31 Days of Halloween - Day 1

Welcome, welcome, welcome!!!!  Some of you are old (some older than others, caw, caw) friends and some of you are new.  ALL of you are welcome to join Alex and me for the 31 Days of Halloween.  For those of you not 'in the know', let me introduce myself.  I am Edgar Allen Crow and I am your host for the next 31 Days.  Alex gets a bit, well crazy, with all the creating for 31 Days of Halloween, so forces lets me host.  The best part is that she often doesn't even have time to proof read the posts so I can fill you in on what is really happening behind the scenes!

Also, 31 Days of Halloween has many, many participants.  You can find a complete list of them on the right sidebar or you can always visit Terra's Blog for the full details.

It is entirely fitting that Alex is starting the month with a tag.  She makes quite a few of them for this project, but mostly because she has fun making them.  Alex finds herself using stamps she hasn't yet inked up, and creating all sort of fun scenes on the tags.  Then, she keeps them all for herself.  I know, pretty selfish neat isn't it?  There is a lot of sparkle on this tag from multiple colors of Stickles including the design in the witches dress and the fire.

Now, on to the really important things, me.  Perhaps you noticed I am sporting a different....look.

I know you are all going to say that I am so amazingly handsome regardless, but I am in the midst of selecting a new tail wardrobe due to what I now refer to as The Tinker Incident.  Is this too bold?  Does it look real?  I am going to give it a couple of days to see if it grows on me.

I am looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow.  I also hope that you spend some time checking out the creations of the other Wicked Bloggers.  Everyone puts in so much work and is so talented, you will just be amazed and inspired.

Happy Halloween!
Edgar

31 Days is almost here!!!

31 Days of Halloween

The fourth 31 day long extravaganza of the Smeared and Smudged forum kicks off tomorrow. This is the third year that Edgar and I are participating and both of us can hardly wait!!!!  Edgar, especially has been going just a bit crazy, but most of you know that is a normal state for him. Projects ranging from the simple quick makes to those a little more time consuming. The only requirement for the hop is that they have at least one stamped image somewhere. Prizes galore along the way from some fantastic sponsors. For full details you'll need to visit the forum.  I will keep the complete blog roll on my side bar throughout October as well.  There are so many participants this year that I know you will be super inspired on a daily basis!!

Watch this space!!

Get Inky!
Alex and Edgar

The Eyes Have It!!!

It is time for another exciting SCACD Stamp Release!!! SCACD is thrilled to bring you the follow up to the super sweet Eyes of Beauty and Dreams Collection with Newest Eyes of Adventure and Fables Collections. We definitely think the Eyes have it!!! These eyes just capture your heart and even better each stamp comes with an accessory image!!! Today I get to introduce one from each of the collections!!!

Before I get started, I hope that you have been hopping along and just came from Chris's Blog.  If you haven't been hopping, you have missed some truly stunning creations and I recommend you start at the beginning with the SCACD Blog. 

First is Steampunk Eyes from the Eyes of Adventure Colletion.  I have paired this image with the Dies by SCACD Key Corner Die.  I trimed the die cut image to fit the space I wanted.

It is also important to note that Steampunk Eyes is not actually wearing the hat on the stamp.  The stamp is her and there is a second accessory stamp that is the hat (see sample package cover below).  However, I decided to do some masking when I stamped these out so she could be wearing the hat instead.  Isn't it fun to be able to play with images like that?  The ball chain is from the Idea-Ology pack in the mixed media section at SCACD.  There are some seriously amazing things in that section.

The second image I get to share with you today is Her Magesty's Eyes from the Eyes of Fables Collection.  She is so lovely and was so much fun to color!  I used the Spica Black pen on her dress and the Spica Gold on her crown and scepter.  Stickles are on all of her ruby red hearts and the wings of the winged heart as well.

I paired her with the Dies by SCACD Alice's Clock peeking out from behind the image.  The heart border at the bottom is created from cutting out the center section of one of the Dies by SCACD Garden Corner and lining them up.  The background paper is from a Bo Bunny holiday collection.

I used the accessory stamp that comes with Her Magesty's Eyes to decorate the inside of the card.  The wings are again covered in Stickles and the steampunk heart is colored with the Spica Pens in Gold and Red.

