Friday, March 30, 2012

Blog Candy Winner & Music Saves My Soul

 

 

 

First, the winner of my March Follower Blog Candy of 2 My Mind’s Eye paper pads is……..

 

 

61. Heather

 

 

Congratulations Heather!  Please email me at shestamps11-blogs(at)yahoo(dot)com with your snail mail addy.

 

Since it is Saturday, I also have a song to share for Music Saves My Soul.  (Thank you to my brother for pointing me towards this song earlier this week.)   This song is off the brand new Joan Osborne album, Bring It On Home.

If you would like to play along, link up your blog post with your musical pick at Marcea’s blog.

 

Hello Friend Cardinal

So, once again this year I am having a problem with an amorous bird.  Some of you may remember the difficulties I had 2 years ago with a robin.  This year we have a cardinal that is continually hurtling himself at our windows.     At the beginning of the month, I had at least 5 male cardinals and almost as many females that were frequent visitors to my bird feeders.    Well this cardinal, let’s just call him my nemesis, has run off all the other males and now occupies his day by trying to chase off his reflection.     I work from home so I can hear him banging against the various windows around the house ALL DAY.   

Even though I am having these issues with my nemesis, I couldn’t resist using one of the new March releases from Tiffany  Doodles to make a card.  I really enjoyed coloring this gorgeous image.  (Yes, my coloring mojo made a brief appearance!)

 

2012-03-30 TD Cardinal WM

This card actually uses the 2nd image that I colored.  On the first, I was pretty much finished but was going to add a bit more shading.   I grabbed my Copic W3 (or so I thought) to give him a bit more shading on his wing.  The problem was that I actually grabbed a W9.  Yikes!   It was totally beyond repair.  I hate when that happens!

The clouds behind the cardinal were created using the tutorial mentioned in this post.

Here is a look at the complete set.  Don’t forget, all March releases, including this set, are on sale for 10% off through March 31.  Stop by the Tiffany Doodles blog to see other gorgeous creations using these images.

 

 

Here is a photo of my nemesis.    The first picture is of him planning his attack.  The second is how I see him most often lately.

 

DSC_0255Use DSC_0285USE

Happy Friday!  Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps:  Cardinal Pair (digital stamp) by Tiffany Doodles, Mega Mixed Messages from Papertrey Ink
  • Inks:  Stampin’ Up Ruby Red
  • Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS,  Bazzill Basics CS, October Afternoon Sidewalks paper pad, sheet music
  • Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Die-Namics Scallop die, Papertrey Tiny Tags die, Bow Easy, Copic markers
  • Embellishments:  Cream Hug Snug seam binding, misc. button & baker’s twine

 

Challenges:

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Birthday Pansies

The Meljen’s Designs challenge for this week is a super easy one.  This week we want you to wow us with ANYTHING GOES!   Knock off our socks with any project using a Meljen’s Designsimage.

For my project, I decided to go with paper piecing again.  It must be the spring fever that I am suffering from that has made me not want to color.   But that is okay because Meljen’s has so many images that work perfectly with paper piecing.   (Melissa also has a large variety of precolored digis if you don’t feel like paper piecing either.) 

20125-03-29 MJD pansies WM

When you stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to link up your ANYTHING GOES creation, be sure to check out the posts from the Design Team.    We all are taking turns posting tutorials, tips, or little snippets about our favorite Meljen’s Designs images.    If you haven’t dropped by, you are missing out on all kinds of beautiful projects and inspiring tutorials.

Do you remember what exciting event occurred at the beginning of April 2 years ago?  What?  You don’t?  Well, the very first Meljen’s Designs Design Team was kicked off with a blog hop. (I was part of that team!)    In order to celebrate, we are going to have an Anniversary Blog Hop starting on April 2nd.   And what is a blog hop with out prizes?  Mark your calendars!  You won’t want to miss it.

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great day!

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy of 2 MME paper pads.  The drawing is closing soon.  Click on the picture for details.

Supplies:

  • Stamps:  Pansies (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs, Communique Curves Sentiments Stamp Set from Papertrey Ink
  • Inks:  Close To My Heart Garden Green & Petal
  • Papers:  Papertrey Kraft &  Plum Pudding CS, Georgia Pacific white CS, My Mind’s Eye Six by Six A Beautiful Life DP pad
  • Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Bow Easy
  • Embellishments:  Close To My Heart ribbon, misc. lace, Kaiser Craft pearls

Challenges:

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Springtime Chickie

For my Whimsy & Stars Studio DT post this week, I played around with the adorable Springtime Toadstool image again.   I love this little chick.   This time I added a little Fun Flock to make him fuzzy.

