Moonlight Fairy

Lately, I have been having a lot of fun just coloring up images.  Now it is time to turn them into something.  This image is Moonlight Fairy by Caron Vinson for Sweet Pea Stamps. 

Sometimes the paper and images just pair themselves up with no effort on my part and this was one of those times.  This fairy was certainly a red head and the Bo Bunny Timepiece paperpack had the perfect red and browns for her personality.  The end result is very simple, but I'm loving it.  Hope you do too!

Get Inky!

Alex

Ginger Anyone?

One of my favorite blogs to stalk visit is Gingersnap Creations.  There is such talent and variety there that I always find something that makes me oooo and awww and inspires me.  They also have some fabulous tutorials and challenges.  One of the challenges they have going right now is a color challenge for Ginger, Copper or Rust.  Since this is the annual back to their roots with the colors challenge I just had to play!

This is a card I created using a bit of - ok a LOT of embossing.  The background and fabulous chandelier are both from the Couture Creations embossing folders.  The background is done on the fabulous colored cardstock and then the embossed portion rubbed with the copper Metallic Rub On stuff that is just fabulous.  I also used it on the chandelier.  The chandelier was embossed on some white cardstock that had been previously sprayed with a bronze mist that shimmers like crazy.

The butterfly was also cut and embossed from the same cardstock as the chandelier, but then I used a copper paint pen to emphasise the raise design.
I used the same pen to edge the chandelier and the stamped thank you sentiment.  I tied a double ribbon of a cream and copper color on the bottom and called it done.  IRL this card is stunning, if I do say so myself.  Thanks Gingersnap for the challenge that inspired this creation!

Challenges:
Gingersnap Creations GC96 - Copper, ginger or rust
Let's Ink It Up #11- Die Cuts or punches

Get Inky!

Alex

Smeared Ink - new release blog hop

It is NEW RELEASE time at Smeared Ink and that comes with a Blog Hop! I am super excited to get to participate this time around as a Guest Designer.

This release, the challenge was to use three different Smeared Ink sets to create the project.  That really got my brain going.  I will admit that originally, I was going a different direction, but when I actually pulled my stamp sets, this image took over in my brain and here it is for all of you to see!!

The primary image is "Scared Eyes" and is one of the new releases.  Above are the cathedral and bird from Holy City and the sentiment is from Li'l Grumpies.  I used Sugar Cookie Glimmer Mist on the panel.  After it dried I placed a stencil from Crafters Template on and sprayed with Olive Vine.  I further distressed the edges with  brown ink and then a copper metal paint pen.  It is all mounted on a panel of dark green.

I hope that you take the time to visit all the artists on the hop.  There are some amazingly creative people associated with it and they always inspire me.  Take the time to leave them a little love :).


Smudgy Antics http://www.smudgyantics.blogspot.com
Terra http://www.moresmearedink.blogspot.com
Tori  http://ndustrial-lemon.blogspot.com

Alison http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com
Kelli http://cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com

Ladybrayton  http://www.ladybrayton71.blogspot.com
Black Dragon  http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/
Kapree http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com
Meredith http://www.papercanteen.com/
Lisa http://www.ldfdesign.blogspot.com/

Alex january Guest http://www.paperandstring.blogspot.com/

Jane February Guest http://jcocraft.blogspot.com/

Sugar March Guest http://sugscardsnmore.blogspot.com/

Get Inky!

Alex

To my roots- a little Steampunk

I was thinking it had been a bit since I did something a bit more 'out there' and was missing it. I found a couple of different challenges that got my brain going and then spent some time browsing Deviant Art and VIOLA! I ended up with this!

This image is by
© Christa Jansen van Vuuren ~ All Rights Reserved

I colored it up with my grey Prismacolor markers and my gold Spica Glitter pen.  The background paper is 7 Gypsies- Paddington which is a fabulous black and white collection. I cut the 'gears' from gold foil paper .  I had an absolute blast creating this and hope you enjoy it as well.

Challenges:
Smeared & Smudged - Rock N Rolla Inspiration Challenge
Burtonesque Dolls - Make it Burton - I always think of Edward Scissorhands as the original Steampunk.

Get Inky!

Alex

Hey there Hot Stuff!

Here is another of the super fun images from the latest release at SCACD. I am just having a blast playing with every single image from this release.  This is Hot Stuff and boy, isn't she? 

