Brrr!

Winter weather is coming, at least in some parts of North America. Squigglefly Challenge Blog wants to see a card with a winter scene.  Snow,Ice, Winter sporting events, show us something
that makes them shiver!

I chose to use "Family Snow Day" digi image by Cheryl Alger to highlight the weather we expect this winter in Chicago.  Last year we had a blizzard, and this year super cold temps and above average snows are expected---BRRR!

Of course, if you're a snowman, you can take your family out on a walk, do some holiday shopping or go ice skating, and the wind chill wouldn't bother you.

As for me, if the temps get too low, I think I will let my fingers do the shopping online!  Like some nice digi images for a few close crafting friends from Squigglefly!

Bundle up out there, check out the challenge this week, and keep crafting!

Angels We Have Seen on High

Here's another project using a Crafter's Companion Stamp Set.  Check out the Crafter's Companion Challenge Blog today as they are featuring my project as their guest designer for November.  Their challenge this minth is to make a project that celebrates a holiday, any holiday!

 

I am just now realizing that there isn’t a lot of time left before Christmas, thinking in crafting terms!  So today I made an ornament using an image from the Flower Fairies collection of stamp sets called Christmas Tree.  I love how the fairy is looking down on all the Christmas love gathered together under one roof.  I have the whole family over for Christmas dinner every year, gathering around a table laden with holiday goodies.  I plan on making a couple of these ornaments to hang from the suspended ceiling tiles, all around the room.

I made the ornament from…

wait for it…

toilet paper rolls! 

I saw a tutorial HERE and couldn’t wait to try it with my Christmas Fairy.  First I folded four rolls in half, and then I stapled them to form a circle, and added a little white paint, inside and out.  After applying a second coat, and while the paint was still wet, I sprinkled Stampin Up’s Dazzling Diamonds glitter onto the ornament (you can’t see the glittery effect in the photo, but it presents well in person).

Meanwhile, I colored my fairy with Copics, adding a little Stickles and Liquid Glass for some added shine.  By then the ornament was dry and I could add jewels to each rounded end, as well as a couple diecut snowflakes.  I added my CC image to the front, and tied a piece of lace to the top from which to hang my ornament.

I had fun being November’s Guest Designer  at Crafter’s Companion, and want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to show off my creativity on their blog.  Don’t forget Crafter’s Companion when it comes to your Christmas wish list!

Serenade on the High Seas

Here's another card featuring the QKD release "Owl and the Pussycat" by Shona MacDonald.  This time I have the romantic couple sailing out to sea at night.  I colored the image with my Copics, and used Stickles and Liquid Glass to give the water and a few other details a little glitz.  I framed it on a piece of cardstock and placed it on my card with dimensional dots, after covering the bottom half of the card with some teal webbing.
The sentiment was stamped from another QKD set called Witch Sisters from Marlon T, and cut it out to give it the look of a moon with some ink distressing and Stickles.
Finally, I added some tiny seashells to the webbing, and my card is complete. 
All the patterned paper and cardstock was taken from my leftover stash, which I have vowed to use up by end of year.  I don't know if I can keep that promise, as I still have a full file drawer full of pieces to use!  But I'm working at it.  It's step number 6 in the Paperholics 12 Step program.  Yes, my name is Pat and I am a paperholic!!
Meanwhile, check out the new releases QKD has released during its fifth birthday celebration, and make out your Christmas Wish List before its too late!!

Soft-ware Challenge at the Hoedown

Hambo Challenge blog is asking players to put something soft on their cards, while using Computer digi-image (or any Hambo image) with which to create. 
I made a card to send to a very special friend in Portland.  He'll be coming home for Christmas and I hope he calls to get together with "our gang", although I know how busy the holidays can be, especially when you're visiting from out of state--family comes first!
My hard-ware is obvious, as that's the only part of the computer you can kick when it gives you trouble (kidding), and I popped a ribbon bow on my card for the soft-ware part of it.  Otherwise,. it's a nice clean simple card.  And the sentiment is very approprioate, as he is pastor at the Downtown Chapel there, and a computer nut to boot.
Enjoy the challenge at the Hoedown, and if you need to start your collection of Hambo images, you can get a FREEBIE to create with!

