Card Design: Gerda Steiner Designs Progressive Challenge...May

With just a couple days left, I've managed to complete my creation for the Gerda Steiner Designs Progressive Challenge. Another great challenge that I'd hate to miss out on.  Gerda creates the cutest of images! Don't take my word for it, check them out yourself.

Here is the image for this month's progressive challenge.  Check it out...

Everyone who played along in last month's challenge received Stinkin' Cute for free. The name is so fitting isn't it!?  If you decide to hop on and play along in the Gerda Steiner Designs Progressive Challenge, then you can purchase this digital by clicking HERE (or on the watermark above to head to its location in the store). This way you'll receive next month's digital stamp for free. 

Here are my card and details...

General Info: 

• This particular layout was inspired by a card created by a good friend of mine, Fit Kitty.  Unfortunately, I didn't make note of the actual post but you can find her blog HERE.   
• Sorry, I still haven't been able to purchase any new grey markers or order the refills on-line so my colouring of the skunk isn't very good. 
  

FRONT

Digital Image Details: 

• Stinkin' Cute:  You can find this image in the store.  Details above.  This image was coloured in and grounded with Copic Markers.  I used coloured pencils to add the actual ground. 

Embellishments: 

• All but the ribbon used to make the bow in the button, are Celebrate It brand and were purchased at Michaels.
• The ribbon used to make the bow in the button is Crafts brand and was purchased at Dollarama.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment Details: 

• This great sentiment was created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  I picked it up as a freebie a while back.  For more great freebies, click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and to purchase some wonderful sets, click HERE to go to the store.

OVERALL

Paper Products: 

• Card base and matting:  Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Cool Water Collection.
• Image and sentiment bases: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• Designer paper is from my scrap pile and unfortunately I can't seem to remember where it originally came from.

Challenges I am entering: 

• Gerda Steiner Designs Progressive Challenge

Other challenges I hope to enter... 

***Please note that if the word verification appears, ignore it and simply click the 'publish' button*** 

• Word Art Wednesday -- Anything Goes
• http://sisteractcardchallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes but must be a card
• http://artbymiranchallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes but no digital colouring
• http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Critters
• http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything But a Square (this is a 4.25 x 5.5. card)
• http://www.scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk -- Anything Goes 
• http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.ca/ (3E) -- Always Anything Goes
• http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Always Anything Goes
• http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.ca/ (2E) -- Always Anything Goes (first entry)
• http://bunnyzoescrafts.blogspot.ca/ -- Buttons & Bows (Okay, so I only have one of each on the top left hand side, hope that is sufficient)
• http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/ -- Anything Goes
• http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- All Creatures Great and Small
• http://www.withoutwordschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Pink, Blue and Yellow with opt. of Floral (my flowers are pink, the inside is yellow and my paper and ribbons are blue.  I hope this is CAS enough)

Well guys, another one done.  Hopefully I'll manage to get out one of my DT posts later tonight too.

Until then,

Promotional Post: Blogiversaries Abound!

Well howdy ho everyone!  Sorry for my recent absence.  Between being away for four days two weeks ago and then being under the weather the majority of last week, well let's just say that it has taken a bit of toll on me.  I have so many cards and posts that need doing by the end of next week, that I'll be lucky if I get to sleep much at all!  So, get ready for an onslaught of posts.

Today, I'm starting with an announcement regarding some blog candy that you might be interested in.

Two of my buddies are celebrating their second year in the blog business and I am proud to be one of the sponsors of each of their blog draws.

First up we have Kitty from KT Designs...

Be sure to go and check out Kitty's blogpost to find out all the prizes up for grabs.  You can find out all the details by clicking HERE.  For my portion of Kitty's candy, I'm offering up the following...

Prizes:

• one person will win the full kit
• one person will win the patterned and textured papers
• one person will win all three elements sets (brads, frames, stickers)
• one person will win the word art kit

Next up is Monica from TaylorMade Cards 4u...

Monica is celebrating her own birthday along with her blogiversary.  Be sure to go and check out Monica's blogpost to find out all the prizes she has up for grabs.  You can find out all the details by clicking HERE.  For my portion of Monica's candy, I'm offering up the following...

Prizes:

• one person will win the full kit
• one person will win the patterned and textured papers
• one person will win the tags and journal cards portions
• one person will win the brads and buttons portions

Additionally, every person who signs up according to Monica's instructions, will earn the following paper...

So what are you waiting for?!!  Be sure to head over to each of these blogs and find out all the details you need to know.

Now just before I go, I wanted to apologize to those of you who are waiting for the results of the National Scrapbooking Day Draw that I had earlier this month.  Things have just been so crazy, I haven't had the chance to post the results.  I am hoping to get to that tomorrow, so hang tight.

