Thursday, November 13, 2014

12 Months of Christmas Link Up September + October Winners

http://decossesdynamitedoodles.blogspot.ca/p/the-12-days-of-christmas-card-link-up.html
Sorry I am so behind again but hopefully I'll make up for it by announcing the winners for both September and October in this one post, thereby catching up.  

However, before I start, I wanted to remind you all to go and check out the new blog for The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  While the link up and challenges won't start until Jan, you can still go over and check out our new digs.  Plus, we have a DT call going on right now and are looking for a group of great people to join us.  We're also going to have some candy up for grabs soon, and we'll be introducing the DT once they've been decided and our sponsors too!  So, make sure you mosey on over and have yourself a gander!  There will be lots going on as we lead up into January!

Click on the badge below to head to the new blog:
http://12monthsofchristmaslinkup.blogspot.ca/

Click on the badge below if you want to head straight to the DT call:

Remember, the premise behind the link up is staying the same:  each month that you link up a minimum of two cards, you'll still earn a free digital paper; and there will still be a bonus gift for a random winner at the end of the year.  You'll still get the chance to link up as many cards as you want and any of the cards you link up in general can continue to be 'Anything Goes'.  The difference is that we're adding some extra incentive that will hopefully provide motivation for even more people to play along.   We are expanding the link up to include an optional theme each month and now have sponsors booked for the entire year.  Anyone who submits a card adhering to the optional monthly theme, will have the chance to win a prize from that month's guest sponsor.  We'll also be bringing on a team, offering up tutorials and bringing you facts each month on holiday traditions and customs from around the world.  

It will be the same great link up that you are used to, just with some added flavour!

Okay so now it is time to get on with announcing the stats for Spetember and October.  

SEPTEMBER
YaY.  I'm on a roll.  That is now three months in a row, I have managed to get all the numbers to add up. Interestingly, there was quite a decrease in numbers from August to September with 31 LESS cards being linked up.  Fourteen people linked up a total of 57 cards to the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up during the month of August.  Twelve of those individuals linked up a minimum of two cards each qualifying them to receive the ninth paper of the season, which I've included the watermark of, below. 


OCTOBER
October's numbers (that balanced again) jumped back up with twenty people linking up a total of 81 cards during the month of August.  Fourteen of those individuals linked up a minimum of two cards each qualifying them to receive the tenth paper of the season, which I've included the watermark of, below.


As there was one person who was only eligible for September, three who were only eligible for October and then eleven eligible for both months, I have divided up the lists so that each is sent with the proper subject heading.  All individuals listed below should send and an email to decossesdynamitedoodles {at} yahoo {dot} ca, or by clicking HERE to bring the address up in your email program, with the subject heading indicated above the column with your name.

The following individual needs to send an email with the subject heading, "Christmas Link Up -- September only":
  •  EMA-gination

The following people need to send an email with the subject heading, "Christmas Link Up -- September and October":
  • Helen/Made by Helen
  • Crafting Vicky
  • Margaret A
  • Hazel
  • Suze
  • centralnyscrapper
  • Pumpy 
  • Julie O 
  • Marji--Tiggerscraps
  • KT Fit Kitty
  • Ellis
Welcome to Julie O., linking up two cards for the very first time!

The following people need to send an email with the subject heading, "Christmas Link Up -- October only":
  • Borqna
  • Desíre Fourie
  • Edwina Brown
Welcome to Desíre, linking up two cards for the very first time!


Now, as always, if you thought you had linked up two cards but don't find your name in the list above, just let me know and we'll sort things out.

I ask that you continue to be patient with waiting for me to send out your paper(s).  I promise that I'll get to it as quick as I can.  I will also add these names to the link up page as soon as I can, for anyone who doesn't see this post. 

There are still over two weeks left to link up a minimum of two cards and earn your paper for November and then we've just one more month to go over here on my blog before the link up goes to its new home in January.  Remember that at the end of the year there will be an opportunity to potentially earn even more goodies in a special draw.  You can find out all the details you need for linking up to my 12 Months of Christmas Link Up by clicking the same titled page above or HERE.  Hope to see your cards linked up there!

Well folks, that is it for today.  Right now I've got to get some stuff printed to make a few Christmas cards of my own!

