Gothic Arches - Chocolate

I haven't been participating in Gothic Arches lately - not sure why since it's one of my fave challenges! Today's theme is Chocolate and I was determined to get something made this time. When I found this little girl image, I decided to create something with a 40s feel to it. I absolutely love vintage trims and thought they were the perfect finishing touch.

Speaking of vintage trims.....I have loads. I would venture to guess that there will be some in your surprise package if your name is drawn for my blog candy! Leave a comment here if you haven't already. I have decided to wait until tomorrow morning to choose a name, so you still have time!

Created By Hand Challenge - Blue & Sand

Today's Created Byhand Challenge was to use the colors blue and sand in your artwork. I had made this blue tag using the Cuttlebug Stamps technique from the latest TJ newsletter and then set it aside, not knowing what to do with it. When I read the challenge I pulled it out and decided to try to work with it again.

I added a gorgeous French background stamp from the latest release from Oxford Impressions. Next, I stamped the label (again, from OI) on cream paper and trimmed around it. I stamped the woman (OI) on cream paper and used my water pen and Broken China Distress ink to color her dress. Hint - acrylic blocks make great palettes when using this technique. Just smoosh your ink pad on the block and pick up the color with your pen. Finally, I added various vintage trims to complete my tag.

GIVEAWAY! Ok, even if you didn't read all the blah blah blah up there, hopefully you will see this! Right now I have 49 followers, if you are the 50th person to follow my blog I will send you this tag, plus some other goodies. But wait! If you are already a follower, or just someone who is dropping in, I will also choose a winner from the comments and send another prize! Not sure yet what it will be, but I guarantee it will be something that I've posted here plus a few more little treats. I will randomly choose a winner on Sunday, so you have lots of time to get your comments in. Make sure you leave your email addy so I can contact you.

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to stop by - I really appreciate your kind comments!

Wednesday Stamper - Bella Italia

For today's Wednesday Stamper 'Bella Italia' theme I made a quick card. The background was made with the Cuttlebug Stamps technique from the latest Technique Junkie newsletter. For the texture, I used a Kabuka mold from Ten Seconds Studio (thanks Cyndi!). It made a fantastic impression! Stamps are all from Oxford Impressions.

Wednesday Stamper - 2 x 4

For Wednesday Stamper's 2 x 4 theme I did lots of experimenting! The base is cardboard covered with ledger paper and then painted w/acrylic paints. The next layer is a piece of an old AOL tin that I'd burned and then hammered a bit. The edges are covered w/drywall mesh tape that's been painted. Stamp of man and saying are all from Oxford Impressions.

It's nothing like I intended it to be at the beginning, but that's half the fun, right?

Mixed Media Monday - Come Fly With Me

This is the first time I've participated in Mixed Media Monday. I always want to, but Mondays seem to be my catch up day for everything but art. Luckily, I was working on this yesterday afternoon and, when I saw the theme, I was like - woo hoo!

When I first saw someone use these Tag Team dies from Cuttlebug, I knew I had to have them. They are just too cool. I just got the butterfly set last week and thought, hmmmmm.....would these work for the Cuttlebug Stamps techie in the new Technique Junkie newsletter? Only one way to find out! I played around yesterday and YES! It works! You can actually make stamps from your Cuttlebug folders!! How cool is that?

My current SU grid pad page (what I use to protect my table when I'm working) was looking very pretty so I decided to do a Worksheet Wonder background and use my CB stamp on top. Most of the stamps are from various Oxford Impressions stamp collections. "Inspire" is stamped on acetate and is from Vickie Enkoff. I sure do miss her. :(

Gothic Arches - Inspired by the Rainbow

For today's Gothic Arches challenge we were to use two colors of the rainbow, two stamps, and an inspirational word. I have been dying to use this background for ages and lept at the chance to use it. I made it a month or so ago using the Two Toned Crunch technique from the Dec/Jan Technique Junkie newsletter. I paired it with stamps from I Brake for Stamps/Time to Stamp. I also used another Technique Junkie tech that will be in the upcoming newsletter. It's called Drywall Stitching and it is such a cool technique!!

If you aren't already a TJ subscriber - you need to check it out! Each issue is packed with ideas and artwork that will truly inspire you. I have dropped all of my stamping mag subscriptions, but I would be lost without Technique Junkies!