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!
I would love it if you would "Follow" me and visit often! :)

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Some Of My Favorite Creations To Date

Friday, April 30, 2010

Blog Hop with "The Prairie Fairy" and "The Paper Temptress" and some candy!

This candy is now closed.

Hello!
If you are here from Debbie's pretty blog  for "The  Prairie Fairy" and "Paper Temptress" "Going Digital" blog hop, you are in the right palace. If you just stumbled on to my blog and would like to do the hop, head on over to  the wonderful artist Roberta's blog where you can read the rules and start  the crumb trail from the beginning.
 I also have another hop that starts about an hour after this one, so you will want to make sure you are following the right blog hop from here.

This card was done using Prairie Fairy's "Helping Hand" digi. Isn't it just darling?


You might need to click on the picture to enlarge so you can read the quote.
I typed it up in Word and printed it out.


Look at all of these beautiful "Paper Temptress Papers!
The papers I used are:
I did some distressing with a distress tool, some Ranger Distress Crackle Paint, and some stain.
I ran the Cappuccino paper thru the Cuttlebug then distressed the high points with ivory acrylic paint.
The beautiful flower arrangement was done on a base of  "Really Reasonable Ribbon's" White Double Ruffle ribbon and Moss Green Leaves trim. I just LOVE this stuff!
The flowers are Prima. I also added a few "Flower Soft" flowers to the grass, some crazy stitching and a few mini half pearls.


Here is a close up of that gorgeous paper and distressing.



I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Cupcake Craft ~ "Don't be Square"
Papertake Weekly ~ "Do Something Different"
I distressed this card a lot and don't normally go for the "old" look.
Stampavie and More ~ "Distressing"
Dare U 2 Digi Stamp ~ Flowers
Quixotic ~ "How Distressing"

Make sure and leave a comment for a chance to win candy from The Paper Temptress and The Prairie Fairy.

I am also giving away some comment candy for one lucky person who comments on either blog hop that I have going on. It is a big set of pretty glitters, a couple of jars of shaped glitters and lots and lot of ribbons.


To win, you must be, or become a follower and comment on one or both blog hops. Both gets you 2 chances. Want a third chance? Put a picture of my candy on your sidebar with a link back to my blog then come back here and let me know you have done it. :)

Now....head on over the the beautiful Tina's blog and check out her wonderful creation!

WAIT!!! Did you comment?  LOL!
Hugs and happy hopping!
True :D


2 blog hop announcements, a challenge, and lots of candy give aways!

Hello,
I have lots to share with you today! This is going to be a great weekend for hoppin' and candy shoppin'!!!


There is a "Going digital" blog hop going on right now over @ "The Prairie Fairy". Their design team has cards for the hop posted today and our Paper Temptress team will have cards for the hop tomorrow. There will be lots of prizes to be won. Head on over to Roberta's blog now but don't forget to come back here on the rest of the hop tomorrow.


There is also going to be a "Really Reasonable Ribbons" hop going on tomorrow to celebrate "National Scrapbooking" day and so they can announce their new design team. It will start at "Really Reasonable Ramblings". You won't want to miss the huge batch of candy they have in store plus RAK candies along the hop.


My friend Shawne is having her 1st official challenge @ her new challenge blog "Studio 313 Hot Spot" . Head on over and join in on the fun!


My friend Karen over at "Creative Yearnings" will be giving away some awesome candy starting tomorrow to celebrate "National Scrapbook Day. 
She will be offering the complete line of Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker papers!! WoW!!!!


Lastly, but not least, yours truly will be posting a brand new blog candy that you wont want to miss, just before midnight tonight CST. Hope to see you back!

