~creative chaos~

Wicked Treats

2012-01-26T08:50:00.010-07:00

Welcome to the weekly challenge over at Forever Night Challenges. This weeks theme is "Wicked Treats". Our fabulous sponsor for this challenge is Limited Runs Digital Stamps and they have a variety of wicked treats to choose from :)

I don't think you can get much more wicked than an eyeball cupcake, what do you think? I've made 2 tags because after my first one I thought to myself "self, wouldn't it be cool if some eyes were bloodshot?" hehe cause I'm weird that way :)

First I stamped my tag stamp (CTMH) then wrote my sentiments and sponged some color on it. I colored my eyeball cupcakes with colored pencils and cut out to attach to my tags. The first tag I used foam dots so it pops out a bit and the second I just glued flat on the tag. Punched my holes and added some ribbon and voila...

So head on over to FNC and share your wicked treat with us (make sure your entry has some type of "food" on it).

~steph~

Over the Rainbow

2012-01-25T06:48:00.005-07:00

This weeks challenge over at the Octopode Factory the theme Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I don't have many Octopode images yet so I thought and thought how I could use the ones I have. I love this gal from the Steampunk Misses set and I thought she would work with a quote from the scarecrow :) I've colored my journal page with watercolor crayons (my new favorite thing) then added my gal in her rainbow colored polka dot dress. You have till this afternoon to join in the fun so stop by the challenge blog (they have a new challenge every Friday).
thanks for stopping by!
PS Octopode is also sponsoring a challenge over on Forever Night Challenges this week :)

Super Freak

2012-01-22T15:37:00.004-07:00

This week's challenge over at Haunted Design House is "Chic Freaks" and it's being sponsored by Stampotique Originals. I love love love their images especially those by Daniel Torrente.

So I have used one of his images "Glimmering Hope" for this challenge. I think she's rather chic in a freaky kinda way. And as soon as I read the challenge Super Freak by Rick James popped into my head :) I know my mind works in mysterious ways.... Anywho I've created a journal page with my chic freak stamped in black stazon then made the background with water color crayons. I went bright since it's a bright beautiful day here. Then I added some metallic dots around the edge and outlined her dress and bow. I've also included some lyrics from Super Freak so now you all can have it going thru your head just like me.
Thanks for stopping by!

HDH116 - Chic Freaks

January giveaway on MyGrafico!

2012-01-15T09:14:00.007-07:00

Check out the awesome give-a-way this month over on the mygrafico party blog! Head on over there to find out how you can enter and dont forget to tell them I sent you! You only have till the end of the month so hurry :)

Friends are the Flowers of Life - Tiddly Inks Blog Hop

2012-01-13T06:09:00.005-07:00

Tiddly Inks is hosting a fun blog hop today, you want to make sure to check out the challenge blog for all the details and visit all the DT blogs for a chance to win !
I've used Wryn - Grow a Little Love and some CTMH papers from my stash :)

Freaky Friday Challenge #22

2012-01-13T05:54:00.004-07:00

This weeks challenge over at Forever Night Challenges is to create something "a little strange". Our sponsor Creepie Cute Stamps helped us out with some images. I've used "It's OK to be Strange". It makes me giggle to see those little stranglings all lined up like they are waiting for something fun to happen.

The prize this week is 3 digi stamps from Creepie Cute Stamps, how awesome is that! I have several of her images and they are so fun :) So swing on by Forever Night Challenges and join in on the fun.

Got Goth?

2012-01-08T14:57:00.009-07:00

One of my resolutions this year was to craft more and what better way than to get inspiration from the many challenge blogs out there. I've been lurking around Haunted Design House for a while now and decided to give their current Macabre Monday challenge a go.

The theme for this week is "Got Goth". I've used my new gothic fairie from Smeared Ink. I've colored her with pencils and used gel pen to accent. Papers are from my CTMH stash. Don't forget to stop by Haunted Design House every Monday for their weekly challenge.

Joy to the World

2011-12-31T17:19:00.004-07:00

I thought this sweet couple would be the perfect pair to send out a Christmas greeting :) hehe This is my entry for the Smudgy Antics challenge for a wicked Christmas.

Let it snow!

2011-12-31T17:17:00.001-07:00

This is the card I made for the December sketch challenge over on Smeared and Smudged. This Russian winterelf was a freebie from Tom's Blog. Isn't he lovely :) I've colored him with pencils and have added lots of glitter to the fur on his coat.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-30T16:26:00.004-07:00

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays! Here's one last holiday card for ya, ok maybe not the last I've got a few more challenges and I'm not quite ready to be done with Christmas yet ;) This is for day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas Simply Betty Stamps style!
Thanks for stopping by!

Gingerbread Birdhouse

2011-12-20T18:49:00.004-07:00

Here's a fun project for the 12 Days of Christmas Simply Betty Style. The challenge was to make a gingerbread house in a spooky Christmas style. I painted the birdhouse in a brown similar to gigerbread (I think so at least) stamped directly on the house, added some puff paint and glitter glue along with my sparkly spider :) Make sure to stop by the Simply Betty blog to get in on the next challenge! http://simplybettystamps.blogspot.com/

Ghostly Greetings!

2011-12-18T18:30:00.002-07:00

Simply Betty Stamps is celebrating the 12 days of Christmas and I've finally had time to play :) For the 8th day of Christmas our challenge was to add a ghost to your project. I've used this lovely "Gillian ghost Bride" from the Steampunk Halloween collection. Isnt' she fabulous!!! I've colored her in the traditional red and green with a glittery veil. I have to admit tho after scanning her the colors just aren't what they look like in person. I will definately have to locate my camera battery charger before the next challenge.
Plus I'm still working out the kinks with my new computer so I have issues adding links where I want....grrrr..... so make sure to visit http://simplybettystamps.blogspot.com/ to join in on some stamping fun!

MG Party December Giveaway

2011-12-10T07:03:00.007-07:00

You've got to check out the amazing Monthly Giveaway for December over on MG Party Impressions !! Check out their blog to see how you can get in on the drawing and tell them I sent you over.

Forever Night Challenge #20

2011-12-09T21:02:00.011-07:00

I'm so happy to be back online! Now I just need to figure out how to do everything on my new computer. :) One reason I'm excited to be up and running again is that I'm a new member of the
2012 design team over at Forever Night Challenges, I was beyond thrilled when I found out :) The new DT was invited to join in on the last challenge of 2011 sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps. The challenge is to create a project with a Christmas theme AND it has to include a skeleton or skull somewhere on there too. How fun, right?! The prize is 7 free digis from Bugaboo Stamps, is that awesome or what!!!
For my project I made a card with this fun image from Bugaboo called Halloween Skelekinz. I used colored pencils and some papers from my stash.
Now head on over to Forever Night Challenges and join in on the fun :)

Quick Note

2011-12-01T16:29:00.003-07:00

Hello Friends!

Just a note in case you've stopped by, my home computer died on me last week :( so I haven't been able to post anything. I hope to be up and running soon though so please come back and check on me :)

happy stamping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-26T14:37:00.003-07:00

OK so this post is a few days behind but I wanted to share the Thanksgiving card I made. All supplies from CTMH.

Smile ATC

2011-11-26T14:27:00.002-07:00

I recently joined the MyGrafico Arts & Crafts Community. They have a fun little group over there called Brag Party. Each week they will give away free graphics and you just need to post what you created with them. So for this past week they were offering this cute tree from one of Mel's Brushes sets. Cute huh?

Fall Friends

2011-11-20T14:39:00.003-07:00

The other day as I was strolling thru blogland I came across a fun blog with the cutest little images called Jens Digi Stamps. This image here was a freebie last week so I grabbed it to enter the current challenge. Jens Digi Stamps Challenge #8 - Autumn/Fall I colored with pencils and used some old CTMH papers from my stash.
~happy stamping~

Birthday Card

2011-11-20T08:12:00.002-07:00

I made this card for one of the girls at work. I used Pinkie from Tiddly Inks and I'm so lovin' how she turned out. First I colored her with pencils and then used my gel pens to add some texture to her hair and dress. Then I dug thru my paper stash to find some that matched how I'd colored her.

I will be entering this card into the Tiddly Inks Challenge #73 - Anything Goes.

~happy stamping~

Peek-a-Boo

2011-11-17T20:37:00.004-07:00

I've been stalking the Bombshell Stamps site for a while now, and they've recently had a relaunch of the Bombshell Forum. Well after seeing all the wonderful creations made with their stamps I could no longer resist. Plus they have a fun little sketch challenge going on that I wanted to join in on. This lovely little geisha also works for the Culture Shock Challenge this week with the theme of umbrellas.
~happy stamping~

More Steampunk

2011-11-15T19:42:00.004-07:00

Was home from work today with a sick child so I had some time to stamp :) This is one of my new Steampunk Misses images I purchased from The Octopode Factory. Isn't she fabulous!?!

I used my cuttlebug folder again (clockworks) and then inked it up so y'all could see the texture. Made some more of the flowers that are my current obsession and then misted them with some medival gold Glitz Spritz. The DP is from CTMH and I colored her with pencils. I will be entering this in the Smeared & Smudged sketch challenge for November.

Thanks for visiting!

Angel ATC

2011-11-15T14:37:00.004-07:00

I made this little Angel ATC for the challenge over at the Wicked Wednesday Weekly ATC Challenge, their theme this week.... yep you guessed it Angels :) This lovely stamp is from Stamp On It. My sentiment and all other supplies are from CTMH.
~happy stamping~

S&S November Blog Hop

2011-11-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the November edition of the Smeared & Smudged Forum blog hop. In case you get lost along the way the complete list is on my sidebar. Knowing these stampers you will not want to miss one single blog on the hop. This months theme is "A Little Steamy". We were encouraged to use images, pieces or parts that embrace the steampunk genre.

I used a gear folder for my cuttle bug to add texture to the tag and the image is from Viva Las Vegastamps. Had to run this thru my scanner so the colors are a bit off and I've added some bronze metallic powder to the tag that you can't really see very well here. Now hop on to the next stop and see what steampunk goodness awaits you.
Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to comeby after the weekend too as I ordered some other cool steampunk images but didn't have them in time to create with for this hop :)

quick and easy

2011-11-05T11:31:00.002-06:00

Here's a quick and easy birthday card I made for a friend. Used this awesome folder in my cuttle bug and the sentiment is from CTMH.
Thanks for stoppin by!
I will be entering this in the following challenges:
Come and Get It Challenges - anything goes

Halloween Fun

2011-11-03T21:27:00.004-06:00

Here's a few fun Halloween pics for ya. First is the kiddo at the pumpkin carving party we went to. I think this pic was right after I asked him how exactly was he going to cut that mouth out, lol.He decided Saturday that he wanted to go trick or treating so we had to rush to the store for a costume. Well he saw this Bakugan Dragonoid that he just had to have. I liked the swamp monster or the skeleton but no, had to be Bakugan.
If you've followed my blog over the 31 Days of Halloween you might remember I wrote about my momories of dressing as a witch and I was so excited about the perfect sized broom. Well my mom sent me this for Halloween...me and my lil sis all dressed up. I'm not sure why we wanted to wear the wigs, lol. I'm guessing I was about 9 or 10 here. What fun we had :)

31 Days of Halloween - day 31

2011-10-31T03:00:00.000-06:00

Wow, 31 days filled with time for stamping and blog hopping like crazy to all the wicked bloggers blogs to see what amazing art they had to share. Looking for hidden images, learning new techniques, finding out about supplies I must put on my wish list. Learning more about the all the wicked bloggers and what inspires them, learning more about their lives outside blogland, sharing what we all are faced with each and everyday both happy times and sad. This 31 days has been more than I ever imagined it would be. Thank you all so much for visiting my little corner in blogland this month. For those of you who are just lurkers thank you for taking the time to stop by and peek at what I wanted to share, for those of you who left comments I truly appreciate all your kind words. Big thanks to Terra and Tori (and everyone else) who organzied this amazing little thing called the 31 Days of Halloween.
It's a little bit sad to see all this end but I'm sure after we all take a much needed break (and maybe catch up on some housework) we will all be chatting it up over on the forum at Smeared & Smudged. If you aren't a member yet what are you waiting for, get on over there and jump right in!
Now I've babbled on way too long so let me share what I have for my last 31 Days post. I got this little wood coffin at Michaels last year and it's been waiting patiently for me to play.

I was going to make it red but I have no red paint in the house (what?!?!) So went with blue, stamped my bat/swirl corner stamp on the top and the scallops on the side are also a stamp. Made some more paper flowers (these are way fun) and added some glitter glue dots. Put it out on the front porch to dry and in the heat all my dots changed to be more like little blue pancakes. Oh well. Not sure what I'll put inside yet, I might even add some more bling :)
Thanks again for visiting, I hope you continue to stop by occasionally. If I'm brave enough I might post a picture of the disaster zone, formally known as my stamping area.
Next stop.... Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 30

2011-10-30T03:00:00.007-06:00

Welcome back my friends to the 2nd to last day of the Smeared & Smudged hop. I'm going to miss having all your wonderful comments to read everyday and actually making myself take the time to create everyday has been awesome. However I am looking to catching up on some sleep once the hop is complete. Most of my projects have been finished around 11:00 each night, so that on top of everyday life has left me pooped.

For today's project I've started working on a skull that I've had sitting around since last Halloween. I've had it painted white and ready to go but nothing was coming to me, so today I decided to tackle it. I started with stamps from After Midnight Art Stamps. I stamped the skeletons on tissue paper to mod podge onto the skull and stamped the sentiment directly onto the skull (very carefully).

I'm really happy with how my flowers turned out. I smeared some purple, grey and black ink onto book pages before I used a scallop punch to get the layers I needed. I wanted a grungy looking flower and I think I succeded. After gluing the flowers on I added the stickled swirls to the face for some bling. I'm not happy with the back, it seems rather blah. So I may be adding more swirls or sponging.

Thanks for hopping on by, I'd love to know what you think of my skull. If you have any suggestions for the back please feel free to give me some ideas :)

Next stop Ikes' World.

I will be entering this into the following challenges:

Forever Night Challenges #15 - flowers

The Emerald Fairie Garden chalenge #11 - flowers, flowers, flowers

Paperminutes #189 - skeleton

31 Days of Halloween - day 29

2011-10-29T03:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to day 29 of the Smeared & Smudged Halloween hop!

Here's my take on the October sketch challenge over on the S&S forum. I've used the Strangeling Bat from Creepie Cute Stamps, did you know they are one of the sponsors on the hop this month?! I really like having a scanner since I usually dont finish my projects until the sun is long gone for the day, but my oranges dont really look orange :( The background paper really is a brighter orange I promise.
Only 2 more days of the hop so make sure to get your fill on all the Halloween goodness all the wicked bloggers are sharing with you.
Next stop on the hop.... Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 28

2011-10-28T07:29:00.003-06:00

Good Morning! Welcome to another Smeared Ink day on the Smeared & Smudged blog hop.

I used my favorite set once again and made another rolodex card to add to my set.

This time I've used the heart and the wings, I wrapped the heard in red wire and added a couple peiced of black trying to get a barbed wire look, but it didn't really work out the way I wanted. Then I added liquid pearl dots around the heart and 3 on the side of the card and added some glitter glue to the wings altho it doesn't show very well in the scan.

Thanks for stopping by, next stop on the hop... Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 27

2011-10-26T23:39:00.008-06:00

Hello my friends! I hope you are able to visit all the blogs on the Smeared & Smudged hop, there is much inspiration to be found. Dont forget there are hidden images each day and you can win some awesome prizes!

For todays project I've made this ATC using the Strangeling Devil image from Creepie Cute Stamps. Isn't he adorable?? I colored him with pencils but it wasn't quite red enough so I sponged some red ink over the top. I added some liquid glass to his eyes and liquid pearls to his horns.

Thanks for visiting. Next stop Ikes' World.

Challenges I will be entering:

Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls challenge #3 - inspired by Hellboy

31 Days of Halloween - day 26

2011-10-26T00:01:00.007-06:00

Tic toc, tic toc.... the clock keeps getting closer and closer to the end of the Smeared & Smudged blog hop. I've so enjoyed hopping around to all the wicked bloggers each day to see what Halloween goodness they have in store, I hope you have too. Todays project was going to be a super quick one because my son had his crossing over ceremony from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts Tues. evening. (I'll post pics a bit later)

Well I was grooving right along and ended up smudging my atc where it wasn't supposed to be smudged....grrrrrr. So back to the printer to print out another image and back to the pencils to color it again. Good thing I like coloring :)

I've used this adorable digi image from Simply Betty Stamps. I colored him with pencils, added my sentiment from CTMH. Sponged around the image and then added some purple staples.

Thanks for hopping by, next stop Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 25

2011-10-25T03:00:00.001-06:00

The Smeared & Smudged hop is getting nearer to the end :( But there is still a chance to win some awesome prizes each day so hang in there and keep on hopping!While some people don't quite get my obsession with stamping and paper crafts, other people do and even help me with my addiction. I was talking about this hop and my collection of stamps with some peeps at work and one of the gals said she's like to see a card with a monster fetus. (Yes we have some weird discussions while on break) So I told her if she would draw one for me I would use it on a card. (I've been telling her for some time now that she should make some digi stamps and people like me would certainly buy them.) So here is my ATC with the wonderful monster fetus she drew for me :) I placed him on some glitter web background paper so it appears that he might have got caught in this web and added my little sentiment. Hehe, don't you just love him?! I hope I can convince her to make some more weird and awesome images for me to play with.
Thanks for stopping by and now keep on hopping to Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 24

2011-10-24T03:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome back to the Smeared & Smudged blog hop. Only one week left of all this Halloween fun! Don't forget there are still amazing prizes to be found each day! If you've enjoying visiting all the blogs on this hop and you haven't yet visited the Smeared & Smudged forum I encourage you to do so. All the people over there are super friendly and fun, you will be inspired every time you visit :) There are several different challenges to participate in every month also. For todays project I've created another ATC. I've been having so much fun with this mini-art form. This ATC also fits the theme "Monster Mash" over on the ATC Sisterhood challenge blog. I've used several stamps from the CTMH set Merry Monsters. I added the googlie eyes and lots of stickles and glitter glue. Aren't they cute little monsters?
Next stop on the Halloween hop is Ikes' World.
Don't forget to check out the ATC Sisterhood challenges too!

I would also like to enter this ATC into the challenge over at Wicked Wednesdays ATC Challenge.

31 Days of Halloween - day 23

2011-10-23T03:00:00.000-06:00

We are almost to the end of the Smeared & Smudged blog hop, can you believe it? I'll miss hopping around everyday and getting wonderful encouraging comments on my blog, they really keep me going.

Saturday just flew on by and I am still so worn out from the week that my creative brain wanted to go on strike. I started a couple projects but then decided to go with an ATC. The skull stamp is from Inkadinkado and the bat/swirl stamp is from CTMH, it's actually a corner stamp but on this smaller project it's more of a background :) I used glitter glue in the eye sockets but it's not showing up to well on the scan. I may try and take an actual photo in the morning.

Now hop on over to Ikes' World to see what awesome-ness she has in store for you today. :)

31 Days of Halloween - day 22

2011-10-22T03:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a short and sweet post for all you hoppers out there enjoying the Smeared & Smudged blog hop. Another rolodex card :) I used one of the Smeared Ink stamps from the As Death set and a couple stamps from CTMH.
Next stop, Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 21

2011-10-21T03:00:00.000-06:00

TGIF! Only 10 more days of this awesome Smeared & Smudged blog hop. I hope you are all enjoying it as much as I am. Since it is Friday the Wicked Bloggers are encouraged to use images from Smeared Ink. I chose to use the skull from my favorite set. I'm sure I've mentioned it more than once so all you hoppers should know which one that is :)I went with a journal page again since the last one was so fun. I scribbled with my watercolor crayons and then I couldn't find the paint brush I used last time so I just used my finger. This actually worked better because if the colors started to get too muddy I just rinsed my finger real quick. I dabbed away some extra color with a paper towel. I had these skulls already stamped on tissue paper left over from a project I did a while back so I just mod podged them onto the page. I was looking for a skull poem but couldn't find one that fit my mood so I went with part of the description on Wikipedia. Weird, but I like it :)

31 Days of Halloween - day 20

2011-10-20T03:00:00.000-06:00

It's already day 20 of the Smeared & Smudged 31 Days of Halloween blog hop, can you believe it? I just have a quick little ATC for you today.
This darling bat girl is from Queen Kat Designs. Background paper is from $1 bin at Target. Thanks for visiting, next stop Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 19

2011-10-19T08:44:00.003-06:00

Welcome back once again for the Smeared & Smudged Halloween blog hop. Did you know there are prizes available each and every day?! Even if you can't comment on every blog (altho we all love comments) you can lurk about to find hidden images, how fun is that! Check here for details.

I decided to go with a tag for today's project. I cut a mask for my moon and then sponged blue ink over the rest of the tag. The tree and raven are both from Paula Best Stamps and the fence is from an older CTMH set. The raven stamp has a small ball in it's beak so I found a googlie eye that fit in that space, hehe. I added the raven with foam dots so he pops of the tag a bit. Thanks for stopping by, please visit the other wicked bloggers along the hop and leave them some love :)

Next stop Ikes' World, not only does she have an awesome project she also has some blog candy! woohoo.

31 Days of Halloween - day 18

2011-10-18T03:00:00.000-06:00

Greetings! I couldn't decide on a project for today so I rifled thru some of my stamps and found a smaller one I thought would be fun so I went with an ATC.

This lovely little girl holding an axe is from Queen Kat Designs. I stamped her and then colored her with pencils, but then decided to use some of my ruby red liquid pearls. I started on her headband and it looked pretty good so then onto the dress. Not what I envisioned but it gave her some texture so I was ok with it. Then a dab on her axe and a bit for some lip stick. Perhaps a bit of overkill (hehe pun intended) but I am pleased with the result.

Next stop, Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 17

2011-10-17T03:00:00.001-06:00

Good Morning to all the hoppers on this 31 day journey with the Smeared & Smudged blog hop! I decided to take a break from the rolodex cards (don't worry it's not for long I'm sure) and get out my journal to play in. My only other entry in here was from the skull appreciation day hop back in June.... my poor neglected journal :(

I scribbled my watercolor crayons starting with lt blue in the middle then a darkler blue then black around the edges. Then I took a wet paint brush and spread the color all around. Since I didn't want to wait for long for everything to dry I took a papertowel and blotted it. At first I was worried that I was pulling too much color off the page, but I really like how it turned out. The tree is from Paula Best and all the rest are from CTMH. I used colored pencils to add a little bit of color to the house. This wasn't my vision when I started the page, but I was pleasantly please with the end result.
I will also be entering this into the Forever Night Challenge for this week: Black and Creepy.
Next stop on the hop.... Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 16

2011-10-16T07:03:00.006-06:00

For todays Smeared & Smudged blog hop project I've decided to continue with my collection of rolodex cards.
I've used Poe on this one from the Quoth the Raven set (Smeared Ink). I had so much fun with the wire and beads the other day I decided to play with them again also. I used orange paper so I was on the hunt for purple and black beads, unfortunately I couldn't find these colors in my stash. So I went with green and orange beads (can you see the 2 black ones I did find) and used purple wire and staples. After taking the pic I'm not happy the way I did his eyes, (sigh) oh well. I might redo that later and then just layer the new Poe on top of the old Poe :) There will be one (or two) more of these cards in my Poe collection so make you you keep coming back to see even more fun stuff.

Next stop Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 15

2011-10-15T03:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends! Thank you so much for visiting me each day for the Smeared & Smudged blog hop. I just have a quick and easy card for you today as I have to have the kiddo to karate at 7 am, and it's been an extremely exhausting week. I'm so glad to be stamping and hopping tho as it's keeping me sane and my brain filled with happy thoughts.

Next stop, Ike's World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 14

2011-10-13T22:31:00.006-06:00

TGIF! I'm so happy for the weekend to be here :) And since it's Friday you know what that means?? It's Smeared Ink day for the Smeared & Smudged blog hop. If any of us wicked bloggers use all Smeared Ink stamps on our project we get some extra brownie points, lol. I've made another altered rolodex card today using my favorite set Quoth The Raven. I will also be entering this into the Smudgy Antics weekly challenge: black birds.Thanks for visiting, don't forget to check out all the other wicked bloggers!

