Sunday, July 31, 2022

Instagram Discovery Hop - Beautiful Bees

Hello and Happy Sunday!  Wow, the last day of the month, where has the summer gone?  It will soon be time for school start ups, Autumn and then Holiday time!

Today, a group of talented crafters are hosting a Just for Fun Instagram Discovery Hop.  The theme of today's Hop is Honey / Bees and you can start the Hop HERE on my IG page.

The premise of this Hop is to dig through drawers, root through hidden piles, open those bins and find what has been forgotten about. I encourage you to try this; instead of buying new products, take a look at the treasures you already have.



For my project share, I remembered I had the lovely stamp and coordinating die set "Beautiful Bees" from Gina K. Designs; illustrated by the sweet and talented Melanie Muenchinger.  I love Honey Bee images and they are always in style.  I went with a black/white with 1 color theme.



To keep my scene sweet and simple, I stamped a few hexagon shapes using Catherine Pooler inks; die cutting 3 of them to pop on craft foam for dimension.  The bees were die cut and also popped on craft foam.


The sentiment has been stamped directly on the card panel using a stamp positioner because I don't trust myself to get it straight!  Lastly, a skinny gingham ribbon, bow and gold iridescent sequins were added for additional interest.

Please hop along with us for loads of inspiration using re-discovered items from our stashes.  This is a monthly Just for Fun Hop with a different theme each time.  If you have an Instagram Account and are interested in being a stop along the Hop next month, contact @craftwithme101 on Instagram for all the details.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

** Challenges Entered:






Friday, July 29, 2022

Old Time Hollyhocks

Hello and Happy Friday!  It's been a busy week but I've managed to fit in a bit of crafting therapy / watercoloring.  Today I'm featuring the Old Time Hollyhocks digital image from Power Poppy.


Now is the time I start crafting with Autumn in mind but I just had to paint these florals with summer colors.  I did loose watercoloring on mixed media paper using Gansai Tambi watercolors.


My card measures 5.5" square; my favorite square size to make because I use 8.5 x 11 card and this size leaves little waste.  The sentiment is from a Tim Holtz sentiment pack and the embellishements were a gift from a crafty friend. 

Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:
Alphabet Challenge:  Interest / Hobby = Gardening






Sunday, July 24, 2022

Varada Sharma - Your Special Day

Hello Friends and Happy Sunday!  Today I have a quick post featuring a digi stamp from the Your Special Day Digital Stamp set by Varada Sharma Designs.  This set is part of the larger Sweet Summer Release for July 2022.  

The Your Special Day Set includes sentiments and a cake image however I've chosen to use only the Gifts to create a celebratory card that could be used for a birthday, a wedding, an anniversary, or any other special occasion. 


The image has been colored using alcohol markers and fussy cut, then adhered flat to a fancy scallop die cut panel.  The patterned paper is part of a digital paper pack from Polkadoodles.  


The sentiments have been die cut into strips and popped on craft foam for dimension.  They are included in this digi set.  To complete the card design, I've added light peach enamel dots.  I love this fresh color palette of Teal, Coral and Blue, it's so soft and feminine. 

That's all I have for today.  Have a great day and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:


 

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Dress Up and Never Give Up

Hello and Happy Saturday!  I've had a play with mixed media and created a 5.5" square top folding card featuring the "Dress Up and Never Give Up" digital image and sentiment from the Polkadot Orchard.  


To start the card, I've created a mixed media masterboard that measured 11x7" using a sheet of copy paper and built up layers of torn paper napkins, acrylic paints, inks, stencils, and paint splatters. I've cut the masterboard into sections so they may be used on other projects as needed.


The dress image and sentiment were printed using a laser printer and foiled with toner reactive foil sheets and a laminator.  I foiled the sentiment using black foil so it would appear embossed/shiny.

I fussy cut the dress, trimmed the sentiment and popped both on craft foam for dimension, then adhered to the card panel with liquid adhesive.  To finish, I've added gold sequins for additional bling.

That's all I have for today.  Have a great day and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:








Friday, July 22, 2022

Colour Crazy Challenge - Cheers to You , Ladies

Hello and Happy Friday!  Another week in the books and today starts a new bi-weekly challenge at Colour Crazy.  Our sponsor this round is the sweet Pattie's Creations and for my team project, I've colored up the Cheers to You, Ladies digital stamp.


