Monday, December 28, 2009

Baby's First Christmas

Ellie Christmas front

I know, I know, Christmas is finished for this year, and I should get over it, right? ;-) I can't help it, I'm still in the spirit of it all. I made this card for my first grand-daughter who will be born in early February! I'll give it to her Mommy and Daddy next Christmas (my son Nik and DIL Alla).
I used "Baby Elephant", a digital image I did for Squigglefly. I also printed off the "Santa Hat" I drew for them too, and cut and pasted it on.
What I love about using my digis, is I can re-size them any size I want. Plus I don't ever concern myself with getting a perfect image. The printer does it perfectly every time!
I used the following Copics to color:

C1,2,4.6
R11, 81,83
BV20
RV10

I had some fun with some new Martha Stewart punches to create the lacey layers. Which, by the way, were a challenge for me, because they are all white! I really wanted to do white on white, as I always think it looks so elegant when I see other cards in that style. However, I had the hardest time! I kept reaching for pink and grey paper. I'm so glad I disciplined myself and stuck to my original plan, because I like how it turned out!
Also, if you have a Scor-Pal, I suggest getting the little Scor-bug. I got it from Scrappin' Great Deals here in Ontario, and it is what I used to do the pierced holes along the sides. It is so easy to do, way easier than lugging the big sewing machine! Though it only creates the holes, it doesn't use thread. You just run it up or down the scor lines on the Scor Pal and suddenly you have a straight row of piercing! It takes mere seconds!
I am still getting used to using the Bow Easy (also from SGD), but I'm getting there! That's how I made the triple bows in the corners.
BTW, if you are a Canadian paper crafter and you haven't heard of SGD, you are totally missing out! They have super awesome sales going on all the time and really fast and friendly service. I have been ordering online from them for over a year now, and I have never been disappointed. And, I think I have saved oodles of cash with their sale prices (don't ask me how much I have spent in order to save oodles! lol) ! I don't work for them, I am just a really happy customer and I wanted you to have the opportunity to become one too.

Ellie Christmas close

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I know I did! I was spoiled rotten, and I am amazed at the blessings God showered on me, both in material and spiritual blessings. He is just the biggest Giver of them all!
God bless you!

PS Thanks Deb for the pink ribbon!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Winner of Whimsy Advent Event's last day!

Congratulations!! Michelle you won "Jolly Puppy Kisses" from yesterday's Whimsy Advent Event!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

11
Timestamp: 2009-12-25 16:37:16 UTC

You were number 11, excluding Whimsy DT members who commented!

Here's Michelle's comment:

Michelle said...
Ohhhh....look at the dalmation!!! I love it....you are a genius, my friend! Hugs & kisses to you!! (And thanks for the mention, although sooo not necessary!!!)

Be sure to contact Denise of Whimsy Stamps and she'll get that mailed out to you.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Last Day of the Whimsy Advent Event!! Merry Christmas!!

Santa and pup front

Last chance to win a prize in the Whimsy Advent Event! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I will choose a winner on Christmas Day! I thought it appropro to feature Santa on Christmas Eve as the prize for the day and Denise (the wonderful and generous proprietor of Whimsy) agreed. She is the one who will be giving "Jolly Puppy Kisses" to the winner, so if you turn out to be the lucky one, be sure to contact her with your mailing address! She also did a card today featuring this stamp, so go have a lookie at her fab creation here!
I had lots of inspiration for my card. I found this card by Mary Giemza and I totally cased the layout for it, right down to the striped paper, although dp, images and embellies are different. I took more inspiration from yet another card by artist, Michelle, aka MilwaukeeMommy on SCS. I loved the way Michelle did the Spellbinders snowflakes and I copied the way she embossed and inked them. I thought it looked fantastic!

Santa and pup close
I stamped Jolly Puppy Kisses on Canson 140 lb cold press water color paper using Versafine Onyx Black ink. I love how Whimsy stamps give such a crisp perfect image because of the high quality deeply etched red rubber.
This time I got out my Twinkling H20's to water color the image, and used a #4 and a #6 water color brush. If you have a couple of good brushes that come to a nice fine point, you can paint the details without worrying about going over the lines. I didn't pay much for them either, under five dollars each if I remember right.
If you want to refer to a video demonstration on how I water color, I did one in September here.
Oh, btw, I painted the black spots on the puppy to make it a Dalmation. It does not come with spots!
I hope you all have a very relaxing and happy holiday this year, and Merry Christmas to you! God bless you!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Whimsy Winner!

Here is the winner of yesterday's draw for Whimsy Advent Event!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

11
Timestamp: 2009-12-21 16:06:29 UTC

And the eleventh commenter was:

ribenaruby said...
Love this kitty image, beautiful colouring nd those candy canes look like marshmallows, so yummy!

December 20, 2009 11:42 AM

Congratulations ribenaruby! Please contact Denise Lynn of Whimsy stamps so she can send you "Very Present Helpers". I hope you have fun with it!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Whimsy Advent Event Here! Prize available! Plus: Copic Tip

Very present helpers2 front
Happy Sunday! I am so glad you stopped by today, because today is Day 20 of the December Advent Event over at Whimsy Stamps! Every day until the 24th, Whimsy is offering up a prize to someone who leaves a comment on the DT member's post who is hosting the contest for that day. Today, that hostess with the mostess is me (even though I'm not really a member of the DT)! So leave a comment here to be eligible for the daily prize giveaway which is the stamp I chose to use on my card today, "Very Present Helpers".
I will choose a random winner on Monday Dec 21, so check back here to see if you're the lucky one!

