My First Post as a CardMaker Magazine Blog Designer Plus a Tutorial and Comment Candy!

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Hello Everyone!

I am super excited today because it's my first post as a CardMaker Magazine blog Designer!

It's the only magazine I submit my work  to!

I was also a contributing artists in a book published by DRG/CardMaker called 

"Coloring Techniques for Card Making" and will be giving a copy of it away to a lucky commentor, so read on to find out how you can win! :)

I'm just going to give you a sneak peek of my card because I am hoping that you'll head on over to our CardMaker Magazine blog and check it out there. ;)

I also have a little "Chain Stitching on Cards" tutorial for you there. :)

Now...how do you win this book?

Head on over to the CardMaker blog, leave me a little love, then come back and let me know what you think about my card. 

It's that easy! 

You don't even have to be a follower but I would ♥ it if you are (old or new)! :)

I will pick and announce the winner on Sunday.

Thanks so much for dropping by!

♥Hugs♥

True :D

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!

Ice Cream Cone Card for Coloring Tutorial

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Hi Everyone!

I created this card for a Tombow marker coloring tutorial for the Clearly iStamp blog.

In the tutorial, I used Tombows but you could also use watercolors or watercolor pencils for the same effect. It is really all about where to place your shading. ;)

I used the "Ice Cream Cone" stamp that I created for Clear Dollar Stamps. 

I have used this image so much since it released last month! Not sure if it's because of the Summer heat or because it's just so fun and easy to color! :)

The cardstocks are Brilliant White and Kraft both from Discount Card Stock and the pretty ribbon is Pink Double Faced Satin from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

My stamp is available at Clear Dollar Stamps for just $4.99!

I hope you will head on over to Clearly iStamp and check out my tutorial. I would LOVE it if you left me some love while there!  :)

Hugs,

True :D

Inky Antics/Tombow Blog Hop and I Have Blog Candy!!!! :D

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Hi Everyone!

So glad you hopped by!

Today the Inky Antics girls are doing another blog hop. We have teamed up with the wonderful Tombow team to show you some Inky/Tombow goodness!
If you are here from sweet Debbie's blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened onto my blog, you'll want to go back to Debbie's where it all starts. ;)
Our Inky friend Jackie sent us all some fun Inky Antics stamp sets and a bunch of product that Tombow sent her to give to us!

Here is the card that I did using Inky's adorable #1099OMC - "Bug Be Gone!" clear set.

Of course it was colored with Tombow markers and assembled with Tombow adhesives! :)

The cardstock is from Discount Card Stock.
The ribbons and trims are from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The designer paper is from K&Company.

The gems are from Creative Charms.

* See the video below for the exact names of the products and a super quick Tombow coloring tutorial
by me!*

***BLOG CANDY ALERT!***
As I stated in the video, I already have every Tombow marker they make, but I am still glad that they sent me this set because now I can share with one of you!  All you have to do is become a follower, if you aren't already, and leave me a comment. It's that easy! :)

The blog hop ends on Sunday, July 24th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their project and leave feedback. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). One person’s name will be drawn at random to receive a fun Inky/Tombow prize pack, similar to what each of our designers received to make their projects! The lucky winner’s name will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

This is the package you could win from Inky/Tombow for commenting.

To check out what the Tombow designers have made and get another chance to win prizes, please click here.

Your next stop on the hop is the amazingly fun and talented Tex's blog.

BTW...for a funny "bug" story, scroll down to yesterday's post before you go. I can laugh now but at the time....Geeeez! :)

Hugs and happy crafting!

True :D

Turkey "Fries", Wild Mushrooms and a Coloring Tutorial with Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol ;)

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Hi Everyone!

Did the title get your attention?  ;) LOL!

What do these things all have in common you ask?

Well, they are all things I did last night.

Hubby and I ate like hillbillies last night! 

We love hunting wild Morel mushrooms and 'tis the season. These were fresh picked yesterday.

It is sad that they are only in season for a few weeks each year. :(

I also found some turkey fries at the grocer's the other day and you almost never can find them.

For those of you who don't know what turkey fries are...let's just say that only male turkeys have 'em. :) 

I paired them up with a big batch of Morels and we had us a down home, finger lickin', country fried supper!

OK...now for the crafty stuff....

I did a coloring tutorial for Clearly iStamp with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol.

Here is the card I created for the tutorial.

The stamp is the "Pansy Bunny" image that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps.

The paper is from K&Company's ~ Susan Winget's "Nature" designer stack.

