Happy New Year!

I can't believe it has been 2 months since my last post.  The Imagine That design team was on hiatus and I am now, just getting back in to the swing.  

My first card is one that I did for the IT design team.  I just love the way that Kris draws her cute animals.  This is no exception.  I decided to keep this card CAS (clean and simple).  I used colored pencils to color the image and added some home-made "enamel dots" that are actually perler beads that I melted down so they would look like the enamel dots which are very expensive to buy!  I used the png image so I was able to put the happy birthday on the balloon.  

This set can be purchased in the Imagine That Digi Stamp store, here.

I am adding some other cards that I have done on, lately. Some of them are Christmas cards...

                         

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my work.  Thank you for looking. 

I would love to get your comments!

Till next time...

Christmas in July

Hi all.  Today I am posting the July SOTM Challenge DT card.  The name of the set is called Treat Stand which happens to be on sale right now!  After printing the image, I cut it out and colored it with alcohol markers and glitter gel pens and popped it on a die cut.  The background was done with a plastic wire distress tool.  I used a glitter designer paper for the background, an embossed card stock, a ribbon and glued on a red base to complete the card. 

Don't forget to go to Imagine That Digi Stamps and play along with our challenge.  Remember, this is a progressive challenge.  If you played last month, your digi image will be free.  If you didn't play, you can purchase the entire set on sale in the store.

Stay tuned next month because we will have a little surprise for you!

I am going to show some other cards that I have been making lately.

This was made for a friend who happened to be born of the 4th of July.  I gave a technique class 

at my club on how to make a ribbon wreath.  We made a bunch of different ones for Christmas, Chanukah, winter and so on.  They all seemed to really enjoy my idea.

 Another watercolor card.

 The bokeh background on the top of this card is actually a removable bookmark.

 I made this card for my husband's birthday.  He loves elephants.

 This was from a card sketch on Splitcoast Stampers

Experimenting with stencils and Gelatos.
This card has been entered in the following challenge:
613 Avenue Create - Anything Goes With Optional Twist

I hope you enjoyed seeing my cards.

Till next time...

Pretty Tulips & Happy Father's Day (Two for One)

Hi all.  Today, I am posting my latest cards for the Imagine That Digi Stamps design team.  Keeping with the Summer theme, I decided that the Watering Can Tulips would be just the thing.  I painted the image with Inktense and Prismacolor watercolor pencils and some Gelatos on watercolor paper.  Most everything else was card stock that was embossed or punched.  

My next card is for Father's day.  Although I don't have anyone to send this card to, I decided to make it for another occasion.  For some reason, I couldn't get the colors to be accurate.  You will see a bit of a color difference between the outside and the inside of the card.  Actually, the true color is more of a pumpkin shade and it really looks better in person.  This image is called  Humphrey's Row Boat. I have done a bunch of Humphrey over the last couple of years so I really wanted to do this one in watercolor.  

Outside of card                                                                                   

 Inside of card

Have a great weekend!

Till next time...

D.O.T.M. and a couple of other cards

Hi all.  Today I am showcasing Imagine That Digi Stamps DOTM challenge card.  This set is one of two that are in the store.  The set that I used is called Teacup Pansies.  The other set is called Watering Can Tulips. They are both great for Mother's Day cards.  The can also be used for many other occasions, too.  If you played along with us last month, you may pick which set you would like to receive for free.  They can be found here in the shop.  For my card, I decided to play with my watercolor paints.  I did a wash background and painted the pansies and the teacup.  I added dots on the cup and saucer to give it a bit more interest.  I matted it on DP and added the butterfly ribbon, attached to white CS.  This has to be one of my favorite images and it was so much fun to paint!

I have recently started quilling and this is my very first project.  I just put an order in with an online quilling store and I plan to start doing more sophisticated work, soon.

The next card is a mixed media card that I made for a friend's birthday.  She loves butterflies and is very earth conscious.  The embossed design was done with a paper napkin on white CS.  I stamped and die cut the butterfly and added ribbon and a charm that can be removed and worn.  My friend told me that she might just leave the charm on the card and save it that way.   

Remember, if you played in the challenge last month, you can get your choice of either of the 2 digi sets for free.  You will continue to get a new set for free, every month, as long as you keep playing!  If you didn't play last month, no problem, you can purchase one of the sets and start playing.  They are both on sale in the shop.  I also wanted to mention that Kris has changed the web site and it is really beautiful and easy to get around.  

Until next time...

New Month, New Cards...

