Playing with Color

"Spring"-ing back into action!

2012-02-01T14:21:00.000-05:00

With all the warm weather we've been having in NW Ohio, it sure seems like Spring is here--even though it's the first of February! It's been in the 50s for 2 days--definitely abnormal for winter here.

But it has given me the itch to be working on some floral images--and this poor hibiscus stamp has been in my collection for quite a while. So long, in fact, that I have no idea who the manufacturer is. But it jumped out at me on Monday and demanded to be put to use. I don't think it had ever been inked before then. I searched for some pictures of hibiscus, so I'd get the colors right, and while most of them are brighter, this lovely white and pale pink variety was just what I was looking for.

Copic info: The background is BG0000 and BG000, and the leaves are YG11 overlaid with G82, G94, and G99. The pale pink in the blossoms is R0000 and R000. Then out came the greys! I started with the W series (00 thru 4), then switched to the N series (1 thru 5) to deepen shadows. I literally walked away from this image three times and then came back, until I had the shadows weaked just to where I wanted them. I added a touch of the YG11 in the very center of the blossom, and some Y17 to the little balls of pollen.

I'd love to hear what you think of this--add a comment below!

COPIC CLASS INFORMATION

I will be teaching at The Scrapbook Korner (Archbold, Ohio) on February 11:
Copic 101--Beginner Class 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Copic 102--Intermediate Class 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

If you would like to sign up for either--or both--of these classes, contact The Scrapbook Korner for more details.

So, yeah, I've been a little busy!

2011-11-01T14:02:00.001-04:00

I know I've been terribly negligent with my blog, dear friends--but before you throw your markers and paper scraps at me--it's mostly because I became a GRANDMA in July! Yes, our first, a grandson, was born and we've been over the moon with excitement! He's a little cuddler, and the best baby I've ever been around. So between running down to see him and getting some 'baby time', and moving their little family from an apartment to a new house--I've been crazy busy.

We did manage to sneak in an actual vacation this year--the first in a several years for us--and took in the sights at Gettysburg and Philadelphia and places in between. VERY nice trip, and the fall colors were amazing on the way home!

I haven't been neglecting my stamps and Copics though--I've taught "A Copic Christmas" class at Scrapbook Korner a few weeks ago, and have a "Copic 103" class coming up this weekend. For more info or to see what classes are coming up, check the calendar on their website!

I have new cards to post there--just need to photo them and get them uploaded--and lots of new things to share. So don't give up on me!

Keep coloring!

Happy 1st Birthday to "Make It Crafty"!!!!!

2011-06-25T20:18:00.004-04:00

If you are looking for some of the CUTEST digi stamps around, check out the ones at Make It Crafty! Zoe does an AMAZING job with these images, and they are wonderfully detailed to color! I used one of Zoe's adorable digis on this card a while back: Digi Love.

It's their 1st birthday at Make It Crafty--head on over and check out the fun!

A "Hare" Late on This Card!

2011-06-03T18:00:00.001-04:00

OK, yeah, that was a terrible pun! But I should have posted this weeks ago and didn't get a chance. But, better late than never!

The Easter Bunny (Bunny #2) arrived in my mailbox from Inky Antics, and he was just so fun to color! Stickles, Diamond Glaze, and Copics, and this girl is in HEAVEN!

Nestabilities Labels 2 were used for die-cutting this little cutie, and the background paper is from one of the DCWV mat stacks that I've collected over the years. I got the ribbon from Joann's.

I used just a touch of pale green--I think it was G0000 behind Mr. Bunny to set him apart from the white background and tie the image in with the ribbon. I hope it shows up on the screen as well as it does on the card!

Hope you're having a wonderful first part of June! Thanks for stopping!

Because I Care

2011-06-02T18:00:00.000-04:00

That's the name of this beautiful hydrangea stamp from Stampin'Up! I loved the vintage feel of the image, and colored it with my Copics--V91, V95, and V99.

The background was made with another SU stamp, En Francaise, which I stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa, then randomly air-brushed with E40, E41, E42, E43, and V91 and V95. It gave such a soft feel to that panel! (Mental note to self--do this kind of background panel more often!) The doilies and pearls added to the vintage feel of the card.

I'm not sure if this will be a birthday, get well, or thinking of you card--but I love having cards that can serve multiple purposes, just by whatever I stamp on the inside!

Thanks for stopping! Leave me a message and let me know you were here!

When Things Come Together

2011-06-01T18:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes cards just seem to make themselves. The image colors quickly or easily, the papers you want to use with it coordinate, and before you realize it, the card is finished. It's not always like that, as we well know! But this card sure made itself!

I colored "Unwrapped Tilda" (Magnolia, Magnolia-licious) while I was doing a demo at the store where I teach Copic classes. She's one of my favorites, both at Christmas-time and for birthdays. I was trying out a new color-way for auburn hair (E11, E13, E17, E19, and E29) that I had read about on the Make It Crafty blog. LOVE IT! Beautiful, rich, deep auburn hair. If only I could get this shade!

At the time I colored her, I didn't know I was going to be using this paper for the background--I didn't even HAVE this paper at the time! I got it in a card swap, and once I saw how perfect it looked, I decided to use it for this instead of the card it was intended for. It's from Hot Off The Press. Such a perfect match!

The backing oval was cut with Nestabilities Classic Oval and Scalloped Oval, and I air-brushed while the die was still in place. A few dots of color, and a few Diamond Dust Stickles dots, were added, and the sentiment from Stamin'Up! (set--Sincere Salutations).

Thanks for stopping by--and may all your cards come together as easily as this one!

Nurse Stephanie

2011-05-31T18:00:00.000-04:00

Nurse's Week came and went and my daughter-in-law needed a card for a co-worker, so we picked out this cute clip art image and VOILA`--she loved it!

The paper is from Memory Box--the Brioche collection--and I love it. Great coordinating papers! Nurse Stephanie was colored with Copics, and I used the Air Brush System to add just a hint of color around the outside edge of the diecut (Nestabilities--Labels Eight) while the die was still in place.

Thanks for stopping by!

Digi Love!

2011-05-30T20:33:00.004-04:00

Isn't this just the cutest? I had to arm-wrestle it away from hubby just so I could photo it, since it was my Valentine to him this year. (Inside: You still make my knees weak!)

It's a digi image from Make It Crafty, called "Geek Love", and it was the first digi image I ever colored. There was a little learning curve to printing it--I had to use the 'photo' setting on my printer to get it to print right and not smear with my Copics--but it really opened a whole new world of images for me! I'm definitely a coloring fanatic--can you tell? LOL

I don't have all the colors written down that I used, but I can tell you that for the plaid effect on the girl's skirt.

I have quite a few more cards to blog in the next few days--stay tuned!

Inky Antics Blog hop!

2011-05-29T12:27:00.004-04:00

Check out these great cards:

Inky Antics: Another HoneyPOP Blog Hop!: "We're excited to present another HoneyPOP Blog Hop! The talented Inky designers have been busily creating projects featureing our five newest..."

Baby's Coming!

2011-05-20T21:13:00.003-04:00

If you read the sidebar about me, you saw that I'm going to be a first-time Grammy soon--and sooooooooo excited! Little 'Baby Z' is expected around August 1, so I've been busy getting ideas and making things for the baby shower. It seems like right now, my life is all about 'cute'!

