Thursday, February 24, 2011

Mo's Challenge # 71



Pretty in Pastels

Cathy is the hostess for Mo's Challenge this week, and she's given us another wonderful, fun challenge! Your card or project using one of Mo's images has to be done in pastels and include a hand made flower or flowers of some kind.
  
Bunches of Love



I love this image, but I say that about all of Mo's images! I don't think I could pick a favorite.
I'm really in the mood for spring! This winter has been awful just about everywhere in the country. I think we're all due for some sunshine and flowers! This challenge came just in time!

Image: "Bunches" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, MS Hydrangea punch, Nellie Snellen embossing flower punch set, Creative Memories circle-cutting system, Tacky Tape, VersaMark, Gold EP

Papers: Basic Grey "Yoshi" DP, SU! Soft Sage CS, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Ruffled gingham ribbon, Narrow satin ribbon, Brads, Tiny pearl cabochons

Early Easter

I'm just loving this challenge! The spring colors are helping me hang on until our school vacation next week!  I can't wait! I'm going to color as much as I can!
This is one of Mo's newest images, "Easter Bunny"
Isn't she adorable?! She was such fun to color, too!

Images: "Easter Bunny" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, MS Wide border punch and Branch punch, Nellie Snellin Embossing leaf punch set, Mounting tape

Papers: SU! Almost Amethyst, GableGreen, Pretty in Pink, Garden Green, and Only Orange, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey Sugar Rush DP

Embellishments: Pearl Cabochons, Gingham ribbon, 'Joy' charm. Rolled paper roses


Baby Blue



Here's another card that follows the challenge criteria. I've used Mo's "Baby Boy" with straight hair. He's also available bald or with curly hair.
I made the flower by basting a 6" length of eyelet trim, gathering it into a circle, and adding a couple of buttons. The tiny button is from an old nightie...I just couldn't throw out those sweet buttons..... how could I?!

Images: "Baby Boy" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Computer-generated sentiment
Tools: Copics, MS border punch, Cuttlebug with embossing folder, Mounting tape

Papers: SU! Pacific Point blue, Bliss Blue, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Lace, Grosgrain ribbon, Eyelet lace, Buttons


I think you'll have fun with this challenge. I know I did! Thanks, Cathy!
Let's see the pretty flowers you'll create!
Thanks for dropping by!
Elaine

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Mo's Challenge # 70

A Sketch!



Our hostess, Cathy, has given us a wonderful sketch to use for this week's challenge.
I'm sure you'll find it as easy to work with as I did.

Puddle Jumper!



I used Mo's adorable "Spring Fairy Puddle". I was nervous about coloring this image the very first time, but I shouldn't have been. This time it was fun! I just looked up images of frogs and used them as a guide for colors. I chose to use  more common colors, but frogs come in every color of the rainbow, so you could go wild if you'd like.

The little figurine is Beatrix Potter's "Mr Jeremy Fischer". 
I love frogs and  have a small collection of frog figurines.
They are placed here and there around the house, so
it's not obvious to most people that I collect them.


Tools: Copics, Marianne swirl dies,  Mounting tape, Spica pen (on wings)

Papers: SU! Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Neenah smooth white,
K & Co. DP

Embellishments: Prima daisies, Lace, Mini brads

We'd love to see what you do with Cathy's sketch, so join us 
in Mo's Challenge this week for a chance to win an image from Mo!

Good luck!
Elaine

Sunday, February 13, 2011

The "Man" Cold



I Want Mommy!




Many of the women I know say that their guys are impossibly helpless whenever they are the least bit ill. I hear them complain that they turn into little boys and want to be waited on . Mo drew this image with that in mind. Notice the overly large robe! Fortunately, I don't have that problem.....my husband is very self-sufficient and takes care of his own needs.
I colored this image without looking for DP first, which is the usual way for me. Imagine my surprise when I found a paper that was a perfect match! When I found ribbon and flowers that also match, I could hardly believe my luck!

Image: "Needs Mummy" from Mo's Digital Pencil , Digital word art (?)

