Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Macabre Theatre Presents...


Welcome one and all to the grand Macabre Theatre of Dr. Digi's House of Stamps! featuring our lead character Uriah the Undertaker.
  Please take your seats, turn off your phones and grab your popcorn and drinks as we begin the show...
The star of the show, Uriah himself. 
Please hold on to your backstage passes as Uriah will be signing autographs directly after the performance!  
Want memorabilia for keepsakes?
He will gladly allow for photographs to be taken with him!
 A little background on the theatre stage. It used to be used for kiddy performances, as you can see above, but a much more sinister and disturbing environment was needed. Thanks to the stage hand, Lisa, the scene was set for Uriah's debut. 
Bloodied and scratched dingy walls were constructed with brick embossed paper, Tim Holt's Distress Inks, spritzed drops of Adirondack inks.  Razor scratchings on the wall and a clear glaze to reflect shadows from the swinging light.
No dysfunctional mortuary is complete without a bloodied table, rags and bones.
And well...this too!
Curtains complete the stage ambiance; however, due to budget constraints, fabric was not an option.  The crafty prop crew crumpled up black paper, bathed it in white steaks of ink and decorated up with a lovely disheveled faux swag curtain.
The Macabre Theatre of Dr. Digi's House of Stamps warmly thank you for attending today's performance and welcome you back again for future shows.
Stay tuned for up and coming showtimes', tickets and special backstage passes.  Don't forget to reserve your tickets ahead of time as seats are selling out quickly!
 
Hugs and Happy Creating...
Lisa xx
Also, thank you, thank you, thank you for the super awesomical comments and all the laughs and smiles you give me. A very warm welcome to my newest followers. You are ALL so wonderfully appreciated. :)
OH..and for those of you that partake in the holiday...
Happy Halloween!


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Hello Friend...

Hello!
I can't quite put my finger on it, but this little tree house reminds me of a home in the Hundred Acre Wood, or a cozy nook for a Beatrix Potter's character, doesn't it? This little image is called Tree House from Ladies That Craft.  I absolutely LOVE these images and there's more too, so check out what incredible projects the Make It Monday ladies have done!
Another Make It Monday linky party is open and this is my contribution for this week. Decided a burlap scallop frame would fit nicely with the barky texture and a few rolled flowers and hello banner to decorate.  If you have something you'd like to share with us, feel free to enter in and you'll be eligible for the prize. 
It's time now to show you my....
 
I am so excited about this tag!!
 I love the twist on this Halloween cutie. She's titled this Halloween for Softies.
Wonderful reflection stamping and seeing the witches clothing hanging from the line is such a hoot!   For more information please check out Avril's blog post here.
Thanks for stopping in!
Lisa xx
 

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Jeepers Creepers...

 
Here she sits upon her throne,
broom in hand
and all alone.
The clock chimes twelve
by light of moon
into the witching hour she will delve.
Tricks and treats
she must complete
gathering items for recipes.
Sweet and precious with baby cheeks
but danger lurks
don't be deceived!
With child like giggle,
she comes as a friend.
victim you'll be, eyeless you'll scream.
Plopped in a jar, she watches them jiggle.
Heed this warning, one and all...
On all Hallows Eve
lock your doors, seal your windows,
because this little girl
becomes a witch in the end!
             ~Lisa~
 
GAK! If that's not the most disturbing poem I've ever written, I'm not sure what is...BUT, it's all in the fun spirit of Halloween for the current challenge happening over at Our Creative Corner.  Our most magnificent Marcy is hosting this week and she wants us all to get decked out in costumes and masks! Well, no, you don't actually have to wear a mask, but you DO have to use the
 Masking Technique.
She'd also like it to incorporate your scariest Halloween creation!
 
 
Here is the inside of my card where I've masked the rocks, trees, leaves and moon and little witch.  The card itself isn't spooky, but figured writing a poem that utilizes elements I've stamped might amp up the creepy factor.
 
Please join us at Our Creative Corner with your masks and Masking Technique for another hauntingly good challenge.  While you're there, beware and use caution as you venture through the dark and eerie halls, for my teammates have surprises lurking around every corner!
Mwahahahahaaha.....
 
Hugs n' Happy Stamping,
Lisa xx 


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Altered Altoids Tin Ornaments


Alrighty then, let's all grab some Red Bull and start this post! :)
Lots of pictures in this one as I'm just getting caught up to six challenges all in the same place.  You may know of Linda Coughlin over at The Funkie Junkie, if you don't, you're about to get a preview of her very cool challenge called 12 Tags Of Christmas. Her wonderful boutique, The Funkie Junkie Boutique is also hosting the prizes for these challenges! She did this last year and I'm soooo excited she's running it again for 2012.
 
Looks nothing like a tag, but that's okay, it doesn't have to!  It only needs to draw from Linda's tag, the inspiration you derive and place it on whatever item you desire.  I desired Altoids cans!

