Sunday Spotlight: January 27, 2013

Oy vey.  So, last weekend not only do I get the year wrong for the Saturday Showcase but I call Sunday's post the showcase and not the spotlight.  I think my brain was on a little proofreading vacation last week.  So, hopefully I will get everything right this time.  

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.  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.  Although given how busy I am going to be in February, it may take just as long for me to get it to them.

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

SUZE

 

 

who left three different comments for me this week that made an impact on me.  She made me laugh, made me think and inspired me to keep going:

I used a wonderful freebie paper this week and entered a couple of cards using it into challenges. I have had positive comments on that paper - it is fantastic. Deserves to be in the Saturday Spotlight too - except I presume you don't want to "blow your own trumpet" so I'll do it for you. I so Love that paper. I'm off now to check out Trine's blog as I don't think I've visited it before. Suze on Saturday Showcase: January 19, 2013

 

First off, Suze made me chuckle when I read this comment.  Well it is nice to know that my paper is getting complements from others out there.  Apprently it was worth the time I put into making it just for Suze for all the use she is getting from it.  So far she has made four cards just with this paper alone.  Knowing her, she probably isn't done.  Please check out my page tab called "Your Gallery" to view all of Suze's cards that have used elements of my work.  The laugh came in when she decided she would blow the trumpet for me.  However, you never know Suze, one of these days when I don't hear back from someone in time for the Showcase, I may just have to put in some of my own designs!  We all know my ego has been known to assert itself quite vocally at times.

 

...next highlighted comment from Suze: 

 

I'm thinking I need to make a big sign out of this and put it where I can see me to remind me! I've seen my son believe in himself and achieve things he wasn't expected to - you'd think I'd learn from that wouldn't you! Suze on Think***Believe***Achieve

 

It doesn't matter what I post on Motivational Monday,  Suze takes what I say and somehow applies it to her life.  I love how she just doesn't read it and forget about it.  She really listens to the message I create.  I also love how she is still willing to learn from her children instead of just expecting them to learn from her.  This is a woman who is all about her own growth. 

 

...last highlighted comment from Suze:

 

Gosh Lisa this must be getting harder to pick just one comment to feature. But I agree, Mandy has been very open with her comment which must have been hard to do. We all have struggles at times but you have helped several of us deal with those. Sad to hear you had another migraine to deal with but happy to hear you are now feeling better. May it continue to stay that way. Suze on Sunday Spotlight: January 20, 2013

 

This comment inspires me to keep going.  Suze, you have no idea how hard this is to pick just one or two people to highlight each Sunday.  When I came up with the idea for the Spotlight, I never realized the quality of thought provoking or generous comments that I'd receive.  Some weeks, I may have to consider making it a top three or five just like they do with challenges, just to bring to focus the amazing things you guys write me.  

 

 I am also humbled that Suze says that I have provided some of you with the words you needed to hear to get through a particular struggle that you were dealing with at the time of reading one of my posts.  I hope that I will be able to continue to do so in the future.   

 

What Suze may not realize is that her comments mean just as much to me.  She always has a kind word, stops by to say thank you and leaves words that push me through the day when I need just such a push.  It's that whole reciprocal thing I keep touching on.

 

Honourable mentions include:   

• Lisa I don't quite know what to say except thank you, I was most surprised by this and it made me cry again. I never really thought my words would have an impact on anyone and I'm amazed I have touched you in such a way. My experience has ultimately given me so much and I want to give back. YOU are a very special person, the positivity and warmth you give can be felt by all that come in contact with you. WE are very lucky to have met you. Keeping spreading sweetness and light you lovely lady xxx Mandy on Sunday Spotlight: January 20, 2013
• hehehee, so true, our 'lodger cat' was waiting for us to come home to night, sitting under the car, meyow...then me-ow, and then meyowgreee which means of course, where y'been, why's my food bowl not topped up, gimme treats ((Lyn)) on Follower Freebies 26 & 27: Cat Sentiment 
• Wow this is another wonderful Sunday! You really attract lots of positive on your blog through this process. This is so very special. It really is incredible that we can be supported through this blogging process by complete strangers and you never know how your words will touch someone ;) Keep up the good work. And I really hope that your migraine will not be returning anytime soon! Vicky on Sunday Spotlight: January 20, 2013
• Lisa, I pray you have a wonderful day, knowing you are being thought of! HUGS! Jennifer on Sunday Spotlight: January 20, 2013
• I know this is late but thank you Lisa for putting me in your "Showcase". I have to say this card that I done was so much fun to color and put together! Everytime I look at it I can't help but smile!! You are such an inspiration to me and I am sure you are an inspiration to your followers and anyone that visits your blog. Once again...thank you!!! Smookiedo Crafts on Saturday Showcase: January 19, 2013

