Day 3 of the "Swimming For Katie Renz" Blog Hop ~ BLOG CANDY and a Digi Stamp Set I Donated for the Fundraiser

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Hi Everyone!

I am so honored to be a part of the "Swimming For Katie Blog Hop". Katie is a design team sister and is such a sweet soul and an inspiration to so many people. I just had to do what I could to help out.


I will be giving away a $25.00 gift certificate that I bought from Simon Says Stamp to a lucky random person who leaves a comment below, telling me what you have done to help Katie. Whether it be purchasing a stamp, making a donation, creating a card for the hop, or even just spreading the word on your blog or Facebook page. Soooo....make sure and read all of the way to the bottom!

My card is a little different than the sweet octopus cards you have been looking at on most of the other blogs, because I made one for Katie with the "Swimming With Katie Ribbon Fish" digi set that I designed to help raise funds for her and her family.

This card is a bit of a hybrid because I stacked the digi papers in MS Word then added lots of "friend" ribbon fish and a personalized sentiment. I also printed a couple of extra "Katie" fish then fussy cut them out and stacked for a 3D effect which is visible in the lower picture.

About the hop...

From October 10-12 some of the best stampers are joining together to support and encourage our friend and fellow stamper, Katie Renz, who is currently battling inoperable gastric cancer.  If you're not familiar with her, Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year.  This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of 3 with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight.  A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer.  Her first post about it is HERE.  The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post HERE.

This exclusive stamp used in my sample, designed by Becky Oehlers is available as a clear stamp, as well as a digis or a dig and SVG cut file.  100% of the profits go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family.  Her husband Kevin and her three young children need our help and support.  In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker, Jak Heath, and Trudy Sjolander of True =D Doodle Designs, also donated digis that are for sale.  Direct donations are also being accepted.  Information central is HERE.  This is a permanent page that will stay active at i {heart} papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing, as well as the donation button. 

Here are all the items available for sale.

~~~This is the set I created for Katie's fund raiser. ~~~

Keep Swimming Katie Ribbon Fish Digi Stamp and Papers.

Designed by Trudy Sjolander - True :D Doodle Designs

$4.00 with instant download.

Keep Swimming Octopus in 3 formats

Peachy Clear Stamp - $5.50 with free shipping

Digi with SVG cut file - $3.50 with instant download

Digi only w/o SVG - $3.00 with instant download

Designed by Becky Oehlers

Keep Swimming Mermaid Digi Stamp

PNG and PDF files (one mermaid and one sentiment) included in a zip file for immediate download.
Designed by Marianne Walker
$3.50

Keep Swimming Bubble Digi Paper and Fish Digi

Set includes 3 bubble backgrounds (JPEG's), A5 in size and line art fish in a zip file for immediate

download.

Designed by Jak Heath

$4.00

I hope you will join me in supporting Katie through a purchase or donation.  The following is a list of everyone who has projects posted today.  I hope you will be inspired by them and moved to purchase or donate. 

 If you would like to send Katie a card, her mailing address is:

Katie Renz

PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

If you would simply like to make a donation to Katie's fund, please click below.

Here are links to the rest of the day 3 hoppers:

Amy Heller 

Jackie Pedro 

Julie Masse 

Kecia Waters 

Sandie Dunne 

Susan Liles 

Latisha Yoast 

Laurie Schmidlin 

Lisa Arana 

Lisa Henke 

Lisa Silver 

Lydia Fiedler 

Lyn Bernatovich 

Lynette 

Maria Gurnsey 

Meg Craig 

Melissa Bickford 

Michelle Woerner 

Mona Pendleton 

Niki Estes 

Robyn Weatherspoon 

Sarah Jay 

Sarah Martina Parker 

Savannah O'Gwynn 

Stephanie Washburn 

Susanna Boyd 

Tobi Crawford 

Julie Lacey 

Kim Kesti 

Shemaine Smith 

Danielle Lounds 

Debbie Carriere 

DoBea A. 

Fran Gumprecht 

Geny Cassady 

Gina K. 

Holly McMillen 

Jak Heath 

Javablustamper/Jacquie 

Kimberly Crawford 

Jeanne Streiff
 
Trudy Sjolander -You Are Here! :)

Thanks so much for dropping by and a special thanks to those who are donating and/or spreading the word about our friend Katie! Please keep her and her family in your prayers!

Don't forget to leave a comment below to be eligible for the random drawing for the $25.00 Simon Says Stamp gift certificate. I will draw and announce the winner on Sunday, October 23rd.

Hugs,
True :D

~~~~~UPDATE~~~~

To help raise money for Katie, Creating for Causes (www.creatingforcauses.org) has generously donated a FREE ticket (value: $249.95) to one of their upcoming 3-day Scrap & Stamp Retreats.