COPIC TIP: BLENDING FROM VERY DARK TO VERY LIGHT COLORS:

I stamped "Very Present Helpers" with Tsukeneko Tuxedo Black onto Gina K's Pure Luxury cardstock. Now, I love the markings of a Siamese cat, and it was a cinch to do with Copic markers.
I colored the cat's whitish areas using a combination of R000, E0000, YR00 and E30. Then I used some warm greys on the ears and paws: W1, 3, 5 and 7. At first the lines of demarcation between the light and dark fur was very distinct.
So, to get a really soft blend of the warm grey into the off-white fur, I gently brushed the tip of one of the light colors I was using for the whitish areas (R000) onto the tip of the grey (W3). My daughter saw this and she shrieked, "You just ruined your marker!" Ah, but no, darling daughter, I said. ! Not with Copics! You can do that and not worry, because as soon as you start to color with it, the dark color comes off the tip of the light marker! In fact it cleans off completely, leaving no stain! And that is why it is a perfect method for blending from a very light to a very dark color!
So once I had some grey on the tip of R000, I made tiny sweeping brush strokes starting in the grey area and working my way towards the line where the two colors met. I had to touch R000 to W3 several times per paw, and kept making brush strokes until I was happy with how it looked. Here is a close-up:

DSC00877

Perhaps the in the new year, I will have the time to do up a video showing this fun technique. I would like to try!
Here are the rest of the colors I used on this image:

gift: B66, 69 with silver stickles
bow: R81, 83 and blender pen for highlights
R21 inside the kitties ears and on the paw pads
Background: C0, 1, 2, 3 4, RV00, 10, 91, BV20, 45

I made the pink and white candy canes with Sculpey clay. I am happy as can be with modeling clay in my hands. It is fun stuff!
I thank Niki Estes for inspiring me to use ribbon on the corners like that! And I thank Deb (88 keys) from SCS for the ribbon, which she gave me a loooong time ago.
I hope to chat with you soon! Thanks for coming by, and God bless you!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Winner of my Christmas Candy!!

And the winner is....

"Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

88
Timestamp: 2009-12-14 12:59:54 UTC"

Ad number 88 was:

" Becky said...
I would love to win some high hope stamps, I do not own any yet so it would be great if I won :). Also, your card is just stunning, your coloring is fabulous.

December 12, 2009 7:23 PM"

Contact me with your mailing addy, Becky, and I'll get these stamps mailed to you! Congratulations!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Wags 'N Whiskers Blog Hop and new release!

Love+is+in+the+Air

I am really excited about my new illustrations for this release with Wags 'n Whiskers! You will be able to get a jump start on your Valentine cards with these stamps, but really I made them versatile enough to use all year round!
I am still catching up with drawing (our move to a new location really set me back, time-wise) and so unfortunately, I did not get time to make a card or to even color one of these new stamps :-(. But Nikki and Lacey put this picture together showing all eight new images! There is a great blog hop on today, and all the stamps are ready to ship immediately! They are high quality deeply etched red rubber, you won't be disappointed.
If you want a chance to win some for free, join in the blog hop starting here!
Don't forget to scroll down one post and join in my blog candy contest too! It's over tomorrow evening (Sunday). I've got lots of free rubber up for grabs!
Well, back to the ole' drawing board for me!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Want some Christmas Candy???

polar bear front
Hi Peeps!
Well I have been a busy beaver, setting up my new digs, and trying to keep up with illustration deadlines. On top of that, my dear Mom in law has been very ill with pneumonia. She is on the mend now, but she gave us all a real scare, and was in critical condition for about a week. Thankfully, she is recovering well from her illness now.
Needless to say I still have not had any crafting time, and I miss it so much! That is why I have pulled out an oldie but a goodie, from last year. I made this card last winter using one of the first illustrations I drew for High Hopes Stamps back in 2005.
From what I remember, I stamped the polar bear image on water color paper and used regular artist water colors to color it. Martha Stewart punches and Twinklets Diamond Dust on the snowflakes.
But the real reason for this post is to offer you some Christmas Blog Candy! I have had some extra High Hopes Stamps sitting on my desk just waiting to go to a good home!
I'm not going to make you do anything for this candy, other than to let me know you want it! Just comment on this post and your name will be entered into the draw. Just for fun and if you wish to share, tell me a favorite Christmas memory. I will choose a winner by random.org on Sunday Dec 13. Enter only once, please!

