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! :)

Click directly on the green arrow below to hear a quick message from me. :)

Followers




PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO VISIT MY OTHER PAGES AND TO GET TO KNOW A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME. ;)



Some Of My Favorite Creations To Date

Friday, September 30, 2011

"Sugar Honey Pumpkin Pie" A Card With My New Digi Stamp And Paper Set

Hello!
And...Happy Friday! :)

Today is the start of a new CIC challenge over on the Clearly iStamp blog!
It is a fun sketch challenge this time!
This is the card I created from the sketch.


I used the digital stamp and paper set that I illustrated for some of the challenge prizes.
It is simply called "Pumpkin Pie" and it is available for instant download now, for just $3.50!.


This is what the sketch looks like.

I am also entering it into today's F4A84 challenge over at Split Coast Stampers where we were asked to do some blocking with patterned papers. I used the papers I illustrated for the set.
They are printed on Discount Card Stock's Neenah Solar White. The colored cardstock is also from DCS. It is their Posh Milk Chocolate Felt and Papaya Puree Dark Prismatic.

Thanks for dropping by!
Have a great weekend!

Hugs,
True :D


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

It's Time For Inky Antic's September Blog Hop! :)



Hi Everyone!
Welcome to the Inky girl's "Fall" blog hop!

If you came here from our friend Keri's wonderful blog, you're in the right place. If you just happened onto mine, you will want to go back to the Inky blog where it all starts.

Jackie asked us to each use a different new set of the HoneyPop stamps with the Honeycomb paper and then also a mystery project that uses either the stamps or the Honeycomb paper in a different way.

My first project is a card created with the  "Umbrella Friends" #11050LC set and the yellow Honeycomb paper both from Inky Antics.


I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol.

The designer papers were designed by your's truly! It is actually the same digi paper from my
"True-ly Colorful" set. 


I used it regular size digi paper print for the boarder and then scaled  the pattern way down until it was the perfect size print for the umbrella. Just one more thing I love about digi papers!
I used Neenah Solar White to print on and the base is made Simply Smooth White, both from Discount Card Stock 

I hope you can see by the photo just how demensional the umbrella is.  I used an embossing tool to give it some shape and lots of foam tape underneath so it would keep that shape! :)
The pretty Fuchsia Seam Binding is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.


Here is a view of the inside with the "popped" umbrella. ;)


My "surprise" project is an ornament that I created with Honeycomb paper.


Are you surprised?  :)
I simply freehand cut a shape twice out of Inky Antic's Ivory Honeycomb paper, tied a hanger out of gold cording and glued it between the 2 opened pieces. Then I added some punched leaf sprays, some bobbles and beads I got from the Walmart craft department on clearance, three Wild Orchid Crafts roses and some pretty White Satin With Gold Edges ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.


The next step on your hop is sweet Jovi's blog. I'm sure she will have some awesome projects to share with us!

Make sure to leave a comment on my projects before you go to increase your chances of wining a fun Inky prize package!
The blog hop  ends on Sunday, October 2nd at midnight Central time. One person's name will be drawn at random to receive a fun Inky prize pack. We'll announce the results next Monday, so remember to stop back by the Inky blog and see if you've won.

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,
True :D

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I've Been Published Again!


Hi Everyone!

The latest issue of CardMaker magazine hit the shelves today and 
I have 2 cards in it! Woot woot!  :)


Check out the Editor's Notes page (page 6 in this issue), and pages 46 and 47 to see my "Home For The Holidays" card.
You can see my "Ribbit Open" gift card holder and get the template to make your own, on pages 76 and 77.

Not a subscriber?
You can get yours online in either the paper magazine or the online version

Have a great day!

Hugs,
True :D

Tiny Candy Box :)

Hi Everyone!

I have lots going on today so I have to make this a super quick post.  :)

I created this fun little candy box for my Discount Card Stock team to post on their blog but I thought I would share it with you here also.

I used an adaptation of my friend Katie's "Favorite Box" tutorial that she prepared for the Clearly iStamps blog.

I used Discount Card Stock's - Straw 100# and Oatmeal Hopsack cardstocks, PSA Essential's "Dare To Dream" Peel and Stick stamps, (available @ Polka Dot Parlor) and Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Brown Swirls ribbon.