I just love how confident and collected she looks. The background and accent paper is from the Kaisercraft Seaside collection.  The stitches are created with the Sew Easy.  Once again I have to say that I am a bit shocked at my reaction to this particular tool.  I thought it was a cool idea and that maybe I would use it to create piercing for fauz stitching.  Do you see?  That is not faux stitching on this card.  I am having a blast using this tool and doing real stitching!

The flower is also from Kaisercraft.  Their Paper Blooms are fabulous.  SCACD has them in a ton of different colors and then you can spray them with mists to change them up if you want too!  I didn't understand how fabulous these flowers are and how they are different than what you already have until I saw them up close.  Each flower on the card is different and so detailed.  There are veins in the leaves!  I tried to get a couple of shots to help you see.

YUMMY!!

Now hurry over to SCACD and get shopping for some goodies.  Susana is just back from a vacation and she added a ton of great new things to the store.  Including some super fabulous chipboard that is different from what you are expecting to find.  There are clockhands, teacups, fairies and these:

Aren't they amazing!? I can not wait to play with them!!  Go have fun trying to decide what to get and remember, free shipping at $100 so why not just get them all?

Challenges:
Crafty Creations #111- In Stitches

Get Inky!

Alex

Moon Fairy Mojo

I saw the sketch for MOJO Monday and just knew I needed to grab another Sweet Pea Fairy and get busy!  This another of the images on Plate #124 by ching chou kuiks Fantasy Art Collection.  The sentiment is from another plate.  I used all Basic Grey papers and just enjoyed the process!!

Challenges:
Mojo Monday #183 - Sketch
Claudia & Co. #78- Color
Flutter By Wed #147 - Open with fairy, angel or butterfly

Get Inky!

Alex

Be Happy!!

This is Beach Ball Betty.  She is HAPPY and to me she represents warm weather, the idea of which, makes ME happy.  Since the Fairy Knoll Challenge this week is Happy, she is perfect.  The other happy part is this fabulous new Bo Bunny paper collection, Ad Lib, which was perfect not only with Beach Ball Betty, but also the sketch I used.

Challenges:
Fun at Fairy Knoll #43 - Happy
Card Positioning Systems #210 - Sketch

Get Inky!

Alex

Nocturnal Spirit

This is one of the newest images drawn by ching chou kuik for Sweet Pea Stamps called Nocturnal Spirit.  It is one of four images on plate #124 and I think it is AMAZING!!!  Do you see the feather wings?  Looooooooooove them!!!

I used a sketch from The Pink Elephant and kept everything simple to really highlight the image. 

Challenges:
The Pink Elephant #96 - Sketch
Ladybug Crafts #20 - Monotone

Get Inky!

Alex

A Birthday Wish creation

I love working with Brandi's images at Fairy Knoll. They lend themselves perfectly to the creation of cards. If you haven't used any of them, you simply must give them a try. There are even some free ones she has made available here.

This week I used one of my long time favorite images.  How could the balloons not make it a birthday card?

The background is more of the fabulous K&Co paper pack Sweet Nectar.  That gorgeous flower is from the new for 2011 Prima collection.

Challenges:
Fairy Knoll - birthday or thank you
Tip Top Tuesday - Birthday (also a great tutorial for a gift box)
Paper Crafting Journey #6- Up in the air (balloons)
Cupcake Craft #133 - Up in the air (balloons) with optional green
Shabby Tea Room #53- Party Time/birthday
Kaboodle Doodles #58 - Happy Birthday

Get Inky!

Alex

Just Chillin'

Wednesday I watched huge honkin' snow flakes falling while at work.  I then watched them accumulate into a snowing wet nasty mess on my car.  I then came home and made this card.  I am sooooooooooooooo ready for some warmer weather!!!

This is Just Chillin' in the Retro collection drawn by Victoria Case exclusively for SCACD.  I may never look quite as fabulous as her, but I would love to be warm enough right now to give it a shot!
The fun beach hut and chairs background paper is from the Kaisercraft Seaside paper pack.  The solid paper and the fun tag are also part of the pack.  I used Viva Decor Bronze Pearl Pen in place of brads and the Sew Easy to create the decorative stitching.  A second touch of Diamond Glaze on the glass of lemonade (because the first one doesn't work so well after putting my finger in it) and she is ready to go!

Get Inky!

