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

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Country Rooster Set

Hi again!
I have another style of card to show you that is done with my Rooster Sunrise" stamp set that will be available November 1st at Clear Dollar Stamps.


I used lots of Kraft paper and some Natural Jute String from Really Reasonable Ribbon to top off that "country" feel.
Check out all of the colors of Jute String here. It is a great way to add country charm to any project!



Scroll down to yesterday's post to see a different card done with this stamp set.

If you have not signed up for my latest blog candy, CLICK HERE!  :)

Thanks again for dropping by!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Rooster Sunrise"
CS/PAPERS: Heavenly White and Kraft
INK: Staz-On
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Sewing machine and blue thread, Wizard and rectangle Nestabilities, brads, Diamond Glaze, twine, ColorBox cat's eye in Warm Cream, Scor-Pal
COLORING: watercolors

Friday, October 29, 2010

"Rooster Sunrise" a Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peek.

Hello Again!
Today I have a card to share that is done with my latest illustration for Clear Dollar Stamps. It is called "Rooster Sunrise" and will be available November 1st.



The background is watercolored on watercolor paper, then I offset a square Nestability cut it out, then popped it up backed by a piece of brown cardstock. Another trick I used on this guy was using a white gel pen for the highlights on his feathers.

Other girls that did a sample with this set are:

Please head on over to Lori's blog to see the other November sets and sneaks the girls have in store for ya!

If you haven't signed up for my latest blog candy yet....what ya waitin' for?  ;)

Thanks again for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Rooster Sunrise"
CS/PAPERS: K&Company's "Life's Journey",watercolor paper, Bazzil Swiss Dots in Clover, brown cardstock,
INK: Staz-On
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Sewing machine and variegated green thread, Wizard and square Nestabilities, brads, Diamond Glaze, ribbon, Scor-Pal
COLORING: watercolors

Monday, October 25, 2010

Welcome to the "Inking Pink" Blog Hop! ~ I have candy! ;)

THIS CANDY IS NOW CLOSED.


Hello Friends! 

If you came here from Susan's awesome blog, you are in the right place!
If you just happened along here, you will want to go back to sweet Patricia's blog to start at the beginning.
There is just something about paper crafting that connects us all. I have become friends with so many wonderful women (and a guy or two) through crafting. I think because it is a way of giving of yourself to others that draws the best kind of people together.  ;) Our craft knows no color, religion, nationality, or orientations of any kind. Our friendships can span the globe.
Sadly, something else we all have in common is the possibility of developing breast cancer.
A staggering 1 in 8 of us will do just that.

Many of us have family or friends that have been affected by breast cancer and all of us want to encourage all of you to check yourself! I had a grandfather (yes males can get it too) die of metastatic breast cancer. I also have an aunt, a RRR design team sister (Jacque), and several friends that are breast cancer survivors because they found theirs early. I myself  have had a couple of scares and biopsies. So in honor of our friends and loved ones, we are "hopping" in hopes of helping to spread awareness throughout the world.

Here is the card that I created for the hop.
It was done with a digital image that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps called "Love Tweet Love". 



Here is a picture of the set.
It is available for instant download for just $3.00!


Here is the blog candy I am offering up for the hop.


Get a chance at winning my candy by posting a picture of my blog candy in your sidebar with a link back to my blog. You can earn a bonus entry by doing a quick post on your blog also.
Also...Please become a follower if you aren't already. ;)

Don't forget to come back here and post a comment that you have posted so I can throw your name in the hat! The winner will come from either this post or the one I did last week sneak peeking the candy. My candy will close at midnight October 31st and I will announce the winner sometime that week. ;)
I absolutely LOVE Martha Stewart glitters so I am giving away the 18 color set as well as a "ton" of other assorted goodies. 300 pieces in all!
I know...the glitters aren't all pink but I don't think anyone will turn down a $30.00 set of glitter because of that! LOL!   ;)

I won't list it all because you can click on the pictures to enlarge for a closer look.
Thanks for helping us spread the word!


