For The Love Of Snowmen!

Snowmen have always been something that I have loved. It maybe one that is cute, whimiscal, or just have a country look to it, whatever the case I am hooked.  Lol!  I have over the years collected snowmen ornaments and paintings, and have also taught others to love them too!  I actually had taught a Tole Painting class many years ago and the project that the class completed was a Winter Welcome Snowman. 

All the students completed this snowman project over a 4 week period and it was so fun to see all of their hard work payoff!   Isn't he just gorgeous!  I so love country style and this guy fitted right in with my Christmas/Winter decor.

So I saw a lot of different challenges for Christmas and Winter Cards/projects. So I thought that I would make an altered project.  I made the following wreath for my Secret Sister at my church ladies' group.  Our big reveal will be on Dec.09th and to my knowledge, she doens't follow my blog. So with needing a gift, and wanting to do something with snowmen, and to submit for challenges, this is what I came up with! 

This Project is being submitted to the following challenges: 

Hero Arts: Gift Tags & Handmade Gifts Challenge

Die Cut Dreams: Anything But A Card

Bunny Zoe's Crafts: Christmas/No Cards

Simon Says: Let It Snow!

Scrap Creations: Blue, Sliver & White ( I Hope That Fushia Will Not Disqualify Me! Lol!)

Scrapbook Sisters: Let It Snow! 

I used Hero Arts stamp called Snow Globe and actually scanned a stamped out image to make the larger image for the center of the bow.  Now this is a lot of work and a lot of fun. I had to use so much glitter. Here are some close-ups to show you what I mean! Lol!

Center Snowman

Snowflake Minis ( These can be made separtely and attached to gifts or even to give to teachers for a Christmas present. You just would need to add a sentiment to the side of the snowflake and Voila! A great gift! I bought a dozen snowflakes at Wally World for two bucks and just coloured and glittered the snowmen. Then glued them to the snowflake and then adhered it to the wreath. Real simple!

And now for the blue coloured snowman. Sorry but this one is a little blurred.

I really had so much fun making this, but the glitter will still be flying for days it seems! Lol! It is funny because when I went to get my son from school one of the Moms wanted to know why I was so sparkly and glittery! Lol!  I so love "how glitter does give any project so much glam and glim! It really can bring your projects to life.  So why not give your projects that extra boost with some fanciful glitter.

Thanks so much for dropping bye and I hope that I have inspired you to make a gift for someone or maybe for yourself.  I trust that you are doing well and that you are making memories each day with your family and friends. Memories that will last a life time.

I better get going!  We are putting up our lights outside in a little while and then it is off for "Family Fun Day" with my son's school. We are going skating and then it is back at the school for supper. Then the entire school well be checking out the Santa Claus Parade together with hot cocoa and cookies. Yummy! Sounds like a lot of fun and I can't wait.

Hugs & Blessings.

Dana

Wee Memories Challenge

Hi Everyone:
Just wanted to share with you the card I made for Wee Memories Challenge. Here is the Challenge Prompt.

The Challenge is to use Pink in your card creations. I needed to make a card for a friend and thought that I would make it also with this challenge in mind.  I so love the use of butterflies on my cards and this Flutterbies from Hero Arts is just one of my favorite Digital Kits of theirs. It can add so much to a card without there being a need for a lot of embellishments.

Making this butterfly come to life is so simple as adding Ranger Distress Inks, adding white gel pen, and of course, adding bling!  I actually have butterflies in various colours completed this way and saved in a zip-lock bag, for those days that I just need a little something to add to a card or make a quick but pretty card. 

Thanks for stopping bye. Remember you can still play with this week's Wee Memories Challenge, but a new one should be up later tomorrow sometime too. Thanks for dropping bye.

Hugs & Blessings

Dana



Cricuit Creations - Loads To Share!

For All Your Die Cut Challenges !



 I was given my Cricuit Machine over two years ago and I am ashamed to say that I don't use it so much as I should.  I know my hubby doesn't get upset about it, but I am sure that he wishes that I would utilize this resource more than I do.  So for further encouragement and support, I met a wonderful lady name Leanne while I was a Design Team Member of Deedee's Digis Company.  I was so enthralled with the fact that any dimension or depth that was added to her cards and altered projects, was largely due to the fact that she added many die cuts.  These die cuts were cut out with her Cricuit machine and she always adds something extra to even provide more texture or dimension. Her work is outstanding and to show you what I mean, just look at this at this Masterpiece! Make sure to check out her link above to see all of her amazing projects. She has a wide group of followers and once your there you will know why!