Okay, it's almost midnight where I live so it is time for me to be heading off to get a bit of sleep before I tackle some more stuff from my list.

See you all then!

Celebrate 800 Followers with Doing Life

Wow, people are hitting seriously big milestones left and right around here.  I'm pleased to share one more huge one with you all. 

Another wonderful friend of mine, Desíre, from Doing Life, has just recently hit the 800 follower mark.  That is quite an achievement!  Generally, every time that Desíre gains 100 people she has a celebration.  However, just after she reached her 700th follower, she also reached 130, 000 page views.  So, this too deserved a draw.  Well now she is up to 800, and to celebrate both her 700 and 800 follower achievement, she is having a huge give-a-way sponsored solely by little old me.  It both honoured me and made me rather nervous when Desíre asked if I'd be willing to sponsor her draw.  My first instinct was, "what?  You want me?  Seriously?  But your draws are always so huge and you give away such substantial prizes?  What could I do for you that could possibly match that kind of value?"  However, she insisted that I was perfectly suitable.  So, here is what I came up with...

Since this is such a HUGE milestone, I created a mini pack for EVERY SINGLE PERSON who enters Desíre's 700 to 800 Follower Give Away, by following the few simple rules she has set out, which you can read over on her blog.  It contains four papers, four brads and four sentiments.  You can check out the previews below.

Apart from the above prizes for EVERYONE linking up to Desíre's give-a-way, I've also added the following prizes, which will be determined by Random.org:

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

{will receive all of these digital goodies below}

FIRST PRIZE WINNER

Will receive all three paper kits seen above:

Naturally Cool Papers, Papers II, and Papers-Solids

SECOND PRIZE WINNER

Will receive all three Elements sets seen above:

Naturally Cool Elements-Frames, Elements-Staples, Elements-Brads

  3rd TO 8th PRIZE WINNER

Will each receive one of the above digital goodies.

So, what do you think?  Worth getting in on?  Well, if you think so, head on over to Desíre's blog and check out the rules for her give-a-way by clicking HERE.

If you'd like to join me in congratulating Desíre, you can grab this special badge I've created for her:

Congrats Desíre, may you continue to inspire those around you and continue growing!  The sky is the limit my friend.  Hugs to you!

Until next time,

Celebrate 500 Followers with Crafting Vicky

My very dear friend Vicky, aka Crafting Vicky, has just recently hit the 500 follower mark.  In celebration of this auspicious occasion she is having a give-a-way and what a give-a-way it is.  Check out all the fabulous prizes up for offer...

Vicky herself is giving away the first five prizes...

 (two sets of 20 charms each)

Then check out what she has lined up from some generous sponsors:
6th prize is from Scribbles Designs with the choice of 5 fabulous digis!!!

Prizes 7 through 9 are from none other than myself!

7th prize gets both sets--the papers and the frames:

and then 8th prize gets the papers:

and 9th prize the frames:

The 10th gift comes from Art by Mi Ran with a choice of 3 digis!!! 

The 11th gift is from the amazing Ike's Art a totally fab digi!!!!!

Gift 12 is from the totally amazing Fresh Brewed Designs

And lucky number 13 is from The East Wind with a choice of 3 digis!!!!

Finally, prize number 14 is from Delicious Doodles with a gift certificate of  £10 to the store!!!!!

Vicky apparently has a LOT of fabulous friends out there and I am thrilled to be one of them.  I am so happy for her and I hope that you all go over and wish her congrats on achieving this fabulous milestone. Also, make sure you go over and see what you need to do in order to earn your chance at winning one of these fabulous prizes.  I know I'm signing up.  Of course with my luck, I'll probably win prize 7, 8 or 9!  To check out the give-a-way click HERE.

If you'd like to join me in congratulating Vicky you can grab this special badge I've created for her:

Congrats Vicky, may you continue to grow and prosper and may everyone else out there see the wonderful, creative, amazing person that I have come to know this last year and a bit!  Hugs to you my friend!

Until next time,

Happy New Year!

Hello my wonderful peeps!  I indeed hope that you had a fabulous holiday and that you are experiencing a happy start to the new year.  Mine was a bit rocky getting off the ground and I am hopful that the first couple days of January are not a reflection of how the rest of the year is going to unfold.  I have high hopes and big dreams this year and I am so glad that you are all here to be a part of it.  Whether all my hopes and dreams take flight...well, only time can tell.  Hard work and positive thought will only get me so far.  I'll do my part to get there and the universe will have to decide the rest. 

There is one new feature that I am following through with.  I'm going to introduce it tomorrow so you will just have to come back then to find out what it is.  Only the fourth day of January and I am already keeping you in suspense.  Hee, hee.

Right now I just wanted to pop in and wish everyone the happiest of new years and of course to offer up a little treat.  It comes from my Celebration mini kit so I think that it works well for a New Year's gift!

