Hello and welcome to my blog!
I am a freelance illustrator, artist and paper crafter. I hope you will set back, have a peek around my blog, check out my archives and enjoy!
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Some Of My Favorite Creations To Date

Monday, November 30, 2009

Another CDS sneak peek! Critter Log


Hello!
I know it is late but I couldn't not post this card. I think this stamp set is so cute!
It is called "Critter Log" and it is Clear Dollar Stamp's December "Stamp of the Month" and it is FREE with a $30 order thru the end of December, instead of the regular $50 order!





You probably noticed that there are not any cattails in the set but there are some on my card. You know me....gotta doodle!  =D
This is another card that will be popped into hubby's lunch bucket for a "Just because I love you" surprise, and he loves cattails! That is where the fish hang out! LOL!

CARD RECIPE:
STAMPS: Clear Dollar Stamps- "Frankie Frog" and "Have a Hoppy Day"
CARDSTOCK: Bazzill Dots-Clover
DESIGNER PAPER: Core'dinations-drk.brown
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black, Color Box cat's Eye-Dark Moss, Sharpie extra fine tip
ACCESSORIES: Wizard, Square Nestabilities, natural colored twine, Prismacolor watercolor pencils, Prismacolor pencils, Crystal Effects, Bazzill 3mm brads -Ivy, Stickles-Baby Blue
 
Remember to check out the other CDS girls sneak peeks by clicking on their names in my upper left hand side bar. There are all GREAT...you won't want to miss them!
Glad you stopped by! Please be a sweetie and let me know what you think.
Also...don't forget to scroll down and see my other December peeks, if you have not been here in the last couple of days.

Hugs,
True :)
PS...Please check back tomorrow @ 9:05 AM Central Time for a special announcement!!!!!! ;)

Ostrich Kisses! Day 4 of CDS Sneak Peeks.

Hello,
Day four of CDS December Sneak Peeks!
It has been so much fun playing with these cute little stamps.
They are all available tomorrow @ Clear Dollar Stamps!
This one is Oliver Ostrich.
I thought it would be cute to use the "It's Been a Long Time" new release sentiment and add a little bit of my own to the inside...



It's been a long time...since I gave you some kisses!
Cute isn't it? tehehehe!



I just think Oliver is too cute!



Project Recipe:
STAMPS: Clear Dollar Stamp'-: "Oliver Ostrich" and "It's been a long time"
CARDSTOCK: DCWV-Fall stack
DESIGNER PAPER: DCWV-Rustic stack
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black, Color Box cat's Eye-Chestnut Brown, Versa Magic dew drop-Oasis Green
ACCESSORIES: Wizard, Square , scalloped ovals, and rectangle Nestabilities, Offray -dark brown ribbon, Prismacolor watercolor pencils, Prismacolor pencils, Crystal Effects, 6 by 6 inch clear card protector sleeve, Hershey's Kisses
 
Remember to check out the other CDS girls sneak peeks by clicking on their names in my upper left hand side bar. There are all GREAT...you won't want to miss them!

Glad you stopped by! Please be a sweetie and let me know what you think.

Also...don't forget to scroll down and see my other December peeks, if you have not been here in the last couple of days.

Hugs,
True :)

PS...Please check back tomorrow @ 9:05 AM Central Time for a special announcement!!!!!!  ;)



Sunday, November 29, 2009

Bookmark "Bee Kind"- don't dog-ear the pages! LOL!

Hello again!
Here is another CDS sneak peek for you today. This cute little guy is Billy Bee. I used him to make a corner bookmark...yet another quick little gift that would be great to give. Teachers would LOVE one! ;)



When in use it looks like this. Pull it out and you see another new release  "Bee Kind" sentiment.
Both will be available tomorrow @ Clear Dollar Stamps.


SUPPLIES:
Stamp: CDS- "Billy Bee" and "Bee Kind"
CARDSTOCK: Stampin Up from the "Soft Subtles" collection
DESIGNER PAPEER: Stampin Up "Tea Party"
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black
ACCESSORIES: Wizard, Square and square/scalloped Nestabilities, Prismacolor watercolors, Stickles Yellow, Cotton Candy, Crystal, and Black glitter glue, Tiny tassel
Remember to check out the other CDS girls sneak peeks by clicking on their names in my upper left hand side bar. There are all GREAT...you won't want to miss them!
Glad you stopped by! Please be a sweetie and let me know what you think.

