Love The Person You've Worked to Become

Hello and Happy Thursday!  Today is a quick post sharing an ATC featuring images from Art by Marlene.  For those who are not familiar with ATC's, they are also known as Artist Trading Cards.  They measure 2.5" x 3.5" and are typically traded in swaps groups, etc.  

It's been a very long time since I've created any ATC's, I've traded with crafty friends a few times but I mainly created them to leave in random spots while I was out and about.  I hoped someone would find the card, it would give them a smile and they would either keep it or leave it somewhere for someone else to find.  People do that with painted rocks now.

ATC's are quick to make as they are so small.  I've created the background on watercolor card using collage paper, inks and paint.  I've adhered the images I thought were fun and added my own doodling to the images and as a border. 

This card went into my bag and while I was shopping the other day, I left it at the supermarket.  I wonder if it's been found, if someone benefited from the message, got a chuckle from the quirky images and what they did with it.  I hope they paid it forward and left it somewhere for someone else to find.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Krafty Chicks

SSS Wed Challenge

Penny's Challenges

The Sisterhood of Crafters

Double Trouble

4-Season Challenge

 

Not 2 Shabby Critter Pops

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Tuesday!  Today is my last DT project for the Not 2 Shabby Digital Design Team.  It's been so much fun this last 3 months and the time flew by!  

I'd like to share this  bright and colorful card created using one of the images from the Critter Pops Stamp Set from Not 2 Shabby.  This set is the June 2022 Stamp of the Month and has a matching die set.

I've colored the image with Alcohol Markers and the papers are stash snippets from Recollections and Color Bok.  I love the summer color combination of orange and pink, it's cheerful and happy.  Since the Pop is a Unicorn, I went with a Rainbow theme.

The layering banner die is from Alina Craft on Amazon and the sentiment strip was cut using a die from Kat Scrappiness.  The Critter Pop and sentiment have been popped up using craft foam.  Lastly, I've added black licorice twine and clear gems.

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Passion for Markers

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

Die Cut Divas

Let's Craft and Create

CCC Digi Creations

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Creative Knockouts

Aud Sentiments

Krafty Chicks

AYLI - I like both feminine and masculine but have much more feminine in my stash so I gravitate to that most often.

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday - Vacation Winnie

Hello Everyone and Happy Tuesday!  Today begins a new bi-weekly challenge round at The Polkadoodles Digi Choosday Challenge Blog.  The theme is Anything Goes Bright and Colorful; I've chosen to use Vacation Winnie from the Special Moments Collection for my team project.  

I've colored Winnie using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers.  The papers are from the "Summer" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella and the sentiment is from a Cardz TV set.

The image is adorable and I wanted to keep it large enough to be the focal of a 3.75" x 5" panel.  I couldn't resist giving her Posh Designer Sunglasses to wear so I've added Glossy Accents to create lenses.

Lastly, I've added yellow enamel dots from Kat Scrappiness because I simply cannot go without adding embellishments before calling a card complete.

Please join us this fortnight at the Digi Choosday Challenge Blog, we love seeing all the entries and visiting everyone's blogs and social media posts.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna  

**Challenges Entered:

SSS Mon Challenge - Movie:  Beach Blanket Bingo

Try It on Tuesday

Make My Monday

CD Sunday

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Dragonfly Dreams

Clever Dexter

Crafting Happiness

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

Die Cut Divas

All Sorts

Aud Sentiments

Spring Rolls

Hello and Happy Monday!  I hope your weekend was wonderful and you had the opportunity to have some fun.  This weekend I had a chance to play in my Art Journal.  I've created a page featuring some quirky images from Studio Light Art by Marlene. 

I prefer to cut a panel of watercolor card and create the page outside my journal; once complete, I then adhere the panel inside the journal.  The journal pages are thick watercolor paper also and can handle water, paint, etc. but I prefer this way of creating my pages.

To start the background, I adhered a piece of Collage Paper from Art by Marlene.  The paper is blue so I had that much of the background ready to go.  I stamped images, words and did a bit of stenciling with texture paste and brushed watered down pink acrylic paint over the panel.

Washi Tape was added as a place to "ground" the images.  I've added splatters with white and black acrylic paint.  The images were arranged on the panel and picked up with Press and Seal Plastic Wrap.  This is a great way to pick up images once you have them arranged the way you want.

Using Matte Gel Medium, I've adhered the images and went over the entire panel with the gel medium.  I needed the panel to become non-porus so I could do some highlighting with my Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pens. 