 

2011-03-29 WSS Chick  2nd editWM

 

To create the clouds in the background, I tried something new.  I used the cloud template created by Bev Rochester and this tutorial from Jan Hunnicutt.  Check out the blogs of both of these talented ladies.  I like the way these clouds look and it was much easier than some of the other techniques I have tried.  

Be sure to stop by the Whimsy & Stars Studio store to check out all of the adorable spring and Easter images.  

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Supplies:

  • Stamps:  Springtime Toadstool (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studio
  • Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Bazzill Basics CS, BasicGrey Piccadilly DP pad
  • Tools:  Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Stampin’ Up edge punch, Copic markers
  • Embellishments:  Ranger Fun Flock, Close to my Heart Stardust Glitz, Sakura white gelly roll pen, misc. buttons, Twinery Honeydew baker’s twine

Challenges:

Saturday, March 24, 2012

My Fencer

Can you believe this is my 5th post this week?  Wow – what got into me?  I think I had to make up for not having any crafty mojo a couple of weeks ago. 
I am still trying to work on at least 1 scrapbook page per week.    I decided to use this picture, which I totally love, of my daughter.   She is proudly showing off  the silver medal she won at her first fencing tournament.
I played around with the photo in Photoshop a little bit.  (You can see the original photo in my right side bar.)  I used some tutorials that I found in Pinterest and like the way it turned out. 

2012-03-24 Fencer scrapbook page WM

I’m still trying to get back on the swing of scrapbooking and need some inspiration to get me going.   I was inspired by this layout I saw on Pinterest. 



Since it is Saturday, I also have  a song to share for Music Saves My Soul.  If you would like to play along, you can link up your favorite song, or a song you would like to share, on Marcea’s blog.

I was listening to Buddy Guy this morning on my iPod and decided I wanted to share this song.   Then I found this video with Buddy and John Mayer.  It brought back some fun memories at Summerfest.   (If you don’t know what Summerfest is, check out the link.  Let me know if you are coming!)  Anyhow, it was raining out and my friend and I found Buddy Guy playing on the blues stage.  While we are watching him, some guy walks on stage and starts playing.  It was John Mayer.  He was playing in a different area of the festival, finished up his gig and came over to play with Buddy.    It already was an awesome performance but that was just the icing on the cake.




Have you heard of Pinerly yet?!   This is an exciting new way to manage your Pinterest boards!
It is not yet open to the public.  You have to request an invitation like you did for Pinterest. 
Click HERE to sign up and request an invitation!


Thank you for stopping by!  Have a great weekend!
Supplies:
  • Papers:  My Mind’s Eye Stella & Rose Hazel paper pad, Papertrey kraft CS
  • Tools:  Sewing machine, Stampin’ Up corner punch, Sweet N Sassy heart die, Papertrey Block Alpha Upper Die & Tiny Tags Die
  • Embellishments: Misc. buttons, dew drops, flowers, cotton twine, epoxy flowers, Papertrey silk ribbon (colored with copic marker)
  • Fonts:  Jenna Sue from Dafonts.com
  • Technique:  Custom made rub ons  - You can see my tutorial on this technique HERE
Challenges:

Friday, March 23, 2012

Take a picture, it lasts longer

Remember saying that when you were kid? We thought we were so clever! That quip popped into my head when I saw the new Camera Set digis from Tiffany Doodles. I love this set- it is so fun and trendy! So when Tiffany asked if I would like to be a guest designer, I jumped at the chance to play around with these images.

2012-03 Tiffany doodles camera WM

I just had to pick this image to work with first. I recently purchased a new camera and am trying to take more and better photos of my family. I couldn’t resist working with an image that looks so similar to my new toy.

Here is a look at the complete set. Aren’t they fun? All March releases, including this set, are on sale for 10% off through March 31.