Don't be afraid to talk to friends and family and remind them to check their tata's too!
Here are a couple of links that explain how it is done for those of you who are not quite sure.

Here is a list of the wonderful women who will be looking forward to your visits and comments during our event (just in case you get lost along the way): 
Many of them have blog candy offerings too so don't miss anyone! ;)
Trudy ~ That's me!  ;)
Kimm

Your next stop is Kimm's "BEARY" sweet  blog.
The hop will run through October 31 to give all of you enough time to "hop" around and visit each blog.

Please feel free to share the hop info on your blogs so we can get the word out. We really hope this will be a huge hop with a big turnout and hopefully just the first annual of many. 
Who knows..we just might save a life! :)

Hugs,
True :D

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Fancy Clothespin Magnets For Bazaars

Hello All!

With all of the free time I have now-a-days, I have decided to start doing craft shows again. :)
One of my first projects are some little clothespin magnet sets.
They are super cute, super easy, and can sell for just about nothing and still make good profit.
They would make great little teacher gifts or stocking stuffers!
For this style, I used Basic Grey's "Pixielisious" stack and Really Reasonable Ribbon's Organza Dots in Kiwi and Lavender.


I still need to work on the packaging but this gives you an idea!

If you haven't checked out my latest blog candy...CLICK HERE! :)

Love to hear what you think!
Hugs,
True :D

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Blog Candy for Breast Cancer Awareness Month


Hello All!
I rounded up some pink candy for the big "Inking Pink" Breast Cancer Awareness blog hop that starts on October 26th.
We are really wanting to spread the word about the hop so I thought..."Why wait on posting the candy?"
I would like you to help me spread the word about the upcoming hop, by posting a picture of my blog candy in your sidebar with a link back to my blog. This will earn you a chance at winning my candy. You can earn a a bonus entry by doing a quick post on your blog also.

Please become a follower if you aren't already. ;)
Don't forget to come back here and post a comment that you have posted so I can throw your name in the hat!
You will want to come back for the hop between the 26th and the 31st for yet another chance. :)

I absolutely LOVE Martha Stewart glitters so I am giving away the 18 color set as well as a "ton" of other assorted goodies. 300 pieces in all!
I know...the glitters aren't all pink but I don't think anyone will turn down a $30.00 set of glitter because of that! LOL!   ;)

I won't list it all because you can click on the pictures to enlarge for a closer look.
Thanks for helping us spread the word!


Click the logo to go to my post that gives all of the details.


Hope you will help us get the word out and then come back and join us in the hop between the 26th and 31st of October!
I will announce the winner sometime during the first week of November.

Hugs,
True :)

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Mark Your Calendars for the "Inking Pink" blog hop Oct. 26th - 31st

THIS CANDY IS NOW CLOSED.


Hello Friends! 
There is just something about paper crafting that connects us all. I have become friends with so many wonderful women (and a guy or two) through crafting. I think because it is a way of giving of yourself to others that draws the best kind of people together.  ;) Our craft knows no color, religion, nationality, or orientations of any kind. Our friendships can span the globe.
Sadly, something else we all have in common is the possibility of developing breast cancer.
A staggering 1 in 8 of us will do just that.

So...I hope you will join me, and 25 other talented women for the first ever 
Blog Hop for Awareness called


"Inking Pink"

Many of us have family or friends that have been affected by breast cancer and all of us want to encourage all of you to check yourself! I had a grandfather (yes males can get it too) die of metastatic breast cancer. I also have an aunt, a RRR design team sister (Jacque), and several friends that are breast cancer survivors because they found theirs early. I myself  have had a couple of scares and biopsies. So in honor of our friends and loved ones, we are "hopping" in hopes of helping to spread awareness throughout the world.

The hop will start October 26. Check back here then for the Beautiful Patty's starting blog link.

