PagesPat's Ponderings

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Pink is the New Squigglefly Challenge

Pink ribbon (or bows), that is!!
My card not only uses a pink ribbon bow, but pink fiber, patterned papers and inks!
I used the Squigglefly digi image "A Spritely Sprite" by artist Alecia Blake, coloring her with my trusty Copics and adding a touch of clear diamond Stickles to her wings,  Then I used Tim Holtz Distress ink in Tattered Rose and a blending tool to rosy up the white cardstock frame of the image.

All the papers and embellishments were from my stash, and I printed the sentiment on my computer.  I finished off my card by distressing its edges with ink.

Now it's your turn to "dance" in the Squigglefly challenge.  All you need is a dig image (get your FREEBIE HERE) and a pink ribbon or bow for your chance to win!!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Fairy Wishes


I think my favorite fantasy creature must be fairies, because I so love to color them and use them on cards and projects.  Take this stamped image, a QKD new release from artist Victoria Griffin, called "Astra".

I made another card after coloring her with my trusty Copics.  There are lots of swirls on the patterned paper on my card base, as well as my diecut frame.  A diecut border woven with ribbon and a handmade brown paper flower finish off my card.

So, if you were to meet up with this fairy, and she were in the mood to grant you a fairy wish, what would it be?  My wish would be an endless supply of paper: cardstock, patterned, lacy, embossed, 12x12, 8.5x11, textured, any and all, please and thank you, Astra!!

Queen Kat Designs has so many fairy and whimsical stamps far sale!  And don't forget, we have a new fan page on Google+ !!  Come join us!!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Shaken, Not Stirred

This week Hambo Challenge blog asks crafters to find a technique on Splitcoaststampers and try it on a new card using a Hambo digi image.  I love sorting through the tutorials at SCS, and I found a simple, concise set of directions and video on making a shaker box card.

So I printed my Hambo digi image, called Bailey Liberty, along with one of the three sentiments that came with it.  After choosing papers for the card base and the shaker box, I colored Bailey with my trusty Copics (G00,000; E11,13,08,37) to coordinate.

Then I created my shaker box, with patterned paper, acetate, dimensional tape, and a handful of sequins, seed beads and a couple buttons!  I didn't want my shaker box to outshine my Hambo image (although I do think it looks smashing), so I used dimensional tape and attached the image next to the shaker box.

A couple "faux bows" with small snips of ribbon, a strip of printed ribbon, and a couple shimmery stars finish off my card.  Thank you Hambo Hoedown, Splitcoaststampers, and Beate Johns for the inspiration and the directions!!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Make the Most of a Cloudy Day

The sky doesn't need the sun to make the day shine.  You don't need a good day to make something good happen. And while you think Big thoughts, Enjoy the little pleasures. That's my suggestion for the day, and it inspired me to make this card.

I used a Squigglefly new release from artist Kim Fleming called CatSwing.  Their challenge this week is to use a fun border, either on your card edges or on your image.  I used my Nestabilities Scallop Oval dies to give my image the look of a cloud passing by in the sky, framed it in matching cardstock that I used for the base, and popped it onto some leftover patterned paper.  Another diecut oval was used on the sentiment that I wanted to share, and I used some distress ink on all the edges.

I colored my image with Copics, and then made the cloud shimmer with clear diamond Stickles.

Have you played in the Squigglefly challenge this week?  Come on over for your chance to win free digi's!!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Dream...Create

If you look deeply into the eyes of my image, a Queen Kat Designs June release by artist Micah Carmicheal called Elemental, you will discover that she really isn't seeing you.  She is seeing something only her eyes can see, soon to be put down on paper with ink and chalks and water and paint, and God and she only know what else.  She is in the depths of inspiration, just about to embark on a path of adventure, creativity and self-discovery.  That is why I used these specific word rub-ons on this card, because I can empathize with her and her eyes looking out but seeing inward, ready to bare her soul for others to see. 
I used up some scraps of patterned papers to create a geometric flower-shaped frame for my Copic-colored image, with very little embellishment.  Hope you like!!
And if you do, go on over to the QKD Shoppe for more of Micah's images, as well as others with which to play and color.

Monday, June 18, 2012

What's Black & White and Read All Over?

The Hambo Hoedown, of course!  Their newest challenge is to focus on a black & white theme for your card, as well as use a Hambo digi image.  I used Alien Spaceship digi image here.

I started with a white cardstock base, then added a piece of black glitter cardstock that I corner punched.

I colored my traveling alien with black and gray Copics, and used pop dots on the card front to set him on his way.

A couple of sequin stars to give it a galactic feel, and all I needed was the sentiment, which I snagged from Star Trek.