Tools: Copics, Corner rounder, Glue dots, Nellie Snellen embossing leaf punch set

Papers: SU! Barely Banana, Buckaroo Blue, Only Orange, Basic Grey "Wags & Whiskers" DP, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Prima daisies, Grosgrain ribbon, Buttons, Button brad

I hope everyone is well at your house!
Elaine

Saturday, February 12, 2011

The Tin Man



Heavy Metal!

I love The Wizard of Oz and all the wonderful characters searching for the things they feel are lacking in their lives. The message of the story is timeless....we all have it within ourselves to be the people we dream of being. We just have to do is realize the gifts we already possess. 


 This card uses Mo's version of the lovable Tin Man. Here he is offering his heart to his Valentine.
I referenced his main component throughout the design, using embossing in a diamond plate pattern, screw brads, a heart punched from an aluminum can,  and silver cord.  This was fun to make, and I think that, even with the bow,  it would be a good card for a guy. 
I used Dorcas's technique for drawing clouds for the very first time. It's very effective, but I need a bit more practice!
If you zoom in, it looks as if there are little white specks on him. That's just the light reflecting off bits of the Spica ink that I used to give him a bit of a shine.

Inside: "Honey, My heart is yours! Happy Valentine's Day!"


Tools: Copics (C1, C3, C5, C7), Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Embossing folder, Martha Stewart Border punch and Heart punch, Mounting tape, Dimensionals, White gel pen, Silver Spica pen

Papers: SU! Going Gray, Basic Black, Real Red, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Screw Brads, Silver cording, Gingham ribbon
I'm hoping to get "The Cowardly Lion" done soon. I have an idea for a Valentine card using Mo's image of Dorothy called "Kansas", too. 
Thanks for stopping by!
Elaine


Thursday, February 10, 2011

Mo's Challenge #69



No Red or Pink?!

Cathy's given us a real challenge for this week! I love red, pink, and white Valentine's Day cards, but that's a 'no-no' for this week.....we had to make a Valentine in non-traditional colors!
I was really worried about this one, but I think it turned out well.



I've used "Alice With Present".  I just love this image....it's so versatile, so sweet, and a dream to color!

Images: "Alice With Present" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Oval Nestie, Tacky Tape,  Mounting tape

Papers: SU! Cool Caribbean, Certainly Celery, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Grosgrain ribbon, Heart charm, Pearl cabochons, Ruffled lace, Lace trim, Mini hearts from MS border punch


So, let's see your non-conformist Valentine cards! Remember....NO red or pink!
Good luck!
Elaine


Thoughts of Spring

I'm a little tired of all the snow we've been having here in New Hampshire, and I'm not the one who has to shovel or plow it!  My husband does, but he skis, so he welcomes snow, even with all the extra work.
When he asked me to make a Get Well card for an elderly aunt, I jumped at the chance to make something to remind me that spring will come eventually!



I love the colors in this, but I'm not completely happy with the design. I wish I'd put the bow on the other side...it would have been in better balance. Because of the way I attach bows, I wasn't able to change it.

Images: Vintage image from Digital Two for Tuesday,  Dollar sentiment stamp from Michaels

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Cuttlebug with Craft Concepts embossing folder and Nesties and Marianne dies, Martha Stewart leaf punch, Circle punches, Mounting tape, Tacky Tape

Papers: SU! Sage Shadow and Bashful Blue, Neenah smooth white, PTI white

Embellishments: Roses and Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts, Grosgrain ribbon, Dragonfly charm, Pearl cabochons

Saturday, February 5, 2011

For My Husband



The Cat's Pajamas



I made this card for my husband for Valentine's Day.  I love cats, and I don't think that's a secret to anyone who knows me! He, however, is always saying that he doesn't like them, but I caught him the other day, scratching Elijah under the chin and talking to him. Busted!
He's had to do a lot of cat-related chores since they took my knee out. I use a motorized chair to get around and can't easily get into the laundry room to clean out the litter box, so he's been doing it for about three years. With two cats, that's quite a frequent job!



This fun image is from Rick St. Dennis. He has a lot of cat images to choose from, among other great themes.  He's been wanting to start up a Design Team, but has been having trouble finding the right people to fill the remaining five spots (I'm already on board and waiting for company!). 
Click here for more information.

The inside says:  "If I had nine lives, I'd want to spend them all with you! Happy Valentine's Day!"

Images: Cat from Rick St. Dennis, Sentiment stamp from SU!

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Dimensionals, White gel pen, Mounting tape, VersaMark pad, Black ink pad, UTEE, Heat gun, Distressing tool,  Cuttlebug with Heart die

Papers: SU! Bordering Blue and Brocade Blue, Neenah smooth white, PTI white, Basic Grey DP, Thin cardboard

Embellishments: Grosgrain ribbon, Heart sticker

I've entered this in Crazy 4 Challenges
Allsorts Challenge  and Basic Grey Challenge.

Pleased check out Rick's Etsy shop. You're sure to like what you see!
Thanks for visiting!
Elaine

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Mo's Challenge # 68



Buttons, Bows, & Lace!

Cathy is our hostess for the month of February and, of course, the theme is love! Use one of Mo's images that pictures love of any kind, dress it up with buttons, lace, and a bow and enter this week's challenge for a chance to win an image from Mo's store.


 I  have used an image that shows the love between siblings. It really does exist, but doesn't show itself often, unfortunately! This image captures one of those rare moments. An African American version is also available.


Tools: Copics, Mounting Tape, Glue dots, Wire, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! Rose Romance and Pretty in Pink, Neenah smooth white, Recollections DP

Embellishments: Buttons, Grosgrain ribbon, Lace trim.

So, conjure up something that speaks of love and enter Mo's Challenge for a chance to win!


 A Few More Valentines!

I colored up several images over the past few days and have been going wild with Valentine's Day cards.  I just can't seem to stop! LOL!


This first one uses an image from Make it Crafty. It's called "Geeky Love".  I think it's adorable and was so much fun to color! 
 My sewing machine was giving me fits...the thread kept tangling and breaking. It finally just started to act right, so I still don't know what was wrong with it.

Images: "Geeky Love" from Make It Crafty, Free digital sentiment (?)
Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Martha Stewart punches, Sewing machine, Glue Dots, Tacky Tape, UTEE, VersaMark pad, Heat gun

Papers: SU! Pretty in Pink, Punk Pirouette, Going Gray, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Gingham ribbon, Flowers, Chipboard heart (colored with Copic marker, pressed into VersaMark pad,coated with UTEE, and heat embossed. Thanks, Sheila!)

For the Guys

 
For this card,  I used a free image that I got from Designed to Delight when I participated in a recent blog hop. It's now available for sale.
The little heart charm was yellow enamel....I colored it red with a Copic marker. Gotta love those Copics!

Inside it says, "Honey, You are my best catch ever! Happy Valentine's Day!" 
 
Image: "Fishing Valentine" from Designed2Delight, Sentiment stamp from SU!

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Cuttlebug with Embossing folder,  Slice with Vintage Findings design card, Martha Stewart border punch,Heart punches

Papers: SU! Real Red, and Chocolate Chip, Bazzill Textured Mocha Divine, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Heart charm, Grosgrain ribbon

 
Another free image...this time from Tiddly Inks. It's now available for sale.


If you look closely at the rocks I've displayed with this card, you can see that one of them has a funny little face on it. Years ago, my father and I were walking on Rye Beach, here in New Hampshire, and he just reached down and picked it up. He'd spotted the little face looking up at him. He's been gone for several years now, but I still have that funny little rock.

Images: "You Rock"  from Tiddly Inks, Computer-generated sentiment
Tools: Copics,Prismacolor pencils, Martha Stewart punches
Papers: SU! Real Red, Bazzill textured brown CS, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP
Embellishments: Mini brads

Last One For Now!
  This is another free image that I picked up on the Heart Hop. It's also now available for sale.
I thought this goofy little rag doll needed orange hair! 
 


Images: "Lucy Valentine Girl" from Robin's Fetish, Computer-generated sentiment

Tools: Copics, Crimper, Mounting tape, Tacky tape, MS border and Hydrangea punches, Cuttlebug with Daisy dies

Papers: SU! Gable Green, Groovy Guava, and Green Galore, Neenah smooth white, MS DP

Embellishments: Pearl cabochons

That's all for now! It was so nice of you to visit!
Elaine