Also...don't forget to scroll down and see my other December peeks, if you have not been here in the last couple of days.

Hugs,
True :)

Prayer Card Set - CDS Day 3 of December Sneak Peeks

Welcome to day # 3!
This pretty (if I do say so myself ;)...) set is done with the new Prayer Card stamp set from Clear Dollar Stamps.
This would make a very thoughtful gift for people in your church family, family, and friends.
I was lucky enough to have received a single prayer card form Lori of CDS and she had written on it when she prayed for me and what she prayed for and slipped it into a card. This would be an awesome way for you to show theos you care about that you have been thinking and praying for them.




Remember to check out the other CDS girls sneak peeks by clicking on their names in my upper left hand side bar. There are all GREAT...you won't want to miss them!


CARD RECIPE:
Clear Dollar Stamp's: "Prayer Card"
CARDSTOCK: Coordinations - tan and turquoise
DESIGNER PAPEER: Flair designs-"Amazing Grace" pack
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black, Color Box cat's Eyes - Chestnut and warm green, Versa Magic Dew Drop- Oasis Green
ACCESSORIES: Wizard, rectangle and scalloped rectangle Nestabilities, RibonFX-Aqua organza, Fashion Accessories -cross jewelry finding (from Wal-Mart

Glad you stopped by! Please be a sweetie and let me know what you think.
Also...don't forget to scroll down and see my other December peeks, if you have not been here in the last couple of days.

Hugs,

True :)

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Frankie Frog Lunch Box Note - CDS Sneak Peek #2 for today

Hello!
I interrupt this football game to post another sneak peek! LOL!
Meet Frankie the Frog. He is one of Clear Dollar Stamps December releases. Isn't he just adorable!?!
He would work great for just about anyone. Male/female young/old. This one will be going in a lunch bucket.
I love poping little notes in my guy's lunchbox every now and then...just because!



The inside sentiment is also a new release. Both will be available to purchase December 1st.



Remember, you can click on any picture to enlarge. :)



Don't forget to check out the other CDS girls sneak peeks by clicking on their names in my upper left hand side bar. There are all GREAT...you won't want to miss them!

CARD RECIPE:
Clear Dollar Stamp's: "Frankie Frog" and "You Make Me Smile"
CARDSTOCK: DCWV Shimmer stack green and orange

DESIGNER PAPEER: My Mind's Eye- Abby Lane - Lizard Eggs

INK: Staz-On - Jet Black, Color Box cat's eye- sienna

ACCESSORIES: Wizard, round and rounds scalloped Nestabilities, Green Stickles, Crystal Effects
 
Glad you stopped by! Please be a sweetie and let me know what you think.
Also...don't forget to scroll down and see my other December peeks, if you have not been here in the last couple of days.
Hugs,
True :)



Instant Latte' Gift- Can Cover - CDS Sneak Peak


Hello again!
This is day #2 of Clear Dollar Stamp's December Sneak Peeks.
These are 2 more of CDS ridiculously low priced new stamps. They are "Chubby Chickadee" and "What a Tweet". They will be available Dec. 1st @ CDS.
I started with a can of instant latte' and in just a few minutes had a sweet little "Tweet" to give as a gift!


Remember, you can click on any picture to enlarge.
 

Don't forget to go check out all of the other Clear Dollar Stamps DT's blogs to see the awesome sneaks they have to share with you.
Just click on their names in my upper left hand sidebar.


