My Very First Gingerbread House! :)

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Hi Everyone! 

I have always wanted to make a gingerbread house, but for whatever reason, never had....until now. I didn't want to go out and buy lots of candies to decorate it because I would have just ended up eating most of them, so it is sparsely decorated with just royal frosting, but I think I like the simplicity. 

I drew out templates for the birdhouse and free-hand cut the birds and trees.

I did most of the detail before I assembled the pieces.

And a final set of photos for pinning. :)

If you have never made one, you should give it a try.

I'm now hooked! :)

Thanks for dropping by!

Inky Antics Christmas Blog Hop! :)

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Hi everyone!

Welcome to our Inky Antics Christmas blog hop.  

If you are here from sweet Jovi's blog, you are in the right place.

If you just happened onto my blog, you will want to go back to the Inky blog where it all starts. :)

The girls have all created projects with some of Inky's latest Christmas stamps.

I know...it's not even Halloween and we are sharing Christmas cards. But, you know how it is when you are a card maker though. You have to start early! We are leaving you plenty of time to check out some of Inky's newest sets, get them ordered and still have lots of time to get your cards done. :)

I am super excited because this is the first hop that includes my stamps! My friend Tex (Bev) and I will be sharing cards created with stamps from my Punny Christmas Critters line, and the other girls will be sharing projects created with the wonderful Tammy DeYoung's new images.

My card was done with #11129MC Punny Christmas Pups clear set. It is also available as wood mount...#0095H Fleas Navidad.

This is what the entire set looks like.

You can get a link to it and the other stamps the girls have used for this hop HERE.

I loved "decorating" the tree, and thought I would share a close up. The glitter and rhinestones almost look like lights. :)

Card Recipe:

Designer Paper: KaiserCraft - Belle Collection

Cardstock: Discount Card Stock -  Posh Red Linen and Brilliant White

Ribbon: Really Reasonable Ribbon - Ruby Red Diamond Satin

Other: 

Want2Scrap - 72 Count Red Rhinestones

Art Glitter - D59 StarDance Hexus Grande Dazzlers

Prismacolor pencils, Gamsol, StazOn Jet Black ink, JudyKins Diamond Glaze, Beacon Fabri-tac, Scotch ATG, sewing machine with red thread, Bow-easy

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, October 28th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). TWO people’s names will be drawn at random to receive an Inky Christmas clear stamp set. The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you've won.

Your next stop on the hop is Michelle's inspiring blog. :)

Thanks so much for hopping by!

"Christmas Zoey" English Bulldog Digi Stamp

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Hi everyone!

I have had quite a few people buy my Christmas Zoey digi stamp the last few days so I thought I would bring it back to the top of my blog for others to see.

I  drew it in the image of our fur baby for personal Christmas cards a couple of years ago, but so many people liked it that I offered it up for sale. :)

Do you love bulldogs or know someone who does? This might just be the perfect image for your Christmas cards. Why not get a jump on your Christmas cards now? :)

You can make your cards as simple or as detailed as you would like. I included a line art version too in case you want to color your own with whatever special markings you want. ;)

Here is a cad I created with the pre-colored version.

If you would like to purchase it, please click the button below.

You will receive a zipped file with both JPEG and PNG files within 24 hours of your payment clearing. (You will probably get it much sooner then 24 hours though, depending on when you order.

I am selling this digital set for just $3.00!

NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES ON THIS ITEM ONCE PURCHASED.

Designed by Trudy Sjolander

Copyright Trudy Sjolander, True =D Doodle Designs

This is a resizable  digital image that you can print on your own paper or cardstock.

The set comes with (1) pre-colored image, (1) line art image, and (5) sentiments.

Copyright information:

True :D Doodle Designs Terms of Use for the any image you receive from me.
 Included in the zip file are all image(s) described in png and jpg formats, and a text document of the terms of use.
When you received or purchased the image, you agreed to the following:
1. You will use this image with care and respect, that is, for personal creations only.
2. You will not sell it or give it out freely in digital format.  But you may
   sell your creations that it is used on.

