Reflections on the year and 2012

Note- this is what I put on my 'getting healthy' blog and decided to share here as well.  Thanks!

I was thinking the other day about all the things I want to do for 2012.  It is that time of year you know.  I was thinking about the Spartan Super in 7 weeks and wondering if I am really ready or just how crazy I am and so glad to have my brothers doing it too.  Thinking about being excited to to the Race to Robie again this year.  Thinking about my daily grind and how to make it less of a grind.  Part of me became very overwhelemed.  I had to step back and instead reflect on 2011.

One year ago:
I had not started running and learned that after the first 1 1/2 miles, I LOVE it.
I had not gotten to know my friend Betty so well and I am soooooooooooo blessed to have her in my life.
I had not considered running the Race to Robie, EVER.
I had not done a 5k.
I had not done a half marathon.
I had not finished a FULL MARATHON!!
I had not considered signing up for a Spartan Race.
I had not realized how much power is 'IN ME'.
I had not fully appreciated the amazing friendships I am surrounded by (how many people do you know that will come run part of 22 miles with you and support you on the rest of them during their weekend retreat?-thank you Kimberlee!)
I had not realized and appreciated how silently supportive my fabulous husband is even when he just doesn't 'get it'. 


I am truly blessed!

Now, it is time to build on this.  Really build.  I have made so much progress, but I am not done!  I will constantly BE a Work In Progress.  That is what it is all about.  So, for 2012...

I will continue to set goals for competitions.  I have learned these are what keep me motivated to get out there and MOVE.

I will continue to improve my eating habits.  I have learned (but need reminded sometimes) some things about myself.  Sugar is my addiction.  I love sweets.  I am very much one of the one bite is too much and the entire pan is never enough variety.  IF I do not have the one bite I am fine.  Once I do, the will power is out the window.  I completely agree with everything a person reads that one bit will satisfy and the first bite is the best, etc., etc., etc.  If you can do this, DO!  It is correct.  However, I need to just not have it.  That is when my will power works.  I can say no to the entire spread, until I start, then the will power no longer exists.

There truly is NOTHING that tastes good enough to do situps, pushups, 5 mile run and burpees for.  NOTHING!  Not even creme brulee, and for those of you that know me, you know what I just said.  I can NOT complain about the way I look and eat the way I have.  That is hypocritical.  If nothing changes, nothing changes.  The ONLY person responsible for this is ME!  I either want it enough or I don't.  End of story.

My time is valuable.  I need to spend it doing things that make me happy.  Now, with regard to my daily grind.  I only have a certain level of control there.  BUT I can control how much I invest.  I will give it my BEST on a consistent basis.  Yes, I will have bad days, but since I am there I need to truly 'show up'.  Will it be perfect, nope.  Will I survive, yep.  Can I give more, most certainly.  I am being paid to be there, I need to give what they are paying for.  Show up, put up and shut up - or get out.

Life is too short to be surrounded by misery.  People who drain me, may no longer get my energy.  I can love people and care about them, but I can NOT change them.  I can't help anyone who doesn't TRULY want it.  That is not mean, that is taking care of me.  The only person I CAN change.

For the last several years, a group of gals I am blessed to know have participated in an exercise to select a word for the upcoming year.  This year, I spent a lot of time thinking and am actually reusing one from several years ago.  My word for 2012 is STRENGTH.  I have learned there is more strength in me that I realized and I need to call on it.  I also need to develop more of my physical strength, intellectual strength and strength to be the best I can be.  I want to continue to strengthen the wonderful relationships around me.  I am truly blessed and should nurture that!   I want to be an example and source of strength for those around me that wish to have it.

So, what did you DO and LEARN in 2011?  How will you 'TAKE IT FORWARD"? 

Wishing you all the very best in the upcoming year of 2012, and THANK YOU for being part of my journey this far.

lots of hugs and strength!
Get Inky!
Alex

Sweet Pea Stamps SALE!

