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

Friday, December 31, 2010

Day 3 of CDS Sneak Peeks ~ Plus an IB4S Sample

Hi again!
I have a couple of cards from differnt companies to post today and didn't want one to get lost in the shuffle. so I am doing them both on one post.  :)

It's day 3 of Clear Dollar Stamp's sneak peeks and I have a couple samples to show you made with the "Baby Bundle" set created by Laurie Wilson.


The ribbons on both cards are from Really Reasonable Ribbon. The top on has Yellow Gingham, and the lower one has Kiwi Organza Dots.


I hope you will go check out Lori's blog to get the links for all of the other girl's sneak peeks. You are sure to be inspired!

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I know it seems a little late for a holiday card but it is not! New Years is a holiday!  :)
Besides the "Trees Silhouette" stamp from I Brake For Stamps is not meant to be a holiday stamp. I just made it work! You can use it for every day, rustic, camping, masculine cards and more! Then you can use it to get a jump on next years Christmas cards!


I just stamped the trees is black, masked off the moon with a small circle, then sponged in the night sky. Add a few twinkling stars with glitter and stamp a sentiment and Viola!

If you go shopping @ I Brake For Stamps, be sure and remember to use coupon code SAVE10TRUE to save 10% off of your entire order! 
That pretty ribbon is Sheer White With Silver Accents from really Reasonable Ribbon.

I hope you and yours have a safe, happy and healthy 2011!


Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,
True :D

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Day 2 of CDS January "Sneak Peeks" and a Couple More Cards

Hi again!
Welcome to day 2 of Clear Dollar Stamp's sneak peeks!
I've illustrated a couple of sets this month.
One of them is called "We Go Together Like..." and it is such a fun set (if I do say so myself!).
This first card was done with one of the images from that set.


Click on the photo below to enlarge, then look at the mustard. It was so fun adding my yellow dimensional paint. It worked quite nicely! :)



The next card is done with the "A Friend in Need" stamp of the month, illustrated my Laurie Wilson.
It has some super cute images on it!



I hope you will go check out Lori's blog to get the links for all of the other girl's sneak peeks. You are sure to be inspired!

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,
True :D

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

3 Cards for CDS January "Sneak Peeks!

Hi Everyone!
I am really excited because today starts the January sneak peeks for Clear Dollar Stamp's latest releases!
I illustrated 2 of the sets this month.
The following card uses one of my illustrations. It is "Heart Hugs". It would be great for Valentine's Day or for any occasion for someone you love.
The cute little flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I did a video tutorial on how to color this bear with Tombows, for the Clearly iStamp blog if you would like to check it out. :)



These darling images are from the "Loving Critters" set designed by the multi talented Laurie Wilson.
I made a couple of notepad covers with them for fun little gifts.
The pretty ribbons are Really Reasonable Ribbon'sBrown Glitz and Rose Shimmer Satin.
The sparkles in the corners of the penguin card are Pink Gradient Gem Stickers from Creative Charms.


 Please head on over to the Clearly iStamp blog to get the links to the other design teams awesome creations and to see the video I did with the "Heart Hugs" stamp and Tombow markers.

Thanks and "Heart Hugs", 
True :D

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Sneak Peek of a Sneak Peek! ;)

Hi Everyone!
I created a coloring tutorial for the Clearly iStamp blog today with my "Heart Hugs" bear that will release on January 1st @ Clear Dollar Stamps.
The official sneak peek isn't until tomorrow so my followers get an early peek!
Head on over to Clearly iStamp to see my video tutorial.
Please leave a comment while you are there so I will know who was sweet enough to go check it out! :)


The designer paper is "Summer Song" from My Mind's Eye.

Thanks again for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

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Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Heart Hugs"
CS/PAPERS: My Mind's Eye ~ "Summer Song" stack, watercolor paper, heavy white CS
INK: Staz-On Jet Black
MARKERS: Tombows #977, 158, 942, 743, 992
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Pink Ribbon, pink jewel stickers, Score-Pal, Scor-Tape, Wizard with square and scalloped square Nestabilities, double=sided foam tape, white gel pen, Stickles in "Fruit Punch"
COLORING: watercoloring with Tombows

Monday, December 27, 2010

Creative Charms Monthly Post Projects ~ Plus a Quick Tutorial.

