}

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Saying It with Flowers

The theme of the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge this week was based on this scripture:

I Chronicles 16:34 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (NIV)

We were asked to make a card reflecting this.  I have used the Black Magic technique that was demonstrated at my SU Workshop a couple of months ago by my SU Demo and friend Ann.



 Infact Ann started colouring this image to demonstrate and I finished it off - so Ann, things might sit on my desk for a while, but eventually they become cards! LOL!



The image is stamped with White Craft Ink onto darker CS and when dry, coloured with watercolour pencils - it is so effective and so easy!!  The results can range form soft and subtle to bold and bright - dramatic!!  I then added a punched border with  the Fiskar 'Sunburst'  punch - all edges have been sponged (of course!) and I have added torn and sponged corners!    The border punch qualifies it for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge which is hosted by one of my fellow Australian stamping friends this week - Kathy (aka Wattle) 

The final touch is the sentiment being embossed in copper embossing powder!  This is one of my favourite sentiment sets 'Wonderful Words' by SU...love it!  As there is no DP this card also qualifies for the Charisma Cardz Challenge.



Thank you for stopping by and for the encouraging comments you leave me - you know I love knowing when you have been.  It is Saturday evening here and has been a beautiful day with rain just setting in - perfect!  I hope your weekend is relaxed and fun!  God bless you!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Share the Love

It is Friday here and time to get together with my sistah's - my Twisted Sisters on SCS, that is.  this week the challenge is to make a card in pink as it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month....I have made this card in pinks but not your traditional pinks and have added black as it is also for another very special Cause...



 - a little girl called Jaimie who at 11 years old was critically injured in a home invasion that left her mother dead and Jaimie fighting for her life.  As I ready Jaimie's story I was deeply touched and could not help but look at my 11 year old daughter and have my heart go out to Jaimie - she is not a 'girlie girl' we have been told, but loves black and HOT pink!

Some of you may be aware that on Monday 4 November there is a very special Blog Hop happening called 'Spread the Love', this Blog Hop is being organised through Stamp Something  and you can read about it here.  Erin and Denise from Stamp Something are encouraging everyone who is able to make a card for Jaimie, to pour out love and support for this brave little girl!  The details for the Blog Hop are here  and also where to send your card, otherwise you can contact me and I will point you in the right direction!

I used the Layers of Color elephant from the Polka Dot Parade, Layers of Color is one of companies sponsoring this Blog Hop and has donated Stamps as a prize - hopefully you have been seeing some of the cards the Guest Design Team have been making and posting on their Blogs - if not then pop over to Layers of Color and see where they all are - they are stunning - prepare to 'fall in love' with their gorgeous images and find out about the New Releases coming soon!!

Thank you for coming by today, it has been lovely to take time out from the projects I have been making for up and coming events (hint: New Release Party, Blog Hops) and make a card for something so meaningful - I am going to make another card for the day of the Blog Hop - couldn't resist sending her a few!

I hope you day has is a good one and you are with the people you love - let them know what they mean to you - it is so important!  God bless you!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

STOP THE PRESS - MMSC NEWS!


I am so excited and honoured to have been asked to become a permanent member of the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge Design Team.  It really is a dream come true for me, I loved this challenge the minute I saw it and never imagined that one day I would be part of the Design Team.  I have had so much fun this past month getting to know each of the girlz, they are one amazing Team and it is such an honour for me- I was pretty sure that once my time was up as Guest Design Diva they would have to surgically remove me!!  But just quietly...shhh...I also spent the month trying to work out of there was a 'weak link' who would sneak me the sketches and then submit mine quietly, under the radar...but none to be found - they are TIGHT!! LOL!  Thank you so much Priscilla and the Design Team for this opportunity, I am so looking forward to working together with you all!  You have to know girlz - I have on my 'oh my giddy aunt - it is really happening face!!'

A special congratulations too for Carol, who has also become a permanent DT - Carol is so amazing and is a 'power force'...you give so much Carol and I am so looking forward to working together with you!  Carol has been such a big help for me as I find my way around the next stage of blogging - Carol - you know you are my new BEST FRIEND!! LOL!