Next stop, Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 13

2011-10-13T03:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to day 13 on the Smeared & Smudged blog hop. When I went to get my rolordex card for yesterdays project all the little blank cards called out to me so I decided to make another one today :) Don't be surprised if you see more this month too.

I went with the same colors and similar design as my tag from day one since I really liked how that one turned out. All images on this one are from CMTH, I just used my black pen to make the stitching around the edge and attached some ribbon on the side with some green staples. Looking at the card on the screen I feel like something is missing so I think I'll add a little gem for the eye or maybe some black glitter to the entire raven.... but I'm too tired to do that now so you'll just have to use your imagination.
Next stop on the hop, Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 12

2011-10-12T03:00:00.001-06:00

For today's project on the Smeared & Smudged sponsored blog hop I decided to make an altered rolodex card. These are similar in size to ATCs and are fun to make a little collection of art. This one I've used is about 4" x 2 5/8", but they come in various sizes.

I've used Frankie from the digi set Smell My Feet from Smeared Ink and colored him with pencils. The background stamp is from Tim Holtz and I used an orange stamp pad but since I used my scanner it doesn't look to orange. The trick or treat and the bats are both CTMH. For the little tab at the top I used a SU punch. Thanks for hopping by!
Next stop Ikes' World!

31 Days of Halloween - day 11

2011-10-11T03:00:00.000-06:00

I can't believe we are one third of the way thru the Smeared & Smudged 31 Days of Halloween blog hop. The month is just flying by. Don't forget there is a chance to win every single day! Visit Terra's blog for all the details. I can remember when I was a little girl there were several years in a row that my sister and I were little witches. We had the long black gown and tall pointy hats, but I think our favorite part of the costume was the child size brooms. We would fly all around on our brooms, such fun we had. I got this adorable image as a freebie on Ikes' World a few days ago and when I saw her it brought back those childhood memories. I'll also be entering this card for the Forever Night Challenges theme of something that represents Trick or Treating.
Next stop on the hop, Ikes' World. The entire list is on my sidebar if you get lost along the way.

31 Days of Halloween - day 10

2011-10-10T07:28:00.003-06:00

So glad I came and peeked this morning as my auto post disappeared :( Sometimes I've had it not post but this time it was completely gone from my edit list.Anywho, here is an ATC for the Smeared & Smuged sponsored Halloween blog hop. I've been having so much fun! I started with a layer of black CS then ran orange CS thru my cuttle bug and smudged some black in ok it. I was lucky enough to be a winner on the blog hop last week so I've used one of the digi stamps from Rick St. Dennis. Isn't this bat creepy? I colored him with pencils and I added some orange glitter glue to his eyes and popped him up with foam tape.
You may have noticed that I love ATCs, well did you know that there is a fun ATC challenge blog that has a new challenge every other week? It's the ATC Sisterhood and the current theme is Orange and Black. We would love to have you come play with us!
Next stop on the hop.... Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 9

2011-10-09T03:00:00.000-06:00

I'm so happy for the weekend! After a busy morning of getting the kiddo to karate class and then coming home to find one of the dogs MIA, I finally got to do some crafting. (Yes I did find the little Houdini, the stinker.)

I used a wooden gift bag that I got at Michael's a while back and some Halloween paper I found in the $1 bin at Target last week. First I painted it white (acrylic paint) then used Mod Podge to glue the paper to the box and then another layer on top to seal it. I stamped the tag shape, web and "happy hauntings" sentiment in black and sponged some purple over the top then added a spider I cut from the same paper as the front of the bag and threw in some googlie eyes for the fun of it. Then tied on the tag with some black ribbon. I didn't have any stuffing so I cut some orange CS into thin strips and ran it through the crimper. Voila! A fun little treat bag!
Next stop.... Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 8

2011-10-08T03:00:00.001-06:00

I've been looking forward to my 3 day weekend so I can have even more fun trying out some other projects that I've been inspired to do after visiting every one's blog for this first week of the Smeared & Smudged sponsored hop. There have been so many different ideas!

Here's another ATC to add to my growing collecting. I may finally have enough to show off my ATC carosel. :) Stamps are from CTMH, I've had this set forever! I've also added some wire and beads to make the vine.

Thanks for visiting, next stop Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 7

2011-10-07T03:00:00.000-06:00

Wow, end of week one for the Smeared & Smudged sponsored 31 Days blog hop. I hope you've enjoyed hopping along, but don't worry it's not over yet we still have over 3 weeks of inspiration, fun and prizes coming your way! For today's project I've created an ATC with one of my favorite sets from Smeared Ink.

This lovely bird is from the Quoth the Raven set. I've also used the background and screen texture stamps from this same set. Minimal colors with black and green ink, purple and yellow gems. I also wrapped some green wire around the card for the raven to perch on.

Next on the hop, Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 6

2011-10-06T03:00:00.002-06:00

Whew, I really should have started early on getting all my projects ready for this month long blog hop (sponsored by Smeared & Smudged). I just couldn't get a project I was happy with today, but on my third try I came up with this. On this lovely little ATC I've used an image from Paula Best Rubber Stamps. First I stamped in a white dye ink on black CS and it was ok but I wanted some more oomph! to the project so I got out some of my gel pens. I added a row of orange gel dots around the outside of the image and some purple dots on the inside. Then added some more, I really like how this turned out. You may be seeing more of this 'cause I super duper like it, hope you do too!

Thanks for hopping by... next stop Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 5

2011-10-05T03:00:00.001-06:00

Hello once again my friends to the Smeared & Smudged sponsored 31 Days of Halloween Blog Hop, aren't the days just flying by? My project today an ATC. This cute little kitty is from the Cutsey Halloween Blocks set at Bubaboo Digi Stamps. Thanks for stopping by and for all the wonderful comments :) Next stop on the hop... Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 4

2011-10-04T03:00:00.001-06:00

Hello again! If you've been hopping along or just happened by and you like what you see I encourage you to head over to the Smeared and Smudged forum where all the wicked bloggers on this hop like to hang out.

I have another card for you today and I've used this cute gal from Simply Betty Stamps, her name is Mummy London and she's from the Teen Scene Halloween group. Thanks for hopping on by... next stop is Ikes' World.

31 Days of Halloween - day 3

2011-10-03T03:00:00.003-06:00

Hello again my friends! For todays project I'm using one of my newest stamps from Simply Betty Stamps, meet "Draco the Ghost Gent". Isn't he fabulous !?! Betty has a whole new Steampunk Halloween set that is beyond awesome! (Yes, of course I HAD to get the all of them!)

The papers are from my ol' CTMH stash, I think I could open a store with just the many different papers I have. The sentiment is also from CTMH.

Here's a close up of Draco (yay I finally figured out how to use my scanner!) I colored him with pencils, cut him out then layered him on black and cut him out again. Make sure to come back all month so you'll be able to see all of my new stamps :)
I know the stamping community is tight knit so you are probably already aware of what Betty and her family are going through, but if you just happened by my blog or haven't heard what's going on please take the time to go to her blog and find out. Her family could really use your support in whatever way you can.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my little spot in blog-land now please keep on hoppin' and dont forget to leave some love along the way. Next stop... Ikes' World.
{{hugsz}}

31 Days of Halloween - day 2

2011-10-02T03:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome back for more Smeared and Smudged fun. I was so happy I finished this card while there was still daylight to take the picture :) I used this witch stamp from CTMH. (They had a bunch of Halloween images I had to have this year!) The paper is also from them, but it's last years design. I added a ribbon and used some purple stickles for a little bling.

Here's the inside, I was going to go with the standard Happy Halloween but liked this one better (hehe).
Thanks for all the wonderful comments yesterday. I hope you were able to visit all the wicked bloggers, there was many fabulous projects and neat ideas. Next stop Ike.

I would also like to enter this into the Forever Night Challenges #11 for this week's theme of "anything goes".

31 days of Halloween - day 1

2011-10-01T03:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my little blog. I'm so excited to be playing along this month with the Smeared and Smudged 31 Days of Halloween. There are many more blogs to see so I'll keep my posts as short and sweet as possible.