The beautiful 1" Purple Satin w/Grosgrain Edge ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

CLICK HERE to see the tutorial...after you leave me a comment...hint hint. :)

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

"Purrfect Day Kitty" Another of My Digi Illustartions

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Hi Everyone!

I had several of these "Purrfect Day" kitty digi images that I created for Clear Dollar Stamps colored up from when I tried, tried, and tried again for my latest Prismacolor and Gamsol video tutorial.

The video can be found HERE.

I popped in to see what was going on over @ SplitcoastStampers today and they had an adorable sketch for our inspiration. Since I already had the kitty colored, I used in and whipped my card up in a flash! :)

I love the effect that pencils and Gamsol give for coloring fur.

That pretty ribbon is Really Reasonable Ribbon's ~ Green Glitz.

The fabulous Emerald cardstock is from The Paper Temptress.

If you would like these images, they are available for instant download @ Clear Dollar Stamps for just $2.50!

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Purrfect Day" digi
CS/PAPERS: DCWV, Paper Temptress, Paper Trey Ink
INK: ink jet printer, ColorBox cat's eyes
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Wizard with rectangle and scalloped rectangle Nestabilities, SU oval and scalloped oval punches. sewing machine with green thread, Green Glitz ribbon, brads, Basic Grey - fancy brad, Scor-Pal. Scor-Tape, Prismacolor pencils, Diamond Glaze
COLORING: Prismacolor pencils with Gamsol
TECHNIQUES: Prismacolor pencils with Gamsol

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

Bow With Brad Tutorial

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Hello everyone!

I got a very warm responce to my Inky Antics ~ "Consider Yourself Hugged" card that I posted last week and many of the comments were about the bow.

I even had a couple of people email me with questions on how I did it.
I thought the best way to explain it is with a quick video tutorial. You will see just how simple it is.
The ribbon I am using in the video is from Really Reasonable Ribbon's ~ January Ribbon of the Month package.

The Vintage Pearl Brads are from Creative Charms which works out perfectly because the are our co-sponsor for our current Really Reasonable Ribbon's Rambling challenge. The challenge is "Use Hearts and Ribbon" and runs through January 30th. I think we are all adding hearts to our creations this time of year so why not come join us in our challenge, share your creations with others who would love to see it, and be entered for a chance to win one of the prizes?  :)

OK... enough of my rambling!
On with the show!

See...told ya...EASY!

Thanks for dropping by!
Hugs,
True :D

Sneak Peek of a Sneak Peek! ;)

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Hi Everyone!

I created a coloring tutorial for the Clearly iStamp blog today with my "Heart Hugs" bear that will release on January 1st @ Clear Dollar Stamps.

The official sneak peek isn't until tomorrow so my followers get an early peek!

Head on over to Clearly iStamp to see my video tutorial.

Please leave a comment while you are there so I will know who was sweet enough to go check it out! :)

The designer paper is "Summer Song" from My Mind's Eye.

The pretty Gradient Gem Stickers are from Creative Charms.

Thanks again for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

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Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Heart Hugs"
CS/PAPERS: My Mind's Eye ~ "Summer Song" stack, watercolor paper, heavy white CS
INK: Staz-On Jet Black
MARKERS: Tombows #977, 158, 942, 743, 992
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Pink Ribbon, pink jewel stickers, Score-Pal, Scor-Tape, Wizard with square and scalloped square Nestabilities, double=sided foam tape, white gel pen, Stickles in "Fruit Punch"
COLORING: watercoloring with Tombows

Creative Charms Monthly Post Projects ~ Plus a Quick Tutorial.

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Hi Everyone!

Once a month, I do a post on the Creative Charms blog and this month, I have created several cards with their beautiful December Kit of the Month that I will also share here. I do hope when you are finished checking out my blog that you will head on over to the Creative Charms design team blog and see all of the awesome projects the girls have created to inspire you.

The card below was created with their Ivory Vintage Velvet Poppies, The Classic Grey Vintage Velvet Poppies, and their Gradient White Pearl Stickers.

See the video below to see how I colored them to match the K&Company designer paper and beautiful Gold Swirls ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

This set uses the Vintage Brown Velvet Poppies and their Light Green Vintage Jewels.

These papers are also from K&Company's ~ Super Paper Pad.

The sentiments are from Clear Dollar Stamp's ~ Heartfelt Sentiments set.

Here is a very quick tutorial showing you an easy way to color your embellishments to match your other card elements.

Thanks so much fro dropping by!

I would love a comment if you have a second so I will know you took the time to drop by!  ;)

Hugs your way,

True :D

Altered Rulers ~ Video Tutorial

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Hi Everyone!
Today, I have prepared a quick little video tutorial to show you an easy way to decorate a plain ruler with designer paper and ribbon. They would make great last minute stocking stuffers for less then a dollar!Of course I always use Really Reasonable Ribbon's gorgeous Grosgrain ribbons on the rulers. The color I used in this video is the Orange Dots.

You can enlarge the video to full screen by clicking the 4 arrows in the lower right hand corner of the video viewer. 

I hope you and yours have a happy and healthy Christmas filled with family, friends, and love!

Hugs,

True :D

RRR and CC Duel Design Team Posting + Tutorial. Please Check It Out! ;)

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Hello!

Thanks for dropping by!

I had 2 different design teams to post for today and instead of doing them separately and having one get lost in the shuffle, I am doing them together!

These projects incorporate ribbons from Really Reasonable Ribbon and embellishments from Creative Charms.

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Have you ever hesitated on buying Creative Charm's seasonal themed "Kit of the Month" kits because it is so close to whatever holiday, that you are afraid you wouldn't be able to use it?

Well don't be! They are such a great deal and the majority of the items in the kit will work wonderfully all year long!

Here are a couple of examples of some projects that I used their November "Fabulous Fall" kit on.

Please note the non-Fall looks.  ;)

On this clean and simple card, I just used white cardstock, a piece of Really Reasonable Ribbon's  gorgeous Green Glitz ribbon, some flowers and a beautiful Light Green Vintage Jewel to add that perfect finishing touch.

These are some notebooks that I made for Christmas gifts using some Brown Vintage Poppies for the focal point...again from the Fall kit.

That beautifully sparkling ribbon is Black Sparkle Velvet from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Here is a quick video that I have prepared showing one way to be frugal with your ribbon.

To view full screen, click on the 4 arrows in the lower right hand corner.Then hit your Esc button to go back to normal.

Thanks so much for dropping by!

I would absolutely love a comment from you, so I will know who all took the time to come visit!

Hugs,

True :D

My Copic Coloring Tutorial Rooster Card

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Hi Everyone!

I have done another Copic coloring video tutorial for Clearly iStamp blog featuring the "Rooster Sunrise" set that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps.

I have a cream pitcher that I used for the color inspiration.

This card was done with Clear Dollar Stamp's beautiful  "Clearly Coordinating Collections"  papers and ribbon. See the card recipe at the end of this post for color names and links.



If you have not signed up for my birthday blog candy, sponsored by Wild Orchid Crafts, you still have time!

CLICK HERE!    

 

Thanks to all of you for dropping in. I hope you will head on over to Clearly iStamp and watch my tutorial. If ya do...please leave a comment so I will know whether to keep on doing the videos or not.  ;)

 

Hugs!

True :D

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Card Recipe:

CDS STAMPS USED: "Rooster Sunrise"

CS/PAPERS: CDS's ~ Turquoise Gem, Mud Pie, Fresh Papaya, Spring Leaf, Red Velvet Cake, Cotton Ball White

INK: Memento

MARKERS: Copics ~ B000, BG01, B05, E00, E33, E35, E47, E13, Y71, V06, YR61, E04, R59, G82, G24, G99, Clear Blender

ACCENTS/TOOLS: CDS's Raging River ribbon, Sewing machine and teal thread, SU Lattice embossing folder, metal brads, Ranger Stickles, White gel pen

Ribbon Heart Video Tutorial

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Hello and HAPPY SATURDAY!

True :D here with a video to share.

A couple of weeks ago, I did a card with a ribbon heart on it and got quite a few emails and comments asking how I did it. I worked up a quick little tutorial to show you how. It is quite simple actually and a wonderful way to use up some of those stash scraps!

The ribbons I used are all form Really Reasonable Ribbon.

They are:

Swiss Dots Sunflower grosgrain

Swiss Dots Apple grosgrain

Shocking Pink grosgrain

Tiny Butterfly White Multi grosgrain

Dots and Stripes Lime grosgrain

Delicate Flowers grosgrain

Butterfly Lime grosgrain

Flowers on Yellow Satin

China Doll Hand-dyed Silk

Hope you have enjoyed the video. If so, please leave me a comment so I will know to do more.  :)

Thanks so much for dropping by today!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,

True :D

Faux Brad Video Tutorial

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Hello All!

Several people have asked how I made my faux brads on the card I posted the other day. Thanks for the comments, emails and questions!
Here is a very quick tutorial. You will be amazed at just how easy it is!

BTW...the "Fuzzy Ducky" stamp is another one of my illustrations and is available now @ Clear Dollar Stamps for just $2.49!!!!

I would love to hear a comment from you.

Thanks and Hugs,

True :D