31 Days of Halloween Day 7

YAY- Alex is in tag mode again today and I just looooooooooooooooooove Alex in tag mode. She is super happy when she plays with the tags. This one required some very colorful language and I stayed back a bit for my own safety, but Alex's stubbornness prevailed and she was smiling when it was finished.

Alex used the Betty Addams image from Simply Betty Stamps.  She thought it would be just lovely paper pieced, and it is.  However, when selecting the paper, Alex was more about the end result that actually being able to see the lines to cut on the paper.

Alex first stamped the image on her tag and colored it. She then stamped it on some Bo Bunny Father Christmas paper for the dress and began to cut it out.  Many swear words later - due to the darkness of the paper with the black ink and Alex's failing eyesight - the dress was glued onto the image on the tag.  The rose was cut and pieced as well.  Alex used her markers to create a bit of additional shading on the dress.  Distress inks in a couple of colors were used to color the tag.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do.  It is already in the mail on the way to a new home.  Alex keeps most of her tags and I love looking them over and over.  This one, however, will be loved by someone else.

Happy Halloween!
Edgar

31 Days of Halloween Day 6

Ok- have to tell you, I am just a touch amused at Alex with this creation. She started out all cute and fun and then, just like she does, she added in just a bit of the creepy.  I don't know how she continues to do it, but one day perhaps she will refrain. 

This cutie is drawn by Elisabeth Bell exclusively for SCACD and is part of the Holiday Peekers collection. You probably remember that just a couple of days ago, Alex took another Peeker and Halloween'ed her up. If not, you can see it here. This one was already going that direction, but could have been a sweet lovable fall card just as easily. At least, with anyone else but Alex using the image it could have been....

Cute image - check
Fun colorful paper - check
Creepy Jack o'Lantern border....- check

Alex used the paper from Best Creations Happy Haunting for this card.  It is a good thing they have multiples of each sheet because I thought Alex was going to lose it trying to decide which paper and which side of the paper to use.  She pretty much loves them all and I think that if her hubby would allow it, she would just put them all up on the wall 'as is'.  Of course, I kept telling her to do it anyway......

The Jack o'Lantern border is created using the stamps from the Teresa Collins Happy Hallows set.  This is the same set that had the hand she used to pop out of the box in THIS card.  (Oh dear, poor Elisabeth Bell is probably going to have a coronary if she ever looks at Alex's blog.)  You will also see a lot more of this set in several other upcoming creations.  If you don't own it, you should.  Oh wait, Alex says NO, she wants to be the only cool one.... whatever!


Happy Halloween!
Edgar

Winter Wonder

I have to throw in some non Halloween, but very much winter is coming.  This image drawn by Sylvia Zet exclusively for SCACD is just so cute.  I love the sweet faces all of them in the sets have.

This image is Winter Wonder.  Perfectly named IMHO.  I had been talking about Christmas cards with some friends recently and ideas for snowy ground.  I used some glitter on mine and then the Polar White Flowersoft on their caps for the fur.  This stuff is just fabulous for that look.  Use some Bo Bunny Blitzen paper, add a couple of snowflakes and flurries and VIOLA!

Get Inky!
Alex

31 Days of Halloween - Day 5

Alex has graced us with purple once again.  Since it is her favorite color, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

She pulled out some of the many Sweet Pea Stamps Halloween'ish images.  Terra Bidlespacher has several that work and this is one of mine and Alex's favorites.  It is called Slightly Toxic.  It can be found on Plate #169 or purchased by itself.

Alex had a blast coloring and enjoyed all the stones in the floor and wall behind the girl in the image as well as the melting candles in the bottles.  Just little details that set the scene so well.  That girl's sweet face certainly doesn't look like she would do anyone harm.  I think she is just misunderstood.  I completely understand.

Happy Halloween!

Edgar

31 Days of Halloween - Day 4

Hello my pretties! I hope that October is treating you all fabulously. I am so excited to be getting going on the 31 Days of Halloween and now it is Day 4!! CAW CAW!- oops, sorry about that, just a bit excited!

