"Escape Your Comfort Zone" With The CardMaker Girls Blog Hop!

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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to another fun blog hop with the CardMaker magazine blog design team!

If you are here from sweet Anya's blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened onto my blog, you will want to head back to the CardMaker blog where it all starts.

Brooke asked  us to create a card using a technique that we don't normally use, and escaping our comfort zone.
I have always loved seeing people do Zentangle. Zentangle basically is doodling in a controlled manor using repetitive designs. Mind you, I am sure not a pro. I've only done it once or twice, so my version is very simple.

I wanted to create a "Thank You" card for Brooke. She is the fearless leader of the fun CardMaker magazine blog team. She keeps us all organized and under control  :) ....and she ROCKS!!!

This is how I started out

Thanks so much for dropping by today. If you liked my card, I would love for you to leave me a comment before you go. BTW...you can leave a comment if you didn't like it too.  ;)
I hope you will Google Zentangle, look for more professional examples, and give it a try. It is very fun and relaxing! :)

Your next stop on the hop is back to the CardMaker blog, where I am sure Brooke will have something awesome to share with you!  :)

Here are the links to the rest of the girls on the hop, just in case you hoped in somewhere in the middle  :) ...

Kimberly Crawford 

Carolyn King 

Colleen Schaan 

Anya Schrier 

Trudy Sjolander (you are here)

Hugs,

Card Supply List:

Discount Card Stock: Brilliant White, Two Scoops Raspberry Parfait by Bazzill, Black Prismatic, Morning Glory Blue

Really Reasonable Ribbon: Kiwi Organza Dots 

Want2Scrap: White Pearls

Flowers from Prima and Imaginisce

Copic multiliner pen

Tombow markers

Beacon Fabri-tac

Freebie Alert!!!! I Designed A New Digi Paper Just For My Followers! :)

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Hi Everyone!

Each time I have a blog candy give away, I always feel bad because there can only be one winner and I am so thankful for ALL of my followers!

I have been having so much fun designing digital papers that I decided to do one just for my followers!

I used lots of bright pretty colors so you can team it up with lots of different colors of cardstock.

I made it in both 6" x 6" and 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" sizes.

How do you get them you ask?

Simply become a follower (if you aren't already), leave me a quick comment below, and EMAIL ME HERE.
*** Please make sure and email me at the above link and not my regular email. I have set this one up just for the freebies so I can stay organized. Thanks! ;) ***

I will send the zip file to you as soon as I see your email and check that you have become a follower and have commented below. 

All I ask is when you use my freebies, that you give me credit for them and link back to my blog when possible.

Please do not share the files but please send people back here so they can get a copy for themselves the right way. ;)

If I get lots of takers, this might just have to become a regular thing on my blog. I LOVE sharing! :)

Please spread the word to your friends, on your blogs, Facebook or where ever! The more... the merrier! :)

Thanks so much!

I truly do appreciate you all and look forward to seeing what you create with my freebie!  :)

Hugs,

True :D

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

My Hand-drawn English Bulldog Christmas Card ~ Week 2 as a GDT for the Paper Take Weekly challenge.

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Hello All!

This is week 2 to for my Guest Designer Spot over at Paper Take Weekly.

The Challenge this time is "Cut It Out!"

They want you to use die cuts, punches, fussy cutting, etc.

How easy is that!?!

For my card this week I didn't use a stamp. I drew a picture of my dog Zoey to use for some family card exchanges. Isn't she a sweet little thing?  ;)

I love using my original artwork instead of stamps. I just don't often have the time to do it.

The papers are from Bazzill and The Debbie Mumm Harvest and Holiday stack.

I used assorted Nestabilities and the holly was punched to qualify it for this weeks challenge sample.

The berries are white half pearls that I colored with a red Copic marker.

I did the sentiment on the computer with Adobe Illustrator.

Thanks so much for dropping by! I hope to see one of your creations over at PTW this week.

Come on....ya know ya want to!  ;)

Hugs,

True :D

Another Card Done With My "Snow Tweet" Stamp Set

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Hello All!

Today I have done another card featuring the "Snow Tweet" stamp set that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps. What do you think about that AWESOME Natural Jute Ribbon form Really Reasonable Ribbon?