Once the gel medium was completely dry (it must dry completely or the tips of the markers will be ruined), I highlighted around the images and touched up the colored areas that became a bit subdued with the matte medium.  

Lastly, I've adhered the sentiment strips, which are from the Art by Marlene Sticky Quotes Sticker Pad.  I absolutely love the sentiment and when paired with this Curvy Lady (who resembles me in my swimsuit although I don't have the courage to wear a 2 piece), it puts a huge smile on my face...and that's what Art Journaling is about for me...having fun, experimenting with techniques and letting the creativity flow.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

SSS Mon Challenge Movie:  Barb & Star Go to Vista del Mar

Double Trouble

4 Season Challenge

Hero Arts Stay Crafty

Crafting Happiness

Mixed Media Lovers

Lost Coast Portal to Creativity

All Sorts

Crafter's Cafe

 

Rediscover Your Supplies Instagram Hop

Hello Crafty Friends.  Today I'm participating in an Instagram Inspiration Hop highlighting re-discovery....of your supplies. Today my crafty friends and I are sharing inspiration wth our stash supplies with a theme of Summer.  You can hop along with us starting HERE...please visit and get inspired.

My project today features the Radiating Squares 4 part layering stencil from Simon Says Stamp.  The inks are Catherine Pooler and the sentiment die set is from Kat Scrappiness.

I love stenciling and this stencil set is so versatile.  The amount of different designs is endless and I think the pattern would be great for those quick and easy masculine cards.

Catherine Pooler Inks are so vibrant and I adore my collection of them.  I chose 4 complementary colors I felt "spoke" Summer - the theme of this inspiration hop.  The sentiment was die cut and popped on craft foam for dimension.  I've added sequins from my stash; it's kinda my thing to add embellies to my cards.  It's difficult for me to call a card complete without adding them.

Please join us for this inspirational hop.  There are lots of stops and loads of inspiration by my crafty friends.  Have a great day and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Krafty Chicks

As You Like It - I always gravitate to and prefer Feminine. I am trying to create masculine themes so I have them ready to go.

Creative Knockouts 

Aud Sentiments

Cardz 4 Galz

CCC Digi Creations

Let's Craft and Create

Happy Little Stampers Stencil Challenge

Creatalicious

QKR Stampede

Creative Crafters

TTCRD

Die Cut Divas

Morning Glory - Varada Sharma Designs

Hello and Happy Saturday!  Today I'm sharing a card created using the new Morning Glory Digital Stamp from Varada Sharma Designs.  This image and set are part of the larger Bold Blooms Digital Release for June 2022.

I've colored the image using alcohol markers and kept the card design simply sweet, only adding a black mat before mounting the focal panel to the card base.

The focal panel and mat were cut using stitched rectangle dies from Kat Scrappiness.  The sentiment is from the same digi set and has been backed with gold thread and popped on craft foam for dimension.

I'd like to invite you to visit the Varada Sharma Shop HERE for the June 2022 release in addition to so many other wonderful images.  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Alphabet Challenge

Beyond the Blue

Creative Fingers

Crafting Happiness

Friendship Challenge

NBUS

QKR Stampede

A Perfect Time to Craft

Ching-Chou Kuik Challenge

Your Scrapbook Place

Mirtillamente

Morgan's Art World

All Sorts

Crafty Calendar

Colorful Options

Colour Crazy Challenge - Strawberry Fields

Hello and Happy Friday!  Today begins a new bi-weekly challenge at the Colour Crazy Challenge Blog and our sponsor this round is the Cute and Creepy Oddball Art Co.  For my team project, I've colored the Strawberry Fields Digi Stamp and created a 5.5" square Birthday card.

I die cut the focal image and mat using nesting circle dies from Kat Scrappiness.  The papers are a digital download set from Polkadoodles and the sentiment was computer generated by me.

I've followed a card sketch I found by Googling "Square Card Sketches".  I utilize sketches when I've run out of ideas and my card layouts start looking the same.  I love this image, it's nicely drawn and an easy color. 

I popped the main focal image and sentiment strips on craft foam for dimension and added light blue gems for a finishing touch.  It's hard for me to call a card finished without adding gems and enamel dots, what are your "must haves" on your projects?

