If you can be a unicorn... why not?

It has become a rare occurrence that I get to create anymore.

With work, chores, and intermittent hand pain to contend with,

my creative outlets have slowed to a trickle.

Which makes this little inspirational plaque even more special.

This is the first time I have played along with Oddball Art Stamps

Progressive challenge, but once I saw this adorable unicorn I had to play along.

There are actually two unis in this set, but I only had room for one on this

particular project. 

I made this for one of my besties who has a craft room with open space on the walls.

I have a problem with open spaces, as I want to fill them with lots of cool

schtuffs like art and toys and crap. It's a sickness...  

I tried to keep this as non-pink and cutesy as possible with the use of black

sequin glitter around the perimeter, and black accents to keep all the rainbow

nausea to a minimum.

I'd love to enter this in the following challenges:

Oddball Art Stamps - A Sky Full of Stars
(lots of stars in the background)

  

Under the Sea with Aurora Wings

Today is the start of a new challenge theme at 

the Aurora Wings challenge blog.

The theme is "Under the Sea", which sounds wonderful 

since it's 105 degrees outside right now.

What could possibly be better than a seahorse?
Two seahorses!!

I had one of these lovelies colored up in the jewel tones of purple, 

blue green, and yellow green. Then I thought this horsey needed an 

unconventional color scheme like pink and gold. WAY outside 

of my usual coloring comfort zone, but I think it works. 

I scored some new bits and pieces of ephemera that were perfect

for this project. I used a journaling card for my background. I think it's from

7 Gypsies. I paired it up with some die cuts and a bit of the highly coveted

Graphic 45 Voyage Beneath the Sea paper.

This gorgeous image is available in the Aurora Wings shop.

This version was created using the exact same embellishments,

but with the journal card in a different color to match my seahorse. 

Same image, done very differently.
Which is your favorite?

Thanks for stopping by today.
Be sure to stop by the challenge blog for lots of deep sea inspiration.
We also have a very interactive facebook page to share your makes and
find more inspiration here. 

Aurora Wings new release

No, I didn't actually fall off the face of the earth.

I have been tending to my new ailment; carpal tunnel syndrome.

Kind of an artist's worst nightmare, not to mention a frequent crafter's

worst worst nightmare as well. 

I love my new job where I work with small hand tools and 

use my very own high powered microscope. The down side is that my

awesome new job has caused a possibly preexisting condition to rear it's

fugly head and leave me in pain and frustration.

BUT, I put my big girl panties on and keep on truckin'.

Coloring and creating just takes me even longer than usual and has forced me to

work on my very poor time management skills. 

I honestly just wanted to cry (and I did) when I got diagnosed, but life goes on.

And I know so many have so much worse to deal with, so no whining here.

Onward and upward.

Mitzi has come out with some incredible new images, and I just couldn't resist 

giving the adorable little Lupine Sprite a new paint job.

Such a sweetie!

I went with my usual vibrant color scheme, and even added some polka dots

to her little face for more interest. I usually don't deviate from Mitzi's original

images, but felt like being a rebel this time out.

I added some Rock Candy distress glitter to her petals, but am not loving

how it came out. Stickles may have been a better choice for this application,

but still overall pretty pleased with myself on this card.

I always need "Thinking of You" cards for friends and family, so this

one is perfect for my stash of cards. 

Be sure to take advantage of the generous offer Mitzi has for this release.

Check out the newbies and all the other fabulous images at the

Aurora Wings Digi Shop.
And if you're looking for some inspiration, check out the incredible
inspiration samples the Aurora Wings DTs have created here.

Thanks for stopping by today!! 

SDC271 - Bling it On!!

Here is my make for the current challenge at 

Stampotique Designer's Challenge.

The theme is 'Bling it On!'. 

I didn't think it was going to be too hard, but found myself

struggling to add bling to my original idea. 

This is #6049 'Marci'. She is quite awesome.

I coupled her up with the #3083 'Brolly' stamp, and a fitting saying

from the #13022 Phrase Cube.

The whole card kind of reminds me of Wednesday Addams taking a stroll in the

pale moonlight with her parasol and bat friends. 

I used a background I made using Lindy's Stamp Gang sprays.

I love the sprays, along with the line of Magicals and their embossing powders.

The bling consists mainly of silver Stickles and some Gelli Roll stardust pen.

Super fun to make and perfect for the Goth or Darkling of your choice.

Thanks for stopping by.

Check out the other DT samples and inspiration at 

Stampotique Designer's Challenge blog.  

Word Up Weekend with Stampotique

I used to think I didn't need sentiment stamps.

I thought I could always just print out any sentiment I wanted

from my computer, and for free. Well, that is true, but what a PIA

to print out a simple sentiment, choose a font, point size, etc.. and then try to 

fill up an entire sheet of paper of them so as not to waste paper.

I have come to my senses and have amassed quite the sentiment stamp collection.

Stampotique has some amazing sentiments and quotes in their shop.

TONS of them, in fact.

I made this card using a couple of the newer releases from this year.

And had a play with some of those cool Distress Oxide inks, too.

I began by stamping the Script Background stamp onto kraft card stock using

Versamark ink and then clear embossing it.  

I used some Oxide inks along the edges, and flicked some water on it to get a reaction.

I still need to practice more, but I do like the matte chalky feel to these inks.

I love this Communitree stamp!!

At first, I didn't realize it was a tree, but once I did, I fell in love

with this stamp.  

I used some of the Daniel's Hearts hearts to drive home the message of love.

I get so much use out of this one heart background stamp.

And lastly, but not leastly (lol), is the lovely sentiment stamp,

       A Heart, which is a quote from Oz.

I think all of these stamps work brilliantly together, as well as great stand

alone stamps for any project.

I hope I've inspired you to expand your sentiment stamp collection.

So handy, convenient, and perfect for nearly all my stamped projects.

Stop by Stampotique and check out all they have to offer, but be sure to

take a look at their incredible assortment of words, phrases, letters, and

number stamps.   

Stampotique and Lindy's Stamp Gang collaboration

One of the many perks to being on the Stampotique design team

is the possibility of collaborative opportunities with other fabulous

art and crafting companies. Today is just such an opportunity.

Stampotique has joined forces with Lindy's Stamp Gang, who was

super generous and supplied us with some very awesome products

to couple with our Stampotique stamps.

Fabulous array of colors and new products I've never tried before.

Since the selection consisted of the colors in the new color challenge at

Lindy's blog, I decided to play along.

I began by using Lindy's sprays on my craft mat, and then smooshing some 

watercolor paper through it. I really like the effect. Usually, I use too much

of the sprays and they blend together too much. I like how much white is still

showing.  And it is key to dry between colors so they don't turn to mud on you.  

I used Kira's Waving Spotted Monster #4033.

I colored him with Copics using the "no-lines" technique and used

colors that were similar to the challenge.

I used a Sharpie paint pen to add the white highlights.

I chose the #8921 A Friend's Touch quote stamp, and used the 

supplied Lindy's embossing powder to add a little iridescent frame around

the quote. It has a beautiful pearlized sheen to it. I can see me using

this quite a bit in my future makes.

Be sure to stop by Lindy's blog to see all the eye candy and wonderful

inspiration being offered there!  

   

SDC:270 - Text Background

The current theme at

Stampotique Designer's Challenges is 

TEXT BACKGROUND.

This is one of those projects where you are immediately inspired by an image

and are thankful when it all pans out in the end.  

The new Merman stamp called, 'Snuhubala', by Daniel Torrente

is a perfect fit for his mermaid (one of three), 'Smumanha'.

I got lots of dimension by using various layers of doilies and die cuts.

And then used lots of foam dots on the happy couple for ultimate lift.

For my text background, I used an old dictionary page from a dictionary

I've had since high school. Quite vintage and nicely yellowed. I splattered some

Dylusions sprays to add some color, and added a love die cut for the sentiment.

I am quite happy with how this project worked out.

It's nice when something happens organically and as close to perfect as possible.

Thanks for dropping by my lonely little blog....

Be sure to check out all of the incredible art inspired by the text background theme

at Stampotique Designer's Challenges.    

Aurora Wings: #46 Sketch Challenge

Just wanted to pop in quickly today with my card for the new theme at 

Aurora Wings Challenge Blog.

The theme is actually a sketch, which I have decided I am rather fond of.

I struggle so  much with the layout of a card, it's nice to have the guess work

taken out for me with a sketch.

I decided to use the sweet Pierrot Sprite for the card.

Such an adorable and painfully sweet image.

Great for so many sentiments, but unfortunately

it is perfect for a sympathy card. I have the need 

for a few of those this month.

Thanks for dropping by today.

Be sure to pop by the challenge blog and check out the fun and inspiring sketch,

along with all of the fabulous DT samples.

  

SDC:268 Ribbon and Lace

I am in the mood for spring to be here.

I am so tired of the much needed rain here in California. 

We are saturated and ready for the sun and temps in the 70's.

With that all in mind, I went super Spring-y with my card for the 

current challenge at 

Stampotique: Ribbon and Lace.

I used one of the new release stamps from last month, #13025  'Terra Cotta Bunny' .

He is super cute and perfect for any bunny lover or Easter/Spring cards.  

As most folks already know, I'm not much of a frilly or fancy girl,

so ribbons and lace kinda make my skin crawl. Unless it's black.

BUT, I put on my girly girl panties and used white crocheted lace and 

some bright colored ribbons to thread through the buttons.

Lastly, I added Stickles for sparkle and interest.

My Grandma is going to love this card. Which is the whole point of making

cards. To spread joy and let people know I'm thinking of them.  

Thanks so much for dropping by and checking out my lacy bits.

Be sure to stop by the Stampotique Designer's Challenge Blog

to see more inspiring work and maybe even join us in our challenges.

We're also on facebook!! We'd love to see what you've been making with

Stampotique stamps!

   

New releases at Stampotique!!

That's right, it's another new release at Stampotique.

They've gone monthly with their releases so you don't have 

to wait so long between new release dates.

They're nice like that over at Stampotique.

I have used 'Cranium', and the large cupcake here.

Both are from this month's release.

 The Circled Circle I've used for the background is an oldie, but a goodie. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Be sure to check all of the new releases at Stampotique today!!

Ch.44 Aurora Wings - Anything Goes

Good morning!!
I am here today to share my card for the new challenge theme at
Aurora Wings Challenge Blog.
The theme is, 'Anything Goes', which you would think would be
pretty easy. No rules, just us any Aurora Wings image.
That's like choosing your favorite child. Mitzi has created so many
adorable, beautiful, and whimsical images, it is so hard to choose
just one.

I managed to finally decide on using one of the newer Fruit Sprites, 

Cherry Sprite.

Cherry Sprite is adorable, and so very perfect for
Grandma's Birthday card. 

I colored her up in pinks and fuchsias, as I thought red would be too obvious.

I splattered some Worn Lipstick distress ink and some Perfect Pearls Mist

in Biscotti on the background paper to sort of bring everything together.

I also used some fabric trim for a bit of texture and interest.

And I Stickled the heck out of her dress. She is a Sprite after all. 

And Sprites must 

SPARKLE!! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Be sure to stop by the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog for more

inspiration and eye candy from the talented design team. 

SDC:267 Seeing Red

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Well, happy belated, Valentine's Day.

I made some Valentine ATCs for the current challenge theme at 

Stampotique Designer's Challenge.

The theme is 'Seeing Red'.

I took it kind of literally...

This is #6081 Mervyn.

He is perfect when only a head will do.

I used #6109 Daniel's Hearts for the background.

And here we have the lovely #6208 Jillian.

I added some pearl hearts to her eyes and then used Glossy Accents to give

her some cool shades. 

I used #6119 Hanging Hearts for the background. 

Lastly, I used #7232 ATC stamp for the back of my ATCs.

How have I been making ATCs without this stamp in my life?!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Be sure to check out all the new releases this month, and play along with 

the challenges for your chance to win a Stampotique gift certificate.  

SDC265: Favorite Stamp

Getting back into the swing of things, I have another DT offering for you. 

This time, it's for the new challenge at Stampotique Designer's Challenge.

The new theme is to create a project using your favorite Stampotique stamp.

Now asking me to choose my very favorite stamp from Stampotique

 is like asking me to choose a favorite child or pet. It is virtually impossible

to choose just one. I used four Stampotique stamps for this project.

I began with an all-time favorite Torrente girl, Perl #6071.

Perl is awesome enough all by herself, but I added another

favorite stamp, the Bat Like Wings #6131 to make her even more

sinister and devilish. These wings have that effect on nearly everyone... 

After fussy cutting Perl and her wings, I glued them to her and 

mounted her onto a background I made using Color Burst powders. 

I also used the great Altered Curiosities #7244, but broke it up

to fit the background. I outlined it with a white pen to help it

show up a bit better.

    

Lastly, I used the Circled Circle #10038 image with white embossing powder

on a black card base. I also splattered various Lindy's sprays and white Dylusions 

to add more interest to the base layer.

Such a fun project!

Hope you're  inspired to play along, or at leat drop by the 

Stampotique Designer's Challenge blog to see all the magnificent

eye candy/inspiration.    

Aurora Wings Challenge #42: Asian Inspired

Wow! Here it is 2017, and my very first post in months.

I have missed sharing my art, but since I started working 

last September, I wasn't able to create much, so there really

wasn't much to share.

I quit my shitty job, and am getting ready to embark on a new 

career path very soon. In the mean time, I have located my mojo,

and am creating like a mad woman. I even finished some older

projects that have been collecting dust for months, if not a year or more.

The new challenge over at the Aurora Wings challenge blog is 

'Asian Inspired'.   

I have loved this image since I first saw it, but when my incredibly talented

DT sisters have created with it they do such an amazing job I was afraid I

couldn't do it justice. I gave it a go anyway...

I have used the beautiful, Chrysanthemum Festival image,

available in the Aurora Wings etsy shop.

As is my usual style, I have chosen to work with very non traditional colors.

I'm in the mood for some bright, springtime colors. 

I used pinks to give a nice contrast to the heavily saturated purple and blue green.

After coloring, I used some stitched rectangle dies and a complimentary

designer paper to finish it all off.

I have such a hard time embellishing these gorgeous images. 

I think they stand alone as a stunning focal point to any project.

And besides, I don't have any cool Asian themed dies or embellies, anyway...

Thanks for stopping by today.

Be sure to drop by the Aurora Wings challenge blog to see more

eye candy and samples for the new theme of 2017!!