Happy Halloween

Thank you to Stitchy Bear Stamps for this cute little witch freebie named "Starr." 

I know several people who will be so happy when they receive this card from me in the mail today. 

Like this sweet little witch and her black kitty say:  Happy Halloween!

As always, thanks for stopping by and blessings.

Jackie

Fall is in the Air

Squirrel Nutkin Digi from Delicious Doodles

Autumn Spring Stamps from TPC Studio and paper from Flair Designs Inc.

I love the fall and I hope these cards capture that feeling.  The paper is from the "Autumn Splendor" kit by Flair Designs Inc.  I used craft cardstock for both cards and gussied both up with Rusty Hinge Distress Ink.  On the "Squirrel Nutkin" card, I also used the fantastic eyelet setter and eyelets from Eye-Lets Etc.

The "Squirrel Nutkin" digi is from Delicious Doodles  and the acorn stamp and "Autumn Second Spring" saying are from the Autumn Harvest clear stamps by TPC Studio.  

I'm still learning new techniques and right now I'm learning to use watercolor pencils with Gamsol.  I'm not quite sure how to "smooth-out" the look of the coloring.  Any suggestions? 


I still have a lot to learn, but at least I'm having fun.

As always, thanks for stopping by and happy creating.


Jackie

Challenges and Blog Candy

"Quiet Elegance" 

This is the Touch of Class Silhouette I downloaded from Stitchy Bear Stamps.   Honestly, the card is square and everything carefully measured evenly.  I just can't seem to get it to look that way in the picture!

Anyway, the card itself is gray, with black and soft pink paper all from The Paper Company.  I used a silver pen for accents and sparkle and Tombow pens to lightly color the garments. 

I believe elegance, class and beauty are rare commodities in this day of grunge and "distress."  This card is my attempt to create all three with this beautiful digi from Stitchy Bear.    Thank you Stitchy Bear!

I've entered this card in the:
1.  "Pretty in Print" Digi challenge at:  One Stitch at a Time.
2.   The Sparkles Forum Challenge "One for the Girls"
3.   "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" at Order of Opus Gluei


Also, check out the August 31st Blog Candy available at Curly Bear Crafts.  Wowza! 

As always, thanks for stopping by and happy creating. 

Jackie

"Just a Little Note..."

This card was inspired by the pretty flower from Eye-Lets Etc.   I found the rubber stamp mouse from Stamp Pad Co. and then the fun began because I finally dared to try a new technique with this card - daubing. 

I used a small sponge dauber from Tsukineko and Tim Holtz Dried Marigold and Wild Honey distress inks for the background and round mouse frame. 

I do have a lot to learn about daubing, but I sure had fun with my first effort. 

Other rubber stamps used were from Morning Star (bee, which was fussy-cut and glued to card) and Stampendous ("Just a little note...".) 

So many ideas - so little time. 

Happy creating and thanks for stopping by.

Jackie

Taking Pictures

I've discovered one little secret for showcasing the pictures  we post online - Photoshop Elements! 

It's easy to straighten the picture and eliminate all background around the picture with the crop tool and eyedropper and bucket tools. 

Can you tell the before and after pictures below? 

I hope this helps someone else who is struggling with the ratty online appearance of their beloved creations.  If anyone wants more info about what I've learned, comment below and I'll be happy to "elaborate" on the details.

As always, thanks for stopping by.  I wish you a happy, creative day.

Jackie

Weekend Fun

I met with Terri Ott owner of Eye-Lets, Etc. last Saturday for a day of creative brainstorming and lots of fun.  She challenged me to create a card using Eye-Lets paper, their fantastic eyelet setting tool, and lots of eyelets.

I'm so "conservative" in my designs, that it was really a challenge for me, but I did create a card that I like.  What do you think?

Also, here's another version of my "Delicious Day" card using "Kiss the Cook" Stamps.

As always, thanks for stopping by and may you have a creative, blessed day. 

Jackie 







Delicious Day

Here's my "Delicious Day" birthday card ready to mail -

I love the colors in this card and the cute little veggies!  

I used Eye-Lets to provide nice neat holes which make it easier for me to tie a pretty bow with the ribbon.  Everything should make it through the mail just fine now. 

Oh, so much fun...so little time. 

Thanks for stopping by and many blessings and creative joy to you.

Jackie