Featured With Permission

 After much thought and searching through my SVG Files, I decided to get back into using my SCAL Program. Well some of you might be wondering what that really is and how it works.  Well, I will try my best to explain.  For someone like myself who is on a tight budget, I decided that once in a while I would purchase a Cricuit Cartridge but only when they came on sale. I am sad to say that I haven't seen an whole lot of them that are inexpensive to begin with, so therefore I would have to always wait for what I needed to go on sale. So to make a long story short, I heard about SCAL ( short for Sure Cuts A Lot Program) and the more I researched it the more I felt it was right for me and my budget.  I will try to provide you with an explanation of what this program is and how it works.

Sure Cuts A Lot is an extremely easy program to allow you to cut your True Type fonts, SVG Files, and various shapes on your Cricut Machine. This software will allow you to create your own designs by using an on-screen virtual cutting mat as your workspace. The on-screen mat will prove to be very powerful and useful, as you can visually see all of the shapes laid out on the mat, before cutting anything. Once you have everything laid out the way you want, simply choose "Cut With Cricut" from the "Cricut" menu or click the Scissor toolbar button, and the Cricut machine will start cutting your entire design.  The on-screen virtual cutting mat allows you to adjust the properties of each shape laid out on the mat. Simply select a shape on the mat with your mouse cursor and it will be highlighted with 8 blue circular selection handles. These handles will allow you to set the position, size and angle of the shape, just by click and dragging one of the handles. 

Some of the Key Features of Sure Cuts ALot are:

· Works with the Cricut Personal and Cricut Expression Machines

· Works with your installed True Type fonts

· No special cartridges required
· Cut additional shapes from the Sure Cuts A Lot Library.
· WYSIWYG Interface - What you see is what you cut
· Save your design layouts, so you can save your work to allow you to make changes over time


Vector Files or SVG Files of many varieties can be used with this program. These files are really just commands that are sent from your computer to your Cutting machine and cuts out what you need, which is faster and more time efficient.  I need to add that you do need a USB Port 1.1 or 2.x cord to connect both your computer and cutting machine. I have loads of files to help me cut out what I need, wither it be a set of tags, flowers, or just words.  Whatever the case I always have my files. I also make back up files so I don't lose my orginals and save them on a memory stick. I purchase my files from a variety of places and the things that are free on-line is amazing. For example I get a lot of files from places like http://freesvgs.blogspot.com/  I love this site so much. There are files that you can purchase also, but she also gives so much away. There are over 400 followers right now and growing.  I do want to add that she is an affiliate to Sure Cuts A Lot, and does get a small commission if you purchase it using her link on her site. She will also convert any personal images that you may have into SVG Files for just $ 4.00. A really great deal.
This is one of the images that I recently got there and I think it really sets the scene for what I want my Christmas cards to look like this year.

It is just beautiful and so precious!  The selection is so great and she really does share so much with everyone. I actually found a Elvis Presley file at http://dscrapbookingroom.blogspot.com/ another great site, the other day. I almost cried I was so happy. Yes, that is sad, but to know that I could get it for free and not have to pay $30.00 or more was a blessing. The creator of these files are just so talented and I am so thankful for folks like them.

So I guess you know where I am going with the The DieCut Divas Challenge site picture at the beginning of this post right! Lol!  Well, I joined this group a while back and the ladies there are just wonderful.  Right now they have a Christmas Challenge on and it extended to include both November and December. Make sure to check it out. You can even join our Flickr Group and join in the fun.  It doesn't matter what kind of Die Cutting Machine you have! Each month there is a new challenge asking you to use Die Cuts in some way or another. And of course there is always prizes. Lol!  Just make sure to click on the link below and it will take you to their Flickr Group page so you can sign up and have loads of fun.

We like the way you've used your Die cutting system! You are INVITED to post it in Die Cut Divas

Here are some cards that I made for this month's challenge. They are nothing extra special but cute just the same. I haven't been feeling well but still needed to make a few cards and this was the fastest way to do it. So here are my Christmas Minis.

And here are some close ups of each individual card. These were all cut out on my Cricut using the SCAL Program and svg files.  I would like to add, that if you do decide to purchase this program that it is best to buy the newest and latest version. A lot of the files that you buy are made for the latest version. I really need to up size to the new one due to the fact that it was a little more tricky to use these files that made these cute mini cards. Due to the fact that I have a husband who is a Saint and helped me to re-do some sizing issues, these cards are being shared with you now!

Santa's face was shaded with dark peach chalk and the white parts with grey.