My baby shower invitations are finally done, and thanks to some adorable baby stamps from Stampin'Up!, they were a breeze to make.

The little rompers were a jumbo roller stamp--I rolled out a couple of sheets of these at a time, and colored the ones I wanted to use, then cut them out. The hangers were made with some gold wire I had, which I simply twisted around two dowels, cut off one end and curled the other into a hook. If that's too much work, I saw (after I had these made) that the Tim Holtz line of embellishments now has some paperclips that look like hangers, and also look to be the right size for something like this.

I used a Spellbinders Nestabilities die to cut the back panel the rompers are mounted to, and airbrushed it with my Copic Air Brush System, using first Y11, then YR00 over that, to give it a nice peachy glow.

My background paper is "Sweet Pea" by The Paper Studio, and I used 3 different prints from their mat stack size pad, so not all my backgrounds looked like this one--but this was my favorite!

A friend and I went to the Great Lakes MegaMeet scrapbook expo a few weeks ago at Novi, MI, and got to meet Jackie Wamhoff of Inky Antics, and see all of their wonderful product line! So many vendors were there, and so many ideas for future projects.

Then, last weekend, I was in Columbus, OH, for my Copic Intermediate Certification with Colleen Schaan. If you EVER get a chance to take a class with Colleen, do it! She is an amazingly talented teacher, with a real gift for explaining the techniques.

Thanks for stopping by!

Butterflies and Birthdays

2011-04-21T19:32:00.002-04:00

My dear sweet daughter-in-law is having a birthday next week, and I wanted to create something really special for her. I think I succeeded!

The paper I used is 'Minuet' from Memory Box. I LOVE the butterfly background! It was just perfect for what I had in mind. I stitched the background to a piece of dark blue DCWV linen-textured cardstock, then stitched down the dotted strip. The ribbon was a 'thank you' goodie I got in an order from Ellen Hutson LLC--it matched this paper perfectly!

The butterfly (Martha Stewart) was stamped on acetate with black StazOn, then colored on the back side of the acetate with Copic markers. Once I cut it out, I scored the base of the wings so it would 'fly' on the front of the card. Then I coated the backs of the butterfly wings with glue and crystal glitter (also Martha Stewart).

I tried to get a good picture of the sparkle--it's truly a fabulous effect!

Last, I added my sentiment from 'Simple Little Things' (Papertrey Ink), and added more bling with some rhinestones that I colored with a Copic marker to match the card.

This turned out so much prettier than I had expected--and much prettier in real life than in the pictures! I hope you enjoy it!

Next Copic 101 Class

2011-04-05T13:39:00.002-04:00

My next beginner Copic Marker class--Copic 101: What? Why? How?--will be on April 16, at the Scrapbook Korner in Archbold, Ohio. If you have gotten Copics and would like to learn more about how to use them, this is a good place to start. We'll cover all the basics--from what makes Copics different, why you want to use them, and how to do the basic blending techniques.

Registration details can be found on the Scrapbook Korner website, along with what to bring to class. Hope to see you there!

More HoneyPOPs!

2011-04-05T11:15:00.002-04:00

Just a short post while my computer is in the shop!

This little birthday set--Cupcake Birdy--is another one of Inky Antics line of HoneyPop cards. Isn't it just too cute?

The bird I used on the front was just PERFECT for layering (see photo below), and the dimension gave him (or her!) so much life!

The other bird in the set, along with the HoneyPOP cupcake and sentiment, are inside the card.

SOOOOOO easy to do!

I didn't write down the Copic numbers I used on this card (my bad), but the paper is DCWV (blue) and Memory Box "Pixie" (patterned). The circles on the front were cut with Nestabilities.

Hope you're having a great day! Come back again soon!

WOW

2011-03-22T16:16:00.002-04:00

I am jumping for joy and humbled at the same time! Inky Antics has used my card on their blog! It's the first time ever for me to have something published by someone other than myself, and it's an awesome feeling! Check it out the Inky Antics blog!

And watch their blog tomorrow, too--they are having a blog hop featuring those adorable HoneyPOP cards!

Creative Play and Classes Scheduled

2011-03-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

I 'needed' some creative play tonight--a break from all the busy-ness of the last couple of days--so I pulled out some new papers I had ordered but hadn't done anything with yet. These are from the "Brioche" line of 6x6 papers from Memory Box, and the picture here really doesn't do them justice. Beautiful patterns and colors!

I challenged myself a bit, though--did some things I hadn't done before, like stamping on twill ribbon, and learned how to use my new Janome SewMini sewing machine for my cards! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! The stamp set is "Country Morning" from Stampin' Up, and also has a great rooster and a chick in the set.

* * * * * NEXT COPIC CLASS * * * * *

I will be teaching a second-level Copic marker class--Copic Markers 102: Beyond the Basics--at The Scrapbook Korner in Archbold, Ohio, on April 2. You must have taken the 101 class to take this class.

The next beginner class--Copic Markers 101: What, Why & How--will be on April 16.

Details and marker list are available on the website for The Scrapbook Korner.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love these HoneyPOPs!

2011-03-16T14:16:00.007-04:00

Isn't this little guy just the cutest thing ever? I found him at my local stamp store just after CHA, and had to have him!

He's 'Caterpillar' from Inky Antics' HoneyPOP line of stamps, and is just the most fun to color. I added a little Diamond Glaze (Judikins) on his glasses. The paper is from BoBunny, and the apples, which I paper-pieced, are part of the stamp set.

The HoneyPOP, though, is the delightful Honeycomb Paper that brings the inside of the card to life. Simply stamp the shape stamp (apple, in this case) on the Honeycomb Paper to mark where to cut it out, and stamp it inside the card along the fold to mark where to glue it in. Then add more glue to the other side, fold the card shut--and when you open it--it's the most adorable pop-up! SOOOO very easy!

Next one I do will be the 'Cupcake Birdy' set, which has a Honeycomb 2-color cupcake for the center of the card!

Thanks for stopping by!

Copic 101 Class Scheduled!

2011-03-04T12:43:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know that I will be having another class on Saturday, March 12, at The Scrapbook Korner, in Archbold, Ohio, from 10 to 12 a.m. This is a beginning class--Copic 101--What, Why & How--for those of you who have gotten Copic Markers and haven't quite gotten the hang of them, or for those of you who want to try them. There is a list of markers at the store that you will need for the class, so that you can learn about them, and get help with the basic blending techniques.

Hope to see you then!

A Wonderful Surprise!

2011-02-26T12:49:00.004-05:00

I know I've been very derelict in my posting--but what a wonderful surprise it was to find I had been sent an award from Jody at Jody's Creation Station! Thank you so much, Jody! You truly made my day!

This award is for someone to give extra attention to their blog so that more peiople are aware of it. So, the award is not given to people with hundreds of followers.

The rules of this award are to:

Make a reference to the blog of the person from whom you have received the award (with a link). You can choose to pass the award to three to five other blogs, with a link. Leave a comment on your chosen blogs to let them know that they have received an award.

Of course, you do not have to accept the award on your blog or you can specify from whom you have received an award but are not passing it on. Nothing is required.

