. Aren't the colors wonderful?!

Next up, we have a card using the "Illuminations" stamp set and the beautiful fine turquoise glitter!

The next card features the "Bella" stamp set. It's a huge flower, great for creating layered cards (3D style). The hummingbird is from the retiring "Pretty Amazing" stamp set and is lifted with a dimensional/popdot.

The vines are from the "Baroque Motifs" stamp set (but it's not retiring). The Baroque set is great for adding background details like this.

Here's a close-up of the crystal microbeads I added to the flower. Gives it a little extra sparkle.

Finally, we have a "Doodle This" card. Such fun and festive colors for Summer!

Next blog up is Patty Bennett. Patty has some FABULOUS ideas!!! Just hop on over by selecting the image below. Don't forget to mark your calendar for the NEXT hop, July 20th!


Thanks so much for stopping by! I had great time creating these cards for everyone!