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/

You ARE Loved-Black/white & a splash of color

We are celebrating Ashley's Birthday!  How fun!  Ashley was even able to score a sponsor with "Blog Candy" for one lucky winner!

Blog candy is sponsored by:  3 Girl Jam
"Bundles 1-6" which consists of 48 total yards of ribbon in 12 colors, a $24.99 retail value.
Must "like" their Facebook page-   https://www.facebook.com/pages/3-Girl-JAM/129045323859706
Follow the 3 Girl Jam Blog-   3 Girl JAM
 
Paper Piecings By Nikki-$25 gift certificate
http://www.paperpiecingsbynikki.com/ 
Must "like" her Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paper-Piecings-by-Nikki/210135505721726
Follow her blog- http://www.paperpiecingsbynikki.blogspot.com/
 
 
Decade Of Scrap-4 valentines digis
http://zibbet.com/beautydecade 
Must "like" her Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/DecadeofScrap
Follow her blog-http://decadeofscrap.blogspot.com/

MB's Treasurista-$10 gift certificate
http://www.zibbet.com/MBsTreasurista
Must "like" their Facebook page-https://www.facebook.com/https://facebook.com/pages/MBs-Treasurista/167767899982066
Follow MB's Treasurista Blog-http://mbtreasurista.blogspot.com


Even if you are not the lucky winner of their candy, go check them out to see all the cool items they carry and for more inspiring project of theirs.

Today, we are creating a project with the theme "Black, White & A Splash of Color". Below is my project. I was inspired by the song "Jar full of Hearts" by The Band Perry.  I had an empty jar sitting on my desk I just had no idea what to do with, but knew I needed to keep it to craft with.  I am glad I did. Enjoy the project.

Here is a picture of all the items I used to create this "jar full of hearts", minus the adhesives because I didn't know exactly which ones I would be using.

Ingredients List:

• Scissors
• Any size jar desired, or that you have on hand
• Xmas Red Stickles
• 36" of red ribbon
• Black and white card stock sheets from Reflections
• "Scarlet Red #118" PITT artist pen big brush, Faber-Castell
• Studio G stamp set (VS4911 Series 61)
• Heart stamp,from Close to My Heart, the Celebration set
• Inkpads used: "Moonlight White" by Tsukineko/Brilliance; Stampin' Ups "Real Red"; and Stampology's "Onyx" Clear stamp ink pad

First, I stamped hearts onto the right edge of the black card stock. Then, folding the card stock to the left of the hearts, I cut them so that they would be mini- card hearts. See image below. Repeat until you get enough hearts cut out of each color of card stock.  Don't forget to do ONE heart in a different color!

Here are all the hearts after I stamped & cut them all. Notice, I made sure to add 1 red one, hubby's favorite color (it's my splash of color).  At this time, I added stickles to the red heart & let it dry, before placing in the jar.  Next, you can add notes like: hugs, kisses, I love you, massage..... Just little love notes that the recipient can pick and maybe get something from you. Not sure if you can really tell, but I cut most of the hearts with the fold at the top, these will flip up instead of open like a book.  Next, fill your jar with the hearts dropping them in one by one so they won't catch on each other.  Once you get it pretty full, start placing hearts in the jar so that they are facing outwards. Ensure that your special heart (in my case the red one) is facing outwards in the front of your jar for presentation.

Using the lid for reference, trace it to cover the top.  Cut it just a little smaller than the top (my jar is a canning jar) because it will be smooshed between the top & the ring and you don't want it bulking up.  I stamped a white heart on my cover and stickled it with "Frosted Lace".  Next, stamp the "you are loved" sentiment in black but redo the heart with red (here's where I used the scarlet red pen brush and then stickled the heart). Cut out & hole punch the sentiment and attach it to the jar with your red ribbon.  All done!

Here is the finished project.

Happy Crafting!

Your next stop is over to Liz to see her fantastic project.

Here is the blog line-up just in case you missed someone...

Ashley - http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com

Misty - http://mbtreasurista.blogspot.com

Leslie - http://ScrapOfArtDesigns.blogspot.com

Lynne - http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/

Zenita - http://scrappinwithz.blogspot.com

Kari - http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/

Liz- http://decadeofscrap.blogspot.com/

Carla - http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/

Lisa - http://craftylam.blogspot.com/

Liz - http://tryin2craft.blogspot.com/

Jamie - http://myamusinglife.blogspot.com

Teresa - http://scrappintplace.blogspot.com

Jessica - http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com/

Jearise- http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com

DDsCrafts Fabulous Fifty Birthday Blog Hop Day 2

If your hopping along with DDsCrafts Birthday Blog hop, you are on the right path, especially if you arrived from  Cheryl's blog.  If not and you would like to see all the projects for today, please start at  DD's Crafts site.  Below is my simple project for today.

