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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, July 31, 2010

Fishbowl Candy Jar

Hello,
It's Saturday which means it is my turn to post a Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings project.
I didn't do my normal card thing but instead made a quick little gift jar that would be great to give anyone.


Please watch the video below to see the fish in action and to get all of the detail.


The fish is from I Brake For Digis and is called......you guessed it......"Fish"!  ;)
The beautiful ribbon is Kiwi Organza Dots, and Aqua Organza from Really Reasonable Ribbon
The half pearls are also from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I am entering this project in the following challenges:
Creatalicious ~ Show some 3D
The creation is 3D plus I popped the fin and eyeball on the fish
Creative Inspirations ~ Anything Goes
Digital Tuesday ~ Dazzle Me
I used metallic paint and glitter all over the fish
Creative Inspirations ~ Animals
Does a fish count? ;)
Charisma Cardz ~ Something With a Tail
Check! ;)
Polka Doodles ~ Generic Male & Female
Check! :)
Pile it On ~ Stretch That Plastic!
I used fishing line for my plastic

Thanks so much for dropping by!
Please leave a comment before you go....they make my day!
Hugs,
True :D

Friday, July 30, 2010

"Home Tweet Home" ~ CDS Sneak Peek


Hello!
It is day 3 of  Clear Dollar Stamps' August sneak peeks!
I get to show you a couple of cards done with the set I illustrated for this month's release, called "Home Tweet Home".


This was a super fun set to draw! It  is also a very versatile set.
It works great for wedding or anniversary cards, house warming or thank you cards. Just because or to cheer someone up, just to name a few occasions!
I decided to show you two completely different styles of cards so you can see what I mean about the versatility.
The first is a version that would work great for a wedding , anniversary or engagement card.
I used the large birdcage and the doves plus the scrolled hanger and sentiment.
I thought the gold embossing would look super classy with the beautiful gold leaf trim from The Paper Temptress. The cardstock is all Paper Temptress too. (See card recipe below for color names and links).
I have a tip for you if you want the same effect. I stamped the doves first, then stamped a second set to use as a mask. I cut that set out, placed it over the doves, then sponged pastel colors in the background with diluted ink from Tombow markers. Then I stamped and embossed the other elements, colored in the leaves, and viola!
The roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Remember...you can click on any picture to enlarge for better detail.


I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Create 4 Fun ~ Use flowers
Crafty Creations ~ Happy or Sweet
Stamp Simply ~ Two's company
Mami  Doodles ~ Anything Goes
Think Ink ~ Create your own background
Creative cottage ~ Touchy Feely
Ginger Snap ~ Markers
Creative Inspirations ~ Anything Goes
ABC ~ Zig-zag
Paper Play ~ Anything Goes
Stamp Something ~ Something Flowery

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The second card is a cute little thing that would work for lots of occasions. Just add your own hand written sentiment to the inside to make it fit. I just used the scrolled hanger and the tiny "Tweets" birds and a sentiment.
The designer paper is Basic Grey's Sugar Rush and the beautiful cardstock and ribbon are all from Clear Dollar Stamps. (See recipe)




I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Crafty Creations ~ Happy or Sweet
Stamp Simply ~ Two's company
Mami  Doodles ~ Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly ~ Cutie Patootie
Ginger Snap ~ Markers
Creative Inspirations ~ Anything Goes
ABC ~ Zig-zag
Paper Play ~ Anything Goes


Hope you have enjoyed the peeks.
Please head on over to Clearly iStamp blog to see the other creations the girls have whipped up for you!
There are also links there to take you to the team blogs for even more inspiration!

Thanks for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"For The Love Birds" Card Recipe:

CDS STAMPS USED: "Home Tweet Home"
INK: Staz-On and VersaMark
MARKERS: Tombows
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Gold leaf trim from The Paper Temptress, Assorted roses and pearl accents from Wild Orchid Crafts, tiny leaf punch, Wizard and round rectangle Nestabilities, sewing machine and metallic gold thread, gold embossing powder and heat gun, glue, double sided foam tape
COLORING: Tombows and water with sponge
TECHNIQUES: stamping, watercoloring, embossing, sewing, sponging, masking

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"Live Life With a Song" Card Recipe:

CDS STAMPS USED: Home Tweet Home

CS/PAPERS: Clear Dollar Stamps' Spring Leaf, Mustard SeedWild Huckleberry and watercolor paper. Basic Grey's Sugar Rush

INK: Staz-On

MARKERS: Tombows: 723, 993, 533, 192, 126

ACCENTS/TOOLS: Clear Dollar Stamps Huckleberry organza ribbon, Sewing machine with pink thread, Wizard and square nestabilities, water pen, glue double-sided foam tape.

COLORING: Tombows with water

TECHNIQUES: stamping, watercolor, embossing, sewing

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Ribbon Heart For a Friend

Hello!
The other day I was looking though all of my beautiful ribbons that I have received from Really Reasonable Ribbon and there were some that I had not had a chance to use yet. I pulled the bundles out and the first 3 that hit my work table were these. It just struck me how bright and fun they looked together.
I decided to make a card with no colored image and to use the ribbons as a focal point. I made this cute little ribbon heart, added some Paper Temptress papers and a sentiment from  Clear Dollar Stamps. I put them all on a 4" by 4" card base and now have a sweet card to give a friend! 




There is still time to join us in the latest Really Reasonable Ribbon inspirational challenge. You could win a gift certificate for your own beautiful ribbons!

Thanks again for stopping by to take a peek!
Comments welcome!  ;)
Hugs,
True :D


Card Recipe:
STAMPS USED: Clear Dollar Stamps "Heartfelt Sentiments"
CS/PAPERS: The Paper Temptress: Heavenly White, Fairway mica metallic, Cotton Candy pop tones
INK: StazOn
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Really Reasonable Ribbon: Gingham Yellow 3/8", Lime Stripe Grosgrain 3/8", Rose Pink Grosgrain 3/8". Wizard heart and scalloped heart Nestabilities, The Paper Studio's Spare Parts Sparkle brads. sewing machine with green thread, glue, double-sided foam tape

Sunday, July 18, 2010

A Cupcake for Lori's Surprise Birthday Blog Hop!!!!

Hello!
Today is Lori McCroskey's birthday!
Lori is the owner of Clear Dollar Stamps and a dear, sweet  friend to all of her design team.
We all just love her to pieces so we wanted to celebrate her special day by having a surprise BLOG HOP!
SURPRISE LORI!!!!!

If you came here from Katie's cute blog, you are in the right place!
If you just happened onto my page, why not go back to Lori's blog where it all started. 
(some of the girls have access to her blog so they posted without her knowing it, so it would be a surprise)

We hope you have time to hit all 15 design team's blogs to check out all of the birthday eye candies but if you don't, we hope you will at least hop over and wish Lori a happy birthday!

The card I made for Lori was done with the very first stamp that I illustrated for her.
It is simply titled "Cupcake". The sentiment is from the "Cool Ride" set.

Remember, you can click on any picture to enlarge for better detail!


Your next stop on the hop is Christi's pretty blog.
Thanks so much for joining in on our little surprise party!
Hugs,
True :D
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Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Cupcake" and sentiment is from "Cool Ride"
CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey's Sugar Rush, PaperTrey Ink's white cardstock
INK: Staz-On and VersaMark refill, Color Box Tangerine cat's eye
MARKERS: Tombows 553, 946, 126, 723, 977, 062
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Offray "Orange Opal" ribbon, Ranger Stickles in Orange Peel and Yellow, Martha Stewart's coarse crystal glitter, The Paper Studio's Spare Parts Glitter brads, Wizard and scalloped oval Nestabilities, sewing machine and pink thread, clear embossing powder and heat gun, glue, double sided foam tape, water brush
COLORING: watercoloring with Tombows
TECHNIQUES: stamping, watercoloring, embossing, sewing, 3D popping

Saturday, July 17, 2010

"A Cup Full of Happiness" Kitty in Pink, Black and White


Hello Friends!
I usually pick my papers the find a ribbon to match but this time, I did just the opposite. Bonnie from Really Reasonable Ribbon sent me this gorgeous Mauve Satin ribbon and I just had to play with it.
I used my "Cup Full of Happiness" illustration, that I did for Clear Dollar Stamps, and did the kitty in black and white. The beautiful papers are from The Paper Temptress. They are: Heavenly White, Vintage Silver Lustre and Black Pearl Glossy.


If you would like to see the other ways I have colored my kitty stamp, CLICK HERE.
Thanks again for stopping by. Hope you have found a little inspiration!
Hugs,
True :D

Card Recipe:

CDS STAMPS USED: Cup Full of Happiness

CS/PAPERS: The Paper Temptress's: Heavenly White, Vintage Silver Lustre, and Black Pearl Glossy. K & Company's: Smitten

INK: Staz-On

MARKERS: Tombows: 723, 757, N15

ACCENTS/TOOLS: Wild Orchid's roses and leaves, Really reasonable Ribbon's Mauve satin ribbon, sewing machine and pink thread, UTEE, embossing heat gun, VersaMark refill and old paintbrush,

COLORING: Black colored pencil

TECHNIQUES: stamping, wet embossing, watercoloring, sewing

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Siamese "Cup Full of Happiness and Coloring Tutorial!


Hello Everyone!
I want to invite you to go visit Clearly iStamp and check out the coloring tutorial I did for Lori using my "Cup Full of Happiness" illustration.
I am getting a little better with my tutorials with practice and would love it if you took a few minutes to watch it. I show you how to do a Siamese kitty in this one.

If you would like to see the other ways I have painted this stamp, CLICK HERE.
If you find the tutorial informative or entertaining, I hope you will take a second to leave a comment so I will know if you want more coloring videos.
Thanks so much!
Hugs your way!
True :D

Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: Cup Full of Happiness
CS/PAPERS: CDS: Mud Pie, Toasted Almond, Hot Cocoa, Red Velvet Cake, watercolor paper,  Kraft. The Paper Studio's Mirabelle
INK: Staz-On. Color Box: Alabaster, Chestnut, Chianti
MARKERS: Tombows: 912, N15, 992, 942, 879
ACCENTS/TOOLS: CDS Red Velvet Cake and Wild Ginger ribbons, Wild Orchid's rose and leaves, Really Reasonable Ribbon's Vintage brads, Diamond Glaze, sewing machine with ivory and brown thread, scal. oval Nestabilities and Wizard, Cuttlebug and embossing folder, water brush, double-sided foam tape, glue
TECHNIQUES: stamping, sewing, watercolor, embossing.

"Church Mouse" ~ One of my CDS Digi Illustrations

Hello Everyone!
This morning I get to share one of my newest digis that is available today at Clear Dollar Stamps!
We call him the "Church Mouse".



 I think he would be great for Sunday school classes to color, or for invitations for special events, or "thank you" or "we miss you" cards from church.


For my sample today, I used my computer's paint program to color him in. This is a great way to use digis if you need to "mass produce" invitations or handouts! Just another reason to love digis...so many options for coloring! If you don't have a paint program and would like to try one, type in "free paint programs" in your search engine and tons will pop up. Pick through and find the one you think best fits your skill level and needs. It is really fun to do! 
Of course you can always use watercolors, Copics or Tombows. Kids would love to use Crayons or colored pencils too!
I think it would be fun to print him out and give the children in Sunday school all crafting supplies to each make an invitation to send to a friend to come to church with them for a visit. What a fun way to get the kids involved in membership recruiting!


Make sure and hit Lori's blog for a complete list of all of the girls who have also made samples for this set.
They have done some really beautiful pieces!

Thanks again for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop....REALLY!!!!!!