It is a pleasure to welcome  the Guest Design Diva  for November - I hand over the batton to the lovely Sandee...don't we all love her work -  it is always amazing, in a league of it's own!  Sandee has been a faithful Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge player for quite some time now.  Her work is just amazing and she is extremely talented. I know her work will bring so much inspiration to the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenges this next month.  Congratulations Sandee - what a great month we are going to have!



I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Shawne all the best as she takes time to focus on her beautiful family and of course on her expanding stamp line. Shawne has joined Sonya and Kimmie on our prestigious Alumni list.  I have loved the inspiration that Shawne has brought as a member of the Midnight Madness Design Team and know she will be missed!  God bless you Shawne!!

Well, that it it from me - there is plenty more happening over at Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge  so hop over there and check it out!!  Oh and it gives me great pleasure to sign off as:
Linda MMSC Design Team!!



Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Chalking a Stamped Image



These are the basics to get your chalking happening:

~White card stock for stamping your image.  I have found that some card is better than others for chalking, if they have a 'coating' of any sort, then the chalks don't adhere too well and it is TWICE as much work with less result! 

~ Blender Pens, I use the Stampin' Up ones and really love them!  Don't throw away your older ones, they are still great to use and I will show you why as we go along.

~ Cotton buds, or as many of you say 'Q-tips'  These are the best thing.  many people use eye shadow applicators, but I have found that cotton buds are perfect - I love them for this!

~ A Water Colour Pen or Pen, for adding fine detail.  I also use White Gel Pen a lot for highlights as well as Glitter pens.

~ Dimensional Magic - this is the same thing as Crystal effects.  This is to add gloss to any features - depending on the card


If you are cutting out your image, which I often do, don't do it until after you have finished, it is easier to work that way!   Okay...we are ready to start.  I start with a Cotton Bud and colour all the flesh areas.  I basically use the same technique as Water Colouring, you start with the lightest colour and applying about 3 applications, each one going a shade darker IF YOU CHOOSE!  remember you are not for definition with this layer - we are just setting a base to build on as you can see here!


I like to have shading with the clothing and start from the outside in, leaving a strip of white in the middle, again you build these layers as you go and can make the gap smaller of you need to, blending as we go....remember nothing is permanent at this stage!!  Something like this is what we are aiming for:


Okay, now we are starting with the second layer of colour...this is still done with the Cotton Bud and you can use a darker shade if you wish. I usually use the same shade for clothes and go one darker for the face, arms and legs, but only slightly darker otherwise you get a bright 'sunburnt' look - not to pretty on an image like this Gurlee Girl!  Just take your time, once you get going you will be surprised how fast chalking is....
I do each layer of colour fully before going onto the next...you should be building depth as you go.  At this stage you can rub out anything you aren't happy with, have perhaps gone over the edge or want to add some shading!!

Note - I do NOT add the colouring on the cheeks until last!


You can see now the image is starting to 'take shape' and you are getting the definition - this is where it gets exciting...the BLENDER PEN!!  I use this to add the final definition, really defining light and shade and adding those extra touches that you would like to have stand out.  this is totally a personal thing, the same as water colouring - this is where it reflects your style.  I have looked at many styles with colouring and taken what I like from each, put it together and come up with my own 'flavour.'

Once I have done this I use a pen, in this case a red one, to do any finer lines and detail eg. the swirls and detail on the shoes, the cherry on the ice cream, anything you think needs it!


Finally, I add those extra touches, such as her 'make up' starting lightly and only using a Cotton Bud  - careful here as the colour builds pretty quickly at this stage and it is easy to add too much - you don't want to be doing too much rubbing out at this stage!  Once you have used the blender pen the colours are more permanent and definitely bolder.  I add a white spot to her cheek with a White Gel Pen - it makes highlights her face.


 and here is the finished card:


A TIP FOR YOU!!  I have used new cotton buds and the newer Blender Pens for this Tutorial, but don't throw out your cotton buds and Blender Pens too soon - I love using the 'seasoned ones' and have included this photo to show you what I mean - you may want to 'brace yourself' they are not pretty but they work beautifully!!