The sentiment on this card was added using a custom made rub-on. The tutorial I created demonstrating this technique can be found here.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy of 2 MME paper pads. Click on the picture for details.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Camera Set (digital stamp) from Tiffany’s Doodles
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Papertrey white CS, Paper Studio black CS, Authentique Blissful DP pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Die-Namics Scallop edge die, Memory Box Whimsy Circle die
  • Embellishments: Misc. ruffled ribbon and rick rack, Annabelle Blackcurrent 4mm metallics
  • Techniques: Paper piecing & making my own rub on

Challenges:

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Something Different

When I sat down to create my Meljen’s Designs DT card this week, I decided I was going to try to something different. I was inspired by the Paper Scraps Challenge at Moxie Fab World. So I got together my paper scraps and, check it out, I even have white space! I tried to go without the stitching but I just couldn’t do it. Maybe next time.


2012-03-22 MJD Hello bunny WM

If you missed out on this sweet, little bunny when he was free, you can get him at the bargain price of $1 in the Meljen’s Designs store.

Before I forget, the Meljen’s Designs challenge for this week is “No color (except the image)”. Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see the DT’s projects and to link up your entry.

If you missed my tutorial for creating your own rub-ons yesterday, you might want to check it out. (HERE) I think the technique is really cool and I know I am going to be using it a log.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Hello Bunny String (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
  • Papers: Papertrey white CS, My Mind’s Eye Stella & Rose Gertie paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing Machine, Big Shot, Papertrey Banner Basics die, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Martha Stewart twill ribbon

Challenges:

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy of 2 MME paper pads. Click on the picture for details.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Tutorial: Create your own rub ons

A while ago I saw a tutorial on Pinterest about creating your own rub ons. In the tutorial, the person created an entire sheet of the same rub on. While I thought it was cool, I couldn’t think of when I would use the technique.

This past weekend, when I was working on a card and trying to get a sentiment I typed up on my printer centered on a little die cut tag, the light bulb went off. How much easier could it get other than creating a rub on, centering on the tag, and rubbing away? So now that I have connected the dots on how useful this can be to an average paper crafter (like me) I thought I would share to see if I could make some one else’s paper crafting life a little easier.

I put together this photo tutorial to show you how easy it is. All you need is a printer, a blank transparency sheet, and a popsicle stick.

First, create your sentiment in Microsoft Word. This would work for a sentiment you type yourself or a digi stamp sentiment. (Think of the fun sentiments you can make with all the free fonts available for download!) For my example, I am using the sentiment I created and used for this card. (I apologize if the screen shots look a little blurry. They look sharp in my photo editing program but they seem to be a bit blurry here.)

Fullscreen capture 3182012 10323 PM.bmp

The trick comes when you print it. Click “Print”. You will see a screen like the one below, then click “Properties”.

Fullscreen capture 3182012 10348 PM

From here, you will want to look for the option that says “Mirror Image” and click the drop down box to “On”.

Fullscreen capture 3182012 10406 PM

Load your transparency into your printer and then click “OK” to print your rub on.

Be careful removing from the printer. The ink may still be wet and you don’t want to smear it.

Unless you are going to print some more rub ons, you will want to go back into your print properties and toggle the “Mirror Image” back to “OFF” or anything else you print will be reversed too.

At this point, when you are ready, you can use your custom made rub on just like any other rub on.

Place your rub on with the ink side down where you want to apply it. (You should be able to read the text at this point.) Holding it carefully so that it does not slide, use a popsicle stick to thoroughly rub over the ink to apply it to your paper.

rubon2

(Do you know how hard it is to apply a rub on and take a picture at the same time?) Below is the finished product.

rubon3

Now you are ready to finish your craft project. Isn’t this great? It is perfect for getting custom sentiments on tags or other die cuts. I used this technique several times over the weekend using the same transparency. I cleaned it in between uses with stamp cleaner and a paper towel. I don’t know home any times I can print over the same area, but there is a lot of room to print sentiments on a single transparency. It seems to be pretty cost effective.

You can see the finished product (on another tag) on this card.

2012-03-20 WSS Chick card WM

I hope you will find this tutorial useful. If you do, I would love to see the projects you make using this technique. Leave a link in the comments and I will drop by.

Edit: I have received some questions in email and comments. I will try to answer them here to clarify the tutorial.

You can purchase transparencies at any place that carries office supplies. I Googled it and found out that the correct name is “Transparency Film”. Here is a link to a sample. I have found a variety of prices.