Hi all.  Well, March did come in like a lion, so I am told.  However, here in FL, I think we hit some record highs!  We had our coldest weather at the end of February but when March came, it suddenly turned into Spring.  I know you folks up north will be blessed with better weather, soon.  Meanwhile, I have been working on some card that I would like to share.  The first one is the D.O.T.M. (design of the month) which means a new challenge at Imagine That Digi Stamps.  I am very excited to show you this card.  Kris did an amazing job, designing these digi stamps.  Remember, if you played in the challenge last month, you can have the free digi to use in the challenge, this month.

I used a combination of glitter gel pens, alcohol markers, sponged ink and some die cuts.  The background is designer paper from the set.  It is called Pretty Peacocks and I definitely think they are!

Check out all of the other great digi stamps while you are there.  By the way, there is also another challenge that they have every month where you use any Imagine That Digi stamp.

The next card that I am showing is a card that I made from an adorable clear set that came with the January issue of Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine.

I stamped the image on watercolor paper and used my new Prismacolor watercolor pencils.  It was my first try and I am rather pleased with the outcome.  I just love the die cut grass that I used on both of these cards.  The die cut is from My Favorite Things.

I hope you enjoy seeing my cards.  Please let me know that you visited by leaving a comment in the comment section, below.  It really means a lot to me!

Till next time...

February Digi of the Month

Hi all.  I am a bit behind on getting my Digi of the Month (D.O.T.M.) DT inspiration card done.  I have finished it and would like everyone to get a chance to play in this month's challenge.  If you played last month, you should already have the new stamp set called Mailbox Kitties.  If not, you can purchase it from the store.  The price has been reduced from $3.00 to $1.95.  In fact, all of the older stamps have been reduced!  There is even a new category of $1 digis.  Now is the time to go to the store and pick up the ones that you don't already own.  My DT card for this month was done a little differently from what I usually do.  After I colored the image with alcohol markers, I fussy cut it and made several layers to place the image onto.  I used a lace heart doily, a couple of layers of cardstock, one of which I dry embossed with my heart embossing folder.  I used my new ribbon from the Dollar Tree and added a couple of threaded buttons.  

Don't forget to play along with our Feb. Digi of the Month challenge.  Please be sure to check out the other designers' projects while you are at the site.  

Till next time...

Progressive Challenge

Hi all!  It's time for a new monthly progressive challenge at Imagine That Digis Progressive Challenge.  Remember that if you played along last month, you get the image for FREE!  My card for the design team was printed and colored with Copic markers.  I had to fussy cut around the image so I could pop dot it on to my die cut background.  I made 2 different sized layers, one in white and a smaller one in red.  I embossed with my Cuttlebug folder, Swiss Dots.  I then brayered black over the top to make it look like ladybug dots.  I made a matching double bow for the top and around the bigger layer of card stock. I love how I just happened to have this great ribbon in my stash!

Don't forget to go to Imagine That Digis by Kris and pick up this adorable image.  If you didn't get to play last month, you can get the file on sale for only $2.00.  Then, next month you can get the freebie!

Till next time...

Stamp of the Month Progressive Challenge

Hi all.  I can't believe it is already March 1st.  Where has February gone?  I have started to get busy with my card making.  Today, I am doing the card for the Imagine That Progressive Challenge.  The name of the digi stamp of the month is called Kitty in Flowers.  I decided to do something different, so I used colored pencils and gamsol to color the image.  I used die cuts and designer paper to add more color to the card.  I am pleased with the way it turned out.  

This file can be yours for free if you participated in last month's challenge.  If you didn't, you can purchase this image at a discount for the entire month and get the free one next month.  It is called a progressive challenge because each month, if you participate in the challenge, you will get the next month's image for free.  This will continue as long as you participate in the challenge!  It is lots of fun and of course our Design Team will always be there to help out with our samples to inspire you.  Be sure to link your image at the challenge site by March 31!

Looking forward to seeing your entry in the challenge this month!

Please leave me a comment and let me know if you are playing

Till next time...

February Flowers

Hi all.  It has been over 2 weeks since I have posted here.  I was in NYC for my Carnegie Hall concert.  We were up there for 5 days and of course I came back sick.  I have been staying in bed as much as I can, trying to nurse myself back to health!  The concert went very well and it was quite thrilling to be on that big stage with a full orchestra and almost 300 people singing!  It is an experience that I will always remember!  Anyway, back to my card.  This is for the Imagine That Design Team.  I didn't realize that the images were 3 separate files so I put them together on one card.  I really love how it turned out with the 3 images together.  When I showed it to my husband, he loved it so much that he said he wanted to keep it himself.  He didn't want me to send it or sell it!  I sure hope everyone else likes it also.  The images were colored with Copic and Spectrum Noir markers.  I cut it out with a Nestabilities die and sponged it while it was still in the die.  I pop dotted the image on a piece of iridescent blue/green card stock that I dry embossed with a horizontal script folder.  Enjoy my "husband's" new card and don't forget to leave me a comment!
I love to hear from you.

