Saturday, December 29, 2012

Design Team Coup

Hello everyone!

I hope you are enjoying your holidays.  I wanted to share with all of you two more coups I've managed in the last couple weeks.

First of all, I am proud to announce that I will be designing for Tuesday Alchemy.  TA held a DT call a couple of weeks ago at the time that I entered one of my Christmas cards into their then current challenge.  It was actually the first time I had ever visited the site and thought 'what the heck, it never hurts to put my name forth'.  I figured the odds of having someone contact me were nil to zero.  Well, to my utter surprise, within four minutes of my adding my name to the DT call, Corrinne, the DT leader, let me know that, and check this out,  my "creations are perfectly lovely" and that I'd "be a fantastic addition to the team".  Well, call me gobsmacked and dipped in glitter!  I couldn't believe my luck and I am so thrilled to be part of this unique group of crafter's.  Of course, there is that doubting, lack of confidence part of me that wonders whether they just had so few people apply for the DT that they were hard up for warm bodies and forced to take on who ever came along.  Yeah, I know, I'm working on it.

The goal at Tuesday Alchemy is to inspire & challenge creativity along with promoting handmade artists & crafters.  I love this philosophy and am really happy to be part of the gang.  A new challenge is posted every two weeks on a Tuesday and the current challenge, ANYTHING GOES, is opened until Monday at 11:59 pm.  You can share whatever handmade art or craft project that you'd like and what I love about this challenge blog is that you can ALWAYS enter as many times as you want AND combine with other challenges.   Please go have a look.  There are some awesome prizes available from the current list of sponsors.  Now, while TA is the second DT that I have become a member of (Scribbles Designs Challenge is the first), it will in fact be the first team that I will be posting for as our very next TA challenge goes live on Tuesday, January 1, 2013.

Then just today, I found out that my request to be a guest design team member for the Love To Create Challenge Blog was also accepted.  Here as well, I figured the odds of being chosen were pretty low given the number of people applying for the position but I guess they liked what they saw too because I've been asked to design a card for their January 7th challenge.  So that is roughly five or six DT cards I'll be designing just for the month of January alone!

I'm really excited about all these opportunities opening up and I am so happy that all of you are around to share this journey with me during the coming year.  It is certain to be an interesting and busy year, that is for sure!  I hope you will all mark your calendars with these dates, come join in the fun and submit a project to each of these challenges.  I'll be sharing more information on the details of each challenge when I post the card I'll be showcasing.

Until next time,
 

Holiday Handout: Day 20

Well the new year is almost upon us.  How has your holiday season been so far?  Did you slow down enough to actually enjoy it?  Did you find some quiet time to sit and meditate on what the new year may bring?

As the holiday season winds down and we start to maneuver towards our regular routines, my wish for you would be that you carry the joy of the season with you all year through.









Images are all the same size when you click on them to save them.  Given how many I'm putting here, I made them smaller to conserve space.  I created a simple small caps version (28 pt) and a flakier all caps version (20 pt).  Take whichever ones interest you.

Just two days to go before we embark on a brand new year!

Until next time,
Font Used: 
Click the font name to take you to a download location.  This font is free for personal use only.
 
If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.  
 
   Quick summary of Terms of Use:   

  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation for this specific design.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 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.
  

Friday, December 28, 2012

Holiday Handout: Day 19

I don't know where you are in the world, but it is definitely a winter wonderland up here in northern Ontario.  We had a serious snow storm last Thursday and Friday that ensured we had a white Christmas where I live.  How about you?  Is it cold and blustery where you are from or warm and balmy?  If there is a few feet of snow on the ground, then this holiday handout is for you.  I've offered it in three wintery blue colours and one in black.  The snow mounds have individually been coloured in with white so that if you print them out on coloured paper, your snow won't take on the colour of the paper.
 



The countdown to the new year continues...

Until next time,
Font Used: 
Click the font name to take you to a download location.  The license information for this font is unknown.  I'd suggest you contact the author if you want to use it for commercial purposes.

If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.  
 
   Quick summary of Terms of Use:   

  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation for this specific design.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 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.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Holiday Handout: Day 18

Today's holiday handout is respective of any of you out there who might celebrate Kwanzaa.  Kwanzaa is a week long cultural celebration observed from December 26 to January 1 each year by people of African heritage.

The traditional greetings during this time are spoken in Swahili in order to reflect committment to the African culture as a whole.  A different principle and a different symbol are celebrated during each day of the festivity.  Each day the question is asked--Habari gani?  Each day the answer is different based on the seven principles which are founded on a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in the mid 1960's which is when this cultural celebration began.


The seven principles are:

  1. Unity: Umoja (oo–MO–jah)
  2. Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah)
  3. Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah)
  4. Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah)
  5. Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH)
  6. Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah)
  7. Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee)
The seven basic symbols are:
  1. Mazao (Crops)
  2. Mkeka (Place Mat)
  3. Kinara (Candle holder)
  4. Vibunzi (Ear of Corn)
  5. Muhindi (Gifts)
  6. Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity cup)
  7. Mishumaa SAba ( Seven Candles)

In honour of this celebration I have created the following image:

 

Wishing you and your family peace and blessings in the new year.

The countdown to the new year continues...

Until next time,
Font Used: 
Click the font name to take you to a download location.  This fonts is free for personal use.

If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.  
 
   Quick summary of Terms of Use:   

  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation for this specific design.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 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.
References:
Author Unknown. (1996-2012). Kwanzaa. Available: http://www.history.com/topics/kwanzaa-history. Last accessed 21th December 2012.


Author Unknown. (unknown). Kwanzaa Greetings. Available: http://www.shape.org/kwanzaagreetings.html. Last accessed 10th December 2012.


Author Unknown. (1998-2004). What is Kwanzaa?. Available: http://www.kwanzaaland.com/generalinfo/. Last accessed 10th December 2012.
 

Williams, Nancy. (2000). Forum Topic: Kwanzaa - What is the proper greeting during this holiday?. Available: http://melanet.com/uncut/forums/messages/23/923.html?TuesdayJuly1020010258am. Last accessed 10th December 2012.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Holiday Handout: Day 17

Happy Boxing Day!  If you are from Austria, Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Wales, England, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Poland, happy St. Stephen's Day (reference Wikipedia).  The true tradition on this holiday is to give gifts to the poor and needy.  In some places, there is also the tradition of giving gifts to people who work in the service industry.  Wherever you are and whatever version of the holiday you celebrate, don't forget to...


The countdown to New Year's Day has begun...

Until next time,


Please note that due to the nature of this design, you may not use it on products you intend to sell since the image of the gift box (Romiposer 11) and the images of the hearts (Far Far Hill) are for personal use only with no profit generation.  If you use this image please ensure that you also credit the other artists appropriately.

Font Used: 
Click the font name to take you to a download location.  This font is free for commercial use.

If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.  
 
   Quick summary of Terms of Use:   

  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles', 'Romiposer 11' & 'Far Far Hill' somewhere on your creation for this specific design.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 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.
  

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

A Message at Christmas


*image courtesy Romiposer 11

Holiday Handout 16: Merry Christmas!

To anyone who celebrates this most special day of the year, the wish is simple...







Until next time,


Please note that due to the nature of this design, you may not use it on products you intend to sell since one of the fonts and the image of the presents and the Merry Christmas part of the sentiment is for personal use only with no profit generation.  If you use this image please ensure that you also credit Romiposer 11 for her part of the design. 

Fonts Used: 
Click the font names to take you to a download location.  While Jenna Sue is free for commercial use, Janda Happy Day is free for personal use only.

If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.  
 
   Quick summary of Terms of Use:   

  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' & 'Romiposer 11' somewhere on your creation for this specific design.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 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.
  

Monday, December 24, 2012

Holiday Handout: Day 15

Do you hear those sleigh bells ringing?  I do because...











One more sleep until the big day!

Until next time,


Please note that due to the nature of this design, you may not use it on products you intend to sell since the image of the hat and the fonts are for personal use only with no profit generation.  If you use this image please ensure that you also credit Romiposer 11 for the hat. 

Fonts Used: 
Click the font names to take you to a download location.  These fonts are free for personal use only.

If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.  
 
   Quick summary of Terms of Use:   

  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' & 'Romiposer 11' somewhere on your creation for this specific design.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 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.
  

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Holiday Handout: Day 14

Did you know that the Christmas tree was originally decorated with edible food items such as apples, nuts and dates?  Then, in the 18th, century people began to illuminate their trees with candles, which of course were later replaced with the electric Christmas lights that we so often see adorning trees these days.  Today, our Christmas trees are decorated with a wide variety of traditional ornaments, garland, and tinselSometimes we even find candy canes on the trees representing a nice throwback to the original items of food. Often we find our trees topped with an angel or star to represent the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.  What does your Christmas tree look like?  Do you follow the customs of old?  Do you add new ornaments each year?  Are they store bought or hand made?  Are there ornaments that your children or grandchildren have made put in a special place of honour on the tree?  Do you make the decorating of the tree a special occasion filled with fun, food, laughter and family?  Do you even have a tree?  If you celebrate Christmas, today take a moment to think about your traditions as they relate to the Christmas tree.  I'm sure you'll find some happy memories all wrapped up in those thoughts.



The Christmas countdown continues...

Until next time,

  

Please note that due to the nature of this design, you may not use it on products you intend to sell since the image of the trees is for personal use only with no profit generation.  If you use this image please ensure that you also credit Far Far Hill for the trees. 

Fonts Used:
Click the font name to take you to a download location.  Both these fonts are considered free for personal use only. 

If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.  
  
Quick summary of Terms of Use: 

  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' & 'Far, Far, Hill' somewhere on your creation for this specific design.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 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.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Holiday Handout: Day 13

Young or old, woman or man.  It doesn't matter who you are or what you believe in, just believe in something!


Well I guess the Mayans were wrong since the world made it past December 21st; so, in that case the Christmas countdown continues...it is almost here...

Until next time,

 
Please note that due to the nature of this design, you may not use it on products you intend to sell since the fonts and the image of the star are for personal use only with no profit generation.  If you use this design please ensure that you also credit Romiposer 11 for the image.
 
Fonts Used: 
Click the font name to take you to a download location.  These fonts are free for personal use only.

If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.   If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.  
 
   Quick summary of Terms of Use: 

  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' & 'Romiposer 11' somewhere on your creation for this specific design.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 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.