This is a fun image and they remind me of "Ladies who Lunch", they've got their Martini's and I'm sure they have lots of fun together.  I've colored the images with alcohol markers and created the backgound panel using alcohol inks.


I've used a corner punch to create the look of a photograph matted with those old fashioned black corner pockets..remember those?  The sentiment strips are from Art by Marlene and I've added Glossy Accents to their Sunglasses for a bit of realism.

Please join us at The Colour Crazy Challenge this round and you maybe the lucky winner of images from Pattie's Creations.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:







Monday, July 18, 2022

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Biker Gnomie

Hi Friends!  Today begins a new challenge week at Pammie's Inky Pinkies and our sponsor is the adorable Polkadoodles.  This weeks' theme is Anything Goes and I've used the Motorcycle Tattoo Biker Gnome from the Gnome for Men Collection to create a fun masculine card.


My hubby is a Biker and I try to find fun biker images to use for his birthday cards.  When I was given the opportunity to use this image, I was very happy because this will be his birthday card and now I'm ahead of the game!

The image has been colored with alcohol makers and I've stenciled a sky with clouds using the clouds stencil from My Favorite Things and Catherine Pooler Ink.


The patterned paper and graphic prints are from a digital pack of papers and clip art purchased 4 years ago from Scrapbookingdom on Etsy.  The set is titled Motorbike Mania and it's jammed pack with biker images and scrapbook layouts.  The clip art was printed on 110 lb. card and fussy cut.  The focal panel has been cut using a distressed edge die and popped on craft foam for dimension.  No bells and whistles have been added however I did add Glossy accents to the Biker Gnomies' sunglasses for a bit of realism.

Please join us at Pammie's this week and enter your project for a chance to win a prize package from Polkadoodles.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge - Mid Month Inspiration

Hi Friends, it's a busy Monday and I'm back with my mid-month inspiration project for the Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge.   Jan is celebrating Christmas in July with a Huge Sale of 36 Christmas Sets plus new releases for the month of July.  She also has a FREE set you'll want to grab before the month is over.

For my project today, I'm featuring the Christmas Holly digital stamp and sentiment, a set that is currently on sale for July, and created an A2 sized card.


The image has been colored using alcohol markers and die cut with a nesting circle die from Kat Scrappiness.  I've distressed the edges of the circle using a Tim Holtz distressing tool.


The designer papers are from the Bo Bunny "Tis the Season" 6x6 paper pack.  I've used a corner punch to give the panels more interest.  The focal panel has been popped on craft foam and red gems added for additional shine.

We are half way through the monthly challenge, you have until 12 noon on 31 July to enter.  Please visit the challenge blog for team inspiration using some of the new sets released this month along with a few older sets.  

Thanks for visiting and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:











The Inspiration Station Challenge - Picnic

Hello and Happy Monday!  Today beings a new bi-weekly challenge at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog and the photo prompt this round is the following:


I was inspired to create a 5.5" square card featuring a summer BBQ and picnic scene using products from Simon Says Stamp and Doodlebug Designs.


The products I've used were part of the Picnic Parade Kit from Simon Says Stamp.  The items in the kit are the Simon Says Stamp Summertime BBQ mini stamp set, Picnic Parade Shape Sprinkles and the Mini Icons Sticker Pack from Doodlebug Design.  Also included in the kit were patterned papers from Doodlebug Design.


I've die cut the focal panel using a nesting circle die from Kat Scrappiness and mounted on black card, then popped on craft foam for dimension.  I've also used corner punches to give the patterned paper mats some additional interest.  Finally, what picnic is complete without Ants?  Aren't they adorable?

We would like to invite you to play along with us at The Inspiration Station.  We would enjoy seeing your inspired projects.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Saturday, July 16, 2022

Hot Air Balloon from Varada Sharma Designs

Hello and Happy Saturday!  Today I'm sharing a card created with the new Hot Air Balloon Digital Stamp Set from Varada Sharma.  This image is part of the larger Sweet Summer Release for July 2022.  This set contains a Balloon image with flowers as I've used here and a Balloon with the flowers separate.  