I decided to go with a small tag for my first project. All supplies used are CTMH, except the sparkley sticker letters are from Making Memories.
Thanks for hopping on by, don't forget to leave some love for all the bloggers for your chance to be entered in the grand prize drawing. Your next stop is Ike's World, if you get lost along the way I have all the aprticipants listed in my sidebar.

31 Days of Halloween

2011-09-30T12:42:00.003-06:00

Guess what starts tomorrow?!?!? The 31 days of Halloween Blog Hop with Smeared & Smudged. I went back and forth on whether or not to join and decided what the heck, I love Halloween and I love stamping. Now I'll have stamp everyday, woohoo!

There will be 28 amazing Hoppers on the list that will have a new project to share with you everyday. Not only will you be inspired from all this art, you'll have the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes. Mark your calendars so you don't forget, October is going to be an awesome month! I've already posted the hop list on my sidebar so you won't get lost.

"Hogwarts, A History"

2011-09-29T22:24:00.003-06:00

The theme this week over at Forever Night Challenges is Witches and Wizards of Hogwarts. I've used this adorable image from Bugaboo Stamps. I've included one of my favorite Hermione quotes on a tag I've sponged with brown and green.
Thanks for stopping by!

ATC Sisterhood - Favorite Things Challenge

2011-09-26T03:00:00.001-06:00

Hello my creative friends! This weeks challenge over at the ATC Sisterhood is to show us one of your favorite things. I had a few different ideas floating around my head but decided to go with stamps as my most favorite things!

I bought this woman and sentiment a while back from River City Rubber Works knowing that I wanted to use them together but hadn't gotten around to it yet. I wanted to keep it simple so I only used chocolate and sweet leaf inks from CTMH, and only colored in her skin with an ivory pencil and touched up her hair with brown. I stamped onto the white daisy CS and mounted onto sweet leaf CS. I've had the little stamp image from my beginning stamping days before I kept track of all the different vendors, you know way back before blogging was invented :)
We would love to see what one of your favorite things is so make sure to join us over at ATC Sisterhood and play along with us.

Thanks for stopping by!

ATC Sisterhood - Era Challenge

2011-09-12T03:00:00.002-06:00

I'm super excited to be joining the design team over at the ATC Sisterhood. They are a bi-weekly challenge blog for those of us who love to create ATCs. The current challenge to is pic any era from the 20's to the 90's. So for my sample I picked the 60's, you know bright colors, flower power and everything groovy.

Please stop by the ATC Sisterhood and join in on the fun! They are also looking for DT members for 2012 :) so don't be shy come over and show us what you got!

Supplies used-
CS: white daisy, sweat leaf

ink: bubblegum, sweat leaf

stamps: CMTH D1091 Groovy (retired)

misc: glitter glue, liquid glass, foam tape

Many Shades of Blue

2011-09-05T19:24:00.005-06:00

Hello Friends! Did you know that Simon Says Stamp is having the most amazing blog hop going on this weekend! You've got to check out what their amazing Design Team had created for this hop. Only a couple hours left to get in on the prizes and the theme is "Anything Goes" how easy is that?!

I decided to make this ATC for Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge and for the current "Many Shades of Blue" challenge over at the ATC Sisterhood. They have bi-weekly challenges for those of us who love to create ATC's. You still have 6 days to join the "Many Shades of Blue" challenge so head on over there.

Thanks for stopping by!

Who likes candy?

2011-09-02T06:49:00.001-06:00

It's blog candy time over on the Tiddly Inks blog, and the more entries the more goodies. Jump on over there and sign up it's easy peasy!

Inner Diva ATC Challenge

2011-08-28T19:45:00.004-06:00

For this weeks ATC challenge over at ATC Sisterhood the theme was inner diva. This dramatic little diva can be found over at Digi Design House after seeing one of the divs in this set over on Barb's blog Haunted Design House I knew I had to have this set. I couldn't decide on the color so I did two.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out ATC Sisterhood for their next challenge!

fun card

2011-08-26T23:10:00.002-06:00

Made this cute little card for a friend at work, she's obsessed with Edward from Twilight :). The digi image is from Tiddly Inks, it's a new one called Vamp Me. I used colored pencils and added a thin layer of glitter glue so he would sparkle in the sun light. Also to go with the Twilight theme we hung white feathers from the ceiling over her cubicle, she loved it hehe.

Arizona Sunset

2011-08-25T21:17:00.002-06:00

Had a crazy little storm yesterday but it created this amazing sunset. I thought it was so pretty I just had to share :)

Freaky Friday Challenge #5

2011-08-25T20:57:00.003-06:00

Hello Friends!
Hopping around blog land and I've been finding some awesome blogs with fun challenges! The challenge this week over at Forever Night Challenges is to create a project with mystical or magical woman theme.

I choose this mermaid image from Sweet Pea Stamps to create my ATC. She's September Rhythm from Ching- Chou Kuik's collection, stunning isn't she? (This is the first time I've used my scanner so the colors are a bit dull compared to real life... gotta work on that ) I've colored her in with colored pencils and have added glitter to her tail.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

QKD 3 day challenge

2011-07-31T18:33:00.007-06:00

Hello my friends! Queen Kat Designs is having a fun little challenge on her FB page and there is still time to join in, you have until Wednesday so hurry and get your supplies out! You need to create 3 different projects and follow the daily theme. The first theme is "fruit". So I've made this card with a cute little image from QKD, (you get extra points if you use an image from QKD) and I've used cheery B&T as my fruit. I've used a sketch from the smeared and smudged forum .

The next theme is "in the shade". I immediately thought of this image from Simply Betty Stamps. I just recently got her and hadn't had the opportunity to play with her yet. Isn't she amazing with her little bat bikini! I cut her out and glued her down before I thought of adding a sentiment so when I found the perfect one I didn't have room on the outside so the sentiment (from CTMH) inside says "summertime.... and the livin' is easy". The third theme is "summer tide" and we were to include the color blue. I've used another QKD image. I won her on one of the FB new release nights, you should really check those out they are lots of fun and you can win stamps!!! Anywho, I stamped her in dutch blue and then colored her in with different shades of blue pencils. I used a blue gel pen to add some brightness to her hair and some of her scales and some glitter glue on her crown and beads. You can't really see in the picture, we are having an overcast day so I didn't have enough sunshine to take a proper picture.
I used glimmer mist and a stencil to create the background then added little dots of blue gel pen and glitter glue so it wasn't so plain. The sentiment is from CTMH.

Thanks for stopping by! Dont forget to hurry and join in the fun all entries due Wednesday!!

color me red

2011-07-24T23:42:00.004-06:00

Hello friends! While strolling thru blog land I came across an awesome blog (Twinkle, Twinkle) that has a fun little challenge called Color of Summer. They have a weekly color challenge and this past weeks was red. I choose this cute little image from Tiddly Inks.
You have to go check out all the amazing entries! And make sure to join in the next challenge :)

~happy stamping~

Smeared and Smudged July blog hop

2011-07-21T03:00:00.004-06:00

Hello my friends, it's time again for the monthly blog hop over at S&S. The challenge this month was to alter something. It had to be a 3 dimensional object and the only other rule was that it has to have a stamp somewhere on it. So for my project I decided to alter a flower pot.

My first step was to paint the pot and saucer with white paint. While that was drying I stamped the skull (from the Quoth the Raven set) onto white tissue paper with a jet black stazon ink and cut out. Then I used Mod Podge to glue the stamped tissue onto the flower pot. Next I painted pink all over but it looked blah, so I added black stripes to the top rim. Still didn't look right so painted the entire rim black and the saucer black to balance it out. Looked much better but I felt it was missing something so I stamped some circles with a pencil eraser and paint. I think it turned out pretty cute. Wasn't exactly the shade of pink I wanted but it's growing on me.

I think I might add some sparkle later and then apply sealer to help protect it. Super fun to do, I'm going to have to make some more of these :)

Thanks for stopping by, please make sure to visit the other blogs on the hop and dont forget to leave everyone a little bit of love.