BTW....you still have a little time to win one of the two sets of candy I have going on now. Each set has a years subscription to CardMaker magazine and a beautiful set of stamps from Simon Says Stamp.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER the current candy.
Hugs your way and happy hopping!
True :D

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Comment Candy @ Really Reasonable Ribbon Ramblings

Hello Everybody!!!
Head on over to Really Reasonable Ramblings blog right now  ;) and  sign up for a chance to win some comment candy! Tell 'em True sent ya!
You might want to take a look at their shop while you are there. They have some AWESOME ribbons and @ REALLY REASONABLE prices!  ;)


The drawing ends May 1st. They will also be doing a blog hop that day so don't miss out on the fun!
Hugs,
True :D

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Day 1 of Clear Dollar Stamp's May Sneak Peeks and a Stamp Set Illustrated By Me! ; )

Hello!
I am on a 2 month vacation from Clear Dollar Stamps so that we can bring in some fabulous Guest Dt's or "Clearly Crafty Crew"  as we call them.
I just had to make a sample or two anyhow because......
drum roll please.....
I illustrated this stamp set! Hehehehe!
It is called "Bird-Day Hi" and will be available on May 1st @ Clear Dollar Stamps
For the coordinating "DP" I use the extra element stamps that come in the set, stamped, added Stickles and viola! The pretty cardstocks are all from "The Paper Temptress". See the card recipe below to see the exact colors used.
The flowers on the inside corner and the sentiment are also part of the set.
The hat is a separate stamp so you can do the bird with or without it so it doesn't have to be used just for birthdays.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Busy Bec's - "Flowers and Wings"
Stamptacular Sunday - "Sew" Special
Stamp With Us - "Birthday"
2 Red Bananas - "Behind The Scene"
Cupcake Craft - "Don't be Square"
Sew Many Cards - "Anything Goes"

Make sure and hit Lori's blog, and from there you can see a list of our other awesome design team's sneak peeks!

Card Recipe:
STAMPS USED: Clear Dollar Stamps "Bird-Day Hi!" stamp set
CS/PAPERS: The Paper Temptress's- Azalea Mica Metallic, Fairway Mica Metallic, Blanc Sparkle, Neenah Solar White
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Stampin'Up - Word Window and corner rounder punches, Doodlebug Designs- Black Cherry brads, Ranger Stickles in - Yellow, Lime Green, Fruit Punch and Stardust, Versa Mark refill, Ranger Ind. - Melt Art Ultra Thick Embossing Clear Enamel, heat gun, double sided foam tape, glue, Sewing machine and bright pink thread, Blue chalk, applicator and hand cut cloud template.
COLORING: Prismacolor watercolor pencils - WC2911 Olive Green, WC2103 Spiced Orange, WC2929 Pink, WC2924 Crimson Red, WC2918 Orange


If you have not entered my latest blog candy, CLICK HERE.

I would LOVE it if you would leave a comment about my card, my stamp illustration, or both! Tehehe!
Hugs,
True :D

Sunday, April 25, 2010

No card today...just wanted to share a pic of our canine child. ;)

Hello!
Hope the last day of your weekend is as restful as our Zoey's!
I just had to share a picture of her. She is a horrible snorer and her tongue is always hanging out but wee still think she is adorable when she's sleeping. 


We adopted her a couple of months ago and she became one of the family instantly!
She is a svelte 65 pounds of  snorts, snores, slobbers and most of all unconditional love!

Take care  and hugs your way!
True :D

Friday, April 23, 2010

More CAS cards! I am on a roll!!!!

Happy Friday Everyone!
So glad the weekend is upon us!
I have a couple of craft events coming up towards the end of the year and have been working on batches of A2 cards that will mail with a standard stamp and can sell for very reasonable prices. When I first started card making 2 years ago, I bought tons of paper pads form "Hot Off The Press". Then I discovered thicker designer papers form other companies. The HOTP paper pads got stuck in a file drawer where they lay undisturbed until this morning. I use the heaviest and highest quality cardstock I can find for my card bases, but wanted to keep the cards light, so I remembered the thin pads in the drawers. I had forgotten about all of the pretty designs they were packed with! I can use these papers for my "mail friendly" cards that I will be selling at shows!
These clean and simple cards were all done with just (2) 9"by 7 1/2" sheets of DP. They do have multiple layers of the white cardstock because I don't like the stitching to show on the inside or back and I like to tuck my ribbon in.
The pretty little flower and sentiment stamps are from the "Every Day Jar-gone" set from Clear Dollar Stamps. I just love this set! It is soooo versatile!