Today I am going to share not only a creation from Alex, but some news as well!  Alex is part of the fabulous Design Team for the new challenge blog Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls!

They began their first challenge yesterday.  The challenge is "Your Favorite Halloween".  Share something based on your favorite Halloween movie, book or memory.  Alex went with her favorite memory.  The story goes like this:

Once upon a time, there was a gangly teenage girl in high school.  She was one of the geeky orchestra smart kids that wasn't super popular and didn't have great self esteem.  She was 'good' and no one really noticed her.  That there was always a book in front of her face probably didn't help...  The Halloween of her junior year in high school, she got invited to hang out with a couple of girls she shared a class or two with.  They had two different parties to attend.  A Drama club one and a church youth group one.  Alex agreed and they all talked costumes.  For the first time EVER Alex got to pick whatever she thought she could pull the stuff together for - scary or not.  She wanted to be a vampire.  Now keep in mind, Alex is not a spring chicken, so at this time her fascination with Vampire's was a bit odd.  Yep- she is a vampire freak from waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back.  However, one of the girls she was going with did the stage makeup for the drama club so helped Alex get ready.  She was completely made up, hair done and even had a cape she borrowed.  She was rockin' the sexy vamp look.  For the first time EVER, and pretty much since, she felt and looked smokin' hot!  It was a wonderful night!

So, in remembrance of the evening Alex decided to use the new Bella the Vampire image from Simply Betty Stamps.  Bella is a smokin' hot vampire in her own right.  Alex paired the image with this awesome paper by Teresa Collins found in the Haunted Hallows collection.

Challenges:
Corrosive Challenge #134 - Purple Passion
Come and Get It - Happy Halloween
Fashionable Stamping #5 - Vintage
Crafty Catz - Things with Wings
Forever Night Challenges - Anything Goes - creepy and dark :)


Happy Halloween!
Edgar

31 Days of Halloween - Day 3

It is TAG TIME!  Caw, caw!  I just looooooove when Alex gets her tag on! 

The distress inks were brought out, the sponges and the fun.  Alex gets all sorts of silly when she is making tags.  She pulls out stamps she hasn't played with before or at least in a long time.  I just love smelling all the ink.  I also am pretty comfortable that I am safe from flying glitter when she is working on tags.  Although I bet now I have jinxed myself......

The image stamp on here is an unknown company, but one Alex grabbed on sale after Halloween last year in anticipation of 31 Days of Halloween this year. Fortunately, she actually remembered it!

Challenges:
Artistic Stamper - Autumn Colors
Desert Islands Crafts -  tag, circle, no white
Craft Your Days Away #30 - Tag it
Easy Craft Projects #48 - Autumn project


Don't forget to get yourself entered for the Blog Candy from yesterday if you aren't yet! 

Happy Halloween!
Edgar

31 Days of Halloween - Day 2

HELLO and WELCOME my Dharlinks!  I have another project from the dark side of Alex's brain to share with you today.  I must warn you that the giggling that happened while she was creating it was just a touch scary.

Alex gabbed the sweet and adorable image Partners in Peeking drawn by Elisabeth Bell exclusively for SCACD.  But you know Alex, she couldn't just leave it at that.  Of course, if she had, it wouldn't really be appropriate for the 31 Days of Halloween, but I am pretty sure this poor little girl has to change her panties now! 

Now for some fun and exciting news!  Today is a CANDY day!  CAW CAW!!!!  Susana at SCACD sent Alex a few fun things to give away.  One of them is the 6x6 paper pad from My Minds Eye called Mischevious.  This is also the paper pack Alex used when creating this card. 

Fun isn't it?  Everyone who comments will be eligble to win this candy.  You have until midnight Oct 4.  The winner will be announced on the post Oct 5 and need to contact Alex with their mailing information.  If you just can't wait, or don't want to risk it, you can purchase one yourself from SCACD.  They have lots of fabulous holiday papers here.

Oooooooooooh- that was FUN.  I can't wait to give away more things!