Terra- http://www.moresmearedink.blogspot.com
Alex- http://www.paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Black Dragon- http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/
Kapree- http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com/
Jane- http://jcocraft.blogspot.com/
Steph- http://stephscreativechaos.blogspot.com/
Heather- http://stampdetails.blogspot.com/
Madeleine- http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/
Helen- http://cromscubbyhole.blogspot.com/
Ike- http://suzy-ikesworld.blogspot.com/
Fiona- http://idontdostraight.blogspot.com
Lady Brayton- http://www.ladybrayton71.blogspot.com/

Smeared and Smudged New Release Blog Hop

2011-07-15T03:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the Smeared & Smudged new release blog hop. I was so excited to be a guest designer for the month and as an added bonus I get take part in this hop. This is the first of two Halloween Releases for Smeared Ink. (The second will be in September.) There are a total of 11 totally awesome digi sets being released today plus one preview single image. The single is part of one of the sets to be released in September but the DT thought it would be cool to give you all a sneak peek. I can't wait to hop around and see what everyone has created.

I was able to play with Dr. Doctor from the Creepers set. I don't know about you but if I walked into the doctors office and this guy was waiting there I'd probably go to another doctor :)

Terra

Thanks for stopping by, happy hopping!

I Like Your Style

2011-07-14T23:08:00.002-06:00

Made this fun little card for a friend using CTMH papers (Sophia) , inks (hollyhock, bubblegum, lime green), ribbon and an older SU! stamp set. I just recently got this paper pack and I love love love it! I also used some glitter glue, irridesent pearls and a gel pen to add some bling to the dress forms.

~happy stamping~

SSD #83 sketch challange

2011-07-11T18:40:00.003-06:00

I was hoping around this weekend in blog land and stopped by to visit Skipping Stones Design

and noticed they had a fun little sketch challenge going on, so I rummaged around my stamp table that is in bad need of some organization and found my SSD stamps and created this card. I used Bras Volume #1 set. I had created this background a while back using stencils and mist and never found anything I liked to go with it. Well I stamped this cute polka dot bra and thought it would work perfectly.

Exciting news!

2011-07-05T19:56:00.003-06:00

I just found out that Make it Crafty and Tiddly Inks have decided to combine their creative genious and release a new line of victorian and steampunk images! Check out their blogs for more information and make sure to mark July 14th on your calendar!

ICAD challenge

2011-06-16T21:11:00.007-06:00

I'm taking part in the ICAD Challenge over at Daisy Yellow blog. Today's the last day to join in so hurry on over to join in the fun. Our challenge is to create on one Index Card A Day. So this is my first official card since I was late to the game. I stamped ICAD using CTMH alpha stamps, then doodled around the edges of the letters to add some oomph. I drew the other lines on the card becasue I was going for a stained glass look. I choose a bright yellow to color the inside of the letters and then colored more lightly with the other colors. I thought this would make a great cover if I decide to bind all my cards together at the end of summer.
This second card is a "catch-up" card. I'm hoping to fill in all (ok maybe just some) of the cards I missed by joining in a bit late. I used the prompt spring flowers and sketched some flowers and colored them in with pencils.

If you dont hit thdealine feel free to join in and add a link in the comment section, I'd love to see what you've made. The index card is the perfect size too! Bigger than an ATC so you can go crazy with whatever medium you like, but not so big like a journal page that you just stare at a blank page wondering what you are going to fill it with (at least that's what happens to me).

~happy crafting~

Steampunk ATC Swap

2011-06-14T22:48:00.004-06:00

I joined in a Steam Punk ATC swap over on Viva Las Vegas Stamps Forum. I used this awesome fish stamp from VLVS and the gear background is a plate from cuttle bug. Can't wait to see what I get back :)

ATC

2011-06-14T22:41:00.002-06:00

Made this one a while back. This adorable stamp is from Queen Kat Designs. I colored her with pencils and added some polka dots to her dress with liquid pearls.

Skull Appreciation Day blog hop

2011-06-04T00:07:00.010-06:00

Happy Skull Appreciation Day!! Not sure what this is all about? Visit Skull-a-Day to find out all about it.
Thanks for stopping by my blog, I was so excited when I found out that Smeared and Smudged were going to celebrate this day and organize a blog hop. Make sure to check out all the wonderful contributions everyone had made to this hop (we all love comments too so don't be shy). Make sure to go back to the beginning to find out some other fun things going on for the hop and we have some awesome sponsors too! Ok let's get right to my projects since you've got lots more hoppin' to do.

My first project is an ATC. I love this girlie skull dont you? I used bubblegum pink ink for all my stamping and distressing here.

My next project is an art journal page. I can never seem to draw a skull that's even so cheated and only drew half of one :) Sketched it in and added more gesso to the skull for texture. Used red and blue water color crayons to add color to the page and black for the eye. Couldn't find the right paint brush so ended up just smearing it all around with my finger. Then I added a quote from Isaac Bashevis Singer. "There is great treasure behind our skull and this is true about all of us. This little treasure has great, great powers an I would say we only have learnt a very, very small part of what it can do." Cool huh? Here's the list, happy hopping!

Who wants candy?!!

2011-06-01T10:24:00.002-06:00

Tiddly Inks is offering up some blog candy! The more people the more candy! No tricks to join in, go check it out. this runs from June 1st to June 15th so hurry on over there :)

Smeared and Smudged Blog Hop

2011-04-14T03:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Smeared & Smudged April Blog Hop. This month our theme is metal, there has to be metal somewhere on our project (brads and eyelets DO NOT count)! No special rules except to follow the S & S rule of there needs to be a stamp somewhere!!! Which is easy enough especially when Smeared Ink has such awesome stamps to choose from. For my project I repurposed a used fed ex envelope to cut out my tag shape, then I applied 2 coats of gesso to get the texture I wanted. I painted the entire tag with turquoise paint. After it was dry I used a dry brush to add metallic bronze paint. While all the paint was drying I stamped this gorgeous image from the Smeared Ink Nymph set. I stamped her in cocoa ink on an off white CS and then stamped her dress also in cocoa ink on B&T paper. I also added some of the metallic paint to her wings but it's difficult to see that here. I very carefully cut them out and attached the dress to the nymph and then to the tag.

On the left side of the tag is my first actual peice of metal. It's a rusted up piece that I found on one of my walks around the warehouse where my son's karate class is. I wrapped some bronze wire around the metal and attached to my tag. I also found the rusted up washer that I used at the top of the tag around the hole for my ribbon. Cool right? I also used the cross-hatch stamp from the Quoth the Raven set (also from Smeared Ink).

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to stop at all the other blogs along the hop. Don't forget to leave some love (we all love comments).

Terra http://moresmearedink.blogspot.com/
Kelli http://cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com/
Lady Brayton http://www.ladybrayton71.blogspot.com/
Black Dragon http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/
Alison http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
Kapree http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com/
Alex http://www.paperandstring.blogspot.com/
Sugar http://sugscardsnmore.blogspot.com/
Jane http://jcocraft.blogspot.com/
Kymberly http://1darkrosaleen.blogspot.com/
Monica http://giddygreetings.com/
Paula http://www.whatspeaks2myheart.wordpress.com/
Tori http://ndustrial-lemon.blogspot.com/
Lisa http://www.ldfdesign.blogspot.com/
Tiffany http://bkfastattiffanys.blogspot.com/
Dianne http://dkspinner.blogspot.com/
Steph http://stephscreativechaos.blogspot.com/ <--you are here
Judi http://creatingartwithheart.blogspot.com/

Smeared & Smudged is the place to be if you are into alternative, vintage and gothic art rubber stamping.

QKD Challenge March week 2

2011-03-28T13:05:00.008-06:00

For the 2nd week of March we had a sketch challenge over on QKD. Here's the sketch...

And here's my take on the sketch. The papers are from CTMH and I used one of the girls from the Deadling sets from QKD in the creepie cuties collection. I stamped her with chocolate ink and then colored her in with pencils.

~happy stamping~

QKD Challenge March week 3

2011-03-27T23:37:00.008-06:00

For week 3 over at Queen Kat Designs, the challenge was a photo inspiration. Here is the photo.....

Wicked shoes right?! Don't you love them!!! I was inspired to pull out my shoes stamps, which I have tons of. (During the day I work for a catalog company and I'm the coordinator for the shoe catalog, so I collect shoe stamps instead of real shoes.)

