PagesPat's Ponderings

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Doing My Part

Ou rchurch's youth Group is deeply involved with Catholic Charities.  One of their many ventures is helping out with gift baskets to auction off at a charity dinner.  I've been asked to make a couple of banners or signs for the baskets to identify their themes.
The first one I made was for the Father's Day basket.  I could have gone sports, but decided to take the Tool Time path.  I used a piece of patterned paper that looked like wood grain and adhered it on some foam board.  Next I stamped individual tools and pieced them together to spell out "Father's Day".  I framed them on brown cardstock and arranged them on my plank. I jagged cut the edges of the paper and attached some lacing from men's boots to hang either inside the basket or out.

The Mother's Day basket was comprised of leftover Valentine patterned paper and embellishments.  The 12x12 paper was actually blocks for photos, so I cut off the bottom two and added some Stickle cross stitching to make it look like it was sewn together.  Various alpha stickers spells out "Happy Mom's Day".  The flower is handmade by my friend Shannon.  I embellished with pearls, sequins, and tied a piece of lace from which to hang my sign onto the basket.

It was fun making these signs for the auction, but now it's back to my month of birthday cards!  Here i go again, running (hiding) away to my craft room.  Hope your day is filled with crafting, too!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Seeing Red

On my newest card, that is!  Squigglefly has a new challenge this week, and it is to get out those red markers, watercolors, crayons, pencils and ink.  Show me the RED!!
So I hope I didn't go too much overboard on the red here, especially on the flower spray.  I just loved coloring the new Squigglefly February release stamp, "Hold On To Me", by Lynne Stansbery!  And after 35 years of loving the same man, I thought it would be the perfect image for his Valentine card.  Of course, I have made him at least four Valentine cards so far!!!  Just can't stop it LOL
Anyway, I used Copics for the coloring then attached it to some leftover DCWV patterned paper with dimensional tape for, well, DIMENSION!  Flourish and leaf diecuts are behind the flowers.  The largest one was made by my crafting friend Shannon, whose ETsy shop offers more of the same.  The other three are leftover from a Michael's purchase when the store closed its doors (boohoo, no more shopping sprees there!).
All placed on red cardstock and my 6x6 Valentine's Day card is complete, along with the outside sentiment:  "to have and to hold", and the inside sentiment:  "hand in hand, forever and always".
I think hubby will get the message, don't you?
So noe it's your turn to play in the challenge!  If you still don't have a Squigglefly image, grab a freebie HERE and think RED.  I'd love to see what you come up with!
Happy crafting!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Super Chicken???

Hambo has really outdone themselves with this cuter-than-cute digi-image, Caped Chick!  He really thinks he's all that! 

Hambo Challenge Blog has a new challenge this week.  You can choose any card from their blog or gallery and "CASE" it -- meaning cardlift a design and make one of your own cards like it!
My easel card uses sky blue patterned paper, a few fluffy clouds, the Caped Chick digi image, paper pieced and layered with dimensional tape.
Very clean and simple.

For my inspiration to cardlift or CASE, I chose an easel card by the very talented Hey Hey Paula.  She showcased Hambo digi image "Cool Dog" on her round easel card (I just rounded the corners).  Her colors were in the blues, as mine are.  And of course, with most easel cards, you can have fun with a one-two punch sentiment, like my play on those famous words from the old black & white Superman series (yeah, i know, you don't remember it, but I do!), "Look, up in the sky...it's a bird, it's a plane...No, it's Superman!"

There are tons of cards in their gallery to get inspiration when your muse is in hiding!  I have several I want to go back to and try my own hand at their designs!  And you can of course join in the Hoedown challenge for your chance to win free digi's or a blog badge.  So put on your dancin' shoes and play!

Cooking Up Some Love

Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I had the biggest crush on my jr. high science teacher.  I worked hard in chemistry to impress him, even to the point of memorizing the table of elements (of course, back then, there were only about a hundred).  So when I saw this new February release from Squigglefly, called Mad Scientist, it brought up those feelings of first love. 
So I made a card with my geeky guy mixing up a Love Potion #9, just in time for Valentine's Day.
Mad Scientist is by artist Chesney Young, and it's a digi image by Squigglefly.  I love the versatility of digi's, in that you can flip the image from left to right, and make him any size you want.  With the right software, you can even print him in colored ink.
I used a lot of pinks on my card, because I found this irresistable lipstick-smooched patterned paper leftover from last year.  I only had a few small pieces, so framed them and my image with black cardstock on my 6x6 card base. 
I printed the title "Love Potion #9" for the connection to my past, and added a simple paper flower, made by the very talented Anna.
What do you think?  I found out my first crush is a principal at a school in my state.  Should I send it to him with my confession???
Meanwhile, back to reality.  Come play with me at the Squigglefly challenge blog, or you can check them out on Facebook and SNR Card Universe!  Just remember to keep crafting!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Hambo Blog Hop

