Card Design: Delightful Inspiration May Challenge

It is time for me to post my card for the Delightful Inspiration progressive stamp of the month challenge.  In order to enter this challenge, you must either have received the latest image by having participated in the previous month or you can buy the stamp for the current month's challenge.  Everyone who enters and follows the rules is a winner because you automatically get the stamp for the next month's challenge.  Stop by the site and check out the rules for yourself.  While you are there, have a look around.  They have some really great images.  Below you will find the card I'm entering for the May challenge.

General Information:

• I did well on this card finding a way to use digis from three different artists.  It is always nice being able to find images that work well together to represent the amazingly creative peeps out there sharing their artistic talents with all of us.

 FRONT

Digital Image:

• The image on the front, For You Mouse, is available for purchase over at Delightful Inspirations.  Click HERE to go to its location in the store.  

• The majority of the image was coloured up digitally and the flowers and nose were coloured with Copics.   Flowers:  Y32, Y35, YR24, R35, R39 (petals); YG00, YG03, YG05 (leaves/stems).  Nose:  R20, R22, C3.
• Digital credits include:
• Sky and clouds (pattern):  Webtreats, Etc.
• grass (brushes):              Amaranth Dreams
• fur (pattern):                   Obsidian Dawn

Embellishments:

• Ribbon:  The pink ribbon running along the bottom is Celebrate It brand, purple label, from Michael's. 
• I took some one layer flowers, cut the stems and spread them a bit.  Then I added some Craft brand pearl halves.  Both these products are from Dollarama.

 INSIDE

Digital Image:

• The image on the inside is one of Sandy's flower scribbles that I love so much. It was the perfect design to match the type of flowers used on the front.  You can find it over at Scribbles Designs by going HERE.
  
  
  • I coloured the flowers with Copics using the same colours I used for the flowers and leaves/stems on the front.  I placed the image just above the sentiment before printing it out.

Digital Sentiment:

• With thanks:  This sentiment was picked up as a freebie sometime last year over at Pollycraft Designs.  The blog has been newly revamped and worth a visit.  Paula, the owner and designer behind Pollycraft took an eight month 'leave of absence' but came back in May and now has a new design team to back her up.  Her creations are great and when you have the chance you should take a peek.  While I couldn't find the sentiment I used in the store, there are tons of others worth a look. 

OVERALL

Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• Designer Papers:  Floral paper (front & inside)--K & C Company Designer Paper--Best of...florals collection.   
• Green paper used as a shadow is Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.
  
  Including Delightful Inspirations (link up top), these are the other challenges I hope to enter:

• Crafter's Digital Art Centre --  Anything Goes 
• 613 Avenue Create -- Anything Goes/Optional Twist
• Word Art Wednesday -- Anything Goes 

Thank you so much for stopping by.  As I've now added to my comment section, 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 responsibilities, 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,

  

Wonderful Wednesdays: Fabulous Florals and Winsome Words for May Kit

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

It is time for the final two offerings of the May kit.  First up we have a Fabulous Flower.

It is in png format and 300 dpi.  The original size is rather large.  I believe it measures somewhere around four by four inches but you can definitely resize it smaller on your own without distorting the quality.

I've also thrown some Winsome Words into this month's kit with the simple expression,"Life in Full Bloom".

 

I've offered it in colour and black/grey. Both are in png format and 300 dpi.

Hope you like my final offerings for this month's kit and can find some use for them.  If you missed the first items you can go HERE.  To find items from previous kits look for Wonderful Wednesdays or look under the individual names of the month, i.e. January Kit in the label section.  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.

Next month brings with it a whole new theme of which I haven't decided on yet.  However, given there are just a few days left in May I better figure it out soon.

Until next time,

Font information:

• Scriptina Pro 
• Znikomit no. 25   

Click on the font name to go to a download location.  Both these fonts are free for commercial use.
 
Image information: 

• You are allowed to use the images 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.  The floral 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 May kit.  It is a date stamp in a nice spring green colour that should complement other offerings in the May kit.  Enjoy!

Bit By the Bug Tuesday: "Love Comes First"

Welcome to another Bit By the Bug Tuesday where I introduce you all to the newest freebie over at Creative Bug on the Loose.

"Love Comes First"

What real father doesn't want to spend more time with his son and what son couldn't do with a little more quality time spent with his dad.  Andrew knows that his dad works hard to put a roof over his family's head and food on the table and give Andrew and his siblings the extras in life.  However, it is still hard for him because he just wishes his dad could be around more.  Earlier today Andrew was gearing up for a big baseball game and really wished his dad could attend but today was one of those typical days where his father was going to be tied up in meetings all night.  So, wasn't Andrew surprised when just as he was heading to bat his dad called him over to offer a few words of advice and encouragement.  Dad managed to sneak away during the supper break and spend a little quality time with his son.  These are the special moments that every child remembers and no father forgets.

This a great new image that will help all of you gear up for Father's Day which is fast approaching. 

I created this layout to showcase Naomi's freebie.  Now, granted this isn't my best work but what do I expect for trying to put it together at 3:00 in the morning.

Elements used to create this layout are from the 'Baseball Dreams' free kit downloaded from {Computer} Scrapbook.com.

So, what are you waiting for?  To take advantage of this endearing image, head on over to Creative Bug on the Loose and follow the instructions on how to bring Andrew and his father home with you.  While you are over there, don't forget to check out all the great digis Naomi has available in the store for purchase and don't forget to leave her a little love too.

I've caught the bug,

have you?

Until next time,

Note: 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.e.--part of the sentence a different size or font than the rest, I'll fix it as soon as I'm able to.

Card Design: Digi Darla's Challenges #64--Father's Day

For several of you, in the States, Britain and elsewhere, today is a day off.  I hope that you are all enjoying this extra long weekend.  Here in Canada it is back to business and since my business these days is blogging and card making let's get right to it.

Time for this week's challenge over at the darling Digi Darla's Challenges Blog. This week for Challenge #64 the theme is "Father's Day".  It is time to see all those cards dedicated to dear old dad.  Although my own poppa better not hear me call him old or else a scolding it will be for me! 

Don't forget one person will be the lucky winner of FIVE Digi Darla (DD) images!  AND any entries using a DD image get entered into a SECOND drawing for THREE images. So, you could technically win eight images! That is a lot of digital delight and there have been winners who have walked away with all eight images so it isn't just a pipe dream, it can happen.  If you do use one of Kim's fabulous images make sure you let us know by writing DD after your name when you enter.

I've used the following digi in my project this week:

•  Digi Darla's Daughter Adjusting Dad's Tie 

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

General Information:

• I think that my mojo has gone out for tea with Ike's and Lisa M.'s.  Both had been in creative slumps as well (they said this, not me) but it seems that Lisa's muse is once again on talking terms with her and Ike's mojo is paying supervised visits again.  So, hopefully mine will be satisfied with a short sojourn down through the States and off to Greece to visit with other mojos.  I would certainly be refreshed with a trip like that so hopefully my mojo will be too.  I just haven't been happy with most of the card I've put together in the last couple weeks.  I felt like I hit a high note with my first ever round card but since then it has been a complete struggle with unsatisfying results. Take this card for example which is a shame since it is meant for my own father.  He may not realize it isn't my better work but I certainly do.

 FRONT
 

Digital Image:

• Dad and Daughter: Coloured using Copic markers.  Shirt:  YR000, YR00, YR02, YR04.  Tie & Pants:  C3, C5, C7.  Shoes:  C7, 100.  Dress:  YR02, YR04, YR07.  Hair:  E21, E31, E33, E37, E39.  Skin:  E000, E00, E02, R20.  Grounding around image:  BG10.  Ground: Watercolouring pencils.

Digital Sentiment:

• Father's Day Best Wishes: This is another great sentiment that I picked up as a freebie from Netty's Cards. Don't forget to check them all out by visiting HERE. Check out some of her cards while you are there. She is very talented.

Embellishments:

• Ribbon:  White ribbon that I cut into pennant shapes is from Dollarama.

 INSIDE
 

Digital Sentiment:

• Special Day...:  Once again I rely on the incomparable Create With TLC for my inside sentiment.  You can find it in the set below.  I've linked the watermark up to its location in the store.

