True's Gift's From the Heart

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Discount Card Stock & The Twinery Blog Hop!!!!

Hi Everyone!

The Twinery and DiscountCardstock.com Design Teams are joining up today for a Summer Party themed blog hop!
As you hop from blog to blog make sure and comment on every post because there will be two winners chosen randomly along the hop. If you get lost anywhere along the hop (or if someone is having a blog glitch!) a complete list of participants will be posted on The Twinery and DiscountCardStock.com blogs. The hop will end on 7/13/2011 and winners will be posted on The Twinery and DiscountCardStock.com blogs the following day.

Here is the card I created for the hop.
I used Discount Card Stocks's - Teal, Frosted Teal Prismatic, and Brilliant White.
The twine I used is The Twinery's - Caribbean and Lemondrop.

The image is "On The Beach" and the sentiment is "Sunny Side Up" both from Inky Antics but I took a little artistic licence with it. She originally had a 1 piece bathing suit but, since we are featuring twine, I thought it would be fun to give her a string bikini!

Before...

And after a little creative masking and some doodling with a Micron Pigma pen ... voila!
It's an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polk-a-dot bikini!

OK...on to the prizes!

The first is a Colorful Bunch Sampler Pack ($20 retail value!) from the Twinery:

Also a paper sampler pack (a $20 retail value!)from DiscountCardstock.com

Our twine is made from 100% cotton, it's eco-friendly and made in the USA. Whether you're gift wrapping, crafting or tying up baked goods to give to a friend, our baker's twine adds a fresh, yet nostalgic look to any project at hand! Our baker's twine comes in 11 delicious colors and is uniquely twisted against a bright white hue, creating an eye-popping burst of color and a creative embellishment! Our twine has lots of color which lends to a fun, candy-striped look.

DiscountCardstock.com was launched in 2002 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our mission is to provide great quality cardstock and specialty papers at discount pricing. We offer 100% acid and lignin free, archival quality uncoated cardstocks, as well as metallic, vellum, hand-made specialty papers, envelopes, scored cards and high qualify art paper and cards that are specially coated and developed for use by professional artists and card makers using ink jet printers.

Here is the hop order:

The Twinery

Jeanne Streiff

Emily Leiphart

You are here~~~~~Trudy Sjolander

Monika Wright

Angie Hagist-Discount Cardstock Blog

BTW...If you missed my post yesterday about my exciting news, PLEASE CLICK HERE. ;)

Thanks so much for hopping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

This is one example of why I love blogging and sharing my work!

Hi Everyone!

This is my second post of the day so please scroll down to see my big news!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I sometime get a little down in the dumps and think that my blogging is for me only but then I get emails from people like Theresa.

We follow each other's blogs and have sent several emails back and forth. Today she told me in an email, that her coloring has improved partly due to me. WoW!!!! What a compliment to someone who loves to teach and share! She also asked if I had seen her post today. I had been very busy so I hadn't ,but went right there.

She totally CASEd my coloring! :)

This is Theresa's card.

This is the card that I did that she drew inspiration from.

I think she did an amazing job! The grass is a mirror image!

I would LOVE it if you would head on over to Theresa's blog and see her post about it.

I really love making new crafty friends and so does she!

Hugs and Happy Crafting!

True :D

Big News! :)

Hi Everyone!

I have been keeping a secret for months.

I am the "Featured Designer" in the September issue of CardMaker magazine!!!! ;)

There is a 2 page spread that has a picture of me (ugh!) one of my cards done with a digi that I designed for Clear Dollar Stamps, and an interview. I am so excited and honored to have been asked!

I just saw on FaceBook where the digital version is out so it is OK to toot about it!

I also made the front cover...a first for me! It is the tiny card in the upper corner but it is still the cover! LOL! :)

The digital version is available now and the hard copy will be out soon.

You can go HERE for a sneak peek!

Then scroll down to where it says "Meet the Designer"...that's me! :)

Hugs to ya all!

True :D

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy 4th! Life's the Berries! :)

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all having a wonderful 4th!

I got my famous "Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Potato Salad" finished. My Sugar-free "Summer Berry Cheesecake" is done, and I had some time left to make these fun 4th of July chocolate covered strawberries. A friend of mine posted a picture of some like them on Facebook, and I just had to give 'em a go.

Don't they just make you smile? :)

We are waiting for our son and daughter-in-law to arrive so we can head off to our evening festivities. Maybe I should put the berries on a smaller platter...but then maybe they wouldn't all fit. Darn....I'd have to eat the extras! :)

Hope you all have a safe, happy, and healthy 4th of July!

Thanks to everyone who has made sacrifices for our freedom!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Hugs,

True :D

Friday, July 1, 2011

Summer Fun Challenge @ RRR...Break Out The Gingham!