3. Mass production (more than 100 cards or products) is strictly prohibited without written consent from the artist.
3. You may submit the artwork for publication being sure to give image copyright credit to Trudy Sjolander, True =D Doodle Designs. The image(s) have been copyrighted.  Please handle  with respect to my artist copyright.

Thanks and Hugs,

Win one of my new stamp sets that are now available at the Inky Antics store!!!!

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Hi Everyone!

I am super excited to share my new stamp line with you! 

I am also going to share a clear stamp set with one lucky commenter!

The stamps are now in the Inky Antics store in both clear sets and individual wood mounted!

The Inky shop does not allow direct links but you can see my entire stamp line by clicking THIS LINK, scrolling down to the picture of the singing kitties, then clicking on "GO" by "Check out Trudy's stamps".  There are four pages of them, so make sure and click "NEXT" a couple of times to see them all. :)

These are the clear sets...

(Click on photo to see larger view)

 I also have a Christmas Ornament HoneyPOP set.

 This set can make ornaments like these that I created for the stamp set packaging, when used with Inky's HoneyPOP papers. 

Thanks so much for dropping by!

I would love to know which of the sets is you favorite!

Leave a comment for a chance to win it! 

If you want it now and don't want to wait to see if you win it, if you are chosen as the winner, I will refund your purchase price for that set!

Want extra chances to win?

Become a follower, if you aren't already (1 extra chance)
Share on your Facebook (1 extra chance)

Share on your blog (5 extra chances).

Do as little or as many as you want, then just let me know what you have done for extra chances. :)

I will announce the winner on August 1st.

Depending on the number of entries, I may throw in more sets! :)

Thanks and...

L@@Ky L@@ky...Christmas Cupcake Wrappers-Early Release

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Hi Everyone! 

Normally we do Clear Dollar Stamps digi releases on the 15th of the month but with Christmas quickly approaching, I decided to share my latest cupcake wrappers with you a little early.

I love dropping them down into a clear Dixie cup, putting them in a treat bag and tiein' on a pretty bow from Really Reasonable Ribbon. :)

These whip up so quickly and with one batch of cupcake batter, you could make 24 fun little gifts! :)

These yummy looking cupcakes were made with a white cake mix {Gasp!}, pre-made whipped white frosting and a little red food coloring. :)

You can find these Wilton holly candy sprinkles @ a store near you and they match the wrappers perfectly!

This is what my Christmas Cupcake Wrapper digi set looks like and it's available for instant download now for just $4.00!

Thanks so much for dropping by today!

Hugs,

True :D

Time for Inky Antic's "Wrap It Up!" Blog Hop!

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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to our Inky Antic's "Wrap It Up!" blog hop!

The Inky girls are going to show you some fun last minute ways to wrap those little gifts you've been putting off wrapping.

If you are here from Debbie's pretty blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened on to my blog, you'll want to head back to the Inky blog where it all starts. :)

My project is a super quick and easy one. I used a store bought white gift bag that cost .39 cents @ Hobby Lobby and used the fun #10044H Hanging Ornaments stamp from Inky Antics.

I used Ranger Inks' Perfect Medium and Gold Embossing powder to stamp the image then colored them in with Copics.

I'll let you in on a little secret...The heat tool and the bag didn't play nice so I stamped it again on a Brilliant White cardstock then added the Nestability shapes in Gold Ore Metallic cardstock, both from Discount Card Stock. Then I stuck it to the scorched area and no one would have been the wiser had I not told you about it! ;)

I added some tissue and a pretty bow made from Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Poppy Red Diamond Satin ribbon and I have a very inexpensive gift bag that anyone would like to receive! :)

Your next stop on the hop is the lovely Jovi's blog.

BTW...If you haven't visited my blog in a couple of days, CLICK HERE to see my latest exciting news! :)

Thanks so much fro dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

I'm So Excited to be Designing/Writing For CardMaker Magazine Blog and a Discount Card Stock Gift Box ;)

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Hi Everyone!