The winner of the free ticket will enjoy 3 days of non-stop fun and creativity with fellow scrappers, stampers and paper crafters, and can choose between the Charlotte, NC Scrap & Stamp Ritzy Retreat at The Ritz-Carlton on October 21-23 or the Orlando, FL Scrap & Stamp Retreat at the Marriott World Center on November 4-6. Both retreats promise to spoil you and provide 48-straight hours of creating, camaraderie and fun!

To learn more about the events, please visit: http://www.creatingforcauses.org/our-events/scrapbook-events/.

Not only will you be raising money for Katie by making a donation, you get a chance to win a wonderful weekend getaway for yourself! And, because all of Creating for Causes' events are charity events that raise money for local charities, you'll be giving back twice!

Wow, a weekend retreat for you and two chances to help others. Does it get any better than that?

Here's how it works:

Simply make a $33 donation (or more) for Katie and indicate that you want to be entered in the Creating for Causes Retreat ticket drawing. Everyone who makes a qualifying donation will be entered into the drawing and one lucky person will be attending this 3-day retreat for FREE! That lucky person could just be you!  (If you have already donated and wish to be included, just email kate(at) iheartpapers (dot) com)

DEADLINE TO ENTER FOR THIS GIVEAWAY IS FRIDAY 9PM EST, although other donations will be accepted for weeks to come.

Playin' Along With The Girls @ SCS With My "Garden Of Life" digi and Paper Set

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Hi Everyone!

The girls over at Split Coast Stampers are doing an "Altered Ribbon" " Ways To Use It" challenge today and you all know how much I LOVE ribbon. I just had to play along!

My card is done with my "Pre-colored Garden Of Life digi" that is available over @ Clear Dollar Stamps.

I had a lot of fun creating this colored version with matching papers. I hope you will all check it out!  :)

It is just $3.50!

 It's also available in black and white for just $2.50!

To qualify for the challenge, I altered some pretty Grosgrain Edged White Satin Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon, by coloring the grosgrain edge with my G24 Copic marker and then I stamped the  sentiment directly on it. The sentiment is from CDS - "Heartfelt Sentiments" clear set.

The layout is from yesterday's SCS sketch challenge so I can play with those girls too!

The pretty cardstock is Brilliant White (that is what I printed my paper and flower on) and Cyclamen Cascda both from Discount Card Stock.

Thanks for dropping by today my friends!

Hugs,

True :D

Coloring Fur With Colored Pencils Tutorial

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Hi Everyone!

I got several comments and some emails about how I colored this card that I posted the other day.

I created a video to show you how to get this effect with colored pencils and OMS.

I started with my newest digi stamp set "Purrfect Day", that is available now @ Clear Dollar Stamps for just $2.50 for an instant download.

And....here is the video. Hope you like! :)

Thanks so much for dropping by. I would love to know if you found this tutorial helpful and if you would like more.

Hugs,

True :D

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

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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!

I used The Paper Temptress papers in Fairway, Rose Quartz, and Heavenly White.

The beautiful ribbon is Turquoise Shimmer Satin from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

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

Quick Thanksgiving Napkin Ring With my "Autumn Blessings" digi

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Hello and HaPpY MoNdAy!!!

I needed to find some napkin rings to match my new tablecloth and napkins for Thanksgiving. Didn't find any I liked and being the crafter that I am...I made them!

They whipped up so fast and easy that I will probably start making napkin rings for all of my parties!

I started with the "Autumn Blessings" digi stamp that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps.

Get an instant download for just $2.50 HERE.

Don't forget to add the free digi of the month to your cart while you are there.

It's illustrated by the awesome Laurie Wilson.

You just can't beat 2 sets for $2.50!!! ;)

The wonderful thing about digis is you can resize them to however big or small you need. I needed them to fit inside Clear Dollar Stamp's new "Designer Labels" die.

I used 6" by 2 3/8" pieces of K&Co "Fall Leaves" paper and some Bazzill "Clover Swiss Dots" to make a band. I then punched holes in the label to run a piece of Really Reasonable Ribbon's "Moss Swirls" ribbon through.