Self Portrait

At least that's what hubby said when he saw this card I made using Squigglefly's Computer Trouble digi image.  His exact words were, "That looks just like you when you're not happy with your laptop!"  To my dismay, I secretly think he's right...sigh.

I created this card for the new challenge at the Squigglefly Challenge Blog.  They ask that you use a Squigglelfy image (click for FREEBIE) and the following sketch.

I colored my image with Copics, then cut her out and popped her onto patterned paper with dimensional dots.  I framed the scene onto coordinating cardstock and center it onto my card face, using the sketch provided (after heavily inking the edges of, well, everything!).  All my papers were from my big file drawer o' paper stash.  I don't have much time left to use it all up, but I'm trying, believe me!

I got the quote from thequotegarden.com where I find lots of great words to go with my digi's.  I thought this one fit the bill, because admit it, you have all experienced the unexpected drop in speed when you need something fast.  So best not let your computer know what you want, eh?!

Drop by Squigglefly so you can play in their challenge and have a chance to win a great prize.  And keep on crafting!

Wee Henry, Hunter Extraordinaire

One of my favorite holidays is fast approaching.  Aside from the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day, I love the air of gratitude people have at this time.  Before the rush of Christmas shopping really kicks in, people pause to reflect on what they already have.  I try to start every day and end each one with thanks, all year round, but especially on Thanksgiving.  So each year I call a select few people to thank them for being a part of my life.
This year I am thankful to Hambo Stamps.  They and a few other companies got me back into making cards, which I almost abandoned in my zest for scrapbooking.  Now I scrapbook when I have a large chunk of time, and I make cards when I have short moments to craft (which is far, far more often).
One of the best ways I got back into card making was to join in challenges, and the newest challenge at the Hambo Hoedown is to use Wee Henry Turkey digi image (or any other Hambo image) and make a card, incorporating a TAG on your project!
For my card, I made my own tag out of patterned paper and cardstock, adding a ribbon to the end. I colored my image with Copics and adhered it to the tag, after framing it with a diecut scallop oval.  I premade journal box (thanks, Shannon) helps to frame out my sentiment, and the rest is embellishments.
Wee Henry looks like a pacifist hunter, so the sentiment inside might surpirse the recipient of the card.  While the outside says "Happy Turkey Day", the inside says "I like mine with plenty of gravy, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce!" 

Birthday Blowout

I hope you didn't miss the birthday celebration on Facebook this month!!  So many new releases, so many giveaways, challenges, and laughs!! I won some free stamps, but with all the new releases, I am going to have to put a second mortgage on the house to pay for my Christmas Wish list!

And now, It's finally here!  After all the games, prizes, giveaways, new releases--this weekend is the BIG DAY!!  Queen Kat Designs celebrates FIVE YEARS! 
And here's another birthday card using Lisa Cree's Eat Cake Stamp Set to show how much fun we're having at the palace!  Don't miss the grand conclusion to the 19 day celebration!  Get your stamps while they're still in stock and on sale!

Remember, only 36 more crafting days until Christmas!!

Happy Birthday!

Squigglefly Challenge Blog has a birthday theme this month, and you can also personally wish our own Marlene a happy birthday with your project!  Just use a Squigglefly image and make a birthday card.  All players have a chance to win!!

I wanted to incorporate the season with the celebration, so I used Squigglefly's Angel With Candle by artist Inger Harding.  I chose pale colors from my Copic collection with which to color the image, and framed her against a brighter blue patterned paper from CTMH.  I used my oval cutter from Fiskars to cut out the frame for the image and the sentiment.
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARLENE!  Enjoy your birthday month!  And to all you crafters out there, come join the Squigglelfy fun.  If you have yet to use a Squigglefly digi image, click HERE for a freebie to use in this challenge!