25% Off Coupon! Enter 'newyear' in the coupon box at checkout. Expires Jan 1st

 

 

Bombshell HOP - Give it to me baby!

Welcome to my stop in the Bombshell HOP this month!  I hope you started at the Bombshell Blog, are enjoying yourself immensely, and are coming from Torrey's Blog.  If not, still LOVE that you are here, but you will not want to miss any of the Bombshell creative goodness from this hop!

This month for the Bombshell Hop we were challenged to make a gift item! What a GREAT challenge! I had a fabulous idea to make this composition book cover!

Now, before I get into the details of how I did this, I have to tell you I will be keeping it for myself.  I will also be making another one.  :)

So, first, I grabbed the heavy duty canvas material I purchased (with a coupon cuz this stuff is expensive!) and traced the outline of the book. and cut parts out for the inside flaps.

Next came the sewing part.  I zigzagged all the edges so it could fray, but only to a point.  I did the same with the straight inside edge of the "flap" and then stitched the cover to the flaps.

I wanted the closure to be this vintage gold button I have with an elastic loop.  The only elastic I had on hand was white, so I took ink to it first and then stitched it in as I was attaching the back flap to the cover.

Tried it on the book and everything worked PERFECTLY!  After looking at the canvas, I had this brilliant idea to tea stain it.  You know, I have never done this before, but it can't be that hard, right?  The only black tea I had on hand was a chai one, so the house smelled yummy!

I grabbed the hairdryer to help dry things out and then ironed it flat.

Now- let me give a little tip.  No, make that a BIG TIP!  IF you intend to do this, please, please, PLEASE measure, cut out and sew it all together AFTERWARD.  This stuff shrinks like CRAZY!  Of course, I was not smart enough to double check right her.  Nope, here is what I did next.

I grabbed my fabulous Bombshell sets, brown ink and began decorating!

 I used images from the Alter Skulls, Butterfly Queen, and Bombshell Angel sets.  Then I grabbed my Copics and started to add color.

It really is lovely, LOVELY!  

and now it is also TOO SMALL!!! 

ACK!!!!

So, here is a nice close up picture where you can't tell it shrunk and that the book no longer get 'covered' by the cover and can't fit inside the flaps.  I will also admit that for a moment, I considered what it would take to cut down the comp book.  I also considered not sharing my mishap.  However, I figure, learning experience for ALL of us, right?

And now you know why I will be making another cover.  Because in the process I fell in love with this and really, REALLY want one for myself that actually FITS! 
Your next stop on the hop is Alaine's Blog.  I am sure she has a fabulous project for you that actually worked the first time!  If you get lost, I have the complete list at the bottom of the post for you.

Get Inky!

Alex

Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/
Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com
Sparkly Engineer Mary: http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/
Torrey: http://left-field-studio.blogspot.com/
Alex: http://paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Milo: http://milolilja.net
Meredith: http://www.papercanteen.com
Kathi: http://kathstales.blogspot.com

Peaches

I have been having a lot of fun creating holiday cards with Sweet Pea Stamps images, but today I decided to shift gears a bit.  I have loved this image by Joanne Schempp since I first laid eyes on it, but this is the first I actually got to create with it.

This image is called Peaches and can be found on sheet #142  with three other beautiful images or by herself.

Get Inky!

Alex

Merry Christmas Lynette! Sweet Pea Stamps HOP

The design team got together and we all wanted to let Sweet Pea Stamps owner, Lynette, know how wonderful we think she is.  We decided a great way to do so would be for those of us who could do so to have a special Merry Christmas Lynette HOP

I am highlighting Love Is Gone, one of the earlier images by chin-chou kuik found on Plate #29. 

Lynette, I hope you have a fabulous holiday season and thanks so much for another great year of Sweet Pea Stamps!!!

Now, hop along to Angela's BLOG to see her fabulous creation.  Be sure and leave her some love while you are there for a chance to win a 3 piece grab bag of images!!

Get Inky!

Alex

3 Wishes

That is the name of this lovely image.  3 Wishes, part of the Adventures of Loli and Poppy collection at SCACD.

I paired this lovely image with paper from the My Minds Eye Happy Go Lucky paper and used my Viva Decor pearl pen in white to add to the frame around the image.

Get Inky!

Alex

FRAGILE

Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls is having another challenge.  This time it is to be inspired by an alternative Christmas movie.  I absolutely HAD to create this tag inspired by A Christmas Story.  That movie makes me laugh every single time I see it!

Hee, hee, hee.... I crack myself up!  I used the leg from the Butterfly Queen stamp by Bombshell Stamps and drew on the fishnet stockings.  The lamp shade is freehand cut from yellow cardstock.  The ribs are drawn on and the shade shaded with the fringe drawn on as well.  I hope it gives you a bit of a giggle too.

Challenges:
Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls - Inspired by an alternative Christmas film
Smudgy Antics #18 - Inspired by book, poem or film



Get Inky!
Alex

Fairy Hollow

A few weeks ago, one of the new releases from SCACD was a wonderful set called Street Views drawn by Victoria Case exclusively for SCACD.  I love every single image in this release!  This image is called Fairy Hollow.  I edged the the image with Viva Decor glitter liner in Sapphire.

Get Inky!

Alex

Do you know SEVENLY?

Have you heard of Sevenly?  Don't worry, I am going to tell you all about them!!!!  They are an amazing organization that makes it fun and easy for you to support a bunch of different great causes.  All you have to do is purchase a fabulous, limited edition design, t-shirt.  For you, for a friend, for a gift.  It doesn't matter.  For each shirt purchased $7 will go directly to the charity for that week. Check out just a few of the past causes and designs.

Past Causes and Designs HERE

These numbers make me smile!

- Past Campaign Stats

$155,960Total Donated (and counting)

20,366Total Cause Tees Sold 

WOW!!!  So- pick a design, pick a cause, just do SOMETHING!

Now you know SEVENLY!  Do your friends?

Sweet Pea Stamps - Holiday Hop

Happy BLOG Hopping Holidays from Sweet Pea Stamps!!!

I hope you have been joining in for the Sweet Pea Stamps Holiday Hop.  The DT has worked extra hard to show you how to change your non-holiday Sweet Pea Stamps images into holiday creations!  If you just happened here, thank you, and I suggest you start at the Sweet Pea Stamps BLOG with the full list so you don't miss any of the creative goodness.  There is also a chance to win a $20 Gift Certificate to Sweet Pea Stamps, be certain to read the details on how to enter!

I used the image Red Hearts by ching-chou kiuk on plate #28. I trimmed her away from the background and accessorized with a snow flurry.  She looks all ready for the Holiday Ball.

Now, you next stop on the hop is Jennifer's BLOG.  She is amazingly talented so be sure to leave her some love while you are there.

When you finish hopping, don't forget to swing by the images SALE and fill your own stocking!

Get Inky!

Alex

ONE TIME ONLY!!! - with Bombshell Stamps

Bombshell Stamps ONE TIME ONLY challenge!!!!

Bombshell Stamps is getting into the holiday spirit and wants to something to our loyal fans!

This challenge is a one-time only contest. Use any stamp to create a holiday card and share it us with in the Gamblers Anonymous section of The Casino in Bombshell's forum!

Each entry will earn one chance to win a $5.00 gift certificate to the Bombshell Store, which will be selected via a random draw. 

Use a Bombshell Stamp and you'll win two chances!

If you win using a Bombshell stamp (rubber or digital), you can win a $20.00 gift certificate!

The deadline for this challenge is December 31st. The winner will be chosen by January 5th!

Stargazer ready for Christmas

Stargazer drawn by Carmen Medlin exclusively for SCACD is all decked out in her Christmas finest and ready for the holidays!