I am so excited that I get to share with you that I am on the first ever CardMaker Magazine blog design team.

There are 5 of us that have been asked to take on this wonderful new adventure. I am sure you have seen all of the other girls work, both on their blogs and in books and magazines. I am in awe of my fellow teammate's talent and am truly honored  to be working with such an awesome group of women!

They are:

Tami Mayberry

Carolyn King

Colleen Schaan

Kimberly Crawford
For the CardMaker blog, we will all be doing product reviews, sharing our favorite techniques, giving you card making tips, and having regular blog hops to inspire your creativity. :)
Besides working with the team, we will also be working with Tanya Fox and Brooke Smith, editor and  managing editor. I have had the privilege of meeting both of them in person and I can tell you they are both lovely ladies.

I first met Tanya at a charity crop in Topeka, KS in 2009 where we were both speakers, and I also taught classes. When we were both asked back the following year, Tanya asked if her and Brooke could help me teach my watercolor classes. I jumped on the offer and the chance to spend more time with Tanya and Brooke! We all enjoyed showing others how fun it is to paint stamped images with watercolors. I was a wonderful opportunity to get to know them better. We clicked instantly! They are my kind of people! :) 

Now I get to return the favor by helping them spread the word about CardMaker's new blog!  

I would like to invite you to visit the CardMaker blog to welcome the team,  "Like" them on Facebook, and "Follow" so you won't miss any of the fun articles, tutorials, and inspirational projects that are headed your way!

Wait!  I have a quick little project to share with you before you head over to the CardMaker blog! :)

I made this little gift box to hold a special Christmas gift for someone special.

I used Discount Card Stock's Posh Cafe Satin Sparkle and Straw.

The beautiful ribbon is Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Shimmer Satin Gold

For the top decoration I used THIS POINSETTIA DIE (it's on sale right now) and the same cardstock that I used on the base of the box. I used a fine tip glue pen to draw the veins, then added gold embossing powder and heat set it. I then put it all together with Helmar's 450 Quick Dry Adhesive, and attached it with Helmar's Liquid Scrap Dots.

  

Thanks so much for dropping by today!

Helmar's Holiday Blog Hop, Comment Candy, and a Tutorial!

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Hi Everyone!

Christmas is less than a month away and I'm guessing by now, you are in full prepping for the holidays mode! 

Well, the Helmar Hotties girls are for sure! We have all created some fun projects to inspire you to get a little crafty this Christmas. 

Welcome to Helmar's Holiday blog hop!

If you are here from sweet Jessica's blog, you're in the right place! If you just happened on here, you'll want to head on back to our Helmar blog so you don't miss a thing. ;)

I wanted to do something a little different from my normal card, so I created a Christmas pin using lots of Helmar products and eggshells. You heard it right....EGGSHELLS!  :)

Here is my pin:

If you would like to see how to create the eggshell mosaic base for my pin. just check out this video.

(if you want to continue the hop then watch the video, please become a follower and/or bookmark my blog, so you can find your way back when you are finished hopping.

In the video, you saw me use lots of Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive and Helmar Decoupage. I also used Helamr products to assemble my pin.
The Poinsettia Die cut was pieced together with 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.

I attached the poinsettia to the pin base with Helamr Scrap Dots. I love using Scrap Dots for adding floral embellishments because you can easily tip and position them exactly how you want them and it also keeps them popped up better then just gluing them down with regular glue. :)

Here is another pin that I created with the same technique.

Did you like my Poinsettia Christmas pin? Just leave a comment below and you could win it!  :)

Make sure you leave a comment at every stop because the elves of Helmar will be giving away prizes to some lucky Helmar fans. Now hop on over to Carisa’s beautiful blog to see another amazing Helmar Holiday project. The Holiday Hop will be open for comments until 11:59P.S.T December 4^th , so take a look and enjoy a little holiday spirit from all of us on the Helmar Team. Thanks again for stopping by today and Happy Holidays


 Thanks so much for hopping by today!