Till next time...

Grateful!

Hi all.  For this week, our project for The Cutting Cafe design team was to use either the printable stamp set called "With Gratitude" or the "Grateful" word shaped card-cut file.  I chose the second one.  I have never made a word card before, so I thought it was time.  I used card stock and designer paper for the card.  I Printed the sentiment and added all of the elements.  Some of them are buttons, some are paper flowers and others are just things I found in my craft studio that I thought would compliment the card. On the inside top, I printed Happy Thanksgiving.

There are some wonderful holiday files on The Cutting Cafe's site.  Regina makes them user friendly.  Even if you don't have a cutting machine, she makes them easy to cut out by hand!  Don't forget to check out the other designer's cards while you are there.

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

Raisin Boat challenge

Through The Craft Room Door

Created with Love Challenges

Eureka Stamps Challenge

Have a happy Halloween!

Till next time...

Wishing You Well...

Today's card is one that I made for Imagine That Digis by Kris.  It is not for the challenge, it is just to showcase some of her designs by the design team.  I used the set called Well Wishes.  I printed the image, along with the sentiment and colored with Copic and Spectrum Noir Markers.  I used Nesties to cut out the image and also used the same size to give the image some kind of border.  This was done by cutting the black die-cut horizontally and gluing it on to the image, leaving just a small border.  I also did the same thing with the wood grained panel, only this time, I cut it vertically.  The grey base was embossed and I used some white ink to bring out the pattern.  I have always loved to color and that is just what I did with this card.  It is perfect for mailing because there are no thick layers.

By the way, there are still 11 days left for the Sweet Tea freebie challenge.  Pop on over and play along.  You will get the next digi stamp for free, just for entering!   

Don't forget to leave a comment for me, below.  I need a little lovin'!

Till next time...

Imagine that Design Team Card and 2 others.

Hi again.  I sure have been busy this week.  I've been sick and haven't left the house since last Friday so I have had time to work on some cards, between resting and naps.  The first card I want to show you is one that I made for Digi Darla's challenge.  The subject was Fins, Feathers or Fur.  No, I did not do a kitty!  I wanted to use a digi stamp from her site.  I looked through a bunch that I have on file, but I decided that the pair of parrots would be the most challenging one.  I Printed the stamp and colored with Copic markers, Spectrum Noir markers and Sharpie markers.  I also used some Perfect Pearls powders to give the birds some shimmer.  I don't think you can see that in the pic.  The rest of the card was die cut, and embossed.  The feather at the top was painted red with a Copic marker.

The second card that I did was made for my new neighbor and friend, who has been so kind to have driven me to the Dr. and all over and brought me food and gotten my mail.  She has a dog named Butters and I found an image that I printed and colored to look like Butters.  I even found this great designer paper that I thought was perfect for this small thank you note.  I even made the envelope with the same paper.  I added the punched butterfly and added some glitter pen to it.  I thought it looked like he was looking up at something, so I thought the butterfly was perfect!  She really loved it!

Now, for my Imagine That Dt card.  The digi image is called Fuschia and Hummingbird.  It is a lovely image and I added her sentiment about grace, that goes with the set.  You can see the whole set, here: 

PROMO+Fuschia+and+Hummingbird+outlines.jpg  

  

After printing the image and coloring it in, I die cut the image, along with some beautiful designer paper, to use as a frame.  I pop dotted it on to a bright fuchsia card stock and added Teariffic tape around the card and sprinkled some glitter that complimented the colors.  I love doing this technique!  The vine is die cut and glued over the image piece.  How is that for bright?  I also added Perfect Pearls to the bird and flowers, but again, it really is not visible in the pic.  

Well, that's all I have for today.  Please check out the other beautiful projects that the girls have been working so hard on, and give them a little love!  I could use some of that too, so please leave me a comment also.  We really want to hear from you.  It makes what we do a lot more fun if we know that people enjoy our work!

Till next time...

Vintage Shoe

Hi everyone.  Our project this week for The Cutting Cafe was to make either a vintage boot or high heel shaped card.  I chose the vintage boot because I already had ideas of what I wanted to do.  Luckily, I had everything I needed, at hand.  I cut the boot shape base and topper and the flap for buttons, on my Silhouette Portrait.   I used a piece of what is suppose to be a blue/green shiny paper for the flap and embossed it.  I cut the heel by hand.  I used some fancy trim for the top of the boot and 4 smooth buttons for the flap.  I added the flower by the heel and some rhinestones on the toe.  What a beautiful project this turned out to be.