 OVERALL 

Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white
• Designer Paper:  Chevron (front) & Hatched blue paper (front & inside)--Recollection's Bright & Basic Paper Pad.  

Challenges I hope to enter include:

• 613 Avenue Create -- Anything Goes/Optional Twist Twist
• Word Art Wednesday -- Anything Goes 
• Crafter's Digital Art Centre -- Anything Goes

Some more challenges may be added to this list later this week and/or month.

So, why not come and show us what you've got by entering in our current challenge this week over at Digi Darla's Challenges?  While you are there please check out the wonderful creations from the rest of the design team.  We always look forward to seeing the delightful creations you come up with.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  As I've now added to my comment section, 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 responsibilities, 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,

Note: I apologize if there are any formatting issues with the above text.  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.e.--part of the sentence is a different size, font, or colour than the rest, I'll fix it as soon as I'm able to.

 

Sunday Spotlight: May 26, 2013

If you are just visiting for the first time, it is that time of week when I say a particular thank you to one of my readers acknowledging them for something thoughtful, inspiring, or mindful that they have said in one of their comments. It is not just about flattery [although that is nice sometimes too ;-) ]; it is about walking away from the comment and wanting to touch on and explore an idea they have presented.  Sometimes it might just be one or two words that they have said that reaches out and elicits a response in me.  

As a way of saying thanks, I will present this person with an advanced copy of a freebie that I promise, no one else will be able to get their hand on for at least three months and possibly longer.  Of course it might take awhile, I'm currently about seven behind, although technically five remain unclaimed.  One of them might just be you so don't forget to check each Sunday if you are in the habit of leaving comments.  Oh and only only about four of 113 eligible people from two weeks ago requested their freebies.  Now the bulk of those are people who were strictly over here on DT duties and will probably never read a Sunday Spotlight post; however, there are at least 20 or 30 regulars that I expected to see ask for it.  So, check and see if your name is on that list. Go HERE to check.

So without further ado, the comment I'm highlighting and reflecting on this week belongs to...

DESIRE

who said this:

Lisa, you are truly one amazing and inspirational person and I would love to meet you in person! I just cant get my head around how you manage to keep tabs of everything in blog land and then also spend so much time to honour everyone but yourself. You definitely need truck loads of recognition. Thank you for being the amazing caring and sharing person you are. Hugs Desíre {Doing Life – my personal blog} on Sunday Spotlight: May 12, 2013

Okay, I admit it.  This one was strictly picked by my ego.  Aren't warm fuzzies wonderful to experience?  I am fortunate that I receive them often in one form or other from my many wonderful readers.  This one just really called to me.  It is nice to know that I continue to inspire some of you out there.  That is one of my goals and apparently I'm meeting it.  Additionally, Desire touches on something else that is important to me--honouring you guys for the successes you achieve.  Remember those warm fuzzies I talked about?  Well, everyone deserves them and that is why I work so hard to acknowledge as many of you as I can each month.

So, thanks Desire and so many of you out there for noticing the hard work I put into this blog, bringing you the kinds of features you like to see.  Oh and Desire, who knows?  If I ever come into a few million dollars maybe I will make it half way around the world so that we can meet in person.  It would certainly be a privilege to do so.

Honourable mentions include:

