Little Black Unicorn

Do not adjust the color of your screen. My little black unicorn is white :).

This is one of the newer images by Elaine Cox for Sweet Pea Stamps and is part of Plate #55 and I think it is so sweet. I colored her to coordinate with the background paper. I wanted some texture so ran the circle through the cuttlebug and distressed it with some light blue chalk ink. It is rather glaring in the photo, but in reality the felt heart matches the pink in the unicorn's main and tail. I wish the picture was more accurate. Evidently I need to learn some new photography techniques for felt! The sentiment is from Plate #57.

QKD- Tuesday blog hop!

I hope you are enjoying yourself on the Tuesday edition of the Queen Kat Designs Stamp Co. Blog Hop. You should have arrived from Shannon's Blog- but if not, please go back the the QKD Blog to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing!

This week we were challenge to make something 3 dimensional. I have to admit, I struggled with this challenge. Not the actually making of it, but the deciding WHAT to make. There are so many options that it is difficult to narrow it down to one.


I ended up making a gift bag with THESE instructions. To decorate it I stamped Fashion Dress #5 on white cardstock, colored the image and cut it out. I then stamped it again on patterned paper, Pink Paslee and so is the bag, and cut out just the dress portion of the image. I glued the dress onto the white cardstock and VIOLA! Print fabric :).

There are several different images in the Fashion Dress line. Each one of them is so different that you really should get the entire set :)

The next stop on the hop is the Whimsical Ink Sorority blog followed by Meredith's Blog.

and don't forget

30% off ALL QKD Rubber Stamps!
No Coupon codes to use! Just shop n save!

Good through 7/5/10

Friends Having Fun - theme challenge - Eclipse!

This week at Friends Having Fun we are having a theme challenge. In honor of the upcoming release, the theme is Eclipse. Now- I have to admit that I have not read or watched any of the Twilight books or movies. GASP- I can hear you! I hear they are excellent. However, I will adhere to my belief that in the sunlight, vampires burn up. I'm just sayin'.

I had a BLAST working with this Sultry Vampyress image by Teri of Delicious Doodles.

I am very pleased with how the background behind the image turned out. It is done dabbing (that is the technical word, BTW) two different red and a charcoal ink. The patterned paper is from Pink Paislee. The purple highlights in her hair are just because I think you have to be so super sexy to carry that off with class and she does!



Aren't her bracelets fun? I want a pair! I added stickles in black to her skirt for the ultimate glam.

Now- I leave you will one final thought

Challenges:
Friends Having Fun- Eclipse Inspired
Oh Alice - Twinkle Twinkle
Crafty Creations #73- Shine
Pile It On #25 - Do something different with it paper - I cut around a part of the image and thread it through-new for me!.
Fresh Brewed #8 - Anything Goes
Crafty Ann #17 - Embossing
Allsorts Challenge #58 - Embossing

Wedding Season is Upon Us

It is mid June and wedding season is in full swing. I realize that I am 'old school' and still adhere to the rules for wedding attire (as a guest) that dictate, always wear a dress, do not wear black, do not dress more showy than the bride and if possible, do not wear the wedding colors if not in the wedding party. However, after attending a wedding last night it appears the list is in need of some EXTREME updating. You know the comic who says "that's your sign"? If you will be a guest at a wedding and find any of the following to be true- That's your sign to change!

1- If the length of your dress mandates a bikini wax - That's your sign

2- If the side slit of your dress mandates thong or no underwear - That's your sign

3- If you require body (boob) tape for any reason - That's your sign

4 - If the words lame or metallic can be used to describe any part of your attire (including shoes) - That's your sign.

I'm just sayin'.......

Fairy Knoll #4 and ETSY Inspired #94 Challenges

Today you get two, two challenges in one! Sorry, I am having Doublemint commercial flashbacks here :)

The ETSY Inspired Challenge #94 was to be inspired by something at Sand Box Studio. There is a LOT there to be inspired by. Be sure you check out the reusable gift bags for sale! I selected this adorable gift card holder as my inspiration. I REALLY wanted to make those flowers, but first time was NOT the charm. I used the blue and green against the more neutral/earthy background of the burlap.