Now my alien can guide you to the Hambo Challenge blog.  Have fun and happy crafting!

God Bless You

Working for a Catholic school, I have seen ten years worth of second graders prepare and celebrate their First Communion.  Can you believe this is the first Communion card I have made?

This gorgeous image, called Eucharist, is a Squigglefly digi from artist Diana Garrison. Their new challenge this week at the Squigglefly Challenge Blog is to "Add some flair to your border with a punch, torn edge, deco scissors or ??? This flair can be to the edges around your image, the opening edge of your card or ALL the edges."


I gave my card a punched border using my new Creative Memories Punch System.  So far I have three different punches. The system guides whatever you're punching to perfection, as you can see!!


I colored my image with Copics, framed it with matching cardstock from the inside of the card, and popped it onto patterned paper.  A ribbon and jewels adorn my card, and I handwrote the sentiment.


Got a little girl or boy receiving their First Communion?  This is the perfect image for your card, and you can find it at the SHOP!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Hey Good Looking

I have many favorite images from Squigglefly, some of them recently acquired and some of them from last year.  But my all-time fave digi image is called "Badonkadonk" by artist Chesney Young.  Every time I color her, she has a different message for her admirers.
Today, she's letting her hubby know how much she loves him.  The card could be for his anniversary or his birthday, because the sentiment inside reads, "Grow old with me...the best is yet to be"
My card is shaped with a Nestabilities die and folded in half. I covered it with some yummy Citrus patterned paper, and a coordinating paper inside as well.
I embellished with heart beads snagged off a broken necklace and sent to me in a swap package.  I tossed on a few jewels as well.  A pretty little polka dot bow that I found in the clearance bins at Hobby Lobby finishes off my card for this week's Squigglefly Challenge Blog (make a shaped-card).
Oh, I forgot that I took my white gel pen and hand drew faux stitching around the card front!  That is as "real" as I get when it comes to sewing! LOL
Have fun with this challenge-I know I did!!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Tropical Daydreams


Here's a card  using Queen Kat Design's "Elemental" by artist Micah Carmichael.  The image spoke to me of tropical nights, the scent of coconut and jasmine, the sound of palm leaves wafting in the balmy breeze.
I used a piece of glitter patterned paper from the DCWV "Citrus" collection.  The hot orange, yellow and red colors created my palette for coloring my image and for my embellishments. 
I love how this image is of the woman's face, but includes the background of swirls as well. I finished off my card with some coordinating ribbon, a couple of flowers and the sentiment "believe", because I want to believe that someday I'll go back to visit Hawaii, a land of tropical daydreams.
You can find Micah's "Elemental" and other gorgeous stamps at the QKD Shoppe.  Don't forget to visit the QKD Facebook page for inspiration, tutorials and upcoming contests!
And as always, keep crafting!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Shaping Up to be a Great Week

...with the new Squigglefly challenge!!  Make a card using a Squigglefly image, but spurn those rectangle or square cards---give it some shape---and make a circular card, or use a diecut shape.  let's see something different!!
I'll show you mine if you show me yours!!  Here's a sweet Squigglelfy image called Making a Point by one of mt favorite artists, Lynne Stansbery.  There are three images to this set, and it only costs $3!!  I have used this several times, each in a different way on a different card.
Today I made a Father's Day card--it's coming up fast!
I used a round card base in brown, then gave it one more fold for a circular Z-fold card!  When closed, you can see the image, called with my trusty Copics and some Stickles (I love shiny fingernail polish), along with the sentiment #1 Dad.  Some vellum paper and twisted wire complete the embellishments inside the card.  I added a bright bow below the belt (it's legal on cards, just not in boxing) and it's finished!!
Easy peasy, and "not your average card", BooBoo!!
Now run along and play in this week's challenge over at Squigglefly, and if you need an image to start you on your way to winning free digi's (the new releases are faboo!), click HERE!!
Have fun, and Happy Crafting!!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Hello Sunshine!

Popcorn is talking to YOU, and he has a whole armful of sunshine in the form of sunflowers!!
Have you ever woke up from sleep, early in the morning, and your brain is already mapping out a card that you've been playing with??  That's what happened to me this morning.  I had colored my Crafter's Companion Popcorn the Bear stamped image, from the stamp set "Thanks a Bunch", with my Copics.  It was sitting on my desk, fussy-cut and ready to pop onto a card base, when my waking thoughts steered me to my finished card.
I am loving the June challenge to use a Crafter's Companion stamp and the color YELLOW.  It's a color I don't often use, but I like what I am doing with it, so it may just become my favorite color!
I used a piece of deep brown cardstock for my 6x6 card base, and then cut out yellow-patterned papers and distress inked the edges before placing them on the base.  Next came the strip of cream-colored lace that I distressed a teensy bit more with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Tea Dye.
The ribbon at the bottom came next, but the card looked so plain, until I found that large sunflower in my stash.  I decided to try to stamp the sentiment on its petals, and it doesn't look too bad, if I do say so myself! LOL
While sorting through my yellow embellishments, I found these cute sunflower dimensional stickers by Jolee, leftover from another project.
This is my second card for the Crafter's Companion June Yellow Challenge.  (I told you I was enjoying playing with the color yellow!)  They give away the most amazing prizes for their challenges!!  This month they're giving away a $30 gift certificate!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Royal Birthday Wishes