Your next stop on the new release hop is Suzzane's Blog.  After that, make certain you run to SCACD and get both collections as well as stocking up on any Dies by SCACD you have missed and supplies you want.  You won't find better service or more amazing exclusive stamps and dies anywhere!

If you are one of our International friends these images and the Dies by SCACD are available at Quixotic Paperie just for you!

Get Inky!
Alex

All Hallows Eve

Halloween is my absolute favorite time of the year.  I love the decorations and that I can walk into most any store and see a skull!!! It just makes me smile!

Sweet Pea Stamps has a large variety of Halloween images available.  From cute, to creepy to sexy, like this one by Rebecca Sinz.  She is called All Hallows Eve and is part of a wonderful plate of images. 

The background paper is from the Bo Bunny Apple Cider collection.

Get Inky!
Alex

Classic Eyes

I absolutely adore every single image in both the Eyes of Beauty and Eyes of Dreams Collections.  This one is Classic Eyes.  To me, this image is truly understated beauty.  Not only that, but it coordinates perfectly with the Dies by SCACD Uncaged Bird.  I cut out the die in both red and white.  The bird is layered with a pop dot to rise it up.  The background paper is from the Teresa Collins Tell Your Story paper pack.  The gold on Classic Eyes' robe is done with the gold Spica pen for the shimmer.  I use my Spica pens all the time for that little extra something.

Get Inky!
Alex

Welcome

This Welcome Door by Stampotique is one I have seen in many fabulous creations.  I love that is finally my turn to see what I can create with it.  I wanted a Fall feel so used some paper from the MME Halloween collection.  The pumpkins and vines are part of the paper design, but I added the color in addition to trimming one out and popping it up. I am pretty thrilled with the end result.  What are you creating today?

Get Inky!
Alex

Sea Mist

There is a newly released Plate #227 filled with mermaids drawn by Rebecca Sinz.  I saw them and fell instantly in love and HAD to have it!  HAD TO!  This sweet mermaid is called Sea Mist and she paired perfectly with paper from Authentique's Peaceful Collection.   Be certain you check out all four of the images on the sheet.  Each of them can be purchased individually as well.

 There is quite the deal going on right now at Sweet Pea Stamps too.  The time to buy everything you have had your eye on!

 Fall Savings coupon 4 U:
Tues, Wednes. & Thurs: coupon is worth 35%
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: coupon is worth 25%
coupon code: fallsavings
(excludes past orders and wholesale orders)

While you are shopping & and saving... 
take advantage of our 'overstock' dollar pages,
these have been updated and once we run low,
they will go back to regular prices:

$1 Stamps

$2 Stamps

$3 Stamps

$4 Stamps

Get Inky!
Alex

Sunny Eyes

I have loved this image Sunny Eyes since I first saw it.  As one who spent her teenage years in the 80's it makes me think of a certain female musical artist and that makes me love it even more!  AND, I really want those rockin' shoes.

I decided to really play up on the flames and starry night sky while coloring Sunny Eyes and worry about the papers, embellishments, etc. later.  I am thrilled with the result, especially the dress.  I colored it with my darkest grey alcohol marker fist and the covered it with the black Spica Pen.  The depth and shimmer are amazing!  The Spica Pens were great for the sun in her hair, wings, belt and shoes as well.

After looking at and admiring my coloring for several days, I finally got busy and finished creating.  The background paper is from the Memory Box.  Those 'flames' are actually made using one of the newest release Dies by SCACD.  This is the Ornate Hinge.  I have a little something else up my sleeve with this one to show you later this month.  Just buy it now because it is going to be on your 'must have' list.

I hope your weekend is fabulous and filled with the opportunity to be creative!

Get Inky!
Alex

Drops of Juniper

One of the most recently released images from Joanne Schempps art collection at Sweet Pea Stamps includes this lovely fairy image called Drops of Juniper.  She is so precious and the hearts make it perfect for sending a little love to someone in the mail.

Those pretty flourishes in the corner are one of the Dies by SCACD in the Garden Corners collection.

Get Inky!

Alex

Blue Companion

This lovely image is called Blue Companion and is by Rebecca Sinz.  All four images on this sheet are amazing.  I have the image paired with some Basic Grey paper and a this amazing celestial die corner from Dies by SCACD. 