One of my favorite Christmas memories is the taste of my Mom's Christmas baking. She was phenom in the kitchen, and her lemon bread and mince meat pie were off the charts awesome!

polar bear close

These are the stamps I will be giving away. If you are the winner, don't forget to contact me with your mailing details! I will ship international. Good luck and have fun!

blog candy dec 09

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge #8: Touchy Feely

KK porcupines front


I've got the fun job of hosting this week's challenge, and I chose the theme, "Touchy Feely", meaning, I want you to add a lot of texture to your cards. Whatever gives your paper an added texture, like embossing, flower soft, sanding, fuzzy fibres, whatever you like to do, it's up to you!
This is a sneak peek at one of four new images illustrated by Yours Truly that will be available at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps starting tomorrow. Annie also has some new illustrations, and, Kim is introducing a new artist this month too! Check out all the Krafty Girls blogs to see the sneaks today (link on my sidebar) If you want to join in on the blog hop and have a chance at some yummy blog candy prizes, that's starts tomorrow too; that's Sunday Nov. 29. I won't be able to join in on the fun, unfortunately. We have a family emergency to deal with so I had to bow out. But be sure to start the hop at the Kraftin' Kimmie blog so you won't miss out!
For my porcupines "Bonnie and Clyde", who are awkwardly trying to kiss (tee-hee!) I added a variety of textures, like:

embossing with a Cuttlebug folder
flower soft on the grass
distressed edges
distressed paper - for the heart, I crumpled it to create wrinkles
embroidery thread
velvet ribbon
metal brads

I water colored Bonnie and Clyde using Twinkling H20's. After applying a thin wash of brown over their quills, I added some more quills using the same shade of paint, but much more thickly applied. You have to have a lot of paint on the brush and not much water. Plus you need a good water color brush that will come to a very fine point, making thin strokes like this possible. You don't need to spend a lot though; I get mine at the dollar store! They work good on grass and fur too.

I tried to apply the extra quills while the first layer of paint was still damp so that the lines would look softer. If you look at Bonnie, you can see that this worked out well, because the quill lines did fuzz up nicely. But by the time I got to Clyde, he had dried. (that rhymes). So the quill lines look more defined, without the softness. I probably should have dampened him up a bit first with a clean damp brush. Oh well, next time.

KK porcupines close


Thanks for stopping by, bless you!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

CASE of Anna Wight

Whimsy snowman front

I'm really happy I finally got some crafting time in! I am pleased to use one of my new releases from Whimsy Stamps. I call it "N'ice Friends". One of my favorite winter memories is making snowmen in the front or backyard. I could do it for what seemed like hours, which it probably was, because afterward I would come in with mitts and socks sopping wet, and my cheeks and nose bright red! Mom would sometimes have a hot chocolate waiting for me. Oh what sweet memories!!!
I love the quality of Whimsy Stamps, they are top of the line. And right now they have an amazing card making contest going on, which runs right through til Dec. 12. They are offering first, second and third place prizes of generous gift certificates for Whimsy Stamps! Plus you will even get a chance to vote for your favorite cards and help to decide who wins! Go here to check out the contest guidelines.
I must confess this is again a CASE of a card artist I admire very much. I love the work of Anna Wight at Sassy n Sweet Notes. Have you seen her cards and her stamp illustrations? She is so amazing, and her water coloring has always blown my mind. In fact, I owe a lot of what I know to studying her cards for hours on my computer screen! For this card, I put Anna's card up on my screen and CASEd it pretty close to what it was, at least in the sketch and style of embellishing.
I used the following Copic markers to color:
Background: E0000, 000, 00
Snowman's body: B60, 63
Carrot nose: YR12, 15, 18
Branch arms: E41, 43, 44
Bird's body: FB2, B28
Beak: Y32, 35, 28
Scarf and hat: BV01, 13, 17, B41, 45, G21, 28

On real snow, depending on the time of day, it can look warm gold to light amber at times in the bright sun, with very cool shadows from blue to violet. So I tried to remember that when choosing my colors for the snowman. That's why I put the very light E0000 to E00 in the background, and reached for B60 and 63 for the shadows. You can't see in the photo, but I put a single layer of E0000 all over the snowman where ever there was no shadow.

Whimsy snowman close

Well, I'm still not quite set up yet with a craft area, but I'm getting there. Perhaps I'll even dare to take a photo and show you my new digs in the coming days! Maybe, if I get brave enough!
Bless you!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Links to contests and challenges

There's always lots going on with the companies I design stamps for. I figured if I don't have time to make cards these days, I can at least post some links to the challenges and contests they are holding so you can have a chance for some fun and prizes.
Here are the links for the contests currently running:

Whimsy Holiday Contest is on, with huge prizes available to be won. It runs from now til Dec 12th. Check it out here!

Weekly challenge at Squigglefly: Christmas card, using non-traditional colors. Sounds fun!

Weekly challenge at Wags 'N Whiskers: Buttons Galore. Just use buttons to embellish your project!

Weekly challenge at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: Merry Christmas, Happy Winter. All you have to do is make either a Christmas or a Winter theme card. That's simple enough!

And for the company I used to draw for, here is the weekly challenge at High Hopes: Santa. Just make a card using one of their Santa stamps!

Have fun with the contests and challenges!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A Reolocation

Hi Precious Peeps!
Right now it feels like my life is a deck of cards that is being shuffled! I'm in the midst of a relocation, which means I have zero time for making cards or blogging. We have moved to a city about five hours drive south of where we were. It will be awhile before I have a crafting area again. Work comes first. I can still draw, and that I am doing! You'll see what I've been up to in a couple of weeks!
In the meantime, I will be working on getting a new craft area set up so that I can get back into cards. I really miss it. A girl can't be all work and no play!
Just thinking of you, and wanted to say hello!
Hugs,
Crissy

EDITED TO ADD:
Wow, what a kind and uplifting response! Thank you blogging friends, for your words of support and for praying too! Wow, you are overwhelming me with your kindness! XO

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

On The Tenth Day of Christmas...