Happy Halloween!
Edgar

Sweet Pea Stamps 48 Hour SALE!!!!

48 hour Sale!!!!

Sweet Pea Stamps 48 hour sale will begin at midnight Oct 1 and run through Oct 2nd. All orders will receive 25% off (excluding wholesale. Wholesale customers,  will receive a 10% discount. We will adjust your invoice and e-mail you your new total). The online website will automatically deduct the % off for you, at checkout.

Past orders excluded.

GO HERE AND ORDER NOW!!! 

Get Inky!

Alex

31 Days of Halloween - Day 1

Welcome, welcome!!!  Allow me to introduce myself to those of you that have not met me before.  My name is Edgar Allen Crow.  Yes, yes, I know, and yes, I have heard it before.  Alex, being the lover of all things Halloween and creepy, once again has joined in on the fun with the 31 Days of Halloween.  There is an entire group of these crazy creative people challenging themselves to come up with something 'Halloween' every day for the entire month of October.  The only must have is that it must contain something stamped someplace on the creation.  Because she is soooooooooooooooooooooo lazy busy, Alex has allowed me to once again host this year's 31 Days.  I am very excited and hope you are as well.

First, some of the details.  There is a list on the sidebar of Alex's blog that has all of the participants.  There are also prizes to be won.  Alex has some blog candy donated by Susana at SCACD that will appear throughout the month.  There are also several sponsors for the 31 Days.  These prizes will be in the form of scavenger hunts and I will be certain to let you know when they are happening.  There is also a GRAND PRIZE being awarded to Wicked Bloggers and Horrifying Hoppers.  The complete rules can be found here.


Now- on to the first of many creations Alex has to share with you.  I do want to warn you though that her brain was especially twisted and warped for this one.  

Here Kitty Kitty...... (hee hee hee)

This is a newly released image from Delicious Doodles called My Sweet Kitty. The challenge this week for Delicious Doodles is 'Tales of the Unexpected'. Obviously Alex went a bit crazy with this one. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I would love to tell you that the month won't contain all ick and ook, but knowing Alex, I just can't guarantee it.  However, I do hope you will hang out with us the rest of the month.  I know I will be fabulous and I am hoping you can tolerate Alex.

Happy Halloween!
Edgar

New Release - Elisabeth Bell

There is a new release drawn by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD.  They are Holiday Peekers!!!  YAY!!!

This is Reason for the Season Peeker.

I think this is one of the sweetest images I have seen in some time. I really like it and have plans to make a Christmas ornament with it for gifts or to tie on presents for people.

Be sure you stop by the store blog to get a list of blogs you can see additional samples with this and the other surprise release images.  Even better, swing by SCACD and order your own set!  While you are there, be sure to grab the Bo Bunny Jingle Bells paper pack where I got this fabulous background paper.

For those of you in Europe, don't forget you can get this collection from Quixotic Paperie.

Get Inky!

Alex

Bombshell Hop - Holiday Hoopla!

HELLO!  Edgar Allen Crow here to welcome you to the Bombshell Hop.  Alex has promised to let me host the 31 Days of Halloween this year and I have a few surprises and special guests for you.  However, she and I both felt a practice run was in order so I picked the fabulous Bombshell Hop to join you!

The theme this month is Holiday Hoopla.  The challenge is to create something representing a favorite holiday.  No surprises, Alex's is Halloween :).

Let me take a moment and introduce you to Horace.  Horace really, really needs some wardrobe assistance.  I don't know who did this to him, but the fashion police are on the lookout!

REALLY?!?!?

After some thought and discussion, and of course a lot of fabulous and promptly rejected ideas on my part, Alex pulled out the supplies and set to work.  The first thing was a fresh coat of paint to help cover up the disaster he arrived with.  At that point Horace looked like a new man.  So much so that Alex's son started to call him Yoric.  However, Horace and I talked a bit and he was pretty certain that he knew his own name better than anyone else, so Horace he is.

