Pencil Play

Hi Crafty Friends,
I'm still finding time to play with Prismacolor pencils.  Using pencils requires some new techniques but I think it's exciting to expand my crafty horizons so I'll keep trying.
I've used Diana, Here's the Scoop from Stamp Annie Thing and actually put it on a card I had already assembled.  I just swapped out the focal image.  I've made so many cards over the past years and I've decided that when I like a card layout but not necessarily the focal image, I'll just swap it out.   So here's my card.

I'm learning so much about using pencils especially layering and shading.   A lot has to do with the "tooth" of the paper and adding color without completely filling in the tooth.  Once that's done, it's difficult to add and blend color.  I'll just keep practicing.   Now, besides keeping my pattern papers sorted by theme and my card stock sorted by manufacturer - so I know what cuts best in my cutters, I have to keep my Copic papers, my water color papers, and my pencil papers separate since using the right paper makes a huge difference.  Good thing I love to sort and organize!!!
Thanks for sharing my creative journey.  

What's New?

Hi Crafty Friends, Time for a new challenge at Cut it Up Challenge Blog.  This is a SKETCH challenge.   I've used a sketch from SVGCuttingFiles.com to create my card but instead of using the actual cut file, I cut the pieces using Jaded Blossom dies.

Here's the sketch:

Jaded Blossom Products used: Card Mat Dies Stitched Circles Dies Panel Dies Border Dies Hey Chickie stamp set Other materials: Copic markers American Craft twine Doodlebug Designs sequins Authentique Homestead 6x6 paper pack Powder Puffs chalk ink

Our challenge runs for two weeks.  You can enter HERE. You must use a DIE CUT and don't forget to include the SKETCH you followed. This challenge is sponsored by

Shop Til You Drop

Hi Crafty Friends,
It's time for the Delightful Monthly Challenge #10. The theme is always ANYTHING GOES using a stamped image - digital or rubber.
For my project I've used Shopping Bella Boo from Digital Delights by Louby Loo.

I thought she would be perfect for a gift card holder.  I used Jaded Blossom's Folding Gift Card Die.  I also used the Stitched Circle Die and Spring Dies 2 for the sentiment.  The sentiment comes with the digi set.  The image was colored using Copic markers.
Please follow the link above and join in our challenge.  You have 3 weeks to link your entry.

Spring Banner Card

Hi Crafty Friends,

It's my turn to post for Paper Crafting World.

Today I'm using two cut files to create a fun card.  I used the Bracket Top Card Base (turned sideways) and the Spring Banner Set.  You'll want to take a look at the Spring Banner set cut file because it would make a perfect page layout.  I decided to make a card instead so I didn't use the tree included in the file and adjusted the cuts to fit onto the card base.

I used patterned papers from Carta Bella Alphabet Junction (6x6) and Authentique Homestead (6x6).  The files were cut on my Silhouette.  When cutting small items like the banner letters, I always use the line segment overcut function at .1.  It helps to make truly clean cuts. 

I also used Jaded Blossom's Border Dies and some Powder Puffs chalk ink to complete the project.

Thanks for visiting today,

You're Berrylicious

Hi Crafty Friends, It's time for another Cut it Up Challenge.  Along with a die cut, please add a strawberry(ies). I found this cute file in the Silhouette store.

The papers are from my stash (I love Doodlebug Designs papers for cutting with the Silhouette). The sentiment, stamped with Distress Ink and then embossed, is from Jaded Blossom's Berrylicious set.  I burnished the flower petals and leaves for a little dimension. This challenge is being sponsored by 

You can link your Strawberry project to Cut it Up Challenge.

Alphabet Characters

Hi Crafty Friends,
I just had cataract surgery and, wowzers, what a bright, colorful world I'm seeing now!!
There is a New Release at Digital Delights by Louby Loo.  Wendy has created a complete set of alphabet characters.  The teams are sharing half of the alphabet this month and the remaining letters will be in the June release.  What perfect images for personalized cards and gifts.
I decided on a mini altered composition book (always the teacher).  Wouldn't it be fun for a student to keep a record of all his/her words that start with A (B, C, etc.?)  Here's my project using A - Mickey Monkey

I colored the image using Copic markers and added Spectrum Noir Sparkle clear to the "A". The die cuts are from Jaded Blossom's School Dies set.

Be You

Hi Crafty Friends, I hope you have something special planned for Mother's Day.  My daughters are taking me to dinner and a musical on Friday and then fixing brunch on Sunday.  And, I get to "play" with my Jaded Blossom Scrap Night Girls on Saturday - it can't get much better than that. Today is my design team day at Paper Crafting World.
My 5 x 7 card features the Piggy with Bow cut file.

I love the colors in this patterned paper by Bo Bunny.  It really seemed to compliment the Piggy.
The sentiment was punched out with a 1.25" circle punch and then layered with Jaded Blossom Stitched Circle and Scalloped Circle dies.  I used my Silhouette to cut out the piggy and my Cuttlebug for the dies.   I tried shading the pieces using CTMH watercolor pencils but decided to add a little of Copic markers as well.

Be sure to head over to Paper Crafting World to see the latest in cut files available for instant download.  Melin's files work with a variety of cutting machines.  I love that she added a jpeg and png file.  I drag it onto my Silhouette virtual mat so I have a ready reference to assemble the file AND you can also use the image as a print and cut if you don't want to paper piece.

I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend.