A Crafty Gator...

Ah ha...I finally made something other than a card!  I've been collecting boxes, from Tetley Tea for quite some time, with great intentions of making them into something useful to store some of my crafting supplies.  Well, I finally did one, playing with some distress stains and getting really  messy.

This is my DT submission for the FB challenge for Dr Digi's House of Stamps.  This time around we are looking for Anything But A Card, and I've chosen to colour up Alistair theAlligator, which you can find here.

To complete the box, I first applied two coats of gesso, followed by an application of Wild Honey Distress stain.  This didn't quite cover all the print, so I then rubbed some Walnut Distress stain in a circular motion...and this was the result.  I was quite surprised.

I then stamped some grasses and some insects, all around, and used some washi tape for a bit of contrast.  Mr Gator, has been edged in black and adhered with foam tabs.  He seems quite pleased with the result....giving me a thumbs up.  lol

Here's hoping you can join in with the challenge this month, and looking forward to peeking at your creations.  Thanks for visiting.

Some challenges for my project:

Not Just Cards Challenge - #32 Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create - #176 Anything Goes

Sparkles Monthly Challenge - #80 Animal Magic

The Ribbon Girl - Any Image

Fab 'n' Funky - #305 No Designer Papers

Penny's Challenges - #278 Anything Goes Southern Girls Challenge - Anything Goes Creative Fingers - #109 Anything Goes

He's a Winner

Hmmm, I do believe that baseball season is starting up again now, and that should mean it's spring!  Somehow that's not happening around here right now thouch...instead, we seem to be getting a few flurries each day.

Here is my DT posting for Dr Digi's House of Stamps, for their ongoing FB challenge SPORT, which you can find here.  I've used the First Place Phil image, colouring him with markers and fussy cutting him out.  Found some DP that reminded me of chain link fence, and then some plaid papers...because guys like plaid, right?

A couple of die cut wordings, and then a sentiment from Stämpelkällan, and just a few brads for the finishing touch.

Thanks for stopping by....hope you have a great weekend.

Some challenges for my card:

Jade's Sparkling Butterflies - #16 Anything Goes

Crafting For All Seasons - #123 Use Die Cuts/Punches

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Anything Goes

Crafting from the Heart - #106 Anything Goes

Inspiration Destination - #80 Anything Goes

Aud Sentiments - #152 Birthday Sentiment or the Number 6

Creative Fingers - #106 Anything Goes

CAS & Gold Embossing

The weather is definitely a mixed bag today...sunshine and snow flurries.  It is supposed to be spring, however, winter is not yet letting go.  On that note...how about a CAS Christmas card.

Something different for a change.  Red and white, with gold heat embossing for the sentiment.  Two stamps have been used...a Stämpelkällan corner stamp and Classic Greeting sentiment from Stampendous.  The red die cut uses the Spellbinders Floral Ovals die, and because I really couldn't just leave it at that....there are 4 little gem stones for embellishment.

Here's hoping winter will soon be on it's way.  Looking forward to flowers and green grass again!  Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great weekend.

Some challenges for my card:

Jade's Sparkling Butterflies - #16 Anything Goes

One Crazy Stamper - Anything goes

Creative Corner - #319 Use Embossing Powder   Top Picks

Left of Center - #124 Embossing

Sparkles Christmas Challenge - #63 CAS Christmas

Winter Wonderland - Embossing Wet or Dry

Creative Card Crew - #109 CAS

Holly Jolly Christmas - #68 Use your stash Crafting For All Seasons - #123 Use Die Cuts/Punches

Morning after....

Good morning everyone, on this fine Easter weekend....at least we are hoping it will be fine, with some nice warm sunshine to melt away the accumulated ice from the last few days.  Mother Nature keeps teasing us with little tastes of spring, but then grumpy Old Man Winter has to spoil it!  It could almost drive you to drink....