Until next time,



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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

A Time to Remember...

Good evening on this very special day.  I'm sorry I'm so late in posting.  I was hoping to get this done yesterday and posted early this morning but a trip to the dentist made it impossible.  Thankfully at least, it is still November 11th.

Exactly 96 years ago today, at 11:00 am, hostilities came to a close on the battlefields overseas, bringing an end to World War I.  Each of us living in Commonwealth countries around the world, should take a moment today to remember and honour those who have bravely fought in ALL wars to help keep the peace and keep us safe. 

In my own small way of bringing honour to this day, I have created a digital paper for anyone interested.

 

This digital paper is in 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 ppi. To grab it, click the download button to be taken to a download location.  In the zip folder you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.

MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Card Design and Some Exciting News to Share

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Ooh, ooh, ooh!  Oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.  I can finally check off one of the items on my card making bucket list.  I have been approached by the uber fabulous Paulette from Create with TLC and asked if I'd be interested in joining her design team.  Interested?  Try ecstatic, delirious, elated, overjoyed and euphoric to name a few.

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Paulette's creations and use her word art designs as often as I can.  I've been very lucky to amass an extraordinarily diverse collection completely due to Paulette's generosity (and to a special friend who signed me up to receive several images from one of TLC's holiday clubs).  For the past couple of years, it has been an absolute pleasure to share projects made with her creations and to introduce this wonderful lady and her company to the few of you out there who didn't know about her yet.  It is sooooo awesome, that from now on, I will be doing so in an official capacity.

Today, I'm going to share with you a card that I made a few weeks ago, that I just haven't had time to post yet.  I thought it was perfectly suited to the occasion.  Check it out...

Digital Sentiment: 
  • This is one of my 'go to' sentiments for several of the thank you cards I have done in the past.  It is such a great creation that can be used over and over again.  To find more fabulous finds be sure to go and have a look:  Click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and HERE to go to the store. 
Digital Image Details:
  • Girl holding Flowers:  This sweet image was a freebie I picked up eons ago, created by the talented Nikki from MelonHeadz Illustrating.  The image is pre-coloured.  Be sure to go over and check out Nikki's fab blog.  She still has a number of great freebies available.
Embossing Folder:
  • The card base was embossed using a folder from the Sizzix, Doilies and Roses set. 

INSIDE
Other Notes:  
  • I kept the inside very simple to allow for a personal message and to also allow the embossing to be the focus.

OVERALL  
  Paper Products:
  • Card base:  From Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Pink Buttons collection. 
  • Image and sentiment base:  Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
  • Matting:  From Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Passion Fruit collection.
Challenges I hope to enter...

Oh and be sure to come back next Sunday when I will be taking place in my very first TLC Blog Hop...
THANK YOU
to Paulette for making my day, my month, my year!

THANK YOU
to all my wonderful readers, followers and friends for allowing me a safe place to share, explore and grow in this wonderful card making and scrapbooking community!

THANK YOU
last but not least, to my ever patient hubby for putting up with all my craziness and the time spent away from him so I can work on my passions! 



Well that is it for this one.  Until next time, the newest Design Team member of Create with TLC...


 

Friday, November 07, 2014

Promotional Post: November New Releases at Fresh Brewed Designs


The pumpkin patch has been very busy this fall and so has our wonderful designer Heather.  In case you missed it on November 3rd, several new images were added to the Fresh Brewed Designs store.  Check them out...

http://www.freshbreweddesigns.com/category_126/Pumpkins.htm
Such a wonderful selection of fall themed images that presents oodles of ideas.  So, for those of you wishing to send out fall greetings to any of your family and friends or if you still have a Thanksgiving card or two to create, be sure to head over to the store and check out not only all the new fun fall images, but the great selection of older images as well.  You can find them all in the Pumpkin section.  Clicking HERE will take you to that area of the store. 

 
At Fresh Brewed Designs we always have a fresh pot of creativity brewing. So stop by and join us for a cuppa whenever you want!



Have a great weekend everyone.  Until next time,

Monday, November 03, 2014

Card Design: November New Releases at Fresh Brewed Designs


It is time for some brand new releases from Fresh Brewed Designs.  The pumpkin patch has produced some lovely produce this year and to celebrate Heather has created some fun fall images for you.  If you come back on Friday, you'll be able to see all of them.