You've Been Framed

Well, your Hambo image has been framed!  That's the challenge this week at the Hambo Hoedown.  Using Camera Guy (or one of their digi-images) and one of the sentiments, create a project that has a frame somewhere on your creation.   I used my Creative Memories Circle Cutter to frame my image, Camera Guy digi.  The first part of the sentiment reads "I need you to focus..."  Inside, my card shows the other half of the sentiment "on having a great day!"
I colored my image with Copics, set it against a solid colored piece of cardstock, and framed it in black.  Since I plan to send this out this month to a friend in need of a great day, I wanted to keep with a November, colored leaves theme of card.
Don't forget to stop by the Hambo Challenge Blog for some inspiration and a fun challenge!

Seize the Day (and the Cupcakes)

because QKD is celebrating its 5th birthday!!  Look at those cupcakes...mmm, piled high with ooey, gooey frosting, dripping down the sides, and a plump cherry on top!  This scrumptious cupcake image is from the Eat Cake stamp set by Lisa Cree, and the sentiment I snagged from The Quote Garden and printed out. That glorious flower was handmade by my crafting friend Shannon.
Sigh, I really love cupcakes, especially chocolate ones, but I can no longer have them.  Sugar and my body don't mix, so I can look, I can stamp, I can color, I can Stickle them, but nary a bite shall pass these lips, because I want to live!
Speaking about living, we are really living it up at the Queen's 5th Birthday Party!  Lots of games and fun have been enjoyed by party-goers, sales have been taken advantage of at the Shoppe, and prizes have already been given away (I won a free stamp already)! 
The designers have been super busy with new stamps to die for (oh, dear, my shopping lists has grown to enormous proportions).  But there's still time to join in the fun, as Her Majesty celebrates her birthday on November 19th with this 19 day celebration. 
So what are you waiting for?!  Go pay your respects to the birthday girl and par-tay!!

Fall Fairy is Almost Ready to Give Way to Winter

The last two days have been cold and blustery in Chicago, with leaves swirling through the air and bare branches waving as if the Blackhawks just won the Stanley Cup again.  This Fall Fairy by new artist Rachel Goble is a new release this month from Squigglefly.  I chose all the warm colors of Autumn for my card, but there's one thing you don't see--patterned paper!  This week's Challenge at Squigglefly is to make a card using NO patterned papers...yet look how colorful my card is, just by piecing together different colors of cardstock and crimping one of the pieces.  I added a few leaf brads and some diecut flourishes to my Z-card and the sentiment "Oh, how we love pumpkin sesason...Winter, Spring, Summer, Pumpkin..." which I snagged from the Quote Garden (originally from Trader Joe's).
So come play at Squigglefly for a chance to win!!  All you need is a Squigglefly image and NO patterned paper.  You can get a FREEBIE to play with--after all, everyone has to start somewhere!

Weekend Getaway

Although a month late, hubby and I made our escape to celebrate our 35th anniversary, arriving at Port Washington, Wisconsin late Friday afternoon.  We stayed at the Harborview Holiday Inn, my personal choice of hotel in Port Washington.  I've been there with my mom and sisters when we go on our girls' weekends away, twice a year.  The room has a Lake Michigan view from the 5th floor, luxurious bathroom, cable TV, microwave and mini fridge, and the hotel has a great pool and jacuzzi.

We walked, went bowling, visited the Vines to Cellar winery and sampled and bought for ourselves and Christmas presents.  The wind was strong, the trees almost bare of foliage, and the air a bit nippy, but it was relaxing and beautiful along the shore.

It was all in all a boring but stress-free weekend, which is what we both needed!  We're both ready to tackle the work week ahead of us with a fresh outlook, and can't wait to plan another getaway, maybe when it's a bit warmer and we can enjoy the walking more! 
Before I forget, I want to wave hello across the lake to my friends on the east coast of Lake Michigan!!!!

QKD Challenge on Facebook

Queen Kat Designs is celebrating its fifth birthday with a 19 day celebration on Facebook.  They are challenging crafters each Friday during their calelbration.  Their first challenge is to climb out of your comfort zone, (and in fact, get out of your craft room), by using a non -crafting item on your card-look in the kitchen, in your backyard, raid hubby's tool box!