Get Inky!
Alex

There is a SALE at Sweet Pea Stamps!!!

Extended through Sept. 8th:

 save 20% on your order when you use the code labor20!

The store has been updated with all the sale images separated by price point and major price drops! Check out these deals (limited time only until product runs low):

$1 Stamps

$2 Stamps

$3 Stamps

$4 Stamps

Angel

I am so excited that SCACD is carrying some of the Stampotique stamps.  Especially when I saw SCACD had Angel.  This image has been on my wish list for a long time so I grabbed her!  Angels aren't just for Christmas.

Here she is stamped in black Momento on a tag.  I colored her hair, bodice and frill on the skirt the sponge inked the background.  I really wanted her to have an angelic glow around her and think I succeeded.  The finishing touch was a wooden heart from Studio Calico Hearts and Arrows.

Get Inky!

Alex

Bombshell Hop

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to be hopping with the Bombshells this month.  I have missed doing this and decided it was time to just commit. Very happy I did.  Hopefully you have come from Alison's BLOG, but if not, please start at the Bombshell BLOG so you don't miss a thing!

This month the theme is "Let's Hear it for the Boys".  Yep- I am singing it in my head too.  So, you are probably wondering how I ended up with the above creation.  Let me tell you a bit about how my brain works (or doesn't).  So I start with the song in my head, then as I am looking through my Bombshell Stamps I see the "It's your Lucky Day" sentiment in the Mermaid Treasure set, which morphs into "Hey Big Boy" Mae West style in my head.  Earlier in the day I had been reading about a group called Team X-Treme.  They are an organization focused on Wounded Warriors and pretty stinkin' amazing!  So, the Mae West thing then took my brain to the USO performances during the wars.  I am pretty sure having recently watched Captain America helped with the prompting as well.  THIS creation is what then came out of all that.
PHEW!  Are you tired?  I am!  All that aside, I am very please with the Butterfly Queen and her red, white, blue and sparkle.

Now, time to see how everyone else interpreted this month's theme.  Next up on your stop is Rachael's BLOG.  Be sure and leave her some love while you are there.  The complete list is below in case you get lost.

Get Inky!

Alex



Bombshell Blog: http://bombshellstamps.blogspot.com/
Alison: http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
Alex: http://www.paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Rachael: http://rachaelshandmadedesigns.blogspot.com/
Alaine: http://missalaineousmosaics.blogspot.com/
Kelli: http://www.cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com
Jodi: http://www.elamdesign33.blogspot.com/
Laura: http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/
Sparkly Mary: http://sparkly-train.blogspot.com/
Terra: http://www.moresmearedink.blogspot.com
Kim: www.craftypinkanchor.blogspot.com
Stempelientje: http://stempelientje.blogspot.com
Nicole: http://madebynicole.blogspot.com
Glittery Katie: http://ferrishyn-frontier.blogspot.com
Kas: http://www.artloveschaos.blogspot.com
Kathi: http://kathstales.blogspot.com

Brown Hat Spring Fairy

I wanted to create an ATC with more of a Fall feel and color scheme that would go with the Wicked Wednesday ATC "who loves owls" challenge .  This image from Sweet Pea Stamps is the Brown Hat Spring Fairy by Elaine Cox.  It is one of the earlier releases and is part of a truly fabulous sheet and all four images have owls in them.  I trimmed the image quite a bit to fit the area I had created so you do get a bit more to work with for your creations.

The fun and funky background paper is from Bo Bunny  Apple Cider collection.  Those fun edges on the top and bottom are made using Viva Decor Crystal Gel in orange gold and a 1st Impressions mold Mini Lace Set.  I brushed some of the Tarnished Brass Metallic Distress Stain on the top of them and around the edge of the image.  To give the embellies even more depth, I then rubbed on a bit of the Craft - T Products Metallic Rub On in gunmetal.  I use this stuff all the time and it is lasting forever.  LOVE!

Challenges:
Wicked Wed ATC - #46 who loves owls

Get Inky!