In the spirit of giving, I have chosen to pass this award on to:

Tracy at Creative Cure

Julie at Stamp with Julie

Leah at The Hoosier Stamper

These ladies are very talented--check out their work on their blogs and share a little love!

A Touch of Spring

2011-01-26T16:01:00.003-05:00

It's cold and snowy--but a little bit of spring blew through my craft room today, with this sunny black-eyed susan! What a fun, fun image to color! It took a lot of markers, and I'll have them listed at the end of this post.

After I colored the image, I went in with a B0000 Copic marker and lightly colored the background behind the flower. Then, I die-cut it with my largest Labels One (Nestabilities) die, and left it in the die while I airbrushed a bit more of the B0000 around the outside. When I put it up to my paper (BoBunny), it didn't quite match--so I air-brushed some BG10 in the corners, and VOILA! A great match!

The outside mat around the die-cut was made by holding the die in place and cutting around it with my X-Acto knife--although a pencil and scissors would have worked as well.

The corners are from Spare Parts, and the ribbon is from Michaels. I'm not sure where I got the lace doily.

REMINDER: My Copic Marker class in Archbold at Scrapbook Korner will be this Saturday, 1/29/11, at 10 a.m. There are still a few spots left--join us!

I hope you enjoy this card, and thanks for stopping by!

Copic Markers used: Y13/15/17; YR23/24; E25/27/29/99; G21/24/28/29; B0000; BV00; C9; and BG10.

Copic Class Scheduled!

2011-01-07T14:02:00.005-05:00

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

If you're in NW Ohio and are interested in Copic Marker Classes, I will be teaching at The Scrapbook Korner, in Archbold, OH, on January 29! Whether you've had your Copics for a while, or are just getting your first ones, this class, Copic Markers 101--What, Why How, will give you the basics of blending, care and refilling, and answer lots of questions about how to take your skills to the next level! Details can be found here, on The Scrapbook Korner's class schedule. Don't delay--class size is limited!

While I was at the store getting the class set up, I found this GORGEOUS paper called 'Sweet Love', by Best Creation Inc. So beautiful and sparkly! And the little heart stamp was just begging to go home with me--it's by Imaginisce. After playing around with it a bit, coloring it on Candlelight paper (Beckett Expression), a very light ivory, it matched up so nicely to the background paper.

Now, I will admit, I 'might' have gone a teensy bit overboard on the pearls--but I love the look. Other supplies I used: Kraft cardstock (Bazzill), Nestabilities (see below), the pearls by Crystal Stickers, Chantilly 1/2" crochet trim (Stampin' Up!), pop dots to raise the center panel, and Copic Markers (as shown below).

That's all for today. I'd love to know what you think!

Not even a mouse!

2010-12-19T13:59:00.005-05:00

The last of my Christmas cards are finished--finally--going out in the mail. Hectic doesn't even begin to describe the past few weeks, with the birth of our puppy, the start of basketball season, and the last minute crunch of people who want embroidery done for Christmas! But, the last things are being stitched, and I'm ready to get to baking this week!

I got this a set of Penny Black Christmas stamps (Jolly Friends) earlier in the fall, and my last batch of cards just HAD to feature this adorable mouse!

I didn't have a stamp for my sentiment--so I used the computer and a font called Santa's Sleigh, a favorite of mine, to print the front note before I punched it out. Inside, of course, it says "Not even a mouse!"

I have a few other Christmas cards to post for your viewing pleasure--so keep checking back. And drop me a comment, if you feel so inclined, to let me know what you think!

Supplies used: Stamp--Penny Black "Jolly Friends"; Paper--GP white and BoBunny Wild Berry Red Dot; Ribbon--twill from Stampin' Up and gold from Joann's; Spellbinders Labels Eleven die; Stampin' Up ornament punch; brads from Hobby Lobby Christmas Section; Stickles' Stardust glitter glue; Fun Flock; Signo Gel Pen; and Copic markers as shown below:

Having too much fun!

2010-12-06T19:11:00.003-05:00

Isn't this little box just adorable?!?!?! I was trolling thru the blogs that I read, and getting side-tracked (as usual), when I found this Petal Top Box on Paper Pastime. I am just blown away by anyone who can figure these things out--and Denise nailed this one. It goes together like a dream, and all the cuts are just perfect. The little ornament I made (this one is 2-5/8") fits perfectly inside the box, and there's a raised holder to fit inside with a circle cut into it, great for nestling the ornament in. And even more--it's a one-sheet wonder! Just one sheet of 12x12 paper will make the box and the holder inside.

The file is in an .svg or .scut2 format, and can be cut if you have SCAL (SureCutsALot) software for your Cricut.

I can see LOTS of uses for this little box! Thanks, Denise!!!!!

I have more cards to post in the next few days, in between wrapping, shopping, and baking--so stay tuned!

Other items used: Cricut 'Very Merry Tags' cartridge for tag and deer; Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch from Stampin' Up; Distress Ink (Ranger) in Brushed Corduroy; cardstock in kraft and wine.

Certified!

2010-11-19T11:00:00.002-05:00

My husband has always said I was 'certifiable'--although he meant that I was a little bit nuts over my crafts and hobbies. And I have to admit it--I am. If I'm working on a project, the house could fall down around me, and I wouldn't notice--I'd just brush the dust off my markers and paper and keep going! LOL

But this week, I was able to meet one of the goals I had set for myself when I started working with the Copic markers--I completed their Certification Class! A long day of soaking in information on the markers themselves, and on coloring techniques, and I still have quite a bit more to study in the book. It was so worth it, though, because I learned so much that day!

I was absolutely thrilled to have Debbie Olson as a teacher! I've followed her blog for a long time, and learned quite a bit from it--but in class, she was an awesome instructor, and made sure we all had the basics of the technique down before we moved on. THANK YOU, DEBBIE!

There are still more goals ahead of me--start teaching, eventually take the intermediate course--but everything comes one step at a time!

Happy birthday, Joe!

2010-10-10T11:44:00.002-04:00

Where does the time go? My nephew turned 20 this past week! He's a great guy, and always compliments me on my cards--but, of course, that makes doing the next card a little harder because I have to 'top' what I did the year before! LOL Or at least I think I do!

I had picked up this great Tim Holtz embossing folder of a crumbling brick wall--so I embossed a sheet of textured grey DCWV cardstock with it, and highlighted the bricks with Memento ink pads in 'Potter's Clay' and 'Rich Cocoa', to make it look more realistic. Then the Copic airbrush system to do a little 'graffiti'.

I didn't photo the inside--but the sentiment was computer generated: "The handwriting's on the wall--you're a year older!"

A fun card to do--and I know he'll love it!

Did you CELEBRATE today?

2010-10-02T20:07:00.011-04:00

Did you? Did you get out your cardmaking supplies and celebrate World Card-Making Day? All around the world, cardmakers and crafters gathered together, or worked on their own, and made a card today that will brighten someone's day when they receive it!

Some of my favorite cards are not ones that look like they should be showcased in a magazine, or like they took years of artistic practice to make. No--my very favorites are ones that friends have made for ME. They took the time to cut, color, glue, whatever--and MADE me a card because they know that I will cherish it, and that I will truly value in the effort they put into it.