From Patty's blog, as she said so eloquently,  "You will be guided on a journey around the world to visit all the talented artists participating in this amazing event. Some of your fellow crafters along the hop are even offering blog candy! Please be sure to give a little comment of love to each and every crafter along the way."

I will be giving a special little package myself to add to the fun.

The hop will run through October 31 to give all of you enough time to "hop" around and visit each blog.

We all hope you will hop along with us, see some awesome artists work and help spread the word about the importance of self breast exams and regular checkups. 

Don't be afraid to talk to friends and family and remind them to check their tata's too!
Here are a couple of links that explain how it is done for those of you who are not quite sure.

Here is a list of the wonderful women who will be looking forward to your visits and comments during our event: 

Trudy ~ That's me!  ;)

We hope you will join us on Oct. 26th in our little hop campaign to help spread awareness...because we care about YOU! ;)
Please feel free to share the hop info on your blogs so we can get the word out. We really hope this will be a huge hop with a big turnout and hopefully just the first annual of many. 
Who knows..we just might save a life! :)

Hugs,
True :D

"Funky Cat"~Another card done with "Eclectic Teapots" digi

 TGIS!
I love Saturdays!
Hubby is home and it's my turn to post on the Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog!
I am using an image from my new digi stamp set "Eclectic Teapots" which is available for instant download now @ Clear Dollar Stamps.


This card just screamed for a big beautiful bow so I used Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Wired Sheer Iridescent Violet ribbon. The pictures don't do the ribbon justice. It is STUNNING in person!



Don't forget to check out the challenge we have going on at RRRR right now. It is a Halloween theme so dust off those little goblin stamps and come join in on the fun! You could win one of two $10.00 gift certificates!

Thanks for dropping by!
Hugs,

Friday, October 15, 2010

Digi Release Day @ Clear Dollar Stamps!

Hello All!
It is release day @ Clear Dollar Stamps and I illustrated a fun little set of "Eclectic Teapots" for this month.
They are so fun and easy to color that you will be brewing up batches of cards before you know it! Get it...brewing?  ;) 
Ahemmmm...on to my card. ;)




This is what the entire set looks like. You can buy it now for only $3.50 for an instant download!

For this card, I used Basic Grey's - "Sugar Rush" stack, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Organza Dots in Kiwi,, a flower from the floral department, Diamond Glaze, Wizard and Nestabilities, a sewing machine with orange thread, and watercolors.
These girls also used my set to create some beautiful cards:

Please visit Lori's blog to see samples our awesome DT did with the rest of this month's other new digi releases. There is some really cute stuff! ;)
Thanks for dropping in!
Hugs,
True :D

PS...Please check back the next couple of days because I will be showing other samples that I made with this set. ;)


RRR challenge with YNS as a co-sponsor! :)

Hi!
It is time for another challenge from Really Reasonable Ribbons Ramblings.
This is a fun one too! The  requirements are that is be a newly created Halloween card or treat bag and that you use ribbon/trim/lace. How easy is that!
YNS is also co-sponsoring this challenge so you have a chance to win even more goodies!  ;)
Make sure and check out the lovely projects the RRR and YNS DT girls have made for your inspiration!




Why not go grab your Halloween scrapping goodies and join us in this challenge!

Thanks for dropping by!
Hugs,
True ;)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

It's a Crow...a Bluebird..a Crow...I'm so confused!!!! ;)

Hello All!
I did a video tutorial for Clearly i Stamp blog using my "Something to Crow About" illustration that I did for Clear Dollar Stamps, and this is the resulting card.
The tutorial has a bit of a twist.
One...because my crow is now a bluebird.
Two..because I mixed Copics and Prismacolor pencils with Gamsol.
I hope you will go check it out!


