Monday, May 04, 2015

Card Design: Path of Positivity #26--Perseverance



Hello everyone.  I've had the opportunity to create for the start of The Path of Positivity Challenge.  However, as busy as I have been I didn't get the opportunity to print out the pieces and assemble my actual card but I can show you the digital version of what it looks like.

Perseverance is the theme this month.  To succeed in life you need perseverance.  Even when facing difficulties, one needs to stay slow and steady and stay on course.  Encouragement cards are a great way to show someone you care about the importance of never giving up and that is the focus of my creation tonight.  I have a dear friend going through a severe depression right now and I'm trying to encourage her in every way to hang in there and not give up.

This month our sponsors are...
https://shop.deedeesdigis.com/

and Ike's Art...

For the start of the challenge, I'm working with an image from Deedee's Digs.  Both Deedee and Ike had so many awesome images to choose from that worked well for this challenge.  You can see the images the rest of the team chose to work with over on the challenge blog.  For now, here is the one I chose to work with...
If you are a Non EU Resident, please click HERE to find this image in the store.
If you are an EU Resident, please click HERE.


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

General Info:  
  • I have used a sketch from From the Heart Stamps for the front of my card.


FRONT
Digital Images Details: 
  • Chance of Showers: Details above.  I've used one of the COLOURED images from the set.  I recoloured it digitally to match more with the colours of my paper.  Thankfully, Deedee's terms allow one to do this.  Be sure to always check!
Digital Embellishments & Paper Details: 
  • I paper pieced basic shapes using three different papers from my new Colours of the Rainbow Textured Papers set.  I'm working on getting it uploaded to the store.  I just need to find the time to do so!
 

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment Details:
  • This wonderful sentiment was created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  I picked it up as a freebie.   For great freebies and inspiration be sure to click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and for more awesome sets for purchase, click HERE to go to the home page of the store.


OVERALL
Digital Paper Products: 
  • I've also used my own paper on the front and inside.  It is also from a new set, this one called, Rainy Days.
Challenges I am hoping to enter...

For Challenge #26, prizes will be the following:
  • A $10 gift certificate from Ike's Art, one of our guest sponsors this month, for the post or project that the DT deems most inspiring of the bunch.
  • A $25 gift certificate from Deedee's Digis, one of our guest sponsors this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all entrants.
  • One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.
There will also be: 
  • One digital designer paper (made to order in a couple different ways) from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles for one lucky person who leaves a comment.
  • One digital sentiment for every single person who enters the challenge.
So what are you waiting for?  Create a project and/or post that is positive AND relates to perseverance, provide an explanation of how your project and/or post relates to the theme somewhere in your post or  leave a comment on the challenge post with the explanation.  Easy, peasy!

 To find out all the details you need along with the link up, click HERE.  The team and I look forward to seeing what you come up with!!!

 Until next time!
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Saturday, May 02, 2015

It is National Scrapbooking Day!!!

YaY!  It is National Scrapbooking Day here in Canada and in the States too.  It might even be in other locations as well.  Of course I just found out about it yesterday (I can't remember from last year apparently).

So how about we celebrate with a freebie first of all...


This digital paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. I've used resources from Pixel Scrapper.  Full credits in the file.  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 full credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders. 

Next up, how about we have a mini challenge for a give-a-way.  Submit a new card to the link up below using ANY of my creations--papers, sentiments, embellishments, etc. for your chance to win ONE of the following sets. You can find tons of samples to use by simply clicking on FREE or FREEBIE in the labels section located in the bottom of the right sidebar.

 OR
 OR
 OR

Winner's Choice!!!

If you link up a creation (card, digital layout or other digital design, tag, bookmark, etc.) using the free paper I'm giving out today, I'll send you another free paper as a bonus, plus you'll still get a chance to win the prize mentioned above.  I'll leave the linkup open for the next two weeks to give you time to enter.

Simple Rules:
  • No back linking.  New creations only.
  • Please mention my blog in your link up list with a link back to it.  
  • You must link directly to your post with your entry NOT to your whole blog.
  • I reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the concept of the challenge or rules.
Have fun and happy scrapbooking!

  Until next time,
Link Up Below:


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Card Design: 12MoC Ch. #5...Opt. Theme--Christmas Critters

http://12monthsofchristmaslinkup.blogspot.ca/

Ah oops and then double oops.  Around 6:30 last night I realized I hadn't finished this post yet.  I had intentions to get to it right then and there but something came up (albeit I don't have a blinkin' idea what it was right now) and I completely forgot.  Oh goodness me.  At least I'm remembering now...

Hello!  It is time for the May challenge and link up to begin over at The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  We had another great showing in April and Monica and I hope that you'll continue to spread the word about our Link Up. 

Don't forget that this link up is basically two-fold.  First of all, you are still going to have the opportunity to link up any number of Christmas and December holiday themed cards throughout the month with an anything goes theme. At the end of each month, every person who has linked up a MINIMUM of two (2) Christmas or holiday themed cards will be eligible to receive a specially designed Christmas themed digital paper created by moi. That means that if you submit two cards each month, by the time that the year is done, you will have received 12 free digital papers, all for the low cost of linking up cards you need to create anyway. You do not need to use the digital paper you receive each month in your cards in order to get the next paper. They are strictly meant as incentive to participate. 

While team members had the option of working with any of my Décosse's Dynamite Doodles papers, I did create a special set called Christmas Critters, based on the theme for this challenge. Check out the preview...

Everyone who links up a minimum of two cards during the month of May will earn ONE of the digital papers from this set.  The specific paper up for grabs will be shown during the winner announcement post.  If you would like to have a say in determining which colour will be offered, you can answer the poll we've set up in the sidebar on the top right hand side of The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up blog.

The second part of the challenge provides even more incentive to play. Each month there will be an OPTIONAL theme to follow. This month the optional theme is Christmas Critters.  In order to have a chance to win the prize from our wonderful guest sponsor this month, make sure that your card showcases an animal suitable for a holiday card.  You can find more details over on the Challenge #5 post. You can find that post and the link up by clicking HERE. 

Also, be sure to check out all the rules and details on the Challenge Details Page. We have provided examples of a few different scenarios to help explain things and make them a bit clearer, in case there is any confusion. 

This month our wonderful guest sponsor is Deedee's Digis...


Check out the fabulous image I got to work with this month for the start of the challenge...

In order to accommodate the new EU VAT regulations, Deedee has had to divide her store into two sections.  Please be sure to click on the respective link for the area you live in. NON EU residents click HERE; EU residents click HERE. 

This latest card makes...

Christmas Cards to date for 2015:  12
...and here it is...

FRONT
Digital Image Details:
  • Deer Friend:  Details and link above.  The image is a PRE COLOURED image from the set. 
Embellishments: 
  • The star shaped gems are Crafts brand and were purchased at Dollarama.  
 
INSIDE
Digital Sentiment Details:
  • I have used one of the sentiments from the Deer Friend set. 

OVERALL 
Paper Products: 
  • Card, image and sentiment base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
Digital Paper Products: 
  • I used one of the papers from the Christmas Critters set which is mentioned above.  If anyone is interested in purchasing this set, just let me know and I'll add it to the store.
Digital Embellishments:
  • The shape on the front used as an accent piece is part of a tag shape template originally created by Marisa Lerin, Pixel Scrapper. I added a grunge texture from Heather Green,  HG Graphic Designs using a clipping mask.
  • The shapes used for matting in behind the image and sentiment are simple shapes created in Photoshop Elements.
  • The shadows to give each element some depth were created with a layer style from Sheila Reid, also with Pixel Scrapper.
Challenges I am hoping to enter...

So what are you waiting for? It is time to link up your Christmas and other holiday cards for May.  Whether you choose to link up two Anything Goes themed cards simply to earn your free paper this month, or you choose to also follow the theme to have a chance at the sponsor's prize, it is completely up to you!  Cards for this challenge will be accepted from 6:00 p.m. (18:00 hrs), May 1st - 11:55 p.m. (23:55 hrs), May 31st, 2015.  You can find out all the details for this challenge including the link up by heading HERE.  Monica, I and the design team hope to see you there! 

Until next time!

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Friday, May 01, 2015

Scribbles Designs Challenge #28 Midway Point...Spring Has Sprung


It is the start of a new month and that means that it is time for the midway for 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 time around for Challenge #28, is Spring Has Sprung! 

"Under the giving snow blossoms a daring spring." ~Terri Guillemets
The snow is now mostly all gone, here in North America. The grass is turning from shades of brown to green and the trees and flowers are starting to form buds. Yes, spring has finally sprung on this side of the world and not a minute too soon as far as we're concerned! It is high time to break out all your stamps depicting the beauty of the season. Whether you go with a creation featuring botanical elements in full bloom, or simply want to focus on a particular event associated with this time of the year, it is up to you. Just keep in mind that this month, we want to see a project that reflects the true nature of spring.

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 May14th to come over and play with us.

Here are my card and all the details... 
 
 General Information: 
  • Okay so technically, I'm not sure if a sympathy card really falls into the whole 'spring' thing but our challenge description does state that one can simply create a card featuring botanical elements in full bloom.  Since my flower is definitely in full bloom, I'm thinking it will be okay.
  • This card is for a friend (and her family) who lost her mother in law recently.
  • Once again I thought this image would lend itself nicely to working with my new Inktense watercolour pencils; although, I'm not really pleased with how this one turned out.  I didn't have the colour I wanted so I had to blend two of the colours together but in doing so I had to do it off image on a palette so I didn't exactly get the effect I would have liked.

FRONT
Digital Image Details: 
  • Flower 1: I really like this simplicity of the pretty rose!  It has been coloured with Inktense Watercolour Pencils.  Click on the name or the watermark below, to head to its location in the store.
http://buyscribblesdesigns.blogspot.ca/2013/02/618-flower-1-200.html
Embellishments:
  • The ribbon is from my snippets stash.  I believe it is Osprey brand.
Punch:
  • I created the border using a Recollection's punch purchased at Michael's. 

INSIDE


OVERALL
Digital Sentiment Details: 
  • Both of these wonderful sentiments were created by Paulette from Create with TLC.  I picked each of them up as freebies a while back.  Now while I found one of them in the store, I didn't find the other although it doesn't mean it isn't there.  If you are interested be sure to ask Paulette about whether it is available for purchase.  The 'in my prayers' sentiment is availabile in the "Prayers Enclosed" Vintage Image Transfer and Word Art Set that you can find in the store by clicking HERE or on the watermark below.  To find more great sets in the store, click HERE; and to check out Paulette's blog, click HERE.
Prayers Enclosed Vintage Image Transfer and Word Art Set
Paper Products: 
  • Card base, matting and accent piece: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, black.
  • Sentiment base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
  • Image base: Canson watercolour paper.
  • Designer Paper:  K & C Company Designer Paper--warm colours collection (reds, purples, yellows and oranges).
Challenges I am hoping to enter... 
***Please note that if the word verification appears, ignore it and simply click the 'publish' button** 
http://scribblesdesignschallenge.blogspot.ca/
So put on those thinking caps and design a project that fits our theme. If you need some images to help you out you can check out all wonderful ones that are in the Scribbles store. You have an entire month 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. We always look forward to seeing what you come up with for each month's theme!   

Until next time,
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Card Design: Pattie's Creations Challenge #110...Flowers must be part of IMAGE

http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.ca
Welcome all!  I'm here today to announce the next challenge over at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge.  This time around for Challenge #110, the theme is Flowers must be part of the IMAGE.  The flowers are already in bloom in some places and starting in others so there is lots of inspiration around.  The great thing about flowers is that they are so versatile as well.  You can use them on everything from a birthday card to a sympathy card which is the focus of today's creation.

 Here is my card, I hope that I haven't forgotten any important details:

General Info
  • Sadly in the last month, three of my friends have had deaths in their family.  This card is meant for a friend (and her family) who recently lost her father in law.
  • This card is also my first attempt at watercolours on a card.  For the last three years, I've been coveting some special ink pencils over at Michael's.  Unfortunately the Derwent Inktense watercolour pencils are $100 for 24 colours.  That is rather steep for me.  So I've let them go but always wanted them.  I had bought some cheaper versions of watercolour pencils but they don't really work at all; so, I just use them as coloured pencils. Anyway...this month is one of the hubs' busiest at work and that means a LOT more hours.  At the same time we got a 50% off coupon so I decided that now was the best time.  Inktense pencils are related to watercolor pencils, (allowing you to sketch and then wash over them with water).  The difference is that once you’ve washed and the pigment dries, it becomes waterproof. This forms a coloured layer of ink that looks more like an ink painting than a watercolour sketch.  Well, it took me a while to colour the image but I did enjoy doing it.  It isn't great by any means but I think it is okay for my first attempt.

FRONT
Digital Image Details: 
  • Dogwood Branch:  The main image I've used is this pretty dogwood flower.  Given its nature I thought that it was the perfect flower for me to work with using the Inkense pencils and also a nice image for a sympathy card.  You can find it in Pattie's Etsy shop by clicking on the name or watermark linked below.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/126502834/dogwood-branch?
Digital Sentiment Details:
  • One I created to lead into the verse on the inside.
Embellishements:
  • The cord and the half pearls are Crafts brand and were purchased at Dollarama.

INSIDE
Digital Sentiment Details:
  • This sentiment is one I created for my 100 followers celebration back in 2013. To head to that post, click HERE.  You can find that sentiment plus a number of other freebies.

OVERALL
Paper Products: 
  • Card base and matting:  Card base, Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Pink Buttons collection.
  • Sentiment base:  Michael's Recollection's cardstock, white. 
  • Image base:  Canson watercolour paper.
Challenges I am hoping to enter... 

You have until June 4th to enter our challenge which should give you lots of time to get a creation that has a flower as part of the image completed.  I really hope that you will be able to join us. Don't forget that along with all the typical rules that apply to the majority of challenges out there (please click HERE to become familiar with all the rules), you MUST USE A DIGITAL OR STAMPED IMAGE to qualify for the drawing (unless stated otherwise). We would absolutely love to see you use a Pattie's Creations (PC) image on your card, but you are allowed to use other images. If you do use a PC image, you will gain an extra entry in the draw and will have a better chance to WIN! You can enter twice per challenge and of course MUST follow all the challenge requirements that are posted for each challenge. Easy Peasy right!

Pop over to the challenge blog and check out what my fabulous teammates have offered up for inspiration.  Oh and don't forget...Pattie offers up a new freebie the first Friday of the month and it will remain up for approximately two weeks; so, be sure to pop over and check it out as well!

Until next time, 
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