Squigglefly Grab Bag Special

Need inspiration? Need more digis? Check out the Squigglefly store this week. Not only will you find both there, but they have a fantastic special promotion going on:

No tricks, just treats this weekend!  For every $1.00 spent in our store this weekend ( 10-18-14 through midnight central standard time 10/19/14) you will be entered into a drawing to win a  grab bag of 10 Halloween images!  Winner will be announced on the Squigglefly blog and on Facebook on Monday, October 20th.

Crafting Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

This week's Squigglefly challenge asks you to play with shapes, specifically to layer a few different shapes on your card and use a Squigglefly image.  I was on the go when I made this card, carrying with me just a scissors and my paper cutter, so my shapes are very basic, but I managed a square, a rectangle and a triangle! They all framed patterned papers from my stash.
The image I used is called "Say Cheese Please", a new May release from artist Cheryl Grant Alger, and one of my new favorites. I colored this cute boy and girl posing for a photo with my trusty Copics, using a blending tool to color in the background. I embellished simply with jewels, as my papers have enough patterns to make a feast for the eyes.
If I had been at home, I would have brought out my Epic Six and diecut some different shapes, but I like the way my card turned out, and hope you do too!
Now it's time for you to "shape up" your creativity and play in Squigglefly's newest challenge.  Check out their Facebook page for plenty of awesome inspiration!

Sneak Peek at New Squigglefly Images

Lucky me, lucky you! I got to play with an upcoming release from Squigglefly and I want you to see it NOW.  It is a cute image called "Say Cheese Please" by artist Cheryl Grant Alger and will be released in May.
This week's challenge over at the Squigglefly Challenge Blog asks for you Mother's Day cards using a Squigglefly image.  Since I make cards for my mom, MIL, gram, my kids' godmothers and the mothers of my grandchildren, I have plenty to make in the next two weeks! This is the perfect challenge for me to get them finished and sent out!
I found this fun patterned paper in my stash. It's from CTMH and is double-sided.  I love the bright colors and chevron stripes seem to be hot at this time. My images are colored with Copics and given a hint of highlighting with my white gel pen. I used this pen to handwrite my sentiment and doodle a few hearts to embellish.  A couple of butterfly charms complete my card.
Don't forget to use a Squigglefly image in this challenge so that you are in the running for free digis!  Can't wait for this new image?  Check out all kinds of images from Cheryl and other talented artists at the STORE.

Enjoying the Fruits of Labor

There's nothing like working hard toward a goal and being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.  Well, I made a card using this quote and a fun Squigglefly image from artist Cheryl Alger.  The digi image is called Smooth Sailing and I used part of it with tongue in cheek for the Squigglefly challenge of incorporating fruit into your card or project. I'm sure that look of concern on my sledding girl is due to the lack of snow and the abundance of fruit, but it really is smooth sailing for her now that she's going downhill.
Using Squigglefly digis is also smooth sailing with over 50 artists!  Check out the Squigglefly store for lots of Spring and Easter images new this month, too.  Here's the full digi image that I used:

Come over and play with us at Squigglefly!
Challenges:
Outlawz Monday Greeting Card Challenge - Anything Goes

Nothing Like a Good Read

Santa (and my family) was very good to me this Christmas.  I got some cool crafting supplies, like the Spellbinders die with which I cut my Squigglefly digi image called "A Good Read Maddie" by artist Cheryl Grant Alger.

Isn't she cute?  After I colored her with Copics and used my Epic Six to diecut her, I decided that she would make an awesome bookmark.  I made a corner tuck bookmark.  Here's what the bookmark looks tucked in to save my page.

And another present I received was a book.  I love distopian stories like Hunger Games, and the book I received is another great series.  In fact, the movie from the first book is coming out later this year.  Here's the cover:

I was so excited to receive it.  It is the final chapter of the Divergent series, where society is centered around factions that display specific behaviors and when children reach a certain age, they are required to choose the faction that matches their "aptitude" test, or to remain in the faction in which they were born.  I've read Divergent, Insurgent and now I have Allegiant!
What did you receive for Christmas?  This week's Squigglefly challenge is to make a project using or showing something you received during the holidays (and of course a Squigglefly digi image).  Could be your week to win!!

Figure Eight Style Skates into Town

Roses are red,
and so is my card.
If you like the same color
Squigglefly's challenge is not hard...