Antlers where shaded with Ranger Walnut Ink and cheeks rubbed on with pink chalk.

The Penguin's face was chalked with grey and cheeks with dark peach.

Snowman's scarfed was stamped with a mini snowflake from Stampin Up.

The blue background was stamped using Hero Arts Cling Dot stamp.

Shading around the head was with dark grey and cheeks with dark peach colour chalk.

So there you have it folks, mini cards that were much faster to create, than say if I had to cut them all by hand. These are so great for teacher gifts, or for little kids. You could actually use the Penguin and Snowman for invitations for those birthday parties that fall in the winter months. 

I am so happy that you are here and I hope that on this visit you learned something new, and that you were inspired to use your cutting machine that maybe just sitting in a corner, waiting to be used again. They really are wonderful tools if you just take the time to research things a little, and practice, practice, practice. Lol!

Yes, I know! One minute I take a break and the next minute I don't know when to let you go! Lol! Well, I will bid you ado and say "Sweet Dreams"  Thanks for dropping bye! I so do appreciate you being here.

Hugs & Blessings

Dana

Deedee's Digis Blog Hop

I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you!  I have some personal things going on this past week which really took the wind out of my sales and I have been trying to deal with it positively!  Though I well say it has been very difficult!  So today after getting a very encouraging talk from my 12 year old, I decided to pick myself up, brush myself off and start over again. Well not really start over, but try to put things into perspective. Sometimes life can toss us some curve balls, and we become overwhelmed.  I guess that is where I am right now, but I am trying to stay positive and to continue to place my trust in God through His Son Jesus Christ. Anyway, I say all of that to say that I have missed you all, but have had to take a little break.  I do have several things/projects to share but just haven't gotten to blogging about them yet.  I am going to be sharing some more projects from the Holiday Thinking Inking Class with Jennifer McQuire and also share some projects I have been trying to finish for the Hero Arts Contest Second Round.  I trust that you are all doing well and that God is blessing you with much happiness, good health, and love of family and good friends. 

I just wanted to share that my good friend Deedee is having a blog hop today over at her site.  I have to say that I truly miss this lady and her team of great gals.  I see that she is really busy making some great Christmas digis and I can't wait until after supper to go check out her store.  So make sure to head over and check out all of the amazing projects her team has come up with. Most importantly make sure to comment when ever you can because there are prizes and giveaways too! 

Thanks for dropping bye and for sticking with me. I do really appreciate it!  For you who really believe in the power of prayer, I do so covet your prayers right now and if you could remember me that would be awesome. Health issues are the real concern right now and when I feel comfortable enough to share I will, but right now my heart is heavy and I am just praying for some direction and guidance. Just so you don't worry to much, I don't have any life threating disease, not that I know off and which I praise God for. Anyway thanks again for staying and I hope to see you again soon.

Love & Prayers

Dana

Where Will You Be On The 11th Month, 11th Day and at the 11th Hour?

Lest We Forget

Will for my family and I, we will be attending a community ceremony to celebrate, honour and remember those who have played an important role in the freedom that we enjoy from day to day.  So many of us have been touched one way or another by war.  Maybe it is through a connection with someone who fought years ago, or maybe it is knowing family members or friends who are in the military now.  Whatever the case, there will be many whose hearts will be heavy and some memories will be sad and some happy. I think now of my own family and how my own nephew just got back from overseas just this past spring.  It is so sad to hear how he witnessed the death of a friend and now lives with that terrible memory each day.  When so many have died in battle it isn't difficult to ask the question why these things happen!  Some people dispute the fact that our soldiers are in foreign lands in harms way  - fighting for a war that isn't even theirs to fight.  Well that maybe be true, maybe not!  Whatever the case they are still away from family and friends. They are still in danger, still trying to make a difference in the lives of others and still needing our love, prayers, and support.  I want to thank these brave men and women who have fought and many who have died, so that I may even have the freedom to share with you through this blog.  So on a day that is so important to so many, why not attend a community event to honour the men and women who have died for your country.

In honour and respect for these men and women, my son's school had asked me to come and help them make Remembrance Day Cards to share with some of the War Veterans in our community.  I was so inspired to see how much these young kids really enjoyed the craft, but more so I was so touched by the stories that they shared and how proud they sounded when talking about their relatives. Something to be proud of indeed!  So here is a sample of the card that the class made. Here is the one that I made and has you can see it is made with construction paper. For anyone wanting the pattern for this Poppy Flower just leave me a comment with your email addy and I will send you the pdf file.  The flower can be any size, I wanted it to be front and center stage and that is why it is large in size.

I wanted to take this time to say a Big Thank You to my own family members who have been on several missions. They are more brave than what I could ever be and for this bravery I am honoured to call them my family. I also wanted to share this video with you as well.  It is just a reminder for us Canadians of the sacrifice that so many of our military men and women have made to protect our country and others abroad.  Thank you so much for stopping bye. And may this Remembrance Day be an opportunity for us all to think about our blessings and to hold our love ones a little tighter.

 

Hugs & Blessings

Dana

  

Feelin' The Moxie

Diggin The Damask is the challenge over at Moxie Fab and I am so happy that I found the time to get to complete this challenge.  Now here is an image to help you dig the Damask style. You can be inspired by more Damask pictures and read all about it here.

Aren't These Designs Beautiful!

Also, the gals over at Everything But The Kitchen Sink are having a great colour challenge.  The colours are white, grey, teal or turquoise.  I so loved this colour scheme and it was great to use last week's Faux Letter Press Technique that Jennifer McQuire was teaching in her class at 2 Peas. I so loved using my new Damask Cuttle Bug folder.  I also used my Hero Arts Friends Definition, Stampin Up sentiment, and Damask stamp.  I have to admit that I had this Damask stamp a very long time ago and cannot remember who made it.  So if somone remembers please let me know! Lol! Thanks

To find out how to do this technique where you use embossing folders and acrylic paint, check it out here.  You will find it so easy once you start, but I will say that it is best to use Ranger Paint. I used sparkle paint and it really did dry to fast.  This did cause some problems with both, paper sticking to my folder and also with trying to clean the paint off embossing folder.  I didn't have the Ranger Paint so I had to improvise. I still love the shiny effect of this paint and I am glad that it worked out. I will be back again with more cards tomorrow. 

Thanks so much for dropping bye.  Hope your week is going great and I pray that your area isn't drenched in rain like we are here in the Maritimes.  I am starting to fell a little like Noah! Lol!  Well, that is it for now. Sweet dreams!

Hugs & Blessings

Dana

Holiday Thinking Inking Week 3

Just wanted to quickly share the cards that I made for Holiday Thinking Inking class with Jennifer McQuire.  This week we learned how to make embossed flowers,  a snowflake embossed background, and how to emboss a background with a background stamp and then ink overtop of it.  I will admit that my cards took some time to come together.  Here is my card with embossed roses.  I used Basic Grey Paper to make my flowers and embossed them with UTEE ( ultra thick embossing powder) and added some curly-q's and leaves that I made out of prima flowers.

Close-Up

Next was the technique where you take a background stamp and place it into versa mark or any other embossing watermark stamp pad, and then stamp to your paper. Then add white or clear embossing powder. Once this has been dried with your heat gun or dryer, you will get a very cool raised effect. Then it is time to take out the distress inks and ink overtop.  I first stamped my snowman image on my card before I did my stamped background.  I just simply masked off my stamped snowman image and just embossed over top. When everything was done,  I just removed my masking paper and coloured in my snowman's scarf and mittens. Once this step was completed, then I took Broken China distress ink and sponged all over the background. I actually covered my snowman again so not to make him blue with the distress ink. I added the pink gems and bow, along with my sentiment.  Once this was done my card was complete. I really loved doing this effect and I think my card turned out great.  



Now the last technique was one that I really had a lot of trouble with and I am not overly pleased with this card. Also, no matter when I took the picture it seemed like my snowman had a green hue to what suppose to be white embossing. So with this technique you really need to do it on light pattern paper. I will tell you that if you don't, the colour of your distress inks may not appear as they should.  I used a very light green patterned paper and inked Broken China overtop, but it didn't work like I had hoped it would. Sorry!  So please check out how Jennifer does this technique here.  Once you see it you will know what I mean about using lighter printed paper.

Close-Up



Right now Holiday Thinking Inking Class is into it's 5th week and yes, I need to share the cards from the 4th Week with you. I did not submit my cards for the contest for that week because I am so slow it seems.  But it was a class using acrylic paint and I just loved this class. Being a past painting instructor for what seems like a very long time ago, I just love using acrylic paints and it is so fun to see other ways to use these mediums.  Make sure to check out this week's class over at 2 Peas here. You will be so glad that you did because this week we are using Alcohol Inks.  So many cool things to see and do. 

Thanks so much for dropping in and I hope that you have been inspired to try some new techniques while you are making your Christmas Cards. I trust that all is well in your part of the world, and pray many blessings come your way.

Hugs & Blessings

Dana