....and then the perfect image....Hangover Hannah from Dr Dig's House of Stamps.  Love those slippers, they look so warm and toasty.  A nice simple card, as I was running late with my DT posting.  The image is coloured with copics and edged with DI, after using my Spellbinders die.  You will notice a bit of doodling and stamping with silver pen and ink, and a bit of coordinating paper candi,  Remember to check out the new FB challenge at Dr Digi, which you can find here.

Here's wishing you all a happy Easter, with good times with family and friends.

Some challenges for my card:
 

Jo's Scrap Shack - #131 Anything Goes
DL.Art -  #177 Anything Goes..... alternative thank you
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Anything Goes
Creative Fingers - #105 Anything Goes
Where the Heart is - #7 Easter/Anything Goes
Creative Card Crew - #109 CAS
Love to Scrap - #74 Anything Goes

Master chef....

Now, dragons may be creatures of fantasy....but we all know that BBQ is real!   So while we patiently await summer's pleasures, how about a card to light up someone's day.  This image is sure to do the trick, and can be found here....at Dr Digi's House of Stamps.  If only cooking could be that easy!

I've coloured with copics today, inking around the edges with DI after cutting out the image with the Spellbinders Marvelous Squares die.  A corner punch for a little added interest, and a couple of sentiments....makes for a fun card, sure to bring a smile.  Kind of makes me hungry too....

Thanks for stopping by.

Some challenges for my card:

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

Sparkles Montly Challenge - #77 Something for the Males

Love to Scrap - #72 Anything Goes Penny's Challenges - #266 Anything Goes Winter Wonderland - Must Use a Sentiment Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge - #119 ATG with a twist - Fantasy Crafting from the Heart - #100 Anything Goes Inspiration Destination - #74 Anything Goes Creative Fingers - #103 Anything Goes The Crafty Addicts - #9 Anything Goes/Spots or Stripes

Big Hugs

While not everyone may have a special someone who would qualify as a Valentine, we all know someone who would appreciate a fun card with a big hug.  This is my DT card for Dr Digi's House of Stamps, and I've made good use of this sweet image....Quackers.  Such fun to colour and sure to bring a smile.

After colouring with markers, I've used my Spellbinders die and the 'out of the box' technique to cut out the image.  An older DP from Memory Box pairs up well with the older heart stamp from Stämpelkällan, and still on a roll.....the sentiment is from an older Stampendous set.  Isn't it great when you find just what you need in your older stash?

Hope you are keeping well, and warm.  This weekend we are supposedly having temperatures of 4 or 5...with rain.   I'm definitely not complaining, but I'm sure the skiers are.  Oh well, they had lots of snow last year.

Some challenges for my card:

Creative Inspirations -#343 Anything Goes w/option of a sketch

Aud Sentiments - #147 Anything Goes

Inspiration Destination - #70 Anything Goes

Crafty Gals Corner - #56 Anything Goes

Through the Purple Haze -#94 Things with wings

Creative Craft Cottage - #56 Anything Goes

Tuesday Throwdown - #278 Anything Goes

DL.Art -  #173 Valentine..... alternative thank you

Little Miss Muffet Challenges - #130 Anything Goes

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #348 Love/Valentines/Anniversary

Birds of a feather....

It might be winter, but at least we missed out on that snow storm occurring south of the border.  We've been very lucky so far this year, here in Ontario, and I'm really hoping that continues.  Just think, January is nearly over....yay!!  Spring is coming (hopefully!)

Yes, happiness is in the little things....so true.   I'm really thinking spring with this one.  This is all rubber stamping done right on the card blank, except for the sentiment which I added after.  Colouring is done with copics, after which I masked the image and added the stenciling using distress ink.  Then to finish it off, the stamped corners and the sentiment.

Other supplies used:
Northwoods - Blue Jay, Robin & Bluebird
Stämpelkällan - Corner A32
Whimsy - Magical Mini Letter Seals
Tim Holtz stencil - Dot Fade

Stay safe everyone!