Is there someone waiting for you to make a card for them?

I'm definitely on a Christmas card roll, and I'm loving this paper pack from CTMH! From what I've heard, it's not available any longer, but the colors are just right for the Christmas mood I'm in this year.

This little snowman is one from a Penny Black clear stamp set--"Jolly Friends". Isn't he cute? I hadn't done a shaker card in a while, and I had to remember all the things I had used! But my Nestabilities (Spellbinders) came in very handy for cutting my frame and my label.

Both the label and the inside sentiment are computer generated (font--Androgyne), then air-brushed with E41 for just a bit of edging and definition. I once read that you should always "define the edges" of layers, and I think that really holds true.

The Copic colors I used are shown below, along with the Sakura Stardust gel pen for some hand-doodled snowflakes behind the snowman. My brads were from a pack in the Christmas section at Hobby Lobby (LOVE that store!).

So I hope I've inspired you to get some paper out and make a card tonight--it's not too late for the 'official' World Card-Making Day! But any day you can make a card to brighten someone's life is a day to celebrate!

Christmas Bells

2010-10-01T14:25:00.002-04:00

Whether they are pealing out glad tidings, or jingling on the harness of a horse pulling a sleigh--the sound of bells makes us think of family, home, and being surrounded by love. That's the feeling I got when I saw this beautiful Hero Arts stamp, "Wreath with Bells". And what fun to color! It looks like it should take forever, but it really doesn't!

I decided on a gate-fold card for this, and a very simple setting since the image itself is busy. The paper is from a pack I purchased from CTMH, and the gold lines are sticker lines (Anita's Art Stamps). I cut the image out with my largest circle nestabilities die (Spellbinders), and left it in the die long enough to airbrush around the outside with E42. The I edged the circle a Krylon gold leafing pen.

I'm not sure where I got the sentiment for the inside. I have a 20-year collection of stamps, most of which are now unmounted from their original wooden handles.

The Copic colors I used are shown below.

I hope you enjoy this little card!

Too Cute to Spook!

2010-09-28T17:00:00.003-04:00

My sister's favorite holiday is Halloween--and she always goes all out with her decorating, clothing--everything--despite the fact that with living out in the country, she rarely gets any trick-or-treaters. But she's always ready for them! Where I live, also out in a rural area, I call to make sure my friends' children are coming and that I'm ready for them--our highest number ever was NINE little trick-or-treaters! But I don't go as all-out in decorating for Halloween. For 'fall'--yes--my house is filled with pumpkins and quilts and candles, but it will stay that way until just after Thanksgiving.

I do love seeing the kids dress up, and I love it when people have their pets in costume with them--I've been guilty of that occasionally, myself! So when I saw this adorable stamp set from Inkadinkadoo, called "Cat and Friends", I snapped it up. After all--my dog Piper looks just like the pup in this stamp!

The background cardstock is a mix of Bazill and DCWV, and the designer paper is "Boo Crew Masquerade" by BoBunny. The tag is from a Stampin' Up! stampset called "Tiny Tags", and punched with the coordinating punch they sell. And last, the image and the scalloped edge matte are cut with Nestabilities dies. Copic markers were used to color this (color numbers pictured below).

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Feel free to leave a comment and let me know you were here!

Christmas All Year-Long--September

2010-09-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the September edition of the Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year-Long Blog Hop! I am leading off the Hop this month--so you're in the right spot to take a wonderful tour of some fantastic cards! Many thanks to Julie for setting the Hop up, to Deb for running the amazing Magnolia-licious Yahoo group, and to Diana of the Magnolia-licious Store, for bringing us all these wonderful Maggies to stamp with!

When I was little, waiting for Santa was just about the hardest thing I had to do. And when my boys were little--getting them to go to sleep on Christmas Eve was a real test of parenting skills! But no matter how old I've gotten, the impending thrill of Christmas Day, and the presents from Santa--yes, I DO still get presents from Santa!--are a part of the holidays that I would never ever want to lose. Doesn't everyone turn into a 5-year-old at Christmas-time, even if only for a little while?

My card for the Magnolia-licious Christmas Year-Round blog hop brings back those memories, with Santa watching over little Tilda as she unwraps her presents.

The Santa and the wording is from a set I got last year from Flourishes, and Tilda is, of course, from Magnolia. I love using an easel card for this setting! It was a little hard to photograph, though--the printed paper is actually a little more burgundy than brown, but it just didn't want to show up that way.

The Merry Christmas panel was cut with a Nestabilities die, and all the pieces were edged with a Krylon Gold Leafing pen.

Thanks for stopping by! Please feel free to leave a comment below!

Your next stop is the beautiful card on Glenda's blog.

Supplies:

Stamps: Unwrapped Tilda (#3002, Magnolia); Santa--I Believe (#72, Flourishes) Paper: Ivory (Beckett Expression Candelight); Garland (Tis the Season Collection, Studio 8 Paper Co.); White (Beckett Expression Iceberg); scraps for greens Ink: Black (Memento); Latte (Adirondack); Gold (Krylon Gold Leaf Pen) Other: Gold Robins's Nest pearls; misc. punches; red metal jewel dots; chalk for cheeks and holly on Santa Copic Markers: as shown below:

Birthdays and more Birthdays!

2010-09-19T19:17:00.003-04:00

Sunday afternoons--peaceful, serene, early fall. Good days to make the cards I need for some upcoming birthdays! I have several in the next 2 weeks, and no 'ladies' cards in my stash! What's up with that? So that was today's project:

I got this little stamp set--Happy Moments (Stampin' Up!) a few weeks ago, and decided it would be perfect for these cards. I stamped the packages, and cut them out with my rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders) die, then airbrushed the background with my Copic markers and Air Brush System. LOVE this effect when you leave the image in the die and get the white border! This is probably the first time I have ever done a card with this few colors!

The white panel is punched with a Martha Stewart border punch, and the purple ribbon was from Michaels. They had a great sale on ribbon when I was there yesterday--and if I had known it was double-faced satin ribbon, I think I would have gotten 2 rolls of every color!

I added Stardust Stickles to the ribbon tie on the package, and a dot between each 'for you' on the punched border.

(OOPS! Got one of my markers upside down!!!!!)

I hope you enjoyed your Sunday as much as I enjoyed mine! Thanks for stopping by!

Hey Y'all! It's nearly Fall!

2010-09-08T21:59:00.004-04:00

We're getting a little nip in the air these past few evenings in Ohio--and I am so looking forward to AUTUMN! I love all the seasons, but I have a special fondness for fall, with pumpkins, cool evenings to snuggle under a quilt, bonfires, football--and all the beautiful colors the trees start turning!

I'm not sure who gave me this little stamped Tilda, but she just was crying out for some leaves to jump into--I hope these are enough! She's colored with Copic markers (colors listed below), and I gave her an airbrushed background with some leaves and a basket (Stampin' Up!), and grass (Stamps by Judith).

Tilda is popped up from the background with some thin dimensional squares (Scrapbook Adhesives), and I added a little bit of a shadow under her feet just to ground her a bit.

I hope you're enjoying some cooler weather, too, after this hot, hot summer! Thanks for stopping by!