All hail the Queen!!  That's Vikki, the Queen of Queen Kat Designs!  Today is her birthday and I made this card just for her.  I used a QKD stamped image called "Bunny Girl" by artist Jaz Higgins.
I colored her with Copics, then used my Creative Memories Circle cutting system to frame her.  A leftover lacy circle diecut is her "shadow".
I found the most wonderful distressed patterned paper at HobbyLobby, and got one of each color.  I placed a strip of coordinating paper in back of my image, then added a strip of webbing.
I finished off the card with a set of charms that gives Her Highness the wish for sweet dreams on her birthday.
Enjoy your day, my queen!!
Crafters, in celebration of Her Highness' birthday, QKD is offering 32% off all rubber stamps.  That includes this one, the other new releases, even clearance stamps!!  Hurry on over to the QKD Shoppe for your "sale of the century"!!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Hope Your Day Goes Swimmingly!

I know mine has, and it shows in my card today.  I made a 5x5 square card using the Hambo Stamps digi image "Snorkel Boy". The Hambo Challenge this week is to use Glitter, Stickles, atyou Spica pens, glittery embossing powders, etc.  It's all about the SPARKLE!
So. I printed my digi image in Zoom Browser software,so that I had more freedom in the sizing.  I ended up with an image larger than 2x3 but not quite 3x5 (then chopped off just a little more). I used a blending tool on the white space of my printed image after coloring it with Copics so that it wasn't so stark white. While looking for patterned paper, my hand closed on the teal glitter paper and I knew how I'd make my card SPARKLE!  I built it up from there: the neon-swirled background paper, the black cardstock framing, even the teal glaze I used for my snorkel boy's air bubbles.
I even printed an extra image in a smaller size so that I could place a (fussy-cut) smaller fish next to its mommy.  A few adhesive-backed jewels above my boy's fins, as well as at the bottom of my framed glitter paper (difficult to see in this photo), make an attempt at splashes in the water.
My sentiment is one of four (!) that come with this fabulous Hambo Stamps digi image.
Now, swim on over to the Hambo Hoedown for your chance to win!!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Make 'em Laugh

That's the new theme for Squigglefly's Challenge this week--use a funny image or make a funny card, just something to get the giggles going!
So I made this card using a Squigglefly digi image called Cranky Witch by artist Cheryl Alger.  I love using her on NON-Halloween themed cards!  Today I made a whatever card.  It's one of those cards that you can use for whatever occasion fits your schedule.
What makes her funny is the sentiment I put with her: "Don't make me get my Flying Monkeys"  In the original movie Wizard of Oz, those flying monkeys were Cree-py!!  So naturally you wouldn't want me to get them and sic them on you!! LOL
I am in my "distressed period", just like Picasso had a Blue Period.  I used my bending tool and some Tim Holtz' Ink pads and distressed the card base, the strip of cardstock I used as a faux ribbon, the sentiment, and the image's frame.
I also have this urge to fill in white space, even when some people don't see any!  So that's why the star and ticket are peeking out from beneath the handmade flower and sentiment.  Just whatever I happen to be hoarding on my desk.  (Sometimes I even bend down under my craft table and see what I dropped and use that on my cards, but don't tell anyone--that's weird!)
So now you have a little inspiration for this week's Squigglefly Challenge.  Let's see yours!  Upload a photo onto the SQ Blog and you could win free digi's!!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Good Morning Sunshine!