Welcome to my little corner of crafting zen!  Today Hambo Stamps is hosting a Customer Blog Hop.  If you're coming from Karin's blog, you're on the right track.  If not, start HERE for the full tour!
The theme of the Hop is BOOKS.  Do you like to read?  I love to read!  I love it so much I sometimes have to read a new book twice--once to devour it,while ink runs from the corners of my mouth, and a second time to leisurely stroll through the story.
I made three cards for this themed hop, and the books that inspired them are at the bottom of this post.  My first card is from a children's book.  Since I tore a page from one of the many copies I have stored away, I'm sure, if you have children or godchildren, you can ID the first title immediately.
I have at least three more copies of this book.  My son loved it (he's now 26), my daughter loved it (16 years old now) and I continue to read it (almost every night) to my 4 year old granddaughter.
I used Caterpillar digi-image and colored him with my trusty Copics.  I tore some paper for a textured background, added a library check-out card for the "bookish" theme, and tore and cut pieces from a page in a spare book.  When my granddaughter saw this card, she looked at me with love in her eyes and asked, "You made this for me?"  How could I say no to that??!!

My second card gives you a little clue in the sentiment.  I don't usually delve into non-fiction, but the photos in his books are some of the most beautiful ones I've ever seen.  Not being a scuba diver, they were my only peek into his undersea world.

I made an easel card for Hambo's Wee Henry Snorkel digi-image.  Easel cards are the easiest, unusually- folded card to make.  Just fold your standard half a sheet of 8.5x11" cardstock in half, then fold the top part in half again, folding toward the inside of your card.  You now have an easel on which to prop up the front of your card!  Easy peasy!

My third card is broader and more difficult to guess.  If you haven't read the book (or seen the movie) then you'll just have to sneak a look at the end of my post for its inspiration.

I colored Balloon Girl digi-image with my Copics and set her off on her journey.  I adhered her onto the background with some dimensional pop dots.
I imagine she'll be gone for almost three months (hint, hint).

And that's my library of book-inspired cards, all made with my Hambo digi images.  Next on the blog hop is Laura's blog, but before you leave, did you guess them all??  Here are the books that inspired the cards.  Please leave a little love before you drift off.  Make sure you leave a comment on all blogs as there is blog candy involved for everyone who comments on every blog in the hop.  Good luck, have fun and Happy crafting!




Here's the full hop in case you get lost:

Fantasy Bride

In the forest where fairies dwell, the foliage is lush and vibrant with colors.  Snow may glisten at the edges of this mysterious realm, but in the heart of the forest, where the magic is strongest, you will find perpetual spring.
Here is where the lovely Elf Bride finds herself, amongst her furry friends, her Mother Nature, and her soon-to-be husband.  For this fantasy, I created a card using Queen Kat Design's  "Elf Bride" by Monika Ptok Byard.  It's one of the January new releases here at Queen Kat Designs.
The sentiment inside reads: "Still the one I love" (title by Shania Twain), and is benchmarked for my hubby of 35 years (of course, I got married when i was thirteen...do you believe me?)
Anyway, she is a gorgeous image to color and I love her pose, as it is a great showcase for the shadows on her face.
You can get "Elf Bride" and more from Queen Kat Designs and Monika at the Shoppe.  Tell them Pat sent you!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

A Dill-licious Recipe for Fun


Pickles by Lynn Stansbery
 I just had to make another card for the Squigglefly Challenge Blog this week.  Their challenge calls for a recipe using ribbon or twine, a brad and something shiny.  My pickles are practically glowing with shimmer in their jar, while a bit of leftover white ribbon and a black heart brad decorate the card.  My inside sentiment reads:  "Have a dill-lightful Birthday"!
The Squigglefly digi image, called Pickles by Lynn Stansbery, is one of my newest images in my growing collection of Squigglefly images.  Don't have one yet?????  Click HERE to shop til you drop!  And don't forget to play in thwe CHALLENGE this week!
p.s. You can also catch us on Facebook!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Recipe for Love