Knit 1, Purl 2

2010-08-29T12:33:00.002-04:00

I have a very dear friend who lives in the Atlanta area, and we tend to 'enable' each other in our crafting hobbies. Cathy got me back into stamping--so I got her back into knitting! So when I saw this great little Karen Lockhart image (available at Ellen Hutson's store)--I just HAD to have it! I love love love her images, and they are great fun to color!

I'm not sure where I got the large eyelets, but they worked great to add some yarn to the card.

I found some great coordinating stamps in the new Stampin' Up! catalog in a set called "Hand Knit", which worked perfectly to finish off the inside of the card.

I don't have the list of Copic markers I used, but the papers are by GeorgiaPacific (white) and Prism (brown and kraft).

Sweet Birthday Wishes!

2010-08-23T15:55:00.003-04:00

Friends, I apologize for neglecting my blog the past few months--life has been a whirlwind getting ready for my son's wedding! I'll be posting pictures of the invitations and programs, and all the other things I made for the wedding, in a few weeks.

For today, though--here is a sweet little card I made for my dear friend's birthday in July. Once "Tilda Holding Lilacs" was colored (Copic colors listed below), I masked her off and airbrushed a light sky background, and a pale green ground. (Still practicing with airbrushing, but I'm getting a little more comfortable with it!)

I used a grass stamp from Judith Stamps to complete the scene, and highlighted the lilacs and the area around Tilda with Stardust Stickles.

Hope you enjoy seeing this little card as much as I did making it!

Christmas All Year Long--June

2010-06-25T07:33:00.001-04:00

I am so amazed how fast this summer is going by! Yes, I know it's just the very beginning of the summer 'season'--but golly, it seemed like I just did my May card! But that might be because as of yesterday (drum roll, please!), I finished all the invitations for my son's wedding! YAHOO! Now that doesn't mean that I am done with my duties as 'vice-president in charge of paper items' for the wedding--I have a list of things yet to do. But the invitations were the biggest, and I'm so happy how they turned out! I'll post them in a week or two, after they've gone out in the mail.

BUT--you didn't come here for that! You came for the Christmas All Year Long Blog Hop! Hopefully you've gotten here from Cheryl's blog, and you've seen some wonderful creations already! If not, and you'd like to start at the beginning, hop on over to the Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long Blog, and you can follow the list from there. Amazing creations await you!

My card started out one way, then Tilda changed her mind midway through. She does that to me a lot. And doggone it--she is so cute, I'm a pushover for letting her have her way! Candy Cane Tilda jumped up to the front of the line this time, and requested a holly card--so I've used a Cuttlebug holly embossing folder on red cardstock, and highlighted the design with white Colorbox ink. I added peppermint stripe and red dot ribbon, layered to make a band on the background.

Tilda was colored with Copics (see the colors at the bottom of this post), and I did some highlighting and dotting with a Sakura Stardust pen. I 'hope' the picture shows the sparkle this pen gave the card!

The green layer was a holly border punch by Fiskars. I've had it forever, I think, but never used it much. I'm glad I remembered it, because I love this look!

Many thanks to Deb, who runs our Magnolia-licious Yahoo group, and to Diana, the owner of Magnolia-licious Store. Between these two ladies, we have tons of inspirations at our fingertips, and a fabulous source for all our Magnolia stamps. Thank you ladies!!!!!

I hope you enjoy the rest of the hop--your next stop is Jessica's blog, and her cards are simply adorable!

I love reading your comments on my cards!

Christmas All Year Long--May

2010-05-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Excuse me--have you seen the month of May? Mine seems to have come and gone so fast, I didn't realize it! All of a sudden, it's time for the Christmas All Year Long Blog Hop--even though it seems we just did this for April! Guess it is true that time flies when you are having fun--and I've been really enjoying the spring weather despite all the rain.

If you're doing the blog hop, you should have arrived here from Cheryl's blog . But if you've landed here purely by lucky chance, perhaps you'd like to start at the very beginning, at the Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long blog.

I gave myself some extra challenges on this--to use my new Copic air brush system, and to use my Cricut. I air-brushed the background of my circle with Y000--afraid to use too much color too soon, since this is the very first time I've used it. I left it in the Nestabilities die that I cut it in, so I could have a white rim to the circle. After I got Tilda colored, I added random dots with Sakura Stardust gel pen, and I used the Sakura Glaze (clear) pen to add some shine to the labels on the package.

The snowflake behind the image is cut with the Cricut using the 'When It's Cold Outside' cartridge. I outlined the circle and the edges of the snowflake with Stardust Stickles. Corners were added with the punch from Stampin' Up!, and gold pearls. My cardstock was from Georgia-Pacific and Prism, and the Christmas print was from Basic Grey. The Copic markers I used are pictured below.

Many thanks go out to Deb, who owns the Magnolia-licious Yahoo group, and to Diana, the owner of the Magnolia-licious Store --they keep us inspired, connected, drooling over new stamps, and set up with a great place to order them from! Thanks ladies!

Your next stop on the Blog Hop is Glenda's blog -- and she always has such beautiful cards!

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to leave a comment or a question--I'd love to hear from you!

Busy Busy Busy!

2010-05-17T11:08:00.004-04:00

Wedding invitations. 'Nuff said?

My son gets married at the end of the summer, and when I said I'd make the invitations, he dubbed me the 'vice-president in charge of all paper products'. Then told me I was working for him. My reply? "Honey, you can't afford me!" LOL

But it's been fun working on this project. YES--it will be posted here eventually--but not until the invitations have gone out in the mail later this summer. All 150-175 of them!

I've been cutting and pasting and more cutting and more pasting. SO GLAD that I got an ATG tape gun a couple years ago--I'm going thru tape like crazy. Last night, I went thru nearly 4 rolls. And each roll is 36 yards long!

Then there are other projects to follow the invites--programs, place cards, menu cards, table numbers, rehearsal invites, shower invitations, and thank you notes. And I seriously couldn't do this if it weren't for my Cricut. I'm cutting more things on there than I ever would have dreamed, and it's saving me so much time.

This has been a labor of love, and I've enjoyed making everything--so hang in there with me and there will be pictures eventually. And a few cards that have been planning themselves out in the back of my mind, just waiting to be made!

Christmas All Year Long--April

2010-04-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Time sure flies! It's time for the Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long Blog Hop again! You should have arrived here from Charlene Randall's blog--but if you've stumbled upon my blog by happy accident and would like to start at the beginning, please go to Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long Blog. I just know you won't want to miss a single one of these fabulous cards!

Tilda wanted me to go with a decidedly "green" theme this month, in honor of Earth Day, so we're decorating with the "greens"--evergreen and holly! I've really gotten into layering punches, so the little garland (detail below) mimics the background paper.

Many many thanks to Diana, who owns the Magnolia-licious Store, and to Deb, who runs the Magnolia-licious Yahoo group, for keeping us up-to-date on what's new and available in the Land of Magnolia.

Your next stop on the blog hop is the very talented Jenn Koss--her cards are amazing!

Your comments are precious to me--please let me know what you think of this card!