Alex decided to use a technique she learned from Alison, a regular Bombshell, that is found here.   Even better, the one she made for Alex here.  Now, Alex, not having Modge Podge and being too lazy resourceful to go purchase any, used some craft glue that dries clear.  Not nearly as lovely as Alison's creation, and while editing photos it became apparent the edges of the tissue paper are visible.  So, there will be some touch ups to come.

Doesn't Horace look soooooooooo much better?

some additional views- the underwater theme using the Mermaid Treasure set was adhered to (I crack myself up!) so that Horace wouldn't have an identity crisis or anything.  Here are some additional views of Horace modeling for us.

So much better- now he and I can be seen in public together without it ruining my image.....

Just two fabulous looking dudes!

Take the time to hop through the rest of the blogs participating today in the Bombshell Holiday Hoopla Hop.  I know you will not be disappointed at all the creativity you will find!  See you Oct. 1!!!

Bombshell Blog:

Alison:

Alex:

Terra:

Kathi:

Kelli:

Jennie:

Glittery Kate:

Sparkly Mary: 
Mary G:

Alaine:

Happy Hopping!!!

Edgar

Christmas is coming....

I have found that, for me, this year is just flying by!  I am very excited about October and Halloween, however, I realize that the Christmas Holiday is just right around the corner and I need to get some cards made!

Sweet Pea Stamps has some beautiful Christmas stamps from which to chose.  I used this one from the Holiday Plate #12.  It is embossed in red and then layered up.  An elegant holiday card made easy because of a beautiful stamp.

Challenges:
Card Makin' Mamas - Punches
Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - Clean and Simple
Truly Scrumptious - #66 Clean and Simple
CI Paints - White plus one other color
Corrosive Challenges - #33 Punches
All Sorts Challenge - #122 Keep It Simple

Get Inky!

Alex

Mizuki

I absolutely love this fabulously wonderful lady.  Her name is Mizuki. Such a lovely Japanese name for her.

After stamping and coloring her I pulled out the fabulous Chapter 1 by Kaisercraft.  The circle and sentiment are also from the pack.  There are several specialty sheets in the back with tags, borders, circles, strips, etc.  I just LOVE that about the Kaisercraft papers.  The sentiment reads 'Anything unattempted remains impossible.' 

I hope you adore her as much as I do.  There are several fabulous Kraftin' Kimmie stamps at SCACD including the new Angel collection and, my favorite, some fabulous Halloween ones! 

Get Inky!

Alex

Cute as a button?

The challenge right now at Delicious Doodles is 'Cute as a Button'.  As you can see, I went with the use buttons part of the challenge, and depending on your viewpoint, blew the cute part.

I used the image Gothic Angel from Delicious Doodles.  This image is very detailed and already beautifully shaded so I didn't feel the need to do a lot to it.  I darkened her wings a bit, added color to her lips and dress and then colored in the studded accessories.  I kept with the red and black while creating the card but added in silver for accents.  The button is one I made using Viva Decor Crystal Gel in orange/gold and a 1st Impression mold.  I then painted it with the Viva Decor Precious Metals paint in silver.

You have another week to enter the challenge.  Can't wait to see what you create with buttons!

Get Inky!
Alex

It is ME! I am the spotlight guest on Simply Betty Stamps!

I was sooooooooooooo very, very honored when Betty asked if I would be the spotlight guest this week on the Simply Betty Stamps Blog.  I couldn't imagine not sharing my excitement with all of you too!!!
Please go over to the Simply Betty Stamps Blog and see a couple of my creations with her fabulous stamps.  Then, be sure you browse some of the previous posts for the latest releases :)

Get Inky!

Alex

Fun, fun, fun!!!!

Susana at SCACD has done it again. She has gone out and found the best stuff. Things I never see anyplace else! Look at these new embossing folders, and there are a BUNCH of them, not just these.

Fabulous new beautiful holiday papers

and the new Kraftin' Kimmie stamps.  There are even a couple of the last release left too, better grab them QUICK!

and loooooooooooooooook what I just found while browsing!!!  Isn't it lovely?

now go shop and then,

Get Inky!

