Zentangle-Diecut Fusion

I've had a sudden need for small gift packages to hold smallish items that are easy for gift giving.  I wanted these packages to be attractive too.  I think that a handmade item is always wonderful to share, especially when I know that the recipient will appreciate the love and care put into creating it.

I have spent a great deal of time creating tangles that resulted in a piece of Zentangle-inspired wall art.  This framed artwork has become invaluable to me in so many ways.  I immediately felt the wonder of relaxation while tangling.  Seeing the progression of my artwork, by my own hands, was amazing to me.  Having completed a framable piece of artwork was incredibly satisfying.  This particular work continues to make me feel such accomplishment.

Again my wall art has come to the rescue.  I've scanned my Zentangle-inspired art work then printed it to both sides of a sheet of Bazzill Smooth cardstock.  Yes, this is my own pen and pencil to paper handwork and with the help of technology, as well as the Sizzix Big Shot Pro die cutting system, I've been able to create these small gift packages to meet my needs.

This photo shows my Zentangle-inspired matchbox.  I've added a strip of Bazzill Black bling to the match striking area.  A Tim Holtz alterations sizzlits rosette and Spellbinders flourish adorn the top.

Here's a view of my Zentangle-inspired carry all box.  The only embellishment needed was a bit of fun fur for the handle.

This photo shows my Zentangle-inspired candy-shaped box looking lovely with simple bows tied to each side . . .

Now I'm ready to add my little gifties!  Sweet and simple is good.

I encourage you to find a Certified Zentangle Teacher in your area and experience the wonder of Zentangle for yourself.

I'm entering one of these projects into the following challenges:
Cupcake Craft's "DIY Background Paper" (here)
Papertake Weekly "Anything Goes" (here)
Charisma Cardz "No Cards" (here)
Cute Card Thursday "Anything Goes" (here)
Moving Along With The Times "Last Minute Christmas" (here)
Creative Card Crew "Tis the Season" (here)

Card Art with Copics: Kathleen and Summer by Hannah Lynn

I'm thrilled to introduce this beautiful and newly released Crafts and Me Stamps' digi image by Hannah Lynn named Kathleen and Summer.

This lovely mermaid is tenderly holding her dear little mermaid who is carrying her own little mermaid doll.  It seemed appropriate to make good use of some of the Copic Fluorescent colors for this under the sea image in objects like the seahorses, fish and coral.  I couldn't capture the cool effect of these fluorescent colors using a black light but in person it's really magnificent.  This photo shows a closer view of my Copic-filled image . . .

While working with this image, I couldn't help but think of the Highlights magazine and their Hidden Picture page where you had to search through the picture to find items hidden throughout.  At first glance, I only saw one dolphin then while coloring it, I found another.  I love the face included in the front of the wrecked ship.  There may be some items that I've missed as there is so much within this picture to enjoy.

I've layered Bo Bunny's Winter Joy Bundled and Dot with teal, purple and green Bazzill cardstock to create my card.  A Fiskars border punch mats my image.  A couple of Memory Box Madera Corners and an EK Success corner punch decorate my corners.  Several Close To My Heart Bitty Sparkles add some bling to my fancy corners.  Recollections Mulberry Paper Flowers with a satin ribbon create a nice corner cluster.

This is a photo of my completed card front where I've showcased the beautiful Kathleen and Summer image by Hannah Lynn . . .

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Anything Goes "Decorative or Altered Corners" (here)
Fab-n-Funky "Anything Goes" (here)
Divas by Design "Anything Goes" (here)
Creative Craft "Free for All" (here)
Crissy Armstrong's Monthly Challenge "Anything Goes" (here)
Charisma Cardz "Seeing Spots" (here)
One Stitch At A Time "Be Square" (here)


Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, BV00, E93
hair - adult E31, E35, E47 child E51, E55, E57, Y13 doll Y13, Y26, Y28
sunken ship - E70, E74, E79
treasure chest - E31, E35, E47, W1, W3, Y13, Y26, Y28
message in a bottle - E35, E30, G00, 0
crab - R22, R24, R29, B29
starfish - E02, E04, E08
seahorses - FYG1, FYG2
dolphins - B91, B95, B97
shark - C1, C3, C5
tiger fish - FY1, FYR1
coral - FBG2, FB2, FV2, FY1, FYR1, FRV1
seasponges - E40, E42, E44
seaworms - RV23, RV14, RV19
seaweed - BG93, BG96, BG99
leaves - YG11, YG13, YG17
grass - BG70, BG72, BG75
plants, adult eyes - BG11, BG15, BG18
sand - E40, E41, E42
tail - adult BG70, BG72, BG75, BG78 child V04, V06, V09 doll YG11, YG13, YG17
water - BG000, BG01, 0
Opaque White

 

"Artist's Choice" Jan. 1, 2012 Sundays With Crissy

 

 

"Top 6" Dec. 14, 2011 Divas by Design





Crafts and Me Challenge: Pearls and Swirls

The Digi Design Team over at the Crafts and Me Stamps challenge blog wants to see your Pearls and Swirls.  Crafts and Me Stamps is sponsoring this challenge and offering THREE digi images as a prize to a randomly selected entry.  You can find out more about this challenge here.

I've used the soon-to-be-released digital image by Hannah Lynn called Christmas Miracle.  This lovely little angel floats among the clouds with a gentle little lamb while dreaming of a peaceful, white Christmas.  A touch of Flower Soft Vintage Christmas softens her headpiece and the bed that the lamb is lying over.  Here's a closer view of my Copic-filled image . . .

I've included an older Stampin' Up! Ski Slope designer paper when diecutting using my Sizzix Big Shot Pro Carry All Box Pro die.  This lovely gift container stands a little taller than 4 1/2", is about 3 1/4" wide and about 2 3/8" deep.  It'll make a sweet candy container too!

Before sealing the side and base of my Carry All Box, I used a QuicKutz Cookie Cutter set of circles to add a window to my box front.  A Memory Box Elegant Scrollwork, altered to fit, and a Prima Say It In Studs pearl-petalled flower adorn a corner of my box and image.  A few strands of EK Success Adornments Winter fibers decorate my box handle.

This photo shows my completed Sizzix Big Shot Pro Carry All Box showing Hannah Lynn's Christmas Miracle . . .

I'm entering this snowy white Christmas project into the following challenges:
Charisma Cardz "Snowflakes" (here)
Wags 'n Whiskers "Snow Angels" (here)
Delicious Doodles "Hairy Legs" (here)
One Stop Craft "Christmas Fairies" (here)
Crazy 4 Challenges "Snow" (here)
Daisy Doodles "Christmas" (here)
Creative Craft "Free For All" (here)
Craft Your Passion "Tis the Season" (here)
Hooked on Crafts "Winter Wonderland" (here)
Simon Says Stamp! "Anything Goes" (here)


Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, E93
hair - E31, E35, E47
gown, bows - BG70, BG72, BG75
head band - YG13, R37
wings, sun - Y13, Y26, Y28
lamb - W3, W1, W00, E02, 0
clouds, halo - BG000, Y00, 0

"Top 3" Dec. 9, 2011 One Stop Craft

Card Art with Copics: Fall Masquerade Fairy by Caron Vinson

Caron Vinson is an amazing artist who creates wonderful fantasy art and Sweet Pea Stamps carries a line of Caron Vinson's fairies and mermaids in rubberstamps.  I've used one of Caron's masquerade fairies for an autumn-colored thank you card.

This photo shows a closer view of my Fall Masquerade Fairy.  I've painted Diamond Stickles over her wings for added sparkle.

I've adhered a faux stitched matting of Best Creations sparkling patterned paper to my card made from Bazzill brown cardstock.  Creative Memories oval cutters helped to form my image shape.  A couple of Sizzix circle die cuts shape the background.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts.

A few holographic leaf stickers by American Greetings help to add some autumn sparkle to my card.

Here's a view of my full card front showing my use of Caron Vinson's Fall Masquerade Fairy by Sweet Pea Stamps.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Sketch Saturday "Sketch by Jo" (here)
Sweet Pea Stampers "Sticker Shock" (here)
In A Sweet Pea Dream "Thankful using Fall Colors" (here)
Crafty Creations "Thanks/Gratitude" (here)
Flutterby Wednesdays "Open" (here)
PaperPlay "Being Thankful" (here)
Totally Gorjuss "Sparkle" (here)
Dream Valley "Sparkle" (here)




Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, BV00, E93
hair - E31, E35, E47
wings - Y13, Y26, Y28
top - YG61, YG63, YG67
skirt - YR20, YR23, YR24
dotted background - YR20, YG61, Y26, 0

Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge: Sketch by Lynda - Piano Forte

I'm so happy to have accepted an invitation to participate in this month's Sketch challenge as a Guest Designer over at the Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge blog.  Woo-Hoo!!!  You can find out more about this challenge and see the fabulous work of the EB's World wonderful design team here.

This photo shows a closer view of my Copic-filled digi image called Li'l Lynda's Piano Forte by Elisabeth Bell.  This sweet little lady is dressed in her best as she sings her little heart out while playing the piano for her doll, puppy and everybody else who cares to listen.

I've created my card using Bazzill white with some smooth dark and light pink cardstock.  A hint of Memory Box Yuletide collection patterned Christmas bell paper, faux stitched with pure pink marker, adds a splash of holiday background color.  A Spellbinders Grand 12" Classic Lace Border and Floral Doily Motifs die cut from WorldWin Gold Metallic Foil add intricate design to the sides of my image.  A Fiskars border punch adds more detail to the background matting.  A few rose brads, a swirl of cream pearls and a double bow tied with ruffled metallic braid ribbon are all the accents this sweet little lady needs.  A wonderful Close To My Heart Gloria sentiment (in Latin, translates to Glory to God in the highest) provides a little musical text support.

Here's a view of my completed card front showcasing Elisabeth Bell's Li'l Lynda's Piano Forte . . .

If you'd like to take advantage of an opportunity to WIN a couple of really sweet Elisabeth Bell digi stamps AND have a chance to be a GUEST design team member for Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge blog, then submit your entry at their monthly challenge here.



I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Ooh La La Creations "BINGO" (Ribbons, DieCut, Sparkle) (here)
Hooked on Crafts "Something Punched!" (here)
Bunny Zoe's Crafts "Anything Christmas with Pearls" (here)
Colour Create "Pink, White, Gold" (here)
ABC Challenge "D=Dazzle" (here)
Crissy Armstrong's Monthly Challenge "Christmas Non-Traditional Colors" (here)
Belles 'n Whistles "Christmas" (here)
Moving Along with the Times "Ribbons and Bows" (here)
PaperCrafting Journey "Anything Goes" (here)
Totally Paper Crafts "Christmas" (here)

The Elisabeth Bell stamps Digi Bells Design Team is hosting a November release blog hop through Dec. 2nd, 2011.  For a chance at winning the new EB Creative Genius image, I'm also including this card as an entry at their "anything goes" blog hop post (here).



Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, E93
hair, puppy - E31, E35, E47
roses, heart, dog collar, dress - R11, R22, R43, R46
leaves - G82, G85, G99, YG11, YG13, YG17
pillow background - B91, B95, B97
slip, shoe, note - Y13, Y26, Y28
piano - T9, T6, T0
airbrushed outline shadow - Y00, RV00

Sizzix Big Shot Pro Candy-Shaped Box and Sara Burrier's Poinsettia

I'm thrilled to share a Crafts and Me Stamps soon-to-be-released beautiful fairy digital image by Sara Burrier named Poinsettia.

This photo shows a closer view of my Copic-filled image.  I set this lovely fairy toward the side of my cut rectangle so I'd have plenty of room to add a sentiment and some embellishments.  This magnificent stamped sentiment is an oldie from Art Gone Wild!  A QuicKutz manger and north star die cuts provide divine accents.  A bit of Diamond Stickles covers her wings and the poinsettia she's holding.  You can find out the basics of how I make my punched poinsettias here.

I've used my Sizzix Big Shot Pro and the Candy-Shaped Box Pro die to die cut Little Yellow Bicycle's Christmas Magic paper.  Holiday ribbons, tied in bows, hold my candy box tight but will make it easy to open and tie again.  A Spellbinders' Fleur De Lis Rectangle frames my image.

It all came together pretty easily.  Memory Box holly vines add a very nice over the edge flourish.  Here's a view of my completed Sizzix Big Shot Pro Candy-Shaped Box showcasing Sara Burrier's Poinsettia . . .

I'm entering this project into the following challenges:
Ladybug Crafts Ink "Fairies" (here)
Digital Tuesday "Christmas Time" (here)
Flutterby Wednesdays "Open" (here)
Wags 'n Whiskers "Christmas-themed" (here)
One Stitch At A Time "Anything Goes" (here)
Paper Sundaes "Beautiful Bows" (here)
ABC Challenge "D=Dazzle" (here)
Daisy Doodles "Christmas" (here)

Copics used:
skin - E000, E01, E11, E93
hair - E31, E35, E47
holly leaves - G82, G85, G99
poinsettia and dress - R22, R29, R59
wings - Y18, Y26, Y28
airbrushed outline shadow - Y11, Y28



"Top 3" Dec. 1, 2011 The ABC Challenge