On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Lords a leaping

Whimsy Santa front_1

In case you landed here randomly, you have come into the middle of a blog hop for Whimsy Stamps! If you have come here from Vicki's blog, you're right on track!
We are "singing" the Twelve Days of Christmas on this hop, so each person's post begins with a verse from the song. We hope you'll really be in the mood for Christmas by the time you reach the end! Denise will be your last stop with some details on how you can enter to win all four of my debut release stamps, along with some other surprises. (btw, the quality of these stamps is top of the line, deeply etched red rubber!)

Now for my card:
This is "Jolly Puppy Kisses" which I drew for my new release with Whimsy. I just love to draw Santa! Every time I do, it just puts me in a really good mood!
I colored Santa with the following Copics. I broke it down into sections so that you can see how I rendered each area:

WHITES:
Beard and eyebrows: W00, 1, 3, 5, E70
Trim on suit and hat: BV20, C5, E50
Mittens: E30, E70
I used all these colors sparingly, and left a lot of the white space, well, as white space, with no colors added. White is difficult to render because it really reflects a lot of what is around it. Yet it has shadows on it too that you have to choose a color for. I wanted the white of his beard to look different from the white of his fur trim and mitts too, so I chose different color sets for each of those white areas.

Skin: E00, 01, 04, 11, R02, 81, 83
Boots and Belt: C0, 4, 5, 7, 9
Belt Buckle: Y28 and Stickles
Red suit: R35, 37, 39, 89
Stocking: G28, B12, C4 for shadows
Pup: E53, 55, 15, 18
Background and ground: R0000, 000, 00, B0000, 93, 60

I have discovered that by using the lightest shades, in this case R0000 and B0000 for the background, I can make it look like softly sponged edges! I'm really happy Copic came out with those very light colors!

If you want to continue on with the hop, your next stop is Lisa's blog!
Have fun hopping, and singing the Twelve Days of Christmas with the Whimsy DT Choir! ;-D

Whimsy Santa close

Sunday, November 8, 2009

CASE of Jeanne Streiff

Maxwell snowboarding front

This is a shameless CASE of a card from one of my fav. all time card artists! Check out what Jeanne did with Maxwell HERE. Of course, as usual, I could not do it as simply as she did... I just had to add a snowflake, or two, or twenty! LOL I find Jeanne's cards simple and uncluttered, yet so stunning! But when I try to do it, I think, "I could add this... and that... and the other thing... and before you know it, I have crossed the line from simple to complex! Oh well, I tried. I just couldn't help myself with the snowflakes... and the Diamond Dust...
:-)
Maxwell snowboarding closeup

This is Maxwell Snowboarding, and he is from this month's release over at Kraftin Kimmie Stamps. When you purchase him, Kimmie throws in the saying, "Snow much fun!" at no additional charge.
I colored Maxwell with Copics, and sponged Bahama Blue ink by Memento around the outer edges while the image was still in the Spellbinders Die. That creates a nice crisp white edge around the outside of the panel that I love.
I put some MS sparkle in the Polar White Flower Soft snow I had added under the leaf. But don't do it like I did! I first adhered the Polar White. When that was dry, I ran the FS glue all over the "snow" to try and put a layer of glue down on top of it... it picked up a lot of the Polar Soft which clumped on the nozzle, really badly! I was able to pull it off, no problem, but it removed a lot of the snow! I think next time I should just put the snow and glitter on at the same time and not try to apply the glitter afterwards!! Anyway, it still looks "cool", pun intended. ;-D
Thanks for stopping by today peeps! You're a blessing to me!

PS
Mike and I are in the midst of relocating to another town. In the interim, til we're settled and have internet access in the new place, I might have some days where I can't get online. Because of that, and because I have been getting a lot of spam comments lately, I had to turn on "word verification" for comments. This is only temporary though, and I'll go back to "comment moderation" once we're settled. Thanks for your patience!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Butterfly Caller

Butterfly caller front

I bought this irresistible gorgeous digital image called, "Butterfly Caller" from a good friend and fellow illustrator Chris Dark. Although we have never met in person, we have met online and help encourage one another in our business ventures. Chris means so much to me, and is so kind and supportive. I sure would love to meet her face to face!
I love her fairies and this beautiful Butterfly Caller; they are so whimsical and enchanting. I was so pleased to actually get time to color this one up! I hope Chris is happy with what I did with her art work! Hi Chris! Waving!
Sometimes people ask me if I like to use other images, other than what I draw myself. The answer is yes of course! There are so many images I adore and would love to use. My personal favorite stamp artist, if I had to narrow it down to one, would be Shelly Commisky who draws for Whipper Snapper. Other favorites include Chris Dark (of course!) Mo of "Mo's Digital Pencil", Anna Wight, also of "Whipper Snapper", anything that comes out of Elizabeth Bell's pen, Magnolia, Bildmalarna, Hanglar and Stanglar, Kettos of Stamping Bella, Gorguss Girls, Inky Antics, and more.
The fact is, I have many stamps I designed that I haven't had time to ink up and color myself! Yet I feel very strongly that I have a responsibility to use the images I draw. One of the reasons I feel that is because it helps advertise the stamps and helps the companies I draw for to succeed.
I guess you could say that the reason you don't see me post much from other stamp illustrators is because I simply don't have time. I'm not complainin', just explainin'!
That's why I am so excited about this post! I actually found the extra hours to make a card from one of my favorite artists in the business, my dear friend Chris Dark!!!!!
Here's a close up of Chris's beautiful fairy with my Copic coloring and sponged ink (around the edges and into the background):

Butterfly caller close

God bless you, and thanks for looking and for reading, and don't forget to go see Chris's marvelous art work at her site HERE!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Announcement: New Drawing Gig!

