Love is in the Air - Cardz 4 Galz

Hello, Sweet Blogging Friends!

It's time for the 40th Cardz 4 Galz challenge!

It is always a pleasure seeing your artful treasures.

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #40 theme is selected by teamie CAZ - Love is in the Air! 
You may have 3 separate submissions, and have as many cards as you like on each submission.  

so get crafting and show us your interpretation of Love - it all depends who the cards are for, right? Love is one of those gifts we give ourselves, and lavish upon others.
Challenge ends on February 15.

I love being on this team - not only because my teamies are so talented and inspiring, but because I get to use all my "stuff" that has lain neglected far-too long!

I'm using a beautiful PSX stamp in a resist technique, employing SNS White Detail Embossing Powder, 5 colors of distress inks, and lots of layers of hearts! It also makes me VERY happy to use some Recollections rhinestones to "bling things to life!"

It's such unusual designer paper, which has been in my stash for YEARS, so glad to be finding a good use for it, from a company called Pocket Full of Papers.

Although the card is an A8 (5.5 x 8 inches), it just fits the post office guidelines for a flat card, and a regular size envelope. But it might be an extra ounce LOL

Check out the detail for the rhinestone flourishes on each side of the card.

Notice a difference in the two sides? (click on the photo to enlarge)

The top left does not show up as clearly as the top right.
The right flourishes are much more defined.

By the way, the rhinestones truly are sparkly, I just couldn't capture it with my camera.

The difference close up:

The right side has been finished with Sparkle N Sprinkle Peruvian Lily Microfine Velvet Glitter.

This glitter is micro fine, and has a very small sparkle effect, but it's just enough to not detract from the rhinestones. The tape is covered up by the glitter.

Peruvian Lily Microfine Velvet Glitter is one of my favorite colors due to its versatility. It goes with just about anything - pinks, purples, greens, blues, reds, oranges, whites, blacks. I suppose it would even go with yellow and bright orange if the colors were used in other places as well LOL

Now both sides are glittered. The top left is much more defined:

Products Used:

• Sparkle N Sprinkle Peruvian Lily Microfine Velvet Glitter, White Detail Embossing Powder
• Image: PSX K1466 Heart Wisdom 
• Watercolor paper, pattern paper, SU cardstock, PFOP designer Paper
• Recollections rhinestones
• LifeStyle Nesting Heart dies

On a Personal Note:

Even in Florida we have some cold and dreary days, where there is such a chill, that our thin-blooded bodies just can't tolerate the cold. Everything is relative, right? We recently had nights descending into the 30s and 40s. On those cold days, this is what we enjoy to take the chill out of the air. The cold days make all you Northerners seem like Super Heroes to us!

Challenges I'd like to play in:

1. Classic Design Team Open Challenge Blog #11 Anything for a DT goes 3/1
2. Come and Get it Challenges (Jan 27) 3 or More Layers 2/5 (9 layers plus the base folded card and flourishes)
3. Craft Rocket Challenges #32 "It's a Love Thing" 2/14
4. Crafting from the Heart #145 Anything Goes 2/5
5. Crafts Galore Encore (Feb 1) Anything Goes! 3/1
6. Crafty Creations #334 Anything Goes 2/15
7. Die Cuttin Divas #302 Anything Goes 2/7 (heart dies used in a variety of ways)
8. heARTful Stamping Challenge (Jan29 - Feb 5) Use a Rubber Stamp + theme Anything Goes 2/5
9. Love to Craft #7 Anything Goes 3/5
10. Pile it On Challenges #125 Quotable 2/5 + other challenges
11. Word Art Wednesday (268-269) Anything Goes + Love/Wisdom 2/15 (paraphrased 1Corinthians chapter to concise words)
12. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge #18 Anything for a DT goes 2/15

Stamping Hugs,

Hug A Heart Card Drive Blog Hop

Welcome, sweet blogging buddies!

If you are looking for the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog hop, please click here.

Today I bring four sweet children's cards for the 

First Annual Hug a (Child's) Heart card drive.

It would be EVER-SO-SWEET if you can join in!

We offer "thanks" in advance for opening your beautiful heart to children who are strangers to you, and for helping to bring smiles and heartwarming encouragement to them during American Heart Month.

This drive is about celebrating young life during American Heart Month. 

Your cards will give children hope and encouragement to fight for a chance to grow to adulthood. Your thoughtful cards will have a deep impact for children and teens who are fighting to overcome their cardiac problems. Your kindness will inspire children and their families to have hope and to keep on fighting. Cards will be dispersed at The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

For complete details about making cards for young cardiac patients 
AND 
becoming eligible for prizes, please click here.

Prize Package #1 (all participants):

EVERY PERSON who sends a card to Christina for a young cardiac patient, will receive the darling Panda Digital Set with Pretty Sentiment shown below.

For card guidelines and where to send them, please click here.

Prize Package #2 (U.S. participants only):
to two random winners, a box of brand new craft goodies, each valued at $25.

Prize Package #3 (international participants only):
to two random winners, a $25 gift certificate to shop at Simon Says Stamp.

Platinum Package (U.S. and International):
to ONE participant with 30+ donated, usable cards, a $50 gift certificate to Simon Says Stamp.

I am also offering a second sentiment for free
to everyone who is reading my blog post.
Simply right click this quality PNG sentiment,
and use it on your cards for the children, or on any of your personal cards to friends and family. (Please, no companies are to use this sentiment for their benefit).

(Right Click, download as image PNG, save to your hard drive)

What's a blog hop without prizes?

Christina has generously offered a $25 gift certificate to shop at Simon Says Stamp to a random blog hop winner.
To be eligible to win, leave a comment on all blogs by Wednesday, February 8 (11:59PM EST). Winner will be announced on Christina's blog on Friday, February 10 (8AM EST).

Begin the hop here:

Christina Hor

Donna Ellis (that's me!)

Lori Kobular

Sue Drees

Becky Partan

Edwina Brown

Sybrina K.

KT Fit Kitty

My simple cards were created using Christina's adorable hugging Panda, and the pretty sentiment.

It's always a pleasure using my border punches with dies or simply-cut panels.

In this case, it is my Martha Stewart lace heart border.

The tiny hearts punched out from the "negative portion" were used on the cards to provide a little "heartfelt" love.

Using a copic marker, I circled some of the black hearts in the background paper to make it more color coordinated.

Hoping you will be able to send a card or two for this worthwhile cause...

For all the CARD DRIVE DETAILS: please see my blog post here.

Heart-full hugs,

Beautiful Pansies - Sparkle N Sprinkle February Reveal

Hello, marvelous blogging buddies! I hope 2017 has been good to you.
Thank you for joining me today!

Welcome to the ALL NEW Sparkle N Sprinkle

 February Reveal Blog Hop!

NEW STORE - NEW BLOG - NEW PRODUCT LINES!

We have another HUGE reveal for you this month, plus something new!
The new sets are 20% off until February 3, 2017, so after the blog hop, hop on over to the NEW STORE and have fun shopping - be sure to check out the OTHER amazing new products as well! With names like TONIC and STAMPENDOUS and HOUSE MOUSE, you're sure to fill that cart up quickly!

SNS also has a brand new blog, which can be found here!

On February 3, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected from the comments left on all the Designers' blogs listed below. Please leave a comment with each designer to be eligible for the Grand Prize. It's always a mystery which designer has the winning comment! The Grand Prize Winner will be announced on the SNS Facebook page and the SNS New Blog.

 There are SEVEN new fantastically-eclectic rubber stamp sets being released this month, 

a new Digi Papers set (with 11 amazing papers),

a Digi Only Bundle set full of extras, including the papers! 

Also, when you purchase the digi versions of any of the SNS rubber sets, you are getting lots of extras that aren't available otherwise.  These extras include a cut file set to work with the rubber or digi image, may include additional images or sentiments not available with the rubber version, and occasionally digi papers! (NOTE: Cut files work with electronic cutting machines).

You're definitely going to want both the rubber versions as well as the digi versions of all our new releases.

IT IS ALL ABOUT FUN AS YOU HAVE NEVER ENJOYED IT!
It's Demo Donna on the SNS YouTube Channel!

Subscribe today to REVEL IN all the latest Demo Donna tips and techniques! But even more - PREPARE TO BE ENTERTAINED!  Each week a new technique is shared, and each month, a new video kit is revealed!