Here they are all packaged up and ready for the shows.


If you have not entered my latest blog candy, CLICK HERE.

I would love it if you would leave me a comment....
I adore them!  ;)
Hugs,
True :D

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

My 1st Guest DT card for "I Brake For Stamps" and it was easy as pie! ;)



Hello All!
A few of months ago, I participated in a huge blog hop called "One World One Heart". During that hop, I got a very complimentary email from a sweet lady named Della who just happened across my blog.
She owns the "I Brake For Stamps" company and asked if I would consider being on her design team. I really don't have the time I would need to join another "stamp" DT but I told her I would have a little vacation from some of my Clear Dollar Stamps duties this month and next and asked if she would want a guest DT for a little while. I got an email from her again a couple of weeks ago reminding me and went straight to her shop to pick out some stamps to play with. There were so many great stamps to pick from! I chose the full sheet #MS71.
It has 4 big pretty pictures of fruit. I liked it because the images are so big, that you can really focus on your coloring and pretty much fill the card front with the it. No designer papers needed!
This is my first card done with one of the images. I think it turned out pretty SWEET! LOL!


This is what the set looks like.
If you would like to purchase this set or any others from "I Brake For Stamps", use my coupon code SAVE10TRUE to get 10% off of your entire purchase!



I am entering this card in the following challenges...
Sweet Stampin' - In Stitches
ABC - "S" is for Sparkle


If you have not entered my latest blog candy, CLICK HERE.

I would love it if you would leave me a comment....
Pretty please "with a CHERRY on top!  ;)
Hugs,
True :D

Monday, April 19, 2010

Vertie the Fairy Frog's Wishing Flower" from my friend Shawne's new digi shop!

Hello again!
This is post #2 for me today ( a record as of late) so please remember to scroll down and check out the other card I posted today.
My friend Shawne Arnold just opened a new digi shop called "Studio 313 Exclusive Creations" and asked if I would be a "permanent" guest designer. Pretty cool....no set schedule to follow just post as I play! : ) 
This is a card done with one of her images titled "Vertie Makes a Wish".
Isn't she just darling! You can get her pre-colored or black and white. I really love to color so I did the B&W and colored with Copics. 
The pretty cardstocks are from "The Paper Temptress".
The colors are Fairway Mica Metallic, Mountain Rose Glimmer, and Heavenly White.
 The DP is Basic Grey's " Green @ Heart".

Remember....you can click any picture to enlarge.



I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Corrosive - Paper Piercing
Kaboodle Doodles - Embossing
Stamp With Fun - Animals
ABC - "S" is for Sparkle
Theme Thursday - Hats or Crowns
One Stop Craft - Things With Wings
Sweet Stampin' - In Stitches
All Sorts - In Stitches
Pile It On - Spring

If you have not entered my latest blog candy, CLICK HERE.
Thanks for dropping by! 
I would love it if you would leave a comment before you go!
Hugs,
True :D

A Doodle Pantry Card "Caterpillar Hugs"

Hello All!
A few weeks ago, I told you about my friend Laurie Wilson starting her own digi shop called "Doodle Pantry".
Well, I could not resist downloading this cute pair titled "Caterpillar Hug".
I have been a very busy girl but finally got the chance to do a couple of cards. This image was so fun to color too!
If you would like to see more of Laurie's images, go check out her shop.
Tell her True :D sent ya!



I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Kaboodle Doodles - Embossing
Stamp With Fun - Animals
Lil' Red Wagon - Dry Embossing
Stampin' For The Weekend - Ribbons and Bows
All Sorts - In Stitches
Sweet Stampin' - In Stitches
Pile It On - Spring

Thanks so much for dropping by!
Caterpillar Hugs your way!  ;)
True :D

Friday, April 16, 2010

GREAT NEWS!!!!! My friend Shawne has opened her new digi shop!