Some challenges for my card:

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Creative Inspirations - #343 Anything Goes w/option of a sketch

Aud Sentiments - #147 Anything Goes

One Crazy Stamper - Anything goes

Addicted to Stamps and More - #177 Make Your Mark

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Create With Critters

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

Creative Craft Cottage - #56 Anything Goes

The Ribbon Girl - Any Image

Scrapping 4 Fun - #58 Anything Goes

It's cold outside....

Do penguins feel the cold?  I just had to google it....and it would seem that they don't.  What a lucky duck, or whatever.  lol    For my card today, I've coloured up this adorable little Penguin from Dr Digi's House of Stamps.   I know that Christmas is over for this year, but winter isn't, and this little guy is sure to warm your heart....though not likely your toes!

After colouring with markers, I had a play with my Spellbinders Heirloom Ornaments die.  I've used the 'out of the box' technique for cutting the image, and then some other layers in behind.  A bit of greenery and a pretty bow adds a festive touch.  I'm getting a head start on my cards for next year.

For those that enjoy winter....have fun!  For the rest of us, stay warm and hope for an early spring!

Some challenges for my card:

Addicted to Stamps and More - #176 Anything Goes

Penny's Challenges - #260 Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday -  #408 A Bit of Fun

Card Mania - #76 Winter Fun

DL.Art -  #172 Penguin or Black, white & yellow

Through the Purple Haze - #93 Anything Goes

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Something New (ornament border stamp) Crafts and Me Challenges - Anything Goes Sweet Stampin - Things with Wings

Just a Note - HI

Hi there everyone.  I hope all is well and life is treating you kindly.  Although we are now definitely into winter, on the positive side....at least the days are getting longer!!!

As the wind is howling outside, it's nice to hibernate inside where I can stay warm.  This can often prod me into trying some different techniques for a change. 

Here you will see some stenciling, rubber stamping, and both dry and heat embossing.

First, the card front.  I die cut a window on the left, and then dry embossed the line pattern; added some distress ink, then traced a line border around the window.

Next the stenciled flowers.  I used complementary colours of distress ink and placed the finished pattern behind the window.

Next, a corner die cut.  Then the butterfly is stamped and heat embossed with gold, again coloured with DI's, and finally fussy cut and attached with foam dots.

Almost done.  Just a sentiment and some sparkles and glitter to finish it off.  Makes for a card that could be sent to anyone when you just want to say Hi.

Supplies used:

Butterfly stamp - from Stämpelkällan

Stencil Mania - Daisies

Memory Box die - Madera Corner

Spellbinders die - Labels Eight

Some challenges for my card:

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Stencil It

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Tuesday Throwdown - #276 Add Dimension

That Craft Place *Anything Goes

Jade's Sparkling Butterflies - #10 ATG/All Things Bright and Beautiful

The Sketchy Challenge- #93 Linda's Sketch and/or Anything goes

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything Goes

Crafting with an Attitude - #11 Anything Goes

Season's Greetings

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 2 weeks away.  The sun is shining, the grass still has some green, and we're not really into winter clothing yet....I'm loving it!

Of course it means it's time for those Christmas cards, and I found I wasn't ready....so I've been busy with some simpler designs, which are somewhat quicker.  I think I am the slowest when it comes to actually finishing cards!

This is a Stampendous stamp, purchased ages ago, and never used.  It was just like Christmas when I found it.  lol   I heat embossed then partially coloured the leaves, adding red stickles for the berries.

I've cut and matted using two dies from the Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight set.  For the final touch, I've added the corner stamp from Stämpelkällan.