The velvet paper from SEI is an absolutely perfect backing for a holiday card.  I love this stuff and have really been hoarding it.  Guess it doesn't actual decorate anything well from my drawer!  Her wings have extra sparkle from the Viva Decor glitter liner in hologram.

Get Inky!

Alex

New Release BLOG HOP!!

WOOT WOOT!!  Isn't this fun?  I love new release days and I especially love new release days with a BLOG HOP!  Hopefully if you are hopping with us you came from Lorraine's BLOG.  If you haven't been hopping, you really want to check out the handiwork of the ladies before me in this hop.  You can find the complete list at the SCACD store blog Follow Your Heart. 

Today there are TWO sets being released.  Both have been drawn by Elisabeth Bell exclusively for SCACD.  The sets are Odds and Ends.  Fun!

Let me introduce PEACE from the Ends Set

I paired her with the Bo Bunny Ad Lib paper pack (currently on sale) and love the calm spring feel to it.  I could certainly use some sunshine and flowers around here!

Now hop along to Melanie's BLOG to see her amazing creation.  Be sure to leave her some love while you are there.

Get Inky!

Alex

Rainbow Dreaer - Ready for the Holidays

I am having a lot of fun converting images I have to be ready for the holidays.  The latest was done using Rainbow Drear by Terra Bidlespacher.

I colored her using Christmas colors and had some presents all ready and stacked next to her.  I am really hoping that she is the present wrapping fairy and will see fit to visit my house and help me out!

Get Inky!

Alex

November Bombshell Blog Hop!!

Have you been hopping with the Bombshells? We love it when you do!!! Hopefully you just came from Sparkly Mary's BLOG. (did you remember to wish her a Happy Birthday?)  Also, did you check out the amazing T-Shirt Tutorial she posted yesterday?

So, this month for the Bombshell Hop we have a color challenge.  It consists of several shades of orange and a lovely blue.  I instantly thought of the Butterfly Queen when I saw the colors.  So happy I did, she is lovely in orange with sparkly blue rhinestones and shoes! 

I also used the month's challenge sketch to help me with the creative process and grabbed my Banner Sayings (ON SALE) for the sentiment.  It could not have come together more perfectly or easily!  Hope to see your creation in the forum or as part of one of the monthly challenges!!!

Your next stop on the Bombshell Hop is Kathi.  Be sure to leave her some love while you are there.  If you get lost, or haven't been hopping and want to, a complete list is below.


Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/
Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com
Laura: http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/
Mary G.: blog: http://www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com
Torrey: http://left-field-studio.blogspot.com/
Cheryl: http://inktrap.blogspot.com
Stempelintje: http://stempelientje.blogspot.com/
Kelli: http://www.cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com
Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Glittery Katie: http://ferrishyn-frontier.blogspot.com/
Celina Anthony: http://poniesandcrafts.blogspot.com
Paula: http://heyheypaula-heyheypaula.blogspot.com/
Milo: http://milolilja.net
Sparkly Mary (The Birthday Girl!): http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/
Alex: http://paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Kathi: http://kathstales.blogspot.com

Get Inky!

Alex

Sneak Peek - Designing Dreams

It is SNEAK PEEK time again! WOOO HOOO! SCACD has TWO new releases again this week!!  There are two new sets drawn by Elisabeth Bell exclusively for SCACD.  I get to share a sneak with you today.

Introducing Designing Dreams

After stamping this cutie and her friend, colored them up to match the Bo Bunny Ad Lib paper pack.  That great swirly leaf/vine is cut with a Memory Box Die, Savannah.

Now, there are some other sneak peeks today in addition to some the next couple of days before the release and BLOG HOP on Friday December 2.  You can see all the peeks on the store blog, Follow Your Heart.  There is also some BLOG CANDY being given away that you really should get in on!

