CDAC Progressive Challenge

As promised, I have a card to share with you for the other new challenge group in which I am now participating.  This challenge is sponsored by Crafter's Digital Art Center, which is a site focused on the use of digital images.  I've signed on for a new Progressive Challenge which is a series of six challenges and will run through the middle of November.  The images are provided by various digital artists on the site, but members must participate in order to continue to receive new images.  So, without further delay, here is my entry in the first leg of the challenge......................

The second pic is just a bit closer and at a slight angle to show the dimension a little more.

The image was provided by Digistamps4joy  Here's a look at the original..............................  
                                               
 The card is a basic A2 size.  Card base is generic.  The blue mat and striped dp are Generations Primary Color Stacker.  I used Copics for the coloring, and Versamark Onyx Black ink for the sentiment which is from Inky Antics Baking Kitty set.

See you again soon with my first offering for the Card A Day Blog and thanks for visiting!!


CHRISTINE

NEW BEGINNINGS

Well, yes, we usually think of new beginnings being associated with Spring, and, here we are, coming to the end of Summer and the first hints of Fall.  But I've had some of my own news since we last saw each other.  One of the most special new beginnings in our family has been the birth of Hannah Dorothy, my first 'grand.'  She is actually my sister's first granddaughter, born to my niece, Allie, on July 27th.  I was lucky enough to be visiting with my sister in Chicago at the time, so I saw Hannah within two hours of her arrival.  We had been at the hospital for quite awhile, but it was worth every minute of the wait!

In other news, I have a new computer.  I had been working this blog entirely on a tiny netbook - not really fun.  But the little computer was going a bit crazy, so I decided to upgrade before it failed and made ME crazy.  So now I'll be working on my sweet new laptop, except when I'm down in my studio where I'll be on the big desktop.  The only negative is the time it takes to make the transition.  I'm still getting used to Windows 7, but I guess I can live with it.

Some additional really special news.........I have also joined two new groups.  You won't learn about one of them until tomorrow when I post my first card entry.  But I'll tell you all about the other one right now........

I will be designing for a new blog.  We will launch the CARD A DAY BLOG on September 1 with a new card every single day. Our goal is to fill your mind with inspiration by constantly coming up with new ideas in the way of themes, techniques, images, recipes and who knows what else.  Designers of all types will bring you fresh ideas because there is just no end to what you can create with paper, glue and a few embellishments.

Our launch will start you off with ideas for the Fall season.  Never fear, it won't be limited to just Fall; we'll surprise you with other offerings as well.  THEN, on October 1st, World Card Making Day, we will launch our fantabulous Christmas Card blog hop to give you ideas for all the holiday cards you plan to make.  We know not everyone celebrates Christmas, so we'll do our best to include all of you out there.


We're planning challenges and prizes so be sure to check back every day for your dose of inspiration and fun!!!  Just click on the blue butterfly above to the right.


And, as always, keep your creative genius flowing............  See you tomorrow!!

CHRISTINE

'Tis Better to Give Than to Receive

I am so happy to announce the winner of my blog candy for the Creative EdVentures First Ever Blog Hop!  I just love giving prizes.  Congratulations go out to:

MORNINGLASS

Who said:

Nice projects! they are all 3 beautiful. I really like your choice of blue for Santa's suit, it makes him seem more gentle than the old red standard. I also really liked your use of the pastel colors on the forest keeper stamp. Oh and I like silver best!

AND Surprise, Surprise-----------I am giving a second prize!!!  My second winner is:

Audrey Frelx

Audrey said:  What terrific projects!!! I really love that pin!!! Have fun in the hop!

Look for an email from me so I can get your mailing info.  If you don't see an email within the next 24 hours, please contact me (either by email or comment) so that I can get your mailing info.

Thank you so very much, everyone, for joining our hop and for your thoughtful comments!!


And remember, keep your creative genius flowing.........
CHRISTINE

AND THE WINNER IS.......

No, I'm not making it that easy.  I told you my winner in the Creative EdVentures First Ever Blog Hop will be announced tomorrow.  (tee hee)  But, since you were nice enough to stop by, I do have a card to show you.

A long-time friend of my husband lost his dad last week.  The family knew it was coming, but, of course, it's always a difficult time, and so sad that it came just before Father's Day.

