I'm melting.....

Dustin Pike has a new release of absolutely adorable

Christmas images available at the

Doodle Dragon Store



 

 

Not that we'll EVER get enough snow here in Phoenix

to build any type of snowman,

but if we did, this is how I imagine he'd feel!

 

 

Check out all of the new images today!

I'm sure you have some clever sentiments of your own to use!

Entered in the sketch challenge at:
Tuesday Morning Sketches

 

Thanks for looking at my post today!

~Jan~

One of My Favorite Things...

Over the months that I was not feeling well enough to create,

I missed so many of my favorite stamps and blogs.

 

My Favorite Things was one of those.

Now that I'm feeling much better and am back to my stamps, markers, glue, and papers,

I couldn't wait to jump back into these challenges!

 

The current sketch at MFT:

 

My take on that sketch along with one of my favorite little gals-

 

 

I enjoy making these little fans so much that I may just make a dozen or so just to have around!

And cutting out her little kimono is just too much fun!

 

 

 

 

My hands may still shake a bit when I hold a Copics marker, but that's not going to

stop this girl from making cards and layouts!  Practice, practice, practice....



There's a mouse in the house!

In case you haven't heard, Stampendous is now carrying

House Mouse stamps!

Yes, selected House Mouse is now available through your

local LSS/Stampendous dealer and online here!

 

I was fortunate enough to be at my friends' house playing with our markers and colored up a few of these little darlings!

 

This is what I decided HAD to be done with this fella!

 

 

I'm old school...the best mouse is a captured mouse! LOL!

 

 

Is he not the cutest thing ever?

 

 

I used the Stampendous Shabby White embossing powder inside the jar, with some sprinkle Christmas snow from Michael's to add volume to the pile of snow he's landing in!

(Be careful when you heat the powder to melt. The jar will get very warm!)

 

And if you're wondering how I mounted him in the jar, here's my secret:

After coloring my image, I glued the entire thing to a piece of black cardstock. I then fussy cut it out and that made the back appear more finished.

I cut a small square wooden stake about 2 inches long, and glued one inch length of it up the backside and painted it's upper half black to match the back of my image. The bottom half I painted white and glued "snow" to it so as to blend into the snow drift. Hot glued it to the bottom of the jar, and filled with the fluffy snow material.

Lastly, I hot glued the pine and holly berries inside and outside of the lid, along with more "snow". done!

 

 

My mother has limited space now to display any type of holiday decorations, so I think she'll love having this little guy hanging around!

 

Copics markers used:

R29, 46, and 59

E33, 35, and 37

E50, 51, and 93

N0 and N2

 

Also entered at the wonderful challenge at:

House-Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge (Transport)



Follow Your Dreams...

My latest card is an easel.

Had fun with this one!

Loved digging out all my JustRite stamps and combining sets.

  

The challenge this month is "Wings".

 

The airplane stamp is from "Going Places Vintage",

the Carte Postale is from "Greetings from Paris",

and the sentiment, "Follow Your Dreams"

is part of the OLD, OLD set "All Occasion Nested Sentiments".
 

 

 

 

I heated embossed everything I could ink up,

and then carefully colored the plane with Copics markers.

The little airplane charm and metal gears are from Michael's,

and the paper is DCWV, "Cinnamon Luster" stack,

with the map background stamped with an old world map from

my very, very old stash.

I hadn't made an easel card in a long time, so I was feeling crafty! Also, I love to work with 6 x6 cards, so this worked as a SQUARE card also!

 

Let's just say, I really tore up my room for this one! LOL!

 

This terrific challenge can be found at

JustRite Inspiration

and goes until Wednesday, August 21st,

so you still have time to enter!

Also, entered at:
Cards for Men (use Metal)
Here Come the Boys (Square card)
The House That Stamps Built (Wings)

Word Art Wednesday
 

And as always, thanks so much for reading my post today!

Please leave a comment so I know ya'll are out there!

 



Another very CAS-ual Friday here!