The papers are from The Paper Temptress and are:

You heard right...WHITE. ;)  I colored it with my Copics for the perfect matching color! :)


Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Hugs,
True :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Card Recipe:
Stamp: Clear Dollar Stamps: "Something to Crow About"
INK: Memento
MARKERS: Copics: Y11, Y02, YR04, B63, B23, G24, YG67, E35, E13
PAPERS: The Paper Temptress: Heavenly White, Cryogen White, Lapis Lazuli
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Wizard with square and scalloped square Nestabilities, Sewing machine with yellow thread, Tim Holtz Distressed Swirls embossing folder, Green Dew Drops, OMS with a blending tool, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Dots Organza white ribbon, JudiKins- Diamond Glaze
COLORING: Prismacolors: Light Umber and Black
TECHNIQUES: Colored pencil over Copics

SCS "Ways To Use It" challenge card and an announcement

Hello!
Today I made a really quick card to play along with the girls @ Splitcoast Stampers.
The Thursday's "Ways To Use It" WT292  "Do You See What I See?"challenge is to use embellishments in a manor different then they were intended.
I turned a Prima flower into a 3D tutu for this sweet little House Mouse ballerina.



The papers are Basic Grey's "Sugar Rush" and I also used Ranger's Fruit Punch Stickles, Wizard with Scalloped Nestabilities.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I also have some happy news to share. I have been chosen to be on the Creative Charms design team! I can hardly wait to get my crafty little hands on all of the fun embellishments Midori has in her shop!
Why not go check it out now? ;)

Thanks for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop!

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 Kerri's beautiful 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 a tiny little stamp, on a tiny little card, with two tiny pieces of ribbon.  ;)

I wanted to mix and match ribbons so I picked these two that are from the same hue and color family but different textures and patterns.
They of course are from  Really Reasonable Ribbon and are their Gingham Light Pink and Dots Grosgrain Light Pink.


I watercolored the Penny Black "Buzzing Bear" image.
The Papers are from The Paper Temptress and they are:


I think mixing the ribbon up gave this sweet little card an extra bit of umph.
I used the smallest size on my Bow-easy to tie this tiny bow. Couldn't have done it without it! I am such a fumble fingers! LOL!


I popped the arms and flowers, added some Stickles, a flower, brad and punched leaves to adorn the bow.
I now have a perfect little 3" gift tag card for someone sweet! 

OK...enough about my card.
Your next stop on the hop is Cheryl's SWEET blog.

Remember to leave a comment on all of the hop blogs for your chance to win a "October Ribbon of the Month" package!

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

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Not My Normal Style But Here Is The Special Reason Why.......

 Hello again!
This is my second post for today so make sure and scroll down to check out my other card!

My friend Patricia from The Paper Temptress has a card request.  Her 4 year old grandson was born prematurely and had complications due to his premature birth. He is now diagnosed with cerebral palsy and had to have surgery this week with the hopes that he will be able to walk eventually.
Let's all get together and send Nathanial some card love. I know we are all busy but what is 10 or 15 minutes out of our blessed lives to bring a smile to this child's cute little face. I am SUPER BUSY today but when I read Patricia's post, I just had to stop and make a quick card.


Nathanial LOVES cards, SpongeBob, football, and hockey but would like any type of card you can send him.
Here is a picture of him and his mom in the hospital.


Visit Patricia's PT blog to read the whole story and get the address to send your cards.
Please pop a quick comment if you plan on sending Nathaniel a card and if you post it on your blog, please come back and let me know so I can come check it out.
It would also be amazing if you could link Nathaniel's story on your blog and challenge your friends to send cards too!

Let's all remember to hug or call are kids today. We are so blessed to have them!
Hugs to you!
True :D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Card Recipe
The image is clipart from the net and the sentiment I did in Photoshop

Another Card Done With My "Snow Tweet" Stamp Set


Hello All!
Today I have done another card featuring the "Snow Tweet" stamp set that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps. What do you think about that AWESOME Natural Jute Ribbon form Really Reasonable Ribbon?
I used Scor-tape to attach it and put a little wave on one side for added interest.
I think it's  the perfect finishing touch! ;)





I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Stamptacular Sunday ~ "Layer It On"
I have WAY more then 5!
The Pink Elephant ~ "Buttons"
There are buttons on the snowman!  ;)
A Spoon Full of Sugar ~ "Sparkle and Shine"
All Sorts ~ "Song Title"
"Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow"
Saturday Challenge ~ "Distressing"
I used ink
SSD ~ "Open"
Creative Cottage ~ "Bling It On!"
My Pink Stamper ~ "Winter"
My Pink Stamper


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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Snow Tweet"
CS/PAPERS: My Mind's Eye - Signature Christmas stack. Bazzil Dots, Paper Trey
INK: Staz On, Versa magic - Oasis Green, Color Box - cream brown , Versa Mark
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Wizard, round and round eyelet Nestabilities, holographic embossing powder, heat gun, crystal snowflakes, Diamond Glaze sewing machine with brown thread, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Natural Jute ribbon
COLORING: watercolors

Saturday, October 2, 2010

I'm back from Topeka and had a blast!

Memory Expo 2010 has come to a close.  :(


It was so exciting meeting Lori McCroskey, from Clear Dollar Stamps, after over a year of being on her design team! She is such a sweetheart!


I also met back up with some old friends and met some new ones. Above are the group of speakers for the event. From left to right:
Brooke Smith, Associate  Editor of CradMaker magazine and other DRG publications, Heidi Blankenship, crafter/teacher extraordinare, Nikki Sivils, owner of Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker papers, Kristi Van Doren, mega design team diva ;) , your's truly, Karen Taylor, one of the craftiest chicks I know, and last but not least, Tanya Fox, Editor of CardMaker and other DRG publications.


Brooke, myself and Tanya were blessed to have a wonderful group of eager students! Everyone seemed to have so much fun and they were so excited to learn a new coloring technique. They walked away from the class with a card they were all proud of and lot of fun crafty goodies. It was such a blast for us watching them create and sharing our love of crafting with them! 
Thanks to all who chose to attend our classes and a special thanks to Tanya and Brooke for all of your help.
I still can't believe that the editor and assistant editor of CardMaker magazine would want to come all of the way to Topeka, KS to help me teach a coloring class! I'm so honored! :)
 I couldn't have done it without you and I sure wouldn't have had as much fun!
Hugs to All!
True :D


Another Card Done With My New Crow Illustration

Hello!
Happy Fall!
This is my favorite time of the year!
I just love the warmth of fall colors! I did this card with a fall pallet and one of my stamp illustrations that I drew for Clear Dollar Stamps.
It is called "Something to Crow About" and is available now!
This is such a fun image to color!
I am thinking that us Kansas folk could use it for a Kansas Jay-Hawk too! ;)
I used my all time favorite ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon again. Hope you all don't get tired of seeing it because I know I won't get tired of using it! LOL!
It is the Moss Swirls plus I added some Black Swirls to the double bow.
I used assorted sized 6 petal flower punches, a leaf punch,  and a corduroy brad to make the sunflower.




I am at a big crop in Topeka, Kansas right now (I love the "auto-post" function of Blogger) but would be thrilled if you would leave a comment for me to read when I get home.
Thanks and Hugs,
True :D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Something to Crow About"
CS/PAPERS: Debbie Mumm - Harvest and Holiday stack, Coredinations, Bazzil
INK: Staz-On, ColorBox - Amber Clay
MARKERS: Tombow #'s - 098, 027, 055, 026, N25, N75, 020, 977, 993, 969
ACCENTS/TOOLS:EK and McGill's - flower punches, Martha Stewart - leaf punch, Corduroy brad, Diamond Glaze, orange brads, yellow seed beads, Wizard with round and scalloped round Nestabilities, sewing machine with green thread, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Moss and Black swirls ribbon