"Celebrate Katie Renz's Life" Blog Hop

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Hello everyone!

Today we celebrate a beautiful lady and a beautiful life.

Our friend Katie Renz's battle with cancer is over. She is now cancer free in the arms of our Lord!

Katie had the most gorgeous and infectious smile. 

Seeing her in pictures like this one still brightens my day. 

Her light has not faded. It lives on in our hearts.

Katie's Clear Dollar Stamps sisters wanted to celebrate her by CASEing one of her cards or by creating cards for her family and sharing them in this blog hop. I did both because I CASE'ed her and will be sending my card to Kevin and the boys for Christmas.

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

If you are here from sweet Linda's blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened onto my blog, head on back to Lori's Clearly iStamp blog where it all starts. I am sure you will find many heartwarming stories and beautiful creations along your way.

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

Katie had such a special way of creating clean and simple layouts that beautifully featured sentiments.

I created this card with the "Christmas Scriptures" set from Clear Dollar Stamps and some pretty Gold Satin Gold Edged ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

This is the card that Katie made from which I drew my inspiration. I love how she placed the ribbon around the sentiment.

If you have not read, and been touched by Katie's cancer journey, I invite you to go visit her blog. You will not leave dry eyed or inspired by her strength, love for her friends and family, tremendous courage and remarkable grace.

Thanks so much for dropping by to help us celebrate the life of our dear Katie.

Your next stop on the hop is Jan's adorable blog.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Please remember tell the people you love how you feel. You never know when it might be too late. :)

Inky Antics Handmade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop!

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Hi everyone!
Thanks for dropping by to wish me happy birthday today!

This is my first post as a 49 year old...ugh! One more year 'til the big 50!

Ahem uhh ..Let's change the subject before I start sobbing! *sniff sniff*  :)

In all reality, you are probably here for the hop sooo....

I would like to welcome you to the Inky Antics Handmade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop!

If you came here from the Inky Antics blog, you are in the right place! If you just happened on to my blog, head on back there to start at the very beginning.  :)

With the economy what it is, we thought it would be fun to share some handmade "gifts on a shoestring" ideas.

Christmas has become so commercial that I think people really enjoy hand made items now a days anyhow! I know I do!

I used the adorable "Merry Mochaccino" clear set. 

This image is perfect for a homemade gift for any coffee lover!

Here is my project...

I used Discount Card Stock's Brilliant White.

Really Reasonable Ribbon's Red Velvet .

The image was colored with watercolors and a red fine tip Sharpie Marker. 

I distressed the edges with Ranger Coffee Archival Ink.

I thought I would also share a couple of my favorite Mochaccino recipes with you.

Yummy Instant Mochaccino Mix

1 1/4 cups of instant coffee granules

7 cups dry milk powder

5 3/4 cups powdered chocolate drink mix

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 3/4 cups powdered non-dairy creamer

Winter Spice Mochaccino Mix

1 cup instant chocolate drink mix

1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer

2/3 cup instant coffee granules

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions for either recipe:

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until powdery. Store in air-tight container. Mix 4-6 teaspoons into 6 oz. of boiling hot water. Stir until dissolved  Enjoy! :)

Jackie asked the team to "tally up" what we have in our gift items.

This is how mine added up....

1/4 of a sheet of white cardstock  - 4¢

1 clear bag - 6¢

scraps of ribbon about - 10¢

2/3 cup instant coffee - $1.75

1 cup cocoa mix - 80¢

3/4 cup powdered sugar - 25¢

spices, ink, staples, coloring medium...next to nothing!

Grand total.....$3.00 on the dot!

If you don't want to do all the mixing, you can cheat and buy the instant mixes and just decorate them with the tag and a bow.  :)

The hop runs through Sunday, November 20^th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). Two people’s names will be drawn at random to receive a surprise Inky prize pack. The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

You next stop on the hop is sweet Michelle's Inspirational blog.

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

A Mistletoe Christmas Card

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Hi Everyone!

I posted about my new Mistletoe digi stamp earlier, 

but decided to go ahead and make a card with it really quick today after all.  :)

Fickle me! :)

It was quick too...print, cut, doodle with a Copic marker, distress with some Ranger Archival ink, add a snippet of some cool Hunter Green Jute Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and voila!

I added some dewdrops to make it dimensional for today's Split Coast Stampers challenge.

The cardstock is Brilliant White, Posh Cherry Satin Sparkle, and Posh Spruce Satin Sparkle, all from Discount Card Stock.

Of course, it was all put together with Helmar's ZapDots, and Helmar Craft Glue! :)

Here is another peek at my Mistletoe digi set available for instant download for just $3.00. ;)

Thanks for dropping by again today! 

Hugs,

True :D

I Totally Forgot to Share my Mistletoe Digi With You!

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Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to pop in really quick and share my Mistletoe digi stamp that I created for a Clearly Inspired Challenge over at the Clearly iStamp blog.

You still have a week to join in on the challenge!

This is the set and it is available now as an instant download for just $3.00!

This set makes adorable CAS (Clean and Simple) cards, or you can add all kinds of fancy stuff to create your own masterpiece!

Come back on the 13th to see a card I have created with it for a Really Reasonable Ribbon blog hop!  :)

Hugs,

True :D

English Bulldog Pre-colored Digi Stamp and My Card

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Hi Everyone!

If you have visited my blog before, you have probably seen the picture of my fur-baby Zoey in my right sidebar.

I drew an image last year of her and fully intended to use it for my 2010 family Christmas cards. At the time, I had not discovered how much fun it is to color on my computer so I would have had to hand color each and every image. I have lots of friends and family and that would have taken f-o-r-e-v-e-r!

I love love love to color by hand but sometimes a girl just needs a quicker fix! :)

I decided to color her up this year so I could print them out and make my Christmas cards much quicker!

I know there are lots of Bully lovers out there so I thought I would offer my "Christmas Zoey" digi stamp on my blog. Do you have a bulldog yourself? Do you just love bulldogs or have friends or family that have bulldogs? Perhaps your school mascot is a bulldog. :)

This would be a great image for you!

You can make your cards as simple or as detailed as you would like. I included a line art version too in case you want to color your own with whatever special markings you want. ;)

Here is a card I created with the pre-colored version.

The papers are Brilliant White, Intense Kiwi, and a gold from the Precious Metals variety pack all from Discount Card Stock.

I embossed the green with a Cuttlebug Swirls folder the used Ranger Ink products to add the gold. See the product links below.

The beautiful Sheer Ruffled Edge Old Gold ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

This is what the set looks like.

If you would like to purchase it, please click the button below.

You will receive a zipped file with both JPEG and PNG files within 24 hours of your payment clearing. (You will probably get it much sooner then 24 hours though, depending on when you order.

I am selling this digital set for just $3.00!

NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES ON THIS ITEM ONCE PURCHASED.

Designed by Trudy Sjolander

Copyright Trudy Sjolander, True =D Doodle Designs

This is a resizable  digital image that you can print on your own paper or cardstock.

The set comes with (1) pre-colored image, (1) line art image, and (5) sentiments.

Copyright information:

True :D Doodle Designs Terms of Use for the any image you receive from me.
 Included in the zip file are all image(s) described in png and jpg formats, and a text document of the terms of use.
When you received or purchased the image, you agreed to the following:
1. You will use this image with care and respect, that is, for personal creations only.
2. You will not sell it or give it out freely in digital format.  But you may
   sell your creations that it is used on.

3. Mass production (more than 100 cards or products) is strictly prohibited without written consent from the artist.
3. You may submit the artwork for publication being sure to give image copyright credit to Trudy Sjolander, True =D Doodle Designs. The image(s) have been copyrighted.  Please handle  with respect to my artist copyright.

Supplies used on this card.

Click the thumbnails to go get yours.  ;)