Alex

Sakura Spirit

Meredith Dillman has and entire sheet of images at Sweet Pea Stamps, plate #137, that is devoted to flowing, regal women.  This one is called Sakura Spirit. 

I had originally intended to use an entirely different background patterned paper for this image.  I have one that has branches and blossoms on it similar to the image.  However, when I went to create the card, I just couldn't get happy with anything I tried.  Finally I set that aside, and started fresh with the colored image in my hand and my stash of paper before me.  The end result is MUCH better than anything I had tried previously.  Sometimes it is about knowing when to change course.

Get Inky!

Alex

Tulipa

Another one of the lovely Fall Floral Fairies recently released at SCACD.  This is Tulipa.

I paired her with the Hippy Girl paper by Kaisercraft and love the result.  I hope you have taken the time to get your own set of the Fall Floral Fairies to create with!

Get Inky!

Alex

Poppy

The newest release of stamps from SCACD with the artist Sylvia Zet are just so much fun.  I hope you already have yours headed to your hands to play with, but if not, do so!

I colored up Poppy this time.  I love her in purple and believe that purple hair is just fabulous on a fairy, don't you?  What fairy would want plain old normal hair when she could have purple?

The patterned paper and scallop strip are both from the Kaisercraft collection Lilac Avenue.  I love that the Kaisercraft paper packs all come with border strips, tags and other assorted matching items.

Challenges:
Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #134 - Sketch
Stamps + Fun = Creativity #64 - Animals
Magical Monday - Anything Goes
Make It Colourful #34 - Make it purple!

Get Inky!
Alex

Willy Wonka and a Mad Scientist?

This image is Mad Scientist Christian from Simply Betty Stamps.  I think he is just fabulous and am thrilled I got to ink him up.  I created this card with the current call at The Burtonesque Dolls in mind.  There is a DT call and the 'assignment' is:  Show us your quirky, your creepy, your funky most beloved projects and incorporate your most favorite Burton film or Burton like film!  Tell us all about that film and why it is your favorite!
 

I think that probably an explanation is in order so that you can see the funky path my brain took that makes this incorporating Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
First, I have to tell you that I had a super difficult time selecting a favorite Burton film.  There are things I really enjoy in all of them I have seen.  However, I think the more reclusive, less child loving version of Willy Wonka created by Tim Burton is FABULOUS!  When he makes the 'side of his mouth' comments I found myself literally laughing out loud at the theater.
So- now you know why the specific movie, how on earth did I get to THIS card?  Right? Well, I have this image of an obnoxious girl with a lolipop and while looking for it and trying to create something in my brain, I was sifting through my Simply Betty Stamps that just arrived, saw this one and went 'WAIT! Someone HAD to invent all that funky candy!  Why not Mad Scientist Christian?' and here we are.

The background paper is from my Best Creations Happy Hauntings paper pack. 

These fun embellishments are ones I made.  I used the Viva Decor Crystal Gel in orange/gold and a mold by First Impressions.  I then painted them with black acrylic paint.  Once they were dry I used the Metallic Rub-Ons kit #3 to help bring out the details.

Challenges:
The Burtonesque Dolls - New challenges DT call
Smeared and Smudged Forum- Very Sketchy


Get Inky!
Alex

Introducing Sylvia Zet for SCACD

Today is the day we have been sooooo been waiting for - the gorgeous new Sylvia Zet images are being released by SCACD Stamps! There are EIGHT fantastic and utterly adorable images, all exclusive to SCACD Stamps in yummy red rubber, and they are all available NOW!!!  Here is just a sneaky peek of what you get to see in a minute :)

The stamps are all now available, and if you just have to have them all, you can grab them in discounted sets!

US/Canada: You will find the stamps in the Sylvia Zet section at Susana's Custom Art & Card Design HERE.

UK/Europe: You will find the stamps in the Sylvia Zet section at Quixotic Paperie HERE.