Not my best rhyme, but the sentiment is true!  If you love to create with RED, then this is your lucky week.  At Squigglefly, their newest challenge is to use RED on your card-with paper, embellishments or coloring-and a Squigglefly digi image.

I got to play with a new Squigglefly release from the always amazing Cheryl Alger.  This cutie pie is called "Figure Eight Style."  I started my path down REDville by framing my Copic-colored image with RED cardstock.  I finished off my tiny "canvas" with a few RED sequins.

My card base is RED cardstock whose bottom border I punched with tiny snowflakes.  I added a piece of white cardstock on the inside of the card so that the "flakes" would show up nicely.   Speaking of snowflakes, a sprinkled a few beside my image, and finished off my card with a metal word charm.

Now glide on over to the Squigglefly Challenge Blog so you can enter your card in this week's contest.  One random winner will win a free digi!!

I'm Seeing Dots and So Will You

What's more fun than using a Squigglefly image on a card?  Using TWO!!
I made a Christmas card with two new Squigglefly images.  The one toward the front is from Cheryl Alger, called Christmas Bauble Trouble; the second is called Christmas Tree with Candles & Holly by Pamela Lehto.

I colored both images with Copics. After using Stickles to give her bauble some bling, I used a corner punch on Cheryl's image and framed it onto green cardstock.  I fussy cut Pamela's image of the Christmas tree and adhered it directly to my polka-dotted patterned paper.  Since the new Squigglefly challenge this week is to use Polka dots on your project, I piled it on by adding some dotted ribbon as well.

Ready to get dotty?  Make a project with a Squigglefly image and use polka dots for your chance to WIN!

Ride, Sally, Ride

All aboard for a sleepover!  That's the theme of my card today for this week's Squigglefly challenge.  Their requirement is to use a Squigglefly image and use the color PINK plus your favorite "go with" color--is it pink and brown?  pink and teal?


I like to use pink and GREEN together, and thought these September new releases from Cheryl Alger would be perfect.  The one on the front of my Z-fold card is one of two images called Pack Your Bag Sally.  Sally is one of my favorite character images from Cheryl (difficult to pin down to just one).  The second image is one of a suitcase, which I covered with words to make a kind of collage on its front.

I covered the faces of my card with green and pink patterned papers (you can't see the pink panel).  I colored Sally with Copics after paper-piecing her with yet more pink patterned paper.  I embellished simply with Skittles and a charm.

I plan to invite my granddaughters over for a sleepover this weekend, and made two cards for each of them as invitations.  I find that it's very easy to make two of each card at one time.

Gotta pop these in the mail so that they get them before Saturday, although mom and dad have been notified already and are keeping it a secret.  When we get together, just us girls, we craft to our hearts' delight!

So now it's your turn to craft to your heart's delight using a Squigglefly digi image and the colors PINK and ???  What, you don't have a Squigglefly digi image yet?!  Click HERE for freebies.  Then go to the Challenge Blog and enter to win free digis from the store!!  Good luck, and happy crafting!


Get in Shape with a New Squigglefly Challenge

Today I made a card for Squigglefly's new challenge: Use at least three different shapes somewhere on your card somehow;  For example, enclose your image in an oval, your sentiment in a decorative rectangle, and have a star shaped embellishment....get the idea?

So I printed out an August new release called "Grip It & Rip It" by the fabulous Cheryl Grant Alger.  First, can you spot the three plus shapes I used in my card?  The circle and triangle are pretty easy, and if you count clouds as shapes, but I also used a rectangular front for my card.

Once I pieced together my "scene" I colored Cheryl's image with my Copics and then fussy-cut her out.  She's headed straight down the triangle to who-knows-where, but you know what they say, "Make Life a Wild Ride."

If you like Cheryl's "Grip It & Rip It digi image, you can find her in the Squigglefly Store.  Now, why don't you hop on with me and take a ride to the Squigglefly Challenge Blog.  Show off your creation using a Squigglefly image and at least three different shapes for a chance to win free digi's.

See you there!

Who's the (em)Boss?

This week brings a new challenge from Squigglefly:

"Add something embossed to your card, it can be any of the wonderful backgrounds that have embossing in them, any of the spellbinders that have embossing, any brass stencils that use dry embossing, or add a great embellishment or cardstock that already comes embossed"

In addition to the new theme, if you use a Squigglefly digi, you will be in the running for a free digi!!  Don't have a Squigglefly image yet? Check out the FREEBIES at their store.

My card front features embossed white core cardstock, which I love to distress to get that textured feeling.  The card showcases a July new release from Squigglefly called "It's a Jump Rope Kind of Day", designed by artist Cheryl Grant Alger.  I colored him with Copics, then used a Sakura gel pen for a shimmery look on the jump rope.

I embellished my card with an adhesive-backed chain of crocheting (not handmade) and an earring whose "ring" and mate I lost.  Which proves I am a crafter-I never throw away something that maybe might have the possibility of a use in my crafts).

I hope you like my card, and it has inspired you to try a little embossing in your crafting.  For more inspiration, check out Squigglefly's blog and their Facebook page!!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Of course, in Chicago, we say April Snow brings happy utility companies!  That's right, here in the suburbs of Chicago, we have had massive flooding, impassable roads, school cancellations, and then, within 24 hours, SNOW!!  Not just snow, but Snow Thunder!!  Go figure!

So to be a polar opposite of our weird and wacky weather, I made a card to match the new Squigglefly Challenge this week, and offer up a flowery card.  The image, an April digi release called Have You Heard by artist Cheryl Alger, was colored with Copics and then fussy-cut and adhered to a piece of patterned paper.  Some pearls, sequins, a lace border and a K & Co sentiment sticker finish off my card.

And it is a very welcome sight in my craft room, much better than the one that was outside my window this a.m. when I woke up.  However, the snow has melted, as it is just above freezing, close to 40 degrees.  This day last year we were enjoying an early day in the low 80's.  Go figure!!

So whether you have rain or snow or are dry as a bone, decorate your life with a card that showcases April Showers or May Flowers and a Squigglefly image.  then join in the challenge fun for a chance to win free digis!!

Liquid Love

I love to embellish my cards with things that make it shiny, so what better challenge could I join but one that asks for the use of any type of "liquids" on your card..."make a card that uses liquid in some way - could be using an image that has water, using liquid alcohol inks for your backgrounds, or liquid crystal lacquer..."?!

After coloring my Squigglefly digi image, a sweet one from artist Cheryl Alger, called "Have You Heard", I used Liquid Glass from CTMH to give her shoes and the ladybug some shimmer. I also used Stickles on her hair bow.

The card base was diecut, and I added the violet pearls and adhesive stitches to finish off my card.  So, HAVE you heard?  Squigglefly has a new challenge, and they want you to play in it!!  grab a FREEBIE if you don't have any Squigglefly images yet for your chance to WIN!!

Song-Inspired Card for Squigglefly Challenge

I made a card today for this week's Squigglefly challenge, which is to make something using a Squigglefly digi image and inspired by a song.  The digi image I used is by artist Cheryl Alger and it's called "Pencil Girl".  It's a March release.

So my card comes with a story (as most of my projects do).  One of the dangers of the Internet is that you may communicate with people who are not what they say they are.  Ever watch a reality show on MTV called Catfish?  This guy takes people who have met and "fallen in love" with people they met only through the Internet  Some people have turned out to be the other gender, sexually-oriented in the opposite direction, married, or worse predators.
So, what if we never got a chance to see the songwriters who have penned those amazing songs?  What if, like the Internet (or adult entertainment phone call operators), they were totally opposite what we thing they are?
And here is where rerality turns to fantasy, because we all know who Barry Manilow is, or have seen his photo, or have (several of) his albums/cd's.  Right?
So, when you here the song "I Write The Songs", it can't possibly be the author in the card, holding her pencil proudly, music dripping from the pointy tip.  But, if you think about it, there are song writers out there whose work is sung by others, and we never get to see the authors.  So maybe my idea isn't too fantastical!
Either way, I was inspired by this image and Barry Manilow's hit "I Write The Songs" to make this card for the Squigglefly challenge this week.
I used some gorgeous patterned paper that I picked up on clearance at Michael's (I know, but I couldn't pass it up!) called Collections "Bird Page Glitter".  I colored my image on glossy paper with Copics and framed it with brown cardstock.  I inked the edges of my card base, as well as used the ink pad to blot/distress the white space of my image.  After adding a diecut flourish and adding pearls to the ends of a few tendrils (I colored the pearls with E37 Copic to coordiinate), I added the tiny musical notes, causing them to drip from the pencil's end and into the sheet music paper.
I hope you like my card--and Cheryl's digi "Pencil Girl".  You can find it and all her images at the Squigglefly store.  Go on and take a look, grab a freebie and join in the challenge for your chance to win free digi's!
Want more inspiration and a freebie??  Like Squigglefly on Facebook and when they reach 300 (only 16 more to go) they'll release a new digi just for their fans!!