Supplies: Stamps--Jolly Wreath Tilda (Magnolia), and sentiment by Studio G (Series 37); Paper--Georgia-Pacific (white), Prism (dark green), designer paper (Holly Argyle by ProvoCraft), gold (MirroCard); Punches--branch and lattice (Martha Stewart), and holly leaf (Punch Bunch), and Sizzlits Lots of Tags Label 1 (Sizzix/Stampin'Up!); Ribbon--Offray; Stickles (CandyCane and Stardust); Nailheads (Metal Stickers, red); and Copics as shown below--

Happy Easter!

2010-03-28T07:00:00.001-04:00

What a blessed time of year! Between the spring flowers poking their heads through the ground, the return of the songbirds, and the baby animals being born--we are all thankful for the blessings God had granted us!

I challenged myself again on this card, following along with Suzanne Dean's wonderful tutorial on coloring Scandinavian-style with Copic markers instead of distress inks. Suzanne always has suuch a great way of teaching the techniques, and inspiring me to try them!

While it seemed like this took a long time the first one, the rest colored up so fast (I made 7, total, for friends and family). I layered my card with a vellum panel that was first punched along the edge, then embossed with a Swiss dot embossing folder. LOVE THIS. I'll be using this more and more, now that I see what a great effect embossing vellum is!

My tiny double-loop boy was made easier by using a Bow-Easy--a great tool designed just for making perfect bows every time. (Suzanne also has a tutorial, for using this wonderful tool, on her blog.)

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed time with family and friends this Easter!

Supplies: Cardstock--GeorgiaPacific (white), Stampin' Up! (mellow moss), vellum (unknown); ribbon--Joann's brand (pink organdy); dimensionals--Scrapbook Adhesives; Magnolia stamps--Tilda Holding Bunny #335; Copic markers (as shown below).

Christmas All Year Long--March

2010-03-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome! The year is going fast in the Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long Blog Hop! It's March already, and with spring in the air and crocuses in bloom, it's hard to concentrate on snow and winter.

You should have arrived here after visiting Cheryl Rowley's blog. If you just happened upon my blog, you might want to start at the beginning, which would be the Magnolia-licious Christmas All Year Long blog. Then you can follow us along, blog after blog, one beautiful card after another!

My card was a challenge to myself--to use some paper that was left from last year's cards. It was a beautiful paper from TPC Studio called Winter Blues Winter Wonderland, and I had quite a few pieces left. Adding the silver Mirror Card behind a cut-out oval gave me a perfect spot to place Tilda.

I'm not sure it shows in the picture, but I added sparkle to the fur on her hood and coat with a clear Spica glitter pen that I just got last weekend--love it!The paper itself had "Let it Snow" printed on one of the stripes, so I framed that on the lower part of the easel card with snowflakes. I don't know how many snowflakes I used--but can one have too many on a winter card? LOL! And any of them that the center was on top got a little gem in the middle.

While it looks like this card took a long time, it really didn't, and I'll probably make a few more like it before Christmas rolls around.

Many thanks go to Diana at Magnolia-licious Store, Deb of the Yahoo Magnolia-licious Group, and to our blog hop organizer, Julie!

Your next stop on the blog hop is with the talented Jessica Hammond. Enjoy the rest of your hop! And if you feel so inclined--leave me a comment and let me know what you think about my card! I love hearing from you!

Supplies: Cardstock--GeorgiaPacific (white), Mirror Card (silver), and TPC Studios (patterned paper); Nestabilities (oval die); Martha Stewart snowflake punch; The Paper Studio (gems); Magnolia stamp--Tilda #300 with Hood; Copic markers as shown.

The Hardest Cards to Make . . .

2010-03-23T16:32:00.005-04:00

. . . are always the sympathy cards. This one came together a bit easier as I knew the recipient was also a cardmaker--but only a little bit easier. And the only way I can think to tell anyone how to make a sympathy card is to make a 'hug' out of card supplies--something that will make the recipient feel loved.

This one is very simple. Since my card was going to be 4.25" x 5.5", I started with a dark wine cardstock that was just a touch (1/8 inch) smaller. I cut an oval paper doily in half, and attached it to the front, folding about 1/4" of the doily to the back.

The gold ribbon was added and taped to the back of the front panel before I attached it to the card base. I cheated to get my bow made--I tied a bit of perle cotton around the ribbon to cinch it in, and secured it to the card front with a glue dot. Then I attached my double-loop bow with glue dots--under the center and under each side of the loops. Finally, I twisted over the one trailing ribbon and secured it with glue dot.

I cut the shaped piece with a Nestabilities Labels Four die, and stamped it. then I used my Copic marker (R85) to just edge the outside of it. To add the antiquing, I rubbed on Deep Gold Metallic Rub-On Paste around the edges, highlighting the embossed edge of the panel. It is attached with dimensionals, and I threaded the tail of the ribbon behind it. There is a second panel on the inside with a sympathy message stamped on it.

I hope this helps give you ideas the next time you need to make a sympathy card--and may those times be few and far between.

Feel free to leave me a comment if you'd like--I'd love to hear from you!

Supplies: Cardstock--GeorgiaPacific (white), Prism (dark wine); ribbon--Wrights (DS Sparkle Satin Gold); Copic marker (R85); Nestabilities Labels Four dies; paper doily.

A Wee Irish Lass

2010-03-18T11:15:00.005-04:00

I have been so CRAZY BUSY lately, that I've neglected my blog--then I had to wait to post this until my friend had received it! Ah well, if I weren't busy--I'd probably be getting into trouble, right? ~wink~

This lovely little Tilda decided she was Irish instead of Swedish--but then, aren't we all claiming a bit of Irish blood around St. Patrick's Day? I needed to get my card made quickly and simply--I was late getting them made as it was--so I stamped Tilda, then masked her to stamp the bench, and some grass at the bottom. I am thinking that the 'think green' could be used for Earth Day next month, too!

But then this lovely lass was on her way to my friend, and hopefully arrived there yesterday, right on time.

Now, I need to get back to work on the invitations for my son's wedding in September. I never really had thought about how much planning and detail really goes into an invitation--not necessarily hard work, but detail oriented planning. I have part of it done, and waiting on the paper for the outside folders--such pretty bronze shimmer paper!!!!! And I'm making good use of the Cricut that my son got me for Christmas a few years ago--could he have been thinking ahead to this? Hmmmmm . . .

I promise will be posting a picture of them after they are mailed out--I hate to make you wait, but it seems best to wait until then--probably in mid-summer. Until then, though--if I disappear for a week or so--you'll know what I'm working on!

Supplies used: Cardstock--Georgia Pacific (white), DCWV (green); pearls--Crystal Stickers; Ink--Memento (Tuxedo Black); Copic markers (colors shown below); Stamps--Magnolia (#280--Striped Tights, and #525--Pink Bench--available through Magnolia-licious store), grass (Stamps by Judith); 'Think Green'--Studio G stamps.

Your comments always make me smile! Thank you for leaving them!

Got the blues?

2010-02-26T11:50:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday night, I was playing with this lovely Tilda--I hadn't colored her ever though I'd had her for a while. And she's such a cutie! But I was to find out that she was a bit demanding . . .

"Why did you color me? Why am just laying here on your desk? What are you going to do with me?" I heard her questions all morning and afternoon on Wednesday. She was adorable--I had tried for a summer-looking gauzy feel to her dress--you know the kind that has been washed and is so soft and faded that it's 'almost' white, but still has a hint of the original color? And I was happy with my effort.