Hi Everyone!

It's the first of the month so it's time for another Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings challenge!

This time we would like to see your "Picnic/Summer Fun" projects. Don't forget to use ribbon or trim also to qualify for our challenge. For all of the details and to see how you could win a Really Reasonable Ribbon gift certificate, head on over to our RRRR challenge blog....

...after you check out my card of course! *wink* *wink*!

When I think picnic, I think pretty basket and gingham cloth spread out on a shady spot of soft grass.

Jackie from Inky Antics sent me their sweet "Picnic Basket" and "Life's a Picnic" images. I love the fact that there is already a gingham table cloth in the basket. You just color it any color you want. Of course I teamed it up with Really Reasonable Ribbon's - 7/8" Red Gingham ribbon. They have any color and size of gingham you could imagine! Check them all out HERE.

I was focused on the card when I took this shot and didn't even see my fur baby Zoey in the background. I just about cropped her out but changed my mind 'cause Zoe likes to get her picnic on too. Big girl can eat some fried chicken! Just sayin'! :)

Here is a closer look at the pretty ribbon.

The papers are Brilliant White and Posh Red Twill from Discount Card Stock.

Here is a closer look at the Inky image and sentiment. It was fun to color! Woven baskets let you really use your shading skills. One tip I have for you this time is to use Sharpie Fine Tip red markers when you have a small area of red that needs colored. The color is vibrant and the fine tip allows you to color fine detail like the lines in the gingham. Love 'em!

I chalked the clouds in with a home-made cloud template.

Thanks so much for dropping by and taking a closer look!

I hope you will head on over to our Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog, take a peek at the awesome projects the other girls have created, and join in on the fun!

If I don't see you back here before the 4th, I hope you and yours have a safe, happy, and healthy 4th of July!

Big hugs,

True :D

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Birthday "Candles in a Row" and an Inky Blog Hop!

Hi Everyone!

As you all know, life has been busy in the Sjolander house with our son's wedding and all. Good news is... it is over and...I have a new daughter! :)

I've posted this picture of the kids before but here it is again. Just too sweet not to show it more then once! :)

I wanted to pop on today and tell you about an Inky Antics blog hop that started today. I really wanted to create something for it so I could join in on the fun but with the wedding this past weekend, life got in the way.

That won't stop you from playing though!

Head on over to the Inky blog for the details. You could win a fun Carla Craft Binding system!

I do have an Inky card to share with you.

This cutie was done with Inky's "Candle Row" and "Cursive Birthday" stamps.

The pretty Fuchsia Glitz ribbon and Pink and Brown Hand Painted Buttons are from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The papers are all Discount Cardstock products:

Brilliant White 110#

Cyclamen Cascota Felt

Pistachio Cascota Felt

Violet Cascota Felt

Posh Yellow Crepe

Other Supplies: Sakura Purple Gelly Roll pen

Prismacolr pensils in: Violet, French Grey 50%, Apple Green, Process Red, Violet Blue, Canary Yellow, Gamsol, Diamond Glaze

Pink brads, Ranger- White Opal Liquid Pearls

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

And the winner of my Wild Orchid Crafts + Extras Blog Candy is.....

Theresa! :)

Congratulations! Please email me your snail mail addy. ;)

Theresa said:

Hello True, I just came upon your sight via some YouTube tutorials on coloring with PrismaColor Colored Pencils. I think I may have seen your tutorial on that darling crow somewhere else...don't remember. Your coloring is amazing. I think I was asbsent in kinder when they taught that skill, because I sure don't have it!!

I don't normally follow blogs for just their candy...and I certainly didn't today either. I am following and subscribing for your work. I do love these flowers though. I may just have to purchase some.

Thanks for the great tutorials...hope to see many many more.

Take Care,
Theresa (My Sassy Cards)

June 18, 2011 12:37 PM

I would like to thank everyone who visited, commented and played along. You are all so very appreciated! I wish everyone could win!

Hope you all have a fun and crafty day!

Hugs,

True :D

Monday, June 27, 2011

The Wedding Is Over....Craft Studio, HERE I COME!!!!! ;)

Hi Everyone!

The wedding is over. It was beautiful! I will show some more pictures as I get them. Here are a few that I can show you now.

This is Mr and Mrs. Kurt Sjolander as they were walking out of the church.

Here they are getting into the limo to be driven to the Country Club for the reception.

Here is one Kurt and I. He came down with a stomach bug 2 days before the wedding, but was a trooper and carried on. I think he is very handsome...even when he's feeling punny. :)

LOVE MY BABY!

I have not had many opportunities to get into my craft studio to do anything other then wedding stuff for the last several weeks. I loved helping with the wedding, and visiting with all of our friends and family, but it is nice that I can get back to my regular routine in a day or two. I have been neglecting my blog and feel like I am slacking with my design teams.