Thank you for taking the time to have a look at this Tutorial.  I hope it has been of some help to you - don't be afraid to give it a try - it is easier than you think!  This technique can be used on digi images as well as stamped.

Tutorial by Lovely Linda

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

MMSC25 What's New Pussycat?

Is it just me or has Tuesday come around at an alarming rate - not that I am complaining, I love Tuesdays as it beings with it new challenges - and we know what that means - it is the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge - you can check it out here!!   The DT has some incredible creations for you this week - sure to inspire!! so come on - let's check it out!! Here is this week's Challenge!!



You have one more week to get in on our Month End drawings. Our sponsor for the month of October was....



The winner will get 3 free stamps of their choice AND a $50 Certificate that is valid till June 2010.

The Weekly Sponsor is:




Shawne, from our very own DT, has her own stamp line and has very generously offered up a $25 Gift Voucher to the store that features her line.

For my card I have used a Penny Black image - how could I resist with gorgeous 'babe!'  I coloured her with chalks and wasn't that happy with the results UNTIL I added orange to the colour and it just lifted the whole card!!  The image has been layered into black CS and popped up on dimensionals. 

 The DP is some that I have been given from another friend Hannah (aka bubblefrog)  Hannah has given me HEAPS of different DP's that she never used and I love them all - you can never have too much variety - this is my last piece of this one - I am surprised how much I have used it!!  I have also used the fabulous wood paper from our very own Sue - I received some but not intime for last weeks challenge so used it this week and I have tio say I was pleasantly surprised at just how fabulous it is to work with - the variety is amazing for a start...and it cuts like a dream...don't be shy, check it out here - you won't be sorry!



The mirror is coloured with a silver glitter pen and then has had a coat of Dimensional Magic added to it - as usual the photo doesn't do it justice, but we have all come to expect that anyway!!



and then there is the lips....you gotta love those lips...they are from a clear set that I picked up in a local supermarket - and they have been used so many times....adorable darh-ling!!



 Now don't forget to check out the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge - these sketches are so much fun. A number of people have commented that they find them hard but are so thrilled once they have finished them - let me assure you that once you get going they come together - so come on over and give it a try!! I will look out for you! LOL! 

While you are there....it's all go at Midnight Madness with...



Our DT has already scheduled our next Blog Hop which will be coming to you all on Dec 8th. Our Holiday Blog Hop will be a week long Hop filled with surprises and of course prizes. If you would like to help spread the word about our next hop by posting this logo on your side bar we would appreciate it. As you know, here at the Midnight Madness Blog, anything can happen. We have a “Midnight Madness Prize Patrol” that will be on the look out for our “Special Midnight Madness Holiday Blog Hop Logo” If one of our team members spots this special logo, your name will go into a special drawing. We will be looking for our MM Holiday Logo from NOW until the Holiday Blog Hop starts.

We will be awarding an appreciation gift every week to one lucky person until our Holiday Blog Hop is launched, so the search starts now…good luck!!!

Well, that it it from me, thank you for coming over and for your encouraging comments! I love it when you come and would HATE to miss you!! I appreciate your support - you have made blogging such a fun place to be!! Thank you!!  God bless you!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Pastel Palette

Today I look some time to finish a card I had stared days ago, actually I coloured the image in at my Scrapbooking Class and put it aside to use on a card..one day!!  Well today is the day, I was inspired by the Featured Stamper on SCS this week - rachelhope13 and what a gorgeous gallery - there is something there for everyone!!  I was inspired by this card.



I embossed the CS with the Stylised Flowers embossing folder and sponged around the edges with Distressing Ink, the image was coloured using SU Inks Pads and a Blender Pen, I love going to Ann's classes, you come away with so much - it is great to meet a Demo who is all about the art involved and not about the money, Ann finds such pleasure in getting us inspired and equipping us with as many skills as she can - her art and her friendship have come to mean so much to me!!