•  Lisa, thank you so very much for highlighting my tutorial on adding an image to a candle. You are such bright light in the crafting world, not just for your amazing talent, but also for your amazing support of others. I hope you have a memorable time with your cousin and that this will be just the start of many more times together. Deb on Saturday Showcase: May 11, 2013
• This is fabulous that you got that many comments! But then again so very well deserved! You are a fabulous person. So glad that I was able to speak to you in person ;) Vicky on Sunday Spotlight: May 12, 2013
• Lisa you are so incredibly sweet! Look how popular you are to get that many compliments and comments in one month. Just shows how fab you really are. I hope you feel truly loved because you are! ~Deb~ CDAC DT Member A Look Through My Eyes on Sunday Spotlight: May 12, 2013 
• Whoa girl!!! Thanks so much for the shoutout! Look at this post! So many great and talented ladies and their blogs! I don't know how you can keep all of the information straight, but you are crazy good at what you do, Lisa!!! Thank you thank you so much! And thanks for the new side bar blinkie! Wheeee! I didn't have much time to coordinate a hop or anything, so this is really something special to me that you did this and made me a blinkie. Words cannot express how grateful I am! Cely on Congratulatory Considerations for April 
• This must have been so very emotional!!! What a great way to spend the time together! And you are right you cannot change the past but you can enjoy the future together! That's the important part. Vicky on Motivational Monday: In the Book of Family a New Chapter Has Begun
• How cool is that ?!! - I am glad you had a great time and here's hoping it's just the start of a fabulous relationship :-) Hugz IKE xx on Motivational Monday: In the Book of Family a New Chapter Has Begun
• Oh wow Lisa, this is an amazing story you have related here. Life is so amazing and takes strange turns with us, but in the end its all worth living, and every day holds a hint of excitement. Thank you so much for these awesome sentiment, also wonderful for scrapbooking pages. Hugs Desíre {Doing Life – my personal blog} on Motivational Monday: In the Book of Family a New Chapter Has Begun
• What a wonderful, heartwarming story that you shared Lisa. I hope that things move forward in the best possible way for you both. Forget the past as it cannot be changed and look forward to the future. Hugs, Jen xx Krafty Keepsakes on Motivational Monday: In the Book of Family a New Chapter Has Begun
• Lisa what an amazing journey your beginning with your cousin. Friends are family you choose but family is family for life! Enjoy your time together now that you've found each other. Huge hugs, ~Deb~ CDAC DT Member A Look Through My Eyes on Motivational Monday: In the Book of Family a New Chapter Has Begun
• I've took a bit of a break away from the computer as I have been very tired this last week so I have lot of catching up to do. I wanted to just say how wonderful it is that you and Karen have been able to make this connection, certainly better later than never! Families and relationships are not always easy and many of us have chequered pasts but how you go one in the future is so important. You are both forging ahead with a very strong relationship and I am sure you will be a very big part of each other's lives for the rest of your days. (((Big Hugs))) and lots of love Mandy xxx on Motivational Monday: In the Book of Family a New Chapter Has Begun 

Thank you everyone for your continued support of my blog.  Please know just how much all your comments mean to me.   Always know that I read every single one and respond when I can. Without you spending some of your valuable time coming over and leaving me comments, there would no incentive to continue doing what I'm doing!  So as always, thanks from the bottom of my heart for your continued support. 

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!

Until next time, 

 

Scribbles Designs Winner Announcement for Challenge #4 + New Releases

Yes, I admit it.  I'm almost a week late in reminding you to check out the Scribbles Designs Challenge blog but I have a good excuse, I promise.  I wanted to wait to tell you about some of the latest images in the Scribbles Designs store.

So, first things first make sure you head over to the challenge blog and check and see who the winners for Challenge #4:  Shaped or Easel Cards are.  If you haven't checked already, make sure you head on over and see if you are our Top Scribbler or part of our Top Three.

The Top Scribbler, chosen by Random.org, will receive 3 digital images.  Each of the Top 3, chosen by the Scribbles Designs Design Team, will receive 1 digital image each.  There was also a special gold star given out this month and if you haven't seen this project yet, you will definitely want to.  You only have one week to claim your prize so get over there now if you entered.

We are almost at the midway point for this months challenge and we'd love for you to join us.  You have until the 14th of June to do so.  The theme this month is Celebrate Mom or a Special Woman with Flowers.  Don't forget you no longer need to use an SD image so there is nothing holding you back.  

Now it has been awhile since I showed you any of the new images recently released so get ready to experience a little spring.  This should be especially nice for those of you currently in the throes of winter.
 

So, let's start with a tour of the Scribbles Designs garden, shall we? (Clicking on each digital image should take you to its location within the Scribbles Designs Store.)

#618 Flower 1

This flower reminds me of the big blooms that used to grow in my mom's flowers beds.  I can imagine it coloured up in all different shades, from pinks to peaches and yellows to purples.  This image, like many of the flowers Sandy offers, would be perfect as the centrepiece of your card, added alongside other flowers or as line art inside your card.