Alex

Kimono Lantern Fairy

I have a very dear friend who is in Japan. I feel very blessed that several years ago our paths crossed and I had the opportunity to meet and get to know this precious lady from across the ocean.  She is on my mind often, but even more so in the past week.  One evening while thinking of her I grabbed the Sweet Pea Stamps Kimono Lantern Fairy image drawn by Elaine Cox and some gorgeous paper that my friend sent me and created this card.  The cardstock is actually a navy blue that matches the blue in the paper and image, but computer screens don't always cooperate when it comes to color.

I used my gold pen to add additional lines on the background paper and on the edges of the jeweled Petaloo flowers.

I hope this time finds you and yours safe and sound!

Get Inky!

Alex

Sweet Shamrock Fairy

This is a newer image from Delicious Doodles named Sweet Shamrock Fairy and I have to say, she was a joy to create with.  I love her casual, but "I know I look good" attitude :)

It is difficult to tell in the photo, but her wings even include shamrocks in them.  She is very versatile for year round though.  I saw on the challenge blog that one of the DT  members had made the shamrocks into flowers and it looks amazing!   I hope you take a moment to check it out.

Get Inky!

Alex

Ready for St. Patrick's Day?

It seems that a lot of the challenges lately are all about St. Patrick's Day or green.  No surprise!  Fairy Knoll is also having a St. Patrick's Day theme challenge this week and there is even a new image called Step Dancing Fairy.

'

I love that her wings look like a four leaf clover!  I colored her up to match some of my K& Co paper and then cut petals off some of my green Prima flowers to create clovers for the side.  The frame is made using an embossing folder by Craft Concepts call Stately then I inked everything up.

Get Inky!

Alex

Beach Bonita

Here is the third Bonita from the Sweet Meets Sassy new release at SCACD.  This is Beach Bonita.  When I looked at her I just KNEW she had to have blue hair.  I am 100% certain that this Bonita is a mermaid and if you are a mermaid, why on earth would you have hair that didn't match the ocean somehow?  This was truly a joy to color and so fun to create with.  I used some Diamond Glaze on the bubbles and my Viva Decor hologram glitter liner on the pearls in her hair.



Challenges:
Sketch Saturday #145- Sketch
ABC Challenge - P is for Pearls
Fussy & Fancy - Embossing or paper piecing
Crafts & Me- Under the Sea

Get Inky!

Alex

Smeared and Smudged March Member Hop

Most months, the Smeared and Smudged Forum trys to have a member hop.  This is completely optional, but gives us the chance to check out each others creations while we get to show off our dark side for those who like to see it.  This month we were also given the challenge to use the colors of green and brown.

Lately Charlie Sheen has been in the news, a LOT.  I am not condoning his actions nor do I truly wish to give him anymore internet time.  However, it has come to my attention that he has a fear of Trolls.  I beg to differ with him and remind him that there are things in life much worse than trolls.  Things like, well, sock monkeys!

Seriously, these things frighten me.  I am pretty sure that deep underneath they ALL look like this one.  So just a reminder, beware of the sock monkeys during the Zombie Apocalypse because I know they are already turned and waiting for us to fall asleep.

That fabulous looking dimensional blood, viva decor pen.  I use that a lot and love it!

I am also entering this in the Macabre Monday challenge- body bags and toe tags

As a bonus- Strange Skin is offering some BLOG CANDY for this hop.  One lucky winner will get these images!  You get an entry if you comment on everyone's blog.  Not one of those 'here is my comment' comments, I know you are more creative than that! 

Here are the others participating on the Smeared and Smudged Forum hop this month.  Take a look at their creations and leave them some love along the way.  If you are interested, we would love to have you join us in the forum where dark and creepy is normal!


Tori http://ndustrial-lemon.blogspot.com
Alison http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com
Kelli http://cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com
Ladybrayton http://www.ladybrayton71.blogspot.com
Sugar http://sugscardsnmore.blogspot.com/
Black Dragon http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/
Monica http://giddygreetings.com
Kapree http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com
Alex http://www.paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Tiffany http://bkfastattiffanys.blogspot.com/
Jane http://jcocraft.blogspot.com/
Meredith http://www.papercanteen.com/
Dianne http://dkspinner.blogspot.com
Judy http://creatingartwithheart.blogspot.com/
Lisa http://www.ldfdesign.blogspot.com/
Kimberly http://www.heartflywithpassion.com

Get Inky!

Alex

Scarlett Bonita

I am absolutely adoring coloring up the Bonitas in the Sweet Meets Sassy collection from SCACD.  This is Scarlett Bonita.  I paired her with some of the fabulous paper in the Prima Moulin Rouge collection.  Prima also has some super fun silver roses as part of the 2011 Precious Metals release.  The Viva Decor chrome pen on the lace and right corner add the perfect finishing touch!