Linda's tags are oozing with inspiration and gushing with glorious textures.  So, rather than reinvent the wheel, I decided to pull almost all of the elements from tag 1 and incorporate that onto my tin.  By the way, the tins will be used for the 12 days before Christmas as they hang on the tree. Each night the kiddos will open one and retrieve one little gift from Mom and Dad...awwww, isn't that sweet??
Looky who's coming to town...it's Steampunk Santa! 


 
Here you will notice Linda's inspirational tag two with Jolly and cogs and metal galore. It's fairly apparent the inspiration I drew from it as you'll see the base of my Altoids can has been (best I could) duplicated to look like riveted metal.  Simply done with double layers of white cardstock cut into various shapes and foil tape applied over that and then tons of inking and globbing and whatnot.
Here's the sculpy again...
Steampunk Santa complete with a black metal screw for one eye and clock parts for a makeshift monocle on the other. OH, figured he needed more metal so I added a little link from a chain and gave him a nose ring..hee hee...how hip is he now?
The backside
 
Taking inspiration from every bit of Linda's tag three, I duplicated my version of the snowman, blue background, snowflakes, mesh and white bow.  Following Linda's lead really makes it easy for creativity to come out and play.  Here's my little Frosty all made up with Gesso, twine arms, black hat and frosted glittery snow.  You'll also find glitter on my chair, floor, outfit, carpet, face, car, blankets...but man o' man, do I love that shimmery stuff!
 
This is the daughter's favorite so far.  I think I'm pretty fond of it too; especially the coffee part!
Each time I made one of these, the entire can was smothered with Gesso inside and out.  This particular can I decided to make a gingham base pattern.  By cutting strips of tape and layering them in a gingham pattern, I then inked the base and pulled the tape off.  If you look at the very outer edges you'll see the pattern.
    




 

 Linda's tag four of inspiration on the left has just about every scrumptious country-ish detail.  Looking at her tag made me think of a front door.  I drew inspiration from the gingham, rich embossed red wording, the greenery, post card lettering and the vintage advertisement. Now if you were to come to my house (note the little green monopoly house in the greenery arrangement?) you'd be served up a nice cup of hot coffee or tea.
 


Another Altoids tin that is encased in sheet music.  Like the title? Reminded me of being at home with family on a cold winter's night.  Chipboard powder embossed lettering, a few gadgets from my stash, and a black and silver shimmery rosette complete this tin..well, almost...

Linda's tag five on the left has the most wonderful vintage appeal. All the rustic and antiqued hues with tiny snow flurries.  Absolutely love the script on Noel.  Figured why not use the inside to capture more of the elements I loved on Linda's tag.  Emboss resisted snowflakes atop the musical folder embossed paper. 
Below is the back of the tin.
 
Do you love that clock? It was a POC (piece of crap) that I found at the thrift store for a few pennies and threw it in the "I'll use this for something later" drawer. Today was that later...YEAH!  Notice the "Naughty, bad, nice, perfect" lettering?  Those were rub on letters I added to the center of the clock piece and then aged it up a bit.  Ok, moving on...



Here is the latest tag challenge STILL happening over at the Funkie Junkie and would you look at Linda's beautiful tag on the left?  I took from it the vibrant reds, the clock piece, the tree (greenery) and bows and the brownish background and the additional tag.   Above you'll notice the incredible awful picture of the before clock picture.
Below is the back of the tin.
And just because I thought you'd like to see them all together as one happy family.  Had to stack them on my cabinet because it's still waaaaaay to early to get that ol' Christmas tree out yet.
Phew!!! High five to you for hanging in here until the end. If you haven't passed out, I would like to say thank you SO much for the visit and all your awesome and inspiring and comical comments. As you can see by this project, I've been up to my elbows the past 2 days in Gesso getting all these done, but I'll be making my rounds tomorrow to stalk you all! 
Hugs n ' Happy Crafting 
Remember, The Funkie Junkie and the 12 Tags of Christmas...
Each tag title is linked to the individual challenges if you'd like to read more.
Hope to see you there!!
Lisa xx
 
Challenges I would like to enter:
ABC Christmas Challenge - U for Up To You
Frilly and Funky - Anything But a Card; Hidden Compartment
 

It's Your Anniversary!!

 
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in a bathroom, in the presence of this fairly disgruntled couple, to help rejoice in their eternal toleration love for each other. Another year of their life sentence together has arrived and we are sort of grateful and oddly privileged to be in their midst!
 
 Welcome back to another zany encounter with characters from Dr. Digi's House of Stamps.  The lovely tub diva is Bath Time Dierdery and her dashingly debonair husband Ambrose Dunderton.
 
If I'm totally honest, I'm not great at "mushy" stuff and so very rarely do I make sentimental cards for anniversaries and weddings; however, depending on the couple, this is more my take on celebrating the wonderful institution of marriage.  After all, love and a good laugh are always a perfect combination. 
 
Hope you enjoyed the card and thank you so much for your visit!
Hugs n' Happy Stamping,
Lisa xx 
 
 


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Poor Mr. Bone Jangles...