I plan on another year filled with reflection, inspiration and of course lots of treats.  I hope that you will continue to join me on this crazy ride that is my life and that I will be able to continue to rely on your counsel.  Your thoughts and suggestions are always considered very carefully.  Without you guys, there is no Décosse's Dynamite Doodles!

Best wishes for a prosperous and healthy 2014!

Credit Notes For This Creation:© 2013, Lisa L. Décosse.  PUO.  However, you are allowed to use this paper on handmade projects that you intend to sell on a small scale basis provided credit is given.  You also need to include a credit note and a link to this blog should you use any of my images in your creations and post them on your blog.  If you would ever like to post a copy of this paper on your own blog or another location you MUST USE A WATERMARKED VERSION that I would be happy to supply you with.  Just drop me an email using the link in the right sidebar to request one.  Please be sure to familiarize yourself with my full terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   

Image information for DDDoodles_celebration_paper_ribbon_gr:  This paper, part of the Celebration Mini kit, is 3600 pixels x 3600 pixels and 300 dpi.  If you are a card maker you can always resize it smaller without distorting the quality. 

Additional Credits:
TEMPLATE
The template I used to create the ribbons in these papers are from Marisa Lerin, a designer with www.pixelscrapper.com.  This ribbon template was purchased with a commercial use license.  Under this commercial use license, It is my understanding, that I am within my rights to give away and or sell any elements I personally create using said template, according to the terms of use I have set forth (please see full terms of use for what you can and can't do with this digital creation).

LAYER STYLES 
This paper has been altered using layer styles Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com

If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page. Please be sure to read the Angel policy found under the copyright info tab above for the full terms.  Below is a quick summary of those Terms of Use. Along with the Credit Note above... 

• Do not claim the image as your own.
• Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' or 'Lisa L. Décosse' somewhere on your creation. 
• Credit and provide a link if you post a creation on your blog using any of my work in your creations.
• 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 you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one.
• 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.

Winner Announcement for My World Card Making Day Celebration!

Hello my lovely peeps.  It is time to finally announce the winner for my World Card Making Day Celebration. 

If you will recall, I had asked you to come over here and link up to three of your favourite creations from the past year AND leave me a comment telling me WHY it was one of your favourites.  I am pleased that a total of 25 cards were linked up by 10 different people.  

Since there were just 25 cards linked up, I wasn't able to offer more than the five prize packages. Maybe one of these days, I'll garner up so more interest but until then, I suppose that makes the odds better for you guys right?!  So, without further ado, here are the winners, chosen by Random.org, for each of the five prizes I offered...

Fifth Prize

The sentiment package, with a total of five sentiments all in png format goes to...

 15. Edwina Brown  

Fourth Prize

The solid paper package, with a total of six solid papers all in jpg format goes to...

 20. D~ Designs by Dragonfly

Third Prize

The ribbon paper package, with a total of six papers with a curling ribbon design all in jpg format goes to...

8. KT Fit Kitty

Second Prize

The combined paper package, with the six ribbon papers and the six solid papers all in jpg format goes to...

  23. Jackie C 

Grand Prize

 A COMPLETE MINI KIT with:

12 papers in it:  6 with ribbons and 6 without.
5 sentiments AND the bonus individual curling ribbons goes to...
 2. Suze #1

 

Congrats Ladies!!!

So, Edwina, D~, Kitty, Jackie and Suze--please send me an email by clicking HERE, with the subject heading "WCMD Celebration Win" and I'll send off your prizes to you as soon as I can.

Thanks to those of you who had the opportunity to celebrate with me.  I had such an enjoyable time visiting each of your favourite projects.  You are all incredibly amazing designers and it was a privilege to check out your work!!!

I also want to individually thank:
Edwina,
Suze,
Desíre, and
Jennifer
...for going the extra mile and posting about my celebration on their blogs.  I hope that each of you enjoyed your bonus goodies for doing so.

Well folks, that is it for now.  However, before I go, I did want to mention that while I was really hoping to kick off my blogiversary celebration this weekend, it looks like I'm going to be a little delayed.  I just haven't had the time I need to get all the goodies ready.  Hopefully, I'll get it done very soon.

Until next time,

Time for a World Card Making Day Celebration!

Hello my wonderful friends, followers and readers!  Welcome to those of you stopping by for the first time!  I'm so glad that all of you are here to celebrate with me.

YaY!!!  After concern and worry that the Internet wouldn't come back in time for me to get this post out while it is still World Card Making Day, after a three hour outage, it is finally back.  I think it knew I would have been having a rather stern talk with it if it hadn't come back online!

