Christmas Geese

This month's challenge at Sparkles Christmas Challenges is to create something with critters and glitter.  I have chosen a LOTV image of geese.  I distressed the edges and added a glittered corner flourish.  The bottom is embellished with lace and pearls and the snowflake is a diecut from Miss Kate Cuttables that I cut on my new Cameo.  Join us at Sparkles and show us your creation.

Our sponsors this month are Bugaboo Digi Stamps (7 digi stamps) and Crafters Companion (£10 voucher).  Be sure to visit our sponsors - they have great papercrafting goodies available. 

December 2014 Tim Holtz Tag

I finally completed my December 2014 Tim Holtz tag.  This took quite awhile to finish.  I started out with the wrong color ink so I had to flip the tag and start over on the background.  As usual, I improvised on quite a few of the supplies.  Even though it seems like I have a zillion Tim Holtz products, I never seem to have the right materials.  I think it turned out fairly close to the inspiration tag.  I like the stitching around the edge - what a great way to attach clear things.  The biggest challenge was the pine sprigs.  I do not have that die, so I found a picture and traced it in Silhouette software.  After I cleaned it up, I cut it with my CraftRobo.  I do not have the deer cutting die either, but I found a slightly smaller chipboard deer in my stash.  The winter and the wishes sentiments also came from my CraftRobo cutter.  I added a snowflake filigree from Dry Gulch to finish it off.  Hopefully I can complete every tag next year.

W is for Whiskers

The new challenge at Alphabet Challenges is "W" for Whiskers.  I chose a deer for my whisker-sporting animal.  I used vintage lace layered over a Martha Stewart punched border.  The deer is actually a gift tag that I raised up with foam dots.  The wooden joy was a little plain, so I painted it with a few different colors, ending with metallic bronze.  I hope you will visit Alphabet Challenges and share your creation.

Christmas Recipe

The new challenge at Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is to create a project using this recipe:

1 Critter

2 Patterned Papers

3 Embellishments

I found this cute little squirrel print at LOTV.  I should have used a picture of our chipmunk, Chippy, but this squirrel was ready to go.  I added lots of snow because I love sparkle.  I used a piece of red paper as well as a piece of glittered green paper for my paper elements.  I added a glittered Christmas tree, a piece of green ribbon and a border of snowflakes for my three embellishments.  Stop by Ruby's and see what the other design team members created using this recipe.

"V" is for Variety

The new challenge at Alphabet Challenges is  "V" for Variety.  Use three different papers or three different embellishments for your project.  I chose three different papers as well as more than three different embellishments.  I like the slightly non-traditional colors of this one.  There are polka dotted snowflakes and gem stickers.  The beautiful lace has been embellished with sequins.  I hope you will share your "V" is for variety project.

It's a Blue, Blue Christmas

This month's challenge at Sparkles Christmas Challenges is "It's a Blue, Blue Christmas."  I used blue snowflake paper and colored the edges with a little distress ink.  The lace border is from a Martha Stewart punch and it needed a little ink too.  The Merry sentiment is from a set of Making Memories stickers that I found at Archiver's several years ago.  These stickers still adhered perfectly.  The gathered ribbon on the side finished the design nicely.

 

I have these silver filigree snowflakes in my stash (from Dry Gulch), but since the challenge is all about blue, I decided to paint them with pearlescent paint.  The paints are made by Creative Inspirations and are luscious.  They have tons of colors and the paint is easy to use.

 

We would love to see your blue Christmas creations.  Our sponsor is Marianne Design and you could win a prize.  This month's prize is your choice of either 2 dies or 1 stamp and 1 die.  The challenge is open all month so good luck.  Be sure to stop by and see the beautiful projects from our design team.

Just Because

The new challenge at Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is "Just Because".  I chose a butterfly surrounded by crystal gems with lots of vintage lace.  I added a flourish and some pretty flowers.  The filigree in the corner is from Dry Gulch.  Join us at Ruby's and show us your creations.

U is for Unicorn

 

The next challenge at Alphabet Challenges is "U" for Unicorn.  This challenge had me procrastinating and scared.  I have seen lots of cutesy images, and that is just not my style.  Since vintage style is my usual technique, I decided to search for an image of a vintage unicorn.  This is what I found and I think it is perfect.  I added vintage lace that came from the sleeve of a very old dress.  I layered the card with a fussy cut frame and then I distressed the edges of the unicorn printout.  Little snippets of lace, gems and sparkles make the perfect vintage embellishments.  Join us at Alphabet Challenges to see my teammates' inventive creations.  Be sure to give this challenge a try and show us what you make.

