Distinctive Touches

OWH Memorial Day Weekend Blog Hop!

Today I am honored and blessed to be a part of one of the most important blog hops in America.  Today, we celebrate our heroes both home and away, present and past.  Today, I say Thank You...along with thousands of other people... and I'm inviting you to say "Thank You" too.

Join Operation Write Home and a huge list of talented bloggers and designers as we share our designs that say "Thank You" to those brave souls who fight for our freedoms every day.  You can join the hop by heading over to the OWH Blog and checking out the Linkz to the rest of the hoppers. 

I'm sending this special thanks as an AnyHero Card, with a very special note of support to a hero away from home.

I used Sketch #59 as my layout (with a few deviations due to artistic license LOL) and I just love the simple design. 

I wanted something that was gender neutral and didn't have a lot of bits and pieces to distract from the message.  I feel that this card is a perfect way to say Thank You.

Supplies Used:
X-Press It Blending Card (Imagination International Inc.)
Neptune and Curry Spice Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)
Nautical Blue and Peanut Brittle Memento Dye Ink (Tsukineko)
Modern Graphics Stamps (Anna Griffin)
Small Brads

Please head on over to the Operation Write Home blog to participate... and check out the OWH Home Page for details on how YOU can get involved!

Thanks for stopping in... and Thanks to all you Heroes out there!

 

Whimsy February Challenge - Metal

I've never been a heavy metal gal, but I sure did love the challenge this month for Whimsy Stamps!

We were challenged to use or create with "something metal" and you know me... not a rule follower... so I went my own way and created... something that LOOKS like metal.  LOL

Here's what I came up with.

Talk about a Viking Warrior! - She is the new Warrior Princess image from the February Whimsy release.  She belongs to the KennyK's fantasy series.  SO much fun to color! 

With all of the different layers and types of metal, I knew this would be perfect for the challenge.  I tried to make sure that each different type of material really looked like a different type of metal... from the bright helmet and shield to the cool sharpness of the ax to the deep warm clanging of the breastplate and armored skirt. 

I'm pretty darn excited about the way this one turned out... and I have the perfect person to send it to... a warrior in her own right. 

Want to play along?  Head on over to the Whimsy Challenge and join in the fun!

Supply List
Cardstock:	Raven and Stonehedge (Bazzill Basics) Gold Shimmer (SU) X-Press It Blending Card (Imagination International Inc.)
Patterned Paper:
Image(s):	Warrior Princess (Whimsy)
Ink(s):	Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Copic Markers:	skin-E50/E21/E34 eyes-BG15/BG18 lips-E93/E04 boots-E41/E53/E23 hair-Y32/YR24/E99/E23 shield, helmet, axe-C00/C1/C3/C5 axe handle-T1/T3/T4 skirt, breastplate,gauntlets-W1/W3/W5/W7/W9 shirt-N2/N4/N6 cape-BV00/BV11/B63/B66/B79 wings-V20/C3/C0 background-BG70/BG72
Dies:
Other:	metal brads

February Whimsy Release - Day 4

Hello and welcome to Day 4 of Whimsy Stamps February Rubber & Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday, February 20th,  Whimsy Stamps released this month's new rubber designs, Shapeology dies, Whimsy Designer Paper packs and new Shape EZ templates.

From then until February 26th the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guest are showcasing these fabulous new goodies with a daily mini blog hop and I am part of today’s hop!

Today I'm sharing Strawberry Swing from the Little Cottage Collection. I paired it with Lovely Spring Sliders 2 (cut with the Slider Die 2) to make a simply sweet greeting.  She is just so wide-eyed and her cute animal friends are just as sweet as berries!

Supply List
Cardstock:	Kevin and Razzleberry Light (Bazzill Basics) X-Press It Blending Card (III)
Patterned Paper:	Vintage Marketplace (Bazzill Basics)
Image(s):	Strawberry Swing  (Whimsy)
Ink(s):	Tuxedo Black and Angel Pink (Tsukineko)
Copic Markers:	skin-E000/E30/E53/E93/V20 hair-YR31/YR12/YR27/E99 pants and headband-B41/B95/B45 swing-E42/E43/E44/W3 rope-E11/E13 basket-E31/E35 shirt and flowers-RV52/RV55/RV66 berries-R32/R39 birds-B91/BG23 grass-G43/YG17 sky-B52/B45 bunny-E93/BV20
Dies:	Slider Die 2 (Whimsy)
Other:	White ribbon

Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12.00PM EST tomorrow.

All winners will be announced on the Whimsy blog on February 27th.

To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Ann

Louise R (Guest)

Tammy Louise

Bev

Colleen

Jacque

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

If you would like to join us as our Guest Designer for our April 2013 release please go to our Guest Designer Contest page to read all about how to enter. Entries close at 12.00pm (EST) on Wednesday 27 February 2013.

Whimsy January Challenge - Fancy Edges!

Today I'm participating in my very first Whimsy Challenge!  This month the challenge was to use Fancy Edges... something that I'm not always comfortable with.  I'm more of the straight-and-narrow type of gal. 

I used this month's new release Dreamy Dragon image from the Wee Stamps collection.  I wanted a "soft" look, so I stamped him with Potter's Clay.  I then used a variety of die cut shapes to create layers within the card. 

Supply List
Cardstock:	Iced Pink, Blush Dark Red, Sea Salt (Bazzill Basics) X-Press It Blending Card (Imagination International)
Patterned Paper:	Simply Stories (Summer Fresh)
Image(s):	Dreamy Dragon (Whimsy Stamps)
Ink(s):	Potter's Clay (Tsukineko)
Copic Markers:	Dragon - Y21/Y24/YR24/R81/R83/R85 Branch - E30/E23/E25/E57 Flowers - R81/R83/R85/R89 Sky - BG72
Dies:	Double Scallop Doily Die (Whimsy), Labels 18 and Label 23 (Spellbinders)
Other:	White ribbon

Head on over to the Whimsy Inspirations Blog to check out the other Challenge submissions and join in the fun!

 

January Whimsy Release - Day 6

Hello and welcome to Day 6 of Whimsy Stamps January Rubber & Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday, January 23rd, Whimsy Stamps released this month's new rubber designs, Shapeology dies, Whimsy Designer Paper packs, Shape EZ templates and *new* Whimsy Prints pre-coloured toppers.

From then until January 29th, the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new goodies with a daily mini blog hop and I am part of today’s hop!

Today I am showcasing a new category called 2Cute Ink collection illustrated by Heidi Schwoerer.  This image is one of three adorable critters from the Furry Friendship set.  I just love this little bear and thought it would be a GREAT way to send a "hello" to a beary special friend!  (Sentiment from the Furry Friendship set also.)

Supply List
Cardstock:	Kraft and Twilight Lavendar (Bazzill Basics), X-Press It Blending Card
Image(s):	(Whimsy Stamps)
Ink(s):	(Tsukineko)
Copic Markers:	bear - E50/E53/E23/E93/E95/E97/0 (texture) flowers - RV52/RV55/RV69 butterflies - V20/V28 grass - G43
Dies:	standard circles (Spellbinders)
Other:	ABS - V22

Today, each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw. To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12:00PM EST tomorrow.  All winners will be announced on the Whimsy blog on January 30th.

To take a peek at the rest of today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Ann
Colleen - you are here
Ellie
Sylvia
Heidy
Erin
Simonne
Bev
Stephanne
Jacque

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

If you would like to join us as our Guest Designer for our March 2013 release please go to our Guest Designer Contest page to read all about how to enter. Entries close at 12.00pm (EST) on Wednesday 30 January 2013.

January Whimsy Release - Day 4

Hello and welcome to Day 4 of Whimsy Stamps January Rubber & Die Release Showcase!

On Wednesday, January 23rd, Whimsy Stamps released this month's new rubber designs, Shapeology dies, Whimsy Designer Paper packs, Shape EZ templates and *new* Whimsy Prints pre-coloured toppers.

From then until January 29th, the Whimsy Stamps DT and Special Guests are showcasing these fabulous new goodies with a daily mini blog hop and I am part of today’s hop!

Today I'm sharing a card that is a bit outside of my typical "cutsie" range...  don't get me wrong, the image Floraline from the Little Cottage Cuties line from artist Elisabeth Bell is super adorable.  I just figured I'd try channeling the gals from the other side of the pond who always have such gorgeous layers and embellishments when it came to designing the card.  I'm actually pretty happy with how it turned out! 

Supply List
Cardstock:	Blush Dark Red and Cream (Bazzill Basics), X-Press It Blending Card
Patterned Paper:	Summer Fresh (Simply Stories)
Image(s):	Floraline (Whimsy Stamps)
Ink(s):	Espresso Truffle (Tsukineko)
Copic Markers:	skin - E50/E51/E31/E11/E93 hair - E40/E42/E43/E44 pants - B41/B93/B45/0 shirt - C1/C3/C5 apron/bow - Y000/Y13/Y17 flowers - R27/R32 grass - G05/G12 sky - B60/B41/0
Dies:	Labels 18 (Spellbinders)
Other:	flowers, green florist wire

Today, each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you have 24hrs to enter each prize draw. To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed below by 12:00PM EST tomorrow.  All winners will be announced on the Whimsy blog on January 30th.

To take a peek at the rest of today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Ann
Colleen - you are here
Deb
Gail Lass (Guest DT)
Michele
Bev

Remember that the entire new release is available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

If you would like to join us as our Guest Designer for our March 2013 release please go to our Guest Designer Contest page to read all about how to enter. Entries close at 12.00pm (EST) on Wednesday 30 January 2013.

Fall Leaves - CardMaker Blog Hop

It's no secret that I love summer... so this morning when I opened the door to let the pups out, I was surprised by the chill in the air.  I guess fall is coming faster than I expected and I'm NOT really ready for it yet!  

The one thing that I do love about fall is the gorgeous array of colors that pop out on the trees this time of year.  It's not happening here in Georgia yet, but in another month, the hills will be alive with vivid reds, oranges and yellows. 