Anywho.... I decided on this stamp, I have no idea who the vendor could be so if you know please let me know so I can give credit. First I stamped the image in black ink and I knew I wanted to add some bling since the photo inspiration had so much eye candy going on. So I put down a layer of liquid glass from CTMH (love that stuff) and then pulled out some beads. Then after making my selections I carefully placed them into the liquid glass. After I was done adding beads I still had some empty space on the shoe so I used glitter glue in several different colors to fill in. Then I used a blue gel pen to color in the bottom and heel of the shoe for extra color and shine. I framed the shoe with black CS then stamped my sentiment on another piece of white framed by the black card base.

Super fun! I think I'll be adding beads to more projects :)

Thanks for stopping, if you like my creations please become a follower.

~happy stamping~

QKD Challenge March week 4

2011-03-27T23:31:00.005-06:00

For week 4 over at Queen Kat Designs we had a color challenge. We were to use mint, ivory and coral in our project. Well let me tell you I had to go through all my stuff for paper that would fit close enough to those colors. I have nothing in mint so the closest I could find is sweet leaf. So finally I found this wonderful paper from CTMH in the Twitterpated paper pack. I started with an ivory card base then added a layer of sweet leaf then a layer of the texture paper. Then I stamped my little hedgehog in chocolate ink on another piece of ivory CS and after distressing the edges with sweet leaf ink layered him on sorbet (closest to coral I found in my stash) CS. After searching for sorbet color ribbon with no luck decided on chocolate ribbon. I think it turned out pretty cute. ~happy stamping~

SDC26: Animals, insects or birds

2011-03-21T13:23:00.007-06:00

This challenge is for Stampotique Designers Blog. The theme this week is to use animals, birds or insects on your project . I had so much fun learning a new technique for the last Stampotique challenge (see previous post) that I wanted to try it again.

The technique is faux barnwood and you can see it much better on this sample than on my first attempt :) . I started with cobalt blue acrylic paint with a top layer of white paint. I cut this to size and mounted on orange CS. I stamped the dragonfly (SU!) in orange and it's hard to see here, but I outlined the wings with glitter glue to add some shimmer. I used a scallop punch to make some flowers from some book pages and then distressed them with orange ink to tie into the base card and dragonfly.

Thanks for stopping by!

~happy stamping~

Triple Tiara Challenge week one

2011-03-21T13:20:00.005-06:00

The theme for the March week one T3 challenge over at Queen Kat Designs Blog (yes I'm a couple weeks behind) ... is to use alcohol inks or destress inks. So that inspired me to break out my Alcohol Inks that I've had about forever but never took out of the package.

The colors I used are from the Nature Walk set - butterscotch, wild plum and stream. After applying the inks I used blending solution. I'm really pleased at how this turned out and can't wait to get more ink colors :) I attatched this CS onto a black card base. I used Jet Black StazOn to stamp my skeleton from Paula Best onto white glossy CS and cut out. I decided not to color in the skeleton because I didn't want the detail to get lost and thought with the colorful background having it just black and white really makes it pop.

~happy stamping~

SDC25: Faux Barnwood Technique

2011-03-07T22:09:00.007-07:00

For this Stampotique Designers Challenge they wanted us to use the Faux Barnwood Technique or another technique from Technique Junkies.

For my card I started with the color plum for my base coat then orchid for the top. I stamped Glimmering Hope in black in then colored with pencils and cut her out. I also used a purple gel pen to help set off some of the lines in her dress and outline her bow and star. I punched 3 small flowers from some text pages then added a pink gem in the middle of each. I dont know if it was because I was drying it or because it was on cardstock but the crackles turned out smaller then my first attempt that I did in my journal so they are not as noticeable unless it's in your hands, but I still liked the way it turned out and this is a super easy and fun technique.

I added some ribbons and wrote "I feel pretty" because that's the song that's always in my head when I use this stamp :)
Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to check out the Stampotique Designers Challenge blog because the design team has some awesome samples with this technique.

QKD Triple Tiara Tuesday Challenge

2011-02-27T09:56:00.007-07:00

The challenge for week 4 over at QKD for the 3T challenge was a photo inspiration from Crate and Barrel.

I decided to make a flower pot shaped card and to use the blues and purples from the image.

I started with bamboo CS with the fold at the top and cut to the shape of a flower pot. Swiped all around the edges with Chocolate ink then sponged in Ocean ink. Used one of my new QK images from the Creepie Cuties collection, she's called Butterfly Fairy. Colored her with pencils and attached to some purple CS, added my ribbon and flower. Felt it was missing something so went through my stamps and decided on this sentiment from one of my CTMH sets.

QKD Triple Tiara Tuesday Challenge

2011-02-27T09:33:00.012-07:00

The February 3T challenge for week two over on Queen Kat Desigsns blog was a sketch challenge.

Here's my take on the sketch. I used the Bryn & Tup image from the Fantasy Art of Maigan Lynn collection at Queen Kat Designs.

I stamped Bryn & Tup in black ink and colored with pencils and cut them out. Starting with a white card base I layered Holiday Red CS then added the black texture paper from My Mind's Eye (which I've been using lots of and I only bought one sheet.....ack I'm almost out!) I added Bryn & Tup but then wasn't sure what to do about the circle part of the sketch. I decided on some paper flowers and stamped some hearts and swirls on the larger white flower to go back to the little hearts that Bryn has on her dress. Added a small pink flower and pearl brad for the center. Then after attaching to card I chopped the petals that were hanging off the side. Last step was to add some hand drawn stitching around the edge of the card.

~happy stamping~

QKD Challenge

2011-02-21T20:57:00.002-07:00

Finally got some play time so I was able to use a couple new stamps from Queen Kat Designs :) Yay! This first card I made for week one of the Triple Tiara Challenge that takes place every Tuesday over on Queen Kat's Design blog.

For the first week the challenge was to use embossing (heat or dry) on your creation. I chose to do the dry embossing since I just got a cuttlebug for Christmas and wanted to use some more of my new embossing folders. I used Skeleton Scroll folder on some blue cardstock and layered it on the white card base. My new stamp Blue Fairy from the Creepie Cuties collection over on Queen Kat was stamped in black and colored with pencil in various shades of blue. I added some shimmery blue ribbon and some blue stickles to go with my blue theme.
I'm working on my week two creation which is a sketch challenge so make sure to stop by again to check it out.

~happy stamping~

Smeared and Smudged Valentine's Blog Hop

2011-02-14T03:00:00.005-07:00

Welcome to the Smeared & Smudged Valentine's Day blog hop. The rules for our valentine/love theme hop are simple.... no red, no pink, no hearts, no cute!

For my card I'm using this lovely couple from the As Death set from Smeared Ink. I colored them in with pencils and mounted on a black square. For the card base I stared with an off white cardstock and layered a blueish/grey rose patterned vellum. Added the black and pale blue ribbon to tie into the colors used on the image. My thinking was the roses brought some more romance to the card. Decided not to clutter up the front with the sentiment but to write Dance with me, Valentine on the inside.

Don't forget to continue on with the hop and leave all the bloggers some love.

~Happy Valentine's Day~

Terra
Tori
Alison
Lady B
Helen
Kymberly
Berenice
Kelli
Lisa
Dianne
Teri
Rebecca
Steph
Jane
Sugar
Kapree
Black Dragon
Alex

my valentine

2011-02-13T20:17:00.002-07:00

Here's my valentine to my kiddo. He thought it was pretty awesome that I used a real heart shape, yes he's weird like me :) I also used black sparkley alpha stickers. The heart stamp is from the Poe set from Smeard Ink.

orange & turquoise

2011-02-13T20:00:00.002-07:00

Well I'm about a week late for the orange and turquoise challenge over on the stampotique designers challenge blog, but I wanted to finish it anyway to add to my slowly growing altered rolodex card collection. There is a new challenge going on (love/valentine) as well as a couple they are hosting for other sites so I encourage you to go over there and check it out.

CPS #203

2011-02-04T17:49:00.004-07:00

I happened to come across this awesome blog Card Positioning Systems and each week they have a sketch challenge. Here's is this weeks sketch...

... and here is my entry. I used a CTMH stamp and cranberry texture paper and the black strip of paper is from My Minds Eye.