Dry Gulch November Color Design Challenge

Dry Gulch November Color Design Challenge

Use our colors to inspire your creativity! Post your project using the color palette above. Your design will be eligible to win a $25 gift certificate to Dry Gulch Beads.

Anything can be created for this challenge, including; finished jewelry pieces, headbands, wearable pendants/pins, handmade cards, lampwork beads, seed-bead art, sewing design, metal-smithing/art, paper crafting, clothing/fiber art, leather work, painting, even your favorite culinary delights (like cupcakes), etc. Your project must be created newly and specifically for our current monthly challenge. The sky is the limit! Show us how creative you are with our color palette.

For this challenge, Dry Gulch is offering a $25 gift certificate prize to the winner. The judges will be looking for adherence to the color palette, creativity of the project’s design and effort. You may purchase and use Dry Gulch components in your project, but that is not a requirement to win.

Your judges will be the 3 generations of women who create at Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry. The judges may create and post their own visions of the monthly color palette also, but for inspiration and presentation only. We’ll publish each created work on Facebook and here on this challenge page.

Add your photo in the comments on our Color Design Challenge Facebook Event or email us your photo to custserv@drygulch.com. When uploading, you may add a description of your work. If also Facebooking and/or blogging your Dry Gulch Color Design project, please add a link to the Challenge on your page. Entries for the Dry Gulch Color Design Challenge may be turned in from now until midnight CST, Sunday, November 30, 2014.

Lots of Christmas Cards

It is the time of year to create lots and lots of festive Christmas cards.  I managed to complete 12 of them the other day.  I still have quite a few to make, but it is nice to have that many ready.  I am a design team member of Sparkles Christmas forum, so I already had a jump start from creating one card each month.  I love the continuous challenges - they are the perfect motivation to start designing.

I used my CraftRobo to cut several swirly Christmas trees, reindeer and ornaments for my cards.  Several of these cards are simple, but that is what makes them elegant to me.  The cut files are from Bird's Cards.  She has many free files that are intricate, yet they cut beautifully.  Now, if I could just get some tags made!

Non-Traditional Christmas Colors

Our new challenge at Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is to create a Christmas card using non-traditional colors.  I chose aqua blue for my project.  There is just enough dark red in the card to make it a Christmas card.  I used a K & Co. sticker for the center which is actually a book that opens.  I layered the book sticker on a diecut that I cut with my CraftRobo.  The tinsel and pom pom trims finish out the card.

Traditional Christmas colors

Our new challenge at Alphabet Challenges is Traditional Christmas Colors.  I chose a vintage bird postcard image that I distressed and inked.  I layered it over a K & Co. poinsettia border and added a flower and a crystal gem flourish.  I love the soft reds and greens of this card.  Stop by and show us your creation using traditional Christmas colors. 

Tim Holtz November 2014 Tag

This month, I am super early with the Tim Holtz tag for November.  As usual, I had to do a lot of improvising, but I think the over all look is similar.  I used distress paints and stains to color the base tag.  I embossed the tag with a leaf design embossing folder and then inked it to bring out the leaf edges.  I used a piece of corrugated cardstock for the top layer, peeling away sections until it looked completely shabby.  I did not have the sentiment, but I found a metal label holder for my acorn ribbon.  The label holder was pink so I embossed it with fall colored embossing powder.  Since my leaf cutout was a little different than Tim's, I ran out of room at the bottom of the tag.  I added the label and metal bar to the side.  This was definitely a challenge!

Christmas Candy

This month's challenge at Sparkles Christmas Challenges is Christmas Candy and was chosen by me.  I used peppermint candies in bright red and green colors.  This one is one of the brightest cards I have made.  The ribbon border is made of crepe paper and the Merry sentiment is holographic.  Our sponsor for this challenge is Marianne Design and she is graciously giving away 2 dies or 1 die and 1 stamp.  I will choose a winner at the end of the month so be sure and stop by and show us your Christmas candy card. 

For the One You Love

The new challenge at Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is to create something for the one you love.  I chose this romantic, vintage bird image and added lace and a punched border from Martha Stewart.  I used distress paint on the edges and an antique copper corner filigree that we carry in our store, Dry Gulch Beads.  The bird image is layered on a diecut that I cut with my CraftRobo.  The pearl gems finish it off.  Be sure to stop by Ruby's to see the other Design Team creations and to show us what you make. 

Tim Holtz October Tag of the Month

I have been quite the slacker when it comes to creating the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2014.  I decided I just had to create this tag for Halloween.  I did not have the exact materials that Tim used for his tag, but I had enough materials that were close.

