Sexy Sirens Blog Hop

Welcome to Day One of the Sexy Sirens & Vixens Blog Hop! You should have arrived here from  Michelle's Blog . If you are just joining us and want to start from the beginning, please visit Dena's blog  Miss Dena's Blog . The complete blog hop lineup is listed at the bottom of this post.

We are a group of fifteen fun, sexy gals, most who met on Facebook with one common connection: our love of card making and other paper crafts! This weekend, the "Sexy Fifteen" will be sharing Valentine's Day projects using some of the sexier images from our awesome sponsor: Kenny K. Downloads!
 http://www.kennykdownloads.com/ 

If you are not yet familiar with Kenny K. Downloads, what are you waiting for?! Kenny K. has the cutest digi's, from cute images suitable for kids to sultry images perfect for a card for your man! *WINK* Whether you want to try out one of their images for the first time or add to your existing collection, this could be your lucky weekend! Our sponsor, Kenny K. Downloads, will be awarding one commentor FIVE Kenny K. digi's of their choice ! Be sure to read the contest rules below!

 Now, on to my project :

Looks like the beginnings of any other project, right?  This project has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone. Not, because of the digi I got to use, no, but because I had to color this image.  I'm terrified, yes TERRIFIED of correctly coloring in images. Getting the hair just right,  highlights, low-lights, shimmer effects. Skin coloring, shading, shadows...UGH! SCARY stuff!  I wanted to use Copic  Sketch markers, but I only had 3=not enough to work on an image like this. So, I resorted to my colored pencils I also used the Stampin' Up pencils, not pictured here).

Here are the items I used for this project.

• Blue card stock and black card stock (the blue depends on your preference, I wanted mine to enhance my digi's eyes).
• Damask Decor, Opposites Attract and Art Philosophy cartridges
• Black bling
• Stickles: Stardust and Black Diamond as well as Distress in Fired Brick
• Water based blending pen
• Helmar's Scrap Dots
• Most importantly: Kenny K's digi image of "Bodacious Bev"

We printed up Bodacious Bev to be 9.5".  Her hair was colored with: black, dark brown, red and burgundy. Using the water pen, I blended the hair coloring so the strokes are less visible.  Stickles are added to add shimmer to her high lights.  The skin is a bit harder, pink, orange, white and yellow were all used VERY lightly to get her this way.  I added an extra stroke or 2 of pink along her decollete. Pink, fuschia and black were used to give her a smokey eye.  Blue was used for her eyes, tear (tattoo) and her cross earring; Stardust Stickles was added to the "shine" in her eyes as well. Red on her lips, heart tattoo and nails. Red Stickles was added to her lips for a glossy effect.  Pink Stickles are added to the beads of her corset and underneath is "Black Diamond" Stickles.  The same pink Stickles was used to enhance the laces up those sexy thigh high boots. "Gunmetal" was added to the shiny parts of the boots.  The boots were colored black, but the tongue is grey.  The fuschia on the corset comes from the Stampin' Up pencil collection, whereas her leg is colored from the pencils pictured above.

The huge heart Bev is sitting on comes from the "Damask Decor" cartridge found on page 67, using the "layer 1" button.  This was cut at 10.5" and placed at an angle. Black bling was placed on just the true round ends.  I finally got to use my Scrap Dots for the first time. I applied the dots on the back of the heart and then let them dry for a while, then came back and added another level/layer before placing down on the blue background.  I wanted that depth that pop dots can't really give.  However, between Bev and the heart, I used the pop dots.  For her bottom/extended boot, I used 3 pop dots piled on top of each other.

The "Opposites Attract" Cricut cartridge was used for the letters.  They were cut at 1" with the exception of the "l" which was cut at 1.5".

This corner piece also comes from the AP cartridge found on page 58. Using the "font layer" key it was cut at 3.5" and also Stickled with the vlue color

The vines (3 in total) are cut from the "Art Philosophy" cartridge (my go to cartridge).  It is found on page 59 of the handbook and were cut at: 2", 1.5" and 1", using the "font layer" key.  The 1" was flipped so that I could create a heart shape with the swirls, pretty cute, huh???  The blue and pink Stickles were added for a little pop of color.

Here is a close-up of Bev's face and hair.  My daughter says everytime she looks at this image, she gets drawn to Bev's eyes.  

Here is a close-up of those sexy boots with the shiny pink lacing. (DH suggested the lacing feature.)

I really like the way "Bodacious Bev" turned out.  I am "tempted" to get my hands on more images and get coloring. (pun intended)

Thanks for stopping by. Your next hop lands you at Amber's Blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you like what I did with "Bodacious Bev", please be sure to visit Kenny K. Downloads to purchase your own digi or check out what else they have in their extensive collection of digital images (some already pre-colored too!).   Don't forget about the blog candy. To be eligible to win, you must, comment on each of the blogs in the hop.



You will get one entry per day if you comment on Day One's posts as well as Day Two's posts.  Please note, that not all participants will have a second project up, but a lot will!   You do not have to become a follower on each blog, but it sure would be nice if you did ! You MUST include an email address where you can be contacted should you win. The winner will be notified by February 20, 2012 via email. Winner must respond no later than 3 days after being notified. Otherwise, a second winner will be selected.

Thanks again, and be sure to hop on over to  Amber's Blog  to see what she has to share with you today! Below is the complete blog hop lineup:

1) Dena : http://missdjones.blogspot.com/
2) Lynne : http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/
3) Ashley ; http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com
4) Zenita : http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com
5) Gill : http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.com
6) Jamie : http://myamusinglife.blogspot.com
7) Jen : http://www.expressivelyme.blogspot.com
8) Jill: http://craftwithanangel.blogspot.com/
9) Sherry: http://patternsbysher.blogspot.com
10) Clare: http://cricutcraftyclare.blogspot.com/
11)Haidee: http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/
12)Michelle: http://craftychelle.blogspot.com
13) Lisa L: http://craftylam.blogspot.com 
14) Amber J: http://pixiperfectcreations.blogspot.com/

15) Cely : http://hawaiipaperparty.blogspot.com/

Trick or Treat Halloween Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Trick or Treat" Halloween Blog Hop!!

We're so happy you could join us for this super-fun hop showcasing cards, layouts and projects that feature everything fun about Halloween!!  You'll find an array of ideas throughout the hop -- From decorations to gift ideas and more, we hope you'll enjoy each and every project along the way!! This is a TWO-DAY hop, so be sure to catch both days for maximum ideas (you'll find the entire line-up below my post)!! We can guarantee LOTS of treats on this hop (and maybe a few TRICKS too)... So let's get hopping!!  If you've hopped over from Cyndie, then you are in the right place!!  If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join our Trick-or-Treat FUN, then please CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Lynda's blog because...  It's always a TREAT to start at the start!! :)  We have a WONDERFUL Grand Prize for one lucky hopper today -- A Gift Certificate for Sweet Stamping Treats!!  To be eligible, please visit each "Blog Hop Stop" and leave a comment!!  One random winner will be chosen on Friday, October 21st (giving you plenty of time to finish the hop)... For more details on what you could choose if YOU are the winner, please be sure to visit our sponsor:




This is Lisa of http://craftylam.blogspot.com and today I created a Halloween door sign, "Boo Crew".  I hope you like it. I need to state that I have NEVER, I mean NEVER done a Halloween project. Nor have I ever participated in a Blog Hop! So here I am stepping out of my comfort zone not only once, but TWICE! Eeek!
Here are the items used for this project:

• The frame is from the new Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge that was offered from Close To My Heart. It was cut at 6" using the "Butterfly2", "shift" key, and "decorative layer" function button from "Black Tie" glittered cardstock found at Michael's Crafts.
• The vellum paper was 8.5"x5" that was then cut down to fit the backside of the frame. I used Tombo Mono Multi Glue to adhere it to the frame and then added the letters.
• "Boo Crew" letters are from "Cursive 101" cartridge cut at 1 1/2" on purple cardstock and then Stickled with Gunmetal for extra oomph! (The purple wasn't making as much of an impact as I was hoping for, hence the Stickles.)

The pumpkin is cut using the ProvoCraft "Designer's Calendar" cartridge from page 37 using the "shift" key & the "October" button using orange design paper. This pumpkin was cut at 3".  I used Orange Stickles to add a little sparkle to this pretty pumpkin, she needed a little bling!

This cute little spider (x2) was from ProvoCraft's "Doodle Charms" cartridge at 3" from page 121 of the handbook using the "Black Tie" glitter paper found at Michael's Craft Stores.  Luckily, this little guy won't bite.

Here's a pic of the project full-length, it measures about 18-20" in it's entirety.  The black string is just black sewing thread I had on hand. Using a mini hole punch, I marked where I wanted each figure to hang from and the punched the figures where I wanted them to hang at.  I just looped the thread through the holes 2-3 times just to ensure the creature will hang on for a while (we get stromg winds in October where I live.)

Here's the final project, just shortened a bit, so you could see it well in one shot.

..... Thank you again for checking out my project...  Now hop on over to Deb and remember to visit all the stops for more chances to WIN!! Below are links to BOTH days of the hop so you'll be sure not to miss a THING!! DAY ONE (October 15):

DAY TWO (October 16):

For the Haunted House Blog Hop, please CLICK HERE!!



Happy hopping!

Birthday Photo Frame

Hi there. Lisa from CraftyLam here.  I have the honor of being a Guest Designer today at SweetSassyDiva! How exciting!  Please visit her blog all week to see other projects the guest designers are creating using the Art Philosophy cartridge.  Here is the project I created using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge that was offered by Close To My Heart...

Items used for this project:
Red cardstock from Recollections "Essentials" 12x12 paper pack
Memento Tuxedo Black inkpad along with the Celebrations Stamp Set from CTMH
Scotch brand Quick Dry Adhesive glue
Stickles in: Crystal, Gunmetal and Silver as well as Red from Studio G
Unfinished photo frame from Michael's 6"x4"
Zebra & White w/Black striped paper from DCWV's "All Dressed Up" matstack
Argyle paper from DCWV's "The Glitter Mat Stack"
Recollections Adhesive Rhinestones
And, of course, The Art Philosophy Cartridge

Let's begin.....

Trace the frame with a pen or pencil, then cut. (Or, if you are confident enough, use a cutting knife/blade to cut out using the frame to trace.) Also remember to trace the interior part so that you will have room for your photo.

Using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge from Close to My Heart I cut the above flowers. The 3 left ones are cut at 3" and the top 2 right ones are cut at 2.5" and the bottom right is cut at 2.75".  The upper left (zebra flower) and the bottom right (argyle flower) are cut using the following buttons: (shift), (font) and (Fleur de Lis)  button  shown on page 68 of the handbook. The upper right (white/black stripe flower) and the bottom left (Argyle flower) are both cut using the following buttons: (shift), (font), and the (cupcake) button found on page 70 of the AP handbook.  The middle left (white/black flower) is cut using the (shift) and (font) buttons along with the (cupcake)button found on page 70 of the handbook.  The last flower, middle right was cut using: (shift), (font) and the (semi-circle) button found on page 69 of the AP handbook.  Next curl your flowers using either a pencil, piercing tool or a quilling tool to roll them up. Make sure you curl them with your pattern on the inside so when you loosen the flower, the pattern will show from up top.

Here are the flowers after I rolled them all up and added Stickles to the edges.  I added "Crystal" to the 1st 3 flowers. I added Studio G's red to the pointy tipped middle right flower. Gunmetal was added to the bottom left flower. Silver was added to the bottom right flower.  While the flowers finished drying, I took the time to take a small sanding block from Close to My Heart and sanded the exterior and interior edges of the red cardstock on the frame.

Almost done! I decided to add 2 of the bling stickers from the Recollections Adhesive Rhinestones set towards the top to give this frame a little bling and a Princess-like touch.  Flowers are drying.

Close up of the Stickled flowers on the left.

 Close up of the Stickled flowers on the right.

Project Completed!!!!

This finished project will be given to my lovely daughter who turns 12 in just 3 weeks!

Boutique Display I Created

I just wanted to share with you all really quick a display I just finished creating for a Boutique event happening this weekend. Mainly, I wanted to show you the versatility of the CTMH's Art Philosophy cartridge.Do you see the business card holder right up front? Yup, the one made out of vellum, that's it.  I used the AP cart to cut out the door hanger box from page 25 of the handbook at 9.25". I added glue dots to hold the box together and added 2 more to the backside just to keep the box in place (centered).  I also hung the loop around some ribbon I have hidden under the damask napking and then taped the flap shut.  That's it. Just wanted to share.

Happy Crafting!

Art Philosophy Boxes

While going thru my Art Philosophy cartridge looking for a project to do for an upcoming blog hop, I decided to play with a few of the boxes that are offered in the cart.  Here are the ones I cut out.

The paper used is from American Crafts, Bookshelf is the oval-dotted one and Amplified is the multi-colored striped one.  Each box was cut at "fit to page" which ended up being 11.5" or 11.75".

Below, is the box you can find on page 24 of the handbook using the "shift", "font layer" and "square6/ dragonfly" keys.

The next 2 pics are of the box found on page25 of the handbook.  Again, you will use the "shift", "font layer" and "rectangle4/star2" keys to cut this out.

This next pic happens to be of my favorite box so far!  I believe it's called a "Gable Box", but I could be wrong.  This one is found on page 22 of the handbook using the "shift", "font layer" and "oval1/snowflake1" keys.  This box has 2 openings: exterior ones have the ribbon pulled thru and tied, the interior one has a set of flaps that interlock. Too cute! I may be using this particular box for my handmade truffles.

Here is a picture of the "Gable Box" opened. You can see the notches for interlocking the interior flaps into place.  Cute, right? I am loving this cartridge more and more!

When I get a little more time, I will add the other 6 boxes onto this blog.  Have a wonderful day and Happy Crafting!

My Close To My Heart Haul 09/01/11

Here is the Close to My Heart purchase I just received via FedEx yesterday. (I just had the opportunity to open it up a few minutes ago.) Anyway, for $104.00 you get a bunch of stuff!

Here is what I received:

1. "Art Philosophy" Cricut cartridge- the main item/ what I REALLY wanted.
2. "Autumn" stamp set. Cool Halloween stamps!
3. "Celebration" stamps. I'm picturing the triangle on the bottom right as a Christmas tree. And the large cupcake, ADORABLE!
4. "Alphabets" stamp set, good for a small watermark background.
5. "Frames, Tags, and Borders" stamps. Really cute!
6. "Sentiments" stamps. Loving the bicycle and the snowman.
7. "Celebration" (one might be mispackaged) The large Christmas tree and the frame on the upper left are too cool!
8. "Mixed Shapes" dimensional elements chipboard pieces.
9. "Banners" dimensional elements.
10. "Tags"dimensional elements.

I have to say, money well spent on items I truly see myself using.  Hopefully you had the opportunity to purchase this kit too, if not, you have another day and that might be it to get this great deal.

Happy Crafting!