After deciding that, I grabbed the sketch from the Fairy Knoll Challenge #4. Using the color inspiration and the sketch with Bianca and it all just came together.



I really want to show off the swirl of pearls. I did that! Not just take it out of the package and put it on the card did that, but actually drew the swirl and created the pearls with Viva Decor. Isn't that AWESOME? I could make the swirl go whatever direction I wanted and a big or small as I wanted. THAT is freedom!!!


Now go play! Be sure to find an inspiration piece and link to it when playing with ETSY Inspired. You have a two chances to win!

Sand Box Studio
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SandBoxStudio
Give away - one of her market bags!

Tyggereye Art
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tyggereye
http://tyggereye.blogspot.com/
Give Away - $25 credit to use in her shop!

The Fairy Knoll Challenge you have the chance to win a FREE digi image!

New Release at SCACD BLOG Hop!!!

There is a new release TODAY at SCACD. Elisabeth Bell for SCACD Sampler Edition #5. I hope you have been hopping along and enjoying all the creations with this new release. If you haven't, then be sure to start here or go to the store blog Follow Your Heart for the complete list of places to hop. You won't want to miss any of them. We are super lucky and have the creative talents of the Quixotic Paperie Design Team and Susanna Boyd of Paper Craft Planet joining us!!

WISH UPON A STAR

First thing I stamped this wonderful sweet image in Momento Black Tuxedo Ink. I colored it in with my markers and used the Baby Blue Spica pen on the star chain. After cutting it out with my Nesties I used the Kaisercraft paper Tea at Elsie's to cut the mats and create the background. The flower is from Petaloo.


For this card I also stamped Wish Upon a Star in Momento Tuxedo Black ink and colored it in with my markers then cut the image and mat around it out with my Nesties. The papers are from the Basic Grey Lemonade collection-if you do not have these papers, you NEED them! I used the Kaisercraft pearls for the decoration on the mat around the image and at the end of the decorative strip. You could also create this look with the Viva Decor pens very easily!!!

Now- on to the next stop in your journey. Next is Anki who is so creative. I KNOW you do not want to miss this! Don't forget to shop :). I know how fabulous ALL the images are, so go ahead, just get the set!

Try It Out "T"day #73

For TIOT this week the challenge is to "weave it". This can be done with ribbon, images, paper, anything you want, just weave and use on your creation!


I decided to use one of the Kraftin' Kimmie images Gwendolyn. First I stamped it in Momento Tuxedo Black ink so that I knew it wouldn't run when I colored the image. This is my 'go to' ink for EVERYTHING now. I selected the paper I was going to use. This is the Kaisercraft Gypsy Sister and it is such wonderful colors! Then I selected the markers to use based on the paper colors. After coloring I trimmed the image, rounded the corners and sponged Momento Rich Cocoa ink over the cardstock to tone down the brightness. The Prima Flower Center just is the perfect 'jewel' in the corner and the color match was amazing!

It was then time to set to work on my weaving. I did this BEFORE I attached my finished image. I will admit that the idea for this actually came to me one night while lying in bed. My original idea, not so great, so I am glad this one showed up :). I used my ruler and exacto knife to cut slits in the patterned paper. I then wove 3 different strands of coordinating ribbon through the slits. I tied knots on the ends of the ribbon that are visible.

Do not forget that there is a brand new release of designs by Elisabeth Bell EXCLUSIVELY for SCACD tomorrow at SCACD. You can not purchase these images anywhere else! Right now there is ENORMOUS BLOG CANDY to be had, so be certain you enter here.

Don't forget to enter!

Want this badge?

Thursday (tomorrow) is the last day to enter for the BLOG CANDY. It is super yummy stuff!!! The new release is Friday at SCACD and I can hardly WAIT!!!!

QKD- Tuesday blog hop!

I hope you are enjoying yourself on the Tuesday edition of the Queen Kat Designs Stamp Co. Blog Hop. You should have arrived from Shannon's Blog- but if not, please go back the the QKD Blog to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing!

The Design Team members have been busy and this week. We have an amazing inspiration photo to work from. I love the colors and the composition.