I'm off to physio shortly, and a nice walk in town while the weather is so wonderful.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Some challenges for my card:

Holly Jolly Christmas - Merry Christmas

Where the Heart is - #4 Christmas Colours

Crafting by designs - Anything goes

Love to Scrap - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Dream Valley - #121 Die-Cuts and Punches

Christmas Cards All Year 'Round - Keep it simple

DL.Art - #170 Blue & White or Red & Green

Penny Black and More - Anything Goes with a stamp

One Crazy Stamper - Christmas/Winter

Great Impressions Stamps - Anything Goes

Is it...or isn't it?

Sometimes you just want to say Hi, or give a little encouragement.  Today, my card for Dr Digi's House of Stamps, is using the Toolshed Ted image.  I'm sure he's been putting his gardens to bed for the winter (just like me!), but just wants to save this one little plant for his windowsill.  Of course, he looks a little puzzled....perhaps he's just trying to decide if it's really a plant, or just a weed.

As you can see, I've coloured and then fussy cut the image, before adhering with some foam squares, and this time I've framed him in the negative of a die cut.  This is the Spellbinders Labels Twenty die, and I've traced both inside and outside with brown pen.  I've used a Stämpelkällan stamp for the grasses, and a bit of sunshine for a nice outdoorsy feeling.  The doodling at the top of the card is actually made with a stitching template.

We've been spoiled lately with some lovely sunshine and mild temperature, but it does look like that is coming to an end.  I guess that will mean more time for crafting, no?

Take care everyone, and thanks for stopping by.

Some challenges for my card:

Love to Scrap - #66 Anything Goes     Top Picks

The Ribbon Girl - Use Any Image

Crafting from the Heart - #86 Anything Goes

Penny's Challenges - #254 Anything Goes

Southern Girls Challenge - Patterned Paper Mix Up

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #22 Anything Goes

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

That Craft Place - Kraft

Getting ready...

Today I have a card with Keep Fit Kenneth, from Dr Digi's House of Stamps.  I actually have a brother by that name....hmmm.  With summer fast approaching, it's time to find out those weights and buff up a bit.  Kenneth wants to look his best for the summer reveal, and also hopes to fit into his summer clothes from last year.

Another manly card, sure to get a chuckle...I hope!  The image is coloured with copics and then cut out using the Spellbinder's Decagon die and my trusty scissors.  The fancy die-cut in behind is using a Joy Craft die...Lacey Square Frame.

This time I made my own background for the card....(thinking wrinkles ha ha!) using the Stampendous Marble Texture Cube.  In addition, I've used an older sentiment stamp from Stämpelkällan.

Hope your weekend will be wonderful, with some nice sunny temperatures.  I will be going to my granddaughter's dance recital this evening.  Always fun to see what they can do...and I can't!

Some challenges for my card:

One Sweet Challenge - Dies and/or Punches

Love to Scrap - #55 Male Call

Loves Rubber Stamps - #154 Anything Goes

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Creative Inspirations - #316 For A Friend

Crafting by designs - Anything goes Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Make It Masculine Inky Impressions - #212 Make It For A Man Art Impressions - #161 For the Fellas Outlawz Friday Coloring Challenge - Friendship

Wishing for Spring

Well, the weekend is nearly over, and we'll soon be saying goodbye to February...the longest-shortest month of the year.  That also means that I'll have to return home to the bitter cold and snow.  Hopefully winter doesn't last too much longer, as I'm sure everyone is impatient for spring.

My card roday uses an older stamp from Stämpelkällan, done with water colours and edged with distress ink.  Such a pretty image, with delightful flowers to remind us of days to come.  Ohhhh..can hardly wait!