Sweet Froggy
 This cuter than cute digi image from Squigglefly inspired so many different sentiments, but I chose one from Squigglefly "Short on legs, long on love!"   I made this Valentine card for the new Squigglefly challenge, which follows a "recipe".  The "ingredients" are use ribbon or twine, use glitter (something sparkly) and use a brad somewhere on the card
After coloring my image, called "Sweet Froggy" by Jane Beljo, with my trusty Copics, I added my first recipe ingredient, Stickles, to make his warts shine! The second ingredient, a purple ribbon, was stapled to my image.  Finally, I added two white heart brads for my third ingredient.
Inside, I added the sentiment "Happy Valentine's Day".
Now it's your turn to create a card and play in the Squigglefly Challenge.  If you need a Squigglefly image, find some freebies HERE.

Other challenges I entered:
Cupcake Craftroom - Anything Goes  http://cupcakecraftroom.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-2012-challenge.html

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Tired of Shopping? Never!

Badonkadonk by Chesney Young
Today I made a card with my favorite Squigglefly digi image, Badonkadonk, by artist Chesney Young.  I made a Z-fold card, covered it with lipstick smooches and colored my image with my trusty Copics.  I added a diecut purse with a heart-shaped brad. 
She's shopping you know, and enjoying the heck out of it.  She has a great attitude when it comes to a full day of shopping, which just happens to be the inside sentiment (oh, how she inspires me). 
It reads:  "When I get tired of shopping, I just sit down and try on some shoes."  My kind of woman...

Friday, January 20, 2012

Hot for Chocolate


Secret Admirer
 Hi, crafters!  I have another project using Queen Kat Design's "Secret Admirer" by Danika Lindsell.  This time I decided to make a tag card with this cute, love-sick dragon. 
Since the patterned paper was a sea of dots, I cut out my colored image in a circle, framed it with dark red cardstock, and added a few embellies, namely a flower, a feather and some jute lace.
I glammed up the box of chocolates a bit with a few punched and Stickled hearts.
Check out the new January releases at the Shoppe, and tell them Pat sent you!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Introducing Bailey

Hambo Stamps is introducing a whole new line of digi images called the Bailey series.  This cute pup is going to be so popular!  Check out the challenge at the Hambo Hoedown.  They ask players to use Bailey or any other Hambo digi image and make a kid's birthday card.  My image is a combination of paper piecing and Copic colroing. Hambo Stamps are working together with the Send A Smile 4 Kids blog for this week's challenge. 
Send A Smile 4 Kids is a charitable blog created for the purpose of collecting donated handmade cards to be distributed to children while they are in-patients at Children’s Hospitals.
So get your dancing shoes on and come play at Hambo's Challenge blog.  If you don't have any Hambo images, you won't win a prize, but you can snag some FREEBIES and play with them!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Button Up Your Valentine's day!

The days are sure going fast.  It seems like yesterday that I was franticall trying to finish off my Christmas cards and gifts.  Now Valentine's Day is approaching FAST!  So I wanted to offer you a fun valentine's Day card, using a Squigglefly January new release and playing in this week's Challenge.  The challenge asks for BUTTONS, or to show somehow on your card how you are BUTTONING UP FOR THE COLD WEATHER.
The Squigglefly digi image is called "Tandem Ladybugs" by artist Monica Estill.  I snagged the sentiment off thequotegarden.com where I almost always find fun quotes and sentiments for my cards.  While the front of the card states the "I've fallen in love many times..." the inside reveals "...but always with you!"  Perfect sentiment for a card for my hubby of 35 years!!!  In fact, we loved each other so much, we married each other twice.  But that's a story for another day.
Anyway, the Squigglefly Challenge Blog offers new challenges every Monday, so you have plenty of time to print up your Squigglelfy digi's and enter the challenge---what, you don't any images yet?!  If you want a chance to win free images, you can start by clicking for some freebies HERE.
Now go play in your craft room, and Happy Crafting!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?