I have been keeping this a secret for awhile now, but today the news is going public... I am so happy and excited to tell you that Denise Lynn of Whimsy Stamps has asked me to come on board her team as an illustrator. I already have done some images for them and they will be released in the very near future. I am so blessed to be on the Whimsy Team, and so excited about the new line of stamps coming!
You'll get to see soon!
Check out their company blog and their challenge blog.
Bless you!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Spread The Love For Jaimie Blog Hop

Jaimie's card close CA

This is a very special Blog Hop post today. I hardly know where to begin... Here is the story of an eleven year old girl who needs us to reach out to her right now. This may make you weep (as it does to me whenever I think about it):

"On October 4th, 4 teenagers armed with knives broke into a home in a small town in New Hampshire. Alone and sleeping inside were a mother and her 11 year old daughter. These 4 boys broke into this home with the intent to rob and kill anyone inside. They stabbed the mom, Kimberly Cates, to death and left her daughter, Jaimie, for dead in their driveway. It was a completely random act, their home was chosen only due to its secluded surroundings."

Our hope is that everyone hopping around today will stop for a moment and think about Jaimie and her father and what life must be like for them now. One moment in time has changed their lives forever. We are asking that everyone reading this message please take a moment to make a card and send it off to Jaimie. You can make something very simple or much more involved, but please share some words of hope and love and let her know that people do care and want the best for her. Please send your card to the address below:

Jaimie Cates
c/o Mont Vernon Fire Station
Main Street
Mont Vernon, NH 03057

You can read more about Jaimie HERE and find out more details about this card drive. That link takes you to a blog that was created just for this cause. Some companies have donated products as prizes for randomly chosen participants in the blog hop who send a card to Jaimie. Their way of encouraging participation. Personally, I don't need the motivation. The story was enough to seize my heart.
The Blog hop will end on Monday, November 9th at 10am EST. That is when the draws take place for the random winners of all the blog candy that has been donated by our generous sponsors.
There is a link on the blog for Jaimie (right side bar) for you to donate money to Jaimie's family via Paypal if you wish to help that way. I am sure Jaimie's medical expenses will not come cheap.
This LINK takes you to a news article that tells how how she is doing. It also has a picture of Jaimie. Here is another link to a news article with a public statement from Jaimie's father David .

If you have landed on my blog randomly and want to start at the beginning, go to KATHARINA'S blog.
If you have arrived from CINDY'S blog, you're right on track.
Your next hop is at SIMONNE'S blog.

This card is going to Jaimie.

Jaimie's card front CA


Thanks for coming by for a visit today. Sorry about sharing such a sad story, but I thought you might like to know so you could help bring some cheer to Jaimie.
Bless you, dear readers. Let's count our blessings today.

EDITED TO ADD:
Also wanted to announce the winner for yesterdays blog hop for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps:
The sixteenth commenter was chosen by Random Integer Generator and that is
Angela. Here's her posed comment:
This is so cute!! Love the way you have coloured him and those snowflakes are gorgeous,
hugs Angela x

Congratulations Angela! Please contact Kim of Kraftin Kimmie Stamps to give your your mailing address!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps New Release BLOG HOP!!

Penguin close up

Hello All! Today is the day Kimmie's Krafty Girls are showcasing the new release and the blog hop is on! If you have arrived here randomly, you might want to check out the hop from the beginning, so start at Kraftin Kimmie Stamps blog and make your way through all the Krafty Girls' wonderful galleries! There are prizes to be won on each of the Krafty Girls's blogs of course! So get commenting on all the DT's creations and get your name entered multiple times for the random draws! Winners to be announced on the KKblog Monday!
If you are following the hop, you will have arrived here from Vicki's wonderful blog. When you're done on my blog, your next stop is Michelle. Hope you're having fun!
All the November release stamps are now available including four new Crissy’s Cuties (drawn by Yours Truly) four new Moonlight Whispers images (drawn by Annie Rodrigue) and a fantabulous new set called Kimmie’s Holiday Sentiments created by the incredible Jeanne Streiff with 44 fun phrases!
This penguin stamp named "Oliver" comes with a saying, "Just chillin' " so when you order it from Kraftin' Kimmie, she throws in the sentiment too at no extra charge.
And btw, today you have a chance to win a surprise pack of Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps if you leave a comment on this post! I'm picking a winner on Monday morning!