Today, I decided to make a 4 x 4" card use some pink card stock.

Items used:

• Pink card stock 
• Black curling ribbon
• Marvy tab punch
• Close to My Heart "Celebrate" stamp from the Celebration kit
• Sparkle Glitter pens
• Stickles in: Silver and Thistle
• "Black Soot" Distress Ink
• "Zebra Print" Stamp by Stampabilities, purchased at Hobby Lobby

For the most part this card is very simple.  However, I cut a notch in the top right of the fold to accommodate the ribbon. For the sentiment, I placed it in the Marvy punch just far enough to accommodate the words/writing.  "Thistle" Stickles surround the sentiment and "Silver" Stickles edge the right side of the card.

Happy Hopping.

Your next stop is:  Shannon's blog

Autumn Fun

To create this fun little layout, I used the following items.

• "4 Seasons" 8x8" sheets by Paper Pizazz (background & phrase)
• Leaf from "Celebration" stamp set from Close To My Heart
• Stampin Up inks: Real Red, Creamy Caramel, Kiwi Kiss, Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa
• Yellow ink square from Studio G
• ColorBox Chalk Ink in "Blush Rose"
• Pentel Sunburst Gel pen in White 
• Bic Mark-It pens for the tree
• Stickles in Copper
• Studio G glitter glue in: dark brown & yellow

Each of the leaves were stamped onto heavy card stock in white, then hand-cut. Using Aileen's Tacky Glue, I adhered the leaves onto the background. Draw a tree using the Bic markers. (3-4 colors were used to make this tree.)  Faux stitch the border with the white gel pen.  Stickle/glitter glue random leaves and the leaves on the phrase.

*Quick note: I accidentally ripped the paper out of the stack poorly, but like how the tear gave the image a more rustic & rough feel to it, not quite so put together.

Thanks for looking.

What a Tough Guy

This "tough guy" was created using: kraft card stock cut at 4.25" with the Martha Stewart Circle cutter.  "Edward" stamp from the Greeting Farm colored in with Stampin' Up colored pencils. Background stamp is an argyle print also from SU, used with "Antique Linen" from Ranger's Distress Inks.  "Tough Guy" stamp is from Studio G in "Tuxedo Black" from Memento (I also used this ink pad to ink up the edge of the card).  The mini hearts are from Close to My Heart's "Sentiments" acrylix stamp set using "Mauve Mist" from SU.  The 6 black dots are "Black Diamond" Stickles.

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!

CTMH-Believe to Achieve

Here is a card I just finished making a few minutes ago.

Supplies:

• white cardstock, 11.5" x4.25", folded in half
• yellow cards stock 4.25" x 5.25"
• EK Success "Diamond Lace" punch
• Gelly Roll brand pens in "Stardust Clear" and "XPGB-M#554" a metallic orange
• colored pencils, baby oil, cotton swab (all for coloring blending butterflies)
• adhesive runner, liquid glue, pop dots
• Hero Arts large "Cling Dots" stamp, SU's "Groovy Guava" ink pad
• CTMH "Sentiments" stamp set, Stampology "Onyx" clear stamp ink pad

First, I border punched the yellow cardstock and then cut it to about 2" wide. The white card base front was shortened to 4.5". The yellow card front is at 4.25", just to allow a little white to peak through.  I attached the border punch, making sure it lined up with the outside edge of the back of the base. Stamp the dots on using the Groovy Guava ink pad. Using the Onyx ink pad, stamp the "Believe to Achieve" stamp from CTMH in lower left area. Using quality white cardstock, stamp your butterflies from the same stamp set and color in with pencils or markers and blend with baby oil or other medium. Hand cut out your butterflies. Arrange as desired.  My large purple/blue butterfly didn't stamp too well, but I still wanted to use it, so I applied it directly to the card, while the rest of the butterflies were attached using pop dots behind the bodies of the butterflies.  I wanted some dimension, so I made sure to bend the wings up a bit to make them look like they are in flight.  Then, I applied the Stardust Clear GellyRoll pen to the butterflies to give them a bit for flair. Use the metallic orange pen to add faux stitching to the border punch and white "peakaboo" edge.

Enjoy. 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!