Some challengesw for my card:

Addicted to Stamps and More - #132 Make your Mark

Creative Fingers - #68 Anything Goes

Top Tip Tuesday - Rubber Stamps only

Creative Moments - #62 Anything Goes

Sweet Stampin - Spring Flowers
613 Avenue Create - #112 Anything Goes
Crafty Calendar Challenge - Anything Goes
Penny Black and More - Anything Goes
Stamping Sensations - Anything Goes
Whimsy Stamps - #80 Use a Sentiment

Baby blue

Hi everyone.  I wanted to get this card posted tonight, as I may get away to my Mom's tomorrow if the weather and roads aren't too bad.  We seem to be getting a bit of snow or freezing rain each day lately.  Nothing like last year, but still enough to make things miserable.  I prefer to just stay home and hibernate, but that is not always possible.  My father has finally been admitted to a nursing home, after a five month wait in hospital.  We are hoping he adjusts without too many problems, as that will relieve Mom of some of the stress.  Has anyone noticed that the 'golden years' aren't all we envisioned?  On that note.....

...how about a card for a new baby!   Here I've used watercolours on a pretty stamp from Wild Rose Studio.  If you look closely, you will also see a corner stamp done with blue ink and some glitter on the flowers and butterflies.  Otherwise, a fairly simple design with minimal embellishment...and it's all ready to go in the mail.

Thanks for stopping by.  Drive carefully, and I will too.

Some challenges for my card:

613 Avenue Create - #105 Anything Goes

Through the Purple Haze - #72 Anything goes

Magnolia-licious Challenge - Anything Goes

Creatalicious Challenges - #70 New Beginning

Crafty Calendar Challenge - What's New

Bizzy Bec's - Anything Goes

Clean and Simple

A Thank You card today, with a clean and simple look.  The stamp is an old one from Stämpelkällan, but I don't think they are in business anymore.  Such a shame!  Coloured with copics and pencils to achieve the weathered wood look for the door.

Some challenges for my card:

613 Avenue Create - #96 Anything Goes /  Holiday Thanks

Great Impressions Stamps - Thankful Thoughts

A Little Bit Crafty - CAS

One Crazy Stamper - Anything Goes

Penny Black and More - Anything Goes Through the Purple Haze - #66 Anything goes Party Time Tuesdays - #188 Anything Goes Loves Rubber Stamps - #125 Anything Goes Addicted to Stamps and More - #118 CAS Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Diamond in the rough...

Today's card is using the fabulous Hole in One Hal image from Dr Digis House of Stamps.  Like most golfers I know, he's still dreaming of achieving a hole in one!   Now, I'm not a golfer myself,....can't hit the ball and with my eyesight....couldn't find it anyway. 

It won't be long now, until our Canadian snowbirds (retirees) are heading south.  One might think it is for the sun and sand, but no.....I'm betting it's for the game of golf.  Chasing that little white ball around and enjoying a few beers, sure beats shoveling snow and freezing your buns off! 

Supplies used:
Papers from Hallmark Cards - Wellington collection
Sentiment and grasses stamps from Stämpelkällan
Spellbinders die - Creatopia Frame 2
Coloured with copics, ribbon and paper candi from stash

Thanks for stopping by, and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Some challenges for my card:

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create - #94 Anything Goes

Loves Rubber Stamps - #123 Warm Colours   Top Picks

Creative Fingers - #54 Anything Goes Sister Act Card Challenge - #80 Anything Goes Wags 'n Whiskers - #140 Stripes

Just saying hello...

The days are really closing in, and it won't be long before we'll be changing the clocks again.  I'm thinking that I need longer days...not shorter ones!  With the temperatures being so nice, I'm trying to get lots done outside.  Of course that means not much time or mojo for crafting.  I'd best soon be doing some work inside too, else the dust bunnies just might take over.  ha ha

 

 Today's card uses the Magnolia stamp...Tilda with Spring Bundle, but as you can see, I've given her the colours for fall.  I've gone with water colours again, plus my favourite 'out of the box' technique with a circle die.  Only one DP, but a couple of rubber stamps to add a bit of interest.  The leaves are a Victorine stamp, while the grasses at the bottom are from Stämpelkällan.  

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed your visit.  Take care.