Hello All!
It has been a crazy busy weekend but I wanted to pop in long enough to let you know about a wonderful artist's new digi shop. She is my friend Shawne Arnold and her images are awesome! Please drop in on her blog to congratulate her on her new venture. There will be drawings and prizes and challenges OH MY!!!!
You can read all of the details on Shawne's blog or you can click HERE if you just can't wait to go shopping! I know I couldn't! LOL!
I was honored when Shawne asked me to be a permanent guest designer. She knows I am really busy but also knows that I could not resist playing with her digis! Whenever I get a little free crafting time, I will be creating some cards to share with you featuring her images. I can't wait!
Hugs,
True :D

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Material Chick! Lots O' Challenges!

Happy Thursday!
Things are a little slow at work , so I am home today to start my Spring cleaning. I thought I would do a quick post of a card. This cute little girly likes shopping. Nope...she is not a material girl....she's a material chick! LOL!




I am entering this card in the following challenges:



If you have not entered my latest blog candy, you have until the end of April to do it!
Go ahead....click this link to go there and help me celebrate getting published in CardMaker magazine!

Card Recipe:
STAMPS USED: Inky Antics #3504K "Bouquet Chicken"
CS/PAPERS: Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl "Inspiration", Bazzill Dots "Irish Eyes", Coordination's- Sequoia, The Paper Temptress's- Heavenly White
INK: Staz-On- Jet Black, Versa Magic- dew drop in Oasis Green
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Metallic turquoise ribbon from Hobby Lobby's Richard Stanley Collection, K&Company's - metallic brads #577190, Ranger Industries Stickles glitter glue in - Orange Peel and Turquoise, silk flowers from Hobby Lobby's floral dept., sewing machine with green thread, Stampin' Up's Crystal Effects
COLORING: KOH-I-NOOR Watercolor Wheel Stack
TECHNIQUES USED: Stamping, water coloring, sewing, 3D, tole'

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Woooo Hooo! Check out page 61 of CardMaker magazine's May 2010 issue! That's me!!! Blog candy to celebrate!

THIS CANDY IS NOW CLOSED.
Hello All!

I am soooo excited! I have only been making cards a couple of years and am thrilled to have a card published in CardMaker magazine! It was the first time I ever submitted a card! The hard part was waiting for it to hit the stands (mail box). ;)

My card is on page 61 of the May 2010 issue that is just out. I couldn't wait for my mail man so I downloaded the online version last night then my hard copy came today!

It is titled "Thinking of You" and was fun and easy to make. Check out the magazine for the recipe and instructions. (I am not allowed to post them here and rules are rules ;D ). It is made with a Simon Says Stamp exclusive stamp set called "WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY".


To celebrate being "published" I am giving away 2 sets of candy! One to a current follower because I appreciate your wonderful comments and the fact that you check in from time to time to see what I am up to. The other one to a brand new follower because I love meeting new people!

What is the candy you ask..... each one will be a year's subscription (or extension) to CardMaker magazine AND the beautiful stamp set that I used to make this card.



All you have to do is become a follower if you aren't already, add a picture of the magazine or stamp to your sidebar with a link back to my blog, and leave a comment below. Make sure and tell me if you are a current follower or a new one. New ones will have a better chance of winning because I am guessing they will have the smaller numbers of comments but my current followers know that there will be more chances soon. I LOVE to show my appreciation with blog candy! This candy will remain open until May 1st.  I will draw names for the 2 winners and announce them on the 2nd..

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing in my excitement!

Hugs your way!

True :D

Sunday, April 4, 2010

"Live Life in Color" Peacock Card & my comment candy winner!

Hello All!
Happy Easter!
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
-- John 11:25-26
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today I am mixing it up a little. I don't break out my "non-design team" stamps too often, but I bought this Flourishes set months ago and had never used it. It really needed to see some ink!

Don't forget that you can click on the pictures to enlarge for better detail.

I used pearlescent watercolors to match the sheen and iridescents of the feather.

The beautiful papers (with the exception of the glitter papers) are from The Paper Temptress.
See my card recipe for the names.


I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Timeless Craft Challenge ~ Purple and Turquoise
Flourish's FTTC60 ~ Color inspiration
Charisma Cardz ~ Animal Magic
SSDS ~ Winged Things


And the winner of my "Butterfly Bunny" comment candy stamp is.....
Leah the Orange
Conratulations Leah! Email me your snail mail addy and I will get it headed your way!
To everyone that took the time to comment...THANKS!!! I wish you all could win!

I hope you and yours have a very blessed Easter!
Hugs,
True :D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Card Recipe
STAMPS USED: Flourishes #SS052 "Strut Your Stuff"
CS/PAPERS: The Paper Temptress's: Neenah Solar White, Double Duty Turquoise, Double Duty Violet, Fairway Mica Metallic, Cryogen White Iridescent. The Paper Studio's - Solid Glitter papers in Turquoise and Purple
INK: Staz-On - Jet Black, Color Box cat's eyes in Blue Lagoon and Wisteria
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Metallic turquoise ribbon from Hobby Lobby's Richard Stanley Collection, sewing machine with green thread, Peacock feather from Hobby Lobby, K&Company's - metallic brads #577190, foam tape, glue
COLORING: Yasutomo & Co. Pearlescent Watercolor set
TECHNIQUES USED: Stamping, water coloring, sewing,
SKILL LEVEL: Medium
ADDITITIONAL COMMENTS: : This image is great for using pearlescent watercolors. they match the sheen of the peacock perfectly! They add color and shimmer all in one easy step!

Friday, April 2, 2010

A Big Bountiful Batch of Beautiful Butterfly Birthday Cards :)

Hi Everyone!
I have been asked by quite a few people if I would make some less expensive cards that can be mailed with a standard stamp. I will also be attending some events and craft shows later in the year and have decided to take some cards to sell with me. This is my very first "batch" of cards.
I used Clear Dollar Stamps super versatile "Birthday Celebration" set, designed by Lori McCroskey.






Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: Birthday Celebration
CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey's "Green at Heart", Flourishes white, Stampin'Up's Certainly Cellery
INK: Staz-On
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Sewing machine and assorted threads, Stampin' Up's scalloped border punch, Wizard with round and scalloped round Nestabilities, Cuttlebug and swirl folder, assorted Offray ribbon, Ranger Stickles in Stardust, Folk Art Wicker White acrylic paint
COLORING: watercolors
TECHNIQUES: watercoloring, stamping, sewing, dry embossing
SPECIAL NOTES: I forgot to punch holes in the scalloped boarder before I attached it to the card so I made the dots with acrylic paint....where there is a will....there is a way! 

I would just LOVE it if you would leave me a comment!
Hugs,
True :D

Another card done with my "Butterfly Bunny" stamp & my Copic coloring tutorial link

Hello everyone!
Along with every stamp release of one of my illustrations, comes a coloring tutorial by me, that is posted on Clearly iStamp blog. I LOVE sharing what little I know about coloring with you all! ;)
Anywho..... here are a couple of shots of the card I used the coloring tutorial image on. I left it simple to show off the image. The beautiful papers are from The Paper Temptress, another company I design for.
By the way, my followers will recieve a 15% discount @ The Paper Temptress if you use code:  ts15!

Remember to click on the pictures if you would like a closer look.
I would love it if you left a comment on the card here before you head on over to the tutorial.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please be a sweetie and leave a comment there if you like the tutorial also. Shoot, you can leave one if you don't too. A little constructive criticism never hurts anyone!

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,
True :D

Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Butterfly Bunny"
CS/PAPERS: The Paper Temptress's- Mountain Rose Glimmer, and Heavenly White
INK: Memento - Tuxedo Black
MARKERS: Copics #s: G99, G21, Y11, E47, E35, E33, E51, C5, E04, E93, Y08, YG41, B32, B0000, and colorless blender
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Ranger Stickles in: Stardust, Cotton Candy, Yellow, Lime Green. Crystal Effects. The Robin's Nest dew drops in Orchid. Sewing Machine and pink thread. Ribbon FX #484469 Pink Polka-dots ribbon. Folk Art Wicker White acrylic paint. Tiny pink flower from stash.
TECHNIQUES: Stamping, alcohol ink pens, sewing