I Love RRR


Hello my friends!
I messed up with my post today. I set the blog hop card to post @ 12:59 PM instead of 12:59 AM like I was supposed to. I worked all day and didn't catch it until now. If you already hit my blog and had trouble finding other hop links...that is why. I hope you will all scroll down to the previous post and join us in the hop.
Before ya do....please leave a comment here and let me know if this kind of thing has ever happened to you.
I surely can't be the only one who has lost her marbles...can I?
Sorry for the confusion!
Hugs,
True :D

Monday, July 12, 2010

"Remember The Day's Blessings" RRR Blog Hop


Hello All! 
It is the 13th which means it is time for another fun Really Reasonable Ribbon blog hop!
If you came here from Kerri's pretty blog, you are in the right place! If you just happened on to my blog, you will want to go back to the team blog Really Reasonable Ribbon Ramblings and start at the beginning. Look around while you are there. It is newly decorated and very pretty!


My card today was done with an adorable Inky Antics stamp titled "Forget Troubles Kitty".
The papers are Basic Grey's "Sugar Rush" and the Paper Temptress's Neenah, Solar White, Fairway Mica Metallic, and Vista Mica Metallic.


I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Sweet Stampin ~ Things With Wings
Butterfly on board!
Got dotted ribbon!
ABC ~ "Y" is for You and Me
My two guys are the kitty and the butterfly
Little Red Wagon ~ Use Nestabilities
Check!
Creative Inspirations ~ On the Move
My movement is the butterfly's flight path doodles.
Theme Thursday ~ Animals
Stamp Something ~ Recipe Something...1 designer paper, 1 image, 1 ribbon
I used 1 DP from Basic Grey, One Kiwi Organza Dots Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and one image from Inky Antic
Stamp Scrap and Doodle ~ Make a Scene
My scene was already done with the adorable stamped image.


From here you will head on over to check out Cheryl's sweet designs! 
STOP!!!!
Don't forget to leave a comment before you go so I will know you were here! ;)
I will draw a name on 7/16 from the comments and that person will receive a surprise stamps set!
I will contact the winner.
Have fun hopping my friends!
Hugs,
True :D


SUPPLY  LIST:
STAMPS USED: Inky Antics -#0128J "Forget Troubles Kitty"
CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey's - Sugar Rush "Bottle Caps", The Paper Temptress's "Neenah Solar White", "Fairway Mica Metallic", and "Vista Mica Metallic"
INK: Staz-On



ACCENTS/TOOLS: Really Reasonable Ribbon's Kiwi Dots Organza ribbon,  Ranger Industries Stickles glitter glue in - Milled Lavender, Lime Green, and Copper, sewing machine with purple and green thread, Stampin' Up's Crystal Effects, foam tape, glue, Wizard and rectangle Nestabilities
COLORING: KOH-I-NOOR Watercolor Wheel Stack
TECHNIQUES USEDStamping, water coloring, sewing, 3D, tole'



SKILL LEVEL:  Medium

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Purrr-fect bird-day!


Hello All!
I just about forgot my Saturday post for Really Reasonable Ribbon! I am in the middle of a garage sale this weekend and have been crazy busy! The card has been done for some time. I submitted it for a special project book that I am a part of, but it was not accepted. OK, everybody all at once say....awwwwww. It is OK though because 5 others were! woot woot! I can't wait until I can give you more details!
All evening long I kept thinking  that I was forgetting something. Sure enough...when it was time to hit the hay...it came to me!
Luckily, pictures had been taken and watermarks loaded! I even had a card recipe already done! LOL!
I used the adorable "Inky Antics" stamp called "Kitty Pair Square".


It was colored with watercolors then cut out and popped a few times for added dimension.
The DP is from Basic Grey's "Sugar Rush" and that pretty green cardstock is The Paper Temptress's "Spring Larch" glimmer paper.
The finishing touch is of course that beautiful organza from Really Reasonable Ribbon! I used  mauve and aqua, both in 5/8" width.
My tip for today is to use 2 different colors of organza together for making your bow. I just love the effect it gives!
Click on any picture for a better view.


Card Recipe:
STAMPS USED: Inky Anticks #0781F "Kitty Pair Square"
CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey's - Sugar Rush "Big Cherry",   The Paper Temptress's: Neenah Solar White, Spring Larch Glimmer



INK: Staz-On - Jet Black,   Versa Magic dew drops in Oasis Green and Malted Mauve
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Really Reasonable Ribbon's organza in Mauve and Aqua, All Sorts of Things matte brads by Lasting Impressions in Seaside #34469, Wizard with square and scalloped square and rectangle Nestabilities, sewing machine with pink thread, computer and printer for sentiment, Stampin' Up's Crystal Effects, foam tape, glue, piercing tool
COLORING: KOH-I-NOOR Watercolor Wheel Stack
TECHNIQUES USED:  Stamping, water coloring, sewing, 3D, tole'  
SKILL LEVEL:  Medium
Better get off of here for now....It is past my bedtime!

Headed for auto post now! ;)
Hugs,
True :D


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

I am Honored to Host Paper Craft Planet's 3D Challenge Today!

Hello Everyone!
Susanna Boyd from Paper Craft Planet and Card of The Week asked me to host their 3D Tuesday Challenge this week!
I am so excited!
My challenge is to create a pin or wearable art using flowers and ribbon.
I have put together a little video tutorial to show you how to make a pin  from faux glass flowers but you can use any kind of flowers and ribbon to create your entry!
The pin below is a little different than the one in the tutorial but I wanted to show it to you also. 
Wouldn't this be beautiful on a denim jacket?
I used Really Reasonable Ribbon's Plum Velvet ribbon and Ivory Crochet lace.
The papers are Basic Grey and Paper Temptress's Amethyst mica/metallic.


I forgot to mention in the video that I am using a metal melting pot from Ranger industries. They are available at most craft stores. I got mine @ Joann.com.
~
This week the challenge is being sponsored by my friend Bonnie over @ Really Reasonable Ribbon.
Why not pop over to Paper Craft Planet now to play along with us in the challenge for your chance to win her awesome gift certificate!
If you aren't a member of Paper Craft Planet yet, there is no better time then now to join up!  It only takes a few seconds, it's free, and there are all kinds of fun things to do!

I am entering this project in the following challenges:
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge ~ Purple with Green and Gems
Polk a Doodle ~ Create a decorative item
I did a pin to decorate a blouse or jacket! ;)

Thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you in our challenge!
Hugs,
True :D

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Happy 4th of July from Zoey!


Just thought I would drop in to wish all of my friends in blog land  a safe, happy, and healthy 4th of July!
I snapped this photo of my Zoey wearing her new patriotic bandanna and just had to share!
Isn't she the sweetest thing!?!
It's not just a face only a mother could love...right? ;)

Hugs to ya all!
True :D

Another card made with my "A Cup Full of Happiness" stamp



Hello again!
I thought I would share another card with you that I did using the stamp set that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamp's July releases. It is called "A Cup Full of Happiness" and it comes with the image and lots of sentiments.

The one I showed you on Wednesday looked like my cat Nother (I know.... weird name). LOL! 
Today's card, I painted to look like my P-Diddy Kitty. Gotta show love evenly! ;)




The Green Ice half pearls are also from RRR.

Card Recipe:
STAMPS USED: Clear Dollar Stamps ~ "A Cup Full of Happiness"
CS/PAPERS: Paper Trey's~ Rustic Cream CS and DCWV's ~ Rustic stack
INK: Staz-On Jet Black
ACCENTS/TOOL: Peach Organza Ribbon and Kaiser "Ice Green" half pearls from Really Reasonable Ribbon, rose and leaf  from Wild Orchid crafts, sewing machine with green thread, UTEP, VersaMark refill, old paintbrush, heat gun,  water pen, Scor-tape, glue, double sided foam tape.
COLORING: Prismacolor watercolor pencils #'s WC2945, WC2929, WC2947.
TECHNIQUES: stamping, water coloring, sewing, embossing


Thanks again fro taking the time to come and visit my blog! Please take another second or two and leave a comment so I will know you were here!
 Hugs to you my friends,
True :D