 

Before I close I just want to say thanks to everyone who sent positive hopes that the migraines would take a vacation.  Your kind words must have helped because there were no repeats this week.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for next...

 

Please know how truly difficult it is each and every week for me to choose comments to highlight.  I appreciate the time and energy you put into visiting my blog and leaving me a note to reflect on throughout the week.  I know you see this same closing line at the end of each spotlight but I really do mean what I say.

 

Until next time,

Saturday Showcase: January 26, 2013

Is it another Saturday already?  Sheesh, they come by in the rotation again so quickly.  Oh and I apologize for the date discrepancy in last week's post.  I had it down as 2012 instead of 2013.  First time I've made that mistake so far this year.  Usually though it is in the first week of January when I do so, NOT towards the end of it.

Anways, it is that time of week where I showcase other artists' work (whether it be stamps, cards or otherwise), a blog post offering a great technique, or I might even just pick a whole blog to showcase. If you are new to my blog you can find out why I created the showcase HERE.

My top picks for this week include... 

Card Choice

  This cute card was designed by

  KAREN LETCHWORTH

Her blog is called

My Cup Runneth Over

First of all that is such an awesome name.  It puts everything into a positive perspective before you even get to the heart of the blog.  This card has such a fun feel to it that it makes me want to my happy dance...if of course I was still physically capable of dancing.  So I'll settle for some toe tapping and bobbing from side to side.  That will work too (see, it's all about adapting to our circumstances -- but that is a lecture for a whole different kind of post). 

Karen used a LOT of glitter in this project.  I'm wondering if she is still finding it everywhere too like I still am.  I love all the balloon strings and the three dimensional letters she used for the word 'happy'.  I also love how all the muted-bright colours work together.  I realize that muted-bright is a bit of an oxymoron but it is the best wording I can find right now to describe what I am trying to say.  What do you expect for trying to finish this at 5:00 in the morning?  

 Karen is a devoted Christian and believes that God should get ALL the glory for any talent she may have.  Well, among many other things in my life, I just thank God that I've been able to find talent like Karen's out there in order to share with all of you.  Karen has many other great card designs.  Pay her a visit to see for yourself (clicking on the blog name will take you straight to her blog).

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Free Digital Stamp Artist Choice

These beautiful digi stamps were designed by

 ANNA STILLWELL 

Her blog is called

Cuddlebug Cuties

I was lucky enough to come across Anna's blog when she first started so I can easily say that I have been a fan of her work since the beginning.  Anna has offered up over 30 incredible freebies since she started.  They are primarily all images of girls and woman that are part of her 'Cuties' collection.  Although, there has been an image of a pumpkin and an image of a little boy surrounded by balloons and presents--called Birthday Boy--that she created back in September in honour of her son's, then upcoming, birthday.   It is such an adorable little image and you should check it out on your visit.  Anna will be leaving this image on her blog as a forever freebie.  

I think that my favourite image out of all of them is the one I have showcased above.  Her name is Angel.  When Anna started her blog, one of the first digi ideas she had was to create an angel. She figured that Christmas was the perfect time to offer it up and so it appeared in her December 1st post aptly entitled, "Angel".  One of the things I love most about this digi is her hair.  Here, like in all her drawings, Anna captures the idea of motion in the hair.  You'd almost swear that a light breeze was blowing in the background.  I also love the versatility of this angel.  Not only could it be used at Christmas but it is suitable for so many other occasions as well.  Anna usually offers up both a coloured version and black and white version of her freebies.  She also sometimes lists the colour of her marker choices.  I love when artists do this as it helps me in learning about what colours work well together. 

 Many of Anna's previous freebies are still up for grabs but may not be there long as they get transferred into her Etsy shop after awhile. Make sure you go and check out the ones currently being offered on her blog before they are gone.  Anna may still be on holidays for a few days which means her Etsy store may be closed temporarily.  While I've posted the link to it above, you can also find it in the left sidebar of her blog.  Just make sure you click the Cuddlebug Cuties link under 'My Etsy Shop' and not the Etsy link like I seem to always do. 

Another wonderful thing about Cuddlebug Cuties is the candy offered up every month.  The current collection of sweets has a Valentine theme.  You can see a picture of what she has available if you look at my right side bar (you'll need to scroll down a bit).  To enter for your chance to win, all you have to do is become a follower of her blog and add your name to the linky list.  Click HERE to go the January candy post but do it soon because there is only a couple of days left for this particular yummy assortment of goodies.  On top of the monthly candy offerings, there is bonus candy right now.  She is currently offering up some fabulous Copic Markers, 15 in all, to one lucky follower who also leaves a comment on the original post which you can find HERE.  Goodness, my mouth is watering with the taste of all that sugar!  Please pay this talented lady a visit.  You'll definitely come out a winner no matter how you look at it (clicking on the blog name will take you straight to her blog).

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 Finally, that brings me to the...

This is a special category highlighting 
 a stamp for sale by another artist.

 This week that honour goes to... 

TAMARA

Her store is called

 The Stamping Chef

 Her blog of the same name is located HERE

The Stamping Chef is one of the 'new kids on the blog', having just surfaced at the end of November 2012.  The head Chef is Tamara and she is from the Netherlands.  I have been stalking following The Stamping Chef since its inception.  Before launching the blog's associated store, Tamara offered freebies to everyone as a kick start.  You can still find them, plus those offered up in the Freebie Friday posts, by clicking on the freebies link on her main page. There is a total of 17 freebies available!  Tamara designs some very cute, funny and quirky images all offered up as digital stamps.  She has also started adding Digital Scrapbooking kits. 

Today I'm focusing on a couple of the stamps available in the store.  The first one is called "I haz cheese".  

Apparently I have a thing for cute, adorable mice since this is the second mouse I have put into a showcase.  In this particular design I'm drawn to the ruffly fur, those seriously delightful teeth and that charming expression on his face.  For some reason when I look at him I am reminded of toddlers and young children who come across something that just has to be shared with everyone around them.  I see years gone by of my girlfriend Laurie's girls and my husband's great nephew when I look into that darling little face.  Okay, maybe it is a little odd comparing a mouse to a child but hey, those of you who have come to know me can attest to the fact that I am a little odd myself.  

Honestly tell me you can't see bits of your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or friends' kids when you peer deeply into those engaging little eyes.  I dare you!  Clicking on the image of the mouse will take you directly to his location in the store.

I couldn't seem to stick with just one image so the second one I am highlighting is called, "Hold On".
  

When I found this stamp I just fell in love with it.  This stamp provides such versatility.  It could be used for anything from the idea of "hold on, get ready for the ride of your life" when starting out in a new relationship, to the idea of "hold on, it will get better soon, you just have to hang in there".  It could even be used on a card for a young lady about to embark out on her own; or, it could be used to wish someone luck when pursuing a dream, the idea being to "hold on, the world is just opening up for you".  I just love it when so many ideas can be generated with just one stamp.  Clicking on the image of the little girl and bear will take you directly to their location in the store.  

As an aside...when I was proofing this paragraph, the song "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips came on the TV playing in the background.  Hmmm...I wonder if there is any symbolism there.  That was quite a coinkydink considering that song came out in the 80's.  Do, do do, do --do, do, do, do.  In case you couldn't figure that out it is the theme song to The Twilight Zone I'm sure most of you think that is where I live half the time after reading through some of my posts.

Anyways, back to the topic at hand.  Please visit Tamara and welcome her to our community if you haven't had the chance to already.  Oh and join me in wishing Tamara's husband Roy a happy birthday.  He will be turning 35 on January 28th.  Back at the beginning of January, Tamara had asked people if they'd be willing to create a birthday card and send it to her husband in exchange for a free digi because they have a very small family and she wanted to surprise him with a bunch of extra cards (click HERE for the details of that original post).   Unfortunately, the fact is that by the time I would have created the card, and mailed it to Europe, there'd be no way he would receive it on time.  So, since the showcase today spotlighting Tamara's images is only two days away from Roy's birthday,  I decided to offer up a sort of digital greeting for him right here.  

Please forgive the colouring.  Turn away from the computer before bursting out into giggles.  This was my first attempt at digital colouring and any of you who know how to use photshop essentials would laugh your head off if you knew how I piece mealed this together.  After 4 hours of trying to achieve a semblance of shading, I gave up.  I know I have shading in all the wrong places.  It's one of the things I struggle with.  Note to self:  Find a good site that teaches you about the subtleties of shading.  I suppose it is the thought that counts (original black and white image of the dragon is from Dustin Pike).  So Roy if you ever see this, know that I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I hope you received lots and lots of cards.

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Before I go I'd just like to add one thing.  In my very first showcase I introduced you to Vicky from Crafting Vicky.  Well, Vicky is just five people shy of her 200th follower.  This is an important milestone for her.  I've had many people become followers over here since putting Vicky's card in the showcase;  so, if you are unfamiliar with her work, I ask that you please go and pay her blog a visit.  If you like what you see become a follower.  If you can, be one of those people to help her achieve this next important goal.  

Well, that is the last Saturday Showcase for January 2013.  Thanks to all these wonderful artists for agreeing to allow me to showcase their work on my blog.  I'm sure I'll be coming back to them time and again.  Though you never know, I may be contacting YOU next to showcase something incredible you've created.

Until next time,

Note:  

*Thanks to Nikki from Limited Runs Stamps for creating my Saturday Showcase badge.

Gratitude is the Best Attitude

If you are new to my blog and would like to know why I started "Thursdays Are For Thanksgiving", please go HERE. 

Today I simply offer you a sentiment with a focus on being thankful.  This sentiment could be used for a card, layout or other type of project.  I've offered it as one graphic and separated into two in case you want to use the first part on the front of a card and the second part on the inside.  Whether together or separate, they are both the same size when you click on them and save them.  I just made the second look smaller for the sake of saving space.

I think the statement says it all don't you?

Until next time,

Fonts Used:

• Apex Lake
• Foglihten No. 04  

Click the font names to take you to a download location.  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.

Wonderful Wednesdays: Eclectic Edges for January Kit

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

I have a new item up for grabs this week for your January Kit.  This time it falls under the category of Eclectic Edges.  To fit in with the winter theme I've been presenting, here is a snowflake edge for you.  The original size is almost 1100 pixels wide but when saved at 300 dpi it comes out at 3600 pixels wide.  So depending on the software that you import it into it should be somewhere between these two sizes.  The file itself is over 1 MB so I've put it into a zip file.  Clicking on the image--which is a greatly reduced idea of what the edging looks like--should bring up the direct link for the file. 

Hope you find a use for it.  If you create a project using this image or any of the images I create, I'd love to see them and post them into the 'Your Gallery' portion of the blog.

Your January kit should now have three items in it.  If you have missed one, or if you are new to the site, you can go HERE for the first item and HERE for the second.  Hopefully I'll get one more in before the month is over.

Until next time,

Image information: 

You are allowed to use this edge 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 edge 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.

Follower Freebies 26 & 27: Cat Sentiment

As promised to some of you in email replies to your comments, here are the cat sentiments that I used in my thank you card last week.  Obviously this will only be useful for those of you with cats but I think us cat lovers are right up there with dog lovers these days.

The freebies are a set of simple sentiments that can be used together or separately for a card or other project.  
 
Follower Freebie #26:    In honour of 'Nikki from Limited Runs' who became a follower on Nov. 2nd.

 
Follower Freebie #27:    In honour of 'Lorianna' who also became a follower on Nov. 2nd.

Hope someone can find a use for them.  I'd love to see what you come up with.

 

Fonts Used:

• Cat Krap
• Cat's Alphabet  

Click the font names to take you to a download location.  While the first font is free for commercial use, the second one is unclear.  It is listed as simply free but there is no additional license information.  Use caution or contact the author before using this sentiment on projects you intend to sell.

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.