I wanted to use a soft color scheme for this card.  I'm happy with the pretty blue.  This photo shows the signature page on the inside:

Here is a full view of the inside of the card:

I was very pleased with the soft simplicity of the card front.  I used generic papers, and stamped the white cardstock to make my own background design paper.

I thought it might be hard to read the sentiment, so here's a closer view.

I mentioned the paper.  Here are the other ingredients:

Stamps:  Gina K Designs, PapertreyInk, Hero Arts and Unity

Spellbinders dies: Plain and Scalloped Ovals, Fancy Tags and Lacy Squares

Stampin' Up! Baja Breeze ink

Thanks for visiting today, and don't forget to come back tomorrow to see if you're a winner!!!

Keep your creative genius flowing.....

Christine

We're At the Hop for Creative EdVentures

Welcome to the Creative EdVentures First Ever Blog Hop.  We are really excited to have you join us, and we promise not to take up too much of your time.  There are only ten stops, and you have from 9:00am eastern on Saturday, June 18, to Midnight eastern on Sunday, June 19, to finish.  If you've arrived here from Fab's blog, then you're in the right place.  If you just happened along and you want to start at the beginning, then  Creative EdVentures  is the place to go.

This hop is featuring the lovely images of designer Sue Miller.  If you are not familiar with her designs, please check them out.  We think they're wonderful.  Sue Miller and Queen Kat Designs are sponsoring our hop, and have given us prizes for some lucky hoppers.

I know several of us were inspired by Sue's images to bring you more than one creation.  I, being one of them, have three projects for your viewing pleasure today.  So, without further delay, here you go........................

For my first project, I selected Sue's 'Princess Melis' image.  I was making a Choski Pin to use in a swap, and I thought this would be the perfect image to depict the face of the little fairy I was putting on the pin.  This first photo illustrates the pin as a whole.  For those of you who don't know what a Choski pin is, it's a lovely, blingy piece that can be used in so many ways: on a hat or a bag, on a lamp shade or, gosh, even as an actual piece of jewelry.  It's totally up to you.

Here you can see a close-up of the facet with the fairy's face.  The facet is from Tim Holtz.  Most of the other supplies are from one of my local shops, Red Lead Paperworks, Webster Groves MO, the sponsor of the swap I'm in.

Here's one more shot where you can see that the little fairy in the charm is wearing the same garland in her hair as Sue's sweet image.  I thought it was just a perfect match.  Of course, we must have a little fairy dust to sprinkle as we go along our way.

I chose a wooden craft frame for my second project.  The frame came from Michael's, and I covered it with a pretty design paper from Stampin' Up using a glue stick.  I then inked the edges of both the paper and the frame itself with SU ink and used their pearl stick-ons for the little flowers in two of the corners. I enjoyed coloring this image with chalk pastels; the colors are so soft.  I love the overall soft misty look of the frame with the sweetness of Sue's image, 'Keeper of the Forest.'

I really like this project because it is relatively simple and inexpensive to make.  Perfect for a quick gift.  I did give the image some sparkle with glitter pens, but I couldn't quite manage to get it to come across in the photos.

Here's a nice close-up so you can see the Keeper's lovely, sweet face.

I know some of you think it's much too early to even think about Christmas, let alone start working on projects for the holiday season.  I also know there are many of you out there who started working on this years' cards right after January 1st.  My final creation for you is a Christmas card using Sue's adorable 'I Still Believe' image.  This one was colored with Copic markers.  The design papers came from a packet my sister gave me (sorry, lost track of the wrapper a while ago).  I put together the sentiment using a Just Right Stamps alphabet; the letters are so tiny that I wasn't sure I could manage them--tweezers to the rescue!--and stamped it with Making Memories ink.  I also used dimensionals for lots of layering and my ATG tape runner.

The snowflake paper has a bit of glitter, and I also added sparkle to this image.  Once again, it just didn't come through in the photo.  And, as you can see, I chose not to give Santa the traditional red suit.  Those of you who know me well, know I like to be a bit different sometimes.

Santa is encouraging us to be hushed in the snowy 'Silent Night' of winter.  He doesn't want us to wake the kiddies while he's on his rounds.

I added this last image just to show all the layering of the card front.

I do hope you've enjoyed your visit with me to see the lovely designs from Sue.  Now, what's next?

What you need to do to be eligible for the main prizes:
Visit every designer on the list - Become a Follower of their blog (not mandatory, but always most welcome), and leave a comment on their blog hop entry.
*Please note: if an individual designer is offering candy JUST for their blog, make sure you follow whatever additional rules they may have on their own blog.
When you have visited ALL the designers, you will return to the Creative EdVentures homepage and Leave a Comment there about the Hop, our designers, Sue Miller's images, your favorite designs...you get the idea.  We love feedback, and want to know what you thought of our first hop.  Remember, your comment needs to be in by Midnight on Sunday, and needs to include your email address to WE can contact YOU if you're a winner.

I also have blog candy for you!!!
Be sure to leave a comment for me, here, before midnight on Sunday, with your email addy so I can find you later.  AND answer this question, "Which is your favorite, Silver or Gold?"  That's all you need to do, and you'll be eligible.  I'll post the winner on Wednesday, June 22nd.  GOOD LUCK!!

If you've done the hop in order from the beginning, you have only one more stop.  Time to visit Cindy Coleman.

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LOVE & HUGS TO ALL!!
CHRISTINE

I'm a Designer!!!

I am sooooo excited.  This is my first time designing for a blog hop, and I am thrilled to be participating for Creative EdVentures!





I hope you will join us this weekend, starting at 9 A.M. Eastern time ( 6 AM Pacific, 7 AM Mountain, 8 AM Central) for the first ever Creative EdVentures Blog Hop featuring the beautiful designs of Sue Miller.  I am just loving her designs!  Sue Miller and Queen Kat Designs are generously sponsoring this hop, and you will have a chance to win some wonderful blog hop candy after you visit. Some of the participating designers will ALSO have blog candy of their own to give you.  (They will have separate instructions posted on their own blogs on how to be eligible for those prizes.)
All you have to do in order to be eligible for the main prizes from our sponsors is to visit each of the designers on the hop and comment on their beautiful work.  Of course, we would love for you to Become a Follower!  Then, head on over to the Creative EdVentures blog and leave a comment on the main blog hop post – let us know what you thought of the blog hop, tell us about your favourite Sue Miller images, or favorite ways to use her images – we want to hear it all!  That’s it!  You’ll be in!  Be sure to include your email address with your comment so we know how to reach you!

The HOP will run from 9 am Saturday and end at midnight on Sunday .
Prize winners will be drawn Tuesday June 21st and announced by Wednesday June 22nd.
Winners and their comments will be posted on the Creative EdVentures homepage.

So, grab your hopping shoes and come along.

Oh, and remember always keep your creative genius flowing.
CHRISTINE

Coming Soon to a Computer Near You............

FIRST EVER BLOG HOP!!

Sure hope you'll join us!

My Neverending Shower...............................

card.  Okay, I know you haven't seen me lately, but I really haven't been in the shower all this time.  I'm talking about an adorable card I made for my niece's recent baby shower.  I wish I could remember just where I first saw this style of card, but I forgot to write it down at the time.  There are several videos and tutorials out there for those who are interested in the technique.  It involves only two squares of paper to make the base.  A couple of folds and cuts create the many-sided aspect of the card.  The fun...and challenge...is in the placement of your design elements.  The card even comes with instructions; you'll see what I mean.  I'll group the main photos first, with close-ups to follow.  Yes, this is a photo-heavy post.

This is the front of the card, pictured with the double hang-tag with instructions.  The tag was tied on with ribbon to keep the card closed.

This pic is what is seen after the first fold.

This is after the second fold.

And this is the back of the card after the final fold.
Here are the closer shots:

I had a really fun time making this card.  With a little more time, it might have gotten a bit more extravagant.  I think I'm glad to have had limited time.  I was lucky to have used colors that coordinated nicely with the shower decor.

Check this out while you're here:

Finished-on-the-Fifteenth FaveCrafts Blog Hop for June

I hope you've enjoyed my little foray into a new, for me, card technique.  I'd love your comments.

Thanks so much for visiting, and remember to keep your creative genius flowing.
CHRISTINE

Just Love My Tools (plus a little sneak peak)

When I started this blog, I knew that I would be featuring my hand made cards.  In fact, that is what brought me into the blogosphere in the first place.  But I wanted to keep it open to some of my other loves, one of which is knitting.  I've been happily knitting away on a little scarf I am giving as a prize in a particular group (you know who you are), using a very special pair of needles that I have in my collection.  I couldn't say exactly where I came upon these different needles, but they were made by some wonderful craftspeople.  I thought you might enjoy seeing some of them.
The pair on the left are made of a very pretty pearlized plastic with Fimo bead tops.  The next three are beautiful rosewood with tops done in cloisonne beads.  Next to those is a pair of glass needles.  I have to admit, I have not used these just yet; I'm so afraid I'll knock them into something and break them.  The last, I believe, is made of birch, and I think the top is a painted wooden bead.

