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