CARD RECIPE:
Clear Dollar Stamps: "Chubby Chickadee" and "How Tweet"
CARDSTOCK: none
DESIGNER PAPEER: DCWV - The Crafty Stack
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black, Color Box cat's Eyes - Lipstick and Lime Green
ACCESSORIES: Wizard, Square and rectangle Nestabilities, Offray turquoise ribbon, Prismacolor watercolor pencils, a can of instant latte' mix

Thanks again for stopping by! You all are the reason I take the time to blog about my creations!
Please take a second and leave me a comment. ;)
Hugs,
True :)

Friday, November 27, 2009

Baby Gift Card...Card :) - Sneak Peek from CDS

Hi again!
This is my second Clear Dollar Stamps sneak peak for the day.
This little gift card was done with 3 of the December releases...Baby face, baby bib, cute & cuddly.
They will be available December first and are very very inexpensive! Just wait until you see all of the cute stamps coming this month! You will want them all!  :)


Under the gift card is a blank spot for you to write in your sentament.


CARD RECIPE
ALL CDS USED: "Baby Face", "Baby Bib" and "Cute and Cuddly"
CARDSTOCK: DCWV Bassill - Irish Eyes and Salt
DESIGNER PAPEER: DCWV- "Nanna's Nursery" stack
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black
ACCESSORIES: Wizard, square and square scalloped Nestabilities, Prismacolor pencils, Offray ribbon - white, Martha Stewart - Doily scallop punch
 
Make sure and scroll down to see my earlier "peek"  ;)
Don't forget to check out the other fabulous DT's creations by clicking on the links under CDS Design Team in my upper left hand sidebar.
Thanks bunches!
Please leave a comment if you have a second or two

CDS Sneak Peek -"Teeny Stego Chocolate Bar Gift Wrapper"



Hi!
It is that time again...Clear Dollar Stamps sneak peeks! I love it when I get to show you everything I have been working on all month!
Lori @ CDS sent us a lot of tiny stamps and asked that we try to do something quick and simple with them. For me, that is a real challenge! LOL! I did it though and had fun!
This candy bar wrapper is done with the "Teeny Stego" stamp, illustrated by Laurie Wilson. This cute little stamp is only going to be $1.49!!!! It will be available for sale December 1st @ Clear Dollar Stamps.



I know there are a lot of you who need to come up with little gifts for lots of people. This is a great way to do it. Buy any chocolate bar and make a wrapper for it. The receiver will have "something to roar about!"
I am entering this piece in:
Creative Card Crew Challenge - "Favorite Things"
My fave color is green and my fave projects have CHOCOLATE inside! LOL!  ;)
I can't win because I am going to be a DT with CBCB again after the holidays, but I wanted to play along!
The dino and the grass have glitter and I used a CB folder for texture on the orange.



Please check out the awesome sneaks the other CDS Design Team girls are previewing, by clicking the links in my upper left sidebar.

CARD RECIPE:
STAMPS: Clear Dollar Stamps - "Teeny Stego" and "Something to Roar About"
CARDSTOCK: Bazzill Swiss Dots - Irish Eyes, Coordinations - Burnt Orange
DESIGNER PAPEER: My Mind's Eye- Abby Road- Lizard Eggs
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black, Color Box cat's Eyes - Olive and Lime
ACCESSORIES: Sewing machine, thread, Wizard, Square and square/scalloped Nestabilities, Offray Lime ribbon, Prismacolor watercolors, Stickles tOrange Peel and Lime glitter glue, All Sorts of Things- brads in Pumpkin, Cuttlebug and Tiny Mosaic Texture folder,
 
If you like what you see...please leave me a comment!  ;)
Remebmer to check back the next few days to see more of my peeks.
Hugs,
True :)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Pot of Pretty Poinsettias Pocket Card



Hello All!
I am killing 2 birds with one stone today.
I am the November Guest DT over @ The Paper Temptress and wanted to use their gorgeous Laser Gold Glossy Lustre paper. I also am a past DT of "Fred She Said" and was given these beautiful poinsettias from their RED Christmas Poinsettia Pack, but have not had a chance to use them. While strolling through Splitcoast Stampers last night, I came across some pretty flowerpot cards that had been made for a technique challenge. The light bulb lit up! The challenge was posted back in April but I did my own thing to fit today's season...and to be able to use the poinsettias.
There is a great tutorial on Stephanie Luman's blog on how to create these little cuties.
It is a fast and simple shaped card but I think they really stand out from the crowd of squares and rectangles!