Challenges:
Card Positioning Systems #246 - sketch, flipped 180

Get Inky!
Alex

Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls Challenge

It is time for a NEW challenge at Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls.  For the next two weeks it is a Repo the Genetic Opera vs Rocky Horror Picture Show.   Now, since I have never seen Repo the Genetic Opera, I was going to use the film poster/theme as inspiration.  Then, I started thinking 'fishnet' because of Tim Curry in Rocky Horror Picture Show and next thing I knew I was staring down at THIS.

So- a bit of a funny for you.  As I was working on putting this all together, my youngest son says "Mom, do you know that with those heavy eyebrows it looks kind of like a guy dressed like a girl?"  LOL!  Poor kiddo, he thought I messed up and when I shared that yes I did know and it was intentional he was very confused :)  His exact words were "soooooo,  you meant to have it look like a guy dressed up like a girl?"

I thought the patterned paper looked a bit like creepy old house wallpaper so turning the image into a photo and old blood splatters on the wall just seemed appropriate.


I hope you get the chance to play along with Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls!  I'd love to see where your brain takes you with this challenge.

Challenges:
Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls #6 - Repo the Genetic Opera vs The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Forever Night Challenges #18 - Distress/Grunge (a blood spattered wall is pretty grunged up isn't it?)

Get Inky!

Alex

Ready for some SALES!?!?!?

Time to do some shopping with absolutely FABULOUS deals from my FAVORITE places to shop!!!

SCACD- 

SCACD is having some yummy sales that runs today thru Cyber Monday the 28th!!!
So grab em while you can as quantities limited to stock on hand and products are already flying!!!

Here are some examples:

All quantities limited to stock on hand:
All NEW 6" x 6" paper pads on sale 15% OFF - HERE
All Embossing Folders 25% OFF - HERE
All Tonertex 25% OFF - HERE
Selected 2011 Spellbinders 15% OFF - HERE
Selected Flower Soft 20% OFF - HERE

Select Epiphany Craft Tools *ONLY* 15% OFF (accessories not included in sale) - HERE

BOMBSHELL STAMPS

It's Bombshell's Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale!

Receive 25% off your entire purchase from NOW through Monday, Nov. 28!

Just use coupon code "CYBR30" at check out!

 

SWEET PEA STAMPS

Take 10% OFF your entire purchase, even sale items!  Use coupon code: CYBERSALE

Now, get out of here and go shop from the comfort of your chair!!!  Don't worry, I won't tell anyone if you don't take a shower first.

Get Inky!

Alex

Being Thankful

In the US today is Thanksgiving Day.  Already there are so many commercials, adds, talk and such about Christmas shopping and all the frenzy associated with it.  It seems that our day to be thankful is being cut shorter and shorter.

I want to take just a minute and share  how blessed and thankful I am.  I have an amazing family that loves me and pretty much tolerates all my weirdness. They have encouraged me and ignored the stupid stuff.  The always welcome me home and I feel so very safe and loved to be exactly who I am with them.

I have my health and am more healthy and active now that I have been in some time.  Especially the active part.  For the is past year I have been learning just what I AM capable of with the help and encouragement of some wonderful friends.  I not only started running, something I wanted to do, with a friend.  But I then went on to complete a half marathon and then a FULL marathon.  I actually went 26.2 miles.  I also went a LOT of miles getting ready to go the 26.2 miles and a lot of people covered those miles with me.  I could get all mushy and name names, but it wouldn't mean much to any of you.  I just KNOW that there are people in my life that have changed me for the better.  They help me be a better person just for being around them.

Lastly, I am thankful for all of the people I have met and call friends through the crafting and art community.  You are all amazing.  Some of you I 'stalk' because you wow and inspire me.  Some of you are true friends I have not yet me in person.  You are all a blessing in my life.

I hope you take just a moment to think about all you have to be thankful for.  It is very easy to get caught up in the things that aren't perfect and the holiday rush, but just ten minutes of reflection on all the blessings is a great way to find inner peace.

Get Inky!

Alex

No waiting for Friday!!

