Go Ahead...Make My Day!

I'm in steampunk heaven with this little lady.  She's sassy, feisty and perfectly coordinated with her weaponry.  Not an easy task, I'm sure.  She even has that dainty little ribbon tied around her hat.  We certainly wouldn't want our skulls and crossbones falling in front of our faces while we're aiming now would we?

This is my DT card for Top Tip Tuesday where our challenge this time around is to focus on the ribbon.  Here I've made 5 ribbon roses that were originally a soft baby blue color. After twisiting the ribbon to form roses, I colored them with coordinating copics to match the hair of the image. A little dab of silver liquid pearls to finish them off.  The grungy cream banners are silver ribbon that have a coating of glossy accents and then folder embossed. A brayering of mod podge and more mustard ink mixture then applied over the top.  This lovely Steampunk Sally also has glossy accents applied to her ribbon to draw out the 'dantier' side of her.

The sentiment was inspired by a Clint Eastwood movie, Sudden Impact.  Two free clock faces from Far Far Hill were resized to 1/4" and glued to little wooden circles and then glossy accented to match the B-13 bingo dot. 

The shimmer of her bling doesn't show up very well on the first picture, but with a little manipulation of light and my disgruntled camera, I was able to get one fairly less blury picture to show.

I actually wrote down my copic combinations for this one...so odd! They are weird one's but I like blending colors together so here's my list.  (In order of application)

Eyes - B37, 45, 34

Skin - E30, E00, E81 and E40

Hair - C9, C2, B18, 45, and 41, W3 and W1

Hat and Shirt - E23, YR14, 24, 23, 21

Lips and Bow - R39, 17, and 20

Okay, that's all for me here, but I hope you'll join us for our focus on the ribbon challenge and show us creative ways that YOU like to use ribbon.

Hugs n' Happy Stamping..

Lisa xx

Top Tip Tuesday Challenge

Focus On The Ribbon

Our Fantastic Sponsors

Sew Sweet

Prize:  £10.00 voucher

Delicious Doodles

Ribbon Carousel

Feel The Butterflies...

What makes your tummy get all flip-flopped and happy inside? Is it that untouched container of your favorite ice cream just waiting to be sampled, or a giant strawberry you're getting ready to plunge into a fountain of chocolate, or is it when you've dreaded opening the dryer only to find that you've already folded the laundry and there's nothing there!  Or, is it that special someone who's always had your heart and no matter what you've been through or will go through, they always make you feel butterflies?   Well, since you probably won't give a card to a pint of ice cream or a half eaten strawberry, and probably not the fluff cycle on your dryer...here's a card you could give to that special someone.

This image is called Butterfly Beauties by the Artist Diana Garrison.  I've designed this card with a fitting sentiment as well, seeing as how the current challenge happening over at Squigglefly is...

SPEAK TO ME

All you have to do is add a sentiment to your card...it's that simple!!

I've taken the image and printed it out onto Vellum paper, flipped the image over and colored it with copics and then added a 1" circle for the moon.  Flipping the image right side up, I adhered it to a measured piece of sheet music.  The final step was then to layer all of that onto a light yellow sheet of cardstock.  Setting that aside, I cut a piece of Kraft paper, rounded the edges, folder embossed and inked.  The third blue layer is brown cardstock, plate embossed, inked with TH DI, dabs and smears of gesso and then lightly sanded.   The final card base is basic white, inked with TH Vintage DI and then sanded to erase the ink on the very edge and re-expose the white.  A couple roses were glued to 2 flourishes to complete the trail of red roses while a bow of twine holds the perfect free sentiment from Ginger's House.

One last closeup view of

Butterfly Beauties

 That's all for me today, but we'd love for you to join in our challenge at Squigglefly and while you're there, be sure to check out all the hard work the entire two teams have done for your inspiration.

Squigglefly

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Birthday Flyby

OH wow, it is so blazing hot outside (record setting 109) that today, when I headed out the door to the grocery store, my shadow stayed planted on the couch!  I faintly heard it say, "Good luck with that!" 

After running errands, here's what my shadow and I made together.

 Cardstock and DP panels individually stitched (using scraps...YEAH) and a few of my new Stampin' Up! Framelits along with the Apothecary Art stamp set.  The flower, an attempt at Jeanne's excellent circle folded flowers tutorial located here with some hardware for the center.   A little bit of twine, a happy birthday banner, some punched leaves and coordinating interior complete this card.

If I haven't said it lately, I truly appreciate your visits and very kind encouragement!

Thanks so much.  Also a very warm welcome to my newest followers.