And now for some deets on my card:
This is a CASE of a card I saw on Bev Rochester's blog here. Isn't her card amazing? I don't think I did it justice; however, I am so grateful for her inspiration. She is one of my absolute favorite card artists! I just love the aqua and white combination.
I colored Oliver with the following Copics:
C0, 3, 5, 7, 9
BG32, 34, 75
E50, 55 (on his tummy, which I covered up later with white acrylic paint because it was too brown) :-p
YR65, 68, E97, 99 on his beak and feet
BV20, 23, 29 for the ground
BV000, 20, W3 on his hat fur trim which I also covered up with white acrylic paint, but mostly because I love how it gave his tummy some texture and I wanted to do the same for his hat!

Penguin front

The background panel is a sheet of DP that I stamped on randomly with a swirl from the Jeanne Strieff collection at Rubbernecker, and a little snowflake and poinsettia from Imaginisce. They were a gift thrown in one time when I bought some stash from Scrappin' Great Deals. (LOVE that place!) I used some Spellbinders dies in combination with some Martha Stewart punches for the snowflakes. After I put them together, I added "Twinklets Diamond Dust" which is crushed glass (got it off E-bay).
I colored the pearls with BG34 to match everything. That's what is great about Copics; the color sticks to any surface!
Well, good luck on the hop!
God bless you!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps New Release Sneakie Peekie!

Winter bunny close

I'm excited to show you a sneak peek of one of my new images for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps! She is called "Bernadette" and she's all bundled up for the coming winter. I used Copics to color her, and lots and lots of Twinklets Diamond Dust on my punched snowflakes! Man, I love that stuff! I also used some Flower Soft Polar White for the snowy ground. Embossed backgrounds made with Cuttlebug folder "Swirls". This card has lots of texture for sure!
Here is a list of the Copics I used:
W00, 1, 3, 5
R83,85
BG10, 11, 15
E70
RV95
I do believe that is a record for fewest Copic colors used by me on one image! LOL
If you want to see the lovely sneak peeks from the other Krafty Girls, go to the KK blog for the links to their wonderful creations. Bernadette and all the new images will be available to order on November 1st!

Winter bunny front

Thanks for visiting! God bless you!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Santa's Magic Ladder

Santas magic ladder close

Santa really is magical in this whimsical scene which I created for Squigglefly. I call it "Santa's Magic Ladder". Santa defies gravity in this one, and all rules of logic too! ;-)
It's just a fun little image and colors up fast too!

I colored him with the following Copics:
E0000, 000, 01, 04,
R22, 24, 27, 29, 39, 59
BV20, 23
W3, 5, 7, 8
100 black
E50, 53

Candy cane ladder:
R24 with BV0000 for shadows

and for the gifts:
R59,08,
G02, 05, 07,
YG17, 67
RV19, 23
Y26

Background was done with YR000 and then I sponged around the edges with a similar colored dye ink.

Santas magic ladder front

I used my R46 to create the striped frame on a white mat. I just used the chiseled end of the Sketch marker to doodle those lines.
This card jingles because of the little bells I added, and when I showed my daughter she started singing, "Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling too; come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you..." Really put me in the mood for Christmas!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Bless you!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Forgiven?

purple pup zoom

I wanted to make a card for one of my daughters who loves everything purple! I chose this image I did for Squigglefly called, Forgiven? I think it looks like this pup got caught chewing a shoe and he's trying to look cute and sorry at the same time. That's what I was going for, anyway. Who couldn't forgive a face like that! :-D
I printed it on Gina K's Pure Luxury paper and colored it with the following Copics:
YR21, 23, 24
E50, 53, 55, 57, 17, 19
V91, 93, 95
Don't forget that with digital images such as Squigglefly sells, you get the image right after you purchase it, and you can resize it or flip it if you wish! Plus they are very inexpensive compared to rubber. Which means you can have MORE for your buck! ;-) Just sayin'!
I made the bone out of Sculpey. Thanks to my friend Janette who bought me a whole box of it! She knows how much I love the stuff! Sometimes this craft makes me feel like I'm a kid again, with all the coloring I do. And then the Sculpey too; it's like I've gone back to the days of play dough! But oh, how fun to play!!
Hope you likey!

purple pup front

God bless you! Thanks for stopping by today!

Friday, October 16, 2009

PEEK at the NEW RELEASE for Squigglefly! Plus a new contest!

Santas mailboxupclose

I have six new images which I did for Squigglefly this month, and this is one of them. I am a kid when it comes to Christmas... no, wait, I am a kid. Period. :-) And I LOVE Santa Claus. I enjoyed coloring this one in! I used my Copic markers and added a bit of sponging with Faded Jeans Distress Ink around the outside edges.
I also tried out my Polar White Flower Soft on the snow in the foreground, and added Diamond Dust (crushed glass) on the single Martha Stewart punched blue snowflake.
This image, which I call "Santa's Mailbox" will be available to purchase and download on Squigglefly tomorrow, Sat. the 18th! There will be lots of other new images released tomorrow too! And two more artists have joined the team, so it should be fun to check it out!