I added some silk Fall leaves from the floral department of Hobby Lobby and the finishing touch is that beautiful "Fall Medley" leaf shaped gem from Creative Charm's November "Fabulous Fall" Kit of The Month.

By the way...There has been such a demand for Creative Charm's "Falling For Fall"  Deal of the Month that Midori has released it a week early!

You get 128 Pieces for $6.99 (Regular $18.43)

· Orange Sheer Flowers – 3 Pieces

· Red Sheer Flowers – 3 Pieces

· Orange Gem Brads (assorted sizes) – 12 Pieces

· Red Gem Garden – 12 Pieces

· 18” Red Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon

· Red Sunflowers – 4 Pieces

· Loop d’Loop Brads (assorted colors) – 9 Pieces

· Red Gem Stickers – 76 Pieces

· Orange Groovy Petals – 8 Pieces

~~~~~~~
I am entering this project in the following challenges:
Double Dutch ~ "Fall Has Fallen"
Lots To Do ~ "Autumnal Colors"
~~~~~~~

Thanks so much for dropping by! I love it when you visit!

Hope your week is wonderful!

Hugs,

True :D
PS... If you have yet to sign up for my latest blog candy, sponsored by: Wild Orchid Crafts, CLICK HERE to go enter!

A simple little holly - My Original Artwork

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Hello All!

I am really having trouble finding a simple little holly stamp that I like. The ones I have found are either way too stylized for my taste or just plain funky!
The fix....make one of my own. Plain and simple but cute! ;)



Hugs your way!

True :)

"Squeek in Apple"My Original Artwork Card Plus Lots-o-Challenges! :)

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Hello!
I decided to work the digi I created yesterday into a card. I happened to see several challenges the image would work nicely in to I kicked it into high gear to get it done before the entry deadlines. I think it turn out kind of cute! ;)
The CS is Bazzill and the DP is from Pink Paislee. The sentiment is from Penny Black's "Critter Party".





Here are the challenges I am entering this card into...Brace yourselves! LOL!
Sketch and Stash Challenge #20 - Use provided sketch and some kind of stash.
I followed the sketch but used a rectangular frame around my "round" image. My stash is that pretty DP. I bought it before last Christmas with some other DP but didn't use it. I went looking for a DP with colors called for in the next challenge and viola!
Creatalicious Challenge #2 - make a creation with this colour combo pink or plum, with burgundy and green. Also add some sort of lace, ribbon or fibre etc.
I used pink, burgundy and green. There is also a green ribbon.
Digital Tuesday Challenge #26 - Heart to Heart - Use a heart somewhere on your creation.
I drew a heart shape hole in the apple and Squeek's nose is also a heart. Yes it is a digi...one of mine! ;)
Creative Card Crew Challenge #30 - All That Sparkles
I added a green jewel to the sentiment corner, the leaf has glitter and the apple sparkles and shines!
ABC Challenge - E is for Embossing
I dry embossed the pink CS with a Cuttlebug folder and embossed around the edge of the main image frame.
Charisma Cardz Challenge #39 - Decoupage
I decoupaged my main image up to 3 layers in spots

Stamp Something Challenge - Stamp something with apples, teachers, or school
I drew a digi apple. The sentiment is a stamp from Penny Black.
Daring Card Makers Challenge- Folding up!
I folded the corner down to stamp the sentiment.
Penny Black Challenge #69 - Autumn Breezes
I associate crispy red apples with fall because of harvest time and Halloween. The image is my original artwork but the sentiment is from Penny Black's "Critter Party" set.
One Stop Craft Challenge #49 - Autumn Inspiration"
I associate crispy red apples with fall because of harvest time and Halloween.
Secret Crafter Challenge #52 - Celebration
Mine is a birthday celebration.
Gingersnap Creations Challenge - GC22 Spicy Supply Challenge - Bling
I added a gemstone and sparkle.
Dare U 2 Digi Stamp Challenge - Punched Shapes or Die Cuts
I used my Nesties
Easy Breezy Kewl Colors Challenge - Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Rose Red, Rich Razzleberry.
I don't have these SU colors but played along with similar colors.
Pile It On Challenge #18 - 3 Dimensional and other challenges.
Mine is...and I think I got the other challenges covered! LOL! ;)

Wheew! That was a lot of work!
Please leave a comment if you have a second to spare. Thanks so much!
Hugs,
True :)

I have been playing with my digi board again! My Original Artwork

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This is really getting addictive!
Here is mt poinsettia sketch.