I wasn't blogging yet when this occasion was celebrated last year but what a fabulous occasion to observe.  How wonderful to have a day that honours the creativity behind making handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between us and the people we send them to.  I love this idea!!!!  So without further ado, let's kick of World Card Making Day, Décosse's Dynamite Doodles style and you know what that means...PRESENTS! 

According to the official website for World Card Making Day, this occasion was first observed on October 7, 2006.  It was founded by Paper Crafts magazine and started out being celebrated simply as National Card Making Day in the United States.  The initial celebration involved the Paper Crafts magazine audience only; however, there was such an incredible response from patrons worldwide that from that point on, the holiday became known as World Card Making Day . While it began as a way to bring card makers together to get a head start on the Christmas card making rush, it has developed into a day for anyone involved in the card making community to "unite and celebrate the connection and creativity that is the heart of card making." ("Holiday History," n.d., para 2)

 Sounds like a worthwhile day to celebrate in my books!  So, let's bring on the presents, shall we?!

First off I have FIVE sentiments that I am offering as straight up freebies for everyone:

How is that for a start?!  Now I do have a little something extra planned, but this time you need to do some work yourself.  Since this celebration is all about our cards, I thought it would be nice to see one of your favourite cards that you created and posted about, from the last year.  I was going to ask you to share your favourite, but when I thought about it, I could never come up with an absolute favourite myself.  I have a range of cards that are my favourite and I am guessing that you do as well.  So, start scrolling through your old posts and find a card that you really, really like.  Come over here and link it up BUT you also have to leave me a comment on this post telling me WHY it is one of your favourites.  That isn't too difficult now is it?  Check out what you have a chance to win...

One grand prize of the following...

A COMPLETE MINI KIT with:

12 papers in it:  6 with ribbons and 6 without.

 

 5 sentiments all in png format.

There will also be a...

• second prize of all 12 papers.
• third prize of the 6 curling ribbon papers.
• fourth prize of the 6 solid papers.
• fifth prize of the 5 sentiments.

Now for every 25 people that sign up, I'll add another set of prizes.  So that means if I manage to get 50 people linked, I'll offer up a total of 10 prize packages.  Can you imagine if I were to actually get 100 people on board?!  That would mean a total of 20 prize packages!!!

And there is more...

If you create a post letting your readers know what I'm doing so that they can sign up too, I'll automatically send you out a bonus kit of 6 curling ribbons.  If you do create a post you'll need to come and leave the link to it in the comment section so I have a way of knowing how to get there.

Now hmm...which card should I post as one of my favourites.  Oh man, there are quite a few that I have been really happy with this year.  I guess the one I will go with is my very first round card that I created for a Digi Darla's post.  To refresh you on what it looked like, I have included it below...

Yes, definitely one of my favourites.  If you'd like to see the details for this card you can click HERE to go to the original post.

Okay, now it is your turn, I want to see one of your favourite cards.  You must link up your choice below in order to have a chance at winning one of the a fore mentioned  prizes.  Remember, you don't need to create anything new, just link up a post from sometime during the past year.  You do however, need to come back and leave me a comment letting me know why you chose this card as being one of your fondest.  Don't forget, anyone who publishes a quick post telling people what I'm up to and linking to this post will AUTOMATICALLY get the bonus curling ribbon embellishments.  Each ribbon is a separate png image.

This link up (scroll down to the very bottom of the page) will be open until 11:59 p.m. on October 19th and winners will chosen shortly thereafter.  This is one of those rare times where backlinking is allowed.  You can link up a maximum of three of your favourite cards.  However, if you do not provide a comment telling me why you linked your choice(s) you will NOT be eligible to win a prize.  It doesn't have to be too long but it does have to explain your reasoning for choosing.  You do not have to be a follower but it would be nice for you to become one, if you decided you like it over here.

So what are you waiting for?!  Get choosing and I hope to see you back here soon.

Until next time,

Credit Notes For This Creation:
© 2013, Lisa L. Décosse.  PUO.  However, you are allowed to use the sentiments on handmade projects that you intend to sell on a small scale basis provided credit is given.  You also need to include a credit note and a link to this blog should you use any of my images in your creations and post them on your blog.  Please be sure to familiarize yourself with my full terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below. 

Font Information   

<<<fonts for the freebies to be added later on...sorry running way to far behind, to add it right now>>>
Click on the font name to take you to a download location.  All these fonts have been advertised as being free for commercial use.  I have used various layer styles in the design of these word art creations.  

If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.   

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

Along with the Credit Note above...

• Do not claim the image as your own.
• Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' or 'Lisa L. Décosse' somewhere on your creation. 
• Credit and provide a link if you post a creation on your blog using any of my work in your creations.
• 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 you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one.
• 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.

Reference:
Author Unknown. (Date Unknown). About - Holiday History. Available: http://www.worldcardmakingday.com/about/holiday_history.html. Last accessed 5th Oct. 2013.