I started off embossing the tag with an old Halloween folder and then inking with various spray inks.  I used black soot distress ink to highlight the spider web and the edges.  I found an orange pumpkin on a vintage postcard.  I used dimensional liquid embossing to create the face.  Once it was dry, I used a black soot distress marker to color the face. 

For the BOO sentiment, I used Tim Holtz alphabet stickers on wood rectangles that I found at an antique store.  I was fresh out of spiders, so I inked up an embossed grunge board skull.  I added three charms from our store to the door knocker.  The bat and pumpkin were patinaed by my daughter, Catherine.  The charms can be found at Dry Gulch Beads.  I used twine at the top.

Stitched Halloween Card

The new challenge at Alphabet Challenges is "S" for stitching.  I whipped out my little sewing machine and used green thread to stitch around the edges of the papers.  Orange spider web ribbon edges the side of the card and black gems make the card sparkle.  I added a shiny spider web sticker from Jolee's to finish off my spooky card.  Stop by and show us your creation using stitching.

October Color Design Challenge

Design with color and inspire your creativity!

Welcome to the

Dry Gulch Color Design Challenge!

  

Use our colors to inspire your creativity! Post your project using the color palette above. Your design will be eligible to win a $25 gift certificate to Dry Gulch Beads.

Anything can be created for this challenge, including; finished jewelry pieces, headbands, wearable pendants and pins, handmade cards, lampwork beads, cuffs, etc. All creative techniques may also be used to create your projects, like seed-beading, sewing, metal-smithing, paper crafting, leather work, painting, etc. The sky is the limit! Show us how creative you are with our color palette.

For this challenge, Dry Gulch is offering a $25 gift certificate prize to the winner. The judges will be looking for adherence to the color palette, creativity of the project’s design and effort. You may purchase and use Dry Gulch components in your project, but that is not a requirement to win.

Entries for the Dry Gulch Color Design Challenge may be turned in from now until midnight CST, Friday, October 31, Halloween, 2014.

 

Juliette Smith

Pretty Flowers

The new challenge at Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is to use anything you have been given, received as a prize or anything that came with a magazine that you purchased.  I chose to make a message card using beautiful K & Co. flowers that my sister gave me.  The sentiment comes from a 12x12 paper stack and the ribbon roses are layered over vintage lace.  Some day I will make a card that doesn't use lace!

Round and Rectangle

The new challenge at Alphabet Challenges is Round/Rectangle.  I chose a rectangular shaped card and background paper and a lace (lah-say) circle.  I added gem stickers and ribbon and a chipboard shape.  I layered paper lace made with a MS punch over vintage cream colored lace.  Stop by and see what the team has made to inspire you for this challange.  We would love to see your creation.

Cards for a Boutique

I just completed an order for my cards that are heading off to a boutique in Ft. Worth, Texas named Daisy Rose.  This store is filled with silks, lace and flowers so each card had to be loaded up with lots of embellishments.  Some cards were given a facelift and some are brand new.   I hope the Daisy Rose customers love them!
 

 

Autumn Leaves

The new challenge at Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is Autumn Leaves.  I used a pretty foiled leaf paper for my card base.  I water colored the oak leaf image with Twinkling H2o's.  These paints are easy to use and so shimmery.  I distressed the paper edges and added a little distress ink.  I intended to include a little lace or maybe some gem stickers, but I decided the blended colors on the image was just enough.  Be sure to stop by Ruby's and show us your creation for autumn.

Mr. Snowman

The new theme at Sparkles Christmas Challenges is For a Child.  I chose a snowman shaker sticker that is filled with glitter that moves.  I layered the snowman on a diecut over a doily that I inked.  The sentiment is a K & Co. chipboard sticker and I just had to add a little vintage lace.  Our sponsor this month is Marianne Designs.  Show us your creation for a chance to win 2 dies.

September Color Design Challenge Card

This is my entry for the Dry Gulch September Color Design Challenge.  I enjoyed working with such a pretty palette of colors.  I layered flower paper over embossed metallic paper.  The card base is glittered.  The flowers are all diecuts from K & Co. and the leaves are all from Dry Gulch.  I patinaed and sanded them.  I love these versatile findings.  They make great earrings too.  I found the perfect shade of green lace, so I just had to use it.  We would love to see your entry in the contest - click the Challenge link and show us your design for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Dry Gulch Beads.

