The Bombs Bursting In....

Hello everyone!

(Got another one for you...)

It started out as just a baby drawing, then the flag came into the picture and well...

Happy early 4th of July.

Hope you enjoy the giggle...

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Happy 4th of July



Friday Friendship Freebies

Hello, Hello, Helllooooo!

Well, it's finally Friday and I'm pretty dang stoked about it.

I've decided to set aside this day to share what may or may not (all up to you) be fun or useful for you, my blog buddies.

It might be a digital image, a sketch, a sentiment, a good joke, a blog candy, a tutorial for something totally wacky...

You'll just never know, so if you're in the mood to snag a couple freebies,

come by and check out what I've made just for YOU.

Just a little way to say,

THANK YOU, for all the laughs and encouragement you've given to me.

If you miss one, you can check the tabs at the top of my blog.   I'll file them there for easier access.

I hope you have a FANTASTIC weekend.

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Friday Sketch

Doodled By Me

"Bedtime, Shmedtime..I hate Bedtime!"

Sentiments

Many Wee Men and a King...

Hello :)

A little post to showcase some more fantastic images available to you at

Nicecrane Designs.

Does this look familiar?  Remember the story of the young lady who was boarding with seven wee men? Well, here they are again for you to color up all your own!

But wait...there's more...

I had a little play with the Word Window punch by adding a few to the back of the oval scallop.  I originally wanted to frame the entire oval, but instead I left it 'framey-ish'  of sorts.

Here's a preview of what I used, called

Der Kinder Wundergarten

"The Children's Magic Garden"

Here is my second project.

As much as I love this image, I cannot think of what children's story this belongs to. The Rat King? I thought he rode an elephant. I don't know, but the image is fabulous and we used to have rats for pets (Ted and Ned). 

These are extremely lovable and smart little critters and if you ever want your child to clean under their bed, send in the rat.  I had a hoot watching the two of them scurry under my son's bed and drag stuff back out! 

Anyway, whoever this king is mounted on his trusty "steed," he seems to be stating something of great importance, so this image became a motivational hanging plaque.

The crown and frame are another round with sculpey clay and the sentiment typed on the PC says,

"Hear Ye, Hear Ye...Do Great Things!"

I think those are fabulous words to live by.

Hope you have a great one, wherever you are.

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Nicecrane Designs

Challenges I Would Like To Enter:

Craft Room Challenge - Friendship

Art With No Boundaries - Anything Goes & Performing Arts Part 2 (Film and Play)

Some Days Do & Thank You

Hello!
Just a couple cards for a few wonderful challenges.

This card I desgined for Moxie Fab's

Gingham Challenge In The Moxie Fab World.

The challenge is to use, you guessed it...Gingham. 

 I stuck with a very CAS retro look and wonderful images from The Graphic's Fairy.

Several people I know have been going through some really tough times lately and this is my odd way of saying,

 "I'm thinking of you and I  hope tomorrow is better!"

This card is for another wonderful challenge happening at Sugar Creek Hollow with the theme of Circles.

I hope you've enjoyed the eclectic variety here today.

Thank you so much for stopping in....

Hugs!

Lisa xx

Foiled Friendship....

Nope, the friendship isn't foiled, but the card is!

 The original concept was to create an entirely foil card, but upon further contemplation, it felt a bit 'cold' so I decided to alter it and add some pretty papers and soft sheer ribbon and laced leaves I found in the cake decorating section of Walmart.   The metal flower was created using different punches and die cuts and layered with gesso, tattered ink DI, Poppy Parade and Basic Brown SU ink and a finishing layer of clear embossing Powder.  The Sentiment is in Opaque Finish embossing powder from Stampin' Up! A bit of Vintage Photo DI smeared along the edges of the base to complete the look.

Many thanks sentiment from Stampin' Up! completes the inside of the card.

This is my DT card for yet another fabulous

Make It Monday

Linky Party #95 happening now!

Our sponsor for this party is none other than

Cupcake Cards & Craft

Prize to be awarded:  3 downloadable paper collections!!

Stop by and say hi and check out the other talented work from the DT ladies at MIM.

Before I go, I'd like to show you my...

PICK OF THE WEEK!

#23 Blackdragon

titled

"Eerie Elegance"

Reminded me of a black and white silent movie. Here is a 'blip' from her blog.

"So here's my offering..... this is as elegant as i get! Beautiful 'death cab' image from SMEARED INK.... Black, white and silver. Die cuts, punches, ribbon, feathers, gems, and the dreaded glitter card stock. Ribbon flowers, metal flowers.... a lovely metal 'always' mesh....and loads of black ink."

Within the macabre is beautiful elegance. I think it's a really original piece of artwork.

Thank you so much for your wonderful visit!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Who's That Sexy Beast?

I know once you look at this image you're gonna wanna sing it. It's okay, go ahead, I'll even start...