See the end of the post for the rest of the supply list. ;)


I cant think of a better sentiment to pair up with chocolate can you?  :)


I am entering this box in the Scor-Pal September "Out of the Box" challenge.

Thanks so much for dropping by today!

Hugs,
True :D

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Recipe:
Discount Card Stock's 
Stamp- PSA Essentials “Dare To Dream” Peel and Stick
Really Reasonable Ribbon’s - Brown Swirls ribbon
Ranger Ink’s - Coffee, Jet Black and Sepia Archival Inks
Other: Helmar’s Zap Dots and Craft Glue, Scor-Pal, ATG tape, Round and Scalloped Round Spellbinder’s  Nestabilities,Stampin Up!’s Scalloped Border Punch, Round Self-adhesive Velcro tape

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Treat Bags and My "Wednesday Wonder" Feature @ Lily Pad Cards

Hi Everyone!

I was very excited and honored when I was asked by Deborah Nolan and  Vicky Papaioannou  if they could interview me for their "Wednesday Wonder" feature on the Lily Pad Cards blog.
They are the creators of the super cool InLinkz tool that you will see on all of my posts from now on. Check out the product pictures at the ends of my posts. If you see a product you like, just click the link and it takes you there. Is that awesome or what?  :)
I didn't want them sending people my way and me not having something new for you to look at so I created some quick and easy treat bags with my "Autumn Friends" colored digi.

Click on the picture for a closer look! :)

 I actually created the labels in this set for just this purpose but they would look great on cards too. Just print them off, cut them out and attach to cello bags, tiny brown paper bags, pre-printed treat bags, tags for popcorn balls, quick cards...etc!
Wouldn't these be fun to send to school with the kiddos or hand out to the special little goblins that come to visit?


This is what the "Autumn Friends" colored digi looks like. It is available for instant download for just $4.00!


 Of course it is also available in the line art version if you would rather color it yourself. You will have to draw on your own jack-o-lantern carving though since it was a new addition when I created the colored set.
It can be yours via instant download for just $3.00.


I hope everyone who came from Lily Pad Cards will "follow" me and come back every now and then to see what I have been up to.
I also hope those of you who already follow me, will head over to Lily Pad Cards and check out their blog.
They asked some questions about things in my interview that you might not know about me. *wink*wink*
They have lots of fun features including tutorials, artist interviews, design team inspirations and challenges, just to name a few. Please tell 'em True sent ya!

Thanks to Lily Pad Cards for featuring me and thanks to all of you for dropping by today!

Hugs,
True :D



Sunday, September 18, 2011

It's Time For Another Clear Dollar Stamp Blog Hop!!!!

Hi Everyone!

It's time for another Clear Dollar Stamps blog hop!

If you came here from my sweet friend Lisa's blog, you're in the right place! If you just happened onto my blog without knowing about the hop, head on back to Lori's Clearly iStamps blog so you can get in at the beginning. You don't want to miss any of the team's amazing creations, or your chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate from Clear Dollar Stamps!
Our hop today is inspired by these pretty colors.


Just so happens that I created a digital paper pack called "Tangy Trio Leaves" that coordinates perfectly! :)

It is available now for instant download from Clear Dollar Stamps for just $3.50 in your choice of
  8 1/5"x11" or 12"x12" formats.


 I wanted to share a different way to use digi papers. I usually print them out on heavy cardstock but I found some amazing stuff called Matte Presentation Paper. You can find it in most office supply stores. It is very soft and smooth, very opaque white, and perfect for printing and making wrapping paper!