I used Scor-tape to attach it and put a little wave on one side for added interest.

I think it's  the perfect finishing touch! ;)

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Stamptacular Sunday ~ "Layer It On"
I have WAY more then 5!

The Pink Elephant ~ "Buttons"
There are buttons on the snowman!  ;)

A Spoon Full of Sugar ~ "Sparkle and Shine"

All Sorts ~ "Song Title"
"Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow"

Saturday Challenge ~ "Distressing"

I used ink

SSD ~ "Open"

Creative Cottage ~ "Bling It On!"

My Pink Stamper ~ "Winter"

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :)

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Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Snow Tweet"
CS/PAPERS: My Mind's Eye - Signature Christmas stack. Bazzil Dots, Paper Trey
INK: Staz On, Versa magic - Oasis Green, Color Box - cream brown , Versa Mark
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Wizard, round and round eyelet Nestabilities, holographic embossing powder, heat gun, crystal snowflakes, Diamond Glaze sewing machine with brown thread, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Natural Jute ribbon
COLORING: watercolors

Another Card Done With My New Crow Illustration

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Hello!

Happy Fall!

This is my favorite time of the year!

I just love the warmth of fall colors! I did this card with a fall pallet and one of my stamp illustrations that I drew for Clear Dollar Stamps.

It is called "Something to Crow About" and is available now!

This is such a fun image to color!

I am thinking that us Kansas folk could use it for a Kansas Jay-Hawk too! ;)

I used my all time favorite ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon again. Hope you all don't get tired of seeing it because I know I won't get tired of using it! LOL!

It is the Moss Swirls plus I added some Black Swirls to the double bow.

I used assorted sized 6 petal flower punches, a leaf punch,  and a corduroy brad to make the sunflower.

I am at a big crop in Topeka, Kansas right now (I love the "auto-post" function of Blogger) but would be thrilled if you would leave a comment for me to read when I get home.

Thanks and Hugs,

True :D

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Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Something to Crow About"
CS/PAPERS: Debbie Mumm - Harvest and Holiday stack, Coredinations, Bazzil
INK: Staz-On, ColorBox - Amber Clay
MARKERS: Tombow #'s - 098, 027, 055, 026, N25, N75, 020, 977, 993, 969
ACCENTS/TOOLS:EK and McGill's - flower punches, Martha Stewart - leaf punch, Corduroy brad, Diamond Glaze, orange brads, yellow seed beads, Wizard with round and scalloped round Nestabilities, sewing machine with green thread, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Moss and Black swirls ribbon

Another Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peek

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Hi again!

This cute little guy and friends are from another one of my illustrations. 

The set is called "Snow Tweet" and will be available from Clear Dollar Stamps on Oct.1st

That pretty ribbon is Diamond Satin Red from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Please visit Lori's blog to check out the other girls wonderful sneak peeks. You can see slide shows of these sets and if you click on the links that Lori has posted, you can visit their blogs too! I am sure you will be inspired!

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Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: Snow Tweet
CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey - Jovial, Bazzill Dots, Paper Trey
INK: Staz-On, Color Box - Blue Lagoon and Aquamarine, VersaMark
ACCENTS/TOOLS: micron pen, Wizard and rectangle Nestabilities, Stickles - Frosted Lace, Martha Stewart - course crystal glitter, Flower Soft glue, CTMH - Fun Frock (white), Diamond Glaze, Crystal snowflake, holographic embossing powder, heat gun, sewing machine with green thread, Really Reasonable Ribbon - Diamond Satin Red ribbon
COLORING: watercolors

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Clear Dollar Stamps October Sneak Peeks.

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Hello All!

I have 2 Clear Dollar Stamps sneaks to share with you today!

The first is done with my illustration "Autumn Blessings" It will be available for sale as a stamp set Oct. 1st.

It is also available as an instant download digital set now!

The pretty ribbon is Sheer Iridescent Copper from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

My second peek is from my "Something to Crow About" illustration.

He comes with sunflowers, a straw hat, and several sentiments!

Also available on Oct.1st.

I used the fun Yellow Gingham ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Please visit Lori's blog to check out the other girls wonderful sneak peeks. You can see slide shows of these sets and if you click on the links that Lori has posted, you can visit their blogs too! I am sure you will be inspired!