I've colored the image with alcohol markers and fussy cut in order to pop on craft foam for dimension.  I wanted to create a focal cluster and the idea of mixing a bit of vintage with the modern came to mind.  I shopped my stash and came across a DCWV (Die Cuts with a View) 12x12 paper stack of lovely shabby chic-like papers and knew I found the perfect background.  


After a bit more "shopping" the stash, I found vintage ticket ephemera and thought one would be lovely as a travel theme.  I also die cut a harlequin checked scalloped oval to mount the cluster on.  The sentiment is from Gina K. Designs and was given to me in a card swap.  To finish off the design, I've added light pink gems for extra sparkle.  

That's all I have for today.  I invite you to visit the Varada Sharma Designs Shop HERE for the July 2022 release and more beautiful sets.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:
AYLI - I'm a huge fan of cool colors; Purple is my favorite color





Thursday, July 14, 2022

Keep It Real

Hello Friends and Happy Thursday..or should I say Friday Eve?  Today I'm sharing a standard, top folding A2 sized card created using the Keep It Real digital stamp and sentiment from Polkadot Orchard.


To start my design, I've used a panel of Alcohol Ink paper; paper that is specially designed to allow the ink to move when applied..similar to Yupo. Using Pinata Alcohol Inks, I.ve blended a background and set aside to dry.


The image has been printed, colored with alcohol markers, fussy cut and popped on craft foam for dimension; the sentiment has also been popped up.  I've had the Recollections Flowers in my stash for about 5 years and happened across them while looking for embellishments.  They have been adhered flat to the panel.

I invite you to stop by the Polkadot Orchard Shop for so many adorable, lovely and fun digi images.  I especially like the way I've colored this image; I wanted a "cartoon-like" appearance and I achieved it by not blending the shades while coloring.

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

Donna

**Challenges Entered:
AYLI - prefer cool colors because I look good wearing them.  Autumn and those colors are my favorite time of year so it's a toss up.  Depends on my mood really.









 

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Orange You Sweet

Hello and Happy Wednesday!  Today I'm sharing a Mini Slimline Card featuring the new "Orange You Sweet" digital image from the Sweet Summer July 2022 Release by Varada Sharma Designs.    

This lovely image can be resized to fit a standard slimline card however I like to create mini slimline cards and this image is a nice and easy color.


I've colored the images with Prismacolor Pencils and added two snippets of colored card to each end of the panel before popping it and the sentiment strip on craft foam for dimension.  


It's not easy to see in the photos, but I've scored each of the end snippets of card so they appear to be corrugated, I was thinking of an orange crate when I added that texture.  Lastly, I've added some clear sequins for a bit of shine and additional interest.

Thanks so stopping by today and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:


 

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday - Sparkles Unicorn

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Tuesday!  It's time for a new challenge round at the Polkadoodles Digi Choosday Challenge Blog.  For my team project, I've used the Coupon Day Sparkle Unicorn digital stamp to create a standard A2 sized card.


I've colored this cutie using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers and the designer paper panel is a snippet from my stash.  The focal panel has been die cut using a nesting stitched rectangle die from Kat Scrappiness.

The sentiment has been computer generated by me and popped on craft foam for dimension.  To finish the design, I've added black licorice twine from Spellbinders along with lilac and purple gems for shine.

Please join us at the Digi Choosday challenge, we love seeing all the incredible entries.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

The Paper Funday Challenge - Anything Goes with Optional: A Day At the Beach

Hi Crafty Friends!  Today begins a new monthly challenge at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog and it's Anything Goes with the Optional Twist of:  A Day at the Beach.  We have Mirtillamente and Alex Syberia Designs sponsoring us this month.  We thank them for providing the team images to use in our designs.

I chose to incorporate the Twist and created a card using Mirtillamente's Le Gine Prova Costume image.  I love this image, it's so fun and was an easy color.  I think she may be Kim Kardashian...not certain so don't quote me on that.  LOL


I've colored the image using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers and created the beach scene with alcohol markers as well.  The designer papers are snippets from the Pink & Main Summer Spash 6x6 paper pad and the sentiment is from a very old Hero Arts set that lives comfortably in my stash. 


I've die cut the focal panel using a stitched rectangle die from Kat Scrappiness and trimmed the patterned paper with a fancy edge punch (remember punches?  I still use them from time to time). To complete my card, I've added clear gems for additional interest.

Please visit The Paper Funday Challenge and join us, we love seeing all the entries, enjoy visiting everyone's posts and leaving comments.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:




 



Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Bloom with Joy

Hi Friends!  It's been a busy day but I wanted to squeeze this post in before the night got completely away from me.  I'm proud to announce I've joined the digital design team at Polkadot Orchard and I'm thrilled to be part of such a talented team.  

I've had a play with Dyan Reaveley Ink Sprays and the Bloom with Joy digital image from Polkadot Orchard to create an Art Journal Page.


To start my page, I sprayed watercolor card with yellow and orange colors, let dry and sprayed white acrylic gloss spray over a Weave patterned stencil.  I did a bit of stamping and added Washi Tape I recently purchased from Love My Tapes on Etsy.  


While allowing the background panel to dry completely, I went to work on the floral image.  I printed on mixed media paper as I wanted to water color the image; the journal page measures 5.75" x 7.75" so I printed the image to fit across the entire bottom of the page.  I loosely watercolored the florals, fussy cut and adhered to the panel.  



The sentiment is included in this digi set and I printed it large so I could trim it into 2 sections, which were adhered flat.  To finish the design, I splattered the entire piece with white acrylic gloss spray and gold watercolor paint. 

Thanks for visiting and I would like to invite you to visit Polkadot Orchard.  There are lots of lovely and adorable designs.  I'm certain you'll find something you love!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Monday, July 4, 2022

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge - Snowboardin'

Happy 4th of July to you and welcome back!  Today begins a new challenge week at Pammie's Inky Pinkies and our sponsor this round is the generous Sheepski Designs.  For my design team project, I've colored the Snowboardin' Image No. 164 using alcohol markers.

 


I love snowman images, I collect them so it was a treat to use this image.  Although this isn't a holiday card in particular, I've used it so I can say Happy Christmas in July!


The papers are from the Doodlebug "Winter Wonderland" 6x6 paper pad and the sentiment was computer generated by me.  The focal panel was die cut using an oval die and popped on craft foam for dimension.  For the finishing touch, I've added light blue gems for that extra bit of sparkle.

Please visit and join in the challenge at Pammie's Inky Pinkies.  We love seeing all the entries and appreciate the participation!  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:






Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge - Christmas in July

Hi Crafty Friends!  It's time for a new challenge month at Jan's Digi Stamps Challenges.  It may be the 4th of July but at Jan's it's Christmas in July!

Jan has released 3 new digi sets for July 2022 and one of them is a FREEBIE!  For my team project, I'm featuring Sugar n' Spice and it's on Sale for the month of July along with 36 other Christmas themed sets!


Christmas Baking used to be my favorite thing to do along with decorating but since we are empty nesters, I bake enough for us to enjoy and share with neighbors and vistors.  This set is the cutest with all the baking goodies arranged in the shape of a tree.


This card measures 5x7", a size I don't normally create but I wanted to keep the image as large as possible.  I've colored with alcohol markers and cut a frame out of glitter card.  The sentiment is incuded in the set and it's perfect for the image.  

Please join us this month at Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge blog.  We love seeing all the entries and enjoy visiting everyone's posts.  The team will be back mid-month with more inspiration.  Until then, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:




Inspiration Station Challenge #33 - Celebrate

Hello and Happy Birthday America, it's the 4th of July!  It's a busy Monday so let's get started.  Today begins a new bi-weekly challenge round at The Inspiration Station and the inspiration picture is:


How cool is this...it's America's Birthday and the picture features a birthday party in progress.  This inspired me to create what else but a birthday card!  I dug deep in the stash for this card.


The embossing folder is from Darice; it's not a 3-D folder..just one of those "old-fashioned" folders...LOL...use what ya got I say and my stash needs love.  The balloon dies were gifted to me long ago when I first started this card making adventure.  The sentiment die was a Christmas Prezzie a few years ago from a swap buddy.  The designer papers are from the Birthday Essentials paper pack by Kat Scrappiness.  Remember when Baker's Twine was all the rage?  Well, I still love using it!


I've inked over the embossed panel with Catherine Pooler It's a Boy Blue ink, the 2 small balloons are popped on craft foam for dimension and no proper birthday card would be complete without some sequins; which were added here and there.

Please visit and join in the fun at The Inspiration Station.  Let's see your "Celebrate" themed projects!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered