Santa's Little Helper...

Santa's Little Helper

                                                                    

This is one of my favorite Christmas cards so far.  The image is fun to color and is capable of standing alone with minimal embellishment.  Definitely a plus for me.

It's a Mo Manning image - printed out three times.  The first is the base panel, the 2nd and 3rd are used to create the added layers to the image with paper sculpting.  You are able to see more of the depth in the photo below.  I colored with Copics and used Diamond Glaze on the tape dispenser to create the shine.  The elevation of all the parts is achieved with foam tape.  The panels, inside and out, were pierced around the edges to create faux stitching.      

INSIDE

The sentiment on the inside is a very old rubber stamp by Rubber Stamp Ave.                                                                                                                    

CHALLENGES:

Winter Wonderland – Red & Green Xmas
Through the Craft Room Door - ATG Always
Crafting From the Heart - #186 ATG Always
Addicted to Stamps & More - #271 – ATG
Tuesday Throwdown #371 – Christmas Scene
Crafty Sentiments – ATG
Aud Sentiments - #194 – Christmas + Sentiment  TOP FIVE
Penny's Challenge #358 – ATG  need to enter 
Inspiration Destination #139 – ATG /optional: Not Square
Crafty Creations - #356 – ATG Always
Crafty Girls Creations – #42 - ATG Always

Create wildly and color with abandon

~ginny

Do you believe in Fairies?

First thing I have to do is thank my good friend Barbara P. for the marvelous new fold.   She gave me an extraordinarily beautiful card using this technique and has graciously allowed me to CASE her design.

The new Monday Craft Your Passion Challenge is up and running with the theme "Do you Believe in Fairies?"  The sponsors this go around are A Day for Daisies & The Paper Shelter - so there are two great prizes available!  The CYP Design Team has some incredible inspiration waiting for you - and you can find those, the challenge rules and due date HERE.   

TECHNIQUE

As always, I started by sketching out my design vision and chose the papers I wanted to use.  Next I chose the Copic colors to coordinate with the DP.  I had printed out four copies of the focal image and colored, fussy cut sections of the image, sculpted and mounted the four layers with foam tape.  I used an ombre technique on her hair for a challenge - but missed it by one day - heavy sigh.

Punches were used for the scalloped circle and the vines. 

Assembly required a lot of matting for all the surfaces, the scalloped circle, the vines and Faery Emma.  The last touch was to add the Fairy dust using my smallest ball tool and Copic's Opaque White around Emma.

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES:

Crafty Sentiment - Make it Girly
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Simon Says Wed. - Anything Goes
Totally Papercrafts #182 - Decoupage
Sweet Stampin' - Spots and Stripes WON
ABC Challenge - U = Unlimited
Robyn's Fetish #175 - Add some Leaves
Digi Darla #78 - Anything Goes 
Paper Parade #3 - Anything Goes

SUPPLIES

IMAGES:  The focal image is "Faery Emma" from The Paper Shelter  

PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the images; DP is from K & Company's "Sweet Nectar"; base CS & matting are stash.

EMBELLISHMENTS: Vine is from a Martha punch; fairy dust is Copics Opaque White; scalloped circle is a punch from Marvy.

INKS:  the image was printed four times on a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics:

May you color with abandon, create wildly and always make what amuses you!

~ginny

Onsies...

It is Monday and time for another  CraftYour Passion Challenge.  This one is called "Onsies" and Lisa at CYP has provided a sketch (see right) and a recipe that consists of onsies or one each of: 

• a sketch
• designer paper
• an embellishment
• an image 
• a sentiment.

Cool - this is fun!  The CYP Design Team  has created several inspirational cards (which you can see HERE!) to help kick-start your mojo.  Your creation needs to be entered by Sunday, April 7 to be eligible for prizes from the sponsors 
(this week Digital Paper Craft and Delicious Doodles).

So here is what I did with it:

I printed out three copies of the image, colored with Copics, fussy cut and sculpted the layers, mounted the layers with foam tape.  The first layer of the image has been cut in the approximate shape of the sketch image panel but the legs have been allowed to dangle by fussy cutting them.