Please visit us at Colour Crazy this round, we so enjoy seeing all the entries.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

My Time to Craft

Creative Knockouts

Krafty Chicks

Penny's Challenges

The Sisterhood of Crafters

Word Art Wednesday

Crafty Gals Corner

Paper Minutes

TTCRD

SSS Mon Challenge - Strawberries

Passion for Markers

Critter Clan by MFT

Hello and Happy Monday!  I hope your weekend was enjoyable and you had an opportunity to what you love.  Today begins a new challenge week at Pammie's Inky Pinkies with a theme of Anything Goes.  There is a Gift Voucher from My Favorite Things up for grabs so you'll want to join in the fun!

For my team project, I've created a card featuring the horse and cactus from the Critter Clan Stamp Set.  The background has been stenciled using a Mountain Scene stencil from Erin Lee Creative.

To create the background, I've stenciled using distress oxide inks in shades of blue for the mountain range and browns for the ground.  The images have been colored using alcohol markers.

The images have been fussy cut and the I've cut the focal panel using a stitched rectangle die from Kat Scrappiness.  The paper are stash snippets from Color Bok and the faux gems are from Kat Scrappiness.  The sentiment is included in the stamp set and the strip has been popped on craft foam for dimension.

Please join us at Pammie's this week, we love seeing all the entries.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Get Creative

Make My Monday

Ally's Angels

Sweet Stampers

Creatalicious

WWO DT Challenge

QKR Stampede

Crafty Animals

Happy Little Stampers Stencil Challenge

Simon Says Stamp Mon Challenge - Stenciling

Inspiration Station Challenge - Inspired by Yellowstone

Hello Everyone and Happy Monday!  I hope your weekend was wonderful!  Today begins a new bi-weekly challenge round at The Inspiration Station.  The inspiration photo is a gorgeous photo of cowboys, a mountain range, a fence line, green grasses and horses.  This scene reminds me of the television program Yellowstone...do you watch it?  I certainly do!

For my team project, I was inspired by the horses and I have the most adorable image from Hetty Clare titled Pony Cross Country.  I couldn't resist using it for this challenge.

My card measures 5.5" square and the image has been colored using alcohol markers.  The focal panel has been cut using a diagonal stitched square die from My Favorite Things.  

The papers are stash snippets from Recollections and the sentiment are Small Talk stickers from Tim Holtz.  I adore this young girls' face..it's drawn so sweetly.

Please join us this round at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog.  We love seeing how the photo inspires your projects.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

**The Inspiration Station is having a Design Team Call!  If you're interested in joining the team, please email 3 of your favorite projects and a short bio to Donna:  dlflowers64@gmail.com

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

CD Sunday

Dream Valley

Make My Monday

Get Creative

Path of Positivity

INTAAS

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Dragonfly Dreams

Corrosive Challenge

Crafty Calendar

Sweet Stampers

WWO DT Challenge

Crafty Animals

Bold Blooms by Varada Sharma Designs

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday!  I hope everyone is staying cool out there.  It's been unusually Hot here in Florida and I'm thankful for Air Conditioning and a Swimming Pool!

Today I would like to share a card I've created using the Bold Blooms digital stamp from Varada Sharma Designs.  This stamp set is part of the larger Bold Blooms Release for June 2022.

To start, I've printed the image on alcohol friendly cardstock and colored with Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers.

My card measures 5.5" square; my favorite square size to create as I can use the entire length of an 8.5x11" piece of card.  I've kept the design fairly simple, only layering with a black mat.

I've trimmed the sentiment strips and popped on craft foam for dimension.  The sentiments are included in the digital set.  For a finishing touch, I've added bright pink gems.  

Thanks for stopping by today, have a cool and relaxing weekend. Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Inkspirational

Crafty Catz

Alphabet Challenge

Creative Friday

Paper Dragonfly

Pattie's Creations

Krafty Chicks

Craft Rocket

WWO DT Challenge

Lil Red Wagon

SSS Wed Challenge

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

I'm Happiest When I'm With You

Hello and Happy Friday!  Father's Day is fast approaching (here in the States, it's this Sunday, the 19th of June) so I've had a play with a bit of ink and stenciling to create a Vintage Tag.  

I'm not great at creating Vintage or Shabby Chic themes but I've had the Tim Holtz Paper Dolls in my stash for a long time, so I thought to myself "a challenge is a good thing"..and it helps creativity.

Using a Mixed Media Tag from Joggles, I ink smooshed Distress Inks in shades of Blue and Brown to layer some color.  In between dries, I stamped clock and text images using the same distress ink colors.  I also stenciled splats and drips.  

I've fussy cut clock and timer images from ephemera I have in my stash and adhered to the tag, as well as washi tape.  I've adhered the paper dolls flat and traced around with a fine liner black pen, then adhered quotes from the Tim Holtz Small Talk Sticker pack.  Lastly, I tied some seam binding, thread and twine to the tag and called it complete.  

I will give this to my hubby for Father's Day, the back is blank and ready for a sentiment.  Maybe he will hang it from the rear view mirror in his truck.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Beyond the Blue

Creative Artiste Mixed Media

Through the Purple Haze

SSS Wed Challenge

Creative Inspirations

The Male Room

Crafty Gals Corner

Avenue 613

Dare 2B Artsy

Ally's Angels

Creative Crafters

Watermelon Popsicle

Hi Friends!  I'm back with my second post for this busy Tuesday!  Today I'm sharing a Cool Card that's perfect for those Summer Occasions and it features the Watermelon Popsicle digital image from Not 2 Shabby.

I've colored the image using alcohol markers, fussy cut and set aside to work on the background.  I wanted a sweet and simple layout/design so I ink blended a very pale pink over the card and adhered the panel to a card base.

I received a frilly die cut in a card swap and thought it would look nice behind the image, so it's been adhered to the panel.  The sentiment and popsicle have been popped on craft foam for dimension.  Lastly, bright pink enamel dots were added for that extra bit of interest.

I love watermelon but it's still too early in the year to find a good one, I love the melons I buy at roadside stands in July.  They are the reddest and sweetest ever.  I can't wait to get a melon, chill it and eat those sweet, juicy chunks!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

TTCRD

Make My Monday

Use Your Stuff

Ally's Angels

 

Polkadoodles Fuzzy Puffs Bunnita Carrot Cake

Hi Friends and thanks for stopping by!  It's Tuesday and that signals a new challenge round at the Polkadoodles Digi Choosday Challenge Blog!  The theme this round is Just Because.

For my team project, I've created a standard A2 sized card using the Fuzzy Puffs Bunnita Carrot Cake Digital stamp.  I never need a special occasion to have a piece of  Carrot Cake, how about you?

I've colored the image with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and the designer papers are from Kat Scrappiness.  The sentiment is from a set by Cardz TV and the postage stamp die I used for the focal image is from Alina Crafts.

I can see myself using this card for a Birthday, Easter. Mother's Day or Just Because.  I've left the inside blank and will stamp a sentiment once I decide what occasion I will use/need it for.  

Please join us this round at Digi Choosday.  We hope to inspire you with all our projects and love seeing all the entries.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

TTCRD

Dream Valley

Coloring in Scrapland

Crafting Happiness

Crafty Animals

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

QKR Stampede

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Ching-Chou Kuik Challenge Blog

Send A Smile 4 Kids

The Fairy and the Unicorn

Cardz 4 Galz

Get Creative

Word Art Wednesday

Bold Blooms Instagram Hop - Varada Sharma Designs

Hello Crafty Friends!  Today the team at Varada Sharma Designs is hosting an Instagram Hop and there are (3) $10 Gift Vouchers up for Grabs.  You can find the 1st Hop Stop HERE starting at 10 AM CST (11 AM EST).

We are celebrating the new Bold Blooms Release and for my team project, I've created a standard A2 sized card using the Forever Love Set; just one of the sets in this newest release.

To start, I printed the image on mixed media card as I wanted to watercolor and needed a paper that can handle the water.  Using Gansai Tambi Watercolors, I've loosely painted the image and matted with black card before adhering to the cardbase.

I've splattered black watercolor paint over the panel and added the sentiment strip; the sentiment is part of the new Morning Glory Set from this release and has been popped on craft foam for dimesnion.  Lastly, I've added blue gems to finish the design.

Please join us on Instagram for the Hop today.  There is more inspiration using this new release there and we would love to have you join us!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

CD Sunday

Corrosive Challenge

All Sorts

Creatalicious

Crafting Happiness

NBUS

A Perfect Time to Craft

Clever Dexter

Crafts Galore Encore

Mirtillamente

Your Scrapbook Place

Word Art Wednesday

Kat Scrappiness Summer Vibes Instagram Hop!

Hi Friends!  I'm back to invite you to join the team from Kat Scrappiness on Instagram for a Hop celebrating the Summer Vibes Release.  You can start the Hop HERE.

For my Hop project, I've created an Infinity (or Edge to Edge) Shaker Card using the new Summer Vibes Paper Pack, the Oopsie Daisy Layering Stencil Set and the Coordinating Dies. 

 

This was an easy shaker card to make thanks to the Waffle Flower A2 Shaker Covers.  I've cut a panel of Summer Vibes Designer Paper and pre-assembled the shaker pouch.  I've ink blended the daisies with leaves with the 3 piece stencil set and cut with the coordinating dies.  I filled the shaker with Berry Lemonade Sprinkles, along with more shaker goodies and sealed up.

I've arranged the florals, adhered to the shaker front using double sided tape, stamped the sentiment and cut using a small Nesting Circle Die.  That completes this easy and fun Shaker Card.  

Please stop by the Kat Scrappiness Blog to see all the team inspiration.  Be certain to Hop along with us on Instagram for more inspiration and an opportunity to win a Gift Voucher to Kat Scrappiness.  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Send A Smile 4Kids

Crafty Catz

Beyond the Blue

Creative Knockouts

Aud Sentiments

Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge

Outlawz Twisted Thursday

Penny's Challenges

Crafty Gals Corner

TTCRD

2 Sisters on a Blog

Crafting Happiness

Crafty Animals

Critter Crazy

Summer Vibes Release June 2022 @ Kat Scrappiness

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Saturday!  It's New Release Time at Kat Scrappiness and it's all about those Summer Vibes.  The team has created projects featuring the newest products available today and you'll want to check back at 12 noon EST for the Instagram Hop!

My project features the Oopsie Daisy Layering Stamp and Coordinating Die Set; the stamp set also has a 3 piece layering stencil set, giving you 2 options for coloring these lovely daisies.  I've also used the new Stitched Foliage Die Set along with the Summer Vibes Paper Pack.

I used 3 tones of Catherine Pooler Inks to stamp my florals instead of blending with the stencil set.  I also created my own green card for the foliage using 2 shaded of Catherine Pooler Inks.  I cut everything using the coordinating dies and set aside to create the panels.

Using nesting rectangle dies, I've cut a thick frame and flipped over the middle piece that was cut from the center (one side is the orange and the other is the tropical print), adhered both to a cardbase and popped the middle panel on craft foam for dimension.

I've arranged the florals and foliage, adhered craft foam behind the images and adhered to the panel.  Lastly, I've added Iridescent Droplets from the Kat Scrappiness for additional interest and shine.

Please stop by the Kat Scrappiness Blog to see all the Team inspiration using the Summer Vibes products and please Hop with us on Instagram at 12 noon EST today.  I hear there will be prizes on the Blog and Instagram!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Sweet Stampin'

Crafty Calendar

Beyond the Blue

Creative Fingers

Creative Friday

Paper Dragonfly

Outlawz Twisted Thursday

WWO DT Challenge

Aud Sentiments

Craft Rocket

INTAAS

Lost Coast Portal to Creativity

Crafting Happiness

 

Doodled Roses and Fancy Leaves

Hello Friends and Happy Wednesday!  Today is New Release Day at Varada Sharma Designs and the newest release is the Bold Blooms for June 2022.  This release contains 4 digital image sets with sentiments and 2 Cut File Sets (SVG files).  For my project today, I've used both cut files:  Doodled Roses and Fancy Leaves.

Using my Cricut Machine, I've cut the doodled roses, the fancy leaves and circles for backing the roses using watercolor card.  I've ink smooshed the cuts using Catherine Pooler inks and set aside to dry.

It is hard to see in the pictures but I have adhered several of the fancy leaves to a card panel to create a faux embossed background.  The sentiments are from the Forever Love Set; the "Joy" was printed using my laser printer and has been hot foiled. 

Please visit the Varada Sharma Shop HERE to see all the newest sets in this Bold Blooms Release.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

SSS Wed Challenge

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

The Paper Shelter

Elliebelle's Crafty Wednesday

Gerda Steiner at Pammie's Inky Pinkies

Hi Friends, Im back with my last post for this busy Monday!  Today begins a new challenge week at Pammie's Inky Pinkies and our generous sponsor this round is Gerda Steiner.  I've had the pleasure of featuring the Dog and Butterfly digital image for my A2 sized card today!

I've colored the image with Prismacolor Pencils and used Gamsol for blending.  I've cut the panel with a Stitched Rectangle Die from Kat Scrappiness and backed with a gray mat.

To give the sky some color, I masked the images and lightly blended the background with Catherine Pooler It's a Boy blue ink.  The sentiment is actally a sticker that I've left on the backing and popped on craft foam.  

Please visit and join in the challenge at Pammie's this week.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Outlawz Monday Greetings

CCC Digi Designs

LeeAnn's World

Gerda Steiner Share Your Designs

Let's Craft and Create

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Crafting Happiness

Crafty Animals

Challenge Up Your Life