Sweet Pea Stamps is having a HUGE full sheet sale on stamps and you don't have to wait until Friday to get them!!!  No lines, no 3 am (unless you want to) none of that and the deals are still fabulous!

This image is Spring Luna by ching chou kuik.  She can be found on Plate #30.

Currently all plates from 1 - 126 are 40% off!!! This is THE TIME to stock up on any images you have been wanting, or look for a few more you didn't know you needed!

Also available are holiday sale pages of single stamps, prices are as low as 40% off!

And fill those stamping buddy stockings with some gorgeous stamps with our 20 stamp grab bag for only $22.50!!!! Where else could you spend less than two dollars for a Sweet gift?? But hurry as supplies are quickly flying out the door!

Get Inky!

Alex

Butterfly Dreams

This gorgeous image from the Reflections Fantasy set is named Butterfly Dreams.  Isn't her dress amazing?!?

The background paper is from the Bo Bunny Zoology pack.  Great papers and colors in the pack.  I used Viva Decor Pearl Pen in bronze to create the bodies for the larger butterflies.  I hope you have checked out this entire release.  There are some amazing images!

Get Inky!

Alex

Masquerade

I hope you have had the opportunity to see all of the creations by the DT for the newest release from SCACD.  This lovely lady is from Reflections Fantasy and called Masquerade.

When creating this card, I did something I rarely do and colored the image with no specific papers or plan.  I know, out on a limb for me.  However, when I went looking through paper, I remembered I have this fabulous Prima Printery paper pad.  Perfect for the Victorian type feel from the fairy.  A little cutting, a little layering some glue and VIOLA!  She is ready for the Fairy Masquerade Ball!

Challenges:
I <3 to Stamp - Nov Sketch
Flutter By Wednesday #180- Open
Ladybug Crafts Ink - Fairies

Get Inky!

Alex

Release Day and a BLOG HOP!!

Today is the day you have been anxiously waiting for! The release of two new collections of images from SCACD!!  Reflections Yesteryear and Reflections Fantasy.  They are both stunning and each collection, if purchased in full, comes with a bonus free image!  In addition, yep I said addition, there is more!!, two 'Just Because' images are being released.  Carolyn's Bonsai and The Topiary. 

I hope that you have enjoyed all the wonderful creations so far along the hop.  If you are hopping with us you will have just come from Dianne's BLOG.  If you visited me on your own, thank you!!!  There is a complete list of hop participants on the store BLOG Follow Your Heart so you can check them all out, there is some truly stunning work you don't want to miss.


I am excited to share with you today, from the Reflections Fantasy, Her Caged Heart.  The minute I stamped this image, I fell in love.  It is sweet and a teeny tiny melancholy all at the same time. 

I used paper from the Authentique - Journey paper pad.  The lovely blues and greys, especially with the floral pattern, were a perfect compliment to this image.

I used my Copic Spica glitter pens to color the cage gold and to add a touch of shimmer to the flowers on her dress.

These new stamps are available now at SCACD or for those of you who are international, from at Quixotic Paperie.While you are already shopping at SCACD, be certain to check out all the new items in the store as well as the fabulous sales!  If you order $100 or more, your domestic shipping is free, so load up and get just products for that $!!!  :).

If you are not yet convinced how much you need these new release images, or if you just want the inspiration from all the talented DT, please continue on the hop.  Your next stop is our newest DT member, Donalda's BLOG.  She is super talented, so please leave her some love after you are finished picking you jaw up off the floor.

Get Inky!

Alex

Last Day for the SNEAK PEEKS and BLOG CANDY!

Today is the last day for the SNEAK PEEKS and the BLOG CANDY on Follow Your Heart, the store blog for SCACD.  Tomorrow is the BLOG HOP with all of the wonderful images from the release, including a couple you haven't seen!!!

Run and see the sneaks right now, and enter for the candy if you haven't already.  Here is a sneak sneak peek of what you will see created by Lorraine....