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES: 

Aud Sentiment #77 - For a Child w/ a sentiment
Paper Shelter #105 - Anything Goes
Digi Tues #203 - Spring Colors
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Pile It On #13 - Handmade Flowers
One Stitch at a Time #157 - Spring
613 Ave. C #13 - Anything Goes w/ Flowers


SUPPLIES & TECHNIQUES

IMAGES: The focal image is "Lilly's Kite (?)" from Digital Paper Craft;  the sentiment "Hugs" is by Hero Arts
PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the image; DP is from Basic Grey; base CS is Georgia Pacific; additional papers from stash.
EMBELLISHMENTS: Flower is a punch and pearl from stash.
INKS: The image was printed on a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics:

May you color with abandon, create wildly and always make what amuses you!

~ginny

Save the Hooters...

Challenge #130 at Craft Your Passion is all about Breast Cancer Awareness

I chose to use these two Owls and the tree out of a set from The Cutting Cafe. for my contribution.  You can see a lot of great inspiration from the 

CYP Design Team (HERE)

I printed the owls and the trunk of the tree on Neenah and colored them with Copics.  The body of the leaves and the oval with the sentiment are paper pieced.  Background has two layers of embossed papers... the base card and the white layer have both been run thru a Cuttlebug with Embossing Folders.  Pinkish Distress Inks were run very lightly over the embossing on the base CS.  Candi in the upper left corner help balance the weight of the tree and mimic the polka dots.  The eyes were heat embossed.  Final touches were a pink ribbon around the tree and tiny brads to hold the sentiment in place.

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES:
Crafty Ribbons - Anything But Square
Totally Papercrafts #136 - Pretty Pastels
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Sentimental Sunday  #122 - 3, 2, 1, Recipe (3 Candi, 2 Owls & 1 bow)

2 Sisters #111 - Favorite stamps (any owls are a current favorite of mine)
The Paper Shelter #83 - Anything Goes
Link Up For Pink - 2nd Annual Link Up For Pink event

SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES

IMAGES:  The focal image is "Owls" by The Cutting Cafe; sentiment is computer generated.

PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the images; DP is from K & Company; base CS is stash.
EMBELLISHMENTS:  Ribbon and brads are from stash; large white "buttons" are from Candi; Tsukineko Embossing Duel pen "Real Black" and Copic Opaque White were used for the owl's eyes.

INKS: Tattered Rose & Victorian Velvet Distress Inks were used to edge the tree and to give color to the embossing on the base CS;; the image was printed on a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics:

May you color with abandon, create wildly

and always, always, make what amuses you!

~ginny

Hugo...

 Craft Your Passion is hosting a challenge - "Buttons and Bows" and I have chosen the image "Hugo" from Stamp Fairy for my card.  I printed out two versions and I added a 2nd layer of a ball and of Hugo's head which I mounted on an Action  Wobble - a special spring (see photo below left). This makes the head wiggle-wobble back and forth when moved.  Love those things - they are sooo cute for kids, and most adults enjoy it too.  I sewed red waxed linen thru the buttons and tied a bow with the ends on each. Inside is below right.

 

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES:

MarkerPOP #7 - Color Something
Sassy Cheryl #133 - Use a Die Cut (circle tag & inside shape is from Tim Holtz Dye)
Simon Says - Emboss It (sentiments and Hugo's nose have been heat embossed.)
Divas by Design #53 - Lovely Layers (Background DP, tag, panel behind Hugo and two layers of Hugo and ball, both fussy cut)
Totally Paper Crafts #135 - For a Child
One Stitch at a Time #132 - BINGO (Buttons, Digi & Sentiment)

SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES

IMAGES:  The focal image is "Hugo" by Stamp Fairy

PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the images; DP is from 7 Gypsies from the "Journey " collection; base CS is from stash.

EMBELLISHMENTS:  Sentiment on the front is on two punches from Stampin' Up and "Wish" is a self inking "Mini Word"; sentiment on the punched circle tab is a digi - source unknown; although the original Hugo image shows the bounce lines, I had to hand draw the lines with a Micron pen and a white pen since I had fussy cut out the dog.

INKS: the image was printed on a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics:

May you color with abandon, create wildly

and always, always, make what amuses you!

~ginny

BINGO: Learning is FUN!! WINNER!

Before I get to this current card, I want to announce the WINNER of the CANDY from this weekend's Blog Hop. As promised, I used the tried and true "Hubby picks from a hat" method and he has picked - Amanda  Wahoo!   Now all you have to do is email me with your complete name and mailing address and I will get your prize off in the mail ASAP.

And now to today's business...
Craft Your Passion is playing BINGO this week & my example features this Paper Shelter image called "Learning is fun."  My choices off the BINGO board were to use yellow, a border punch & buttons.


I printed out the image three times, colored with Copics and did my usual Paper Sculpting thing with her.  With the photo below  right you can see the layers.  The border punched paper was carried over to decorate the inside.

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES:
Quirky Crafts #19 - Numbers
Papertake Weekly - Things that make you go awww...
Divas by Design - For a Child
Sentimental Sunday #120 - Back to School  WON!
Robyn's Fetish #125 - Back to School

IMAGES:  The focal image is from Paper Shelter: "Learning is Fun"; the words are from a mini word set.

PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the images; DP is from 7 Gypsies: "The Journey" Collection; base CS is Kraft paper

EMBELLISHMENTS: Border punch is by Martha; button brads & picture holder(?) thingie are from my stash.

INKS: "Antique Linen" Distress Inks were used to edge the focal image panel;  the image is printed on a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics:

Stampe Diem,

~ginny

Blog Hop - All Star Sports...

Craft Your Passion Challenges is doing a Blog Hop and my blog is along the way. 

If you came here from Caz's  "Bunny's Bits n Bobs", you are right on track!  

You can get all the details for the hop, theme info for the challenge, prize information, and most importantly, the entire list of the blog lineup by going HERE over at Craft Your Passion!

Be sure to check below for  blog candy that I have to share with you .  Have fun!! 

Here is my card inspiration for 

the All Star Sports Challenge.

I printed the image twice and sculpted him from the back - mounted the top version on foam tape. (You can see that in the close-up.)  Then just started layering the scraps of paper I had left after punching the stars - LOL!  Fun card to assemble!

 
TOP TIP:  Lately I've started using waxed linen (same as used for book binding) for sewing embellishments.  It comes in a lot of different colors, it doesn't fray or separate like embroidery thread, it threads easily due to the wax, and best of all, it really "feels" cool and stands out as a strong visual!  Love the stuff!

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES:
Basic Grey #75 - Punch It
Unique Crafter's Challenge - Anything Goes
Pile It On #37 - Patterned Paper
One Stitch at a Time #130 - For an under eighteen
Top Tip Tuesday #85 - Recycle It (Paper from other projects) and a TOP TIP
Papertake Weekly -  Things that make you go awww...
Divas by Design - For a Child

SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES

IMAGES:  The focal image is "Tommy" from Stamp Fairy; sentiment is a "Mini Word"

PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the images; DP is from  Basic Grey's "Oliver"; base CS is Georgia Pacific; all other layers recycled from desk trash. (Yea!)

EMBELLISHMENTS:  Hand sewn stitching with white waxed linen; stars from a McGill punch; tab for sentiment is from a Stampin' Up punch; ticket stub punched corners are with a Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper; hand printed  "Raiders" on the helmet and jersey

INKS: Distress Inks were used to create the sky and ground; the image was printed on a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics:

Next hop-stop will be the very talented Jodi at Kaboo Designs.

Remember, once you have hopped to all the stops and left your comments, it’s your turn to show us your “ALL STAR SPORTS” project.  Make sure to follow the theme and include a STAR somewhere in your design – then link it up no later than September 16 at Craft Your Passion.

Finally… I have some BLOG CANDY for a lucky winner.

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) or EPHEMERA KIT:

This kit includes items that could be used for ATC's or as ephemera for any card or scrapbook layout:

• "The ATC Wizard Tool" -             Makes creating ATCs easy and fun.
• (5) sheets of ephemera clip art
• Assorted Playing and Bingo cards
• Doodle Bug Designs brads
• Assorted envelopes and sleeves for ATC storage & an envelope template.
• (3) 8.5 x 11" sheets colored card stock
• Booklet with ATC facts and instructions

Here is what to do to be eligible...
#1 Leave me a comment at the bottom of this post.
#2 If you like what you see on my blog, I would love to have you "Follow me" (this is optional!),  which can be found by scrolling to the very bottom of this screen page.

How easy can that be??!!  I will choose a winner with the tried and true system of "Hubby Pulls a Number from a Hat" method on Monday, Sept. 17... so write it on your calendar and come back to see if you have won!

Stampe Diem,

~ginny

Daisies and Butterflies...