Now that the weather has settled down a bit, and it almost feels like we're on the brink of summer, I thought a bright cheery card would be nice to showcase a stamped image from the Popcorn the Bear collection.  This Crafter's Companion stamp, called "Thanks a Bunch" features a small little duck called Souffle (Soo-flay), and I decided that he needed to be in the spotlight (just in case you were wondering where Popcorn was).
Since the new June challenge over at Crafter's Companion Challenge Blog is to incorporate a CC stamp with the color YELLOW, I built my card from yellow cardstock on which I used a "distressed dots" background stamp with white ink to tone it down a bit.  Some patterned paper on the top is separated from my yellow base with a strip of cardstock and ribbon.
Souffle seems to be balancing on a hoop along with a couple yellow Prima flowers.  I colored him with Copics: Y11,15,& 17, and a dab or two of Stickles on his beak and feet.  Besides the sentiment (that comes in the stamp set), I embellished with a couple jewels, and my card is complete.
I love that Popcorn the Bear stamp sets come with smaller stamps that work just as well on their own, like my little Souffle does today.
Don't forget to enter Crafter's Companion June Challenge. The winner of this challenge will receive a $30 gift certificate to the Crafter's Companion online store!  As the May Flowers challenge winner, I can attest to the awesome prizes they give out!!

Monday, June 4, 2012

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to my Craft Room...

Well, at least the new Squigglefly Challenge this week is to create a card or project that will make the person who gets it laugh.  And there are so many funny images offered by Squigglefly that it was very difficult to pin down just one image, so you may see more on my blog later in the week with this challenge theme!
Meanwhile, I used a new June release digi image called "Oh Dear Fairy" by the very talented artist Daphne van der Zanden.  At first I thought she was "oh, dearing" because we caught her in her natural state, but then I though, most fairies are always in their natural state, so that wouldn't make her embarassed or squeamish.
So I fell back on my favorite quote from Gwynneth Paltrow, a fairy-like name right there!
The card is a 6x6 square, using patterned papers from a wonderful swap called Queen of the Month on Scrapbook Place yahoo Group.  When I was queen, I received packages of papers and embellies in all the colors of the rainbow, and Carolyn gifted me with the pink-patterned papers.
Once my background was chosen, I colored my gorgeous fairy with my trusty Copics: YG03,23; Y11; and RV00,09 & 34.  I found a scrap of deep pink paper with which to frame her, added a mushroom for attitude, and then the fun began.  I had snagged this wonderful whimiscal bling border from my local HobbyLobby on clearance (if there had been more, I would have grabbed them all).  I used the last of it on my card, starting with the strip on which she sits to the swirls that frame my sentiment, which reads:
"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin,  That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."
Fairies, being the vain things they are, are very comfortable in their own skin, but feel they could always use an extra oomph, so the red lipstick was added!
I shimmered her fairy wings with Stickles, and added a pearl-centered flower to finish off my card.
I love the overall look to my card, which showcases Daphne's "Oh Dear Fairy" yet pokes fun at her vanity.  I hope my card made you smile.  It made me smile to make it, so mission accomplished!!
Now off with you, to the Squigglelfy Challenge Blog, for inspiration, a peek at the new releases, and a chance to win your own Squigglefly images!!

A Royal Welcome and New Releases!!

Happy June, crafters!  Queen Kat Designs has added to her royal court, and I want to welcome our new Royal Stamping Maids.  Please visit the QKD Blog to see all their lovely work throughout the month, as we introduce the new June stamp releases.
The new releases are amazing and I know you're going to love seeing them all come to life over the coming month.  The image showcased here is called Astra by the very talented Victoria Griffin.  Her image is actually framed and complete, but for my tent card I needed to fussy cut the fairy, flowers and dragonfly and place them on the front of my card.
I used an art gallery postcard for my background.  It's called "The Garden of Giverny" by impressionist painter Claude Monet.  The tent card is a very easy card to make, and stands open with a window in which to peek.  You can find a tutorial HERE.
Want even more inspiration? Queen Kat Designs introduces you to the new Castle Playground, featuring such fabulous artists as Sandra Caldwell, Che Gilson, Melia Newman, Jaz Higgins, Charles Bristow and Coriander Shea Detwiler.  The Castle Playground has its own Royal Designers who will strive to inspire you with the absolutely gorgeous images from these artists.  Please visit and Follow the blog so you don't miss anything!!
And don't forget to visit the QKD Facebook page for tutorials, news, artist interviews and inspiration!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

A Yummy Card and a Welcome!!

One more entry for this week's Squigglefly Challenge blog.  I made another CAS card using no patterned paper.  What I did was to use a Squigglefly digi image, Japanese Dining Room, for the background of the card, as well as another digi, MewShooPork, for the main focus. I very minimally colored my happy cat with my trusty Copics.  I printed the background image on colored paper so that all I needed to do was use a black Copic indiscriminately for some dimension.
The only special embellishing I did was to add glitter and a round clip in place of the lantern for some shimmer!
Today I also want to welcome three new designers to Squigglefly.  Their names are Denise Clemenson, Mike Eustis, and Kim Fleming.  You are going to LOVE their digi images!!
Have a few moments to escape into your crafting area??  Grab a Squigglefly image and enter the challenge for your chance to win free digi images!!!