I sponged around the image and  layered it onto brown CS (Choc Chip I am thinking!) added the pink CS behind and of course the flower....now I don;t have those gorgeous swirls that Rachel has, so used the punched branches that have been sent to me by one of my Twisted Sisters Lesley (aka Marleygo) thanks Lesley!!  I have finished off with pink half pearls and that gorgeous button that I was given amongst a 'gazillion' others - it just fits here beautifully!!



Thank you for coming by and for your comments - I love knowing you have stopped in, it means so much to me!!  God bless you!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

God's Little Rock Stars

Hello!  I don't have a card for you today, I have made one and will post it tomorrow when I have photographed it in the daylight, infact I have been busy making lots of cards for other projects - you will be able to see them soon....what are they for - a hint...read the New Release Party post above.....keep checking back for more details and exciting announcements...there is more to come - plus I will have something exciting to share later this week - so make sure you come back to find out what it is!



In the meantime I thought you would like to see a photo of my DD2 at the Spring Fair held at the school our children attend.  DD2 sang a song that she had written, called 'Jesus' with some help from her friends Sasha (on the left) and Juanitta on the right - they did so well...it was DD2's first PUBLIC concert and she did so well - Sasha played the piano and added some vocal support and Juanitta was a backup vocal - such a polished performance - I would have loved to have put a video clip BUT the batteries on the camera went flat - so frustrating!!
 
It is Sunday night here and it is time for me to get off the computer, which is so much easier said than done, especially with uniforms to....wait for it...I am going to say a 'SKEERY' word - IRON!!!  Ahhh - I hope you are okay after hearing it! LOL!  Thank you for visiting and for all of the encouragement you give me through your comments - you are a blessing to me!  God bless you!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Multi Tasking!

I am very happy to have finished the order for humorous cards, I have a couple to post here as I tried to play along with some of the challenges.  this first one of for the Tea Party this week, that MariLynn is hosting while Mothermark is taking a well earned 'breather!'  We are doing 'pink and feminine' in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.



Now these girls are gorgeous in pink and I have to say that perhaps part of the body going 'southwards' thing with them could be that they are regulars for their mammograms - the gal on the left looks as thought she has gone for one too many - NOT that there is such a thing - we all know how important they are...and don't we all just love those, but they are so-o-o worth it!!



The second card is for the Flutter by Wednesday Challenge, which is once again open, we just have to use a fairy or butterfly - I specifically used the butterfly paper on this one so it qualifies!



The images on both cards are coloured with chalks and have Kindy Glitz added to the wine glasses.



Short and sweet today, I have been up at the School Fair today and my DD2 sang a song she wrote called 'Jesus' - it is her first time singing in public and she did so well...I was nervous and very close to tears when she sang - it was so moving for me as a Mum, to hear the words that came from her heart!!

Thank you for visiting with me today, I love seeing that you have been - your comments are so encouraging!!  God bless you!!

Stampin' Sisters In Christ Challenge

I am pushing it pretty close to the deadline to get this card posted before the deadline has passed...it is my card for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge, where the theme this week is based on Luke 2:11: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (NIV)  and we are to make a card or project featuring the nativity or other religious theme about Christ's birth.


That in itself was a challenge for me as I don't have any stamps that would suit, but I went right back into the deepest corners of 'Craft Central' and found this image that one of my Twisted Sisters, Darla Ryan, had sent me in a RAK, the scripture is from another Twisted Sister, Lesley (aka Marleygo) You gotta love the Sistah's!!

This is another quick and easy card, I used embossed CS, done with Textures Embossing Folder, all edges are sponged around the edges, I might add at this point!  I chalked over the images and added Kindy Glitz for the star, to make it sparkle!