The flowers pull out to reveal the sentiment and a spot to write your own little note. You could also slide a gift card into the pocket!



I added some heat embossing in gold for the sentiment and the dots in the flower centers. Remember, You can click on the pictures for a closer look!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Papertake Weekly - Christmas Crackers
Check! ;)
Whimsy Stamps - Christmas
Tis the season!
Got it!
Creative Card Crew - Favorite Things
Christmas Poinsettias are one of my favorite flowers and TPT Lustre line of papers is my new fave!
Can't get much more sparkle then that gold paper and embossing!
ABC Challenge - H is for Hidden
This card has a hidden pocket
Cupcake Challenge - Gift Card Holder
The pocket would hold a gift card quite nicely!
All Sorts - Christmas Carol or Song Title
"Percy, the Puny Poinsettia"... Google it! LOL! :)
Incy Wincy - Scetch (if you want) but anything goes!
:) I love this kind of challenge!  :)

As always, I appreciate you stopping by!
Please leave a comment if you like what you see!

Hugs,
True :)

Sunday, November 22, 2009

"Pretty Jar of Daisies" Card



Hello All!

Awhile back I bought an adorable set of stamps illustrated by: Laurie Wilson, called "Every Day Jar-gon" from Clear Dollar Stamps but had not had a chance to use it. I made the time today, and I think the card turned out kind of nice. There are so many different stamps with the set, I thought I would post a picture for you to see.



I can't wait to make some other cards with this set. It is so versatile!



I used heavy clear embossing powder on the jar and held it in a curve as it cooled, making it look rounded. I also stamped out extra daisies and popped some of them several times. I took a couple of close-ups so you can see the details. Remember, you can click on the pictures to enlarge. I about went cross-eyed before I finished cutting out all of the tiny daisies! LOL!



I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Stamp With Us -Recipe
The flowers sparkle.
The strip across the middle has text on it!
Die Cuts R Us - Girly project
Flowers and bows are girly!



Card Recipe:
STAMP: Clear Dollar Stamp's - "Every Day Jar-gon"
CARDSTOCK: Bazzill Dots-Clover and Canvas-Lt. tan
DESIGNER PAPER: K&Company's - Blue Awning
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black, Color Box cat's Eyes- Blue Iris, Chestnut and Olive
ACCESSORIES: Wizard, Scalloped oval Nestabilities, Sewing machine, thread, The Robin's Nest -Dew Drops in Water, olive green ribbon , Thick clear embossing powder, Versa Magic refill, heat gun, Stickles-Scattered Straw and Yellow, scrolled corner die

Thanks so much for dropping by! Please be a sweetie and leave me a comment so I will know you had a peek!  ;)
Edit-5:01 PM CDT...This card is listed on CardMaker magazines' Designer Blog Roll! Go check them out! It is a great place to get some inspiration!

Hugs,
True :)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

And the winner of the Martha Stewart glitter pack blog candy is....



...is kolling143! Amy, please email me with your snail mail address and I will get these headed your way. Bonus...I got over 50 more followers since I listed this candy so I will also be sending you a $10.00 gift certificate for "Clear Dollar Stamps". Congratulations!


Thanks so much to all of you who entered. I do blog candy fairly often so check back. You might be the winner next time!

Hugs,

True :)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Blog Candy!!! I am almost @ 30,000 hits (& 47 years) & ready to celebrate!

This candy is now closed....sorry! ;)

This post will remain pinned to the top until November 17th. Please scroll down for newer posts. THANKS! :)



Hello All!
I thought I would offer up a little sweet stuff to celebrate 30,000 hits to my blog.
Thanks to all of you, I am almost there!
My all time favorite glitter is Martha Stewart's Gemstone glitters. I was lucky enough to find a large set this past weekend and snatched it up to share with one lucky winner.

All you have to do is....
1. Become a follower (if you aren't already).
2. Put a picture of my candy in a prominent spot on your blog sidebar with a link back to my blog http://www.truesgiftsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
3. Leave a comment under this post with a link to your blog so I can come visit you.



If you don't have a blog, send an email out to all our friends and attach me to it ( trudy@coffeyvilleks.net ) and I will make sure you get entered
It is that easy!


BONUS...for every 50 new followers I get between now and the draw date, I will add a $10.00 gift certificate from "Clear Dollar Stamps" for the lucky winner, so tell your friends!!!!

November 17th....which just so happens to be my birthday, I will draw the winner. Please only enter once. All duplicate entries will be deleted. I will announce the winner on the 18th.
Thanks for dropping by!
Hugs your way!
:)

Saturday, November 14, 2009

"Baked For You" Cookie Gift Label



Hello All,

I thought I would share this cute little cookie label I made with "Clear Dollar Stamp's" "Baked For You Tag Set". I just used a couple of the stamps and there are so many more. It would be a wonderful set to have so you could make some nice Christmas or any time baked gifts.
I used "My Mind's Eye's"
Holliday Glitter Book" DP, Bazzil Dots -Clover, and Bazzil Bling light teal CS.
Hubby liked it when I made this one because he got homemade chocolate chip cookies! LOL!

I am entering this in the following challenges:
Whimsy Stamps - Watercolors
My Time To Craft - Tags So Much
Creative Inspirations - New or Neglected
I used the brand new release "Baked For You" set from CDS
Please leave a comment and let me know what you think....now, I am going for a glass of milk! LOL!
Hugs,
True :)

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

And the winners of my comment candy are.....


Hi everyone!
Thanks so much to all of you for joining us and helping to send some love to Jamie. I am sure all of your cards, well wishes, and prayers mean the world to her.
Pat from The Paper Temptress donated a set of her luscious silver lustre papers to two lucky girls who left a comments under the card I made for Jamie.
The winners are....
Vicki (Basement Stamper) - Nov. 2 10:02 am
Magicwanda - Nov.2 2:09 pm
Please email your addresses to me and I will get them to Pat.
Thanks again for all of the sweet comments you left. I appriciate each and every one of them!
Hugs,
True :)

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Multi Challenge Penguin Card w/ My Friend Wendy's CDS Illustration!



Hello All!
I was in the mood for a few challenges this morning and I just received "Clear Dollar Stamp's" adorable "Just Chillin" set illustrated by my friend Wendy Hall, so I used it for the challenges.
It is a simple little "Thank You" card made in "easel fold style". I had not seen one until I hit "Secret Crafter Saturday's Challenge" blog this morning. It is too cool!
The glittered Cardstocks are from "Doodlebug Designs" and the blue CS is Bazzill Dots. I altered the sentiment to fit a couple of other challenges. The set has some really cute ones but I needed a "Thank You" card so I stamped the "Brrry" and the rest I did on my computer.




Here are the challenges I entered this one in...
Mojo Monday Challenge - Sketch
Used it! ;)
Secret Crafter Saturday - Easel Cards
My first and it was fun!
Colour Create Challenge - Blue, Silver and White
check, check and check! ;)
Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Simon Says - "Give Thanks"
Thank you card. :)
This would have fit perfectly into SSSC "Sparkle" challenge last week too!
Pile It On - "Thank You" + other challenges
Yeppers....Thank You card and a few other challenges!
All Sorts Challenge - "Bring Out Your Bling"
I used gems, glitters, sparkly ribbon, and glittered cardstock
My Time to Craft Challenge - "So Many Scallops"
In my card it could be "SEW many scallops"!
I stitched a scalloped frame around the card and also added some punched scallops around the sentiment . I also used some scalloped ribbon.
Creative Card Crew - Ribbons and Gems
Used 'em both!
Die Cuts R Us - "Nest Something"
I used 2 sizes of Spellbinder's square Nestabilities on the main image and the frame for it. I also nested the scallops behind the sentiment.

Please take a second and leave me a comment so I will know you dropped by. :)
Oh...I almost forgot...if you love sparkle and shine too, CLICK HERE to go to my blog candy post for your chance to win a huge set of Martha Stewart glitters. AFTER you leave a comment on my card...hint hint and wink! ;)
Good luck my friends!
Hugs,
True :)

Monday, November 2, 2009

Please join us in uplifting a very special little girl. Join our "Spread The Love" blog hop for Jamie

Hello All!
Sooooo glad you dropped by!

Please read the whole post to see how you could win some awesome papers from the Paper Temptress!

"On October 4th, 4 teenagers armed with knives broke into a home in a small town in New Hampshire. Alone and sleeping inside were a mother and her 11 year old daughter. These 4 boys broke into this home with the intent to rob and kill anyone inside. They stabbed the mom, Kimberly Cates, to death and left her daughter, Jaimie, for dead in their driveway. It was a completely random act, their home was chosen only due to its secluded surroundings."

Our hope is that everyone hopping around today will stop for a moment and think about Jaimie and her father and what life must be like for them now. One moment in time has changed their lives forever. We are asking that everyone reading this message please take a moment to make a card and send it off to Jaimie. You can make something very simple or much more involved, but please share some words of hope and love and let her know that people do care and want the best for her. Please send your card to the address below:

Jaimie Cates
c/o Mont Vernon Fire Station
Main Street
Mont Vernon, NH 03057

I am very short on time right now but absolutely could not say no to helping this sweet little girl. I know that most of you are busy too but hope you will take a short little piece of your time to send some love that will uplift and warm the heart of this little girl for a life time.

If you just happened across my blog and did not know about this hop....please join us! Go back to Katharina's blog to get started.
If you just came from visiting Lovely Linda, you are in the right place!

Here is the card that I made for Jamie. I hope she likes it!



I am the November guest designer for the Paper Temptress so I broke out with some of the gorgeous papers Pat gave me. The photos just don't do them justice but if you click on the pictures to enlarge, you can get a better look!

I used Laser Lustre in both black and silver. The pearl pink is Glimmer Mountain Rose and the image is stamped on Vintage Silver Lustre.

BTW...this adorable image is from Clear Dollar Stamp!

I also got to use my very first Copic markers. I thinks I likes! LOL!



I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Charisma Cards- No Backing Papers
I did not use any DP just very very pretty cardstock!
Delightful Sketches - sketch
I took some artistic liberties with the sketch but I hope they don't mind!
Daring Card Makers - Getting Punchy With It
"Any theme but it needs to use your latest craft punch purchase. If you haven't bought any punches for a while or don't own any at all your latest craft purchase will be quite acceptable."
I love punches too but have not bought a new one in awhile so I am using my latest "craft purchase" as stated and they are my brand new Copic markers. Woo hoo!
Saturday Spotlight - "In So Many Words" - Use words on your creation
I did..."You Rock"! ;)
Papertake Weekly - Spots and/or Stripes
I used that beautiful tone on tone laser striped cardstock
Simon Says Challenge - All That Sparkles
The guitar sparkles and shines, so does the ribbon, pappers, and the metalic stars.


Before you go, CHICK HERE and sign up for my blog candy I will be giving away on the 17th. It would be so awesome if a participant from this hop won it! Good karma ya know! ;) Then just click the back button and continue on with the hop!

Please leave me a comment below if you have a second so you can be entered in the many drawings from our wonderful sponsors. You will see the full list of sponsors on the last blog in the hop. One of them is Pat from the Paper Temptress . She is going to send her beautiful "Silver Lustre Package" to 2 lucky commenters from my blog!!! You will drool when you see these jaw-dropping papers in person!

If you plan on sending Jamie a card too...wooo hooo...thank you!


Your next stop on this LOVE hop is at Peggy's blog. She is a friend of mine and she always make beautiful cards. I am sure you will enjoy your visit there!

Hugs,

True :)

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy Birthday to Clear Dollar Stamps!


Hello!
This post is later in the day then planned...blogger didn't post it as scedualed Uggghhh!)
You should all head over to Lori's blog and join in on the "Great Candy Caper"! CDS is celebrating 5 years and you can get all of the details there. She is having a scavenger hunt and there will be 25 winners! Don't miss out on the fun!
This is my card that I did with the new "Birthday Celebration" set.
Hope you like it!
Hugs,
True :)