This is what I created with the June WIS KIT. Doesn't Cupcake look great in grey with a red accent? So stylish and elegant!

I really want you to get the full effect of the card. Here is a closeup of the flowers and branches at the bottom of the card. I will probably find myself making something similar again I am so pleased with the end result.


The next stop on the hop is the Whimsical Ink Sorority blog followed by Meredith's Blog.

25% off ALL QKD Rubber Stamps!
No Coupon codes to use! Just shop n save!

Good through 6/25/10

Top Secret- no more!!!

THE SECRET IS OUT!!

Another amazing release by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD is coming June 25th!!!

All I will say is these stamps are so wonderful! No sneak peeks allowed, so you will have to come by the store to see these :o) I tell you these are over the moon!!!

Did I mention 4 chances to win the NEWEST Sampler Edition #5!!!
How Yummy is that Blog Candy :o) The Candy started on the 20th so you will need RUN to the Store Blog to see the mystery question which is all that is needed to enter. One entry per person please.

Did I mention not only our DT but the Fabulous Quixotic Paperie DT is joining us for the Release Hop PLUS guests!!!

You DO NOT want to miss out on what's being offered at the SCACD store the 25th!!!

While you are out and about, there is a TON of new things at SCACD right now! Memory Box 6x6 papers, Dreamweaver Stencils, Maya Road new chipboard and Mists, just to name a few.

ETSY Inspired Challenge #93

ETSY Inspired Challenge #93 - this week the inspiration store is White Birch Designs.

I drew my inspiration from this GORGEOUS piece. The slight color addition is inspired by these FABULOUS earrings! Whatever you do, spend some time looking at this store. WOW- this is one talented artist! I am seriously considering adding that necklace and a bracelet or two to my jewelry box!

So- here is what I came up with.

This is Kadona. He just seemed to fit the colors and the 'feel' of the piece well to me. I have to admit, this was FUN to create :). I hope you enjoy it as well.


TWO WINNERS THIS WEEK! Be sure to link up your entry!

Shop:
White Birch Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/whitebirchdesigns

Sponsor:
One Stop Card Crafts
http://www.onestopcardcrafts.co.uk/
Winner giveaway: 10 pound (UK currency) voucher and FREE SHIPPING

ALSO, 10% discount for any of our followers the week of the challenge (shipping is not free).

Check out all the ETSY Inspired Designers for inspiration!

Ashley
De
Emily
Joy
Kerry

Shannon

Challenges:
Macabre Monday #43 - Truebie or not Truebie

Fairy Knoll Challenge #3

This week is a super fun sketch at Fairy Knoll challenges. I really modified some of the elements, but it was a great composition to start with.

Sketch:

I decided to use Aislan this week. I love her eyes and smile. Doesn't she just look friendly? A great image to color and she just fit this more Victorian color and embellishments so wonderfully. That great paper is from Kaisercraft the Tea at Elsie's collection. It really has some stunning prints in it.


So- grab a Fairy Knoll image and play along with us!!! I can't wait to see what YOU come up with!

TIOT #72 with SCACD

Try It Out "T"days with SCACD!!

This week I used Lazy Days from the Victoria Case Hearts and Hugs Summer Collection exclusively at SCACD. This means the ONLY place you can get these fabulous images and stamps are from Susana!! WOOT WOOT!!


This week we were challenge to use Viva Decor. I decided to play and really enjoy using my Viva Decor pens. It isn't like they are going to run out anytime soon since they are a generous 25 ml tube (that is TWICE the size of other popular glitter brands). I used two glitter liners, the peridot and sapphire. Both colors were perfect for this card. I also used the white gloss pen for the corner embellishments. I took some close up pictures in the hopes you could see how wonderful these pens are. I just LOVE that the items retain their dimension. Do you see those fabulous swirls? Want to know how to make your own? I know you do!!