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Card #1~Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Autumn Blessings"
CS/PAPERS: Paper Trey - Kraft, DCWV - Fall cardstock stack, K&Co - Fall Harvest stack
INK: Staz-On Jet Black, Colorbox - Cream Brown
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Glitter brads, sewing machine with orange thread, Rect. and frames Nestabilities, Wizard, Ranger Stickles - Stardust, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Rust Organza ribbon
COLORING: watercolors

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Card #2~ Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: Something to Crow About
CS/PAPERS: The Paper Temptress - Heavenly white, black crepe, black Basis, gold Stardream
INK: Staz-On, ColorBox _ Dark Moss and Olive Pastel
ACCENTS/TOOLS: sewing machine with green thread, Wizard, Square Nestabilities, green brads, Diamond Glaze, Ranger Stickles in Lime Green and Gold, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Yellow Gingham
COLORING: watercolors, Prismacolor black pencil,

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

And the winner of my comment candy digis is.....

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Chrissie!

Congratulations Chrissie!

Thanks to everyone who left a sweet comment. They are the reason I keep on bloggin'!

Remember, you can still get them if you would like by purchasing them from Clear Dollar Stamps.

"Autumn Friends" is just $3.00 for instant download.

"Autumn Blessings" is just $2.50 for instant download.

Remember you get a freebie digi with any purchase and this month it is the adorable "Fall Floral Jug" designed by the very talented Laurie Wilson.

Don't forget to add it to your cart!

Hugs to ya all!

True :D

Another Card With My "Autumn Friends" digi.

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Happy Saturday!

Hope your weekend is off to a great start!

I just absolutely LOVE the Orange and Black Swiss Dots Grosgrain  from Really Reasonable Ribbon!

I need to order some more because I have already used it on several projects.  ;)

This time I paired it up with my "Autumn Friends" digi that is available for instant download now @ Clear Dollar Stamps.

It was a fun image to draw but it's even more fun to color!

You can download the image plus 2 sentiments for just $3.00!

Thanks so much for dropping in again!

I would love for you to leave me some love! ;)

Hugs,

True :D

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Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Autumn Friends" digi
CS/PAPERS: Watercolor paper, The Paper Temptress, Lasting Impression's - "Grasshopper Pie"
INK: Staz-On Jet Black,
ACCENTS/TOOLS: RRR's -Orange and Black Swiss Dots grosgrain ribbon, brads, Diamond Glaze, Wizard and rect.
Nestabilities, Stickles in - Orange, Yellow, Stardust, Lavender
COLORING: watercolors

CDS Digi Stamp Release Day. I illustrated 2 of them! Plus Comment Candy!

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Hello All!

Make sure to read to the bottom to see how to win my latest digis!

 It's digital release day over at Clear Dollar Stamps and I did 2 this month!

The first card was done with my "Autumn Friends" set.

That pretty ribbon is Moss Swirls from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

This is such a fun image to color and can be used for a general Fall card or for Halloween. It is just $3.00 and you can download it instantly HERE.

My second card is done with my other September digi. It's called  "Autumn Blessings".

 It colors up so quickly but yet you can use it for a down home country card up to a very elegant card depending on the cardstock and papers you choose. Very versatile! It is just $2.50.

Download it instantly HERE.

I hope you will head on over to Lori's blog, Clearly i Stamp where there are links to the other girls who used my images to make some beautiful projects. You can also check out the the rest of the digi releases for September. They are all sooo cute!

 ~~~~Comment Candy Alert!~~~~

CDS and I will be giving one lucky commenter BOTH sets of the digis seen here, so don't forget to give me some love!

The winner will be announced Sunday, September 19th.

(If you are the winner, and you've already bought them by the time I draw, I will simply refund your money!)

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I am entering these cards in the following challenges:

Creative card Crew ~ Autumn of Fall

A Spoon Full of Sugar ~ Fall into Autumn

ABC ~ "D" is for Distressing

I used inks to distress my images

Paper Play ~ Autumn is Coming!

Delightful Challenges ~ Color Inspiration

Theme Thursday ~ Autumn

All Sorts ~ Colors of Autumn

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

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Card #1 Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Autumn Friends"
CS/PAPERS: Watercolor paper, Bazzill, Debbie Mumm - "Harvest and Holiday" stack
INK: Staz-On Jet Black, ColorBox- Dark Moss, Cream Brown, Amber Clay, Alabaster
MARKERS: Tombow #'s - N55, 969, 947, 933, 126, N25, 062, 985, 098, 879, 905, 772, 850, 703, N65
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Sponge dauber, old toothbrush for spattering, brads, Moss Swirls Ribbon
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Card #2 Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Autumn Blessings" digi
CS/PAPERS: watercolor paper, Bazzill, Debbie Mumm's "Harvest and Holiday" stack
INK: Inkjet, ColorBox - Moss Green, Walnut Brown
MARKERS: Tombow #'s- 126, N55, 947, 990, 098, 062, 933, 985
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Wizard and round Nestabilities, green satin trim ribbon, Sewing machine with green thread

CDS Sneak Peek ~ "Poinsettia Christmas Mouse"

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Looking for the
"Coloring Techniques for Card Making"
book blog hop?
Scroll down 2 posts!

Hello All!

It's time for sneak peeks again at Clear Dollar Stamps.

This little guy is another one of my illustrations called "Christmas Mouse" and he will be available for purchase on Sept.1st. The sentiment is called "All God's Creatures".

That beautiful Moss Swirls Ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Please hop on over to Lori's blog to see who else did samples with this set. You can also check out the samples made with the other stamp releases this month.

Thanks again for dropping by!

Hope you will leave me some love before ya go!

Hugs,

True :D

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Card Recipe:

CDS STAMPS USED: Christmas Mouse

CS/PAPERS: Debbie Mumm-Harvest and Holiday stack, The Paper Temptress- Heavenly White + Sparkle Blanc

INK: Staz-On

ACCENTS/TOOLS: Moss Swirls Ribbon, sewing machine with burgundy thread, Wizard and square Nestabiliteis, Ranger Stickles in Fruit Punch and Yellow, Diamond Glaze, Fabri-Tac glue

COLORING: Watercolors and brown colored pencil

CDS's New "Un-Frog-Ettable" Digi

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Hello!

I am a little late getting this posted due to some computer issue. Don't ya just hate it when that happens?

I have a couple of samples to show you today that were done using the new "Un-Frog-Ettable" digi set that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps.

The set would work for anyone but would be TOAD-ALLY AWESOME for teachers. You can download it instantly for only $3.00!

My first sample is a covered note pad that would make a great teacher gift.

The next sample is a card that would work great for a male teacher. It is sometimes hard to find stamps for the guys!

Please head over to Lori's blog for a list of the other girls who made samples with this image and to check out the rest of the new digi releases!

Thanks for dropping by!

A comment from you would be TOAD-ALLY AWESOME!!!

Hugs,

True :D

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Teacher Note Pad Cover Recipe:

CDS STAMPS USED: Un Frog-ettable Digi

CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey - Sugar Rush, The Paper Temptress - Heavenly White, Basis Pink

INK: ink jet printer, VersaMark refill

MARKERS: Tombows #'s 946, 856, 055, 126, 098, 249, 969 (apple)

ACCENTS/TOOLS: 5" by 8" ruled note pad, 1 1/4" Celery Green Silk Ribbon, Wizard with square and scalloped square Nestabilities, UTEE and heat gun, sewing machine with red thread, white acrylic paint, orange Stickles, old paint brush

COLORING: watercolors (frog)

TECHNIQUES: stamping, machine sewing, heat embossing, water coloring

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Male Teacher Frog Card Recipe:

CDS STAMPS USED: Un Frog-ettable Digi

CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey - Merrakech, Clear Dollar Stamps' - Pucker Up, Blueberrie Patch, The Paper Temptress - Heavenly White,

INK: ink jet printer, VersaMark refill

MARKERS: Tombows #'s 946, 856, 055, 126, 098, 249, 969 (apple)

ACCENTS/TOOLS: UTEE and heat gun, sewing machine with red and green thread, white acrylic paint, old paint brush

COLORING: watercolors (frog)

TECHNIQUES: digital stamping, machine sewing, heat embossing, water coloring

Siamese "Cup Full of Happiness and Coloring Tutorial!

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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

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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