Anything Goes at Ruby's Rainbow

 

The new challenge at Ruby's Rainbow Challenges is Anything Goes!  It will be fun to see all of the entries we get from this challenge.  I started with a lace doily that I cut on my CraftRobo.  I found the file at Monica's Creative Room.  She has an amazing assortment of free, intricate cutter files in several formats.  I added a Happy Birthday plaque and a sparkly butterfly.  As much as I wanted to add a piece of vintage lace, I couldn't fit it in.  Be sure to stop by Ruby's and show us what you've been working on.  Don't forget the Dry Gulch Color Design Challenge too!

September Color Design Challenge

Dry Gulch Beads & Jewelry is hosting another Color Design Challenge.  This month, the colors are a cool blend of lavenders and greens.  I plan to create a card as well as a necklace in this color palette. 

Anything can be created for this challenge, including; finished jewelry pieces, headbands, wearable pendants and pins, handmade cards, lampwork beads, cuffs, etc. All creative techniques may also be used to create your projects, like seed-beading, sewing, metal-smithing, paper crafting, leather work, painting, etc. The sky is the limit! Show us how creative you are with our color palette.

For this challenge, Dry Gulch is offering a $25 gift certificate prize to the winner. The judges will be looking for adherence to the color palette, creativity of the project’s design and effort. You may purchase and use Dry Gulch components in your project, but that is not a requirement to win.

Your judges will be the 3 generations of women who create at Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry. The judges may create and post their own visions of the monthly color palette also, but for inspiration and presentation only.

We’ll publish each created work on Facebook and here on this challenge page. Add your photo in the comments on our Color Design Challenge Facebook post or email us your photo to custserv@drygulch.com. When uploading, you may add a description of your work. If also Facebooking and/or blogging your Dry Gulch Color Design project, please add a link to the Challenge on your page.

Entries for the Dry Gulch Color Design Challenge may be turned in from now until midnight CST, Tuesday, September 30, 2014. 

 

An InLinkz Link-up

Fall Diecut Card Challenge

 

The new challenge at Die Cuttin' Divas is fall themed.  I chose an intricate doily that I cut on my CraftRobo to be a sunflower.  I also cut some pretty leaves with the machine, but I cut the stem by hand.  A tiny piece of lace and a few crystal gems give the piece a little dimension.  Here is the inspiration photo collage.

 

Magazine Challenge #11

The next challenge in the magazine 75 Creative Card Challenges is Doll up a Diecut.  I chose a lacy looking medallion that I inked and embellished with a crocheted flower.  I added a pearl and gem center and a row of pearl gems.  This one is simple, but I like the pretty colors.

Going Round in Circles

The latest challenge at Craft Your Passion is Going Round in Circles.  I cut an ornate round doily from Monica's Creative Room on my CraftRobo.  Monica has incredible patterns and they are free.  Since this was a border file,  I had to remove the center circle in Inkscape.   I cut a circle shaped card and adhered it to the back of the doily to form the card.  The patterned paper I chose was a little busy so it was a challenge to decorate it.  I used a K & Co. butterfly diecut, a swirl and gem swirls.  I'm off to find more amazing cutter files!

Things with Wings Challenge

Live & Love Crafts is hosting a Things with Wings challenge for September.  The design team has made some pretty fabulous cards for inspiration.  I made mine a little over the top.  I started with Tim Holtz paper for my background and then added vintage nest and bird pictures.  Vintage lace was a must for this one.  I punched a lace strip with a Martha Stewart punch for the bottom and added an inked doily at the top.  I embossed grunge board filigrees with embossing enamel from Stampendous.  The feathers are real ones from our Guineas.  I painted the birdcage to soften and age it a little.  I embellished with pearl gems, flowers and an embossed metal filigree from our store, Dry Gulch.  It was a lot of fun to make such an extravagant card.

Pretty Petals

The new challenge at Alphabet Challenges is Pretty Petals for "P".  I have chosen a pretty green flower surrounded by soft pink colors.  I found a vintage ephemera piece that went with the theme beautifully.  I embossed the background paper with my Vagabond.  The ribbon flower ribbon is layered over a piece of vintage lace.  This card is a little less complicated than my usual work, but it just didn't need anything else.  Sometimes you have to know when to stop.  Be sure to visit Alphabet Challenges and check out the other design team members' creations.  We would love to see what you make too.

Mojo Monday Sketch Card

I was inspired to create this card by Mojo Monday's latest sketch challenge.  I made a green watercolor background with distress stains and shimmer spray ink.  The flower print is from Lili of the Valley and they come already colored.  I added a little ink around the edges and a shimmer spray.  I decorated a little ribbon and lace with a pearl gem as well.  Here is their sketch.