You probably can use acetate. Acetate is a bit thicker and probably would work. I’m not sure and I don’t have any to experiment with. If any one tries this, let me know the results.

While the ink is wet, it will smear quite easily. I have not tried to print a sheet and storing them. I have used them right away. I would think that you would store them as long as you were careful and they didn’t rub on anything or get scratch.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy of 2 MME paper pads. Click on the picture for details.

Have a great day!

Shared on Whatever You Want Wednesday at Free Pretty Things For You! , Top Tip Tuesday, & Tater Tots & Jello Week end Wrap Up Party


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

For my Peeps

Well, I just sat down to type up my blog post and I really can’t come up with anything to say.  I called my daughter over for some blogging help and she told me “Just say something about peeps and chicks.”  Great.  That was really inspiring.  I guess I’m on my own.

Even though I am at a lost for words, I want to make sure I give credit to Mabelle for yet another adorable image.   Cute, cute, cute!  I just want to give him a squeeze.

 

2012-03-20 WSS Chick card WM

Here is a look at the complete image.  I have the entire image all colored up and ready to go.  I hope I get a chance to make a card with him sometime this week. 

chick image

 

So, did you see Donald Driver on “Dancing with the Stars”?   Do you think he is going to have another trophy for his shelf?  I think he did pretty good for the first night.  (Now you know why I can’t think of anything to say.  It’s because I’m watching “Dancing with the Stars”.  No wonder I don’t watch much TV, I can’t multi-task so I wouldn’t be able to get any crafting or blogging done.)

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy of 2 MME paper pads. Click on the picture for details.

Thank you for stopping by! 

 

Supplies:

  • Stamps:  Springtime Toadstool (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio
  • Inks: None
    Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Bazzil Basics CS, Papertrey kraft CS, BasicGrey Piccadilly PD pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Copic markers, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities
  • Embellishments:  Mango Orange Hug Snug seam binding, Cantaloupe Twinery Baker’s Twine, misc. button, doily, dew drops
  • Font: Jenna Sue from Dafont.com
  • Technique:  Create your own rub on

Challenge:

Saturday, March 17, 2012

My Beautiful Girl

I was able to complete a 2nd scrapbook page this week. I haven’t been doing things in chronological order but have been bouncing around to see what inspired me. This week I scrapped a photo of my daughter after she got her ears pierced. We then went to her favorite restaurant for Mexican food and she proudly showed off her new ear rings to every one. Since it was her birthday, she was given the sombrero while the wait staff sang her a birthday song. As you can see, she loved the attention.

2012-03-17 ear piercing page WM

Today, for Music Saves My Soul, I have a song to share from Sinead O’Connor & the Chieftains. In the spirit of St. Patty’s day, I went with a Irish song, although I decided to pick a more traditional song instead of a drinking song. You can play along by linking up your musical pick for the week on Marcea’s blog.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you! Sláinte! If you celebrate the day, I wish you your fill of corned beef, potatoes, and a pint (0r 2) of Guinness. Thank you for stopping by!

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy of 2 MME paper pads. Click on the picture for details.

Supplies:

  • Stamps: None
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Echo Park Country Drive paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Martha Stewart edge punch, Big Shot Papertrey Journal tags die, Sweet n Sassy heart die
  • Embellishments: Misc. button and white cotton crochet thread
  • Fonts: Throw My Hands Up In The Air

Challenges:

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Embrace Happiness

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I just don’t feel like coloring lately. (Don’t tell my DH…. I might get the raised eyebrow at my collection of Copics.) So when trying to avoid coloring and still make a card using a Meljen’s Designs image, I was inspired by the spring weather we have been having to make a spring-y flower card. I love this yellow polka dot paper. Doesn’t it just scream sunshine and happiness?

2012-03-15 MJD lace flower card WM

If you would like to see a tutorial on how to paper piece using digital images, there is a good one on the Meljen’s Designs blog HERE. After cutting out the pieces, I like to place them face down on my squishy mat (you can see in my tutorial on faux brads HERE) and use my embossing tool to rub on the back side of the image to give it some dimension and shape.

