Bling'd Out Composition Book

I love it when the kids go back to school. It gives me the chance to create awesome notebooks, binder covers and composition books, like this one featuring a Squigglefly new September release! The digital image, called Dragon Tamer, is by artist Niina Niskanen. Here is a close-up of my Copic-colored image.

After covering a 50 cent composition notebook (don't you just love back to school sales?) with DCWV Once Upon a Time patterned paper, I used Frog Tape, which is like blue painters' tape, but green (duh).

I covered the bound edge with flowers, added a Smash Book element (clasp & lock) after coloring it black with a sharpie, and adhered the sentiment and pearls.

Since Squigglefly offers a new challenge this week, Add Some Bling, I Stickled my dragon tamer's wings as well as parts of the dragon and the sun-sparkled roofs of my renaissance town's buildings. Here's the back of the notebook.

How will you add some bling to your challenge for Squigglefly this week? Don't forget to use a Squigglefly image to play for free digis!! 

Whatever you do, have fun!!

Hot Enough For You?

Summer with its blue skies and orange sunsets is the theme for this week's challenge over at the Squigglefly Challenge Blog. Use a Squigglefly image (freebies here) with blues or oranges on your project this week and you could win free digis!
My card uses a Squigglefly new release called "Earth Keeper" by artist Niina Niskanen. I colored my image with oranges, yellows, greens and blues. The patterned paper is a rich mix of blues and green. I added skittles, a green paper clip and star, and a Tim Holtz metal charm for embellishments. The charm reads: "Encourage your hopes, not your fears."
Don't forget to link your card or project with Squigglefly for your chance to win.

Spring Is Around the Corner

It's hard to imagine, what with the 3 foot high snow banks surrounding us in Chicago, but it IS March, and according to the calendar, Spring is just around the corner.  March certainly came in like alion, so it should hopefully go out like a lamb with warmer weather and a little sunshine.

Meanwhile, other parts of the world are enjoying the timid beginnings of Spring, so I wanted to make a card in celebration.  The Outlawz Challenge for Friday is Spring or Easter, using any kind of alcohol-based coloring.  I pulled out my Copics and here he is!

I used a March QKD release from Artist Terrell Dorfeo called Dragon Riders.  I must say this little guy is adorable, and he doesn't complain when I color him pink and orange.  I used a negative cut of hot pink cardstock to frame my image.  I also used a leftover piece of K & Co Border, using the back of it to color the coordinating green (YG03) for my card.

For some more Springtime inspiration, check out the QKD Shop!  For your chance in the Outlawz Friday Copic Challenge, click HERE!

Embrace Imperfection

It's time to show off a new card using my stash of papers (self-admitted paper-holic here)!  Today I made a birthday card for my daughter using a QKD stamp from  Coriander Shea Detwiler called Dragon Riders.  My daughter's birthday isn't until the summer, but when she saw this card, she wanted me to save it for her!

The reason it's called Dragon Riders is because of the tiny butterflies sitting atop our little friend.  I think that's a very clever name for this image.  I used a piece of leftover DCWV paper from the Once Upon a Time stack and perched him on top of a bit of ribbon.  Once I added the larger butterflies to the background, I used white gel pen and added a few more circles/bubbles/fireflies to the whole scene.  A few white heart-shaped brads and my card was almost complete.  I just needed a message, and I chose a Tim Holtz Idea-ology charm that reads, "Embrace imperfection".
SO, if you could, would you take a ride on a dragom?  I would, in a heartbeat.  Maybe I should put it on my bucket list.  it's no more fanciful than some of the things I've already listed there! LOL
Go check out all the cool and cute stamps that Coriander Shea has for you to play with at the store.  And let your creativity take flight!!

The Color Purple

I fall in love with colors!  How about you?  Today it's the many moods and shades of purple, which works perfectly for Queen Kat Design's Orchid Wyvern Dragon by artist Teal Newcombe on my card.  It practically blooms with the purples and orchids in my project.

Besides the patterned paper and cardstock, I stamped the card background with another QKD stamp called Fight the Flame, all in shades of purple.  Next I colored my image with my Copics, adding the teal color for contrast, while coordinating it with my cardstock card base.
I had the most fun picking out the shiny embellishments from my "can o' leftovers" from previous projects.
FYI:  According to Wikipedia, "A wyvern...(pronounced why-vern w/accent on first syllable) is a legendary winged creature with a dragon's head, reptilian body, two legs (sometimes none), and a barbed tail. 

Just thought you'd want to know.  I did, as it has caught my fancy this last month!
For more Wyverns and Dragons and fantastical beasts, check out the Shop!!  You're sure to find something that catches your fancy!

There Be Dragons Here

The lovely Queen Kat Designs image, Orchid Wyvern Dragon by artist Teal Newcombe, inspired my passion for purple today!  I made a trifold card measuring 4x4 and cut a window in the front piece using my Creative Memories Circle cutting system.

The second piece of my card showcases mt Copic-colored image, stamped black on white cardstock.  The colors are more purple and violet and orchid, but lighting and a cheap camera just won't capture this today.

I used Stickles to make him shine, framing him with a smaller circle of coordinating cardstock.
The very inside piece of my card holds my sentiment, "Life is Good".

Orchid Wyvern Dragon is a QKD July release and ready to be stamped and colored for your crafting pleasure.  You can find him at the SHOPPE!!