You have until the 5th to join in on the challenge. Thanks for stopping by.

~happy stamping~

QKD Challenge

2011-01-30T16:14:00.002-07:00

One of my New Years promises to myself is to be more creative and have more fun doing it. One way to do this is to join more challenges. I found a great one over at Queen Kat Designs. They have a weekly challenge called the Triple Tiara Tuesday and this month the prize will be a $25 gift certificate from them. I only have a few stamps from QKD but have a wish list longer than my arm so why not join the challenge with the opportunity to win the gift certificate so I can get some of those stamps on my wish list!
I'm hoping to find some time to get another entry in for one of the other weeks but for now this is what I made for the week 2 challenge of "white". I used my brand new cuttle bug to emboss some swirls for the background and stamped this Just a Girl stamp from the Gorjuss Girl line over at Sugar Nellie. I used colored pencils and shimmer stickers, that's it! I really like the way she turned out, hope you do too!

January Blog Hop

2011-01-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the January Smeared & Smudged members blog hop! Our theme for this hop is "New". So I've decided to use one of my new Smeared Ink stamp sets in my new art journal. I wanted a collage-like feel to this page using only the stamps from the As Death set.
I started with the text stamp in chocolate first and second generation stamping, then added additional images in chocolate, desert sand and cocoa. It was looking a little bland so stamped the lovely skeleton in vineyard berry. The image on the bottom right I stamped in black on desert sand card stock then colored with pencils and cut out to attach to the page. Spritzed some glimmer mist and found a quote I liked.
Make sure to hop on over to all the other blogs to see what "New" things all the gals have created and dont forget to leave them all some love. Blog list is on the sidebar :)

~happy stamping~

Creative Block

2011-01-14T11:47:00.001-07:00

I was so excited the beginning of the year to do more to express my creative side. I’d just done a whole month of blog hopping with S&S and I was ambitious to continue along those lines. I thought about trying out for some design teams. I joined in with Art Journal Everyday, got a new journal for Christmas and was raring to go. Sat down that first Friday and made my opening page for my journal and ICK! It looks like a 5 year old made it, actually a 5 year old would probably done a better job. Ever since then I’ve been stuck L

I have fabulous ideas and plans and somewhere along the way the translation from my brain to my hand, it gets all messed up. I realize that we are probably our own worst critics so that’s the first step in recovery right? I need to shut up my inner critic, I need to let go, art makes me happy so why can’t I just do what makes me happy and not tear apart the outcome?

We are 14 days into the New Year, so I’m 14 days behind in my journal. But you know what, that’s ok. Today is a new day. Today is a new beginning. Today after work I am going to take a picture of my first page to post, I am going to grab my journal and my pencils and put them in a bag so I can doodle, draw, write, or do whatever I want tonight while sitting at my sons karate class. I am not going to be afraid to try new things, I am not going to be afraid to share what I make, I will encourage my inner artist and I’m going to leave my inner critic by the side of the road and if she doesn’t shut up I’m going to back up my van and run her over.

Ah….. I feel better already J

Rock 'N' Rolla Inspiration

2010-12-31T18:05:00.005-07:00

Over at the Smeared and Smudged forum the Rock 'n' Rolla challege for December was the video Brick by Boring Brick by Paramore Check it out so you can understand my card :)

I inked up my card with a grey stamp pad (direct to paper) which kind of gave me bricks (like the castle) but I added some lines to make them smaller and more brick like. The swirl I used for the vine and the flower are both from CTMH, the little girl with butterfly wings is from Lost Coast. I added glitter glue to her dress (which you really can't see here), but thought it was cool that the picture came out with a couple of the sparkles glowing just like the video. The frame is from smearedink and that's for the mirrors in the video.

~happy stamping~

12 Days of Christmas - Day 12

2010-12-23T03:00:00.001-07:00

We made it! Day 12 of the 12 days of Christmas Smeared and Smudged style! I hope you all had as much fun as I did hopping to all the blogs and seeing what everyone created. These ladies are amazing, if you missed any of the days go back and take a look at everyone's art. If you've enjoyed what you've seen and want to partake in some stamping fun come and join us over on the Smeared and Smudged forum.

For my last entry I'm using the Elementals set from Smeared Ink. I stamped her in outdoor denim ink then coloring her in using 3 different shades of blue pencils. Then I added some glitter glue to her hair. I was imagining a Winter Goddess when I picked the texture paper and colors. I wanted to add a big sparkly chipboard snowflake, but of course when I need something I can never find it. So I went with the swirl thinking it matches the curls in her hair pretty well. It was already sparkly so just sponged some blue ink on it.

Thank you so much for hopping along with me, I've appreciated all the comments. I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please come back and see me in 2011, I'm hoping to make it a super crafty year :)

~ hugs, steph ~

12 Days of Christmas - Day 11

2010-12-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again! We are getting closer and closer to the big day and I've yet to design, stamp and send out my cards ACK!!! So here's a couple designs I've decided on that are easy peasy but still look nice (I think).

I wanted to go with craft paper and I'm using cocoa ink on both samples. The first image of the deer is from B & J Art Stamps. I really like this image I have several other petroglyph images from them and when I saw this one I had to have it. I added just a touch of red stickels to the nose :) I also have a smaller size of the same image I'm going to put on the envelope. I'm undecided if I should put and sentiment on the front or just on the inside. I do have a small plain font that says happy holidays... hmmm

The second card I used the angel (Stamp On It Designs)that I used several days back on an atc, again with cocoa ink. I used white pencil to color her and then added glitter glue to her wings. I also stamped peace hope and joy (ctmh) underneath.

Now all I have to do it make about 33 more of these :) The problem with that is my pack of craft cards only has 20 .... so I'm going to have to come up with another style that looks good on white card stock, unless I want to go over to Michael's.

Make sure to come back on the 23rd for the last day of the Smeared and Smudged Jolly Blogger blog hop. It's been a blast participating and even better hopping along and seeing what amazing work all the other bloggers are contributing to the hop.

~happy holidays~

12 Days of Christmas - Day 10

2010-12-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again my friends. I can't believe how fast this month is going. Thank you so much for visiting and your comments are very much appreciated. My project for today is another ATC, I'm so worn out I needed something quick. I've used an awesome skull stamp from Lost Coast Designs. The skull has a wreath so I thought hey lets make it a Christmas wreath. As you probably noticed I was too impatient and didn't let my stickles dry completely and so they smeared when I went to put the glue dots on the back of the skull.....ug... So I'll have to figure out how to fix that or just redo the skull when I have a little more energy. I created the background for my ATC with the texture stamps from the Quoth the Raven stamp set from Smeared Ink (I love that set).

Since I was bummed out at smearing my project after I colored and cut it out I went digging thru my old projects to find something else to share. So here's a look at Projects from Christmas Past.... hehehe get it?

Both of these projects are from my demonstrating days with CTMH. The first is a card with the cute sleigh stamp, the white paper with the entiment is actually vellum so you can see the stamps images on the green paper beneath it in person.

The second is a little gift sack made from an envelope. First you take a business size envelope and seal it up. Then you cut it in half and stamp it all up. Then you fold the sides and bottom in about a 1/4 of an inch. Fold them both to the front and then to the back. Then you work the folds to open up the bag. I layered the sentiment and added to the front and made some matching tissue paper.
I'm off work this coming week so I'll locate an envelope and take step by step pictures if anyone is interested, I'm not sure if my tired rambling is making much sense at the moment.

Thanks for stopping by, dont forget to check out the other Jolly Bloggers.

~happy stamping~

12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

2010-12-17T03:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome back! For day 9 I've used the tree nymph from the Nymphs set at Smeared Ink.

I started off imaging a decorated tree kink of like Tori did several days ago, but then changed my mind and thought about a wintery feel .... well after I finished cutting her out I couldn't find any paper I liked that made her pop off the page so went with simple black. I added some liquid glass to her dress so it's nice and shiney. Then I added some glitter glue thinking I'd make it look like snow. Well I found out that when I put the glitter glue over black paper it looks more greenish, so then decided to add some red stickles and think it kinda turned out with a holly like look. Not totally how I envisioned, but not so bad. Live and learn.

~happy stamping~