"Come listen to story about a man name Jed.

A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed,

Then one day he was shootin' at some food,

And up from the ground came a bubblin' crude.

Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea..."

Oh my gosh...I loved that show!!!

ANYWAY...she's not Granny Clampett, but she could be a sister to her, I reckon.

This here is the adorable artwork image by Nate Owens called Rolling Pin Granny. 

She's been all perty-ficated in copics.

 I was so happy to receive an email from a wonderful challenge blog asking if I'd like to be a part of their DT crew.  I had to take a look around first and once I saw this image, I was HOOKED! So, obviously I said "no way"..KIDDING..I said yes and here is my first showing for Squigglefly.

I had no idea what her little expression might be saying, but once I found this sentiment free at Ginger's House, I couldn't resist!

Thank ye kindly fer callin'...

"Ya'll come back now, y'hear?"

Squigglefly

Over 20 artists and tons of images!

Hugs n' Happy Stampin'...

Lisa xx

Challenges I would like to enter this card into:

Papertake Weekly - Bingo (Ribbon,Free,Blooms)

The Shining...

In the words of Jack Nicholson...

"Herrrrre's Johnny!"

No, no...it's not THAT Shining, the pretty kind of shining, but isn't that a great movie?!

Okay, here goes...

This quirky little diddy was designed to hopefully meet the criteria of 3 challenges.

First, The sketch from Retro Sketches #16.

 I recently crawled out from under a rock, or so it would seem, as I've never seen this challenge blog before and WOW, if you need a little fire under the butt for motivation, I'd say check them out if you haven't already. Second, is a photo inspiration for Inspired By.  Here's a peek at the amazing metal lid wreath hanging on a wooden fence; elements of which I tried to capture on this card.

The last wonderful challenge is Our Creative Corner where you are asked to use Buttons n' Burlap or Bows! I thought the earthy feel to this challenge worked perfectly with the above picture too.

Here it is in full view...

Each layer has been altered in some way either with embossing, acrylic paints, inks or all the above.  I've tried to stay with the colors of the wreath and incorporate them into the burlap and button combination.  The rusted bottle cap and burlap are both from Linda at The Funkie Junkie Boutique...such a great place to shop and I'd also like to submit this into Frilly and Funky Sunday Share. The scrabble letters are FREE with a tutorial from Lisa at What A Beautiful Mess.  Thank you Tracy for the link in your post! Also the circle sentiment and butterflies are FREE from another amazing blog I became aware of yesterday...(OMG..how far under the rock was I??) at Create with TLC.

I don't know what kind of style card it is, but I hope you like it!

Thank you so much for your visit and also I'm so grateful for the very touching comments that were left regarding my "Hero" card.  That really means so much to me!

Time to fix dinner...

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

A Hero In Their Eyes...

A Soldier by his calling,

Loving husband to his wife.

 But to those that call him Daddy,

A hero in their eyes.

 Stars and Stripes and or Independence Day is the theme for our current challenge at

Top Tip Tuesday and this is my card using three seperate silhouette images surrounded by an Americana feel. Each strip has been wood folder embossed, lightly covered with gesso, acrylic painted, UTEE embossed, crumpled and then vintage stained for distressing.

A very simple background that allows the images to tell the story.

 We have had the best time seeing all the outstanding entries from our last challenge and we certainly hope you can join us this time and show us your take on Independence Day and/or Stars and Stripes!

Top Tip Tuesday

 Sponsors for our challenge are:

Crimson Cloud

 Prize: 3 packs of die cuts (WOW!)

Bugaboo Stamps

Prize: 7 digital images of their choice!

A very kind welcome to my latest followers and a sincere thank you for your always kind and conciderate and motivational comments.

I hope this finds you all well!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Big Teddy Bear Hug....

Hello!

For this card, I've used the wonderful little Garden Fence and Little Girl Bear Hugs images on a circle frame, and then foam mounted that onto a frame card base. 

The fence is painted with TH crackle paint and the rest colored in Copics. 

 I love the way that Meljen's Designs images work so well together.  

This is my DT card for another incredibly fun packed and talent overloaded Linky Party at

Make It Monday where I hope you can join us this week.

I hope you enjoy my

PICK OF THE WEEK!

This intricate little card is from Julie at Julies Crafty Creations.   I really enjoy the color combination here as well as the detailed border cuts, flowers, flourishes and that precious little bear holding a birthday gift.  If you'd like to see more, please click on her link!

Still want more? Then head on over to MIM and see what wonderful things the rest of the DT ladies have in store for you at...

 Make It Monday #94 Linky Party

Our Sponsor

 Meljen's Designs

Prize: Choice of 4 single digis!

 

Thanks for the visit!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx

Confusing? Exactly!

Please take a moment to look at the cover of this card and decipher the cryptic message...

(I'll hum the Jeopardy theme song while you look)

 Okay, time's up! Did you figure it out?

For those of you still scratching your heads, let's go on a little trip through my brain.  Some of you have already been introduced to the inner workings of my noggin' and know what to expect.  However, for the newbies, I'd just like to make this announcement:

"Please keep your hands and feet in the ride at all times!"

And we're off...

Soooo, this is the card I've designed for my dad.  He doesn't like to read instructions, nor will he stop to ask for directions; therefore, I had to make a card that incorporated BOTH of those 'endearing' qualities that I find so completely baffling.  The hardware represents the times he decided to assemble a project; directions must have been sold separately, because they are absolutely NOWHERE to be found.  Inevitably there are always extra pieces (even more than the allotted 'extras') when it's finished. 

The twine wrapped around the hardware represents a map.  One must follow the map to deduce the message.  I'm pretty sure he'll just meander aimlessly over the card and notice the pretty pictures!  Which is why I talked myself out of using papers with maps for fear that he wouldn't even pick the thing up!

Okay, now that you've traveled this far,

Take another look and see if you can figure out the message.

Each image, free from the fabulous Pamela at Free Vintage Digital Stamps and Graphics Fairy, was specifically picked to relay,  in a rather complex and confusing manner (resembling the aforementioned "endearing' qualities), a very simple message.

I've included the message on the inside....

Did you get it? 

Okay, that's my card and I thought I should probably explain the inner workings of my thought process just so you're not left going..."what the..huh?"

I hope my dad appreciates the fun jab as much as I appreciate him!

Thanks so much for stopping in and I hope you've enjoyed the visit and my wacky, weird and quirky brain.

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Challenges I would like to enter this card into:
Art Impressions - #67 Husband/Father
Craft Challenge - #159 Father's Day
Charisma Cards - #23 Male Cards
DYSU Challenge Blog - #76 Boys/Men
PaperPlay Challenges - Week 24; For a Man (With Twine)

Adorable Bessie For Nicecrane Designs

Just a couple of cards I'd like to show you that use two touching images from

Nicecrane Designs.

 Here's a glimpse inside

 And another

This card was guided by a couple challenges. 

One being the photo inspiration below and the other to use banners and bunting.

I hope you enjoy my interpretation of both.

The photo inspired me with the concept of flight. When something leaves, you miss it.  The colors were also so vibrant and required here. The tail feathers resembled a crown to me.

The banner challenge was fun as well. 

I've included a paper banner and two banners I've crocheted in white.

Here's a preview of the images available from

 Adorable Bessie.

 Thanks for stopping in. If you like the images, you can find them here at

Nicecrane Designs.

Have a great one!

Lisa xx

Challenges I would like to enter:

Frilly and Funkie - Photo Inspiration

Catered Crop - Banners and Bunting

Crafts and Me - #88 Pearls and Roses

Earring Box Becomes Business Card Holder

Fun, Fun, Fun!

That's all I have to say about this project...

 It started out like this

 And evolved to this by covering the exterior of the box parts with My Mind's Eye paper (Portobello Road and Market Street)with Mod Podge and then lining the insides with Mod Podge and tissue paper.  I then used the Tim Holtz Distress Crackle Paint Resist Technique found here.

 I used Picket Fence Crackle Paint for the first layer.  Then inked with TH Vintage Photo and as I only have 2 distress inks, I substituted the process with Stampin' Up Ink using Old Olive, Brocade Blue and More Mustard and then applied over all of that, more Vintage Photo DI.

 Then using Stazon Ink I stamped into the top and bottom sections using Stampin' Ups! Established Elegance stamps.  Once this was done, I completed the TH technique by spritzing it all with water and wiping it down exposing the crackles and absorbed ink inside.  The edges of the boxes were also touched up with the assorted colors as well.

 Now for the embellishing part.  The front flourish and the little angel were both gold and way to bright so I've pressed them into Versamark and applied Opaque Finish embossing powder.  A light sanding over the top of them and then a coat of Vintage Distress Ink to complete their look.

The wings I designed out of  Sculpey clay then baked them in the oven at 275 degrees for 15 minutes.  I've distressed them with Vintage DI, spritzed them with water and then sporadically sprinkled more Opaque Finish embossing powder to them.

The final step was gluing on the little wooden knobs for feet.

Finally I measured a faux business card to sit inside as an example.

I really hope you like this project and decide to save ALL those jewelry boxes!!

Thank you so much for stopping in to visit...

Have a great one.

Hugs n' Happy Crafting,

Lisa xx

Challenges I would love to enter this project in:

Our Creative Corner - Favorite Tim Holtz Technique (I apologize for not using only Tim Holtz products, but I did apply the technique just the same. Hope that's okay!)

Recycle, Re-purpose, and Re-Invent - Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers - No Cards, Tags or ATC's