Just a Little Hello from Cheryl Alger

It's time for new releases from Squigglefly Designs!  I made a card using a digi image from Squigglefly artist Cheryl Alger called "Just a Little Hello".  Isn't she the cutest thing??  And just in time for this week's challenge, which is to use ribbon in any way other than a bow!
I used my bit of ribbon in two places, one being a sort of border on the bottom of my card, but the best is used to make a banner.  I found the tutorial for this (she uses construction paper) at Lily's Blog: 
I colored my image using a mix of Copic and Spectrum Noir markers and framed it onto red cardstock.  The background patterned paper is from paper studio and has the loveliest butterflies on it.
I have to apologize for her bad hair day.  In the middle of coloring it, my marker ran out of ink and I had to rub every last drop onto her scalp to finish it!!  I guess I get no tip from her!! LOL
If you like "Just a Little Hello", you will love all the new March releases that Squigglefly has out.  Want more incentive?  Throughout the month of March you can save 15% by using the code spring15 at Squigglefly.
Why are you still here?  Go, play with Squigglefly's freebies!  Buy your faves at 15% off!  Post a pic in the challenge for your chance to win!  Get crafting, and have FUN!!

Get in Shape with a Squigglefly Challenge

I 'm featuring a shaped card today for the Squigglefly Challenge blog.  Their theme is shaped cards.

The image is another February release from Squigglefly.  It's called Juggling Hearts Bear by artist Cheryl Alger.  This bear looks so happy, juggling all those hearts.  I bet he has many girlfriend bears to who he can give them!
I gave this card to my granddaughter for Valentine's Day.  She is a card maker, too.  In fact, both my granddaughters love to craft with Grandma Pat!  We spent a day before Christmas making cards and presents for the holidays.  I feel the need, the need to craft with them again!!  Can't get enough of them coming over and creating with me.
Like what you see?  Check out the DT's cards for more inspiration.  Play in the challenge for the chance to win free digi's.  Why are you still here?!  Hop along, and tell them Pat sent you!!

Color Combo Challenge at Squigglefly

Pink and Black is one of my favorite color combinations when it comes to card making.  I am so lucky that Squigglefly's Challenge this week is to use a PINK & BLACK color combo on a card.  Mine sports a February release called "I Love You This Much" by artist Cheryl Alger.

I decided to frame it by color-blocking around the image like, well, a frame!  I pulled a piece of leftover black polka-dotted pink patterned out of my paper stash.  It inspired the Copics I used to color my image.

I decided to keep the rest of the card simple, with a few black flowers and a couple black jewels.

Now it's your turn to play at the Squigglefly Challenge Blog.  If you don't have a Squigglefly digi image, get your FREEBIE and go play for a chance to win more!!

Hearts a-Flutter

Time for a new Squigglefly Challenge and have I got a treat for you.

I don't stock a lot of pink in my stash, and I am again trying to reuse, recycle and reduce in my life, especially when it comes to crafting.
So when I saw that the Squigglefly challenge has a HEARTS theme, I decided to make a card using non-traditional colors. I found this piece of leftover patterned paper and loved the whimsical look of it. I used it as my cardbase, framing it in black. Then I added the strip of color with the punched hearts in coordinating colors and framed that in black as well.
The image is a Squigglefly digi from artist Cheryl Alger called Polly's Pink Flower, although pink is nowhere on my card today. I colored it with my Copics and framed it, punching hearts in the corners. A black ribbon bow finishes off my Clean And Simple challenge card. (Did I mention the button in the middle of her flower?)
Are you getting ready for Valentine's Day already?  Do you have hearts on your mind?  Are you sadly lacking in Heart-themed images?  Check out the Squigglefly store for some awesome digi's, and then create your own magic and enter for a chance to win free digi's at Squigglefly Challenge Blog this week!