Well, I like a fun challenge, so I went on a scavenger hunt, and came up with those white twistie-ties that you get with new small kitchen appliances (I found mine in the box holding my electric frying pan).  They work just like crafter's wire, but are fatter, and so make a bolder statement.  I used these as both embellishments and as a sort of stamp, applying black ink to them and pressing onto textured cardstock.  I adhered this piece of cardstock onto a base of striped patterned paper, on which I used black lace to cover the bottom half.   My QKD image, called " ", is colored with Copics and shimmered with black Stickles.  Some ribbon and a flower adorn the card, as well as my twistie ties.

Romantic Voyage Sets Tone for QKD November New Release

Owl & the Pussycat by Shona MacDonald

The Owl and The Pussycat was recently voted England's favorite children’s poem. “Nonsense is the breath of my nostrils,” Edward Lear once wrote, and his joy in absurdity reflected his whole approach to “this ludicrously whirligig life which one suffers first & laughs at afterwards.”  (http://nonsenselit.wordpress.com/). 
When I saw the new QKD November release stamp "Owl & the Pussycat"by Shona MacDonald, it brought me back to my childhood days of reading poetry.  I was an avid reader, often hiding out on the back porch at my cousin's house because that's where he kept his Hardy Boys books.  (I had already read my Nancy Drew collection twice by then.)  I loved to read almost anything, latching onto Charles Dickens as often as I read Robert Heinlein, but my favorite read has always been poetry. To give you a little ambience to my card, let me introduce you to this unlikely couple:                   
                                 "The owl and the pussy-cat went to sea
                                         In a beautiful pea green boat
                                 They took some honey, and plenty of money
                                        Wrapped up in a five pound note.
                                 The Owl looked up to the stars above,
                                        And sang to a small guitar,
                                 'O lovely Pussy! O Pussy my love,
                                       What a beautiful Pussy you are..."
After coloring my image with Copics too numerous to list, I glitzed it with a little Liquid Glass and some Stickles.  I couldn't decided on the background paper, so I pretty much tossed all my pieces onto the card until I was happy, cutting out some details from another piece of paper like the spoon (please don't ask me why) and the clock.  The image brought about  childhood memories so I added the vintage baby and kept adding embellishments until it was time to go to bed.
Since I discovered that Edward Lear left an unfinished sequel to his famous poem, about the many children this odd couple had had after getting married, I thought my sentiment fit well on the card.
Queen Kat Designs has so many lovely stamps that will bring out the child in you, too.  And don't forget that this month, until the 19th of november, they are having a birthday bash with fun, games, prizes and inspiration every day.  You can check out all the lovely events HERE.

Tickle My Fancy at Squigglefly This Week



Doggone Pizza Chef digi-image

 Hi, crafters!  I have a few wonderful, new digi images from Squigglefly, and wanted to use one at the Squigglefly Challenge Blog.  So here’s my entry for the Tickle My Fancy Challenge this week.   Their challenge asks for a funny image or a funny sentiment with a serious image and make them laugh.

I used Doggone Pizza Chef digi image on my card.  Now, I think losing your freshly-made pizza to a hungry dog is bad enough, but when the dog complains about his “free meal”, then you gotta see the humor in the situation!

I colored the image with my trusty Copics (as always), and used a corner of a sheet of decorative computer paper as my background pattern.  I then made up the words in the bubble over the dog, “I said NO MUSHROOMS!  Now I’m gonna have to RUFF you up!” 

A very simple, easy card, once you get past making up a silly line to go with the image!  And now it’s your turn.  Just use a Squigglefly image and make a funny card for your chance to win this week.  If you don’t have a Squigglefly image, click HERE for freebies.

Have fun, and keep crafting!  Leave some love if I made you smile!

Counting My Blessings for the Hambo Challenge

SnailRake digi-image

It’s time to count your blessings, and I have so many things for which to be grateful, they’re like the leaves falling from the trees this week—so many, so different from each other, so beautiful—that I couldn’t resist making a Gratitude Box with my newest Hambo digi-image, Snail Rake.