I do!  And it's on my new card I made for the Squigglefly Challenge this week.  That's right, this week's challenge is to use buttons on your project.  I made a card using one of Squigglefly's January release digi-images, called Polar Bears.
I colored the image with Copics, framed it and the sentiment with black carsdstock, and set them both off with some wild patterned paper.  I love this paper, but I won't do much more with it, as I have taken a vow of poverty (as far as crafting goes).  So this card was made with leftovers from my stash.
Can you see my buttons?  They are tiny black ones, and I used them in the centers of the small patterns on my background paper.
The sentiment was snagged off of http://www.quotegarden.com/ and printed up from Word.  I think this would make a nice get well card for a guy---what do you think?
Have you participated in a Squigglefly Challenge yet?  All you need is a Squigglefly image and meet the challenge guidelines found HERE.  If you don't already have your own images, check out the FREEBIES.
Happy Crafting!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

What Goes Up...

Got a card with a little humor to it, courtesy of Hambo Stamps.  Their digi-image, Balloons, which I received FREE just for playing in their weekly challenge, was the perfect sentiment for one of my fave card designs, the easel card!
The challenge was to use the digi image and circle--all sizes and colors, just a lot of circles!  here is what I came up with, using my Creative memories Circle cutting system, colored cardstock and Stickles.
So come dance at the Hambo Hoedown, where every player is a winner!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Crafter's Companion Anything Goes Challenge

I don't know about other parts of the country, but here in the midwest, especially around Chicago, Winter finally made its entrance with pizzazz.  A nice accumulation of glistening snow, enough gusts to cause traffic to crawl, and a severe drop in temps has this crafty girl hiding out in her cozy, warm craft room.
Which is just as well, as I had enough time to create a project with my Crafter's Companion stamps.  I used a stamp set from the "A Little Bit Sketchy Collection" called Faith by Sheena Douglas.  This is one of my favorite sets, and I've used it for so many different projects.
Today I recycled a Dollar Store frame, taking out the glass and adhering some thin cork board material onto the accompanying corrugated cardboard.  Next I covered the cork with patterned paper from DCWV Luxury Stack and cardstock, laying a piece of jute lace across to blend the two papers together.
I stamped the background of my cardstock with snowflake and star clusters stamps, using some Dazzle Versamark ink.  A little dab of Ice Blue Stickles was added for some shine.
Next I stamped the bird on a branch and colored her with my Copics.  I almost made her into a cardinal so I could use my new Spectrum Noir markers (I have the Pinks and Reds so far) but the blue jay was singing to me.
I fussy cut her out and attached her just above the jute border, again using Stickles to let her sparkle.  I finished off my scene by stamping ontpo the carstock in the upper left corner with a coordinating stamp from the same set, coloring it with Copics as well.  The sentiment was stamped on matching cardstock and diecut with my Epic Six and the Labels Four Nestabilities die.
The most time-consuming part of my new message board was putting the jewels and doodads onto the frame!  I used up a whole bottle of Stickles, all my lovely teal-colored Skittles, the last of my snowflake punchies, my daimond dazzle super fine glitter from Stampin Up, and various sequins and jewels.  But you can barely tell that the frame was black, and I think the sparkle is uplifting!
I'm entering it in Crafter's Companion Challenge Blog for their January challenge of Anything Goes.  That's not all!  Starting on Monday they will be giving away a stamp a week to one lucky person who comments on their blog.  So hop on over and check out the inspiration offered there!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Valentine Candy by a Secret Admirer

Do you realize Valentine's Day is only a month away?!  I know, I know, wew just finished celebrating December's holidays, but still, only one month to start and finish all those Valentine cards, candy pulls, goody bags, and other expressions of love!

Secret Admirer by Danika Lindsell
 Well, I just started my collection for the holiday made for sweethearts with this Ribbon Pull Candy Card.  This cute QKD image by Monika Ptok Byard is called Secret Admirer, and I think it will be a big hit with my friends.  I bought a package of sugarfree bubble gum packs and when each recipient pulls the ribbom up from the card, the gum comes out of its card!

I think I'll color the dragon as many colors as I have flowers & ribbon and make each one different in that little way.

So, half begun is half done (well, maybe not half, but at least I started).  Secret Admirer is brand new, one of many new QKD releases this month.  Get yours HERE and check out all the other new releases.  And tell them Patacake sent you!!

Monday, January 9, 2012

First 2012 Squigglefly Challenge

Another year of fantastic challenges from one of my fave companies, Squigglefly.  The first challenge of the year is a simple Thank you card, using a Squigglefly image. 


Closed Card
 My card is a Z-Fold card with a slanting top.  I love the versatility of this card, and it is so easy to make!   Just take an 8.5x11" piece of cardstock, and instead of cutting it in half with your paper trimmer, use scissors or rip it in on a slant, so that when you make the Z-fold, the top of the card looks like it is slanting upwards.  Then embellishment your inclining top with stamps, images or anything you have on hand.  I took some leftover pieces of patterned paper and cut out the musical notes.  That theme fits the cha-cha-ing turtle as he dances his gratitude dance!
 As some of you know, I design for Squigglefly, and I have to tell you the January new releases came out on Saturday and you better break into your piggy bank!  There are some awesome images.
The image I used here isn't one of the new ones, but you can still purchase this ChaCha Turtle digi image by Mark Hicks from Squigglefly HERE.



Open card
 I love using digital images because of the many different ways you can use them.  As you can see with the card open, I not only printed the image in two different sizes, but printed each facing opposite ways!  You get the turtle facing both ways, plus the sentiment ChaChaCha.

So start you new year out by crafting a card for Squigglefly's Challenge Blog, for a chance to win this image or any of your choice!  Don't have one yet?  Catch a freebie HERE.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Crafters Come in all Shapes & Sizes (& Ages)

Front & Back Covers
A crafter is a crafter is a crafter, no matter how old she is, nor what country she comes from, nor what skill level she has. 













 
 And to prove my point, I am showing off a Mini Album I received in a swap from a crafting partner who has not yet entered high school. 











If you received this as your swap item, could you have guessed her age?










My album to her was an 8x8 shaped Multi-Media one, with the same winter theme.










When I asked her what her likes and dislikes were, she asked me to make something that would "make her heart sing".










I hope I attained my goal, and that she loves the album I made her.











Because her album pictured here is making my own heart sing.  It's a song of joy and comfort and love of all things handmade.









I absolutely LOVE my new album, and will always cherish it.  Thank you, Chevy Girl.  You have an artist's eye, and a crafter's heart, and I'm so glad to have been partnered with you!  If you ever need a recommendation to anywhere in the crafting world, just name it!


You can check out more of her work on her YouTube channel:  chevygirl4001

Happy crafting, everyone!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Hiding Out

Friday:
Here we are in Port Washington, Wisconsin, just the two of us girls, off on an adventure of...doing nothing!  That's right, no bowling, no theater, no wine tasting, just walking around, sitting in the jacuzzi, talking over dinner...that about sums it up!

And you know what?  It's enough!  We checked in around 2 pm, after grabbing a sandwich at the edge of town.  We decided to take walk along the lake, on the rocks, and had a blast!  Some time sitting in the sun (in 45 degree temps), watching the water lap at the rocks...

Wendy even got to check off something from her bucket list.   She'd never gone fishing before, and a fisherman lent her a pole (at least for the photo)!

Back at the hotel, we changed into our suits and swam in the pool, then relaxed in the hot tub.  We had it all to ourselves!  She even sat in the sauna for a few minutes while I stayed in the jacuzzi.

We indulged in french dip sandwiches and cheesy fries, then headed upstairs for a "spa" night.  We were sooo tired, though, that we didn't stay up all night talking, just drifted comfortably off to sleep.

This morning,as I sit typing to you, she is just starting to stir in bed, a prelude to waking up.  I have seen the sun rise over Lake Michigan---wow, and I thought sunsets were gorgeous!  Then I went down to the fitness room and biked for 30 minutes (yay, me!)

I don't know whether I should take my shower now, or if Wendy will want to go back to the pool and hot tub, so I thought I'd dash off a few lines about our little getaway now.  Driving home later this am, with a pit stop at Cracker Barrel to finish off the adventure.

What could be better than this?  Let me tell you!  Next Saturday, I am going to an all day crop, and I'll get to scrapbook the photos I took!!  Talk about great timing!  Mwahaha, January is starting out very well, if you ask me!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Elf Bride


QKD Elf Bride by Monika Ptok Byard
 Ah, 2012.  A new year, a fresh start, an opportunity to open the floodgates of inspiration, explore new techniques, and challenge my creativity.
And what better project to start with than a new release stamp from Queen Kat Designs?  I made this card using a stamp called Elf Bride by Danika Lindsell.  I love the detail in this stamp.  She looks haunting as a bride, and I had fun coloring her. 
Since crafters tend to look forward to the next holiday on the calendar, I have hearts and love on my mind, so this image I framed with a paper doily heart.  Lace, stitching, pearls and a flourish finish off the card, and I hope you like it!
There are quite a few new releases this month, including Danika's Elf Bride.  Check them all out HERE.  And don't forget to check out the QKD BLOG and Facebook page for more inspiration