Hi Everyone!
Once a month, I do a post on the Creative Charms blog and this month, I have created several cards with their beautiful December Kit of the Month that I will also share here. I do hope when you are finished checking out my blog that you will head on over to the Creative Charms design team blog and see all of the awesome projects the girls have created to inspire you.

See the video below to see how I colored them to match the K&Company designer paper and beautiful Gold Swirls ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.



These papers are also from K&Company's ~ Super Paper Pad.
The sentiments are from Clear Dollar Stamp's ~ Heartfelt Sentiments set.


Here is a very quick tutorial showing you an easy way to color your embellishments to match your other card elements.


Thanks so much fro dropping by!
I would love a comment if you have a second so I will know you took the time to drop by!  ;)

Hugs your way,
True :D

Thursday, December 23, 2010

20 Days of Holiday Sharing @ 2 Peas Guest Designer Project

Hi Everyone!
Today's project was chosen as one of the "20 Days of Holiday Sharing" projects over @ 2 Peas In a Bucket.
I am honored to be the "Featured Guest Designer" today!  ;)
I made this wine bottle tag for a hostess gift. One of my aunts holds an annual Christmas party for our extended family and we always try to take a little something for her and my uncle.
This year, I decorated a bottle of my favorite wine with foil wrapping paper and a handmade tag.



 Yummy wine but it made a much nicer presentation with the wrapping! :)


The stamp is from the "Forest of Trees" set @ Flourishes.




Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Hugs,
True :D

Monday, December 20, 2010

Altered Rulers ~ Video Tutorial

Hi Everyone!

Today, I have prepared a quick little video tutorial to show you an easy way to decorate a plain ruler with designer paper and ribbon. They would make great last minute stocking stuffers for less then a dollar!
Of course I always use Really Reasonable Ribbon's gorgeous Grosgrain ribbons on the rulers. The color I used in this video is the Orange Dots.


You can enlarge the video to full screen by clicking the 4 arrows in the lower right hand corner of the video viewer. 
I hope you and yours have a happy and healthy Christmas filled with family, friends, and love!

Hugs,

Sunday, December 19, 2010

No Card...Just a picture of one of my babies. ;)

Hi Everyone!
I have been very busy with Christmas goings ons the last few days, and today am making candy all day for my sweet hubby to take to work for the people he works with. That means I don't have a card to share. Well... I have been making some cards for a magazine but I can't share them yet.  ;(

My kitty, Quilt has been in the kitchen keeping me company. I looked down and saw her posed like this under a barstool and the way the sun was shinning through the back doors just made her sparkle!
I was lucky enough to have the camera close by.
She is just a stray mutt cat but I think she is beautiful!!!!
Click the picture to view bigger.  ;)


Hope you will check back tomorrow for my decorated ruler tutorial. They will make great last minute stocking stuffers!

Hugs,
True :D

Friday, December 17, 2010

Breaking Out an Oldie But Goody Stamp

Hi Everyone!
Today I am playing along with a couple of challenges over @ Split Coast Stampers plus a few others.
Today's "Free For All" F4A43 challenge is "Christmas Break". We were asked to take a break from Christmas cards and create a birthday card....GLADLY!  ;)
Yesterday's "Ways to Use It" WT301 is "All That Glitters" and we were simply asked to use glitter on our project.


I broke out with one of my favorite Penney Black birthday stamps from the "Critter Party" set. I know it has been around for awhile but I think it is sweet and timeless. I used watercolors on the image and popped 2 of the mice and the cupcake for some dimension.
The designer papers are Basic Grey's - "Sugar Rush".
That cute little flower that adds just the right pop to my bow is a small flat mulberry flower from Wild Orchid Crafts.


I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
Creative Card Crew ~ "Anything Goes"
Fun With Shapes and More ~ "Scalloped"

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 Thanks so much for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

My "Brrrthday Snowman" Digi Release @ Clear Dollar Stamps TODAY!!!! :)

Hello Everyone!
Today is the 15th which means that it is digi release day at Clear Dollar Stamps.


My card is done with a set that I illustrated called "Brrrthday Snowman". It is available now for instant download @ CDS and it's just $3.00!

The pearls are white Gradient Pearl Stickers from Creative Charms that I colored with a Copic marker to get the perfect color that I needed.


I hope you have time to head on over to Lori's blog to see what the other girls are sneaking today.
Lots-o-pretties!  :)

Thanks for dropping by!
I would love to hear what you think about my card and/or my new digi drawing. ;)

Hugs,
True :D

Monday, December 13, 2010

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop and a Multi Design Team Card! ;)

Hello All!
It is the 13th of the month which means that it is time for another fun Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog hop!
If you came from Cheryl's sweet blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened on to the hop here, you will want to start back at the beginning at RRR design team blog.

For the hop today, I used some ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon's - December Ribbon of the Month Club package. Bonnie picked out lots of pretty browns that remind us of hot cocoa.  :)


 The beautiful image is I Brake For Stamp's - "Well and Roses".


Remember...if you would like this image or any others from I Brake For Stamps, be sure and use the discount code SAVE10TRUE to save 10% off of your entire purchase!  ;)


The papers are from The Paper Temptress and are:
Rose Quartz Mica Metallic,
Jellybean Green 
and Hot Fudge.

The sweet pink gradient pearl stickers in the corners, are from Creative Charms.

The stunningly beautiful flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.


The inside of the card reads "Wishing You Well!". 


Your next stop on the hop is the wonderful Tilly's blog.  ;).

Remember to leave a comment on all of the hop blogs for your chance to win a "December Ribbon of the Month" package!
You will also want to sign up for RRR's Christmas blog candy give away. Lots and lots of goodies from our sweet Bonnie!



Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs your way!
True :D

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Paper Take Weekly Challenge ~ "Red and Green Must Not Be Seen Christmas " Card

Hi everyone!
Today's challenge at Paper Take Weekly is to create a Christmas card without any red or green. Sure makes you think outside of the box! I have done a couple of blue and white cards already this month so I went a different direction. 
I got tons of  "cocoa" themed ribbons in this month's ribbon of the month kit from Really Reasonable Ribbon and wanted to play with some of it.


The stamp is from Studio G Clear Stamps. I have had it for a couple of years (don't even remember where I got it) and it had never been inked. I thought the poke-a-dot trees would work perfectly with that yummy poke-a-dot ribbon.
The papers are Brown Bag and Hot Fudge from The Paper Temptress, plus a piece of a speckled natural color from my scrap stash.
I used Staz-On Timber Brown ink.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hope to see you in the challenge!
Hugs,
True :D

Monday, December 6, 2010

Really Reasonable Ribbon Bookmark

Hi Everyone!
Happy Monday!

As we are getting closer to Christmas, if you are like me, you are starting to scramble to get all of your crafty gifts finished.
Today, I did another quick little project that is a great gift for teachers, book club friends, or just about anyone.
All you need is about 15" piece of pretty ribbon, (I used Really Reasonable Ribbon's ~ Green Glitz), some coordinating cardstock, an embellishment or two and a couple of baubles!


The papers are from My Mind's Eye ~ Summer Song
The filigree flower on the end of the ribbon is from Stampin' Up
The green gem flower center is from The Paper Studio
The flowers are Prima.

Thanks so much for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

My decorated Candle for Really Reasonable Ribbon's "Anything But a Card" Challenge.

Hello Everyone!
Today starts a new challenge over at Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog.
This time we want you to show us your non card skills. ;)
We are doing a Winter theme with ribbon, but it has to be "Anything But a Card". How fun is that!?!

My project is this pillar candle that I just wrapped with foil paper, and embellished with ribbon flowers and pearls....oh my. ;).


I colored the white stamens with my Copic marker and sponged the tips of some of the flowers, to match the paper color, then added some Martha Stewart punch snowflakes.

Hope you will come join us in the challenge. You could win one of 2 gift certificates!
For all of the details and inspiration from the rest of the team, head on over to Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings.

I would love a quick comment so I will know you were here! :)

Thanks and hugs,
True :D

PS...My friend Karen has some blog candy up for grabs over on her blog "Creative Yearnings". Why not go check it out?  ;)

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

My PTW Guest Designer Sketch Card


Hi Everyone!
It's week 3 for my guest designer spot with Paper Take Weekly.
This week they have supplied us with a sketch for inspiration.