Alex

Vintage Fountain

The Dies by SCACD are just so amazing.  I am awed every time I use one at the detail.  The main one here is the Vintage Fountain which is amazing as it is.  I used several colors of Flowersoft to turn it from a fountain into more of a layered planter.  The corner is also one of the Dies by SCACD.  One of the Classic Corners.  I used paper from the Memory Box Nightfall collection and a couple of different Kaisercraft collections.

Be sure you check out all the newly arrived holiday papers.  There are Halloween, Christmas, and more!

Get Inky!

Alex

Ribbons and Bows

I hope you have had the chance to see the brand new Dies by SCACD.  They are even more amazing than the last release, and that is no small feat! 

While waiting for mine to arrived, I played some more with the ones I already have.  This is the Ribbons & Bows Dressform.  I love the way the black jumps off the background paper from the Teresa Collins - Tell Your Story collection.

I wanted to emphasize the sewing theme so did not only the shaped card, but some faux stitching on the edge.  The black buttons in the corner were part of my stash.  Those wonderful scissors are from the Maya Road mini chipboard Sew Easy collection.  There are some super fun shapes to play with in all of these different collections.  I painted the scissors with my Viva Decor Precious Metal Paint in silver.  The pearls in the flower centers are created using the Viva Decor Pearl Pen in white.

I love that certain shapes or items will sometimes spark my creative brain into action.  That is how it was with this when I first cut the Ribbons & Bows Dressform.  What has sparked your creativity lately?

Challenges:
Moving Along With the Times - Shape Up, anything but square
Southern Girls - #51 Chippie Heaven (use chipboard)

Get Inky!

Alex

You're A Star

I pulled out my Eyes of Beauty and Dreams Collections stamps to play with.  I think these images are just so gorgeous and fun to color.  Truly some of my favorite!  I grabbed Come Hither Eyes to create with.  My original plan, was a bit different, but so glad I went with this instead.

After stamping and coloring the image, I cut her out hoping it would look like she is sitting on the edge of the circle.  I used a tiny clear stamp set to stamp the sentiment.  You could use this great one from Prima.

I added Stickles to her wings, skirt and around the image and the patterned paper.  Stars should shine.  The background paper for the star is from Kaisercraft.  I love the way the pattern offsets the colors of the image.

Challenges:
Creative Stamp Friends - #58 special card shape
Fashionista - #6 Card for a child
Stamptacular Sunday - #176 Use a girl image

Get Inky!

Alex

Emo Valentine Fairy

This lovely image titled Emo Valentine Fairy is part of the newly released Plate #222 drawn by Teresa Sherman.  I love all four images on this plate, LOVE them!!!!  This is going to be a fabulous image not only for Valentine's Day, but other times I want to send someone a card that I am thinking of them too.

The background paper is from the Fancy Pants Country Boutique paper pack, the skull and screws are rub-ons from my stash as is the skull ribbon which was a gift from a wonderful friend.

Get Inky!

Alex

Love Me

The Fairylicious Collection includes this lovely image called Love Me.  Nothing makes fairy wings shimmer quite like the Viva Decor glitter liner in Hologram. 

Isn't the entire set just fabulous?

Get Inky!

Alex

Super Girl

Super Girl is part of the SUPER NEW items available at SCACD.

Super Girl is one of several Stampotique Originals now available.  The entire Mixed Media area of  SCACD is bursting at the seams with newness!  You simply must check out all of the fun!

Get Inky!
Alex

NEW RELEASE BLOG HOP!

Today get ready for a Cute and Cuddly release from Elisabeth Bell for SCACD!!!  I hope you are enjoying all the creations and inspiration as part of the BLOG HOP.  Hopefully you just arrived from Melanie's BLOG.  If not, you should start at SCACD Store BLOG so you don't miss a thing!

Our first set, The Storybook Collection, brings us all back to those childhood days when our best friend was our beloved Teddy Bear. We all told our secrets to our Teddy Bears, had a few misunderstandings but we always made up and were ready for new adventures to unfold.

 Next we have a set of 4 adorable little girls with their FUN hats that make up Sampler #6. Each little girl is bound to make you smile and melt your heart.

This little one is Peace Hat.  I have her paired with paper from the Kaisercraft Lake House collection.  Flower Soft in Baby Pink was a perfect touch added to the flower in her hand.


 Our final set, Sampler #7, is a variety of cute and fun! These 4 little girls remind us all of the simple pleasures of childhood from lollipop dreams to playing in the rain.

 I Want Candy is a fabulously fun image.  I went vintage/monotone with her, but can't you just see her all done up in bright colors as well?  The background paper is from the Fancy Pants Country Boutique   collection.  Those gorgeous corner die cuts are from the Dies by SCACD and the Classic Corners.

Your next and last stop on the hop is Suzanne's BLOG.  Be certain to leave her some love for her amazing creation!  Catch up on the SCACD Store blog if you lose your way through the hop because you will want to catch all the inspiration out there :)

After you finish, GO SHOPPING!  You do not want to miss out on this release or all the great stuff currently in stock at SCACD.  Swing through the Mixed Media section for some pretty amazing products!

 These stamps will be available for our International friends at Quixotic Paperie

Get Inky!

Alex

Oh yes, Halloween is coming!  I am enjoying getting in the Halloween mood with the Halloween images sale from Sweet Pea Stamps.  Today, July 31, is the last day of the sale so you better hurry!

This lovely image is Tricksters by Terra Bedlespacher and can be purchased as a single or part of a fabulous Halloween set of four images on Sheet #155.  I don't believe that, even if mischievous, these darlings could actually hurt any one.  Do you?

I paired the image with some background paper that is part of the new Athentique Enchanted paper pack.  This is wonderful true Halloween paper pack.  All orange, black and grey with spider webs, dots, stripes and other fabulous patterns to get creative with.

Get Inky!
Alex

Little Morticia

I haven't made an ATC in some time and loved having the opportunity and inspiration to do so.  This cutie is Little Morticia from the Little Sassy Crew .  This entire stamp set is fabulous, you should check it out.

After coloring her up, I used paper from the new Authentique Enchanted set to create the background.  The feathers are from Petaloo and are cruelty free and come in lots of great colors!  Loving having feathers to play with :)  The other elements were in my bits and bobs Halloween box.  There you have it, Sugar & Spice and everything nice, with an extra dash of Spice!


Challenges:

Wicked Wednesday ATC - #42 Sugar & Spice (yep, more of a spice kind of gal myself)

Get Inky!!

Alex

NEW FUN!

Susana has been loading new stuff for sale at SCACD like CRAZY.  Every time I turn around there is more!  Just some of the fabulous items as some Impression Obsession stamps including some of the Cover a Card collection

Stamps from Crafty Individuals including some holiday images

 Darkroom Door stamps that come in a fabulous tin for storage (or altering if you store your stamps differently)

In addition to all that stamp goodness, there is lots and lots of PAPER goodness available.  Some fun Halloween and Christmas papers in addition to some that is fabulous just because it is!

See?  It is time to shop!!!  Head over to SCACD and see what goodies you can discover!

Get Inky!

Alex

Weena

It is no secret.  I LOVE Halloween.  I love Halloween stuff, Halloween images, Halloween colors, Halloween EVERYTHING!  This fabulous image by Joanne Schempp called Weena is absolutely no exception.

Right now, Sweet Pea Stamps is have a Halloween SALE.  Halloween images, including Weena are all on sale and can be found in their own special section HERE.  Grab one, two or ALL of them!  You will be so glad you did!!!


And just look who I caught hanging around all my artsy stuff.  He really better get some feathers unruffled and grow a tail if he is planning to be out in public by October!  One would think he got into it with a cat of something.... ;)

Get Inky!

Alex

Monster Hugs!!

I paired Monster Hugs from the Oddly Sweet Curiosities collection with paper from Kaisercraft and the sketch challenge from Try Stampin' on Tuesday.  This all just came together perfectly.  I just love working with sketches that are so user friendly!!! 

Get Inky!

Alex

Angel Eyes

I am still in love with this particular collection of images.  This is Angel Eyes from the Eyes of Beauty and Dreams collections.  Coloring these images is so wonderful.  They have details, but are not so detailed they are difficult to color in.  The variety of the images means that there is always one that is perfect for any occasion that requires a card.

I paired her up with some older Basic Grey paper that I have had in my stash for some time.  The flower center is my constant 'go to' Viva Decor pearl pen.  I absolutely love that I always have the perfect size pearl for anything! 

Challenges:
Sketch & Stash - #92 sketch - stash Basic Grey paper

Get Inky!

Alex

Bite

Just look at that adorable face on Bite!  How could she possibly do anything but wish you well?  Such a sweetie, devil cupcake and all.

Once again Terra Bidlespacher has drawn an image I could not resist!  Bite is part of Plate #210 or available as a single from Sweet Pea Stamps.

The background paper is from the Fancy Pants Summer Soul collection.  Those wonderful corners are part of the Dies by SCACD and one of the Garden Corners.

Challenges:
Lets Ink it Up - #25 All Girl - rubber stamps only
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - #172 Wings and Bling

Get Inky!

Alex

Monster Mash

I am really, really enjoying both of the Oddly Sweet Curiosities sets that were  recently released Susana Loves Stamps at SCACD.  Each and every image is so stinkin' fun and have a saying with it.  Several of them could be mixed up and switched around so a person just really needs to buy both sets :)

This image is Monster Mash from Oddly Sweet Curiosities Set #1.  I think the expression is just priceless!  It is paired with some pattern paper from the yummy Kaisercraft Lakehouse paper pack.  The black pearls are created using the Viva Decor Pearl Pen in black.

I would love to see your creations with these new images.  Come share them with us on the Art & Heart with SCACD Stamps group on Facebook.

Challenges:

Monday Mojo - #249 Sketch
Alphabet Challenge - L is for Lace


Get Inky!
Alex

Treasure Map

When the Design Team decided to all use Plate #217 by Teresa Sherman to see how different our creations were, I instantly thought 'invitation' when I saw this map image.  Having sons, I have done more than one Pirate theme birthday party.  How perfect is this invitation?

To get the aged and crumpled look, I stamped the image with staz-on ink on white card stock.  I cut it out, wet it down, crumpled it up and then sprayed it with walnut ink.  I then left it to dry overnight and awoke to what you see here.  I love it!

Don't forget to send in your creations for Customer Submission Week!

Get Inky!

Alex

Create Your Own Path

I have been working on this particular art journal spread for a bit now.  It started with Dylusions inks, then some swipes of Viva Decor Precious Metals paints in silver.

I stamped the shells from the Elements Collection from the Susana Love Stamps,  Mixed Media Stamps to create the bottom of the ocean.  The rays from the Elements Collection was stamped upside down to create the effect of the light shining in through the water.

I had started out planning for it to be shells on a beach with the ocean behind, but it just took on a different form as I began to work with it.

The fish are created using a corner die from the Dies by SCACD Classic Corners.  I cut them out from black cardstock and then used Mica Powders in Pink Azalea and Yellow Rose.  The Micas gave them the most glorious shine and shimmer.

It wasn't quite finished.  I grabbed a black marker and began to write.  Just some thoughts and ramblings that were in my head.  Things I needed to say to myself.  THEN it was finished.

I love the way that creating in an art journal format has begun to really inspire me.  My creative brain seems to just 'take over' and the critical brain goes on vacation.  There are many things that I don't share with all of you, but some of them I just have to.  I want you to see what you can create.  Give you ideas, tell you to BE FREE. Always, always remember that when it comes to your creating, there are no rules.  Only what works for YOU.  Be true to yourself creatively.  You may not get published, or picked for design teams, or win challenges, BUT you will be happy during the process and that is all that matters.

Challenges:
Unruly Paper Arts - July #1Beautiful Beach
CRAFT Challenge - #162 Splashy/Water theme
Paper Crafting Journey - Summer
Creatalicious Challenges - #35 Anything Goes
Desert Islands Crafters - #33-pick 3 (teal, animals, use rubber stamp, silver)
Mema's Crafts - July Anything Goes
My Mojo Monthly - July, Your Style

Get Inky!

Alex

Tilla

This is the lovely Tilla.  She is a creation of Terra Bidlespacher for Sweet Pea Stamps and is part of Plate #209.  I colored her without selecting background papers or having any plan first.  That is not how I normally do things so I am quite happy it worked out.  These papers from the Basic Grey PB&J collection happened to go perfectly!

Get Inky!

Alex