I've been a bit overboard crazy busy this past week so I apologize for not getting around to all your blogs, but I foresee much peace and quiet in my near future and I can't wait to check out what I've missed.  Until then...

Lisa xx

 Before I end this post, I have 2 special announcements to make...

One of the DT's on Make It Monday is giving away a very special candy for our 100th linky party, to one random commenter.  I can't tell you which one it is, but make sure you leave some luv on my teamies blogs and the winner just might be YOU! :)  And secondly, here is  my pick of the week (POTW).

Make It Monday

where I hope you can join us for fun and sharing!

Here is my favorite part...

PICK OF THE WEEK

#113 Katya

Absolutely loved the details on the card with the glossy glasses and would you look at that mini backpack! I really enjoyed this little duo.

Our Generous Sponsor is Scrapbook Sisters

Prize: 5 Digital Images

Supplies Used:

Portobello Road Paper (My Mind's Eye)

Fly A Kite Paper (My Mind's Eye)

Framelits - Labels Collection (Stampin' Up!)

Apothecary Art Stamp Set (Stampin' Up!)

Lovely Little Labels Stamp Set (SU!)

Littel Labels Punch Pack (SU!)

Bird Builder Punch (SU!)

Hodgepodge Hardware - Cream (SU!)

Star Punches (CTMH)

The Secret of Life Is...

Welcome back and happy Saturday!

Do you have a little time set aside for crafting this weekend?  Are you in the mood to combine some fabulous color combinations, circles and/or a little fabric?  What's that?? A unanimous "YES"...well, AWESOME, because today at Our Creative Corner, our very own lovely and talented Lori Rider is hosting this weeks challenge with those very elements!

Here is my DT card to meet the Color Challenge theme

Circles? (check), colors? (check), fabric? (check) Well, there was more but it looked horrible, so I did a remake and added a sprig of tulle instead.  Here I've added a clock face to coordinate with the white embossed sentiment from Stampin' Ups! From My Heart stamp set. A fringe of white tulle, lime and  pink ribbon complete the little corner.  The circle background has been embossed and colored with Poppy Parade and  Pear Pizzazz then clear powder embossed.

Lori even provided this excellent little photo and guide to keep you inspired...

You won't even believe what the other teamies have done with this color challenge!  So be sure to hop on over to Our Creative Corner and check out the mind boggling projects they've produced just for your inspiration!

We would really, really love for you to create a card just for this challenge and amaze us with your outstanding talent and creativity.

I hope you all have a very relaxing or productive but mostly fun weekend!

hugs n' happy stamping...

Lisa xx

Special Day...

Hello!

So happy you stopped in.

Here is my digitally designed card for Make It Monday. I've used this little image and sentiment called It's Your Special Day from our sponsor Digi My World.  As much as I love cutting into my paper stash, I thought that some of the gorgeous free papers and images I've downloaded needed to be used as well so I designed this double paper layered card on Microsoft Word.  I do believe it's time to change the ink in my printer, but frugal me will milk that thing to the last drop, and so the inner layer of paper isn't as defined as it appeared on my screen.  For a little extra dimension I've paper pieced the dress, bow and shoes and I've added dots of Buttercup liquid pearls to distinguish one paper from the other.  The banner is also a freebie which I've foam mounted as well as the balloons.  I hope you'll join us in the always fun linky parties at Make It Monday where the prize will be a $10 gift voucher!!   At the bottom of the post I will leave links to the images and paper I've used if you're interested in checking them out.  Thank You so much for taking time out of your day to visit me and I thank you for your always kind and encouraging comments.  I hope you all have a wonderful day!

PICK OF THE WEEK

This stunningly colored card is #63 from mONAmi at Handmade by MONAMI.  I love the captivating eyes and the bold colors.  Please give her blog a visit and see the other unbelievably striking images she has...just gorgeous!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Gorgeous Freebie Links:

Far Far Hill (Gingham Paper)

Shabby Blog (Banner)

Free Pretty Things For You (Cat & Birds)

You're a Rockstar & I'm a Moron...

Okay, so who's the worst Aunt in the entire world?? ME!!!  I totally spaced that my nephew's birthday is tomorrow (boo!! hiss!!) I know right? Well, to make up for the royal blunder, I thought I should make Ethan a card that just says WOW!!  Or at least I hope it does.  But then again, the wow factor probably only lurks on the inside of the card once he sees the "green" gift.  Anyway, regardless, I hope he likes it and I certainly hope it makes up for his Aunt being completely forgetful!

You're a Rockstar!!