#619 Flower 2

I am sure you will love this particular duo as much as I do.  It's unique shape offers up something different from the usual digital flowers you find available.  Personally, I find the sleek elegance of this image perfect for a sympathy card.  You can also buy these distinctive flowers separately, as shown below.

#620 Flower 3

#621 Flower 4

Flower 4 can be purchased as a digital image or in a cut file (#621a)

If you are interested in purchasing the cut file, click HERE. 

#622 Flower 5

Next up we have this lovely scribbled flower.  It is the perfect embellishment for a variety of cards whether used digitally or as a cut file.  If you are interested in purchasing the cut file of this image, click HERE.

 #623 Flower 6

Is a rose as sweet by any other name?  Roses have long been used as symbols in a number of societies. Since ancient times they have also been the symbols of love and beauty.   Each colour of rose has its own meaning as well.  As many people know red roses are known to represent love and passion; but, did you also know that they represent, courage and respect as well?  White roses stand for purity and innocence along with reverence and humility.  To receive a pink rose means that someone appreciates or admires you.  While yellow roses can mean joy, friendship and the promise of a new beginning, many people may not realize that they represent jealousy too.  Orange stands for desire and enthusiasm, peach for sincerity and gratitude, and lavender means love at first sight and enchantment.  

To receive A single rose of any color symbolizes true devotion; two roses entwined together impart the message "Marry me"; six roses display a desire to be loved or cherished; eleven roses assure the recipient they are truly and deeply loved; and finally thirteen roses indicate a secret admirer.

So, what symbolism will your rose have once you have finished colouring and creating with it?

(source of rose colour and number meanings:   Author Unknown. (1997-2012). The Meaning of Rose Colors. Available: http://www.rkdn.org/roses/colors.asp. Last accessed 25th May 2013.)

#626 Flower 7

 Isn't this flower pretty too?  This one would be perfect for any card that depicted love of some nature.  See how the petals look like the top of a heart and there are even little heart shapes in the centre?  At least that is what I see and how I think it could be used.  What do you see and what ideas will you come up with?

#627 Flower 8

Here we have another interesting and unique flower shape.  Wouldn't it be fun if we had a few of these in our gardens at home?

#629 Flower 9

This bouquet would be perfect on a thank you or thinking of you card, or a friendship card, or a birthday card, or a...the possibilities are endless.





 Now beside every good flower stands a leaf and the Scribbles garden is no exception.

#624 Leaf 1

#628 Leaf 3

#625 Leaf 2

The wonderful thing about these leaves is that you can mix and match them with some of the flowers that Sandy has created.  I can see Leaf 1 poking out in a few spots from behind the Flower 9 bouquet.  Leaf 3 can fit with Flower 8 or even dangling below Flower 7.  Your imagination is your only limitation!

Last, but not least, my personal favourite of the bunch, the newest topiary tree.  This image is perfect for a thank you card or even a new home or welcome to the neighbourhood card.  I can't wait until I have the time to finally sit and play with this image.

#802 Topiary 1

Now, no garden is complete without the tools of the trade to keep it looking beautiful.  So Sandy has created digital tools to ensure that your digital gardens stay spiffy too.  You can buy them in the set as seen below or individually--just like you can with real garden tools.

#616 Garden Tools

To purchase the bulb planter separately click HERE.

To purchase the garden scraper separately click HERE.

To purchase the garden fork separately click HERE.

To purchase the garden spade separately click HERE.

Using your tools you could create a sweet potted plant just like this one...

#617 Flower Pot

So there you have it.  All the items you need to make your digital gardens turn out beautiful.  Look even Carrie is getting into the act.

Maybe you can hire her to work in your garden as well. Rumour has it she works pretty cheap. Give her a call and see if you can agree on a price. I know she is anxious to get out into that sunshine and start getting dirty again. You however can stay clean by choosing to go with a digital garden this year. With so many lovely designs to choose from, what is stopping you?
 
Psst...for a limited time you can find Flower #9 on the challenge blog as well. Grab it now before it disappears!

Until next time!