I used one style of my "Tangy Trio Leaves" digi paper pack to print the wrapping paper, another for my home-made roses (made with a really cool rolled rose die) and the third for the leaves.
I'll tell ya how excited I am about those leaves in just a minute. :)

I realize the ribbon isn't quite the color on the inspiration photo but it is a darker shade of the same color family, I have a whole bolt of it, so I went for it!  :)
It's Moss Green Double Faced Satin from Really Reasonable Ribbon and it's GORGE! That's why I ordered a whole bolt! :)


I told you I would share my excitement about those leaves. Well...I was getting ready to punch some leaves from some plain ol' green cardstock, then ink the edges and emboss in some veins, when it hit me.
PUNCH THE LEAVES OUT OF THE PAPER!!!!!
Punch punch punch and done! No inking, no embossing veins, and they look awesome!
I tell ya...honestly, if I hadn't illustrated this paper pack myself, I would purchase it for the leaves alone!!!
I will sooooo be using it for that reason ALL OF THE TIME!!!!  :)
It will work for lots of sizes of punches. Don"t have any?  Cut them out real quick by hand!


The stamp I used is from Clear Dollar Stamp's "Heartfelt Sentiments".
Clear Dollar Stamps also have a Tangy Trio Collection with lots of ribbon, cardstock, Copics and Tombow markers to match!



Look how easy we have made it to coordinate!
If you would like to get a closer look at, or purchase any of the items I have used on this project, please click on the product pictures below this post.

Your next stop on the hop is the ubber talented Cassie's blog.

Remember to leave a comment all all of the girl's blogs to increase your chances of  being  the random commenter the $25.00 gift certificate!  :)

Thanks for hopping by!
Hugs,
True :D


Saturday, September 17, 2011

Thank you Simon Says Stamp!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to pop on and give a quick shout out to Simon Says Stamp.

They sent me a bunch of  goodies as a "thank you" gift. Happy mail again today!
Gee...I love what I do! :)


Actually as I am setting here posting these pictures, I realize I missed getting 3 more ink pads in the shot. Oh well...just picture them in you head. :) 
 I "wrapped" them for a post tomorrow. What we won't do for crafty pictures. LOL! :)
Come back tomorrow to see just how pretty you can wrap a few ink pads.

Check out this adorable card Heidi sent with my goodies. Too cute! :)


Any hoo....THANK YOU HEIDI AND SIMON SAYS STAMP!
It is awesome working with you! :)

I hope you will click on the banner below and check out their huge assortment of craft items.
Their prices rock too! :)
Tell 'em True sent ya!



Thanks and hugs, 
True :D

Friday, September 16, 2011

I'm Excited to be Guest Designing for PSA Essentials Again Today! & Blog Candy PRIZE ALERT!!!!



Hi Everyone!

Wen Libby O asked me to guest design for PSA Essentials again, I was more then happy to play with her fun stamps!
I made 3 projects and will show one of them here, but you will have to visit the PSA Stamp Camp blog to see the other 2. ;)
Make sure and read to the bottom before you go though because Libby is giving a very nice prize to one lucky follower!

I created this super quick and easy cupcake gift box for my blog post.
It would make a great Teacher or co-worker gift!



I used PSA Essential's "Dare To Dream" and "Mr. and Mrs." Peel and Stick sets.
I love mixing the outer rings and centers from different sets!  :)




BTW...isn't that ribbon almost as yummy looking as that cupcake?
It is Rose Silky Crush from Really Reasonable Ribbon.


The "designer paper" I used is "Preschool Artist" from my new "True-ly Colorful" digital paper pack that you can purchase from Clear Dollar Stamps. 
I had a blast creating this fun collection of papers!
It is downloadable now in your choice of  either  8"x11 1/2" or 12"x12"  formats for just $3.00!

I thought I would tease you with a snippet from one of my other projects that is on the PSA Stamp Camp blog.  Hope it peaks your interest!  Bad aren't I?   ;)


Now, about the prize... 
PSA will giveaway 1 stamper, 1 Peel & Stick pack, and 1 ink to one of my followers. All you have to do is follow me (if you aren't already) then head over to PSA Stamp Camp and follow them. It would be great if you left a comment both places too. *wink*wink*
The winner will be chosen at random. Entries close on 9/18 at 11.59 PM. 

To get your own PSA Essentials stamps, head on over to Polka Dot Parlor where they are having a 25% off sale on Peel and Stick Packs or a free alignment tool with the purchase of a custom stamp. Offer is good now through 10/1

To see or purchase any of the other products I used on this project, please click on the pictures below.

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,
True :D


Thursday, September 15, 2011

My Latest Digis Release, A New RRR Challenge and My Geust DT for Want2Scrap. :)

Hi Everyone!

I just love it when my crafty obligations all fall together like these did!
Today is digital release day over @ Clear Dollar Stamps, a new "Autumn" challenge starts @ Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings, and one of my Guest Designer spots over @ Want2Scrap!
I used my new "Pre-colored Autumn Friends" digi set that is available for instant download starting today!


 The designer papers come in the digi set and the cardstock is from Discount Card Stock. 

The fun bling is Want2Scrap's - White Pearl Beaded Square Nestabling that I colored with Copics.
(Thanks to Want2Scrap for all of the goodies you sent me to play with!)

The beautiful Apple Green Diamond Satin ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.
All of my digi images and papers are printed on Discount Card Stock's - Simply Smooth White cardstock.


My "Pre-colored Autumn Friends" digi comes with the image in both "carved" and "non-carved" pumpkins, (2) sentiments, plus (3) 6"x6" designer papers and (3) ready to print squares that would be perfect for Halloween cards, gift tags, or treat bags or boxes. The set can be yours instantly for just $4.00!

This year for Halloween, we will be giving out tiny brown bags full of treats decorated with these little tags. How quick, easy and special is that? I think they would make adorable tags for popcorn balls wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon too!  :)


Of course, the non-colored version of "Autumn Friends" is still available for $3.00 if you would prefer to color it yourself.


This is actually the image that is on my Featured Designer spread of the September issue of CardMaker magazine. 
Here's that card again...
(I can't give the recipe for this one but you can find it on pages 12 and 13 of the Sept. CardMaker magazine)


The other digi that I have releasing today is called "Sentimental Quilt". It comes with a colored and non-colored image, (3) 6"x6"designer papers, and (4) sentiments. It's just $3.50 and available now for instant download!

 

Here is a fun little 4"x4" card that I whipped up with it in a matter of minutes with this set.
One of the cool things you can do with digis that you can't do with stamps is size them to fit whatever you need.
The beautiful Hand-dyed Moss Silk is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.


I hope you will head on over to Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings challenge blog and see what the other girls have created for your viewing pleasure! 

I also invite you to go check out the Want2Scrap blog and tell them True :D sent ya!

BTW...don't forget to head on over to the Clearly iStamp blog and see the other new releases and the awesome projects the girls have created with them!

If you are interested in any of the products I used on these cards, please click on the links below. ;)

Thanks and hugs,
True :D



Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop!!!!

Hi Everyone!

It's the 13th of the month so it's time for another Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog hop!

If you found your way here from Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings, you are in the right place!
If you just happened on to my blog, head on back there, because that it where it all starts! :)
You don't want to miss any of the awesome projects the girls have created for your viewing pleasure...or a chance at a great prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

For today's hop. were were asked to use this month's Ribbon Club Assortment. It is a bright and colorful Halloween set but, I have done several Halloween cards the last few days and was in the mood for something else. I pulled the Apple Green Diamond Satin out of the set to create today's card.


I also wanted to play along with the new design team over @ Touch Twin Markers and More Challenge blog. I have several friends on the team and just have to play along! :)
I don't have any Touch Twin markers yet but my friends swear by them! The challenge blog is letting us play along with other coloring mediums through the end of the year.
I don't have a lot of Copic markers either but I colored this sweet Tilda image the best I could with what I have.
I don't do people that often so Touch Twin's "Playin' With Our Peeps" challenge was a real stretch for me! :)


If you aren't a ribbon club member, now would be a great time to sign up! With the holidays coming up shortly, I'm sure Bonnie will be doing some great seasonal sets! 
You get automatic shipments of 10-15 yards of assorted beautiful ribbons for just $9.00 domestic and $11.50 international!
This is what this month's set looks like.


Bonnie will be giving away a  September Ribbon Monthly Club kits to (2) random commentors so please make sure and comment on all of the girl's projects to increase your chances of winning!


Your next stop on the hop is Andrea's Creative Paper Trail. You're gonna love it! :)
Thanks so much for dropping by today!
Hugs,
True :D
           

These are the products I used on this card. Click on any of the pictures to go get yours. ;)