Here's a slightly closer look.  It's such a treat to have these wonderful tools with which to knit.

Well, thanks for looking.  I'd best get back to my knitting; the prize is due this week.

Do keep your creative genius flowing.........................

CHRISTINE

Once Is Enough

My father-in-law recently celebrated his 87th birthday.  And what do you do for a man who has lived that many years and has pretty much everything he needs?  Try to make him a special card, of course.  I wanted to make a show of his uniqueness, so I thought this stamp might be appropriate to do just that.  You'll see what I mean when you read the inside sentiment............

As you can see, the card itself is made very simply.  The sentiments are from Stampin'Up and the main image stamp comes from Lost Coast Stamps.  The sentiment reads, "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."  I hope dear fil took it in the manner in which it was intended.  I believe he did.

The second card is my dd's card to her granddad.  We wanted it to be a bit more playful so we had a little fun with it, and put sentiments on the front, the inside, and even the back!

The back reads, "Today, I eat cake. (yum yum)"  As you can see, I carried the dp from the front to the inside and back as well for continuity, keeping the stripes going in the same direction each time.  Spellbinders Deckled Edge Rectangles and Labels Four were used for the front and inside.  Stamps are Pink By Design, Stampin'Up and Hampton Art.  Papers are Recollections and Generations.

I hope you're enjoying your day.  It's very dreary here, but my dd and I have been enjoying episodes of "Downton Abbey," a series from PBS' Masterpiece Theatre.  We both love a good 'costumer,' and there's lots of British upstairs/downstairs intrigue.

See you again soon.  Until then keep your creative genius flowing................

CHRISTINE

18 Hours Later.......

It's melting like crazy here today.  I gave it 'til Tuesday, but I think it will have disappeared by tomorrow.  The pretty pink blossoms didn't survive, but the two bradford pear trees are still looking gorgeous.  Nope, that isn't snow on them now!  Isn't the sky the most exquisite blue.................

Couldn't resist showing these to you.  I'll be back with the cards later.

CHRISTINE

Six More Hours of Snow

Just thought I'd show you a few pics of our little visit of winter today.  It started with a long loud peal of thunder which ended in a boom, and the snow came shortly after.  Been snowing all afternoon, and it's forecast to continue until around midnight.  If I didn't know it would be gone by Tuesday, I'd probably be feeling really bummed right now.  The first photo is out the back door to our deck.

This picture was taken from dd's bedroom window down the hill.

My last picture was taken out the front door across the street.  What was a beautiful little tree full of pink blossoms is now covered in white snow.  I don't know if you can see traces of the pink -- it looked so pretty yesterday.

Hope your weather is nicer where you are.  I'll be back tomorrow with some cards for you.  Thanks for stopping by!!

Big warm hugs!

CHRISTINE

Blessings

Hello, my friends.  I have one new card to show you today.  It's another card that my daughter requested for some friends who lost a family member.  She wasn't sure what she wanted on the card this time, but I know this family a bit, so I came up with an idea based on that knowledge.  My daughter was pleased with the result.

This card is very simple in design.  The frame around the cross is actually a piece left from a mat that I cut for another card.  The cross and the sentiments, inside and out, are embossed in gold, and the background stamp is in brown ink.

The script stamp is from Inkadinkado.  The cross and sentiments are from the Crosses of Hope set by Stampin' Up!

Sympathy cards are always a bit difficult to design.  More than other cards, they need to convey just the right feeling.  I believe this card did that for my daughter.

Thanks for your visit today.  I hope you're enjoying these early days of Spring, and remember,

keep your creative genius flowing........................

CHRISTINE 

I'm finally doing the TANGLE

Happy Friday everyone!  I can't believe how fast this week has gone, but I'm keeping my promise about getting back to posting
.
I'm sure you've all heard about Zentangle.  But, if you haven't, it's a form of drawing in repeating patterns.  It's not unlike doodling in it's basic form, but it goes beyond because it uses patterns that can be taught, whereas doodling is totally spur-of-the-moment mostly mindless drawing.  There are certified Zentanglers out there - I am NOT one of them, and books and lots of info on the web if you're interested in more detail.

