Congratulatory Considerations for January

Hello everyone.  I am so happy to have so many new bloggy friends in my life.  I've been trying to figure out a way to celebrate everyone's successes and so I've come up with the following idea.  On the last day of each month, I will create a post congratulating all my bloggy friends and acquaintances on their successes, anniversaries, milestones, achievements, etc.  Of course, these will be strictly the items that I have come across during the month in my travels to the challenge blogs I have personally entered or are a team member of, or on my visits to personal blogs.  There will be many things I'll miss so please don't take offense if you have achieved a success and you don't find your name listed here.  If you or someone you know has an achievement and you would like to have it included here, contact me by email before the end of the month or just include the information in the comment section of each 'Congratulatory Considerations' post. 

I am aware of the following reasons for sending out congratulations to members within our community.   So ladies, bask in the glow of the congratulatory candle.  You all deserve the successes you have achieved!  These are listed strictly in the order of when I came across them, not necessarily in any chronological order.

• Jessica from Floppy Latte Designs has a new job.
• Patsy from Smookiedo Crafts has made top three with a card she created.  She also was the very first person to be showcased at The Stamping Chef and if I'm not mistaken has also won a challenge this month too.  Additionally, she has recently become a mommy to a new little furbaby named Mr. Charles.  Patsy had a great month!
• Suze from craftysuze won a challenge over at  My Papercrafting World, and won for leaving Design Team Blog Comments over at Digi Haven.  Additionally, she won the birthday bash challenge over at Bugaboo Stamps.  Another crafter having a great month!
• Mandy whose blog is called Made By Mandy, won a challenge over at Crafty Bloggers Network and has been chosen as a featured artist over at Joyful Stamper for a 3D vase that is really cool.
• Corrinne Quinn from the blog of the same name won the December challenge over at The Avadares Challenge Blog.
• Desire Fourie whose blog is called Doing Life placed in top three over at Whoopsi Daisy.
• NannaConnie from My Grammy's Attic won over at the Delicious Doodles Challenge Blog and placed top three at The Stamping Chef
• Melissa whose blog is called Melissa Sunshine Honey Bee made top three over at Artistic Inspirations Crafts
• Congrats to Vicky over at Crafting Vicky on all her new DT gigs.  I'm afraid I've lost count of how many new ones she has joined just this January alone!  She was a winner over at Whoopsi Daisy and is the winner of the special guest spot over at Lexi's Creations.  Vicky is also celebrating an incredible milestone this week as she has reached 200 followers.  So, congratulations Vicky on achieving this awesome goal.

 

And a gift to you Vicky, for your blog...

I've made the badge 200 px wide to fit your sidebar if you want to post it.  Don't worry, I won't be offended if you don't like it or don't want it.  I wish you continued success in the future. Here's to your next 100 followers!

As far as I go...
Besides the top three and top five placements that I told you about earlier this week, along with my new DT gig over at Digi Darla's Challenge blog, my own personal triumphs this month include:

• A win over at My Papercrafting World, {Suze and I are switching weeks for wins ;0)} and a win over at Wags 'n Whiskers.  I'll also be the GDT the next four weeks over at QKR Stampede starting tomorrow so I hope that you will join me in the challenges there too.  It's a really, really, really busy month.  Hopefully I'll keep everything straight and more importantly get it all done on time.   

So the candle burns for all these wonderful ladies along with those of you who have had accomplishments I'm unfamiliar with.  Don't forget, if you'd like to see an achievement celebrated here next month, contact me before the 28th of February or just include the details in the comment section of the next 'Congratulatory Considerations' post when it comes out.  

All of us have so many blessings to be thankful for, especially if we've achieved any sort of success this month.  So it is appropriate that this first Congratulatory Considerations post take place on a Thursday--the day I normally reserve for giving thanks in some way (see HERE for background info on the Thursdays are for Giving Thanks idea).  Thus, you are getting a two-for-one post today.  So, while it is awesome to receive the gifts and acknowledgements that we have this week, this month, or even this past year, don't forget that it is also important that we do something with them. How will you make your blessings count?

 I've also offered the quote in two separate parts in case you decide to use it on a card.  I've reduced the size below just for the sake of space within this post.  It is the same size as the quote in one piece.

Until next time,

Image Information:
The background image of the candle is a picture in the public domain.  The artist is Anna Langova and you can find this particular photo HERE at PublicDomainPictures.net.

Fonts Used:

• Vanessa
• Yesteryear  

Click the font names to take you to a download location.  While Yesteryear is considered free for commercial use, Vanessa is considered free but with no further details so be careful if you decide to sell a handmade item you've created using it.

Please be sure to read the Angel policy found under the copyright info tab above.  Below is a quick summary of those Terms of Use:  

• Do not claim the image as your own.
• Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation.  
• Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc.  Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the image for themselves.
• If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.
• Leave a comment on my blog.  It is currently the only way for me to know if any of my freebies are being nabbed.  Additionally, it will help to inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.

Darla's Digital Stamp Club Design Team Introduction

That was certainly a mouthful now wasn't it?

I am proud to announce that Decosse's Dynamite Doodles is now part of the Darla's Digital Stamp Club Design Team working with the awesome Digi Darla Designs--now how is that for alliteration!  Sounds to me like it was meant to be!!!  A match made in alliteration heaven!
 

I am so thrilled that the existing design team has chosen me to become part of the fold.  Digi Darla Designs are some of the cutest out there and there are so many to choose from.  Whatever occasion you need a digi for, I'm sure Digi Darla has one to suit your purposes.  I encourage you to go and check out the store and see for yourself (clicking HERE or on the name above will take you to the store). 

I'd now like to introduce my fellow DT members:

• KIM-Owner
• KAREN-Lead DT & Sponsor Coordinator
• DENISE-Challenge Coordinator
• AUDREY
• CRAFTING-VICKY
• MICHELE  
• JULIE
• SHEA
• NICK
• VALOU
• EM'S MANY THOUGHTS

I'm honoured to be working with this great group of talented individuals.  

Here is my inspiration project for this challenge.

THIS IMAGE IS NOT FOR DOWNLOAD.

Sorry for the big and bold 'not for download' statement but I need to make sure that it is clear.  You guys are used to being able to download my digital graphics but when they are for a challenge it means that I have used a sponsor's image within the piece.  Digital stamps are not available for redistribution whether alone or part of a new creation unless explicit permission has been given from the designer.

Image Details:

• Since all types of projects are welcome over at the Digi Darla's Challenge Blog, it was the perfect opportunity for me to create a digital project using one of Digi Darla's inspirational sentiments.  You can find this image in the store under the sentiments section.  When I came across this particular one I knew it would be perfect for my design.  The sentiment has been coloured using Photoshop Elements (PE).  I then uploaded the new image into Inkscape to finish putting it together.  I'm just proud I was able to work on some small part of it in PE.  It's certainly a step in the Photoshop program practice direction.  I think I've got the fill bucket down pat.  Now I only have about six million more elements to go.
• The background image is a picture in the public domain.  The artist is Sabine Sauermaul and you can find this particular photo HERE at PublicDomainPictures.net.

We hope that you join us this week for our current challenge which is open until Sunday evening.  The theme for our current challenge is "Winter Blues".  So show us your projects with lots of blues in them. Clicking on the badge below will take you straight to the challenge blog. 

Until next time,

 

p.s.  I apologize if there are any formatting issues.  This is a scheduled post and we all know Blogger has a mind of it's own.  If it turns out that something looks wonky, I'll fix it as soon as I'm able to.

Wonderful Wednesday: Winsome Words

If you are new to my blog and would like to know how Wonderful Wednesdays got started, please click HERE.

The Digital Design Diva (a.k.a. my inspiration fairy) has come up with one last element for this year's January kit. This week I'm offering up some winsome words for your scrapping pleasure.   There are two versions:  one with a transparent background and one with a solid beveled background.  The original size is between 640 & 650 pixels wide (depending on which version) by 1080 pixels high but when saved at 300 dpi it comes out at 3600 pixels high.  So depending on the software that you import it into, it should be somewhere between these two sizes.  

The images are large size pngs so I've put them into a zip file.  Clicking on either thumbnail--which is a greatly reduced idea of what the images look like--should bring up the direct link for the file.  

Your January kit should now have a total of four items in it.  If you have missed one, or if you are new to the site, you can go HERE for the first item, HERE for the second and HERE for the third.  Remember next month brings with it a new theme but you can always increase the items in your January kit by coming back the first month of next year; although, I hope that you will stick around until that time.  Just think of all the goodies you'll be losing out on if you don't.  Besides, there are always my exhilarating conversations you'll miss, never mind my stimulating personality.  Nope, no ego here!

  

Hope you like my final offering for this month's kit and can find some use for it.  If you create a project using one of these images or any of the images I create, I'd love to see them and post them into the 'Your Gallery' portion of the blog.

Until next time,

Image information: 

• Smiley Image courtesy of Farconville / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
• You are allowed to use the wording on handmade projects that you intend to sell.  Just be sure to familiarize yourself with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.  This element was created using a template from Pixel Scraper.    

Quick summary of Terms of Use:   

• Do not claim the image as your own.
• Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation.
• Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc.  Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the image for themselves.
• If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.
• Leave a comment on my blog.  It is currently the only way for me to know if any of my freebies are being nabbed.  Additionally, it will help to inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.

Bonus:
If you've actually made it to the end of this post I have a little bonus item for the January kit.  It is a date stamp in the same winter blue colour as other elements of the January kit.  Enjoy!

  

Card Design: Tuesday Alchemy Challenge #49

It is time for my third challenge as a DT member over at Tuesday Alchemy.  This week for Challenge 49 we want to see any type of project.  Yes that's right, it is time for everyone's favourite challenge theme of  Anything Goes. 

This week we have TWO fabulous prizes available from the following  generous sponsors. 

5 Digital Images

$10 Store Voucher

 

  

So please head on over to

and join in all the challenge fun!

Here is the front of my card...

 Here is the inside...

Here are the card details, I hope I haven't forgotten anything...

• Digi-Image:  The image on the front of the card is the most absolutely adorable image that I got to play with from one of our sponsors, Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps.  It was coloured using Copic markers.  Cats:  C1, C3, C5, C7 (fur); R20, R22, R24 (ears and foot pads); B00 (eyes).  Bow:  R22, R24, R29.  Grounding around monsiour et madame meow-meow:  B00.
• Sentiments:  The 'purr-cuddle-play' sentiment on the front of the card underneath the cats is from Pink Cat Studio. It was a freebie I got awhile back.  The site has been completely revamped and it looks like those freebies are no longer available.  The 'no one is purrfect' on the front and the inside sentiment are created by me.  Both are printed onto Recollection's Cardstock White Paper.
• Paper:  I used a black paper for the card base purchased at Michael's--Recollection's Cardstock.  The red cross hatch paper is from the Recollection's Bright and Basic paper pad.  The black hearts on white paper is from the Recollection's All Girl paper pad.  The black paper used as a shadow is from the same pad mentioned above.
• Embellishments:  The glittery hearts and heart brads on the front, and the felt hearts inside are from Dollarama.
• One of the challenges I've entered requires using a die cut.  The black shadow circle in behind the image is a die cut using Cricut's George Basic Shapes cartridge. 
• I used a sketch from Studio Cappucino for this card:

 Challenges I will be entering the card into: 

• Make It Monnday -- MIM #125:  Anything Goes (always)
• Challenges For Everybody --  Challenge #12:  Anything Goes
• Fat Pages and Cards with Attitude -- Challenge 32:  Love
• Artistic Inspirations Crafts  -- Challenge 26:  Love/Anything Goes
• Word Art Wednesday -- Challenge #64:  Anything Goes
• One Stitch at a Time Challenge -- Challenge #148: Use a Digi
• Cut It Up Challenges -- Love is in the Air
• Delicious Doodles Challenge  -- Challenge #20:  All You Need is Love
• Shelly's Images  -- Easy as 1-2-3
• Pin and Tack -- SYCN Challenge #5: Anything Goes
• Bunny Zoe's Crafts -- Anything Goes
• Love To Create Challenge -- Anything Goes
• My Grafico Crafts -- Challenge #144:  Anything Goes
• My Heart Pieces Digital Stamp Challenge --Thinking of You
• The Pink Elephant Challenge --TPE184:  Hearts
•  Crafty Ribbons Challenge -- Challenge #37:  Love/Romance/Anniversary
• C.R.A.F.T. Challenge  -- Challenge #191:   Valentine's Day or Love
• Creative Inspirations Paint -- Anything Goes
• Avenue 613 -- Challenge #4:  Anything Goes/Colour Twist
• Delightful Challenges -- Thinking of You
• My Papercrafting World -- Digi Desserts Fridaze
• Avadares Challenge Blog -- Challenge #7:  Valentine's Day or Love
• Crafter's Digital Art Centre --  Anything Goes

Some more challenges may be added to this list throughout the week or month.

I apologize if there are any formatting issues.  This is a scheduled post and we all know Blogger has a mind of it's own.  If it turns out that something looks wonky, I'll fix it as soon as I'm able to.

Thanks so much for stopping by and please leave some love if you have the time.  As I've now added to my comment section, thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog and to write me a little note. Whether you are a regular, here for the first time or popping over in your official capacity as a DT member, please know how much I appreciate the words that you leave behind. Your encouragement helps me to become a better designer.   I try my best to reply to your comments (when an email address is available) but that is getting more and more difficult as my plate fills up with new responsibilites, new roles, and new obligations.  If I don't get the opportunity to thank you personally, know that I don't take a single comment for granted. Thank you for your understanding.
 
Until next time,

Cherry Delivered With Extra Sprinkles

If you are new to my blog and would like to know why I started Motivational Mondays, please go HERE.
____________________________________________________________________ 

Remember last week when I spotlighted Patsy's card (from Smookiedo) and she had been so surprised that her card had been chosen for a top three placing?  Then, remember what I said in my response:

I know I am not supposed to covet anything (sorry God) but in my heart of hearts, I so wish for the day when I make a top three or top five.  Heck I'd even be thrilled to make a top ten!  As I told Patsy in the comment I left congratulating her, anyone can win through a random generator but to have your card singled out and chosen to be part of the top tier?  Well, to me that is the cherry on top of the sundae.  Sure, there might not be a prize associated with top three but the sense of pride and accomplishment is such an enormous reward all in its own. 

Remember last Monday, in the Motivational Monday post when I talked about the concept of Think*Believe*Achieve.

Well the universe received the message because the cherry has been delivered--with extra sprinkles on top.

While skimming through the winners list over at Feline Playful on Saturday, I came across the name Lisa as a top five achiever over at Eclectic Ellapu.  I thought to myself, "Self, that couldn't possibly be us could it?".  So we I went looking and it wasn't us me.  I hadn't entered the challenge they were referring to.  However, it made me realize that I hadn't been over there to check on the winner for the challenge I did enter back at the beginning of January.  Actually it made me realize that I haven't checked on ANY of the challenges I entered with the card I created for my GDT spot with Love to Create.  I forget to bring that appointment forward in my calendar.

So, I figured I'd better scroll through and see who the winners were of the challenge I did enter.  After checking out the winning cards I glanced at the top five listing and lo and behold, the name Lisa D. was listed there in the second spot (order of entry) with a little number 15 sitting beside it.  So I thought to my self, "self, could that possibly be us they are talking about?".  In all our my travels of blogs and challenges we've I've seen a lot of Lisa's but never any other Lisa D.'s.    I proceeded to go back and find the challenge, skim through the list and what do you know?  My little card for the twins birthday was sitting front and present in the number 15 spot.  

So, after that was done I decided I better check on the other 26 challenges I entered that particular card into.  Would you believe I found my name in another top tier list?  This time it was over at Glitter 'n Sparkle and I made top three!  Top three!  Top three, hee hee!  This time it was even more of a surprise because it only listed my first name and not my initial so I really didn't get my hopes up when looking for entry number 51 but sure enough it was actually me.  Now have you noticed that the first number I placed with was 15 and now the second is 51.  Do, do, do, do--do, do, do, do (and if you don't know what that reference is to, check out Saturday's post).

I would like to thank the following people for making this happen...
First thanks to Joann who chose me to be the GDT for Love to Create's challenge # 47--winter wonderland.  Thanks to the sponsor QKR Stampede for the adorable image I got to use.  Thanks to the twins for needing a birthday card.  Thanks to Blair and Nicole for having the twins!  Especially thanks to my husband for all the love and support he is providing me in my new adventure.  Thanks to....oh, apparently I've run out of time for the rest of my thank you speech...moving on...

So, call me gobsmacked and covered in little red gemstones.  I got me that cherry on the top of the sundae.  You have no idea how THRILLED I am and of course I had to share my good news with all my bloggy friends.

See, some dreams do come true?  It's all about having the right attitude.  So, what are you dreaming of this week and what goals are you setting to achieve them?

Until next time,

Fonts Used:

• Shadowed Serif
• Jenna Sue  

Click the font names to take you to a download location.  These fonts are free for commercial use.

Please be sure to read the Angel policy found under the copyright info tab above.  Below is a quick summary of those Terms of Use:   

• Do not claim the image as your own.
• Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation.  This specific image may be used on handmade items you intend to sell but please see angel policy for the specifics.
• Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc.  Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the image for themselves.
• If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.
• Leave a comment on my blog.  It is currently the only way for me to know if any of my freebies are being nabbed.  Additionally, it will help to inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.