Hambo’s challenge this week is to use this image (or any Hambo image) and a project that can be found at Splitcoast Stampers Resources page;  click HERE for some inspiration.

I loved the Altered Paint Can Project, so using the empty baby formula can I had on hand (don’t ask me why, my youngest is a Junior in high school), I covered the can with leaf-printed patterned paper.  I snagged a package of foam leaves and popped it onto a circular base, then cut a hole in the top.  

I printed my digi-image twice, once on white cardstock and once on patterned paper, then pieced them together, using the patterned paper for the snail’s shell.  I colored the rest of my image with Copics.  Before adhering the Hambo image to the can, I added a strip of lace to the top, then used dimensional dots for my image.  

Now I’m ready to start writing the things I am most thankful for.   I figure if I only write one a day, the can should be full by November 30!  Today I am thankful for the Hambo Hoedown, and Hambo Stamps' generosity in giving challenge payers a free digi every time they play! 

Only 51 Crafting Days Until Christmas

Christmas Magic from Crafter's Companion

I almost said shopping days, but when we're crafters, sometimes we can make much better than we can ever buy!  So today I made an Advent calendar for my granddaughter.  She visits us every weekend, so she gets to open up several drawers in a two day period.  What does that mean to me?  Not too much candy, just lots of stickers and other surprises.  Don't want her jumping on the walls, now, do I? LOL
I was asked to be a guest designer over at Crafter's Companion, so I wanted to showcase not only one of their marvelous stamp sets, but also one of the many projects that can be made with their Ultimate Crafter's Tool.
The Advent Calendar is a project presented on their Advanced Construction Techniques DVD, and the stamp set I used is from the Cute Companions Collection, called Christmas Magic.  I used the Ultimate Tool to make all the drawers, sliders and bases for the calendar.I used buttons for the drawer pulls, sticker numbers for each drawer, and embellishments from my stash of Christmas leftovers on each of the four sides.  

I topped my Advent Calendar with an easel card, which is also super easy to make with the Ultimate Tool.  I chose images  from “Christmas Magic” and made a snow globe.  I wanted my snow globe to crown my card, so that when it is open and standing up, the snow globe is not propped up against a paper background, so I adhered just the bottom of it just below the fold line on the front of the card.  Snowflakes that I punched from white cardstock adorn the patterned paper.  I used one of the two sentiments that are in the set: “May the Magic of Christmas by yours”.

Crafter's Companion has a new challenge for November.  It is to make a card or project that celebrates a holiday.  My Advent Calendar fits right into the challenge.  So hop on over to their blog and play!!

It's Time to PAR-TAY with the Queen Kat Designs Blog Hop

Happy Birthday, Queen Kat Designs!  And to kick off the 19 day celebration, you are on your way along the Royal Court Blog Hop!!  I hope all my crafting friends can visit today, leave a little love and check out what everyone else is up to on this first day of parties, prizes, inspiration and fun.
I made a special birthday easel card with QKD's Birthday Set by Lisa Cree.  Easel cards are my newest fave card to make, because they are so simple to create, and they make a pretty presentation.  I love that, with the card closed, you can place the first part of a two-part sentiment, and then the recipient can't read the second part until you open the card and stand it up.
I colored my images with Copics, and placed some google eyes on the birthday boy.  You can't tell from the poto, but I used Liquid Glass, as well as Stickles to add some shine to the balloon and the cake.  How about that cake?!  The frostings are banana, strawberry and vanilla.  My sugar levels are already rising, just thinking about that sweet treat!
Now you can hop on over to JAN'S BLOG for another treat.  AND don't forget to attend the main event on FACEBOOK, where all the goodies will be given out!  There will be Challenges with Prizes, Daily Giveaways, Contests, a Sweepstakes Giveaway and LOTS MORE!!
Come and celebrate with QKD and our fabulous artists. There's NO set time to come. It's all online! Come in your jammies, bring your hot chocolate and get ready for 19 days of fun!!
If you lose yourself in the blog, go back to the QKD Blog for the blog order and links!  Have fun and happy crafting!