First Squigglefly Challenge of the New Year

The first challenge of the year has a THANK YOU theme.  Gets you started on all those Thank You cards you need to send out for those fabulous presents!  My card features a Cheryl Alger image called "Blinkie's Snowday Dreaming", and was just released by Squigglefly on January 5!!
I colored my image with Copics, tore some glitter paper for a few banks of snow, and hung a star for Blinkie to ficus on.  Some handmade white "flowersoft" adds a little dimension, even blowing across my framed snowman.  A simple Thank You sentiment finishes off my first card of the year.
So, now that the holidays are 'round the corner, what are you working on?  I had to ruthlessly clean out my craft closet, packing up two bags for trash, 1 bag for Goodwill and a nice container of goodies to swap on my Yahoo Group, Your Scrapbook Place.  And my room is still not finished!!  But I am a lot more organized now, and I can see the top of my desk!
So I am working on two 2013 calendars with a layout for each month (one for me and one for a gift).  I also have a Recipe book that I want to fill up and embellish, to give to my new daughter-in-law, with all my son's fave foods.
Well, I hope you like my card.  Check out all the new Squigglefly releases HERE!  Then go to the Squigglefly Challenge Blog and play for a chance to win free digi's.  And Happy crafting in the new year!!
p.s. (Did you know that Squigglefly has a reward program that is free to join and is a great way to earn free images?  For every $15. you spend you will earn a free image. You can use the free image immediately, or save up and go for a big splurge one day. They never expire. And!!  if you are just now finding out about the rewards program, and you've already purchased images - Squigglefly will credit you any money spent in the current month! Just click the "My Squigglefly" at the top right of the Squigglefly home page).

Winterize Your Cards!

New challenge at Squigglefly this week!!  Make a winter card.  Use a Squigglefly image and you have a chance to win a prize!

So here's my winter card.  I used Squigglefly digi image Angeld Up Christmas Caroler by artist Cheryl Alger.  I love this character, and have a collection of images featuring her in all kinds of poses and seasons.
I popped Christmas patterned paper onto a green cardstock base.  I colored my digi image with a mix of Spectrum Noir and Copic markers, then used Liquid Glass and Stickles for some shininess!  I then fussy-cut the image and popped it onto a red "frame.
I embellished my scene with red ribbon, candy cane border stickers and a couple snowflakes. 
I have a few Christmas cards already signed, stuffed and addressed, and it's not even December yet!!  But I know (from previous years' experience) that once December hits, it flies faster than Santa's sleigh.  So I may as well get ahead of the game for a very short time LOL
Happy crafting!

Squigglefly Sneak Peek Blog Hop

Psst!  For another Day of QKD's 13 Days of Halloween Blog Hop, click HERE!!

Good Morning, crafters! Welcome to the Squigglefly Sneak Peek Blog Hop!

Today the DT members are sharing with you sneak peeks of our release tomorrow over at the SQUIGGLEFLY STORE!

If you came here from LINDA's Blog, you are on the right track.  If you just happened along-make sure to go back and start at the beginning which is at the SQUIGGLEFLY CHALLENGE BLOG.

If you hop all the way through you will have several chances to win some prizes, get inspired, and have some fun!  One lucky hopper who comments on all the blogs will get FIVE Squigglefly digi's of his or her choice!

Today I am showcasing a soon-to-be-released digi image called Count Dracula Noah, by artist Cheryl Alger.  I love digi's because if you like this so much you have to have it before Halloween to make your project, it comes super fast, eight to your inbox!!
I used a sunburst design for the background of my card.  I cut a template to size, marking the lines first.  I kept the template pieced together, and one by one used each piece to cut out some Halloween patterned paper.  The first time I did this, I didn't leave the pieces together and it was like Humpty Dumpty -- I couldn't put the pieces back together again!!
Another hint when making this background design:  if there are words on the paper, make sure you place the template correctly so the words don't end up sideways or upside-down!

I printed Count Dracula Noah and colored him with my Copics, then fussy-cut him out and framed him with a large Autumn leaf.  I added shimmer to my card by using Stickles on his cape.  I embellished with a few foam stars in Halloween colors.
Now Noah is ready to sink his teeth into this year's Trick-or-Treating!!  uh, well, after he puts on some long pants!!!

Your next stop is Rhonda, but before you go, don't forget to leave a little love for your chance to win!!  As an added BONUS, leave me a comment on your favorite costume that you've worn, either as an adult or a kid, and I will choose a random hopper to send a little BLING to!!  Everyone likes bling, right?!

  The Blog Hop Order is below in case you get lost along the way.

Thank you for stopping by today and being part of our Squigglefly Sneak Peek Blog Hop.  Good luck and happy crafting!

Squigglefly Challenge Blog

 KATHY

SHARON

Charlene

SHIRLEY

TAMMY

Debbie

ELIZABETH

Linda

PAT

Rhonda

Holly