Little Red-Head was undaunted, though, and by Wednesday night, I had to cut her out. She lay on my craft table, giving me 'the look'--"Well, now what?"

So I pulled out some of my favorite paper--the BoBunny dots--and set to work on Thursday afternoon. Mind you, I had every intention of cleaning the house, as we are having company for the weekend--but I felt the constant chatter out of Little Red-Head might keep our guests awake. I cut the center circle with my Nestabilities die, and punched the lace strip--and a few hours later, she was happily nestled in with some crocheted flowers.

I imagine I'll hear from her a time or two yet--we haven't agreed whether she's going to be a birthday card or a thinking of your card, or what. For now, though, we are BOTH happy!

Supplies: Paper--GP (white), BoBunny (Dark Denim Dot), green scraps for leaves; punches--Martha Stewart, and unknown large leaf punch; pearls--Crystal Stickers; Nestabilities (large circle); Magnolia--Striped Tights (Magnolia-licious); hand crocheted flowers by me. Copic markers as shown, except for hair colors--I honestly don't remember all the ones I used.

Thanks for stopping by! I love reading your comments, so please feel free to leave one!

Christmas All Year Long--February

2010-02-25T07:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome back! It's time for the Christmas All Year Long Blog Hop once again, and I'm so glad you stopped by! There will be many many beautiful cards along the way.

Thanks to Julie for heading up the Christmas All Year Round blog hop, to Deb who runs our Yahoo Magnolia-licious group, and especially to Diana and her Magnolia-licious store, all they do for us! If you want to start at the very beginning of the Blog Hop, click here.

My Tilda with Candy Cane was the first Tilda I got for myself, and has been my favorite. My background was made using the Scallop Trim border and corner punches from Stampin' Up! There's a little bit of a learning curve to using them, but if you do a search on SplitCoastStampers, you'll find lots of help figuring them out.

My ribbon panel through the center is actually 3 separate ribbons, layered onto another punched strip. And topping that off is the Nestabilities large oval and large scalloped oval.

You can't see the glitter as well, but I used a Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust pen to doodle the snowflakes, outline the center of the oval, and highlight the bow on Tilda's candy cane.

This is the inside panel. Decorating the inside is a little new to me, but I'm starting to really love the cards done that way. They just have a more 'finished' feel.

Supplies: Cardstock--Prism (dark green) and GP (white); Design Paper--Figgy Puddy by Basic Grey; Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Scallop Trim border and corner punches (Stampin' Up!); Ribbon--Light Green (SU!) and Moss dot (Joann's); Stamps--Tilda with Candy Cane (Magnolia) and Studio G (sentiments); Gelly Roll Stardust Pen (Sakura); Ink--Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); and Copic markers (as shown below):

Thanks again for stopping by! Feel free to leave a comment for me--I love reading them.

Your next stop on the Blog Hop is the very talented Glenda Mollet, and I just know you're going to love her card! Enjoy the rest of the Hop!

Spring Tilda has a Birthday!

2010-02-14T17:14:00.003-05:00

My little cousin, Molly, has a birthday this weekend, and even though she'll get her card a bit late, I wanted to make it special. She and her sister are such great kids, and I don't get to see them nearly often enough!

Since Molly has black hair--I had to attempt that for the first time. I'm pretty pleased the way this little Spring Tilda came out.

I added a little bit of bling with Stickles, and then perched her on top of the packages with dimensionals. The packages on the left side are also raised up--but I don't think it shows well on the picture.

Supplies: Paper--GP (white), DCWV (Nana's Nursery); Stamps--Spring Tilda (Magnolia), Packages (Stamps by Judith); buttons (Joann Fabrics); Stickles (Stardust); and Copic Markers (as shown below).

Little Molly shares a birthday with her daddy, so I had a second card to make. This golfer bear was the first image I colored when I got my Copics. Unfortunately, I didn't even think to write down the colors I used. The stamp is from Darcie's Country Folk, and the papers are GP and DCWV. The inside says: Hope your birthday is filled with birdies and so much more!

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear what you think of these!

Gone missing? Nah!

2010-02-14T12:09:00.003-05:00

I've just been busy with my embroidery business the past couple weeks! It's been crazy--between stitching and basketball games, there hasn't been time to do much else. I've promised myself some creative time today though--my Valentine to myself!--so hopefully I'll have some new cards to post soon! ESPECIALLY since I got 3 new Magnolia images in the mail yesterday! YAY!

Watch for a new card in the next few days--I promise!

A Touch of Spring

2010-02-03T22:06:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but I need a little bit of SPRINGTIME! I don't care what Mr. Groundhog says, I need some sun, and some flowers, and some birds singing. We have several feeders in our back yard, and have some beautiful cardinals we're feeding. So I thought I'd pull out a stamp I bought this past summer and hadn't had a chance to use yet.

This lovely little birdhouse collection is just perfect for a 'thinking of you' or a birthday card--and it was such fun to color! Seriously, the thing that took the longest was deciding what colors to make the birdhouses! The sentiment around the outside says "Hope your days are happy & life is good & all is well in your neighborhood."

Supplies: Stamp--Art Impressions (M-3312); Paper--Prism (light blue and pale yellow) cardstock, and GP (white); blue gingham paper by Daisy D's; Nestabilities square die; ribbon from Ellen Hutson; dimensionals by Scrapbook Adhesives; and Copic markers as shown below:

Hope you are having a wonderful week!

You 'Teal' My Heart!

2010-02-02T16:37:00.003-05:00

I went shopping yesterday and got some beautiful stamps for Easter--a set from Inkadinkado that includes the classic 'praying hands' image. YAY! I've been looking for it for months, and even though this one is a little bit smaller than the one I originally wanted, I'm SO happy to have found it.

Now I just need to figure out which Maggies I want to get next, and get my order in to Diana at Magnolia-licious! So many to choose from! And to start the planning on my next "Christmas All Year Long" card for the blog hop this month. Check out the January cards at Christmas All Year Long.

Just a quick Valentine today--clean and simple! Bright and cheery colors on such a dreary day in NW Ohio . . .

The background is embossed with a Sizzix embossing folder, with the panel reversed so the dots go to the back instead of sticking out front. The sentiment panel is shown below the card--I outlined it with a text box outline, then edged the cut edge with my BG13 marker.

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to leave a comment if you'd like!

Supplies: Cardstock--GP white, Prism black, and DCWV salmon pink; dotted paper by Doodlebug Design (1826 swimming pool swiss dot); Ribbon--Offray black; Stamp--Valentine Tilda (Magnolia-licious); Heart punch by SU!; corner round punch by EK Success; inside sentiment computer generated (font--St. Nicholas); and Copic markers as shown below.

Christmas All Year Long--January

2010-01-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome! If you're following along on the Christmas All Year Long blog hop, you've landed in the right place. If not--why not follow along for a bit? You might just find yourself falling in love with the Magnolia kids--just as we all did!

First, though--many thanks to Julie for organizing the whole blog hop, and to Diana and Deb for all they do for us! Now--on to my card . . .