I thought about the fact that we are doing a religious card and wanted mine not to be religious because being religious about something these days just means doing something regularly, like cleaning your teeth for example - I wanted this CHRISTmas card to reflect what Christmas is really all about for me - hence the Scripture!  I know this verse is used more often at Easter, but what better time than Christmas, when God's Rescue Plan was set into action and we celebrate the birth of our King!!



I added some ribbon and paper piercing, along with some brads and that finished my card!  I am keeping this short as it is now 12:30am on Saturday morning for me and I can feel myself 'fading!'  You know - one night I was busy commenting and the next thing you know I woke as my head hit the table...I realised I am burning the candle at both ends and sometimes push myself too far, so I am endeavouring to be in bed by midnight - what do you think!!

Thanks for stopping and  for those fabulous comments you have been leaving me!!  You make my day!!  I hope you all have the best day!  God bless you!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Gotta Give Her 'Credit'...

We all know that laughter does us good like medicine - what better way to have a laugh than these Emerson Gals - you know I love them - it is all to do with the attitude and they have plenty of that!!  I am making some for an order and have to say, this one is hillarious - how true is that sentiment - I don't know about you, but I am glad that we are not the same - how boring would that be!! 

This card of for the Mojo Monday Challenge, I have not played along with that for a while, so this makes  me happy!!  I love sketch challenges and this one is no exception!


The DP is part of a RAK that I was generously sent, don't you love these double sided pages, they make card making easy!  I shocked myself and did minimal sponging and used the SU Eyelet Border Punch along the left edge.  Single stsitch black ribbon was added at the join  The image has been coloured with Chalks and 'blinged up' with glitter pens and layered into black CS.  A layered flower with a brad  was added and the card finished off with some Kaiser Gems.


This was another quick and easy card - there is a part of me that feels like I am cheating when I am not adding layers and distressing, but when it comes to making cards for other people, you need to do what they want - I am quite happy with the end reult...although everything in me wants to pull her dress up a bit!  LOL!

Thank you for looking and for your  encouraging comments - I appreciate you taking the time - I just love knowing that you have called in!  I hope your week is going well, we have had a sick dog for a couple of days, she had us worried but seems to be on the mend now - phew!!  God bless you!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

FTTC38 Floral Heart

This image has been sitting on my desk, along with a few others for a week now, I coloured it at my Scrapbooking class last Wednesday Night and have been wanting to use it on a card....then I saw that this weeks's Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge is watercolouring - perfect!!  We used Watercolour crayons to colour directly onto the image and then 'spritzed' it, then stamped it....so very easy and so effective!



What worked even better for me is that I had this layout done in these colours and wasn't happy with the image I had ready to go on it - so changed it to this one, which just happened to be 'filed' next to it on my deks (which really means, just sitting there!)



I am also making a 'last minute dash' to get this in the Creative Card Crew Challenge which needed scallops...and scallops it has!!  The bottom layer has been embossed with the Textiles Embossing Folder, and the heart popped up on Dimensionals, with pink pearls being added to two corners!

This is a short post for me, I have been very busy preparing for a PARTY - and you will all be invited...so start choosing what to wear (LOL) and check back here for the details...the invite will be ready on the next day or so - can't wait to see you!!

Thank you for coming over and for those amazing comments you leave me, you bless me!!  God bless you!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

MMSC24 So Sweet!

Wahoo - It is Tuesday  and that means - it is the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge - you can check it out here!!  I can't believe that the Blog Hop is nearly over - make sure you play if you haven't already!  Thank you to those who played along and made so many fabulous comments on the way - you blessed us all...we love seeing you and hearing from you makes it that much more special!!

There is always inspiration to be found with these amazing sketches!  You won't want to miss it!!!  I would like to thank our sponsor for the month of October, Gurlee Girls - these girls are just so adorable, they remind me of my girls when they were little.  The DT has some amazing creations for you this week - sure to inspire!! so come on - let's check it out!!  Here is this week's Challenge!!



The Monthly Sponsor for October is:




Gurlee Girl Designs images Our Monthly sponsor that has donated a huge prize to our month end winner. Be sure to click on them to find out all the details of each one.