Santas mailboxupfront

Squigglefly is holding a fun contest today, and they will choose FIVE random winners who will get to choose TWO Squigglefly images - any two from the whole catalogue - not just from today's new release! All you have to do is go to Squigglefly, and find the page where they hid their blinkie! Take a look at what the blinkie looks like so you know what you are searching for. It is on my right side bar. Once you find it, go tell Holly where it is! If you are right, your name will be entered into the draw!
Here's a hint for you: Hey, PEOPLE, it won't be hard to find it!!!
The contest closes tonight, so get going to Squigglefly! Winners will be chosen sometime tomorrow.
Feel free to grab the SF blinkie from me if you wish to spread the word about this digital company on your blog!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tutorial for Crisper, Bigger Photos on Blogger!

Ansley angel front



Today I am not just showing off a card. I would like to show you how to get sharper, larger photos on your Blogger blog! Just look at the difference in the photos above; I uploaded the top photo into Flickr first, and then copied the html code and pasted it in my blog post here. The second photo was uploaded in Blogger as usual, the way I have done it for a year now. I am amazed, not only at how much larger the Flickr photo is, but also how much more in focus it is. I just found out today how to do it, and I'd like to share what I found out so you can do it too!

Here are your step by step instructions:
1. Go to Flickr and click on "Create Your Account" button on the top right of the page. Follow the instructions to create your account with them.
2. Upload the photos into your new Flickr account, following their upload instructions. I clicked on "Upload Your First Photos", then "basic Uploader near the bottom of the page. You'll see options come up that look just like the options in Blogger when you are uploading photos, so you'll know what to do from there. ;-)
3. Once you have uploaded a photo into Flickr, it will show as a thumbnail in your gallery. Click on it, and then it will show up quite large on the screen. Near the top right of this page, just under the search box, you'll see "Share this" in grey print. Click on that.
4. You will then see three options in blue, in a little drop down screen. Click on "Grab the html". When the html shows up, use the cursor to copy the code. You will paste it into your blog post, but not just yet! We'll get to that in a few minutes. First, you must prepare your blog to receive the larger photos from Flickr!
5. Now go to your blog in another screen. Go to "Customize. Then go to "Edit HTML" (top left, second row of options).
6. Don't skip this next step: Go to "Download Full Template" . This will save the current template as is, so that if things go wonky, you can always go back to the way it was before! ;-)
7. Scroll down until you see the codes for the "wrappers". There were only four numbers that I had to change in order for my blog to use the larger photos from Flickr. You may have to do the same. Wrappers are the alloted spaces for your posts, sidebar, and for the whole blog. The "outer wrapper" is for the blog as a whole. The "main wrapper" is for your blog posts. My sidebar was listed simply as "sidebar".

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you're wise, you'll do one change at a time, click on the orange "save template" button, and then "view blog" to see what your changes look like. That way you know how to go back and change it right away if you don't like it and you won't be confused as to which number made what change.

8. Let's start with the outer wrapper, which includes both your posts and sidebar together. You should see something similar to this:

/* -- layout -- */
#outer-wrapper {
width: 930px;
margin: 0 auto;
text-align: $startSide;
font: $bodyfont;
background: #fff url(http://www.blogblog.com/snapshot/bg-body_$startSide.gif) $startSide top repeat-y;
}

I am using the template called, "Snapshot: Madder". So your codes will be slightly different, but similar looking. See the third line down, which says, width: 930px; The number that was there originally was 700. I erased that and typed in 930. You can choose a different number if you like, but try mine first just so see what that does. It will widen the entire blog.

9. Now scroll down until you see something similar to this:

#main-wrapper {
line-height: 1.4;
float: $startSide;
padding: 10px 12px;
border-top: solid 1px #fff;
width: 650px;
word-wrap: break-word; /* fix for long text breaking sidebar float in IE */
overflow: hidden; /* fix for long non-text content breaking IE sidebar float */
/* Tantek hack - http://www.tantek.com/CSS/Examples/boxmodelhack.html */
voice-family: "\"}\"";
voice-family: inherit;
width: 520px;

The sixth line down, says, "width: 650px;" I changed it from 436px, which is what it had been before. I also changed the width on the last line to 520px. I cannot remember what it had been before. I only remember it was less, probably 400 or so.

10. You may want to change the width of your sidebar. It will look something like this:

#sidebar {
float:$endSide;
border-top: solid 1px #fff;
padding-top: 4px;
padding-$endSide: 0;
padding-bottom: 0;
padding-$startSide: 7px;
background: #fff;
width: 280px;
word-wrap: break-word; /* fix for long text breaking sidebar float in IE */
overflow: hidden; /* fix for long non-text content breaking IE sidebar float */
}

The ninth line down on mine has the width number. (different templates will likely have slightly different orders for these numbers, so look for the word "width"). You can choose a higher number than what is currently there and that will widen the space that your sidebar takes up.

11. Now, when you have changed the numbers to widen the spaces on your blog, and SAVED your changes, you will be able to upload your larger Flickr pictures! This editing is a one time thing so there is no need to repeat the process (unless you wish to change it again). Now, just go make a new post as usual, and... remember when we copied the html code for your first Flickr upload? Well if you did that, now all you have to do is hit "paste" in the new blog post box, and voila, your larger, sharper photo will appear!

I wish to thank Mel of "Mel Stampz" because she had a tutorial on her blog about this that showed me what to do. She is an incredible card artist too, so you really should check out her blog! You're missing out if you don't!
I'll leave you with a close-up of the Angel Whispers image and if you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them for you!
Blessings!