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2012: My Word is OPEN

If you had to choose one word that would be your focus for the whole year, what would it be?
Me?  I have named my years for the last, I don’t know, ten years.  Like "2011 is the year of Organization", etc.  This year I decided to pick one word that would be my focus for the year 2012.  It's the word that I will live with everyday, using it to better myself, my environment and my perspective.  It will empower me and guide me.  It will change me, for the better, I hope.
My word is OPEN.
2012 is the year I will OPEN my mind to new ideas; 
I will OPEN my heart to others;
I will OPEN my soul to my faith; 
I will OPEN my creativity to my muse; 
I will OPEN my door to new opportunities...
...well, you get the picture.
So today (on a small scale) I will open my blog to another New Year’s card.  You’ve heard the expression, “It’s not over ‘til the fat lady sings”?  Well, I took poetic license and am proclaiming Christmas to be officially over, because the fat man in red has the mike and looks like he is breaking out in song.

This image needs to be identified, as it is too cute to not know who designed it.  So if anyone out there knows the company which makes it, please let me know.  I inked him up at a crop a year or two ago but never found out which stamp it was and the crafter no longer comes to the crops.  So I am OPEN to getting this image ID'd please!

Now I need to clear off my craft table and open my mind to the possibility, no the probability, no the fact, that I go back to work tomorrow.  Sigh!  And just when I was having so much fun stamping and coloring and making cards... 

Monday, January 2, 2012

2012: Second Day, Second Card

What a nice way to start the new year---with time off to clean house, put away decorations, clean out drawers and closets (and the fridge), AND get some time in my craft room!
Although winter officially started around the 21st of December, it seems to have stalled somewhere north of Chicago...until today!  Finally, the temps have dropped enough for a light snow shower to intermittently color our world, even if it never really reaches the ground and stays.
So, in celebration of the expected cold and blustery day ahead of me, I made a Winter card, one of the January cards I send out to friends who didn't receive Christmas cards from me.  While organizing my meager stash of stamped images, I came across this Tilda, which I had received, oh, so long ago. 
What with so many new stamp and digi releases, I have woefully neglected the stamps and images already on hand.  It seems months since I colored a Tilda from Magnolia Stamps.  So I sorted through my patterned paper stash for paper that would reflect my chilly environment while giving the feeling of crystal white snow floating through the air.  I also used my newest Spellbinders Nestabilities die, and my Epic Six. 
Next on my crafting to-do list is to plan and package some layout kits for an all day crop this month.  I need to crop Thanksgiving and Christmas, which is always fun to do.  Then there's my son's Army Boot Camp and M.P. School graduation and his homecoming.  That will be a big one.
In fact, my crafting goals this month are to scrapbook some holidays and events, but also to organize, sort and label some very old paper photos that are stashed on shelves near my craft room ceiling.  I have neglected them, too, and need to get back to family historian, as remembered by Pat!
So look not only for cards on my blog this month, but some scrapbook pages!
And now, my personal challenge to my followers.  What have you neglected lately in your crafting?  Is it stamps, layouts, a tool, a kit, journaling??  Whatever it is, give yourself some time to return to "the scene of your crime" and use what you have.  And as always, happy crafting!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy Newt Year!!!

You read it right, it's not a typo, I said "Happy NEWT Year".  The inspiration (and image and sentiments) come from Hambo Stamps, and the first Hoedown challenge of the new year is to make a New Year's card using Reptile digi image (or any Hambo image) with sentiment and something NEW.
I got a goody bag of some really awesome stickers for Christmas from my son along with some other goodies, and the glass of champagne is a perfect fit with my newt's celebratory attitude.  I made a side stair step card, in that half the card is flat and the other half is like a set of stairs.  I attached some leftover patterned papers from My Mind's Eye Christmas Stack to a textured cardstock base after scoring and cutting the design.  Next I colored my Hambo image and shined him up with a little Stickles.  I used two of the three sentiments that comes with the image.  Finally, I added the NEW STICKERS; one of a champagne glass, and the other in the back of presents stacked high.
Now it's time for a toast: 
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. 
~Oprah Winfrey

And don't forget to check out the Hambo Challenge Blog for your chance to win a digi image.  Every player who follows the guidelines gets a free digi for the next challenge.  I like free, don't you?!!  Go on now and dance!