And here it is after I worked with it on my digi board.
I love the airbrush tool! :)

Remember...you can click on the picture to enlarge for better detail. ;)



Please let me know what you think.

Hugs,

Woooo Hooo! My Original Artwork

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OK...looks like the majority of you from my previous post, like the dog best.
Someone wanted to see it colored.
Your wish is my command! LOL!
I played a little more with my digi board and found some cool tools that make drawing smooth lines a breeze!
Here is Sam all colored up!
I need to make a card too!
Please comment below if you would buy this as a digi or a rubber stamp if offered. ;)
Thanks and hugs!

Some more doodles - My Original Artwork

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Hello all!

I had so many sweet comments on my cupcake doodle that I thought I would show you a few more.

I always seem to doodle when I am doing something else. LOL!

Today I was setting on hole #8 at a charity golf game taking money for shortened drives. There was quite a bit of down time between groups of golfers and I brought along my sketch pad.

I usually start out drawing the head of my critters and the face is last. For whatever reason, today I did the face first. I kept looking at it trying to figure out if it would make a cutter bear or dog and couldn't make up my mind so I did both!

Same exact face but different heads.

Now, you have to picture complete signs. They will be when I turn them into digis.

Which one do you like best? ;)

This one I did on my lunch break at work yesterday. I was a little surprised that it turned out like it did since I did it from memory. No poinsettias available to look at. Of course, this one will look a lot better in color when you can see what is green and what is red or rose.

This one I did in a class. Yes...I was paying attention. I concentrate better when I am not just starring at the speaker for hours. I started with just the apple....got board....picked up the pencil again and did the pear. Got board again and added the grapes. Before long, there was a table and pitcher. Had the class been a little longer, I might have done a whole room! LOL!

If you click on the picture to enlarge, you can see that I did it on the back of a class hand out. There is print bleading through up by the pitcher. Oooops! ;)

Anyhow, thanks for stopping by to see my original artwork. I hope I am not boring you with my doodles!

Hugs,

This is going to be fun!!!! My Original Artwork

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Hi!

Well, I finally broke down and bought a digital drawing pad! It is going to be so stinkin' fun to play with. It will sure make digis a lot easier! ;)


I turned this...



into this...


COOL BEANS! Don't ya think?

Thanks for dropping by!
Hope you all have an awesome weekend!

Hugs!

Tutorial For Using Your Own Drawing For 3D'ing - My Original Artwork

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Hello!
My name it Trudy - AKA True :)
I created this tutorial for the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog.
Hope you like it!

Sometimes we just have to doodle!
Have you ever wanted to turn that doodle into a 3D image for a card? It is a little tough redrawing all of the layers right?
You don't have to be a computer or graphics whiz to be able to do this a little easier!
The "Cat and Pumpkins" card above is one of my sketches. I will walk you through a few steps that you can follow to be able to turn your own design into a "digital" image of sorts. You don't even need special programs or digital drawing pads!

First, sketch your image in pencil.



You will want the final lines to be fairly dark.
Then scan your image and save it to your desktop or special folder. Now open up MS Word or any "Paint" or "Photo" type program. I used Word here because most of us have it.
Insert your picture into the document.
Re-size it to the size you want to use on your project.
Copy and paste as many images as you would like to "pop" for that 3D look we all love. The card shown here has 4 layers.
Print it out on heavy white cardstock. (If you might want to use this image again, make sure and save your document and next time all you will have to do is print!)
Color your images. If you are still coloring all of your "popped" layers...STOP! It saves a lot of time if you just paint what shows on each later and it also helps your adhesives stick better. Refer to the picture below to see what I mean.
You can outline the image if you want the "stamped" look. I did the cat but left the pumpkins without outlines so you can see the difference it makes.



Cut your main image out however you would like. I used a Nestabilities die for mine.
Then cut out all of your pieces that will be popped.
Use dimensional tape or dots to adhere them together.



Add sparkle and shine if you would like, attach it to your card, and voila...a card with your own artwork on it!



I hope you will all try this out to see how amazing YOUR inner artist can be. I would love to see what you come up with!
If you create something with this technique, please come back to this tutorial post and attach a link to your project on your blog so I can come visit you!

If you found it useful, please leave a comment below so I will know to do more tutorials! ;)