You really want to see it all.  I promise!!!

Get Inky!
Alex

Precious

Conie Fong is the spotlight artist of the week at Sweet Pea Stamps.  It was super fun to use her design image Precious.  Isn't she the cutest ever?

I loved adding the touch of shimmer to her wings.  It was fun to think of a fairy child and them having a teddy bear of their own too.

Get Inky!

Alex

Sneak Peek - The Topiary

It is SNEAK PEEK time again! WOOO HOOO! SCACD has TWO new releases this week. Reflections Fantasy and Reflections Yesteryear.  There are also two 'Just Because' images being released and I get to sneak peek one of those for you.

Introducing The Topiary

I have added some sparkle to the butterflies with the Spica Glitter pens and they shimmer nicely. I wish you could see it better in this photo!  That great black and white paper is from the Kaisercraft Chapter 1 paper pack.

Now, there are some other sneak peeks today in addition to some the next couple of days before the release on November 18.  You can see all the peeks on the store blog, Follow Your Heart.  You just might find some information on BLOG CANDY as well, just sayin'.....

Get Inky!

Alex

Ready for the Holidays

Most of you that visit my blog very often know that Spyder, from the Little Acorns Set, is one of my favorite images.  I decided to dress him up for Christmas so you can see how he can be used year round!

After coloring him in Christmas colors, I used Polar White Flowersoft to put a fur edging on his hat.  The spider is replaced with a snowflake.  Now he is one of Santa's Elves!  I also used the Polar White Flowersoft and snowflake punches on the swirls as decoration and to continue the snowy feel.

Tip- the swirls weren't exactly the shapes I wanted, so I did some trimming and piecing to them until I felt they were just right.  Don't be afraid to change things up and make them work for you.

As an added bonus, the Little Acorns Set and stamps are currently 25% off at SCACD


Challenges:
Stamptacular Sunday #138 - Punch It
Rouge Red Head Designs - 1 designer paper
Totally Gorjuss #106 - Christmas Traditions
Wags & Whiskers #67 - Christmas Themed
Craft Your Passion #84 - Let It Snow
Delightful Challenges - Snowflakes
Tip Top Tuesday #59 - Anything Goes Christmas
Pile It On #46 - Traditional Christmas

Get Inky!

Alex

Happy Town

SCACD is open again and ready for you to shop your heart out!  I know Susana has all kinds of FABULOUS things for you to purchase when you shop. 

This image is Happy Town from the newly released Street Views drawn by Victoria Case exclusively for SCACD.  This set is absolutely fun and fabulous!  I used the Bo Bunny Blitzen paper pad and a friend's fabulous handwritting to turn it into a Holiday Greeting Card.

I want to take just a minute and say THANK YOU to Susana, the owner of SCACD.  She is an absolutely amazing lady.  A blast to work for and the customer service I have experienced shopping at her store, long before being part of the DT, is amazing.  I hope you have all had the chance to experience what I mean.  I promise, if she has something you want, buy it and love the service you get, as well as the products. 

Get Inky!

Alex

Anne

This lovely lass is Anne by Terra Bidlespacher and she is on plate #182 with three other cuties.

I just knew that as a bit of a pirate she needed to have a touch of red and that a background with script was appropriate.  Doesn't she just look like she is enjoying a bit of relaxation on the beach?  That sounds pretty wonderful to me right about now as well.

Get Inky!

Alex

Bombshell Party Challenges

There is a PARTY going on at the Bombshell Forum with challenges and PRIZES!  This is my entry into the 'Howl at the Moon' challenge.

I used the Bombshell Angel stamp and created a nighttime beach scene for her.  Hope you come play in the challenges.  I'd love to see what you create!

Get Inky!

Alex

Sass and Swagger

Yep- just a teeny, tiny touch of Sass and Swagger.  Ok, a LOT of Sass and Swagger.  This image is one of the Classic Retro Crew from the new release drawn by Victoria Case exclusively for SCACD.  Her name is, yep you guessed it, Sass and Swagger.

I couldn't resist completely glamming her up.  Her earrings, blouse and shoes are all done using Tonertex and the gold foil.  The design on the strip is also done using the gold foil, but with the Clearsnap Double-Sided Adhesive.  I just love playing with this stuff.

The card was created using this week's sketch from Cute Card Thursday. 

Challenges:
Cute Card Thursday #188 - Sketch
Kaboodle Doodles #91 - Sassy Girls

Get Inky!

Alex

Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls

There is a challenge for you for the next two weeks at Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls.  Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to create something inspired by "Kids are Scary".  Scary kids films or scary films with kids in it.

I decided to go with every single Disney villain in every single kids movie they make.  I mean seriously?  They all have to be that evil and scary?  I am surprised kids everywhere don't have nightmares about cartoon ladies with boobs hanging out chasing them all over town.  Think about it.....



Challenges:
Corrosive Challenge #136 - With a Flourish
Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls -Kids are Scary


SPECIAL NOTICE - Sweet Pea Stamps is having a sale, today only, until 6pm eastern time with 35% off everything!!!

Get Inky!

Alex

Bombshell Party Time!

October 21 - November 1 the Bombshell Forum is having a re-launch party with lots of games, challenges and things to win!  You really MUST participate because you know you want this stuff!!!  :)

I am taking part in the scavenger hunt and for the hunt you need to look for The Bombshell Senora Muerta logo....there are prizes to be won for those who spot the most logos- you need to email Katie at thecelticwitch@googlemail.com with the address of the blog and the date of the post where you found the logo.

Be certain to head to the Bombshell BLOG  -here- or the Forum -here- for more details.

See you at the party!

Alex

31 Days of Halloween - Day 31

I am so sad.  Today should be the happiest day of the year for me because it is HALLOWEEN, but instead I am here thinking it is my last day of blog hosting with all you lovely people.  caw, caw...... : -(.  I am very happy that Alex decided for her final 31 Days creation she would feature ME.

The great thing about this is she could also accomidate her other wish for the final day and use a Smeared Ink image since this is all put on by the Smeared and Smudged Forum.  Alex tells me it is a wonderful place to hang out filled with super nice and creative people.  Yep, no animals allowed, well except for the Dragon, but how can you say no to a dragon?

This tag has the Raven image from the Quoth the Raven set.  The background is a combination of Glimmer Mist with a screen and distress inks.  The gauze is actually some of the Magic Mesh linen weave in white and then inked up with a combination of distress inks and copics.

Challenges:
Crafting When We Can- Halloween or anything but a card
Scrappy Frogs - Something that Flies


I really hope you have all enjoyed the 31 Days of Halloween.  Perhaps you have even found a couple of blogs you want to check on periodically to see what they have cooked up.

Happy Halloween!
Edgar

31 Days of Halloween - Day 30

Almost done, nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!  Alex couldn't let it end without at least one more tag.  Even better, she found a challenge and tried a new technique!!!

This is done with a technique from Tim Holtz (Alex says he is THE MAN, but whatever, I just think he is some dude who likes to get inky too and she REALLY wants his play room ).  The technique is called "Perfect Distress" and you can see Tim Holtz demonstrate it here

Perfect Distress by Tim Holtz

Much to her dismay, Alex realized that she did not own any Perfect Pearls. GASP! I KNOW!!!  Fortunately she has some pretty amazing friends who do and let her use them. 

This tag is all about the technique and the bats. Alex just knew the bats would look great all shimmery. They really do. Here is a better picture of the shimmer.

I know, even I have to admit it is pretty fabulous. The other thing is that the shimmer is not rubbing off so my feathers, and dignity, are safe!

Challenges:
Grungy Monday 24 - Perfect Distress
Simply Betty Stamps 12 Days of Halloween - Day 12 / Bats

Happy Halloween!
Edgar