The EASIEST way to make your own swirls is to grab your Crafters Workshop template. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE these templates. They are so inexpensive and have TONS of uses. I will try to share all of them I know about with you, but if you have others, share them with me, please!! Ok- so grab your template and then just move it around over the card, flip it over, etc., until you find the perfect swirl and placement. Place the template on the card and lightly, with a very sharp pencil, trace the swirl onto your card. Flip the template over and repeat at the other end. Once you have your line, grab the Viva Decor pen and slowly make your swirl. If you go slowly you will be able to easily control the thickness of your line. The cute little dots are just applied freehand and so easy to keep consistent. The peridot on the edge of the image was also applied freehand.

TIP!!!- Do NOT attempt to create the swirl directly onto your card through the template. Trust me on this. No reason to get into the messy, and I do mean messy, details, but it just does not work well that way.



I used Basic Grey Lime Rickey patterned paper. This pack has the BEST bright summer colors. The image, frame around it and corner embellishments were all cut with Nestabilities.

Go play and ENJOY!

QKD - Tuesday BLOG Hop

Bring on the Black and White!!!!

I hope you are enjoying yourself on the Tuesday edition of the Queen Kat Designs Stamp Co. Blog Hop. The Design Team members have been busy and this week we are creating in Black and White. You should have arrived from Shannon's Blog- but if not, please go back the the QKD Blog to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing!



I decided to share a couple of different takes on the black and white them. The first is Lani embossed in white on black cardstock. I really like the contrast this creates and it shows of the fabulous details in the image.

The second is the WIS Kit from January and I colored it monochromatic in grey tones. This is one of my favorite ways to color. This image, in particular, really lent itself to doing so. I would LOVE to see you create in Black and White. Even better, combine it with the challenge on the WIS Blog right now for a chance to WIN!!

The next stop on the hop is the Whimsical Ink Sorority blog followed by Meredith's Blog.

When you finish the shop, be sure you end up at the store so you can pick up close outs of the remaining acrylic stamps, some NEW RUBBER stamps including the WIS kit if you don't already have yours. Trust me, just sign up for the auto ship!!!

ETSY Inspired #92

I am back as the Guest Designer for the second ETSY Inspired Challenge for June challenge #92!!! Are you ready?

This week's shop is My Zoetrope . Ok- because I was curious, and you might be too, I looked up the meaning of Zoetrope. The origin of the word is from the Greek and "wheel of life". According to Dictionary.com

 /ˈzoʊiˌtroʊp/ Show Spelled[zoh-ee-trohp]
–noun
a device for giving an illusion of motion, consisting of a slitted drum that, when whirled, shows a succession of images placed opposite the slits within the drum as one moving image.

Don't let anyone tell you crafting isn't educational.

So- I spent some time looking around the store and I have to share this hysterical print with you.
Seriously! How could you look at that and not giggle just a tiny bit? LOVE it!!!
However, for my inspiration today I selected THIS print (go look!). I just loved all the greens used. This is what I came up with.

This sweet dragon is drawn by Lisa Victoria for Sweet Pea Stamps. It is fun and easy to color. I think another time I will put a saying in the heart. There is certainly room for it and I can think of several different things that would work well. After coloring the image I used Basic Grey for my background and was able to use all sorts of cheerful bright colors. The flower center is actually a gorgeous bright green glitter bobble I made with my Viva Decor Glitter Liner in Peridot. I am loving these- they are soooooo versatile. Get just one and you will be hooked so just order all of them to start with :)

Don't forget that when you play along with the ETSY Inspired Challenges you have the opportunity to win a prize. This week there are TWO prizes!

One from the shop and one from the sponsor.

Shop: My Zoetrope (http://www.etsy.com/shop/myzoetrope)
Giveaway - one free print of winners choice!

Sponsor: Sakura America - http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/?q=search/node
Give away: Gelly Roll Moonlight pens http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/Pen-Opaque-Color

So- link up and share what you are inspired by and your creation! I can not wait to see them ALL!!

Check out all the ETSY Inspired Designers for inspiration!