For now, the one that I got to play with for the front of my card is called Pumpkin Cabinet.  For the inside of my card I used the wonderful new Pumpkin Stalk and designed my sentiment to work around it.  If you click on either watermark, they will open up the Pumpkin page over at FBD where you can find these lovely image and all the rest of the new releases...

http://www.freshbreweddesigns.com/category_126/Pumpkins.htmhttp://www.freshbreweddesigns.com/category_126/Pumpkins.htm

Before I show you my card, it is important to note the following...

Disclaimer:
It clearly states in the Fresh Brewed Designs, terms of use, that images must be hand coloured.  Therefore, please note that I sought out and received permission from the owner, to create a hybrid project that is partially coloured in digitally and partially coloured in by hand.  If you decide that you want to use Fresh Brewed Designs images in this way (partially digitally manipulated), you must seek out permission from Heather before doing so EACH TIME. 

Now it is time to show you the card I came up with...

FRONT
Digital Image Details:
  • Pumpkin Cabinet:  This image is currently available in the FBD store in the Pumpkin section.  You can find it by clicking on the image watermark above.
  • This image has been coloured using a combination of techniques.  Part of the image was coloured digitally (see disclaimer above) and then the image was printed out and the remaining parts were coloured by hand using Copic markers. Digital credits include:
Digital Sentiment:
  • This great sentiment was created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  Click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and HERE to go to the store.  I used chalk to add some colour.
Embossing Folder:
  • The lattice design on the front was created with a Goosebumpz embossing folder using my wonderful Big Shot machine.

INSIDE
Digital Image Details:
  • Pumpkin Stalk:  This image is also currently available in the FBD store in the Pumpkin section. 
  • This image has been coloured using Copic markers and chalk.
Digital Sentiment:
  • One I created to work with the image.

OVERALL
Paper Products: 
  • Card base:  Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, ivory.
  • Image and sentiment base:  Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
  • Designer Paper:  from my scrap pile but definitely from a Recollection's paper pad.
  • Textured piece on the front and matting on the inside:  Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.  
Challenges I hope to enter... 
Be sure to head over to Fresh Brewed Designs to check out all the new images that have been released today.  You definitely won't be disappointed!

If you are looking for more fresh brewed inspiration, be sure to pop by again in a few weeks, when I'll be back to showcase a card made with another of Heather's fabulous images.


At Fresh Brewed Designs we always have a fresh pot of creativity brewing. So stop by and join us for a cuppa whenever you want!

 
Until next time,
Additional notes...
Remember that terms of use or angel policies will differ with each and every company selling digital images.  While some companies do not take issue with their images being made into digital creations, others do, so make sure you seek permission from EACH COMPANY involved.  Also, keep in mind that if you do create a digital piece of work, even with permission, this does not alter the fact that the original image belongs to the original artist(s).  Creating a hybrid project DOES NOT allow you to claim the new creation as your own and do with it as you wish.  The fact that you'd be using an image for your own personal use does not automatically allow you to do what you want with another artist's work.  So, please be sure to get permission first before going ahead with your ideas.


Saturday, November 01, 2014

Scribbles Designs Challenge #22 Midway Point

It is the first of November.  Boy, I swear it was the first of October just yesterday, before you know it, December will be here and then it will a whole new year.  Arrrrrrggggghhhhhh!  Seriously, I swear the older I get, the more time speeds up on me.  The absolute worst part is that the dreaded white stuff has arrived.  In fact, it actually showed up early yesterday morning.  I think it was one of the reasons why we only had a handful of kids come to the door for Hallowe'en.  Unfortunately, it was just too cold for the littlest spooks to make an appearance.  However, chin up!  Neither situation is in my control (time or weather) which is difficult for a control freak, but I must weather the situation (no pun intended) and deal with it all in stride and with a positive attitude.  Yup, I'm going to keep saying that until I believe it.  Now on to the real reason for this post!

Today also marks the midway of the latest Scribbles Designs Challenge. 

There are two whole weeks left for you to come on over and enter. In case you've missed it, the theme this month for Challenge #22, is Fall Impressions.  In most of North America, we are firmly entrenched in the middle of fall.  What is so wonderful about this time of year, is that there are many different things going on. 
Not only do you have the bright colours associated with the change of the season but with Halloween just behind us and the American Thanksgiving up ahead, there are lots of ideas to choose from.  However, this month we have another double challenge for you.  Not only do we want to see a fall themed creation, BUT we also want to see some embossing on your project.  Now if you don't have any equipment to emboss, it is okay to use pre-embossed papers.  As long as there is embossing of some nature on your project, and of course it is fit into the fall theme, it will qualify for this challenge.  So how about you impress us with your creations!

Entering is super simple!  You do not need to use a Scribbles Designs image; however, if you do, your name gets entered into the draw twice.  You can purchase your Scribbles Designs images HERE or you can also find one for a limited time on the challenge blog HERE.  Also, be sure to check out our special Freebie Friday posts as it is another great way to build your Scribbles Designs collection.  You can find the rest of the rules and information regarding winners in the sidebar on the challenge blog.  You have until 9pm PST on November 14th to come over and play with us.


General Information:
  • Since we asked to see some embossing somewhere on your fall themed project, but didn't specify that it had to be on the front, I've decided to add a couple pennant shapes to the inside of the card. 
FRONT
Digital Image Details: 
  • Maple Leaf Doodle:  Isn't this tangle just incredible?  As soon as I saw it, I just knew I had to use it.  I just coloured it digitally to match the other colours in the subway art.
http://buyscribblesdesigns.blogspot.ca/2014/10/a-47-maple-leaf-doodle-400.html
Digital Sentiment Details:
  • The awesome piece of coloured subway art that I used in behind the leaf is another wonderful treat created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  Click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and HERE to go to the store.  I just washed it out so it wouldn't be too distracting sitting in behind the leave.

INSIDE
Digital Image Details: 
  • I repeated the leaf image on the inside of the card and basically did the reverse, washing it out this time so it wouldn't be too distracting sitting in behind the sentiment.
Digital Sentiment Details:
  • This sentiment is also from Create with TLC.  Links to the blog and store can be found above.
Embossing Folder:
  • The texture on the pennant shapes was created with a Goosebumpz embossing folder using my wonderful Big Shot machine.


OVERALL
Paper Products: 
  • Card, image and sentiment base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
  • Pennant Shapes:   Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Neutral Collection.
Challenges I am hoping to enter... 
http://buyscribblesdesigns.blogspot.ca
So put on those thinking caps and design a project that fits our Fall Impressions theme. If you need some images to help you out you can check out all wonderful ones that are in the Scribbles store (you can click the image above to head there now).  Remember there is still two weeks left to enter at the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog, so I hope to see you there. If you have some time, I invite you to go and check out the wonderful inspiration offered up from my colleagues on the DT.  With so many possible projects to create, the ideas are boundless.  We always look forward to seeing what you come up with for each month's theme! 

Until next time,
 

Promotional Post: New Christmas Images over at FBD

It may just be the first of November but it is NEVER too early to get a start on all those Christmas and other holiday cards that you need for the winter months.  Now would be the perfect time to stock up on some Christmas images and if you missed it, there is a whole sleigh full of new ones that have been released this past week as part of The 5 Days of Christmas over at Fresh Brewed Designs.

On the first day of release we saw...

Day 2 brought us...

During Day 3 we got to meet five more new images...

Then on Day 4, these sweet treats were released...

 Finally, on Day 5 we met a number of new lovely ladies...
Cakes, Cups and Kids, oh my!  And as you can see, that is not all.  So many wonderful new ideas to choose from.

Heather also had a special draw this week for a random individual who left a comment.  To find out who that lucky winner is, you'll need to go over and scroll down to the bottom of THIS POST.

Heather has been working very hard to bring you some fresh new inspiration; so, why not head over to the store.  While you are there, be sure to check out all the fabulous Christmas and winter themed images already in the store.

There are less than 55 days until Christmas.  What are you waiting for?

 
At Fresh Brewed Designs we always have a fresh pot of creativity brewing. So stop by and join us for a cuppa whenever you want!



Have a great weekend everyone.  Until next time,