The stamp is from Our Daily Bread, the cardstock is Bazzill Dots, and the DP is from DCWV Luxury stack.

Thanks for dropping by!
Hope to see ya in our challenge this week!

Hugs,
True :D

Monday, November 29, 2010

Faux Tile Poinsettia Card

Hello All!
Just a quick post today to show you the card I made for a Split Coast Stampers challenge.
The challenge #TLC301 is to make a card with a faux tile background but I didn't pay attention to the "background" part. LOL! I am going to share it anyhow because it was a very fun project.

That beautiful stamp is from I Brake For Stamps and it is called "Happy Holidays Poinsettia".


The papers are all from The Paper Temptress and are: Heavenly White, Brown Bag, and Antique Gold.
The beautiful ribbon is Really Reasonable Ribbon's  Gold Swirls.
That pretty brad is Creative Charm's White Vintage Marble brad that I colored with a Copic to get the color I wanted.
The image is watercolored then sponged around the "tile" edges


Thanks so much for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

RRR and CC Duel Design Team Posting + Tutorial. Please Check It Out! ;)

Hello!
Thanks for dropping by!
I had 2 different design teams to post for today and instead of doing them separately and having one get lost in the shuffle, I am doing them together!
These projects incorporate ribbons from Really Reasonable Ribbon and embellishments from Creative Charms.
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Have you ever hesitated on buying Creative Charm's seasonal themed "Kit of the Month" kits because it is so close to whatever holiday, that you are afraid you wouldn't be able to use it?
Well don't be! They are such a great deal and the majority of the items in the kit will work wonderfully all year long!
Here are a couple of examples of some projects that I used their November "Fabulous Fall" kit on.
Please note the non-Fall looks.  ;)


On this clean and simple card, I just used white cardstock, a piece of Really Reasonable Ribbon's  gorgeous Green Glitz ribbon, some flowers and a beautiful Light Green Vintage Jewel to add that perfect finishing touch.


These are some notebooks that I made for Christmas gifts using some Brown Vintage Poppies for the focal point...again from the Fall kit.


That beautifully sparkling ribbon is Black Sparkle Velvet from Really Reasonable Ribbon.


Here is a quick video that I have prepared showing one way to be frugal with your ribbon.
To view full screen, click on the 4 arrows in the lower right hand corner.Then hit your Esc button to go back to normal.

Thanks so much for dropping by!
I would absolutely love a comment from you, so I will know who all took the time to come visit!
Hugs,
True :D

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Friends!
I stopped cooking long enough to log in and wish all of my friends who celebrate Thanksgiving, a happy Thanksgiving!  ;)
To my over seas friends, I hope your day is wonderful too!


I got 1 pecan and 2 pumpkin pies plus a sugar free cherry cheesecake and cranberry salad done tonight. I'll be getting up at 5:00AM to start the turkey, ham and home-made hot rolls. When those are done, I'll do potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, and sweet potatoes.
I feel like I am forgetting something. Oh well...with all of that plus what Mom and Mom-in-law bring...we will have enough for an army!
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To all of my crafty friends, Don't miss out on the "Black Friday" specials going on over @:

Thanksgiving 2-day sale is for 15% off your entire order. It starts Thanksgiving @ 4:00AM eastern time and is in effect until Friday, 11/26 at midnight.  Head on over to the RRR blog after 4:00 AM Thanksgiving to get your coupon code! 

Their Black Friday sale starts now and ends on Sunday.
New releases from artist Rick St. Dennis. You can view those
They have 25% off of the following:
Sizzix Dies (In Stock)
Merry Stamper Stamps
Impressions of Faith Stamps
All Full Sheets of Rubber Stamps
All Half Sheets of Rubber Stamps
All Quarter Sheets of Rubber Stamps
They also have 20% off IN STOCK storage panels and all IN STOCK Embossing Arts stamps

Remember to use the coupon code SAVE10TRUE if you purchase anything that is not on sale for a 10% discount!

Look for the pop up window on the home page that tells you about all of the specials. Some of the sets are 50% off!  :)


There is also a great clearance sale going on right now @ The Paper Temptress!



Hope your day is filled with friends, family, great food and a thankful heart!
Hugs,
True :D

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

My Hand-drawn English Bulldog Christmas Card ~ Week 2 as a GDT for the Paper Take Weekly challenge.

Hello All!
This is week 2 to for my Guest Designer Spot over at Paper Take Weekly.
The Challenge this time is "Cut It Out!"
They want you to use die cuts, punches, fussy cutting, etc.
How easy is that!?!

For my card this week I didn't use a stamp. I drew a picture of my dog Zoey to use for some family card exchanges. Isn't she a sweet little thing?  ;)


I love using my original artwork instead of stamps. I just don't often have the time to do it.


The papers are from Bazzill and The Debbie Mumm Harvest and Holiday stack.
I used assorted Nestabilities and the holly was punched to qualify it for this weeks challenge sample.
The berries are white half pearls that I colored with a red Copic marker.
I did the sentiment on the computer with Adobe Illustrator.

Thanks so much for dropping by! I hope to see one of your creations over at PTW this week.
Come on....ya know ya want to!  ;)

Hugs,
True :D

Monday, November 22, 2010

Check out the "Black Friday" weekend specials @ Creative Charms!

Hello Everyone!
Hope your week is off to a great start!
Sorry I don't have a card to post today...
I have been very busy crafting but it is all stuff that I can't share yet. Uggh!
There will be tons of posts later in the month though, so hang with me!  :)

I did want to pop in and tell you about an awesome deal going on over at Creative Charms the weekend of Black Friday though.
Here are the deets:

Hugs,
True :D

Friday, November 19, 2010

And the winner of the Wild Orchid Crafts blog candy is....


Hi Everyone!
I had Paul from Wild Orchid Crafts, pick a number between 1 and 79 (the number of entries I had for the candy) and he picked 32. That means the lucky winner of these beautiful flowers is.....

Julye wrote:
"What a super cute card and love that leaf vine too. Hope you have a fab birthday on the 17th though I think you should start celebrating now and what fab candy thanks to wild orchid from me too for the chance to win such pretties."

Thanks to Julye and everyone else who took the time to stop and comment! You are all very appreciated! Your comments are what makes blogging worthwhile.

Keep checking back...you know how I like to give goodies away! You might be the next winner! 
I would also like to extend a special THANK YOU to Paul and Siri for so generously asking if they could sponsor my blog with their beautiful flowers.
If you have not been to the Wild Orchid Crafts shop, you really should visit. There are so many gorgeous flowers to choose from! 
I just placed another order myself and can't wait for it to get here!  :)
Have a great day friends!
Hugs,
True :D

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

My Papertake Weekly Special Guest DT challenge card.

Hello All!
I am very excited!
I was asked to join the girls over @ Papertake Weekly Challenge blog as their special Guest Designer for a month!
This is the first card I did for their challenges, one of which starts today, and is "Autumn Skies" theme.
Use autumn colors...gold, reds, browns etc.


I used the digi stamp that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps called "Autumn Blessings" to create this card.
It is so fun and easy to color, I find myself using it often!
One of the many awesome things about digis is you can get them instantly! You would still have tons of time to whip up some Thanksgiving place cards or napkin rings and wow your guests!
See my napkin ring sample HERE.

You can download the set instantly for just $2.50 by clicking the picture below. :)
I used Moss Swirls, one of my all time favorite ribbons from Really Reasonable Ribbon.


BTW...If you have not signed up for my birthday blog candy, sponsored by Wild Orchid Crafts, CLICK HERE to go to that post. Candy entries close at midnight Central Time on Nov. 17th...my birthday!  ;)

I hope you will head on over to Papertake Weekly and have a peek at the fabulous projects the other girls have prepared for you. Who knows....you just might be inspired to join us! :)

Hugs,
True :D
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Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Autumn Blessings" digi and clear stamp set
CS/PAPERS: watercolor paper, Bazzill, Debbie Mumm's ~ "Holliday and Harvest" stack
INK: Ink jet printer and Staz-On ~ Jet Black (sentiment and corner leaves)
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Creative Charms ~ Vintage Brads and Gem Stickers, Really Reasonable Ribbon's ~ Moss Swirls ribbon, a silk leaf, sewing machine and green thread, Wizard, round and scalloped round Nestabilities, water brush, Scor-Tape
COLORING: watercolors