I hadn't had a chance to use this lovely little Tilda (#300, Tilda with Hood), but she seemed like she was out and about on her Christmas errands, and I had this lovely church scene that I'd never quite been able to color to my satisfaction. Thank goodness I've found Copic markers--because I'm very happy with this try! And once it was colored, I had to wait a little bit before Tilda told me what color her coat was. I said blue--she said no--so I continued making my card and added the background paper. That's when she said she wanted a pretty purple coat with FUR. So, between the glitter pen for her coat and the stars, real glitter for the trees, and the FlowerSoft for her hood and more of the snow--I had made a pretty good mess of my craft room! LOL!

The sentiment is popped up on a couple of thin (1/8") dimensionals, to provide the stopper for my easel card. So easy, and such a nice size (my panels are 5-1/2" square) to work with! I tried to take a picture to best show the glitter and FlowerSoft, so I hope you can see it well.

I'd love to hear what you think of her--so please leave a comment!

Enjoy the rest of the blog hop! Next up is Jenn Koss at http://scrappinforlife.blogspot.com/ .

Supplies: Papers--Georgia Pacific (white), Reminisce (Arctic Argyle), Renae Lindgren for Creative Imaginations (#2860 Snowflake), and Bazzill (navy blue); Stamps--Tilda with Hood (Magnolia), church scene and sentiment (unmounted and unknown); FlowerSoft Polar White; Sakura Gelly Roll glitter pen; Art Institute Glitter (Winter Scene collection); Scrapbook Adhesives dimensionals; and Copic markers as shown below:

Sparkling Valentine

2010-01-18T18:27:00.002-05:00

Finally--I have achieved red hair! YAY! Thanks for all the wonderful help you all have given me, listing tutorials and blogs, and your favorite Copic colors for red hair! We were in Columbus, OH, over the weekend, and I persuaded (translation--begged) hubby to stop at the Dick Blick art supply store there, "just for a few things". Eight markers later . . .

But, I did get the colors that helped me color red hair that I was happy with--YR21 and E97 and E99. Those seemed to be the missing parts of the puzzle for me. I nearly squealed with delight when I got this little gal done last night!

I had originally stamped the hearts on the embossed white cardstock, but it all looked rather bland--so out came the Stickles and I was a happy camper. This is my card for our monthly Card Club, and she'll go in the mail with my card kits to my gals in Georgia. Sure hope they like it! The inside is stamped with a simple heart and "Happy Valentine's Day".

Let me know what you think of her! Thanks for looking!

Supplies: Cardstock--Georgia-Pacific (white), Prism (red); Ribbon--Offray DS Satin; Charm--unknown; Embossing folder--Sizzix; Stickles--Candy Cane; Punch--Martha Stewart; Stamp--Valentine Tilda from Magnolia, and Studio G clear stamps on the inside; Copic markers as shown below:

If Friends Were Flowers

2010-01-14T19:04:00.004-05:00

Good evening! This little lady gave me a few fits--I kept trying to make her a redhead, and it just wasn't working. But she likes having light brown hair, evidently! Then she didn't like the color of her dress . . . until I tried the lavender shades. Finally she was happy, I was happy--and the card was finished except the sentiment. I'm not sure if I'll use it as a birthday card or a 'thinking of you' card, so I'll save adding that for when I send it.

Other than the odd disagreement on color, though, I'm loving my Magnolia stamps and my Copic markers! I tend to be a bit OCD on coloring things, and these markers--even though there is a little bit of a learning curve on them--are making me VERY happy when I'm coloring!

Enjoy the card--and please leave a comment and tell me what you think! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Georgia-Pacific (white), Bazzill (green) and DCWV (purple) cardstock; Robin's Nest Dew Drops (clear); SU! ticket corner punch; stamps--Magnolia, and Stamps by Judith; Scrapbook Adhesives foam square dimensionals; and Copic markers as shown below:

My Heart is Happy

2010-01-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

I love love love this little Valentine Tilda! She made me smile from the moment I first opened her package. Coloring her, though--well, I'm awfully glad I watched the tutorial on the Magnolia-licious site--the one of coloring the red raincoat. It made this much easier since I knew which reds to use and how to use them. Finding papers to use with her, though, were a bit more of a challenge, as 'shabby chic' really isn't something I do very often, and yet that seemed to be what she was asking for.

But here she is, ready to be sent off for Valentine's Day, if I can bear to part with her! Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Supply list: Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); DP--K&Company Classic K McKenna; Crystal Stickers Pearls; 5/8" Antique White ribbon (Offray); Nestabilities Large Ovals (Spellbinders); Valentine sentiment by Studio G; Copic markers as shown below.

Silent Night Tilda

2010-01-08T13:13:00.000-05:00

I got my new stamps from Magnolia-licious the other day, and the same day's mail brought my new Copics from Oozak! Happy dance! Of course, no housework got done that afternoon, and since we were snowed it--it was the perfect time to work on this month's Christmas card for the Magnolia-licious Yahoo group.

I've never made an easel card before--but it was so easy! The only hard part was figuring out my embellies so it would stand and look the way I wanted it to. There will definitely be a couple more made like this one--at least until my DP like this runs out!

Supplies are listed below, along with the Copic colors I used.

I'd love to know what you think of it--please leave me a comment!

Supplies: Copic markers (as shown above); Prism cardstock in white, dark red, dark green, and vanilla; DP--Candy Cane Lane * Ice Capades by Imaginisce; Beckett Expression Iceberg White cardstock for the image; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Sakura Gelly Roll sparkle pen; and Crystal Stickers Pearls.

Christmas Thank-You

2010-01-01T16:14:00.004-05:00

I wasn't going to put another card up today, but as I was cleaning up my mess (I'm awfully good at making those!), I thought I'd share it with you anyway.

I belong to a card-making club that is based just south of Atlanta, GA. I say based--but truth be told, everyone that is in the club lives down there EXCEPT me. I was there for the first gathering, and then again last spring. Each month, everyone designs just one card, and makes up kits for each of the rest to make that card. I send mine down there about a week ahead of time. When the day is down, each has 8 different cards--their own, plus 7 more; and they mail the kits back to me. I wish I could be with them more, but this is great fun when I get a big envelope full of card kits!

This simple little winter card is what I'm sending down for next weekend when they get together. I used it as a thank you note, but it could easily be a thinking of you, or birthday, or whatever. I don't know the maker of the stamp--it was unmounted long ago--but it was colored with Copic markers (C0, YR04, B21, B23), and highlighted with a Sakura Gelly Roll glitter pen. The edge punch is EK Success.

Back to cleaning . . .

2010-01-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! After being inspired by so many wonderful cardmakers' blogs, I'm finally starting my own. What a great way to share what we're all working on!

This winter, I was so inspired by Diana Crick (Score-Pal and Magnolia-licious) and a card that she had made for CardMaker Magazine, I just had to try out my own take on it. When I looked at my stash--I had the paper, the punch--everything but the Magnoila stamp! And that's where it started--ordering my first 2 Magnolias. Diana--here is my take on your card--and I hope I did it justice!

I don't have a full supply list, but used BoBunny paper, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, Nestabilities dies, and Prismacolor pencils (with OMS).

I have quite a few more cards to show you--let me know what you think!