I do have a house to get back in order, some tuxes to return, some decorations to deal with plus all of the keepsake stuff to pack up for the kids but after that...inky fingers, HERE I COME!!!! :)

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

I'm Still Kickin"! ;)

Hi everyone!

Just thought I would take a second to let you all know that I am still here.
We have been super busy with our son, Kurt, and Kristin, our future daughter-in-law's wedding, which is this Saturday. I just about have all of the crafty stuff done for it and am finishing off the last of the candy favors. Then we have to have a major house cleaning party to repair for all of the friends and family who will be coming to visit this weekend. I am getting really excited!

Here is a picture of my son and soon to be "daughter" at my niece Katie's wedding a few weeks ago.
Aren't they a sweet looking couple? :)

Sorry I have been neglecting my blog the last several weeks but be on the look out for lots of wedding themed projects around the first week of July.

I have had a ball helping make things for the kids special day but do look forward to getting back to my normal crafty ways. My paper, stamps, and ribbon are all calling my name! ;)

Big hugs!

True :D

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Digi Release Day @ Clear Dollar Stamps and a New Challenge @ Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hi Everyone!

It's the 15th of the month which means it's double DT duty time for True :)!

It's digi release day @ Clear Dollar Stamps and I created a fun floal digi in both colored and lines only formats, that would be great to give your friends. I also used the non-colored version to create a sample card for today's Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge sponsored by Sakura of America.

My first card was done with my "Garden of Life" pre-colored digi set. You can make beautiful cards really quick with this set. It comes with different colored flowers and 3 digi papers to coordinate, all for just $3.50 for instant download!

The pretty purple cardstock is Discount Card Stock's - Passion and the digi paper and focal image was printed on their Brilliant White.

The pretty Lavender Swiss Dots Grosgrain ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

My second project is a gift tag that was done from my "Garden Of Life" Black and White digi set. I created it for the Really Reasonable Ribbon/Sakura of America "Hand-written Sentiment or Journaling" challenge that starts today. Go HERE for the details and to join in.

I used the fun Moonlight Gelly Roll pens from Sakura to draw my Zentangle on the flower image.

It was printed on Discount Card Stock's - Brilliant White.

I used the fun Turquoise Mini Ric Rac from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Here is a shot of the inside of the tag...my "hand-written sentiment". ;)

This is what you get when you buy and download the colored version of my "Garden of Life" digi set for $3.50.

This is what you get with my "Garden of Life" black and white version for $2.50.

Head on over to Lori's Clearly iStamp blog to see all of the other new digis released today and find links to all of the digi team's awesome new projects.

Then you can head over to the Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog to see what the other girls have created for your viewing pleasure and join in on the fun.

Thanks to Sakura of America for sponsoring us with gel pens to play with and a prize for one lucky winner! There will also be a prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon! That's 2 chances to win! :)

BTW...if you have not signed up for my latest blog candy, CLICK HERE to win some pretty Wild Orchid Crafts flowers and some surprise goodies! :)

Thanks so much for dropping by! :)

Hugs,

True :)

Monday, June 13, 2011

Flower Soft & Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop with Blog Candy!!! :)

Hi Everyone!

So glad you can join us on our Really Reasonable Ribbon & Flower Soft blog hop!

If you came here from the Flower Soft blog, you're in the right place. If you just happened on to my blog, you will want to head back there where it all starts so you don't miss a thing. ;)

Both teams have come together and created lots of pretty projects for your viewing pleasure.

Why not take a second to grab a cup of your favorite beverage, set back, hop along with us, and enjoy the view?

If at any time, you get lost along the way, head on back to the Flower Soft blog or our Really Reasonable Ribbons Ramblings blog where you will find a complete list of links to both teams.

There will be prizes awarded to 4 lucky random commenters, so make sure and leave some love on all of the girl's projects to increase your chances of winning some Flower Soft or Really Reasonable Ribbon goodness! :)

For my project, I chose to decorate a holiday center piece. It was very easy to doll up this plain candle using a couple of the beautiful red, white, and blue ribbons from this month's Really Reasonable Ribbon Club Assortment and the Strawberry Ultra Fine and Gold Flower Soft that I was sent to play with. :)

The pretty card stock is Brilliant White and Really Red from Discount Card Stock.

I stamped the sentiment with a generic wood block alphabet set.

Flower Soft Glue and Score-Tape holds it all together. ;)

It's not too late to sign up for this month's Ribbon Club Assortment. Then you will receive a different set of 10-15 yards of beautiful assorted ribbon every month for just $9.00 including S&H!

Get all of the details HERE.

OK...your next stop on the hop is the amazing Linda's blog. I bet she has something wonderful to share with you! :)

Don't forget to comment below to increase your chances to win some Flower Soft or Really Reasonable Ribbon. The hop ends on Monday, June 19th and the winners will be announced on both the RRR and Flower Soft blogs on Monday June 20th.

BTW...I also have some blog candy going on right now. If you would like a chance at it, go HERE for the details.

Thanks for dropping by and hopping along with us!

Hugs,

True :D

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Crow ~ Prismacolor Coloring Tutorial Card

Hi Everyone!

I did a Prismacolor and Gamsol coloring tutorial for Clearly iStamp blog today using the "Something To Crow About" stamp set that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps.

This is the card I made with the image I colored for the tutorial.

The cardstock is Brilliant White, Bazzil Dotted Swiss - Irish Eyes, and Posh Milk Chocolate Felt, all from Discount Card Stock.

The Sunflower designer paper is from K&Company's - Tim Coffey's Cottage Garden stack.

The pretty Olive Wrinkled ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Here is a peek at the inside of the card. ;)

If you would like to know what Prismacolor pencils I used and see the tutorial, I invite you to head on over to our Clearly iStamp blog and have a look. :)

Before you go...don't forget to sign up for my latest BLOG CANDY HERE. You could win some pretty Wild Orchid Crafts flowers and some extra goodies!

Hugs,

True :D

Friday, June 3, 2011

Another Layout! Zoey is My Pretty in Pink Prima Baby! :)

Hi Everyone!
Before I show you my project, I would like to remind you of a couple of things going on over at our Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog. For one, we have a fun challenge that started a couple of days ago, and we would love to have you play along with us. The theme is "Pink and Brown"...with ribbon of course! ;)Also, don't forget to sign up for the awesome "Summer Blog Candy" that Bonnie has up for grabs! :)
OK...on to my layout...You know...I bet 99% of my projects have ribbon somewhere on them (I just LOVE the stuff) but...I don't always want a bow, so I will just sneak a dab in somewhere else.Look at my layout below and see if you can spot the ribbon right off the bat! :)

The pretty textured catdstock is White Groove from Discount Card Stock.

The designer paper is Prima's - "Sweet Fairy" stack. The flowers are also by Prima.

Did you spot the ribbon? I used a piece of pretty Rose Diamond Satin from Really Reasonable Ribbon, as one of my "designer paper" strips. It adds a touch of extra texture and shimmer to the layout.

I thought I would also share the picture of my Zoe Babby before I "Photo Shopped" the chain out of the picture. I HATE chains but this photo was taken the first day we brought her home and our yard isn't fenced. We didn't want her taking off when we let her out to do her business. ;)
Anyhow...we no longer have to use the chain and I don't think she would ever think about running away. I think she loves us as much as we love her.
Photo Shop is a wonderful program! I just copied some of the grass and painted over the chain. I tell ya...the things we can do now a days! ;)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

True :D

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Let's join Nikki Sivils in helping our fellow crafters who lost everything in the Joplin tornado + an announcement. ;)

Hi Everyone!

As some of you may know, the tornado in Joplin touched my family personally.

Nikki Sivils has now touched my ♥HEART♥.

She has donated boxes and boxes of product to children in shelters who lost their homes in the tornado to help keep their hands and minds occupied. Now she has started a craft product drive for our fellow crafters who have lost all of their scrapbooking and card making supplies. Can you imagine what it would be like if you lost all of yours? And that is on top of loosing almost everything else you own!

Lets all pitch n and do what we can to help. Clean out your craft rooms, buy and extra stamp or paper stack when it's on sale, sort through your ribbons and embellishments and send them to Joplin via Nikki.

You can get all of the details on Nikki's blog or her Facebook page.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I would also like to announce that as of today, I am official design team member of Discount Card Stock! Wooo Hoooo! :)

Click HERE to meet the rest of the team.

I was a guest designer for them last month and loved playing with their pretty papers, so when I was asked to join them full time, I jumped at the opportunity!

Just look at all of the amazing papers they sent me to play with for my 1st month's allotment!

Now the big question is....which ones do I use first? LOL! :)

Thanks for dropping by!

Please pop an "I'll help" in the comments below if you plan on pitching in on Nikki's wonderful cause. :)

Hugs,

True :D

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Time For Another Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge!

Hi Everyone!

Who doesn't love pink and brown?

It's one of my favorite color combos and that just happens to be the theme for Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings current challenge.

Way back when I first started stamping, I bought a bunch of Penney Black stamps and painted lots of duplicates of all of them. They have been setting in a craft drawer for years, unloved. I am going to try to start using them up, My coloring style has not changed a bit so you probably wouldn't have known that I colored this little guy 3 years ago if I didn't already tell ya! :)