THE WEEKLY BONUS SPONSOR THIS WEEK IS.....  
 


 This week are sponsor is Sue McMahon from “McMahon Five Designs” She is also on our very own design team. Sue has been making cards for 11 years. Her love for the craft has fueled the opening of her online store, McMahon Five Designs. Her store offers real wood paper, downloadable digital images, and a large variety ofproducts from Prima and Ranger. 

For my card I have used the Gurlee Girl image called 'Avie' - she is just so sweet with that lovely ice-cream....the cherry on top started me off choosing papers and embellishments.  I embossed the DP through the Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dots Embossing Folder - I love the effect of embossing on DP, it adds so much texture!
 


That YUMBLY DP is from a RAK from one of my Twisted Sisters, Pat Smethers, how could I go past it with this image.  I layered it on black CS for the corners and then added some crochet lace...another favourite of mine - no doily is safe at our house! LOL!  The ovals were cut with the Nestibilities Oval, I went for a smaller size so it would not overshadow the image!  Both of these ovals have been embossed as well!

The image has been chalked  and popped up with dimensionals!


I made a stick pin from a RAK sent to me by my friend Sabrina (aka okimom2girlz) - I love these pins and save them for special occassions.  I used a lovely deep red hydranga flower, layered with a tiny crocheted one and added a gold centre.  I also used these flower centres on the edge of the oval.  I have finished off with Dimensional Magic being added to the cherry to make it stand out!



Well, that it it from me, thank you for coming over and for your encouraging comments!  I love it when you come and would HATE to miss you!!   I appreciate your support - you have made blogging such a fun place to be!!  Thank you!!  Now don't forget to check out the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge - these sketches are so much fun.  A number of people have commented that they find them hard - let me assure you that once you get going they come together - give it a try, you will feel so pleased with yourself when you have finished it - you might even enjoy yourself!  I will look out for you!  LOL!  God bless you!

Prowling at the 1st Midnight Madness Blog Hop

This post will remain at the top until 20 October
Please scroll down for new posts !!

Welcome to Prowling at the 1st Midnight Madness Blog Hop. Here at Midnight Madness we are celebrating “you” our players with a fun and exciting blog hop. We have TWENTY FIVE exciting prizes to give away. As a matter of fact, here is the list of how we are giving away these prizes:

One Grand prize random drawing valued at $100
350th BRAND NEW Sketch Player SPECIAL Prize valued at $50
11 Cards from the Crypt (picked by our DT members from MMSC archives)
12 random Package winners drawn

You have until Tuesday, October 20, 2009 12 p.m. Midnight EST to leave your name in Mr. Linky at Priscilla’s Midnight Madness Blog to be eligible for the prizes. Prize winners will be notified at the end of the week.

If you would like to be entered in Prowling at the 1st Midnight Madness Blog Hop prizes and you DO NOT have a blog, you still can participate. You will have to follow the directions below……..

1. Leave a comment on the Midnight Madness Blog Hop comment section with your email address, first name and last name initial.
2. Link up to Mr. Linky with first name and last name initial and in the URL space enter this address http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/

In order to have a chance at winning any of the prizes, you must gather a secret phrase along the Blog Hop. Each Design Team Member will have a particular word or words listed on their blog and as long as you visit them in order, you will have the secret phrase at the end. If you are picked as a Prize winner you will be contacted by email and you must email back the secret phrase WITH IN 48 HOURS to claim your prize. If by any chance the 350th BRAND NEW player or any of the “Cards from the Crypt” winners are not claimed, then those prizes will be added to the random winners drawn. To start off, you must begin at Pricilla’s Midnight Madness Blog! If you have not started there, I suggest you go back and begin again . . . you don’t want to miss out on the Prizes! If you have arrived from Michelle's Blog then you are on the correct course. If you want a chance to win you will have to follow the instruction listed above. Thank you and have fun on the Hop.