Challenges:
 Crazy Challenge #57 - Lovely Ladies
Simply Create #38 - Power of Flowers

Get Inky!

Alex

Margox

Once I started coloring the Phunky Phairies drawn by Brigid Ashwood, I just couldn't stop!  Here is Margox from Plate #75 at Sweet Pea Stamps.

I have colored her with a combination of Copics, Bic and Prisma Markers as well as using a couple of the Copic Spica glitter pens.  The best thing though, it the hair.  Those wonderful ringlets just make me think Nellie Olsen from Little House on the Prairie.  Unfortunately, I think I also just admited how old I am.

Which of these Phunky Phairies is your favorite?

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations #101- photo insp - love these colors!
Crafty Purple Frog - Fly Away With Us / things with wings
Card Cupids - Anything Goes - check out this great card cause!!!
Desert Islands Crafts Challenge #3 - used: hand colored image, 2 patterned papers, pearls, no sentiment on front, & distressing

Get Inky!

Alex

Think Spring

As the rain drizzles down outside I keep reminding myself that Spring is coming!!!  I love Spring.  I love to see the plants wake up and trees in bloom.  Bulb flowers are some of my favorite ones.  I am hoping it arrives soon!
In the meantime, at Fairy Knoll the challenge this week is "Spring".  I grabbed The Rose and some Spring colors to create this simple card.  The flower is just one more reminder of Spring.

What can you create that is "Spring"?  Show us HERE!

Get Inky!

Alex

When Sweet Meets Sassy!

RELEASE DAY, RELEASE DAY!  YAY!

I hope you are hopping around checking out all the creations from the SCACD New Release When Sweet Meets Sassy Collection drawn by Victoria Case exclusively for SCACD and arrived here from Kim's Blog.  If not, check out the complete list at the SCACD store blog Follow Your Heart so you don't miss any of the amazing creations.

I am so excited to share two different creations with you today.  First up, from the Bonitas is Victoria Bonita.  This gorgeous gal is named for Susana's dear friend.  Isn't she stunning? 

I used the Kaisercraft Lilac Avenue paper and created the pearls around the image using my Viva Decor Pearl Pen.  The Bonitas are so fun to color!  Once you start, it is kind of like potato chips, you can't stop at just one!


Second is from the Retro Crew Collection - did you see the lava lamp you only get when you order the set? - and the image is Call Me.
 

I used the new Bo Bunny Gabrielle paper pack, the Sew Easy tool and floss around the image and one of the brand new 2011 Prima Roses Sugar Blooms Madeline. 

For all the European customers, don't forget that you can purchase these yummy stamps from Quixotic Paperie!

Now- hop on over to Colleen's blog to see her amazing creation!  Be sure to leave her some love while you are there!

Get Inky!  and then get shopping!

Alex

Sweet Pea Stamps- Samantha Rawlings New Release

New Release!!!! plate #125

Samantha Rawling's Little Sweethearts sheet #3, Plate #125, now on pre-order

Details on website

There are a BUNCH of new releases going on at Sweet Pea Stamps that are fabulous in addition to a super FUN contest that is Red Riding Hood and Alice In Wonderland based.  You can find the details for the contest HERE.  However, THIS sheet so captured my heart I just HAD to be sure and share it here with all of you.  I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurv it LOTS!

Get Inky!

Alex

Letter to a Friend

I got some brand spankin' new goodies in the mail yesterday from SCACD and just HAD to play!  Here is the end result using Letter to a Friend from The Spring Sampler 2011 drawn by Elisabeth Bell exclusively for SCACD.

I started with a sketch, which I promtly flipped and changed the circle to an oval, then colored my image.  When putting it together, I grabbed the patterned paper paper from the Prima Botanical collection.  True, I colored the image originally for another paper, but when the Prima arrived, it was soooooooooooo perfect I just had to change!  The flower is one of the new Prima 2011 flowers and it so much cooler in person than I thought it would be.  The pearls in the top left corner were created with my Viva Decor Pearl Pen.  I the sketch they were on the other side, but I moved them because I thought it created better balance.

Challenges:
Pile It On #8 - Childhood Dreams
Cupcake Inspiration #100- photo
Sweetest Thing Sunday Sketch #106- Sketch


Get Inky!
Alex