I first heard of Zentangle when one of my local shops was having a 'demo day.'  They had lots of other things going on, but this was the only one I had never heard of before.  It was shortly before Halloween, so our demo included stamped images of witches' hats and pumpkins.  The explanation we were given wasn't especially true to the Zentangle code, and I don't think I captured the spirit in my two sample pieces.

This is my first sample, a witch's hat.  Knowing what I know now about Zentangle, I think this first effort is really lacking in depth, but, still, it was fun to do.  It was done with an ordinary ball point pen.

My second attempt, I think, is a bit better, but still bland.  It's a funky pumpkin.  Also done with ball point pen.

My more recent effort is done in the way Zentangle is initially taught.  That is, using a roughly 3X3" tile and a good quality art drawing pen, in my case a Sakura Micron 01.  Also, all the patterns I used are among the 'official' Zentangle patterns.  I must say, I am much more pleased with this one.  Pleased enough, in fact, that I will do more of this Zentangling.

I hope you enjoyed my first foray into this trendy art form.  It's been taking the crafting world by storm!

As always, thanks so much for visiting, and remember to keep your creative genius flowing...................

CHRISTINE 

I'm Still Here

Hi, lovely friends!  Just a note to let you know that I am, indeed, still here and will begin posting creative goodies again this week.  I have missed you all very much, but I've been having some issues which have kept me away.  No nothing serious; just enough to keep me out of things.  Also, I'll be making my way around visiting as many of you as I can in the coming days; you are all so very inspiring.

So, I hope you'll be back to visit.  I already have a few things to show you.  I just need to get them into my computer! lol  Thanks for stopping by.

Here's to getting my own creative genie-ous flowing again......................

CHRISTINE

Just a Quick Update

Well, I am soooo happy to say that we have dodged the proverbial bullet once again.  Guess we're just living right.  LOL  Seriously, we ended up with such a small amount of snow, it's almost laughable.  But on top of the sleet, it really was a nasty situation.  I am so, so sorry for those of you who have been on the receiving end of the big thunder snow.  I know exactly how you feel Carole and Audrey, and so very many others.  Just stay in and be safe and keep as warm and cozy as you can.  Definitely hot chocolate weather!

Take care everyone.  Sending hugs.............
CHRISTINE

The Storm

Hi everyone.  After reading some comments, I thought I might be a little clearer about what was in my pictures in my last post.  I know it didn't look like much, but it was all sleet out there, and it kept coming down much of the day.  It didn't turn to snow until after dark, so I didn't take any new pics.  I think the official measurement of the sleet in our immediate area was 2".  As treacherous as it was, it could have been much worse if it had been freezing rain.  The trees were getting very heavy with the ice, and bending with the wind.  We have a pretty good snow coming down now, as I write, and the wind has been quite blustery most of the day and evening.  No telling what we'll wake up to. Some areas not far from us already had 10" to 12" of snow by about one or two in the afternoon.  Highways were closed through much of the state due to white-out conditions.  With the sleet hanging on by us as long as it did, our snow totals should be much less than some had anticipated.  Still significant, though, and our area isn't nearly as well prepared as some to handle blizzard conditions since we don't see that kind of weather too often.

 Being from Chicago, I'm no stranger to heavy city snows.  I'll never forget the first thunder snow I experienced during the two-foot dumping we got in '67.  We'd never heard of 'snow days' at that time, and we didn't ride a school bus, so we trudged off to school in the morning, arriving to the news that we had to turn around and trudge back home.  I remember dumping my books and wet coat, hat, etc., and telling whomever had passed on the news that I wasn't going anywhere until I had dried off and warmed up.  I do believe we managed to snag a city bus for part of the trip home.  They were moving really slowly, but at least they were dry.  Brings back some good memories to think about that storm.

It's well past time for me to turn in, so I'll sign off for now.   I'll pop in again later.  I hope everyone in areas hit by this weather can manage to stay safe and warm.  Be careful if you absolutely need to go out.


Hugs,
CHRISTINE 

Winter Rages On

Thought I'd post some pics of conditions here in the St. Louis metro southwest area. Doesn't look like much yet, but it's really treacherous out there. We're awaiting the arrival of the thunder snow-embedded blizzard. Stay safe out there everyone.

These are from about 9:30 am central.  I'll try to show more later as the conditions change.

Warm hugs,
CHRISTINE