Ansley angel upclose

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Sweet Danni and Bella

Danni upclose
This is Sweet Danni and Bella from Wags 'N Whiskers, one of the nine new rubber stamp images I drew for their debut release. As soon as I saw this lovely card on Christine Dark's blog, I knew just what to do with the Danni image! She used the cracked glass technique. I love the look of it, and so I wanted to use it on this Christmas card. I am such a huge fan of Chris's and she inspires me so much. She is an illustrator too, so if you haven't been to her blog and store, you are truly missing out. You must pay her a visit!
Anyway, the cracked glass technique really isn't hard to do, and it just adds so much to an image, I think.
My daughter Valerie made the little candy canes out of Sculpey clay, for which I am really grateful. I just love using them too!

Danni front


Now if you scroll down my blog posts to two days ago, you will see some beautiful fall foliage that I took on a walk not far from my house. When I got up this morning, the whole scene had changed, because about two inches of snow had fallen while we were sleeping! A lot of it had melted by the time I got out with my camera, but I took a few pictures to show you anyway. It isn't very often that the leaves are still on the tree when the snow falls! The contrast between the bright leaf colors and the white snow was striking. Take a look:






God bless and stay warm!

Monday, October 12, 2009

The Winner!

Congratulations to Mary! She won the "Zoe and Gemma's Snow Fun" stamp that I had displayed on my post of Oc 9 during the Wags 'N Whiskers grand opening blog hop!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

37
Timestamp: 2009-10-10 21:42:39 UTC

For a complete list of the winners, go to the Wags 'N Whiskers blog.
Have fun stamping!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Fall Beauty



I went out with my camera yesterday, hoping to capture some of the fall beauty around me. All of these pictures were taken within a twenty minute walk of my house. I am so blessed to see these scenes right in my own neighborhood! I wanted to share them with you. I hope you enjoy!
PS I did not photoshop any of them, except for cropping the bird. These are the actual colors!

The next three were taken of a puddle in the bush:








This is the lake at the top of the hill near my house:



This is the hill I walk up daily to get exercise. My daughter JOGs up... one day, maybe!!



Thanks for visiting today! Bless you!

Friday, October 9, 2009

WAGS 'N WHISKERS BLOG HOP IS ON! (second last stop!)

zoesnowmanclose

Today is the day that Wags 'n Whiskers launches their brand new line of unmounted rubber stamps! The blog hop is officially on and I am the second last stop! If you have landed on my blog randomly and wish to start at the beginning of the hop, you can start at the Wags 'n Whiskers blog, and you will be guided through from there.
This image of Zoe making a snowman with Gemma her cat, and all the new unmounted rubber stamps are available for pre-order starting today, Oc 9 at 7AM EST (noon GMT). Stamps that are pre-ordered will ship Nov 2.
I am giving this image away to one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on this post! In fact, all the Wags 'n Whiskers Divas are giving away the stamp that they are featuring on their W'nW creations today ... that means fourteen winners will get a new stamp from Wags 'n Whiskers debut release! And that is not all... If you go back to the blog and tell Nikki and Lacey which image is your personal favorite, your name will be entered into the draw for the grand prize of the ENTIRE FIRST RELEASE !!!!! In fact, that's where I'm sending you now.
Blog Hop is on until midnight tonight, and winners will be announced on Monday Oc 12.
Wags 'n Whiskers blog is your last stop on the hop!
I colored this image using my Twinkling H20 water color paints. Spellbinders snowflakes Poseabilities Collection, and Spellbinders labels die also used. Papers by Basic Grey.
I just wanted to say a special thank you... to YOU!
You make sharing my art all the more fun, with your supportive comments and letters. I draw because I love to, but your hugs and cheers through the things you say really do touch my heart and give me that added boost to keep creating. Thanks, Precious One. Don't ever forget how much you are loved and appreciated...
Hugs!
Blessings!
God loves you!!
zoesnowmanafront

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Wags N' Whiskers 2nd SNEAK PEEK!!



This is one of my personal fav's that I've done for Wags n' Whiskers so far. This is Ansley Angel with her furry friend Princess! I colored this image with Twinkling H20 water color paints.
This and all the new rubber unmounted stamps will be available for pre-order 7AM EST tomorrow, Oc 9th (noon GMT). Stamps that are pre-ordered tomorrow will ship Nov 2.
AND!
Tomorrow is blog hop day, and you know what that means!! Yes, there will be prizes to be won! And lots of chances to win too! I and all the Wags 'n Whiskers Divas will be giving away the stamp that we will use on our creations tomorrow... counting Yours Truly, that means fourteen winners will get a new stamp from Wags 'n Whiskers debut release! And that is not all... Nikki and Lacey will give away a grand prize of the ENTIRE FIRST RELEASE TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!!!!! The hop starts tonight at the stroke of midnight (5:00 AM GMT) at the Wags 'n Whiskers blog. They will direct you to the next Diva on the hop who will direct you to the next, and so on. Be sure to leave a comment on each blog so that you are entered in to each Diva's draw! Anytime you leave a comment you are also entered into the Grand Prize draw too!
Be sure to check out the other Diva's sneak peeks today (linked on my sidebar).
I hope you play along in the hop. Good luck! God bless you!
Thanks for stopping by today!