The Meljen’s Designs challenge for the week is to use LACE. Link up your creations using a Meljen’s Designs image (digital or rubber) on the Meljen’s Designs blog for your chance to win some digis. See the blog for the challenge rules.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy of 2 MME paper pads. Click on the picture for details.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Little Layered Flowers Button Daisy & Little Layered Flowers Stitched Leaf (digital stamps) by Meljen’s Designs , Mega Mixed Message from PaperTrey
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Olive
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Bazzill Basics CS, My Mind’s Eye Stella & Rose Gertie paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Cricut, Accent Essentials cartridge, Big Shot, Clear Dollar Stamps Tabs & Tags designer dies, Copic Markers (used for shading & to color the thread), embossing stylus
  • Embellishments: Lace, bakers twine, button, DMC floss, dew drops
  • Techniques: Paper piecing

Challenges:

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Going for a Joy Ride

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My mojo was out for a joy ride this week end. If you see it, tell it to head on home. Time spent in my craft room is no fun with out it.

Even though my mojo was out enjoying the beautiful spring weather we had this weekend, I was able to get one card made. (And it took ALL weekend!) I used one of the new spring/Easter images from Whimsy & Stars. Isn’t this little duckie adorable? I love her convertible!

2011-03-11 Wss Duck Joyride WM

Here is a look at Ms. Ducky before I started messing around with her.

Don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy. Click HERE for more info.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great week!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Joyride Ducky (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studio
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Papertrey white & Melon Berry CS, Echo Park Victoria Garden paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey Filigree border die, Copic markers, Martha Stewart 1” circle punch
  • Embellishments: BasicGrey gemstones, misc. ribbon (colored with copic ink refills),Stampin’ Up Old Olive ribbon

Challenges:

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Beware….

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I recently decided to take a step back to my paper crafting roots and start scrapbooking again.  I have been wanting to do it for a while, but I have to admit that I found doing a 12 x 12 layout intimidating.    So I decided to get back to it and do what I am more comfortable with.    So here is my first page, a 6x6 page from last Halloween.    I messed around with some photo effects and kind of like how this turned out.

 

2012-03 Halloween page WM

 

 

 

 

With St. Patrick’s day now less than a week away, I thought I would share a tune that is in my St. Patty’s playlist.    (This song sums up last week to a tee for me.  Thank goodness for the week end!)   If you would like to share a song in the musical blog hop, stop by Marcea’s blog to link up.

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy.  Click HERE for more info.

 

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • All papers, die cuts and stickers are from the Teresa Collins Haunted Hallows collection
  • Embellishments:  Timeless Twine bakers twine, Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type numbers stickers, Paper Studio gemstones

Challenges:

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Kiss me!

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It’s March and St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner.  If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably noticed that I LOVE Irish music and culture so I really enjoy this time of year.   I  instantly fell in love with this sweet little duck, Lucky Duck, as soon as I saw him.   He shows that on St. Patrick’s Day, we all can be a little Irish. 

2012-03-07 MJD duck1 WM

 

Just in case you haven’t seen the new releases for March on the Meljen’s Designs blog, I’ll share a peek with you.   Melissa released 7 new digital stamps and 6 pre-colored digis.   (If you haven’t used pre-colored digis, you might want to check out the awesome blog post by fellow DT member Nicole HERE.)

 

 

 

There are other new events over at the Meljen’s Designs blog beginning this month.  Now the DT is going to take turns posting on the blog.  You can expect to see posts about their favorite Meljen’s images, their creative process, photos of their crafting spaces and even tutorials.   (Did you see my tutorial on faux brads yesterday?)

 

Oh, before I go, the new challenge this week is a sketch challenge.   Check out the sketch and the DT’s creations on the Meljen’s Designs blog.  Don’t forget to link up your creation using the sketch for your chance to win some Meljen’s Designs digis.  

 

Don’t forget to check out my March Followers Blog Candy.  Click HERE for more info.

 

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

Supplies:

  • Stamps:  Lucky Duck (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
  • Inks:  None
  • Papers:  Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey Kraft & Spring Rain CS, Georgia Pacific white CS, Digital papers -  12 Months:  March by Penny Springman from the Sweet Shoppe
  • Tools:  Sewing Machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey Tiny Tags die, Dienamics Flourish die
  • Embellishments:  Hug Snug seam binding, Twinery Shore bakers twine, misc. ribbon & button, Ranger Liquid Pearls
  • Misc:  Irish Unci Alphabet Font from Font Space

 

Challenges: