I just had stop and think today. I had to go and do some grocery shopping, so I thought this would be my opportunity to slip out and stop off at Michaels. I printed my coupons and away I went. Well, I wandered around the store for about 20 minutes wondering what to get with my coupons. Then I thought, why am I buying stuff I don't need or want just because I have a coupon. I don't know why I feel I have to buy something if I have these stupid coupons. What's even more sad is that I couldn't find anything to buy because I have so much stuff that almost everything I looked at, I already have. And if I didn't have it, I know it was something I wouldn't use. It makes one shake their head doesn't it?
Talk to you later...
Cat
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
BrakeFast Club challenge - Anything But a Card
Another challenge is on at the BrakeFast Club. The challenge this week is to make a project other than a card. I love making altered items, so this was an excellent time for me to make this cute little altered domino. I am really into altering dominoes for some strange reason the last few months. I made a bunch a couple months ago for a craft show and realized how easy they were to do and now I'm hooked.
Supplies
Image: Sun & Stars - I Brake for Digis
Paper: Wausau Exact Index 110# cardstock
Tools & Embellishments: Copic & Sharpie markers, Iridescent medium (Windsor & Newton), plastic domino game piece, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
I printed the image out on white card stock 1" x 2" then coloured it with copic & sharpie markers. I painted on a little iridescent medium on the sun & stars to give them a little sparkle (doesn't show up very well in the picture. Once everything was dry, I glued the image to the smooth side of the domino. Since the image had square corners and the domino has rounded corners, I just saturated the corners with white glue and shaped them to the domino. After the glue dried, I used a black sharpie and coloured the sides of the domino (mine are white) so that it matched the image better. After I was sure everything was dry (I let it sit overnight), I coated it with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. Mod Podge Dimensional Magic is a clear coating just like crystal effects, but you can get it at Walmart. I did a product review on this stuff in this post if you're interested in reading it. Once I get a flat back bail for it, I will adhere that to the back and run a chain so I can wear it as a necklace.
You should get in on this challenge. It really is a lot of fun. You should also try making an altered domino if you haven't yet. They're fairly inexpensive. I found mine in the cheap bins at Michaels with a bunch of kids toys. I paid $3 for a set. If you want to use the same image I used, you can find it here in the IBFD shop. Remember to grab the 10% off code in my sidebar if you're going to go shopping. :)
Well, that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Image: Sun & Stars - I Brake for Digis
Paper: Wausau Exact Index 110# cardstock
Tools & Embellishments: Copic & Sharpie markers, Iridescent medium (Windsor & Newton), plastic domino game piece, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
I printed the image out on white card stock 1" x 2" then coloured it with copic & sharpie markers. I painted on a little iridescent medium on the sun & stars to give them a little sparkle (doesn't show up very well in the picture. Once everything was dry, I glued the image to the smooth side of the domino. Since the image had square corners and the domino has rounded corners, I just saturated the corners with white glue and shaped them to the domino. After the glue dried, I used a black sharpie and coloured the sides of the domino (mine are white) so that it matched the image better. After I was sure everything was dry (I let it sit overnight), I coated it with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. Mod Podge Dimensional Magic is a clear coating just like crystal effects, but you can get it at Walmart. I did a product review on this stuff in this post if you're interested in reading it. Once I get a flat back bail for it, I will adhere that to the back and run a chain so I can wear it as a necklace.
You should get in on this challenge. It really is a lot of fun. You should also try making an altered domino if you haven't yet. They're fairly inexpensive. I found mine in the cheap bins at Michaels with a bunch of kids toys. I paid $3 for a set. If you want to use the same image I used, you can find it here in the IBFD shop. Remember to grab the 10% off code in my sidebar if you're going to go shopping. :)
Well, that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Saturday, December 11, 2010
IBFD - Patchwork Angel
Hi again! I'm back with a new card using the Patchwork Angel from I Brake For Digis. I wanted to make a card with totally non-traditional colours - I'm kinda like that - non-traditional. :) I thought this image was perfect because of the style and it gives you the opportunity to really mix up the colours. I entered this card into the BrakeFast Club's challenge this week: Christmas or Holiday. Even though the colours aren't your normal holiday fare, I think they made a pretty festive card. Here's what the card looks like:
Supplies:
Stamps: Patchwork Angel - I Brake for Digis, sentiment (SU!)
Paper: Recollections card stock, American Crafts card stock, DCWV patterned paper
Tools & Embellishments: paper flowers (unknown), rhinestone brads (Michaels), Ribbon (Offray), corner punch (Dollar Store), Copics (Y06, B29, Y02, BG10, RV23, BV00, B00), Shapie markers (orange, teal, lime green, pink, blue), Bic Mark It markers (key lime), gold glitter pen
Don't forget, if you head over to the I Brake for Digis or I Brake for Stamps store, grab the 10% off coupon code located in my right hand side bar. Every little bit helps!
Thanks for stopping by. Make sure you pop over to The BrakeFast Club (link in my sidebar also) to check out what next week's challenge will be. The new challenge will be posted tomorrow. :)
Talk care...
Cat
Stamps: Patchwork Angel - I Brake for Digis, sentiment (SU!)
Paper: Recollections card stock, American Crafts card stock, DCWV patterned paper
Tools & Embellishments: paper flowers (unknown), rhinestone brads (Michaels), Ribbon (Offray), corner punch (Dollar Store), Copics (Y06, B29, Y02, BG10, RV23, BV00, B00), Shapie markers (orange, teal, lime green, pink, blue), Bic Mark It markers (key lime), gold glitter pen
Don't forget, if you head over to the I Brake for Digis or I Brake for Stamps store, grab the 10% off coupon code located in my right hand side bar. Every little bit helps!
Thanks for stopping by. Make sure you pop over to The BrakeFast Club (link in my sidebar also) to check out what next week's challenge will be. The new challenge will be posted tomorrow. :)
Talk care...
Cat
Friday, December 10, 2010
ADFD New Release - Tiny Brother
I have another adorable image to show you from A Day For Daisies new release this week. Its called Tiny Brother. Its such a sweet image and really shows the beauty of pregnancy and the curiosity and caring an older sibling has when a new baby is expected into the family. I really hope you get a chance to take a look at (and perhaps pick up a couple) of the new images Tammy released today. I think you'll love them just as much as I do. Here's my card made with the new image:
Supplies:
Image: Tiny Brother - A Day For Daisies digital stamps
Paper: K&Company, Recollections, Other unknown, Wausau Exact Index 110#
Tools & Embellishments: Crayola, Prisma, & Roseart colouring pencils, oms, Spellbinders Fleur de Lis die, Offray ribbon, Martha Steward Doily edge punch.
Thanks for stopping by...
Cat
Image: Tiny Brother - A Day For Daisies digital stamps
Paper: K&Company, Recollections, Other unknown, Wausau Exact Index 110#
Tools & Embellishments: Crayola, Prisma, & Roseart colouring pencils, oms, Spellbinders Fleur de Lis die, Offray ribbon, Martha Steward Doily edge punch.
Thanks for stopping by...
Cat
Monday, December 06, 2010
Stuffed Calamari Recipe
I love seafood. I am not, however, the greatest when it comes to cooking it. I usually over cook it and then it ends up being rubbery. There is a little greek restaurant about 2 blocks from our house that serves the most delicious stuffed calamari. I order it in the appetizer size every time we go there. We haven't been to the restaurant in a few months because my husband was put off with something with his last meal there and doesn't want to go back. I've always enjoyed their food, but some things have changed and it isn't quite the same, but I'd still go if he would go with me. So, I've been missing the calamari and decided I would try to make it myself. I couldn't find a recipe anywhere on the internet for this dish, so I had to "wing it". I think it came out very tastey - not quite as tastey as the one at the restaurant, but nonetheless, tastey. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of the dish, but here's the recipe:
Suffed Calamari
Total cooking time approx. 1 hour. Total prep time (after thawing the squid) approx. 30 minutes.
Pre-heat oven to 350F.
Ingredients:
Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup white wine
1/2 tbsp finely ground white pepper
2 rounded tbsp dijon mustard
salt to taste
In a heavy bottom sauce pan, on medium high heat, make a roux with your flour and butter, then slowly add the cream to make a very thick white sauce. Turn the heat down to medium - medium low and slowly add the white wine, mixing with a whisk so as to not get any lumps. Add the pepper, mustard, and salt and continue to cook until the alcohol is cooked out and the sauce has re-thickened.
Tip: If you don't have white wine or don't want to use wine, you can substitute it with no/low salt chicken broth. (edit: you will need to adjust the amount of salt you use if you use chicken broth with salt)
Calamari:
6 small whole calamari (squid - with tentacles and head removed - I used frozen)
2 lb ground chicken (you could use veal or turkey, but the restaurant uses chicken in theirs)
1 small leek, chopped finely (about 2 - 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup finely chopped pinenuts
1/2 tbsp finely ground white pepper
salt to taste
If you're using frozen calamari - thaw in a bowl of cold water, drain and pat dry. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. Stuff the calamari with the chicken meat mixture.
Ladle some of the sauce into the bottom of a shallow baking dish. Arrange stuffed calamari in the pan and ladle over remaining sauce. Cover with tin foil and place baking dish on a cookie sheet (the sauce may bubble over). Bake in pre-heated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the tin foil and finish cooking for another 10-15 minutes to brown up.
Serve with rice and vegetables of your choice.
You'll notice there is quite a bit of pepper in this dish. Its the one spice I could definitely pick out in the restaurant version I didn't add any other spices/herbs to the meat mixture because 1) I didn't want to ruin it, and 2) I could never tell if there was any other spices in it other than the pepper. The pepper should make it a little spicy, but not over powering. You may have to adjust how much pepper you use according to your taste, but I like lots and lots of pepper and those are the amounts I used.
I really hope you all try this dish. I thought it was very yummy and quite easy to prepare. If you try it, please let me know how you like it.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Suffed Calamari
Total cooking time approx. 1 hour. Total prep time (after thawing the squid) approx. 30 minutes.
Pre-heat oven to 350F.
Ingredients:
Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup white wine
1/2 tbsp finely ground white pepper
2 rounded tbsp dijon mustard
salt to taste
In a heavy bottom sauce pan, on medium high heat, make a roux with your flour and butter, then slowly add the cream to make a very thick white sauce. Turn the heat down to medium - medium low and slowly add the white wine, mixing with a whisk so as to not get any lumps. Add the pepper, mustard, and salt and continue to cook until the alcohol is cooked out and the sauce has re-thickened.
Tip: If you don't have white wine or don't want to use wine, you can substitute it with no/low salt chicken broth. (edit: you will need to adjust the amount of salt you use if you use chicken broth with salt)
Calamari:
6 small whole calamari (squid - with tentacles and head removed - I used frozen)
2 lb ground chicken (you could use veal or turkey, but the restaurant uses chicken in theirs)
1 small leek, chopped finely (about 2 - 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup finely chopped pinenuts
1/2 tbsp finely ground white pepper
salt to taste
If you're using frozen calamari - thaw in a bowl of cold water, drain and pat dry. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. Stuff the calamari with the chicken meat mixture.
Ladle some of the sauce into the bottom of a shallow baking dish. Arrange stuffed calamari in the pan and ladle over remaining sauce. Cover with tin foil and place baking dish on a cookie sheet (the sauce may bubble over). Bake in pre-heated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the tin foil and finish cooking for another 10-15 minutes to brown up.
Serve with rice and vegetables of your choice.
You'll notice there is quite a bit of pepper in this dish. Its the one spice I could definitely pick out in the restaurant version I didn't add any other spices/herbs to the meat mixture because 1) I didn't want to ruin it, and 2) I could never tell if there was any other spices in it other than the pepper. The pepper should make it a little spicy, but not over powering. You may have to adjust how much pepper you use according to your taste, but I like lots and lots of pepper and those are the amounts I used.
I really hope you all try this dish. I thought it was very yummy and quite easy to prepare. If you try it, please let me know how you like it.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Saturday, December 04, 2010
I didn't know...
that people could post comments on your profile at SSC. So a whole bunch of people sent me birthday wishes and I didn't even know so I didn't acknowledge the well wishes. To everyone who sent me Birthday wishes, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I didn't want anyone to think I was snubbing them or being a snob. I didn't know they were there until today. I guess I should check at CDAC as well since that site has the same structure as SSC. In my defense, I'm not use to those sites and find the architecture very confusing...
Thanks everyone!
Cat
Thanks everyone!
Cat
Friday, December 03, 2010
New Released Images & a New Challenge at ADFD
Just when I thought Tammy's images couldn't get any cuter, she releases some more fantastic digi stamps. The image I chose to work with for this release is sooooo cute. There is something about babies that just melts my heart. Its probably because I don't have any human babies of my own, that I just adore little baby pictures. Here's the card I made with the Tub Time image available now in the ADFD store.
Supplies:
Image: Tub Time - A Day For Daisies digital stamps
Paper: SU! tempting turqoise card stock, patterned paper (unknown)
Tools & Embellishments: Copics, Ribbon (Michaels), Glitter thread, quilling tool & quilling paper, Marvy Uchida Southwest corner punch, Fiskars corrugated wave paper crimper, Fiskars wave edge scissors, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Here are a couple close up photos of the detail on the bubbles and the little fish.
The next card was made for the current ADFD challenge. You all should head on over to the challenge page for ADFD (here). Tammy has a really super cute image for you so you can play along. The challenge this week is "All About the Wrapping" - in other words, you need to incorporate wrapping paper somewhere in your design. I have this beautiful purple foil wrapping paper that I've been hording for the last couple years. Its so pretty that I haven't wanted to use too much of it because I wanted it to last. So I decided to use it for the background on my challenge card. I think you'll agree that its gorgeous paper.
Supplies:
Image: Dressed up for Christmas - A Day For Daisies digital stamps
Paper: Wausau Exact Index 110#, SU Elegant eggplant
Tools & Embellishments: Copics, Ribbon (Michaels), ribbon (Michaels), purple & gold stickles, EK Success Venetian Corner Punch, Glittertex mica flakes
So, hopefully, we'll see your entries into this week's challenge. Its a lot of fun and as always, Tammy will have a little something special for one lucky person as a reward at the end of the challenge. Check out the new images too! You'll love them.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Image: Tub Time - A Day For Daisies digital stamps
Paper: SU! tempting turqoise card stock, patterned paper (unknown)
Tools & Embellishments: Copics, Ribbon (Michaels), Glitter thread, quilling tool & quilling paper, Marvy Uchida Southwest corner punch, Fiskars corrugated wave paper crimper, Fiskars wave edge scissors, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Here are a couple close up photos of the detail on the bubbles and the little fish.
The next card was made for the current ADFD challenge. You all should head on over to the challenge page for ADFD (here). Tammy has a really super cute image for you so you can play along. The challenge this week is "All About the Wrapping" - in other words, you need to incorporate wrapping paper somewhere in your design. I have this beautiful purple foil wrapping paper that I've been hording for the last couple years. Its so pretty that I haven't wanted to use too much of it because I wanted it to last. So I decided to use it for the background on my challenge card. I think you'll agree that its gorgeous paper.
Supplies:
Image: Dressed up for Christmas - A Day For Daisies digital stamps
Paper: Wausau Exact Index 110#, SU Elegant eggplant
Tools & Embellishments: Copics, Ribbon (Michaels), ribbon (Michaels), purple & gold stickles, EK Success Venetian Corner Punch, Glittertex mica flakes
So, hopefully, we'll see your entries into this week's challenge. Its a lot of fun and as always, Tammy will have a little something special for one lucky person as a reward at the end of the challenge. Check out the new images too! You'll love them.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Thursday, December 02, 2010
I was Awarded and Award!
I've been chosen to receive the prestigious "Stylish Blogger Award" by Lisa over at her blog Land of EnCRAFTment. Thank you Lisa. Its an honour - truly. It makes me happy that there are people who actually visit my blog and take the time to leave me a message, let alone pick me for an award. There are some stipulations in accepting this award, however. I think I have fulfilled the first one already, but I will list them here because others will need to see what they are (also part of the stipulations).
In accepting this award I agree to
1. Thank the person who bestowed the award on me and link back to them; (check)
2. Share 8 things about yourself;
3. Pay it forward to 8 bloggers you recently discovered;
4. Notify those 8 bloggers and let them know about their award.
So, 8 things about myself. Well, this was hard one because I don't think I'm really all that interesting, but here they are:
1. My favourite colour is Royal Blue. It's just such a rich and regal colour.
2. My favourite flowers are Gerbera Daisies because they're pretty and fun.
3. My best friend since I was about 16 years old is Janet.
Again, thank you Lisa. I'm off to let everyone know I've awarded them the Stylish Blogger Award.
Have a great night everyone!
Talk to you later...
Cat
In accepting this award I agree to
1. Thank the person who bestowed the award on me and link back to them; (check)
2. Share 8 things about yourself;
3. Pay it forward to 8 bloggers you recently discovered;
4. Notify those 8 bloggers and let them know about their award.
So, 8 things about myself. Well, this was hard one because I don't think I'm really all that interesting, but here they are:
1. My favourite colour is Royal Blue. It's just such a rich and regal colour.
2. My favourite flowers are Gerbera Daisies because they're pretty and fun.
3. My best friend since I was about 16 years old is Janet.
4. I love ice fishing - I even have my own ice auger. :)
5. I wanted to teach music before I decided to become and engineer.
6. I had drawings on display in the Winnipeg Art Gallery when I was 12.
7. I'm the oldest of 3 - one sister and one brother.
8. I'm named after a little girl that died from tuberculosis. She had red hair and freckles and my dad told my mom that is what their daughter was going to look like - and I did. This was before I was even born.
Now for my pay-it-forward awards. I have only met one of these ladies in person: Gail. She's a sweetheart. She's one of the founders and a member of the Stampin' Canada on line community where I hang out most of the time. Donna is another member of Stampin' Canada, but I have not had the pleasure of meeting her in person yet. Ruth is another lady from Calgary that I met on line through the Splitcoast Stampers blogger group the Paper Palls. We haven't met in person, but I like to check out her blog - she has some cool projects. All the other ladies on my pay-it-forward list are new friends I've "met" on line through my new adventure on the I Brake For Digis design team. Here's the list:
1. Gail: http://jackpineridge.blogspot.com/
2. Donna: http://yellowdoggreetings.blogspot.com/
3. Ruth: http://stampoffeh.blogspot.com/
4. Nancy: http://nancyscreativemess.blogspot.com/
7. Danielle: http://missdaniellerenee.blogspot.com/
Again, thank you Lisa. I'm off to let everyone know I've awarded them the Stylish Blogger Award.
Have a great night everyone!
Talk to you later...
Cat
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
I Brake For Digis - First Card as a DT member
Well, my term on the I Brake for Digis DT starts today. :) I thought I would start off with a card I made for the challenge running right now over at the BrakeFast club (link is in my side bar). The challenge this week is inchies. I've only every made two cards with inchies, so this was not my usual style of card. I got these images a little while ago to make some little goodies for Christmas (some re-packaged tea - ssshhh! don't tell my sister) and thought they would work well for an inchie card. Here's a picture:
Supplies:
Images: Tea Pot, Tea Bag, Tea Cup - I Brake For Digis digital stamps
Paper: Bazzill Coredinations, Recollections Kraft cardstock, Patterned paper (unknown - I think it may be Daisy D's), Wausau Exact Index 110# white cardstock (base & images)
Tools & Embellisments: Prisma pencil crayons, oms, Fiskars small scallop edging scissors, EK Success edge punch, Ribbon (Moderne Home), Curlz MT font (sentiment), sanding block, Cuttlebug embossing folder
The images are adhered with pop-up foam squares. I wanted the images to look a little old-fashioned, so I used the small scallop edge scissors as a corner rounder and set one scallop in slightly and nipped off the corners. I had to put my reading glasses on for that task!
Overall, I like how the card turned out. It was fun making my first card for the IBFD design team.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Images: Tea Pot, Tea Bag, Tea Cup - I Brake For Digis digital stamps
Paper: Bazzill Coredinations, Recollections Kraft cardstock, Patterned paper (unknown - I think it may be Daisy D's), Wausau Exact Index 110# white cardstock (base & images)
Tools & Embellisments: Prisma pencil crayons, oms, Fiskars small scallop edging scissors, EK Success edge punch, Ribbon (Moderne Home), Curlz MT font (sentiment), sanding block, Cuttlebug embossing folder
The images are adhered with pop-up foam squares. I wanted the images to look a little old-fashioned, so I used the small scallop edge scissors as a corner rounder and set one scallop in slightly and nipped off the corners. I had to put my reading glasses on for that task!
Overall, I like how the card turned out. It was fun making my first card for the IBFD design team.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Birthday Card from Jasmine
It was my birthday last week. I can't believe how old I'm getting. Well, this was, officially, my last birthday. I am not going to have anymore. I still want all the presents and cards, but I don't want the actual turning older part of it. I never thought I would be this "old". When I was young, I thought that I would go on feeling great for the rest of my life. I couldn't understand "old" people when they said they couldn't sleep because they had heartburn, or even more gross - gas! I secretly thought they were stupid. Why didn't they just take a tums or fart and be done with it. Now I know. While my ailments these days are a little more complicated than heartburn or gas, I wish there was a pill that I could take and just be done with it. My eyesight is getting worse, I have the beginnings of arthritis in my wrists and hips, and now I think menopause is starting to creep up on me too. For all you "young" people out there: TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODIES!!! You'll need them.
Well, back to a more pleasant subject matter - my niece - and the absolutlely cute card she made for me for my birthday. She's getting a lot of use of the supplies I sent her in the summer for her birthday. I'm just about ready to do another sweep of my supplies. The shelves in my cabinet let go because of the weight of all the paper last night. It was like a pancake reaction. The top shelf went, it hit the shelf below, and that one let go, and so on. So I had to sort some of my stuff - more or less pick it all up off the floor!! What a royal pain. Now all the stuff that was on those shelves is sitting out in my dining room. I have to walk back and forth to get something and then put it away. Hopefully, hubby will help me fix it tonight.
Anyway, I digress again. Jasmine is getting to be quite good at making cards. We haven't had a Skype craft date in a while. I think I'll have to come up with a project so we can have a craft date soon. Here's a picture of the card she sent me. If you have a minute, please leave her a comment. She's always thrilled to hear what people have to say about her work. :)
Talk to you later...
Cat
P.S. Tomorrow is the start of my term on the I Brake for Digis DT. I'll have a new card up to show you, so stop by again tomorrow to take a peek.
Well, back to a more pleasant subject matter - my niece - and the absolutlely cute card she made for me for my birthday. She's getting a lot of use of the supplies I sent her in the summer for her birthday. I'm just about ready to do another sweep of my supplies. The shelves in my cabinet let go because of the weight of all the paper last night. It was like a pancake reaction. The top shelf went, it hit the shelf below, and that one let go, and so on. So I had to sort some of my stuff - more or less pick it all up off the floor!! What a royal pain. Now all the stuff that was on those shelves is sitting out in my dining room. I have to walk back and forth to get something and then put it away. Hopefully, hubby will help me fix it tonight.
Anyway, I digress again. Jasmine is getting to be quite good at making cards. We haven't had a Skype craft date in a while. I think I'll have to come up with a project so we can have a craft date soon. Here's a picture of the card she sent me. If you have a minute, please leave her a comment. She's always thrilled to hear what people have to say about her work. :)
Talk to you later...
Cat
P.S. Tomorrow is the start of my term on the I Brake for Digis DT. I'll have a new card up to show you, so stop by again tomorrow to take a peek.
Friday, November 26, 2010
ADFD New Release Images
I have a couple new projects I want to show you. ADFD has released some new images and I think they're just great. I'm really liking these new images. The image in this first card is called Bright Eyed. I could just imagine a little kid sitting bolt upright in bed Christmas eve when she thinks she hears Santa downstairs and her eyes getting big with excitement.
Supplies:
Image: Bright Eyes - A Day for Daisies digital stamps
Paper: SU Elegant Eggplant, DCWV (patterned paper), Bazzill shimmer card stock (matting), Wausau Exact Index 110# white (image, base, & sentiment)
Ribbon: Offray
Tools & Embellishments: MS Snowflake punch, Star corner punch (unknown), Crystal glitter (Glittertex), Artists chalks (Loew Cornell), Blender Pen (Whisper Strokes by Sugar Loaf), Juice ITC font (sentiment), Gold glen marker (unknown - edging around sentiment)
The picture's colours are a little off. The background is the SU Elegant Eggplant card stock and it shows up here as a dark navy blue. I tried colour correcting it in my graphics program, but then all the other colours would go off, so I decided to live with it. The image itself is printed on the Wausau Exact Index 110# card stock and then coloured with artist chalks and a blender pen. I wanted it to feel light and faded, kind of old fashioned looking. It does look that way in real life, but because of all the post processing done to the photo, it looks really washed out. I may try to take another photo of it in daylight. I usually take my photos at night using my homemade light box, so that may be the problem too.
The next two projects are calendar pages. Tammy is going to have blank calendars available for you to make your altered calendars. These two are very simple:
Supplies:
Image: Bird Blossom - A Day for Daisies digital stamps
Paper: Wausau Exact Index 110# white
Tools & Embellishments: Koh-i-noor pencil crayons, oms, Studio G glitter glue, GiddyUp font
This was very simple to make. I typed in the month off to the side, then once my Bird Blossom image was coloured, I edged it with a green copic, then I adhered it to the calendar with pop dots. The little pink flowers have glitter glue on them.
Supplies:
Image: Dreaming of Her Wedding - A Day for Daisies digital stamps
Paper: Wausau Exact Index 110# white
Tools & Embellishments: Copics, Glitter pens (HiJell), French Script font
Again, this was very easy to do. I added a fake list onto the calendar to show how much room there is to keep track of your notes and appointments. I only used copics for shading and the skin and used the glitter pens for the colouring. I only outlined the dress with a silver glitter pen. Here is a close up under better lighting to show you how glittery the image really is:
I though the image was perfect for this month, since June is the most popular month to get married. I wanted the font on the calendar to be more formal and to look silver, so I only used the font in outline in a medium grey colour. I love the French Script font - its one of my favourites.
I hope you enjoyed looking at my creations. Get on over to the ADFD and check out her new releases. Plus, on Friday until noon, Tammy has her new release images marked down to $3.00! Check it out, they're really pretty.
Talk to you later..
Cat
Image: Bright Eyes - A Day for Daisies digital stamps
Paper: SU Elegant Eggplant, DCWV (patterned paper), Bazzill shimmer card stock (matting), Wausau Exact Index 110# white (image, base, & sentiment)
Ribbon: Offray
Tools & Embellishments: MS Snowflake punch, Star corner punch (unknown), Crystal glitter (Glittertex), Artists chalks (Loew Cornell), Blender Pen (Whisper Strokes by Sugar Loaf), Juice ITC font (sentiment), Gold glen marker (unknown - edging around sentiment)
The picture's colours are a little off. The background is the SU Elegant Eggplant card stock and it shows up here as a dark navy blue. I tried colour correcting it in my graphics program, but then all the other colours would go off, so I decided to live with it. The image itself is printed on the Wausau Exact Index 110# card stock and then coloured with artist chalks and a blender pen. I wanted it to feel light and faded, kind of old fashioned looking. It does look that way in real life, but because of all the post processing done to the photo, it looks really washed out. I may try to take another photo of it in daylight. I usually take my photos at night using my homemade light box, so that may be the problem too.
The next two projects are calendar pages. Tammy is going to have blank calendars available for you to make your altered calendars. These two are very simple:
Supplies:
Image: Bird Blossom - A Day for Daisies digital stamps
Paper: Wausau Exact Index 110# white
Tools & Embellishments: Koh-i-noor pencil crayons, oms, Studio G glitter glue, GiddyUp font
This was very simple to make. I typed in the month off to the side, then once my Bird Blossom image was coloured, I edged it with a green copic, then I adhered it to the calendar with pop dots. The little pink flowers have glitter glue on them.
Image: Dreaming of Her Wedding - A Day for Daisies digital stamps
Paper: Wausau Exact Index 110# white
Tools & Embellishments: Copics, Glitter pens (HiJell), French Script font
Again, this was very easy to do. I added a fake list onto the calendar to show how much room there is to keep track of your notes and appointments. I only used copics for shading and the skin and used the glitter pens for the colouring. I only outlined the dress with a silver glitter pen. Here is a close up under better lighting to show you how glittery the image really is:
I hope you enjoyed looking at my creations. Get on over to the ADFD and check out her new releases. Plus, on Friday until noon, Tammy has her new release images marked down to $3.00! Check it out, they're really pretty.
Talk to you later..
Cat
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Bugaboo Round 2
Well, I got the news last night. I didn't make it through for the Bugaboo DT. Somewhat disappointing, but given that I hadn't really intended to apply and was a last minute whim to enter the DT contest, I'm ok with it. It just means that I'll have more time to put my energies into the DT's I'm already on. Well, here is my losing card.
All the supplies I used were scraps, so I cant tell you who made the patterned paper, but the card stock is scraps of SU and I haven't a clue what shade of pink it is (I think it may be pink pirouette). I think the darker pink is either DCWV or American Crafts card stock. I used my CraftRobo to cut everything. The stamp image is 3 layers and each layer is coloured. I don't think the picture does the card justice though. I just couldn't get a decent picture of it. It really is pretty and sparkly in person.
Well, on to the next adventure. Just wanted to show you my card.
Talk to you later...
Cat
All the supplies I used were scraps, so I cant tell you who made the patterned paper, but the card stock is scraps of SU and I haven't a clue what shade of pink it is (I think it may be pink pirouette). I think the darker pink is either DCWV or American Crafts card stock. I used my CraftRobo to cut everything. The stamp image is 3 layers and each layer is coloured. I don't think the picture does the card justice though. I just couldn't get a decent picture of it. It really is pretty and sparkly in person.
Well, on to the next adventure. Just wanted to show you my card.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Monday, November 22, 2010
ADFD Challenge #6 - Attitude of Gratitude
With Thanksgiving coming up for our US friends, this week's challenge at ADFD is all about gratitude. The catch to the challenge is that you must create your own sentiment for the challenge - and of course use an ADFD image. There are so many great images in the store that could be used for this challenge. I'll admit I had to "force" myself to get into the Thanksgiving frame of mind again, since we have our Thanksgiving a month earlier here in Canada. But, with all the beautiful images Tammy has available, it wasn't that hard once I came up with my sentiment. Here is the card I created for this challenge.
Supplies:
Stamps: Roast Turkey & Flowers
Papers: Digital Paper (300dpi.com), SU Close to Cocoa cardstock, Recollections cardstock, Wausau Exact Index 110#, Staples brand matte finish brochure paper (used to print the digi paper)
Inks: Coffee Dye Ink (StampCraft), Walnut Stain distress ink (Ranger - Tim Holtz)
Tools & Embellishments: Ribbon (American Crafts), Copics, Brads (dollar store), Vivaldi font (sentiment), CraftRobo
This card is actually a half fold card so it measures 8.5" x 5.5". I didn't want to lose any of the detail of the stamp on the different layers when the card was put together, so I decided to make it as large as I could (and still fit in the premade envelopes I have on hand). You may not notice it in the picture, but the focal image is 3 layers. I used the print & cut feature of my CraftRobo to cut the layers because of the intricate cuts around some of the flowers. That is another reason I love digi stamps. I don't have to hand cut them. The paper printed out a little lighter than I had anticipated, so I used some distress ink & coffee coloured ink to go around the edges to darken it a little bit and to match the colour of the turkey. I think I need to re-calibrate my monitor, because it looked like the perfect shade of golden/beige on my screen but printed too light.
Well, I hope you get on over to ADFD and get in on the challenge (here's the link: ADFD Challenge #6.) Tammy has provided a great free image to use if you don't already have some of her images. Take a peek at the new releases too while you're there. They're fabulously retro kinda art nouveau - they remind of me of the starlets from the 1920's Hollywood. You can see her new releases here in the store.
Talk to all later...
Cat
Supplies:
Stamps: Roast Turkey & Flowers
Papers: Digital Paper (300dpi.com), SU Close to Cocoa cardstock, Recollections cardstock, Wausau Exact Index 110#, Staples brand matte finish brochure paper (used to print the digi paper)
Inks: Coffee Dye Ink (StampCraft), Walnut Stain distress ink (Ranger - Tim Holtz)
Tools & Embellishments: Ribbon (American Crafts), Copics, Brads (dollar store), Vivaldi font (sentiment), CraftRobo
This card is actually a half fold card so it measures 8.5" x 5.5". I didn't want to lose any of the detail of the stamp on the different layers when the card was put together, so I decided to make it as large as I could (and still fit in the premade envelopes I have on hand). You may not notice it in the picture, but the focal image is 3 layers. I used the print & cut feature of my CraftRobo to cut the layers because of the intricate cuts around some of the flowers. That is another reason I love digi stamps. I don't have to hand cut them. The paper printed out a little lighter than I had anticipated, so I used some distress ink & coffee coloured ink to go around the edges to darken it a little bit and to match the colour of the turkey. I think I need to re-calibrate my monitor, because it looked like the perfect shade of golden/beige on my screen but printed too light.
Well, I hope you get on over to ADFD and get in on the challenge (here's the link: ADFD Challenge #6.) Tammy has provided a great free image to use if you don't already have some of her images. Take a peek at the new releases too while you're there. They're fabulously retro kinda art nouveau - they remind of me of the starlets from the 1920's Hollywood. You can see her new releases here in the store.
Talk to all later...
Cat
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Good News!!!!
So, I have been waiting to post this announcement and then my computer decides to go haywire on me (that's a long story for another post) so I haven't really been able to do any posting for the last little while.
Well, my good news is I was accepted onto the I Brake for Digis design team. YAY! YIPPPEEE! Doin' the happy dance!
I'm really excited to be a part of this team. So, check back here in the next couple days, cause I'm going to get to work on making up some new cards.
I will still be participating on the A Day for Daisies DT as well so, this new venture with I Brake for Digis will bring more variety to my cards here. I am really excited about this.
Talk to you later....
Cat
Well, my good news is I was accepted onto the I Brake for Digis design team. YAY! YIPPPEEE! Doin' the happy dance!
I'm really excited to be a part of this team. So, check back here in the next couple days, cause I'm going to get to work on making up some new cards.
I will still be participating on the A Day for Daisies DT as well so, this new venture with I Brake for Digis will bring more variety to my cards here. I am really excited about this.
Talk to you later....
Cat
Thursday, November 11, 2010
I Brake For Stamps Design Team Call
I put my name in for yet another design team. I'm trying out for the I Brake For Stamps design team. I only have 3 of their images and really like them. I made 3 cards using each stamp, so here are some pictures of them.
I absolutely love this image on this card. It can be a challenge to colour because the bears are suppose to be white.
Supplies
Stamps: I Brake For Stamps
Paper: patterned paper (unknown), coloured card stock (Bazzill & Recollections), Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Office Depot 110# card stock (base)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments: Copic markers, iridescent glitter glue (Studio G), crystal glitter (Glitterex - snowflake), EK Success corner adorner punch - Venetian, star & rounded corner punch (Dollar Store), glitter organza ribbon (Michaels), brad (Dollar Store)
The next stamp image is one I bought to make my mother's birthday card. Unfortunately, I haven't sent it yet - her birthday was last week (I know, I'm a lousy daughter).
Supplies
Stamps: I Brake For Stamps
Paper: patterned paper (K&Company - Amy Butler - Belle paper stack), coloured card stock (Bazzill & Recollections), Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Domtar 130# coated card stock (base)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments: Copic markers, stickles (Waterfall), dimensional pearl fabric paint (flower centres - Dollar Store), Martha Stewart Hydrangea & Hydrangea Trio punches, crotchet lace ribbon (Dollar Store), texture plate (feather pattern - Fiskars), Martha Stewart floral lace edge punch
The last card I made is with a very cute snowman stamp. I think about 75% of my Christmas stamps are snowmen.
Supplies
Stamps: I Brake For Stamps
Paper: patterned paper (My Minds Eye - Countdown to Christmas paper stack), shimmer card stock (red background card stock - Recollections), coloured card stock (Recollections). Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Domtar 130# coated card stock (base)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments: Copic markers, stickles (frosted lace, stardust, gold, silver, red), Martha Stewart double loop edge punch, satin ribbon (Michaels)
Well, thanks for looking at my cards. I have to start getting a few more Christmas cards done for the craft shows I have at the end of this month and the beginning of December. After these ones, that's all I'm going to do. They're a lot of work and a lot of fun, but I don't think that they're worth it for the money you make on them. So far I've more or less have broken even on the stuff that I've sold, but I will probably have a couple hundred cards left over and a bunch of altered items that I'll never be able to use. I guess everyone in my family will get a nice big set of cards for Christmas if I don't sell them. I'll send some to the Canadian troops too.
Well, its late, so good night. Talk to you later...
Cat
I absolutely love this image on this card. It can be a challenge to colour because the bears are suppose to be white.
Stamps: I Brake For Stamps
Paper: patterned paper (unknown), coloured card stock (Bazzill & Recollections), Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Office Depot 110# card stock (base)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments: Copic markers, iridescent glitter glue (Studio G), crystal glitter (Glitterex - snowflake), EK Success corner adorner punch - Venetian, star & rounded corner punch (Dollar Store), glitter organza ribbon (Michaels), brad (Dollar Store)
The next stamp image is one I bought to make my mother's birthday card. Unfortunately, I haven't sent it yet - her birthday was last week (I know, I'm a lousy daughter).
Supplies
Stamps: I Brake For Stamps
Paper: patterned paper (K&Company - Amy Butler - Belle paper stack), coloured card stock (Bazzill & Recollections), Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Domtar 130# coated card stock (base)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments: Copic markers, stickles (Waterfall), dimensional pearl fabric paint (flower centres - Dollar Store), Martha Stewart Hydrangea & Hydrangea Trio punches, crotchet lace ribbon (Dollar Store), texture plate (feather pattern - Fiskars), Martha Stewart floral lace edge punch
The last card I made is with a very cute snowman stamp. I think about 75% of my Christmas stamps are snowmen.
Supplies
Stamps: I Brake For Stamps
Paper: patterned paper (My Minds Eye - Countdown to Christmas paper stack), shimmer card stock (red background card stock - Recollections), coloured card stock (Recollections). Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Domtar 130# coated card stock (base)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments: Copic markers, stickles (frosted lace, stardust, gold, silver, red), Martha Stewart double loop edge punch, satin ribbon (Michaels)
Well, thanks for looking at my cards. I have to start getting a few more Christmas cards done for the craft shows I have at the end of this month and the beginning of December. After these ones, that's all I'm going to do. They're a lot of work and a lot of fun, but I don't think that they're worth it for the money you make on them. So far I've more or less have broken even on the stuff that I've sold, but I will probably have a couple hundred cards left over and a bunch of altered items that I'll never be able to use. I guess everyone in my family will get a nice big set of cards for Christmas if I don't sell them. I'll send some to the Canadian troops too.
Well, its late, so good night. Talk to you later...
Cat
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Bugaboo DT Call
I decided to put these cards together at the last minute. I had the ideas in my head and the images already coloured so I decided I would throw my name into the hat for the Bugaboo DT call. Here's the first card using the "Santa Called" image. I thought it was too funny.
Supplies:
Stamps: Santa Called & sentiment - Bugaboo Digital Stamps
Paper: Bazill card stock (red), SU card stock (Kiwi Kiss), Wausau Exact Index 80# white, Base 130# Domtar coated card stock, Provo Craft paper stack (patterned paper)
Tools & embellishments: Copic markers, twill ribbon (Michaels), organza ribbon (dollar store), silver & gold stickles, Fleur de Lis edge punch (EK Success), Craft Robo (frame)
The next card is done with the Bride Sunbonnet image. I did alter the image and removed the veil part since I wasn't making this as a wedding card.
Supplies:
Stamps: Bride Sunbonnet - Bugaboo Digital stamps, sentiment (Inkadinkado)
Paper: Mother's Flowers Digital papers - Delicious Scraps (printed on HP glossy presentation paper), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Ink: Studio G
Tools & embellishements: Copic markers, yellow glitter glue (Michaels), ribbon (Dollar store), buttons (unknown), Lacy Doily edge punch (Martha Stewart)
The next card is fairly plain. I wanted the image and the sentiment to be the focus on this card. The sentiment is probably meant to be for a baby card, but I think its also appropriate for the Christmas season.
Supplies
Stamps: Mary & Joseph - Bugaboo Digital stamps, sentiment (Inky Antics)
Paper: patterned paper (unknown), cardstock - Recollections & DCWV, Wausau Exact Index 80#
Ink: Versa Mark embossing ink, walnut stain distress ink (Tim Holtz)
Tools & embellishments: gold detail embossing powder (Stampendous), button (unknown), rafia
I really like the way these cards came out. I have so many Bugaboo images, but I haven't used them very much. I hope you like them too.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Stamps: Santa Called & sentiment - Bugaboo Digital Stamps
Paper: Bazill card stock (red), SU card stock (Kiwi Kiss), Wausau Exact Index 80# white, Base 130# Domtar coated card stock, Provo Craft paper stack (patterned paper)
Tools & embellishments: Copic markers, twill ribbon (Michaels), organza ribbon (dollar store), silver & gold stickles, Fleur de Lis edge punch (EK Success), Craft Robo (frame)
The next card is done with the Bride Sunbonnet image. I did alter the image and removed the veil part since I wasn't making this as a wedding card.
Stamps: Bride Sunbonnet - Bugaboo Digital stamps, sentiment (Inkadinkado)
Paper: Mother's Flowers Digital papers - Delicious Scraps (printed on HP glossy presentation paper), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Ink: Studio G
Tools & embellishements: Copic markers, yellow glitter glue (Michaels), ribbon (Dollar store), buttons (unknown), Lacy Doily edge punch (Martha Stewart)
The next card is fairly plain. I wanted the image and the sentiment to be the focus on this card. The sentiment is probably meant to be for a baby card, but I think its also appropriate for the Christmas season.
Stamps: Mary & Joseph - Bugaboo Digital stamps, sentiment (Inky Antics)
Paper: patterned paper (unknown), cardstock - Recollections & DCWV, Wausau Exact Index 80#
Ink: Versa Mark embossing ink, walnut stain distress ink (Tim Holtz)
Tools & embellishments: gold detail embossing powder (Stampendous), button (unknown), rafia
I really like the way these cards came out. I have so many Bugaboo images, but I haven't used them very much. I hope you like them too.
Talk to you later...
Cat
Saturday, November 06, 2010
A Few More Cards...
I finally got my room cleaned up to the point that I felt I could make something again. Unfortunately, I'll have to clean it again. I don't know what it is about me, but every time I do something in my craft room, it looks like a tornado went through the room. Well, I'm hoping its a sign of a creative person because if I try to keep it tidy, then I can't seem to create anything at all and it all just falls apart. So anyway, I couldn't sleep again last night, and I had this image from ADFD called Can't Sleep, so I though why not try to use it to get my creative thought process going again. This is such a cute image. Here's a picture of the card I made with this image:
Supplies:
Stamp: A Day For Daisies - Can't Sleep, Inky Antics (sentiment)
Papers: SU Tempting Turqoise, DCWV paper stack, Glitter paper (unknown), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Ribbon: Dollar store
Ink: Studio G
Tools & Other: MS Swirling Lace border punch, MS Hydrangea Trio punch, Frosted White Liquid Pearls
Copic Markers: Y02, Y17, G00, BG15, RV02,E00, E33, E37, C5, C0
The next image is such a beautiful image and I hope I did it justice. I had originally intended to use this image on the current challenge at ADFD (check out my side bar for the link). It was a real toss up between this image and the Leaf Girl image, but I ended up using Leaf Girl for the challenge. So, I had to use this image, just because it is so pretty. The image is called Wind in my Hair. Here's a picture of the card I created with it:
Supplies:
Stamp: A Day For Daisies - Wind in my Hair
Papers: Recollections cardstock, patterned paper (unknown), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Tools & Other: SU Scallop Trim border punch, Waterfall stickles
Copic Markers: BV00, E33, E35, E37, C0, 0
Bic Mark It markers: pastel purple
Sharpie Markers: medium purple, dark purple, medium red brown, dark red brown
I made the card very plain because I really wanted the image to be the focal point. Since I didn't have any pale shades of the Bics & Sharpies, I used the Copic colourless blender to remove some of the ink to create highlights on her dress and her hair.
TIP: Did you know that the Ranger alcohol blending solution will work in your Copic colourless blender? The solution is virtually identical in composition. I've been using it and it works beautifully in my blender pen. I think its a little more expensive than the blender refill, but its what I had on hand.
The last card I made last night is a little late in coming. I had the Spooky Fall Tree image and just couldn't think of what I wanted to do with it. And, some of the cards I've seen done with this image left me thinking that I probably couldn't do anything that hadn't already been done - and done well. So I was finally getting tired around 2:00 this morning and for some reason, that's when ideas come to me. Not that this card is all that unique in the layout, but its a design that I thought would look good so I went with it. Here's how it turned out:
Supplies:
Stamp: A Day For Daisies - Spooky Fall Tree
Papers: SU Kiwi Kiss, Black cardstock, patterned paper (unknown), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Tools & Other: MS Arch Lattice border punch, Green, Orange, & Black stickles, Olive Green Studio G glitter glue, EZ Cutter circle templates & swivel knife
Copic Markers: E43, E47, E49, YR02, YR04, YR07, C5, C3, C0, 0
Sharpie Markers: medium green, olive green, black fine tip
Ribbon: Michaels
I wanted the scene to come out darker, so I used the C5 Copic as my first line of shading around the image, then I widened out with C3, then C0, and then finally the blender to fade to white. The sentiment is hand written with a black fine point sharpie marker.
Well, I hope you like my cards. I also hope you'll be able to use my little tip about the alcohol blending solution. Its come in handy for me.
Don't forget to get in on the ADFD challenge going on right now. Its a lot of fun, there's a cute free image for you to use, and some other great rewards up for one lucky person. :)
Talk to you later...
Cat
Supplies:
Stamp: A Day For Daisies - Can't Sleep, Inky Antics (sentiment)
Papers: SU Tempting Turqoise, DCWV paper stack, Glitter paper (unknown), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Ribbon: Dollar store
Ink: Studio G
Tools & Other: MS Swirling Lace border punch, MS Hydrangea Trio punch, Frosted White Liquid Pearls
Copic Markers: Y02, Y17, G00, BG15, RV02,E00, E33, E37, C5, C0
The next image is such a beautiful image and I hope I did it justice. I had originally intended to use this image on the current challenge at ADFD (check out my side bar for the link). It was a real toss up between this image and the Leaf Girl image, but I ended up using Leaf Girl for the challenge. So, I had to use this image, just because it is so pretty. The image is called Wind in my Hair. Here's a picture of the card I created with it:
Supplies:
Stamp: A Day For Daisies - Wind in my Hair
Papers: Recollections cardstock, patterned paper (unknown), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Tools & Other: SU Scallop Trim border punch, Waterfall stickles
Copic Markers: BV00, E33, E35, E37, C0, 0
Bic Mark It markers: pastel purple
Sharpie Markers: medium purple, dark purple, medium red brown, dark red brown
I made the card very plain because I really wanted the image to be the focal point. Since I didn't have any pale shades of the Bics & Sharpies, I used the Copic colourless blender to remove some of the ink to create highlights on her dress and her hair.
TIP: Did you know that the Ranger alcohol blending solution will work in your Copic colourless blender? The solution is virtually identical in composition. I've been using it and it works beautifully in my blender pen. I think its a little more expensive than the blender refill, but its what I had on hand.
The last card I made last night is a little late in coming. I had the Spooky Fall Tree image and just couldn't think of what I wanted to do with it. And, some of the cards I've seen done with this image left me thinking that I probably couldn't do anything that hadn't already been done - and done well. So I was finally getting tired around 2:00 this morning and for some reason, that's when ideas come to me. Not that this card is all that unique in the layout, but its a design that I thought would look good so I went with it. Here's how it turned out:
Supplies:
Stamp: A Day For Daisies - Spooky Fall Tree
Papers: SU Kiwi Kiss, Black cardstock, patterned paper (unknown), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Tools & Other: MS Arch Lattice border punch, Green, Orange, & Black stickles, Olive Green Studio G glitter glue, EZ Cutter circle templates & swivel knife
Copic Markers: E43, E47, E49, YR02, YR04, YR07, C5, C3, C0, 0
Sharpie Markers: medium green, olive green, black fine tip
Ribbon: Michaels
I wanted the scene to come out darker, so I used the C5 Copic as my first line of shading around the image, then I widened out with C3, then C0, and then finally the blender to fade to white. The sentiment is hand written with a black fine point sharpie marker.
Well, I hope you like my cards. I also hope you'll be able to use my little tip about the alcohol blending solution. Its come in handy for me.
Don't forget to get in on the ADFD challenge going on right now. Its a lot of fun, there's a cute free image for you to use, and some other great rewards up for one lucky person. :)
Talk to you later...
Cat
Friday, November 05, 2010
ADFD Challenge #5 - Please Pass the Traditions
A new challenge has started on the A Day For Daisies site. This one was a real treat to work on. I got to brush up on some of my digital graphics design skills. The challenge is to create a project with, of course, one of the ADFD images, and your favourite recipe. I saw a couple of Tammy's images that just invoked this sort of remembrance of my heritage. It was a real toss up as to which image I was going to use for this challenge, but in the end "Leaf Girl" won out. I love the look on her face and the leafs in her hair reminded me of feathers a young indian princess would wear. I was quite involved in the Aboriginal community for a long time. Unfortunately, I haven't been in about the last 10 years. I really enjoyed my work with the non-profit organization I use to be involved with. The organization was called CASTS - Canadian Aboriginal Science & Technology Society - and I sat on the Board of Directors as Chairperson for a few years. The goal of the organization is to promote education in the Aboriginal communities, and in particular, in the science fields. Sadly, I have lost contact with the people I worked with on the board and involved with the organization, which I must admit is my doing and had nothing to do with the fine and hardworking people involved in CASTS.
But I digress, back to what this post is about - ADFD challenge #5. I started this whole paper crafting thing when I started on digital scrapbooking. I still love using digital elements in my crafting. One thing I really love doing is making my own patterned papers. For this challenge I needed something that was more uniquely "Canadian Aboriginal" than southwestern or "US Native American", so I had to design it myself. I created a design that reminded me of a dream catcher. Then I had to choose colours that are prevalent in the aboriginal arts - a deep red, almost blood colour, tan, and turquise. Once I coloured the digital image, and put my design together, I realized I needed another element, so what better than to create an actual dream catcher for the project. So, it finally all came together and this is the results - a digital scrapbook page with my recipe:
Supplies:
Stamp Image: A Day For Daisies - Leaf Girl
Font on recipe card: Bradley Hand
Leaf image on recipe card from Ask a Biologist website
All other elements created by CatScrapFever Designs (background paper, dream catcher, recipe card)
This recipe is the one my mother taught me. Bannock was a real treat when I was younger, especially with hamburger soup. When I was little, I loved it with butter and jam when it was still hot and the butter and jam would melt and make my fingers and face all sticky. Once in a while, my Mom would fry the bannock, and then when it was still hot, roll it in sugar, or sugar and cinnamon. Kind of like Indian donuts. :) This bread is very very easy and quick. I often will make a bannock if I'm out of bread and too lazy to go to the store. I hope you try it. Its really good.
And, of course, I hope you enter into the ADFD challenge. It is running from today, November 5th through to November 18th. You can find the links on the right hand side in my side bar. Show us your favourite recipes.
I'm hungry!
Before I sign off, I just want to say:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Wish I could be with you to celebrate!
Talk to you later...
Cat
But I digress, back to what this post is about - ADFD challenge #5. I started this whole paper crafting thing when I started on digital scrapbooking. I still love using digital elements in my crafting. One thing I really love doing is making my own patterned papers. For this challenge I needed something that was more uniquely "Canadian Aboriginal" than southwestern or "US Native American", so I had to design it myself. I created a design that reminded me of a dream catcher. Then I had to choose colours that are prevalent in the aboriginal arts - a deep red, almost blood colour, tan, and turquise. Once I coloured the digital image, and put my design together, I realized I needed another element, so what better than to create an actual dream catcher for the project. So, it finally all came together and this is the results - a digital scrapbook page with my recipe:
Stamp Image: A Day For Daisies - Leaf Girl
Font on recipe card: Bradley Hand
Leaf image on recipe card from Ask a Biologist website
All other elements created by CatScrapFever Designs (background paper, dream catcher, recipe card)
This recipe is the one my mother taught me. Bannock was a real treat when I was younger, especially with hamburger soup. When I was little, I loved it with butter and jam when it was still hot and the butter and jam would melt and make my fingers and face all sticky. Once in a while, my Mom would fry the bannock, and then when it was still hot, roll it in sugar, or sugar and cinnamon. Kind of like Indian donuts. :) This bread is very very easy and quick. I often will make a bannock if I'm out of bread and too lazy to go to the store. I hope you try it. Its really good.
And, of course, I hope you enter into the ADFD challenge. It is running from today, November 5th through to November 18th. You can find the links on the right hand side in my side bar. Show us your favourite recipes.
I'm hungry!
Before I sign off, I just want to say:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Wish I could be with you to celebrate!
Talk to you later...
Cat
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Cards from Jasmine
I received a very pleasant package in the mail the other day. My niece sent me a couple cards she made with the loot I sent her for her birthday this summer. The first card is really cute and I think she is on to a new trend. Where about 99% of the cards we create and see in the on line galleries have most of the decoration on the outside of the card, Jasmine decided to decorate and put the surprise on the inside of the card. Very clever little girl! Here's a couple pictures of it for you to see:
The front:
and the inside:
I'd like to point out the little ghosts in the corners. She drew them herself. :)
The next card is very a simple, and clean card. She used an image that I drew last year at Christmas for the focal point.
I think she's well on her way to becoming a fabulous card maker. What do you think? Please leave her a comment. I know she would absolutely love to read your comments.
Thanks for looking. Talk to you later...
Cat
The front:
and the inside:
I'd like to point out the little ghosts in the corners. She drew them herself. :)
The next card is very a simple, and clean card. She used an image that I drew last year at Christmas for the focal point.
I think she's well on her way to becoming a fabulous card maker. What do you think? Please leave her a comment. I know she would absolutely love to read your comments.
Thanks for looking. Talk to you later...
Cat
Paper Romance DT Call
If you haven't heard, Paper Romance currently has a DT call running. Its a great opportunity, so if you're in the market for showcasing your talents as well as the excellent products that Paper Romance carries, check out this post on their blog: Paper Romance DT Call. Check out their challenges as well (here). It looks like its a lot of fun.
Take care & talk to you later...
Cat
Take care & talk to you later...
Cat
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