Meet the Midnight Madness Design Team

We thought it would be fun to feature in this section of our blog hop something to help you get to know the design team members and for us to get to know you. We have all chosen some questions with answers we wanted to share with you, our valued challenge players, about ourselves. You are welcomed to leave a comment here at my blog and tell us something about you. So here are some interesting things about me!

18 months old

Where do you get most of your inspiration from? I am a very visual person and I just love to TOUCH - texture inspires me along with my My DH, who is a constant source of inspiration with his live for life and every detail - he is one of those people who 'feels the rain' - doesn't just 'get wet' and is teaching us all along the way!!

Is there a specific time of day when your best creations are made and is there a particular food/drink item you just have to have with you? I usually get my card organised during the day, maybe having a little 'hands on' time, but most of my work is done in the evening and on into the small hours of the morning - time just gets away on me!  I am helped along by a DIET COKE or two....

What tool could you not live without? Definitely my CHALKS and Blender Pens...followed closely by my Cuttlebug!

* If your house was on fire and you could run in and save ONE CRAFT ITEM, what would it be?  My Cuttlebug - it is known among my friends that when we get to Heaven, they will recognise me as I will be the one holding the Cuttlebug

* What money saving techniques do you have?  Now you have made me laugh!!!  If I did have one it would be 'don't leave the house! LOL!'
What would you love to find at a yard sale? Are you crazy!?!? LOL!  Stamps and more stamps!!

* What makes you laugh the hardest - well, apart from the thought of savings... my DH and children, they are so funny,  everyone that know us know that we always find the funny things in life.  Some of our friends can be heard laughing as they drive down the street after leaving our house!

* Would you be likely to survive alone in the wilderness?  With no-one to talk too - I think NOT!!!

* Would you rather meet your great great grandparenjts or your great, great grandchildren?  My great great grandchildren!!

Cards from the Crypt

For something a little fun to honor our Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge Players we thought we would go back into the Crypt of archived challenges and pick some of our players cards to feature along our blog hop. Our Crypt pick winners will need to do the blog hop and collect a word from each of the blogs to collect the winning phrase and place their name in Mr. Linky at Priscilla's Midnight Madness Blog! We will email you when we verify that you have entered your name in Mr. Linky, you will need to email back the phrase in order to qualify for your prize. Even if your card has been chosen from the Crypt you are still eligible for the Grand Prize and Random Drawings. Below is my pick.....


I have chosen a card from MMSC #12 by pam124 from her SplitCoast Gallery.  I met Pam on SCS and have loved getting to know her as a friend and fellow crafter.  I have been inspired by her incredible gift with her cards and was so thrilled when Pam became a Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge player, her talent with cards is amazing and I am just so thrilled to be able to bring Pam's beautiful card here for you all to see!  Thank you Pam for being such an inspiring artist and sharing your creations on the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge  - we love to see them each week!  God bless you my friend!!


To help celebrate the Midnight Madness Blog Hop I have been busy creating a few fun items.  As we don't celebrate Halloween in Australia I have used the fall (or autumn as we say here) theme.  Don't you just love these Basic Grey DP's from the Indian Summer Range - the perfect colours for autumn!! 
I have made a set which includes a card, a Milk Carton Gift Box and a set of Notelets/Gift Tags.  They all match and would be a lovely gift for someone, complete with matching card!


I used a classic Stampin' Up set 'Lovely as a Tree' for the image on the card, stamping the image it four times and cutting each one at out different levels of leaves.  These were coloured with chalks and each layer adhered with dimensionals!


 A fiddly job but well worth the effort!!


 I added gold highlights on the branches.  The DP has been embossed for extra depth and dimension, all edges on the card has been sponged!

The Milk carton was made with a template and had the embossed BG DP added to the front


.  The embellishments for the Milk Carton and the mini cards are made with Stampin' Up punches with the gold Christmas ornament top added, after being flattened, with a brad!


So what do you think?!?  Thank you for playing in our weekly challenges and for all your support each week. We love showing off our creations to you and visiting your blogs each week to see what you have created We hope you are enjoying this special Blog Hop and that you are finding something new along the way. Thanks for joining us today!