The supporting cast of stamp sets:

  *815 Leafy Flower Spring Wreath  
            Leafy Flower Spring Wreath digi version DIGI815B
  *826 Pansies (set one) 
           Pansies mini digi set DIGI826833FS
           Pansies fabulous digi bundle version including papers DIGI826-833FS
  *832 Girlfriend Support Set 1 
           Girlfriend Support Set 1 digi version DIGI832
  *833 Pansies in Teacup (set two)
           Pansies mini digi set DIGI826833FS

           Pansies fabulous digi bundle version including papers DIGI826-833FS
  *835 Sitting Pretty Kitty  

           Sitting Pretty Kitty digi version DIGI835LS)
  *836 Luck of the Irish Enchantress - St. Patrick's Day
           Luck of the Irish Enchantress digi version DIGI836LS
 * 837 Rory's Lucky Clover - St. Patrick's Day 
           Rory's Lucky Clover digi version DIGI837LS)
  * Eleven Watercolor Papers - Purple Pink (to coordinate with the pansies) DIGI4003FS 

My Terrifically Talented Teamies in blog hop order:

Chris
Diane
Shona
Belinda
Anne
Donna (you're here)
Eret
Jess

(*Tip: if you have difficulty with a particular link, try clicking on the Designer's blog title to send you to their Home page.)

I am featuring the incredible new Pansies Digital Bundle, including decoupage sheets, black and white images, colored images, 4 lovely sentiments, cut file set, PNG and JPG images, and 11 beautifully coordinated digi papers! It's a great value, especially if purchased at 20% off!

During a recent "girly" luncheon, artist Tracey-Lynn Miller provided these beautiful pansies which are featured on a gift bag, make-and-take cards, name place cards, and napkin rings! The guests loved these, and took them home to enjoy.

First -- easy, beautiful NAME PLACE CARDS:

Arrange four of the PRECOLORED teacup images on an inexpensive white piece of card stock. I used the JPG color versions because these do not have transparent backgrounds. They have a lovely, soft, water color effect around the teacup. Type the names prior to printing, or die cut teacups and then hand print/write the guests' names:

Next:

Next -- NAPKIN RINGS

(boo boo time!)

Arrange several of the PNG colored pansies on inexpensive card stock, leaving enough room for an electronic cutter or for your own dear hand fussy cutting (shown at left).


Use coordinating colored cardstock, or print your own from this set - or even make your own coordinating designer paper (shown further below in this post). Cut it into strips, and "double wrap" the circles to give them a little more strength to hold the napkin in place (see photo below).

Place the cut out elements as desired. NOTE: I wasn't thinking correctly, and placed the 3 pansy heads in perfect spacing on the ring, however, I forgot to turn them "sideways" so that they would be facing each guest vertically, instead of horizontally (sideways). So keep that in mind when creating your napkin rings, or any other similar projects.

I also used some punched leaves for visual interest. As much as I wanted to add glitter, I thought the colors were pretty enough without it, and maybe glitter on the dining room table was not such a good idea (giggle).

This photo shows both the inside of the rings, as well as other angles:

Creating beautiful, easy cards, using traditional methods with digital images:

Recipe is for 12 cards:

• 1 white card stock for printing out all the digital sentiments, spaced apart for the die cut.
• 3 white card stock for printing interior sentiment
• 2 white card stocks for the precolored digital pansies in teacup image, spaced apart for the round die cut.
• 3 green card stock for layers, run through the embossing folder, and distressed with ink.
• 3 pink card stock for layers.
• 6 artichoke green papers for the folded card base.

This is an example of using digital products in a traditional method:

The pretty sentiment is die cut from two directions,
so half the cards are a little different from the first half.
(Don't ask me where that line came in on the photo below - it's not in my Photos anywhere else except on the blog LOL)

I used 1/4" Tear-ific Tape to adhere the panels.

There are now 8 great sizes of Tear-ific Double Sided Tape to accommodate a number of Crafting Mediums and papers.

Making the GIFT BAG

Making your own designer papers is easy if you have the right tools and images.

In this case, the green splattered digi paper was selected. Place it on any word processing document.

Then I randomly placed the leafy pansy heads on top of the green paper, tilting them so they are at various angles. I did the same with the various leaves, and plain pansy heads. There are two sizes of the plain pansy heads on the paper.

Print out 3 sheets of the paper and assemble the bag. Before adhering the front and back panels, I added the white cardstock which was punched with a border punch.

Next, lace and pom poms were added with a larger leaf vine and another leafy pansy head.

I will make a lot more of these papers! It was fun!