 Today starts a challenge called "Flower Power" (requiring a flower in the image) at Craft Your Passion.  I decided on "Daisies and Butterflies" from Delicious Doodles for this one.  The image was printed out twice so I could sculpt and layer the butterflies.  I started by coloring the flowers and background with Copics and the butterflies were embellished with Duo Glue and foil.  I drew a frame around the image with a Micron pen and added the pick and tag.  The base card was run thru a Cuttlebug for additional texture.

I encourage you to check out the inspiration the rest of the Design Team has provided for you - and then join the challenge at Craft Your Passion!  There are two prizes available this week.

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES:

One Stitch at a Time - Use a Digi

Simon Says - Anything Goes

SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES

IMAGES:  The focal image is "Daisies and Butterflies" from Delicious Doodles; "Wonder" is a self inking "Mini Word"

PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the images; base CS is from my stash.

EMBELLISHMENTS: Tab is a punch from Stampin' Up

INKS: A Micron 01 black pen was used  to create the faux frame; the image was printed on a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics:

Stampe Diem,

~ginny

Destination - X marks the spot... WINNER

 Oh how I love Mo Manning's images!  I had a good time putting this card together.  The image was printed twice so I could layer the head, hat and the pewter cup for dimension   The panel with the raindrops was embossed after stamping and I blanket stitched the top and side of the focal panel with waxed linen.  All the underlying panels were edged with Distress Inks

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES:
DP2 #166 - Fave for 2012 Challenge

DP2 #149 - Distressing
2 Sisters #106 - Elves, Gnomes & Pixies TOP THREE
Pile it On #35 - I Spy Something With a P (purple - [all the clothing colored with Blue-violet copics], paper) WINNER
One Stitch at a Time - Use a Digi
Sentimental Sunday #117 - Sewing - real or faux TOP THREE
LEJ Designs #18 - Anything Goes
Unique Crafters' Challenge - Anything Goes

SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES

IMAGES:  The focal image is by Mo Manning at Digital Pencil Too; "Destination" is a self inking "Mini Word"; "Water Droplets" is a texture stamp from Designs by Ryn

PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the images; DP and base CS is is from stash

EMBELLISHMENTS: Sentiment tab and frame are from a Stampin Up  punch; purple waxed linen thread (Volcano Arts) used for stitching and wrapped around the map; metal tag and large metal brad from my stash.

INKS: Lavender Distress Inks were used on the edges of the panels; the image was printed on a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics:

Stampe Diem!

~ginny

The Power of Three...

Time for a new challenge at 
CRAFT YOUR PASSION 
- this one called 
"The Power of Three"
(must use three of something)  

I chose to use this fun image from Milk Coffee called "Madeline with a Retro Outfit"  It screamed 70's to me - pink and lime green!  This DP was definitely fitting my brain's concept and I chose my Copics to match.  Two images were printed - colored with Copics, fancy cut the parts I needed and sculpted them from the back.  The dimension is supported with foam tape and layered - you can see the layers below 

Now, starting with the pink base card, I punched three holes down the right side and then layered the darker pink panel to the inside of the front of the card so it would show thru the holes.  I added three Candi that had been colored with matching Copics to the center of each circle.  The tag was inserted under the top Candi.  The Design Paper was cut to fit the front on either side for the punched circles.  These panels were sponged with Distress Inks and faux stitching was stamped down the left edge.      Final embellishment was added using Duo Glue in a "Fine Liner Calligraphy Pen" - and then once dry and tacky, I applied the foil to the jewelry and glasses.

I used the left over DP and scraps to decorate the inside - see right photo below.

You can see the inspiration the Craft Your Passion DT's have to offer (HERE) and hopefully you will join in the challenge for a chance at a great prize!

This card should be eligible for the following

CHALLENGES:
Papertake Weekly - Spots and Stripes
Sassy Cheryl #128 - Favorite Color Combo
Stamptacular Sunday #177 - Let's Hear it for the Girls
Robyn's Fetish #121 - Use a Digi
Just Some Lines - Layer it Up

IMAGES:  The focal image is "Madeline with a Retro Outfit" from Milk Coffee; the "Imagine" sentiment is from a Mini-word set; the faux stitching is from a Sew Stampet set.

PAPER:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80# Cover Wt. used for the images; DP is from the "Sweet Nectar" collection by K & Company; base CS is from my stash.

EMBELLISHMENTS: Candi colored with Copics; Duo Glue and foil

INKS: "Shabby Shutter" & "Peeled Paint" Distress Inks were used to sponge the edges of the DP; the image is printed with a Canon PIXMA printer & colored with Copics: