Card Design: DS4J Progressive Christmas Card Challenge...August

It is time to submit my card to this month's Progressive Christmas Challenge taking place over at DigiStamps4Joy.  One more card to add to the Christmas Card Pot to help me avoid the yearly Christmas Card Panic.  Unfortunately, this will be my only card for August so I'm not going to achieve my goal of adding a minimum of two cards.  Thankfully I got three in last month so that helped make up for this month's shortfall.

Christmas Card Count to date: 17

Here is the sweet DS4J image we get to use this month:

 

...and here is my card, I hope that I haven't forgotten any important details:

FRONT

Digital Image Details:

• Santa's Helper:  If you aren't part of the progressive challenge and would like to purchase it so that you can join in, click HERE or on the watermark above to find it in the DS4J store.  Looks like someone is about to get some nice treats?  Wonder if it is me....
• This image has been coloured in mostly with Copic Markers; although the ground was put in with coloured pencils.  Outfit-head to foot: G000, G00, G02, G05, G09, Y28.  Sack:  R22, R24, R29.  Hair:  Y11, Y13, Y15.  Skin:  E000, E00, E02.  Grounding around the image:  colourless blender and BG000.

Embellishments:

• The ribbon comes from a stash I got from my momma a while back.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment:

• One I created in 2012.  You can find it somewhere in the 'Holiday Handout' label if you are interested.

OVERALL

Paper Products: 

• Card, image and sentiment base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• Designer Papers:  Recollection's Bright Christmas paper pad. 
• Green used for matting (front & inside) --Michael's open stock scrapbook paper. 
  

Challenges I hope to enter...

• http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.ca/2014/08/monthly-christmas-challenge-august-2014.html -- Progressive Christmas Challenge
• http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes:  Christmas
• http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes:  Patterned Paper
• http://www.myperfectlifeuk.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Christmas 
• http://suzysmarty1.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes:  Christmas
• http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Merry and Bright
• http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes:  Christmas

If you are interested in joining the DS4J progressive Christmas card challenge you will need to contact Desíre (her details are at the bottom of the post).  I've linked the badge above to take you to that post. 

Well, one more card is finally done. Don't forget, I have a holiday card link up called the 12 Months of Christmas that you can jump in at any time and add your own holiday cards to. Click HERE for all the details. There is still a little over a week left to link up your two cards for August in order to get your free paper for the month. 

As soon as I'm done here it is time for me to go and get the winners list done for July.  Yes, I'm running rather behind.  What else is new!

Hopefully I'll see you in just a little while.  Until then,

Card Design: Imagine That...Progressive Challenge for August

It is time to upload my creation for the Imagine That Progressive Challenge. This wonderful progressive challenge does not disappoint as we get the opportunity to earn a fabulous new set each month by linking up. Kris' is an amazing designer and I am thrilled to earn sets from her.

This month the images that everyone who is part of the progressive challenge gets to play with are in the wonderful set, Dolphins...

Dolphins always look so playful. I've been lucky enough to pet one. Very cool experience.

As always, you can work with either the coloured image, or the line art one. This particular set also comes with five very different sentiments to help you out! So much versatility with just one set.  If you missed out, you can still play along by purchasing this set in the store for a discount during the month of August (click on the image name or watermark above to go to the image's location in the store).  

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

General Details:

• I decided that I wanted to make this card really clean and simple, allowing the beautiful image of the dolphins to be the focal point.  I was inspired by a card I saw created by LeAnne Pugliese a DT member with The Paper Players challenge blog.  She simply had the image on the centre of the card with a sentiment underneath.  It was simple but very effective so that is what I decided to do as well.  I am really pleased with the overall layout.  Unfortunately, I didn't get my card uploaded in time to enter the challenge. I missed it by just five hours. :(
• So given my layout choice, I decided to colour the image in completely digitally.  Of course, given the amount of time I took to do so, especially having to clean up the edges after shading, I'm not sure it was the best idea.  You'd never know by looking at this card that it took over four hours to colour. While I am pleased with how it came out, it was a significant chunk of time from an already crazy busy schedule.  Oh well, who needs sleep, right?!

FRONT

Digital Image Details:   

• Dolphins: Details for how to get a hold of it are included underneath the set preview in the above section.
• This image was coloured in digitally using tools in Photoshop Elements.

Digital Sentiment Details: 

• 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.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment Details:  

• One from the Dolphins set.

OVERALL
Paper Products:  

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• The blue chevron paper is from the Recollection's Bold & Basic Paper Pad.

Challenge I am entering...  

• Imagine That -August Progressive Challenge -- Progressive Challenge

Others I am hoping to enter...

• http://scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes
• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.ca/ -- Clean and Simple
• http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/2014/08/fish-or-fishing-challenge-this-week.html -- Fish or Fishing
• http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes Birthday
• more may be added to this list a bit later...

 

I encourage you to go and check out the digis that Kris offers along with the Progressive Free Digi Challenge.  It is another fun place to shop and play.  She also has a beautiful image up over on their Facebook page (link to their FB page can be found on the blog).  So, grab it while you can. 

 

Just five more cards to get done by the end of the month!  H   *   E   *   L   *   P...

Until next time,

Card Design: The Pitter Patter of Little Paws Challenge

We have something exciting going on over at Scribbles Designs right now.  In addition to our regular monthly challenge, we also have a special challenge going on to welcome a new baby into the Scribbles Designs family.  Our fearless leader Sandy became a mom earlier this year to the most adorable puppy.  He is a blonde American Cocker Spaniel and his name is Charli.  You can find a picture of him over on the blog in our special challenge post by clicking HERE.

This special challenge will feature Sandy's adorable kitten and puppy images.  There are currently seven images featuring kittens and puppies.  Check them out...

#415 Puppy Pea Pod

#413 Kitten Pea Pod

Whether you are into puppies or kittens, you'll love the new images.  Having just been born, these two are as cute as can be and perfect on any card to welcome a new puppy or kitten to someone's family!

#417 Dog Bone

Good Dog!  Puppies need to chew and I've never met a puppy or dog that isn't happy chewing on a bone.  This little pup is no exception!  I wonder where he plans on burying it when he is finished with it...

#842 Dog House

If you love your puppy you'll make sure that he has the best in homes.  Since puppies need to spend lots of time outdoors, it is important to provide suitable housing.  Check out this set up--three star accommodations, I'd say.  This particular dog house should be written up in Modern Dog Magazine or even in The Bark.  What pup wouldn't be happy lounging in this beautifully constructed home?!

#416 Dog Wash

Puppies with their boundless energy tend to get dirty as they begin to explore their new surroundings.  So make sure you have the right equipment to keep your puppy clean.  Bathing can be fun but it can also be a bit messy so make sure you have the area draped with a tarp and lots of towels at the ready.  Of course, I would have liked to have seen Sandy draw a picture of a cat in a tub.  I'm afraid there'd be no smiling, the cat would look like a drowned rat, and it would probably be hanging from the shower curtains, but it would still be fun to see!

#414 Puppy in Bowl

#412 Kitten in Bowl

Cute, furry, and hungry!  Keeping your new puppy or kitten well fed is also very important and you want to be sure that you start him or her off right.  Puppies and kittens grow very fast and it is important to provide the proper nutrition to help build strong bones, teeth, and muscle, and of course supply them with all the energy they need for play and learning.  Of course, you'll also need to teach your new pet that it is the food that goes in the bowl and not him or her.

Clicking on any of the watermarks above will take you to their location within the store.

So many digitals, so many possibilities!

So there you have it, seven absolutely adorable images.  Now here is the best part.  If you agree to participate in this special challenge, you get to choose one of the above listed images, absolutely for free BUT you must then use this image on the project that you submit for the challenge.   Want to join in?  Well, if your answer is yes then please head on over to the main challenge blog and check out our Pitter Patter of Little Paws Challenge.  You can find that post by clicking HERE.  

You will find all the rules, the contact information and anything else you need to know over on that post. 

Prizes...

If you participate and request one of the above images, not only do you get that requested image just for playing along (a $3.00 value) but you'll also have the chance to win the new Scribble Doodle Designs Puppy Power Mish Mash 1 Digital Package containing four puppy digis + six puppy themed digital papers...

AND another lucky person will receive $10.00 worth of images from the Scribbles Designs Store.  We may even have some extra prizes for things like 'Best in Show'.  You just never know.

Ooh,  Ooh,  Ooh...wait there is more...

Since the theme of our current regular monthly challenge is 'Animal Planet', the creation you make to enter the Pitter Patter of Little Paws Challenge can also be entered into our Animal Planet Challenge giving you even more chances to win yourself some Scribbles Designs images.  Wowzers, how is that for extra incentive?  You can check out all the details of our current monthly challenge by clicking HERE.

To help provide some inspiration, I created this card...

General Information:  

• Congrats Sandy and Boyd on your beautiful new baby boy.  Since I worked with the Dog House image, I decided that Charli should be the occupant.  Hee, hee...
• Oh and I apologize for the colouring of the bone and cookies.  Sheesh, the way it is completely outside of the lines, you'd swear a three year old did it.  Instead of using my regular cardstock, I decided to simply use copy paper since the majority of what I was printing was precoloured.  I didn't realize how badly the markers would spread when I went to colour the remaining images.  Oopsies.  It is the thought that counts right?!

FRONT

Digital Image Details: 

• #842 Dog House:  The watermark and link for this image can be found above.
• This image was coloured in primarily digitally and then the food bowl, bone, pebbles, nameplate and grass were coloured with coloured pencils.  Digital credits include:
• The sky was created with a pattern courtesy of Webtreats, Etc.
• The dog house was coloured in using two different styles of wood patterns courtesy of Free PSD Files
• The ground was paper pieced using an image from Texturemate.com (www)

Digital Sentiment Details: 

• While it is a bit difficult to see, I added the word 'congrats' to the bottom of the image.  The contrast looked great on the computer but not so hot when printed.

Embellishments: 

• I took two of Sandy's other puppy related images and made them into embellishments.  Both the cookie image and the bone image are currently freebies.  You can find the cookie HERE, and the bone HERE.

INSIDE
Digital Sentiment Details: 

• One I created especially for this card.

OVERALL

Paper Products:

• Card, images and sentiment base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• Brown paper used for matting is Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.  

Digital Paper Products:

• I used two papers that are available in the prize package for this challenge, albeit in slightly different colours.  This set will also be offered as another Mini Mash Up in the store.

Challenges I am hoping to enter... 

• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ (5E)-- Anything Goes
• http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes with Patterned Paper
• http://craftylittlefairieschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Cute and Cuddly (Charli is definitely cute and very cuddle worthy)
• http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/ (#2)-- Anything Goes/Animals 
• http://crazychallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Cute Little Animals
• http://craftascene.blogspot.ca/2014/08/craft-scene-august-challenge-add-four.html-- Add a Four Legged Animal (well my animal is Charli the puppy, and my scene is the doghouse, sky and surrounding area)
• http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.ca/ -- Furry Little Friends (That would be Charli in the centre of the doghouse.  The doghouse itself along with the bone and cookies are all digital images and I also have digital sentiments)
• http://cheerfulstamppad.blogspot.ca/ -- It's a New Baby (okay, a little unconventional but you didn't say the baby had to be human.  This is a baby card, just for a puppy instead!)
• http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.ca/2014/08/challenge-206-b-unique.html -- "B" Unique (Okay, I might be pushing it with my third 'B'.  First one is the big Bone embellishment on the left hand side, then there is the water Bowl.  For my third B, could I use the smaller Bone on the doghouse or B for Baby since he is a new baby for the family, then there is always B for Brown.  Hey, it is worth a shot, right?  The worst you can do is delete my link.)

Remember, you can get one of these awesome images for free, simply for playing along.  To find out all the details, head on over to our special challenge post over at the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog.  Clicking HERE will take you directly to the challenge post. We really hope that you will be able to pop over and join us for this special challenge.  We can't wait to see what you come with using one of these precious new images!  There is some fabulous inspiration from some of my colleagues on the DT that you won't want to miss as well.  You have until September 12th to join us and I know that Charli is anxious to see what everyone is going to create in his honour. 

Until next time,

Digital Design: The Beauty of Butterflies...Week 1

Hello everyone and happy Tuesday!  I have something special planned for the next several weeks.  I have been very busy creating a special new mini kit called The Beauty of Butterflies.  This kit will contain six items in each of the following categories:

• Patterned Papers
• Textured Papers
• Brads
• Buttons
• Journal Cards 
• Tags

I've completed all but the tags so far.  Once done, there will be a total of 36 items in the kit.  Once a week, over the course of the next six weeks, I am going to present to you, one section of this kit.  Each week you'll also get a freebie from that section.   

This kit was inspired by the beautiful vintage butterflies available from Nicecrane Designs.  One of the wonderful things about the sets available through Nicecrane Designs is that quite a few of the images can be used for commercial use.  This of course is perfect for people like me, who enjoy doing design work. 

This week I'll be showcasing the Patterned Papers...

Digital Image Details:

• ColorfulspringButterflies1, ColorfulspringButterflies2 and ColorfulspringButterflies3:  I've used at least one butterfly from each of these beautiful sets for the creation of these papers.  In the future I hope to be able to fussy cut some of these out and add them to some cards.  Butterflies are great for so many different types of cards.  Click on the names or the watermarks below to take you to their location in the store.

 

As promised, here is your freebie from this first set:

To grab this paper click HERE or on the preview above 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. As usual,the paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels (i.e. 12 inches) and published at 300 dpi.

 

How would you like to walk away with the whole set???

As a special gift, I've decided to give away the entire Beauty of Butterflies Mini Kit to anyone who can show me proof of purchase of ANYTHING from the Nicecrane Designs store from August 19th until September 30th, 2014 (freebies obtained through the store do not count).  Just email me a copy of a dated Nicecrane Designs receipt with your name on it (PLEASE delete or cover up any other personal identifying information that you want to keep private, ie. address, tel. no. credit card or paypal information, etc.).  I just need something from the store with your name and date on it, a description of what you bought, and the price, in order to confirm your purchase.  It is as simple as that.  Kits will be mailed out as soon as the final section of tags is complete.   If you do make a purchase from the ND store and want this mini kit, just send an email with your proof of purchase attached, to decossesdynamitedoodles {at} yahoo {dot} ca, or by clicking HERE to bring the address up in your email program, with the subject heading, "Beauty of Butterflies Kit Request".  Why not head to the Nicecrane Designs store now and do some shopping!

Next week I'll present the Textured Papers to you, including a freebie and a reminder for how to get the full set; so, I'll hope that you'll continue to drop by.  

Don't forget, to stay current on ALL the latest releases and to check out the fabulous inspiration from my fellow DT members, be sure to head over to the Nicecrane Designs blog.

Until next time,

Motivational Monday & PoP Midway Reminder: Possibilities

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

 

Hello and a happy Monday to you all.  Thanks for popping over and sharing your precious time with me.  This evening, I'll be sharing this month's Motivational Monday passage along with a couple freebies at the bottom of the post.  The reflection, and one of the freebies can also be found over on my Path of Positivity challenge blog as part of the midway post where the theme this month is POSSIBILITIES.  On with today's thoughts... 

The possibility of it all

Life is all about possibility.  Every single decision we make stems from an array of possibilities.  This or that?  These or those?  We are presented with endless possibilities each day.  Some are very simple in nature and others are more involved.  It is up to us to make a decision and choose a pathway.  Sometimes though, we may have difficulties getting our bearings.  Is there something stopping you from taking off in a new direction?  Whatever it is, if you want it badly enough, you can find a way.  I've included three steps to help get you started.

Eliminate Fear

One of the things that gets in the way of us opening up to new possibilities is fear.  We're afraid we'll fail, embarrass ourselves, make a wrong decision.  Fear robs us off so many things.  It is limiting and keeps us stagnated.  If it helps, know that you aren't the only one afraid.  Many of us are but we need to make a concentrated effort to shrug off those fears and allow ourselves the opportunity to grow.

Eliminate Negative Self Talk

Along with getting rid of fear we also need to extinguish the negative self talk that goes on in our mind:  "I won't be good enough"; "It's too expensive"; "It will take too much time"; "I never make the right choice".   Keep saying you "won't" or "can't" enough and that will become your reality.  Words have extreme power and we need to turn any negative self talk into positive talk.  If you find yourself going back into old habits and let a negative statement slip from between your lips, then be sure to counteract it right away with an opposite statement.  Turn, "I can't" into "I can".  Say it until you believe it!

  Try, Try and Try Again

Whatever you decide, starts with a first step.  You'll never make it outside if you don't first open the door.  In order to grow and turn a possibility into a reality, you are going to have to try new things.  The only thing holding you back is yourself.  You'll come up with a whole bunch of excuses to not try something if you allow yourself, so just don't go there in the first place.  Remember the old expression, 'where there is a will, there is a way'?  Well if you truly want to expand your mind and your world, you will find a way.  Want it enough and well...anything is possible!


So, where will your road lead you?  Do you have the strength to seek a new direction?  If you do, I wish you luck as you open up your world to the infinite realm of possibilities! 
 __________________________________________________________________________________
Here are the promised freebies.  The first was offered up at the challenge start and the second was just offered up today for the midway...

© 2014 

Font Information:

• 2Peas Gift font created by Two Peas
• Labtop font created by Apostrophic Lab

The next one is a two part sentiment to use on the front and inside of a card:

© 2014

 *Note:  While the writing appears to be different sizes it was all made with the same size font and published at 300 dpi.

Font Information:

• Architect's Daughter font created by Kimberly Geswein (SIL open font)
• Kingthings Extortion font created by Kingthings

Please be sure to click on the images to bring them up into the lightbox in their proper size before saving them.  Click on the font name to take you to a download location.  All these fonts were listed as free for commercial use at the time each of these project were made, and as such, it is my understanding, that I am within my rights to use these fonts in my creations and offer them to others.  Please refer to my full terms of service for what you can and cannot do with these digital creations.

 
You will notice that the sentiments may appear huge depending on what software program you download them into.  You can always reduce the size without distorting the overall look.

Credit Notes For These Creations:
©2014. 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 'Download Instructions & T.O.U.' tab at the top of this page. Of important note:  Please 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(s) 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.

_______________________________________________________________

I invite you to go and check out, not only, the wonderful creations some members of my Design Team had the opportunity to create over on the Path of Positivity (click HERE for the midway) but also some of the great entries into this month's challenge (click HERE for the challenge).  I also invite you to come over and enter a project yourself, if you haven't already.  We could all use a little inspiration to keep possibilities alive in our lives.  Why not create a card that helps to deliver some positivity to someone special in your life.

Well, that is it for today!  Have a great week ahead everyone!

 Until next time,