Some challenges for my card:

Crafty Little Fairies - Only One DP

ABC Challenge - U is for Unique - anything goes

Southern Girls Challenge - Girly or Shabby Chic

Crafty Sentiments - Bingo (rubber stamp, die cut, ribbon)

Whimsy Stamps - #76 Anything Goes

Simply Magnolia - Anything Goes

Stamp and Create with Magnolia - #45 Indian Summer

Lovely-Haenglar or Sweet Magnolia - #103 Just For Girls

A Creative Romance - In the Garden

If you go down to the woods.....

I had a bit of fun with this one, using a well known children's song for inspiration.  Just a reminder....there could be bears in those woods, and even if they don't find you, the bugs and mosquitos will!  This is another wonderful image from Dr Digi's House of Stamps, and you can find her here.  I know some people are really into camping out....but that's so definitely not me!

Other supplies used:

Sentiment stamp - from Stämpelkällan

Bear stamp - from Mark's Finest Papers

Bo Bunny paper - from Trail Mix collection

Rub-on flowers and metal brads - from stash

Hopefully, you enjoyed your visit and perhaps I made you smile.  Have a lovely weekend.

Some challenges for my card:

Mema's Crafts - A Fall Theme or Color

A Little Bit Crafty - Distress it

Card Makin' Mamas - #88 Precious Metals x3

Crafting from the Heart - #35 Anything Goes

Creative Moments - #51 Anything Goes/Fall Colours

Fitztown Challenge - #52 Anything Goes Susy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge - #46 Anything Goes

Stuck on You

Hi there.  I'm back again, with my DT card for the new challenge at Paper Crafting Journey.  Our theme this time is "Love is in the air", and it is....with Valentines Day only a week away. 

I've gone for a bit of humor with this cute image...'How You Doin', provided by our sponsor.  Sure to bring a chuckle, and perfect for someone who can be a bit prickly at times.  (lol)

I've set a goal for myself, to add some of my under-used stamps and images to my cards, and this time I have added the heart stamp to the background, from Stämpelkällan.  The DP is an oldie from Basic Grey, and as you can see, I have used two Spellbinders dies to cut and mat the image.

Hopefully you will get the chance to join in the challenge this fortnight, for your chance to win some lovely images from our sponsor...

Thanks once again for stopping by, and be sure to check out the wonderful creations being shared by the rest of the DT.

Now for some challenges for my card:

The Paper Shelter - #145 Be My Valentine That Craft Place - Valentine / Love

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Love is all around

Love to Scrap - #23 Who Loves Ya, Baby   Challenge Winner

Stamp and Create - Love is in the Air

Oldie but a Goodie Challenge - Valentine

Natalie and Amy - #17 Love Is All Around

One Crazy Stamper - Anything Goes

Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT - The one I love

Fussy and Fancy - #107 Be My Valentine

A Gem of a Challenge - #112 All you Need is LOVE

Cutie Pie Challenge - #62 My Cutie Valentine Hobby Cutz - #35 Valentines Papertake Weekly - With A Heart

Hugs and Kisses

Greetings everyone, from the frozen north.  Maybe today's card will warm things up!

Here we go with a Valentines card, using the cute Crocodile Love image from the Paper Shelter.  Coloured with copics, I've added a wee sparkle to the eyes and my sentiment among the hearts.

For the card background I've inked up these grasses from Stämpelkällan, and then found a piece of ribbon in my stash that kind of resembles water.

I can't say that I want to share space with a crocodile, but I would sure like to share some of that warmer weather!   Oh, if only wishes could come true!

Some challenges for my card:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Have a Heart

QKR Stampede - #74 Hearts & Kisses

Cute Card Thursday - #307 Lots of Love

Crafty Little Fairies - Love

The Squirrel and the Fox - #63 Love

613 Avenue Create - #58 Anything Goes or create your own challenge

Card Mania - #40 Love is All Around

Natalie and Amy - #17 Love Is All Around

One Crazy Stamper - Anything Goes

Fussy and Fancy - #107 Be My Valentine Hobby Cutz - #35 Valentines