To celebrate, we've got a hop for you today, filled with inspiration from the SCACD and Quixotic Paperie design teams PLUS some fabulous, special guests! We hope you will hop along with us as we introduce you to the Adventures Loli and Shellie, Poppy and the rest of their friends!

You should have hopped here from LORRAINE'S BLOG. If you're just joining us and would like to start the hop at the beginning, then pop back to the start over at ELAINE HUGHES' BLOG.

A complete hop list can be found over on the SCACD Store Blog.

This is the image Precious Present and I luuuuuuuuuuuuurv her!!!  She was such fun to color and I am looking forward to making a LOT of cards for friends and OWH with her.  She is so sweet and I can see her in so many different colors.  I used Viva Decor Glitter Liner in hologram on her wings and a tiny touch on the butterfly.  That butterfly is the freebie you get with the complete set.  Isn't it perfect with her?  I can't think of a single reason why you wouldn't get the complete set anyway they are so fabulous!  I used paper from the Kaisercraft Devonshire collection.  The edging on the image is done with the Sew Easy using the Blanket Stitch attachment and the Brown Floss.  (check out the discounts people!!)


Your next stop on the hop is another of our special guests IRIS WIECHMANN'S BLOG.   Be sure you leave her some love when you pass through. 

Hope you are enjoying all of the creations and thank you for visiting.  Go see the rest of the creations, but be sure you stop by the store and get your sets of stamps by the artist Sylvia Zet for SCACD.

Get Inky!

Alex

Bad Kitty

This is one of the fun images by Terra Bidlespacher called Bad Kitty available from Sweet Pea Stamps.   It is part of Plate #169 or can be purchased by itself.

The girl in the image is beautiful, but it was actually the little details that drew me to create with it.  Specifically the candle holder on the wall and the bird feathers in the cage and with the kitty. 

Get Inky!

Alex

Surprise! Halloween Style

First- I have to disclose that this idea came from someone else, I just put it together.  This image is What's In The Box Peeker from the Peekers 2 Collection drawn by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD. 

I started by stamping the image on white cardstock and coloring her hair and skin   I then stamped it on patterned paper from the Teresa Collins Haunted Hallows collection I got from SCACD.  I stamped the present again on white cardstock.  After cutting out a piecing together the little girls dress, bow and headband I also cut out the present from the white cardstock and the bow from the patterned paper.  I colored the box with my black glaze pen and did the same with the large dots on the box and pieced it together as well.

The hand coming out of the box is stamped using the Teresa Collins Happy Hallows stamp set I also got from SCACD.  I am going to be using this set a LOT!  I cut it out and then placed it on with the second present I colored and cut on top of it.  The rest of the card uses other papers from the Teresa Collins Haunted Hallows collection and a sketch from the JUGS challenge this week.

It feels fabulous to be creating some spooky, creepy, and fun Halloween things!!!



Challenges:
JUGS #100 - Sketch
Our Creative Corner- Stamp on Pattern Paper
Forever Night #7- Devilish Intentions (the giver of this gift certainly didn't have good intentions!)
Raise the Bar #73 - Paper Piece
Desert Island Crafters #15- text print, twine, dimension
Delightful Challenge - Halloween
Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes

Get Inky!!!

Alex

It is coming!!!!!!

Halloween is COMING!  WOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!  Halloween is my very FAVORITE creative time of the year.  My closet (or not so closet depending on how well you know me) Goth gets to come out and play!  Once again I will be participating in the 31 Days of Halloween with a bunch of other super talented people.  Edgar has begged to play again as well, I am certainly thinking about it.

In the meantime, I have to let you know that Susana at SCACD has some FABULOUS items for Halloween in the store, AND she even brought back in some of last year's Kraftin Kimmie Halloween stamps for those of you that missed out before.

Hattie

Mitzi

There are also all of the ones from the new release this year as well.  In addition, she has paper galore and the fun Halloween stamps by Teresa Collins.  Oh be still my ghastly heart!

These are just a couple of them.  You can find all of the holiday paper right HERE and you better be prepared to do some serious shopping :)

Now go- Get Inky!
Alex