Ashley
De
Emily
Joy
Kerry

Shannon

Challenges:
Res-Q Challenge #49 - Bride, wedding, love
SHC #3 - Top Selling Albums of all time- I used "I will always love you" song from The bodyguard

Fairy Knoll - Sketch with Becks

There is a new challenge blog in town from FAIRY KNOLL!!! What is Fairy Knoll you ask? Fairy Knoll is a new digi stamp store that has some adorable fairies and other images. It is one of my favorite kind of challenges - a sketch challenge. This is only our second challenge and we are SUPER excited to have you join us. Enter by making something using the sketch and a Fairy Knoll image -there are some freebies available if you don't have an image- and you might just WIN a FREE image of your choice!!!

Here is the wonderful sketch for this week

I decided to use the super cute Becks this week. I love her lace edge wings and the bows on her ankles!!!

TIOT- Sweet Whispers

This week on Try It Out Tuesdays/Thursdays for SCACD we are making masculine cards. I decided to use the Sweet Whispers image from new Hearts and Hugs Summer Collection by Victoria Case exclusively for SCACD. The entire collection is just wonderful, but when I thought masculine card I saw a Father's Day card with this image.


At first my twisted brain was following the whole- my Dad can beat up your Dad train of thought from when we were kids. However, it quickly came around to this one! I used paper from the Kaisercraft Rewind collection. The #1 and other two side pieces are part of the design in the paper. I cut them out with a 1 inch circle punch and ta da! The image is stamped with Momento black ink and colored with Copics and other markets. I used my Ranger White Inkssentials pen to hand write the words.

Pirate's Treasure Mermaid

This adorable image is by Elaine Cox and called Pirate's Treasure Mermaid and can be found at Sweet Pea Stamps. It is part of Plate #46 which has nothing but fabulous images on it. I think the kitty cat with the eye patch on this one is just the CUTEST thing EVER! It makes me giggle. I couldn't help but make the fish look like the goldfish crackers, the temptation was too great. Treasure for the mermaid and treasure for the kitty cat- gold all around!

QKD- Tuesday BLOG Hop

I hope you are enjoying yourself on the Tuesday edition of the Queen Kat Designs Stamp Co. Blog Hop. The Design Team members have been busy and you are in for a TREAT!!! You should have arrived from Shannon's Blog- but if not, please go back the the QKD Blog to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing!

As a DT we were challenged to use this sketch


True to form, the first thing I did was flip the sketch (I can't leave anything alone you know!)



I am so fortunate to get to work with the WIS KIT this month. The image is STUNNING and the accessory stamps the BEST! I stamped her out in Momento ink and then colored her up with my markers to match the background. I used two of the FABULOUS accessory stamps to create accent embellishments in each corner.

Rumor has it that the June WIS kit is almost already sold out, so I STRONGLY recommend that you get to the store and order yours NOW!

The next stop on the hop is the Whimsical Ink Sorority blog followed by Meredith's Blog.

When you finish the shop, be sure you end up at the store so you can pick up close outs of the remaining acrylic stamps, some NEW RUBBER stamps including the WIS kit if you don't already have yours. Trust me, just sign up for the auto ship!!!

Friends Having Fun - Color Challenge

This week the Friends Having Fun has another color challenge. It is to use:

So I can hear you all- it is an 80's flashback- well if you are as old as I am anyway. You CAN do this, get busy, and get BRIGHT!!!!

I made a card with Alexa. I just adore her and enjoy making the flowers whatever combination my heart desires. The Basic Grey Green At Heart line is perfect for this challenge. Plenty of hot pink, purple and green :). The glitter Petaloos in bright green with hot pink centers matched perfectly.


I decided to give this card just a bit 'more'. I wanted it to really sparkle. Once it was finished and all put together, I sprayed the entire surface with Smooch Spritz in silver. Can you see the nice sheen it put on everything. Very subtle, but it just sparkles! This Smooch Spritz dries FAST too! I like that. I get really frustrated when I am all finished making something but need to wait for it to dry.

I hope you play along with the Kaleidoscope Krew this week. We would LOVE to see what you make. I have my sunglasses all ready!

WOOT WOOT!!!

I am so excited and honored to share with you that I have been asked to be the Guest Designer for the ETSY Inspired Challenge for June!!!

Ok- now down to busines :)

This week's shop is How Beadyful. I have to admit that I spent a lot of time looking around. Not that I wasn't inspired buy anything, but it was all so FUN I was trying to decide! Very interesting and fun stuff!!

Don't forget that when you play along with the ETSY Inspired Challenges you have the opportunity to win a prize. This week there are TWO prizes!
The first is from How Beadyful and is this lovely set
The second is a $35 Gift Certificate to Pretty Tape

So- link up and share what you are inspired by and your creation! I can not wait to see them ALL!! Here is mine ---


I was inspired by these adorable vintage bird collection hand stamped fabric buttons. I really like the way the colors are with the creams, browns and touch of blue. In light of all this, I pulled out a new stamp from the Victoria Case exclusive to SCACD Summer Collection that has this adorable little girl with the bird house. I stamped in brown Momento on kraft cardstock. I used a blue copic to highlight the bird and dress. I used a white pen to brighten up and highlight a few other items. Cut out the image with my nesties and then used a sketch to put the card together. I am VERY pleased with the end result!

Check out all the ETSY Inspired Designers for inspiration!

Ashley
De
Emily
Jackie
Joy
Kerry

Shannon

Challenges:
ETSY Inspired Challenge #91- These buttons!
IC Sketches - pick your own- Sketch #48

Vile Vintage

The challenge for Macabre Monday this week at Haunted House Design is to create something that is "Vile Vintage".


I used a vintage feel paper. I stamped the tree from Stamp-It- Crazy directly on the patterned paper and also onto cardstock. I cut out and popped up the tree from cardstock. I didn't have any pop dots with me so I used some of the extra rubber trimmed from my stamp and glue. Thank you to the person who shared this tip with me! Wish I could remember who it was.....
The graveyard is a border punch and the grass was hand cut by my good friend Nej -
THANK YOU!!. The moon is punched from cream cardstock, smudged with charcoal ink and then covered in white smooch. The ravens on the tombstones and the tree are covered with black smooch.

Challenges:
Macabre Monday #41- Vile Vintage

Fairy Knoll Challenge Blog-BRAND NEW

There is a brand new challenge blog in town from FAIRY KNOLL!!! What is Fairy Knoll you ask? Fairy Knoll is a new digi stamp store that has some adorable fairies and other images. There challenge blog is beginning with the FIRST CHALLENGE right NOW! It is one of my favorite kind of challenges - a sketch challenge. Enter by making something using the sketch and a Fairy Knoll image -there are some freebies available if you don't have an image- and you might just WIN a FREE image of your choice!!!


I used Samantha from Fairy Knoll. There are so many adorable images, it was difficult to decide, but don't you just love her spunk? She has that 'catch me if you can' look to her.


I used the Pink Paisley Bayberry Cottage paper. Such a fun and fresh color combination is used in this collection. This might be one I actually use up! I used the Viva Decor glitter liner in peridot and it is the EXACT match to the green in this paper. I am just LOVING these pens! The Viva Decor pens stay elevated when they are dry. They have glitter, pearl, gloss, and others for all kinds of effects and are so FUN to play with!!! You will be seeing more of these on my blog. This glitter does NOT rub off so I am comfortable using these on my Operation Write Home cards. YAY! Sending some bling :)

Bubble Fairy

When I saw Bubble Fairy drawn by Lisa Victoria for Sweet Pea Stamps I instantly fell in love! A fairy taking a bubble bath in a teacup- PERFECT! Such a sweet fairy and such a dainty teacup.


I first stamped the image with Memento Ink so that I could color it with my markers and not have to worry about it running. The flowers on the teacup made me think of Forget-Me-Knots. If you have never had the opportunity to see Forget-Me-Knots in real life, not only are they blue, but they have a really pretty pinkish/purplish center to them. I tried to capture that in my coloring.



After I finished coloring the image I put Pixie Dust Shimmerz on the wings for the proper 'fairy look'. The pink velvet ribbon, Petaloo jeweled center Color Me Crazy florettes (my go to flower right now!) with inked edges and Basic Grey Koshi paper finished it all off.

Challenges:

C.R.A.F.T. #52 - Blue & Green
Card Patterns #66 - Sketch
If The Shoe Fits #36 - Add Inspired