Made this cute little mini album cover for the color challenge at

CAS-ual Fridays

today.
(Orange, Aqua, and Green)

It will hold the photos taken of my grandson's first day going to third grade at his new school!

It only has a handful of chipboard pages, but I only have a few photos, so perfect!

As is the rule with CAS-ual Fridays, they keep it clean and simple.
The eyes are washers that I heat embossed with "Aged Aqua Embossing Powder" from Stampendous. It is absolutely beautifully
AQUA, but hard to tell in the photo! I used the over-sized "bottle caps" for the rest of the eye. 

I will be adding a title when I decide on one!

Papers:  DCWV, "The Green Stack"
Twine for tassle:  Bazzill

Also entered at the "Twine" challenge at
"Craft Your Passion" blog!
Pink By Design, "Round" out your summer!
(use circles)
The House That Stamps Built (Wings)
Lessology (Open that bottle!)

Thanks for looking!

 

 



Do it with a Flourish!

The color challenge at

 Flourishes

this month is such a pretty combo!

Here's my first WINTER card!

 

 

 

 

 

Difficult to think about when the high today in

Arizona will be 109!

 

I stamped and heat embossed the Flourish image in a dark grey.

I used Copic markers for the pretty

stamp, "Snow Wonderful",

and my

DCWV Screen Print Stack

with the raised designs!

The dark gray paper has tiny raised dots, with the dark teal sporting the gorgeous white

dotted pattern that reminded me so much of snowflakes!

 

This card is entered in the color challenge at

Flourishes!
CRAFT (Christmas theme)

ABC Christmas Challenge ( P is for...pearls and pine branches)
Inky Impressions (wings) 

Digi Darla's (Feathers) 



WOW! Great Color Challenge!

When I see a large group of colors that are all to be used on a card, I get a bit over-whelmed!

The variety of the colors in the challenge at

Chocolate, Coffee and Cards

was one of those!

 

Beautiful selections!

 

I pulled out the most colorful paper I had and picked out the pieces that most closely matched those in the sample.

 

I like the card. I hope you do!
 

 

Thanks for looking at my blog today!

 

Paper:  DCWV, "Fiesta"



Life's a Beach...

I love the fact that August is already half over and

I still have a Summer beach trip to go on in September!

It stays so warm here in Phoenix,

that we often think that the rest of the

country is 85 degrees in late summer, too!

Florida should be just about perfect around mid-September!

 

Here is my Summer Fun card!

 

 

 

 

The cork paper makes an ideal "sandy" background for the tiny seashells.

 

This card is entered in the challenges at:

Totally Paper Crafts,   "Summer Fun"

Fab 'n Funky,   "Anything Summer"

Ribbon Carousel, "Summertime Fun" and use ribbon, twine, etc.

(I used brown jute/twine)

 Crafter's Café (Beach)
 

My striped paper and the cool cork is DCWV!

The little shirt is from Jolee's, and had in my stash for years!



DCWV August Card Sketch Challenge!

If you're looking for some FUN sketches, and  would like a chance to win some great papers,

go to

DCWV Diary

and read the details of how you can play along!

 

I, myself, am in love with the new releases, and would be thrilled to win some products!

 

 

August Card Sketch

 

Here's my fun little project!

 

 

I have several friends expecting new babies in their families, and without knowing if some are boys or girls, this will be a great addition to any gift.

 

 

These little critters from the "Kidlet" stack are adorable! 

Can't get better than a sock monkey!

 

If you have a few spare minutes, all you need is DCWV paper (new or old) and some imagination!

PS...They have a terrific layout sketch challenge every month, too!

Back after what seems like FOREVER!

As some of you may know, I have been very ill for quite some time.

Without going into a lot of boring detail, I suffered from severe anxiety and weight loss from issues stemming from the sleep deprivation caused by Ambien.

Yes, you either increase your dosage (which I refused to do) or give in to the fact that while taking it, you will sleep shorter and shorter periods of time.  I had hit bottom at two hours per night for several months. Take my word for it, sleep meds are not the answer. 

 

But, I am thrilled to say that I am better now, close to my "fighting weight", and feeling like I can again join the rest of humanity in enjoying life!

 

Enough of that...

 

I made my first challenge card today in a very long time!

 

 

 

I have been exploring the stamp blogs as if I had never seen any of them before!  Six months can leave one very mesmerized!  But then, it now all seems new and fresh to me!

 I saw this challenge for a "Silhouette" card on

http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/

Sweet Stamps!

First off, I LOVE the stamp images they offer, and second, I have none!

So, I grabbed what I DID have and made this sweet heat embossed card.

 

Thanks for coming back after my having abandoned my blog for so terribly long.

Please forgive.

 

Paper:  MME, "Lost and Found"

Images: Tim Holtz and TPC

Embossing Powder:  Stampendous, "Detail Black"

Flowers: Prima



DCWV June Card Challenge is here!

For anyone wanting a little tutorial on the little dress banner I made for the ThermoWeb Hop,
Go HERE!

----DCWV June Card Challenge----
scroll down
v
v
v
With the chance to win some very fantastic papers,

everyone should be entering the monthly card and sketch challenges at

DCWV!

 

Look at the wonderful card sketch you have to work with this month!

 

It leaves SO many directions for your interpretation!

Here's mine!

 

 

I couldn't resist using the

"Whimsical World" stack

now available at JoAnn's.

 

It appears a little busier than my usual cards, but that's only because you are seeing the reflections in the gorgeous little mirror birds!

These are from the DCWV Home collection.

(Ever try to photograph mirrors?
Anyway, here is a better angle so you can see how
the tiny glass birds are actually CUT from mirror.
Tried not to get any reflection in the photo!)
 

They are very small and can be used just about anywhere!

How cute are these?

They would add the perfect little accent to a picture frame or 3D project, mini album, or even a scrapbook page!

 

 

I even added one to the inside of the card!

 

Well, don't just sit there!

Go grab some paper and join in the challenge!

You have the whole month of June!

And check out the Layout Challenge for June, also.

Maybe you're needing to get those Spring layouts finished and here's your incentive!

 

~Jan~

 



Here's the Little Dress Tutorial!

I had several people ask about the template and steps for making the cute little dresses that I used on my banner for the DCWV/ThermoWeb Hop last week!

The pattern I found by searching the internet. I should have bookmarked it, but there are so many to chose from and you may find one you like even better!

 

 

Because two sets fit on a regular sheet of copy paper, I always print them up this way!

Next, pick your paper patterns for your outfit (this part is just like clothes-shopping!)

 

 

You can decide if you want the dress skirt to be longer or shorter. I wanted this to be a sassy little daytime number.

Cut and score...folding towards center from both ends.

Glue the pleats down and clip till they dry. 

Add your bodice and glue that to skirt...

see how easy this outfit is coming together?

Once the two pieces are secure, add your belt, ribbon, flowers, accessories...

anything goes! Express your inner designer!

 

For the banner, I used a pleated background. 

These would just as adorable on a scrapbook page or directly to a card front.

 

Well, it was fun sharing this with you, and I do hope to be back in my scrapbook room soon!

I have some medical issues that need to be attended to at this point in time, but sincerely look forward to creating again!

 

Happy Memorial Day,

and have a safe weekend!

~Jan~



Welcome to the

DCWV

Therm O Web

Summer Lovin’ Blog hop!  

 

Today, the design teams from DCWV and Therm O Web have brought together all the things we love about summer! The designers have combined paper from DCWV’s Sunday Afternoon and Everlasting Love stacks, together with a variety of adhesives, mists and other fantastic products from Therm O Web!

If you have come here from Daniela's blog then you're on the right track!

 If not, you should go back to the DCWV blog  and start today’s leg of the hop from there!

Who doesn't love a sweet summer wedding?

And along with that comes the fantastic bridal showers and parties!
 

 

Using the DCWV, "Everlasting Love" stack, I created this adorable little banner to decorate for the bridal shower.  With these delightful black and white patterns and images, you can match them to any color decor in just minutes!
 

 

What bride-to-be wouldn't love to see this cute little banner hanging over her gift table?

 

 

Simple to make, and easy to assemble, this banner has to be one of my all-time favorites!

 

The easiest part was how perfect the Thermo-O-Web Adhesives held everything in place! I especially love the little tiny Zots and the packaged large 1 1/2 and 2 inch iCRAFT Dots!

 

Whatever your project, Therm-O-Web has an adhesive that will hold "forever and ever"!  

 

(Just think of all the little mix-and-match dresses you can make for layouts, cards, and home projects using all of the

DCWV paper stacks!)

 

Be sure to visit all the blogs today, and leave comments for your chance to win! Two lucky readers will win a set of 3 stacks from DCWV, and an additional reader will receive an amazing gift pack from Therm O Web! The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!

Now, head on over to Erin's Yamabe's Blog to see what kind of spring craftiness she has in store!

DCWV Card Sketch for May!

I wanted to mix elegant and casual, so these papers from

DCWV

"Violet Leaf" stack

were perfect!

 

 

I'm not a purple person, but the way this stack blends the teal blues with the purples is heavenly!

So great for Spring!

 

The little gold accents were punched from the

6x6

Glitter Cardstock.

 

Wonderful for when you need just a small touch of bling!

 

Go to the DCWV Diary blog

to see the sketch and enter your own creation!

You can win some terrific papers!



Blog Hoppin'!

Welcome to the collaboration hop of

Designed To Color

 and

Dustin Pike's, Doodle Dragon Studios!

 

 

If you came here from Lizzie's blog, you're on the right track!

 

Welcome to the Spring Fling Hop-Hop-Hop with Doodle Dragon Crew and Design to Color.  We are so happy you could join us for this special occasion. It is also Dustin Pikes 4 year Blogaversary.  You won't want to miss out on the deals he is offering.  Some of the crew used images from the new set, so hop around and get inspired.  Don't forget to check out the blogaversary sets on his blog and in the store HERE 

 

If not, you can start at the beginning at Designed to Color.

Have fun hopping!

 

 

 

Copics markers were used to color this truly "Delightful" little gal!

Dress:

V04

V06

V09

Skin:

YG11

YG06

G14

YG63

and the Colorless Blender to give texture to what I wanted to look like velour fabric.

I always use Hammermill paper to color with my markers!

 

For the pattern papers, I used the new "Delightful" paper stack from DCWV.

Here is the complete list for the hop, just in case you get lost!

Designed to Color 

 

Jenn Dove  

Lori 

Veronica 

Kerri 

Gramma 

Lisa

Lelia

Lizzie

         Jan (ME!)

Rhea    

Charlotte

Leah

Ginny

Taylor

CraftyGirl 

Dustin Pike 

 Leaving a comment and some love will get you a chance of winning some cool stuff.   Both Designed to Color and Dustin Pike have some goodies to give away.  Hopping is open until the 25th and winners will be announced by the 29th.  
Now, hop on off to Rhea's blog! She always puts a fantastic twist on her projects!
 Have a great week!
~Jan~

A CRINKLE in my weekend!

I thought it would be fun to make a simple card using the new

"Corrugate Stack"

from

DCWV!

 

It's a great little 6 x 6 paper stack that has so many cool colors!

Look for it at your local JoAnn's!

 

 

 

The honeycomb background paper and the quote are from the

"My Sunshine Stack"

and the pretty gold accent strips are

"Everlasting Love".

 

I absolutely LOVE my DCWV papers!

Such wonderful, quality paper at a really reaonable price,

especially with those sales and coupons, Ladies!

 

~Jan~



Dream BIG!

Here's a fun little card I made with the

DCWV

"Sunday Afternoon"

stack.

 

I love these papers so much and can't resist using them

for everything!

These cheerful colors help me through even the dreariest of times.

 

 

(The adorable ferris wheel is a stamp I picked up a long time ago from the

dollar stamp bin at Michael's!

Same great look and feel as those "name brand" stamps, but for only $1!)

 

~Jan~