Simply Challenged Challenges: Jan. 1st Sketch

The first challenge of 2013 over at Simply Challenged Challenges is a sketch challenge.  Here is the sketch:

And, here is my take on it: 

I used Cherub Christian by Simply B Stamps.  I love the whimsical nature of this digi.  I colored him with Copics and gave his halo and wings some sparkle with Stickles.  I first colored his eyes blue.  But, then I decided to go with googly eyes for a fun touch.  All of the paper and embellishments, with the exception of the twine, are from Pink Paislee's Secret Crush line.  

Entering into the following:

Simply Challenged Challenges: Jan. 1st Sketch

My Personal Use My Stuff Challenge for 2013 and a Washi Tape Card

This year, I am vowing to use every tool, every stamp, and as many supplies from my stash as I possibly can.  Now, the digital stamps might be a little difficult in that I have so many, and it does take longer to hand color digi's, but I am going to try my best.  I am just tired of seeing things in my craft room that haven't been loved at least once!  I'm sure all of you crafters know exactly what I mean.  I will be tagging these projects as a way for me to track how many items I am finally making use of this year.  

Earlier this week, I bought a cute set of mini clothespins by American Crafts from Target, and on the package was a picture of a card.  I thought it was the cutest thing and I just had to try my hand at it.  I used Kraft cardstock, natural twine, and washi tape.  

I have to say that it was a little bit of a hassle working with the washi tape and the twine together because this twine had a lot of loose fibers that kept getting stuck onto the washi tape.  The sentiment is from a Hero Arts set which I stamped in Pure Snow by PTI.  As you can see, the impression wasn't very even, but art isn't always perfect, right?  LOL  I do have to comment that the ink pad seemed especially juicy.  I am not sure if it's supposed to be like that or not.

That's it for today.  I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing Sunday cleaning, organizing, and maybe squeezing in some crafting.  I am sure there will be some football watching as well.  Happy Sunday!

My Personal Use My Stuff Challenge:
washi tape :  used some of the rolls here for first time

PTI ink in Fresh Snow

natural twine

(not counting the mini clothespins since they are a recent purchase)

Elf Fry Box (late Christmas post!)

It's way past Christmas, but I'm just now getting around to posting this Christmas project.  It's quite adorable if I do say so myself!  I discovered a new-ish SVG file company simply called SVG Cutting Files.  Oh, my!  They have the most adorable cutting files and great prices!

I saw this super cute elf fry box and just had to make it for a friend of mine who was my partner in a Christmas swap.  I had some other things for her package already, but I figured chocolate is always a nice surprise!  I filled the box with Hershey Kisses, wrapped it in cellophane, and then topped with my favorite quote from the movie "Elf".  Super cute and fun!

Thanks for stopping by!  I promise to finally get rid of this Halloween blog design soon!  Have a great Saturday!

Simply B Facebook Fan Group Challenge

Here is the card I made for last month's challenge over at the Simply B Facebook Fan Group.  We were given this festive image of London to use on our project.  The challenge was to use Christmas colors.  I inked her up with Copics and stuck with the traditional red and green Christmas combo for her outfit.  Right now, I still struggle with coloring curly hair, but I plan on changing that this year with lots of practice!  You can't tell in the picture, but I added some sparkle to the sentiment with some Stickles.

Well, that's it for my second share of the year.  One of my big goals for this year is to get a lot more cards done, and I already have four more done and ready to share with you all.  See you soon!

Digi Galore Challenges: Something New With Floppy Latte

Happy new year!  I can't believe 2012 has come and gone.  I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to 2013 and the many goals I have set to achieve!

Our first challenge of the year over at Digi Galore Challenges is "Something New", and our sponsor is Floppy Latte Designs.  I chose to work with this gorgeous silhouette fairy image.  I have to say that I loved that I didn't have to color anything!  That certainly helps to make the card come together quickly.

You can't tell in this picture, but I added some Stickles to the stars in the image.  I just had to embellish it a little.  I added some pink gem stones and some gorgeous cherry blossoms.

Here is a close-up of the pretty flowers.  I added Stickles to the edges to add some sparkle to the card.

The sentiment is from Ginger's House.  I thought this saying went perfectly with our theme and with the image.  I added some Stickles around the sentiment to add some sparkle.  Overall, I wanted to add shimmer to the card to give it a sort of magical fairy feel, matching the digital image.

Well, that's it for my first post of 2013.  One of my goals is to create a LOT more this year, so you will be seeing a lot more posts!  Thanks for stopping by.  I wish each of you a very happy and prosperous new year!

Entering into the following challenges:

Kaboodle Doodle Challenges:  Anything Goes
Charisma Cardz Challenges:  Anything Goes

Corinne's Surprise Birthday Blog Hop!

It's December 29th, and the Simply Betty gang is surprising Admin Corinne with a blog hop.  Betty provided us with this awesome digi image she drew of Corinne for us to use on our projects.

Corinne has been quite vocal about her dislike for LEAVES, so I searched through my paper to see if I could find anything that would fit the bill.  This paper is the closest I could get.  I think it's pretty!  It's from the My Mind's Eye All Spice paper pad.

I colored the image with Copics and then added some flourish bling.  The sentiment is from a Unity set, and I thought it went perfect with this sassy image of Corinne.  I hope she likes it!

In closing, I have to say that Corinne must be an AMAZING woman because AMAZING women are born on December 29th.  How do I know?  Because today is also MY birthday!  WOO HOO!  My hubby is off tonight, and he is taking me to dinner.  Looking forward to it, especially dessert!  HEE HEE

Now, please hop on over to Tanya's blog next to take a look at her project.  Thanks for stopping by!

Entering this card into the following challenges:
Aud Sentiments: anything with a sentiment
Charisma Cards: Anything Goes
Little Miss Muffet Challenges: Anything Goes

In Memory Of The Newtown Victims

Many of you are well aware of the tragic event that occurred less than two weeks ago in Newtown, CT.  My heart goes out to the families of the innocent victims, and I pray that the Lord brings them healing in their time of sorrow.  In memory of the lives lost that tragic day, I have made a card with a digi so graciously provided by Betty of Simply Betty Stamps.

Betty drew this beautiful angel and has offered it to anyone wanting to make a card (or cards) to be sent to Sandy Hook Elementary.  All you need to do is join the Simply Betty Group on Facebook.  She occasionally gives out freebies, and the gals there are really great.  So, be sure to check it out.

I decided to go with a simple card using a white-on-white color scheme.  The white background cardstock was embossed with a Swiss Dots embossing folder. The angel was colored with Copics and her wings Stickled to add sparkle.

I wanted the angel to look even more heavenly, so I decided to add clouds.  I used a cloud template that I've had for many years.  It's definitely one of the handiest tools I have.  I used it to sponge the clouds onto the background with Tumbled Glass Distress Ink.  I first made sure to print a duplicate image of the angel and then cut it out to use as a mask before sponging.  This protected the main image from being sponged while adding the clouds.  

I then finished off the card with a simple white ribbon bow.  I really love this image and will definitely be using it again in the future, not just for sympathy cards but also for cards with scripture quotes as well.

Thank you for stopping by.  If you feel so inclined, please take a moment to say a prayer for those affected by the Newtown incident.  I appreciate all of you who take the time to stop by my blog.  I wish you all a safe and merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy.  Aloha!