I really love the way this turned out!

These files can be found at The Cutting Cafe under shaped cards.

Till next time...

Girls Just Wanta Have Fun!

This week's Design Team project was a print only file that comes in PDF or JPG format.
It is called All About Girls.  You can see all of the files here.  I used one of the sentiment digis and added some of the flower digis onto the layout and printed the whole thing together.  After I colored the sentiment and flowers, using Spectrum Noir markers, I used 3 different sizes of a Nestabilities label set.  I highlighted GIRLS with a Clear Star gel pen to give it some sparkle, and a clear Glaze pen, to give a little shine to the flowers.  I colored some small floral elements from my stash and added them to the layout.  I also put some sparkly sticker dots in the flower centers, that I painted black with a Copic marker.  The base yellow card panel was embossed with my Cuttlebug.  The green layer, above that was cut from the same size die as the pink daisy designer paper.  I cut it in half lengthwise and glued it to the pink layer.  As always, I had fun making this card.  Don't forget to check out what the other DT members have up their sleeve, on Wednesday.  There were so many choices of images to choose from.  I am sure you will find 

something that you just have to get!

Girls Just Wanta Have Fun! 

 All About Girls.

Please leave a comment at the bottom of this post.  I just love to hear from you and find 

out what you think of my card!

Till next time...

Another Design Team!

Hi everyone.  It has been a couple of weeks since I was able to post on my blog.  I have been out of town.  I am pleased to announce that I have been chosen to be on another design team.  The name of the company is Imagine That Digis by Kris.  I have been doing her progressive challenge since she started doing it a few months ago and now she wants me on her design team.  I am very honored.  I don't actually start until August 1st, but I decided to do this card with the image from the progressive challenge because it was soooo sweet.

I will be back tomorrow with a new project for The Cutting Cafe.

Until next time... 

Card Box Organizer

I am on vacation right now and have been trying to post my latest creation for The Cutting Cafe.  We were to make either a Card Box Organizer Set or The Dresser Box Template.  Due to my time constraints, I decided to go the easy way and make the card box.  I really like the way it turned out.  I used 2 pieces of 12x12 designer card stock for this project.  After putting it together, I added some ribbon, silk flowers and leaves and also a vine from a MFT die.  Easy peasy!

Box & Lid



Top of Box

I won't be able to have anything for next week, due to my being away, but I will return with my next project in 2 weeks.

Until next time...

The Cutting Cafe - Butterfly, Fluttering By

Can you believe it?  July is already here!  I am trying to get ahead of the DT game by making my projects in advance.  Then when I get really busy, I will already have the next project ready.  Sounds good, huh?  Problem with that...I already am busy!  I actually started on next week's project, but for now we will show this week's finished card.  This week's files from The Cutting Cafe is a butterfly theme.  We could do either a butterfly treat box or a butterfly folded card.  That is what I decided to do.  I cut out the pieces and used a plain card stock for the card base and a matching designer paper for the topper.  I added some glitzy stickers on the body and the antennae, put 2 black rhinestones on the head (for the eyes) and made white dots around the head and antennae and eyes.  I added 4 white flowers in the corners and put stickers in the center of them, also.  I used a Viva Decor pearl pen to put dots on the outline of the shape and used a glitter pen on the swirls on the designer paper.  To finish it off, I tied pieces of purple and black ribbon and glued them to the body. 

 butterfly shaped card

Close-up of card (you can see the details here)

Be sure to check out all of the other designers, here.  They have some wonderful projects to show you.    If you leave a message for each designer, you could win sets from the The Cutting Cafe shop.

Don't forget to leave your comments for the designers (including me)!

Have a great week!

Till next time...

Lily's Flowers

 I made this card for the Imagine That Progressive Challenge.  The title is called Lily's Flowers.  She is a cute young girl sprinkling her flowers with a watering can.  I really had fun with this card.  I colored the image with Copic and Spectrum Noir markers.  I just had to make her a red head!  I added the 3-D butterfly and the pink flower in the corner.  I used 2 different Nestabilities to cut out the image and make a frame.  I turned the frame at an angle and used a white gel pen to make the dots.  I used a background paper which happened to have hearts that matched all of the colors in the image.  I really like the way it turned out!  Hope you do also....

You can see that I added the same heart paper on the inside of the card. 

This is a close-up that shows the detail of the 3-D butterfly that I made by

punching 2 butterflies and glueing 1 flat and the other with a glue dot 

so it's wings open. I also added some detail with a glitter pen. 

Until next time...