The Mistress Bat and little witches have gathered together to pay their respects to poor Mr. Bone Jangles. Was he a friend or a victim? We shall never know, but may he rest in peace in this swanky little coffin. 
Our challenge this time around at Top Tip Tuesday is hosted by none other than the completely talented and creative Bettina who has chosen the theme of Halloween!  No properly decorated yard would be complete without a makeshift coffin  prop and neither would a card, so guess what? Bettina is even showcasing a tutorial on how to make this eerily awesome coffin!
I loved her tutorial so much that I decided to make one as well and placed it on a card front with some "guests" courtesy of The Graphics Fairy.  A few bits n' bobs here and there and matching flowers in all of their hands. 
 
So run, walk, or fly on over and share your ghoulishly creepy, cute, cuddly or scary Halloween projects with us.  You won't want to miss out on the prizes from our wonderful sponsors Stamp and Create and Sew Sweet!
 
Halloween!
 
Hugs n' Hauntingly Happy Stamping...
Lisa xx


Monday, October 22, 2012

Hope You Can Cling To...

Hello! Second post for the day, but this one is a very special card for the SCS challenges going on right now.  Many of you know Jennifer Scull and she is guest hosting for Hope You Can Cling To and her theme for one of the challenges is Peaceful Pink.  Now if you read Jennifer's post you'll find that she finds comfort in nature.  Please check out her beautiful cards here and she's also got some yummy candy too!  Here is the card I designed for the Peaceful Pink challenge HYCCT1215A at SCS. I find comfort in anything crocheted. I especially love the wonderful gifts handmade to me by grandmother.  So included on this card is a heart that I crocheted representing the love and peace I feel when I receive her beautiful handywork.  I hope the design and colors are calming and peaceful. 
There's so much more to read about this wonderful challenge and an address to send all your gorgeous makes to. 
Thank you for stopping in,
Hugs n' Happy Stamping,
Lisa xx

 


Fall Has Arrived at Squigglefly...

Welcome back to another wonderful week at Squigglefly where this week's challenge is Let's Do a Fall Theme Card!  Holley would love to see a card of your favorite fall theme colors:  oranges, browns, yellows, rusty reds or olive greens OR pick a Fall theme--falling leaves, Thanksgiving, Pumpkins, Halloween....you could even do both!  Here is my DT card this week featuring the precious image Noah and His Autumn Leaves, by artist Cheryl Alger and I've chosen to combine both elements of the challenge.  The background is clear embossed with leaves and brayer colored using TH DI's Vintage Photo,Wild Honey, and Antique Linen.  Keeping with a "leaf" theme, I've continued on with a leaf patterned dp for a tag and the large brown circle behind the main image has been wood grain embossed.  Copics colored little Noah up and the final embellishment of a few die cuts in Autumn colors.   
I also had the honor of using Three Little Pumpkins by artist Denise Clemmensen. Decided to recycle a little cereal box and added the cute image, a picket fence, full moon, and a wire tree as well as a handle and a bow.  The contents are filled with Pez dispensers as they are my weakness!!  This image is also available at the Squigglefly store.
 
"Tis the season around these parts for festive Autumn colors and cards, so be sure to stop in and submit your cards too!  Remember, if you use a Squigglefly image, you'll be in the drawing for a prize. Yeah!
Thank you so much for all your very kind comments and the time you spend to visit me.
Hugs n' Happy Stamping to you,
Lisa xx


Sunday, October 21, 2012

In The Spirit of Halloween...

More than anything, I love seeing little kids all dressed up for trick or treating.  The most precious of them are when the whole family dresses up together.  I tend to be a softy when I see a little toddler waddling up to the porch, dragging a treat basket that's nearly twice their size, and in that little voice say, "Twick o tweet pweeze." Without a doubt, if they passed the cemetery of decaying bones and howling music, banging on the walls and psychotic music coming through the fog to reach my porch, they absolutely deserve a bag or two of candy!
So, in the continued spirit of Halloween,, I've made this card with the wonderful pumpkin graphic from Nicecrane Designs and added a toddler from Graphics Fairy to symbolize what I love seeing about the holiday.  What a cool idea to hang your lit pumpkins from the tree...I think I might do that this year!
I hope this and my teammates at Make It Monday have inspired you to join us in another fun filled linky party...and just like Halloween, we have treats!!  Our sponsor this week is Cupcake Cards and Crafts.
Here's another crafter who shared their creativity last week and is my...
I just love all the animation happening here on this card! The adorable pumpkins, the mix of autumn flowers. The precious witch on her ride and what especially caught my eye was the lock on the front door of the silhouette house! What a cool idea!
Thank you so much Lucy for sharing your talent at Make It Monday. You've certainly inspired me. :)
 
 
Thanks so much for stopping in today and a HUGE warm welcome to my newest followers. I hope you find some inspiration here and a smile.
OH, and because it's also in the spirit of Halloween to scare...here's a little video. LOL!
 (Don't worry, nothing pops out at you!..I hate those kind of videos) ;)
Hugs n' Happy Stamping,
Lisa xx