Here are some better instructions, and other samples:

Quick Sample Ideas for creating fully digital projects:

The REALLY GREAT THING about Digital Papers:

1. You can print them out AS THEY ARE NEEDED, so that there is no stock piling of papers in a craft room.
2. Using your word processor, (or a more sophisticated app), you may customize them using any properly-created PNG images.
3. They can be sized to your specific requirement.
4. For EASY FINDING, save them by name on your hard drive OR on "secret" Pinterest Boards so only you can see them (we discourage digital piracy). A simple scroll through the board locates the grouping you want.
5. Or use your PHOTOS app on any computer, or mobile device.
6. Create a book of samples and file according to your needs.
7. Create traditional projects with lots of paper layers, or a completely digital project with lots of digital layers for lower postage rates.

Sparkle N Sprinkle Products:

• Purple Digital Pansies and Digital Papers (also available in Rubber as Pansies and Teacup Pansies)
• 1/4" Tear-ific Tape

Other Products:

• MS Vintage Floral Punch
• Memory Box Pinpoint Scallop Circles
• SB Classic Circles
• Sizzix Sizzlet leafy branch
• SW Pierced Flags
• Deco Art Glamour Dust Paint (Ice Crystal)
• CB Swiss Dot EF

On a Personal Note:

Our Tulip Tree, azaleas and camellias are blooming!

(tulip trees are actually a part of the Magnolia family)

They bloom before leaves are present. 

Ours is only about 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall.

The blooms are a bit larger than my open hand.

Challenges I'd like to play in:

1. Come and Get it Challenges (Jan 27) 3 or More Layers 2/5 (my card has 5 layers plus the base card, the napkin rings have 5 layers of cuts
2. Classic Design Team Open Challenge Blog #11 Anything for a DT goes 3/1
3. Crafting from the Heart #145 Anything Goes 2/5
4. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge #18 Anything for a DT goes 2/15

Thanks for visiting today!

Stamping Hugs,

Movie - Cardz 4 Galz

Hello, sweet blogging friends!

I hope you are enjoying yourselves despite the icky weather I hear about.

Seems so strange to think I am writing to people in the extreme (to me) cold, and in the same note to other friends way-down south who are in the midst of their summer heat!
Here in rural Florida, we are enjoying a fantastically mild winter.

It's time for the 39th Cardz 4 Galz challenge!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #39 theme is selected by teamie Amy - In The Movies! 
You may have 3 separate submissions, and have as many cards as you like on each submission.  

so get crafting and show us your interpretation of your delightful, musical, laughable, tear-jerking, screaming-scary, movie favorites!
Challenge ends on February 1.

I'm using an older VIRGIN stamp purchased from Michaels a good 5 years ago.
It reminds me of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in their many noteworthy dance routines.

For those of you who follow via e-mail, I've learned that you do not get to see the video's.

They just show up as big black squares.

So here is the link so you can view the dancing as well.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

For more photos from this movie of what once was considered quite risque, click here:

http://pre-code.com/gay-divorcee-1934-review-ginger-rogers-fred-astaire/

To make an ornate, glittery frame:

Finished Frame:

A sentiment that suits me so well in all areas of my little life - each stumble brings on new opportunities!

Finished card:

We Galz want to see all your fantastic cinema re-creations!

Link it up here: Cardz 4 Galz

Products:

Image: Inkadinkadoo - Dancing Couple

Amy's Magic Soft Violet Glitter

Dies: SW Ornate Pierced Squares, Double Pierced Squares Set A, SB Decagon Nestabilities, 

Sparkle N Sprinkle: Double Sided 3/4" and 1/2" Tear-ific Tape (under black frame for glitter)

On a Personal Note:

We live on one of the very few "hills" in Florida which is approximately 194 feet above sea level.
Because we're on a hill, and remain "high-and-dry", we don't see alligators here. But plenty live in nearby ponds, lakes and rivers.
This beauty was seen quite a distance away - about an hour by car on highways - but I thought you might enjoy seeing some of our amazing wildlife from a different point of view, and a different angle:

For my e-mail followers, here is the link to view the video.
How magnificence, yes?

Challenges I'd like to play in please:

Crafty Creations Challenges #333 Anything Goes 2/1

Inspiration Destination #120 Anything Goes 2/1
Scrapy Land Challenges #58 Favorite Colors 2/1 (I am a cliche - I love pink with just about any other colors. One of my favorite childhood dresses was pink with black and white dots. I wore it out. My flowers are usually pink and white. I'm always drawn to the loveliness of pink!)

The Crafty Addicts #32 Monochromatic Theme 2/1

Thanks for stopping by - wishing you a great week!

hugs,