The card base is Kraft cardstock.  The background is my handmade brick wall on white cardstock, run through with the brick embossing plate.  DI's of Vintage Photo, Antique Linen and Wild Honey and hints of Poppy Parade SU ink color the bricks.  A smothering of Gesso for mortar and a glaze of UTEE over sporadic sections. 

Next is the curtain. I wanted the rock star to look as though he was on a very special stage and thought a red curtain against the brick wall would be perfect.  The curtain is heavy burgundy cardstock that I've crunched up into a wad and bent until pliable.  Using my brayer, I've run Antique Linen over the top to add more depth and character to the folds.  These pieces were then hot glued to over the brick.  The lights, silhouette fans and the rockstar billboard are all free images I've downloaded via the Internet to bring the scene together. 

The image is another fantastic drawing from Alessandro Piedimonte, whom I referred to in an earlier post and I hope my copic coloring has done him justice.   His images are by request only.  

Sure hope you've enjoyed your visit and I thank you so much for your time and comments. 

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa aka Moron   :)

Challenges I would Like to Enter this Card Into:

ATC's and Cards With Attitudes - #18 Anything Goes

Fat Pages and Cards With Attitude - #18 Anything Goes

Guylou's Inimitability - Same Old Song and Dance

What Not To Stamp Card Makeover Challenge

Hello everyone and welcome back!

Have you ever looked back on your older cards and thought to yourself, "What was I thinking??" "How in the world did I EVER think that was cute?" or just straight up said, "What crap!"  Well, guess what? At Our Creative Corner, we are having a challenge that makes you do this very thing...critique yourself based on an old card you've designed and then do a makeover!  How fun is this???  This fabulous challenge is hosted by our very own creative Lori Rider. 

There are 2 details that you must follow..

1.)  Show your original card and pick one or two things you like about the card and then

2.) Create a makeover based on that choice. 

For more detailed instructions, please click here.

Here is my makeover card where I chose to keep the lattice work and expound from the original card.

 Here is the original card I created

One thing I have enjoyed learning is that stamping does not always need to be symmetrical.  As you can see here, I've got like items in like places.  The lattice work here, I do like, but I've learned that just because I have lattice, it doesn't necessarily HAVE to be a garden theme.  Lattice can be used as a textural accent instead and lend to the depth of a card, no matter what the theme is.  In my makeover card, I've incorporated the framed lattice but as an accent piece of interest and not merely there to determine the theme.  I've definitely learned that I enjoy building onto something and layering and experimenting with various shapes and lines. 

I hope you enjoy this makeover and that it inspires you to join our challenge.  Of course, you won't want to miss the other incredible makeovers from the team either...you're going to be amazed!

Inside of the makeover card to finish the musical song from the front.

You all are really the best and I thank you so much for your time and awesome comments!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Winged Beauty...

Blue, Black and White with Wings is the Tuesday challenge over at Outlawz and I had, had, HAD to color up this amazing image from Delicious Doodles called Fern The Forest Fairy.  A very simple card keeping with the challenge. No sentiment, no foo-foo's just her.  Hope you like it!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Ice Cream & Apologies...

Hello there!

Thank you so much for your visit. I know lately I've been posting a bunch of cards, but I can't seem to stop falling in love with so many great challenges out there in blogland.  Here are a couple cards I've designed for the challenges happening at Outlawz.

Sunday's challenge is always CAS and the theme for this one is to use something featuring sweets!

I have used the precious image and sentiment from Pollycraft called S&S Bench along with the I heart You sentiment.

I (heart) You

 This CAS card has rounded corners, a heart embossed strip, a soft yellow die cut circle and a double mounted copic colored image.

The Monday challenge at Outlawz is always Greeting Cards and this theme is centered around the Dog Days of Summer AND the fact that it's also National Get Out of The Doghouse Day!

I would like to give a very special thank you to the Artist of this image, Alessandro Piedimonte, for allowing me special written consent to use his artwork for display on my cards.  I came across his blog a few weeks back and was so impressed with his talents that I had to chance asking for permission. I was shocked and thrilled when he wrote back!  I would love if you visited his blog to see the amazing talent Alessandro possesses.  You'll also want to check out his short film....AMAZING!!

I'm Sorry!

Image drawn by Artist Alessandro Piedimonte

For this card I've used Bg digital paper from Bearly Mine mounted onto Kraft Cardstock.  The Pp is from scraps and the long strip is actually sandpaper.  I figured if it was a card meant for a man to apologize that act alone had to be rough, so why not use 'rough' sandpaper as a neat textural element.  The image was then mounted on foam squares and a PC typed sentiment attached to his paws. 

The trio of stars was another textural element required to meet the sketch challenge #20 at Retro Sketches.

Okay, that's all for me today. I hope you've enjoyed your visit and found some creative inspirational ideas. 

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx



Encouragement Cards...

Proud Parent Card

Get Well Card

So Happy For You Card

Thinking of You Card

All of these glorious little images are from the new sets of

A Child Garden of Verses 

Set IV

Set V 

I hope you enjoyed seeing these precious children in motion and all colored up in copics.  If you're interested in having them for yourself, they can all be found here at

Nicecrane Designs

Thank you so much for stopping by...

Hugs to you,

Lisa xx

Friendship Served Daily

It's all about the circles today at Top Tip Tuesday and for this challenge I've created a card using my scrap mound of assorted colors and some fun new letter baubles.

Background Dp was designed by layering a border punch with scalloped circle halves. The circle sentiment image was double layered with foam squares, flower assortments glued on, a handmade 'served' lable and some twine with the Tim Holtz letter charms to complete the sentiment. The inside used up some more scraps with a white circle space for writing.

Our newest sponsor for this challenge has some wonderful digital paper that I couldn't wait to use. Here is the card I made using Tickled Pink Paper from Redonkulous Designs.

Love those BIG circles and paired it up with little rounded owls and googly eyes to maintain the circle theme.

There you have it...2 cards that I hope inspire you to join our wonderful challenge at

Top Tip Tuesday. 

Thank you so much for stopping in!

Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

 Challenges For This Card

Supplies Used:

From My Heart Clear Stamp; Friendship- (Stampin' Up!),

Lace Border Punch andScallop Circle Punch (Stampin' Up!)

Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Circles Large Die

Prima Roses

Twine

Tim Holtz Ideology Letter Charms

Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink

 Top Tip Tuesday

Current Challenge: All About Circles

Sponsors:

Redonkulous Designs

Prize:  16000 Redonkulous rewards points

to spend on any mix of Digital Stamps, Papers and clip art!

 Ooh La La Creations

Prize: A choice of 1 CD!

 Fred She Said

Prize: $20 Voucher!

Doin' The Happy Dance...

She's sassy, she's feisty and she's doing the happy dance!

Welcome back to my blog and I hope you enjoy looking at

 The Old Gray Mare from the artist Lynne Stansbery

 at Squigglefly.  Isn't she a hoot?! 

If you haven't checked out the challenges at Squigglefly yet, you're going to love this one.  This weeks challenge is to use a....

RECIPE

Here's the skinny...you have to use all three of these items on your card

1) Ribbon or Lace  2) Brad or Eyelet  3) Die Cut - see specifics here.

There are 2 other sentiments that come with this image, but I really needed a congratulations card and so I've used the wonderful sentiment from Create With TLC and one personally generated sentiment on the PC. 

Thank you so much for your visit and all your very kind comments.

Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Squigglefly Shop

Squigglefy Challenge Blog



YEE HAW!

Howdy ya'll...

I've been struck with Midwestern inspiration today.

Meet the cutest little gal here called A Girl and Her Overalls!

Ain't she adorable??

Her's all pertified up with copics and a few embellishments.

A hand stamped sentiment using miniature alphabet stamps.

Before ya'll scoot, I'd like ya ta take a gander at this har down right perty

PICK(s) OF THE WEEK!! (I couldn't pick just one!)

Well, I tried, I really did, but narrowing down the choices this week was just too difficult a task for me.  I have three (blushes).  Each so uniquely different and really gave me some great ideas.

#43 Jan Hunnicutt

How wonderful is this for an Anniversary card? It really struck me as such a unique and perfect depiction of a happy couple.  Great card Jan!

#63 Einat

By simply adding a little extension to the regular tag, she's created an even more elegant piece of work. I really liked the innovative thinking on this. Beautiful tag!

#73 Heather A Hudson

Wow! I got lost trying to decipher the intricate and detailed layers of this card. I really love the amazing work on the framing and yet it lends itself perfectly to support this fabulous image.  A beautiful piece of artwork Heather!

If the post wouldn't go on forever, I would have loved to post everyone's work. Thank you so much to everyone who shared the most amazing creative projects with us this week!

I reckon you best be on your way then and headn' over yonder to the best linky party there is in these har parts....

Make It Monday!

And you can get the cutest lil' gal in overalls here at

Meljen Designs

Prize:  4 Single Digis

Thank you for your visit and leavin' some luv on my blog :)
Hugs n' Happy Stamping...
Lisa xx