To help herald the start of fall, the CardMaker blog team is hopping today to share some colorful fall fun. I've got one of my my favorite images from Eat Cake Graphics colored up as a fall tree... with bright, colorful leaves!  (I like it when the leaves are still on the trees, it's when they fall to the ground that all the work begins!) 

To check out more colorful fall fun, check out these designer's blogs:

CardMaker Blog
Anya
Carolyn
Colleen (you are here)
Glenda
Jennie
Kimberly
Trudy

Thanks for stopping by - have a colorful day!

Supply List
Cardstock:	Phoenix (Bazzill) X-Press It (Imagination International Inc.)
Patterned Paper:	Moonrise (SEI)
Image(s):	Big Tree w/Leaves and Today's Mighty Oak (Eat Cake Graphics)
Ink(s):	Espresso Truffle (Tsukineko)
Copic Markers:	trunk - E42/E23/E59, leaves - YG00/G43/YR23/YR14/YR18/YR09/R05/R29/Y18/W5, grass - YG91/YG93/YG63

CardMaker - Easy Doodle Cards!

Like to Doodle but don't know where to start? 

Head on over to the CardMaker Blog to ready my card making tip on how to make Easy Doodle Cards like these... 

Thanks for stopping by!

He's All That - CardMaker Blog Hop

Welcome to the "He's All That" blog hop for the CardMaker Blog group! 

Today I'm excited to be bringing you inspiration to help celebrate the GUYS in your life!  Whether it's a father, son, husband or grandfather, get BIG smiles with this simple card...

 

 

This card features a BIG image from Whipper Snapper that is colored up with Copic markers.  I paired it with an extra-large sentiment from MFT and left the layout super simple. (No buttons, bows or frillies for the guys in MY life!  LOL)

Are you ready to celebrate the man in your life?  Head on over to the other designers hopping along today to see more masculine inspiration!

Kimberly Crawford
Carolyn King
Colleen Schaan (you are here)
Anya Schrier
Trudy Sjolander
Michelle Woerner
CardMaker Blog

______________________________________________

Supplies Used
Cardstock:             Capers and Kraft (Bazzill Basics)
                             X-Press It Blending Card (Imagination International Inc.)
Patterned Paper:   Generations Collection (Simple Stories)
Stamps:                 Kroner (Whipper Snapper Designs)
                             Big Greetings (My Favorite Things
Ink:                       Tuxedo Black and Expresso Truffle (Tsukineko)
Copic Markers:      skin - E40/E21/E23
                            hair - C5/C7
                            Tshirt - W1/W3/0
                            shirt - E81/E84/E87/YG00/YG99
                            hat - YG91/YG93/YG95/YG97/YG99
                            shoes - E11/E23/E37
                            jeans - B41/B91/B93/B95/B97/B99/B39
                            ground - W1/W3/W5
                            background - BG70/BG72/E81/E84/0
Other:                   Hemp Twine

 

Thanks for stopping by today... have a Colorful One!

Colleen

 

Splitcoaststamers Product Focus - Smooch Glitz

Did you check out the latest Product Review from the Splitcoaststampers Review team? 

We got the chance to play with 6 new colors of Smooch Glitz by Clearsnap... and ohhhh what fun we had! 

Here is one of the projects I created... Tilda swimming through shimmery waters - reminds me of our snorkeling trip to the Bahamas! 

You can read the reviews from each team member HERE and check out the amazing variety of projects in the gallery HERE. 

_________________________________________________________

Supplies Used
Blue Jeans, African Daisy, Kisses, and Raven (Bazzill Basics)
X-Press It Blending Card (Imagination International Inc)
Scuba Tilda (Magnolia-Licious)
Mystic and Firecracker Smooch Glitz (Clearsnap)
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink (Tsukeniko)
Copic Markers

My Favorite Product !

Today is my first official post over on the CardMaker blog!  I'm so excited to be a part of their blogging team and really am having fun with the topics they gave me to write about. 

Today's post is all about My Favorite Product.  I'll give you a hint... I used it on this card:

Head on over to the CardMaker Blog to find out just what My Favorite Product is...

Thanks for stopping by!

______________________________________________________________

Supplies used: 

X-Press It Blending Card
African Daisy, Bumble Bee and Midge cardstock from Bazzill Basics Paper
Cute Fish cling stamp set from Inkadinkado
Quite a Catch stamp set from Gina K. Designs.
Memento ink pad from Tsukineko LLC
Copic markers (YG000/YG03/YG05/YG09/Y000/Y02/Y04/Y18/E93/R24/B41)
Multiliner
Foam Tape
Circle Punch

 

Don't Worry...

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth!  I'm still around... just hiding out where no-one can find me! LOL  (But it looks as if you have found me!!!)

Actually, I've been busy teaching... and loving every minute of it!  Last week Thursday I spent the day in Savannah with 16 of the most amazing Copic enthusiasts!  They were all SO excited to learn more about Copic markers...  each of them having a different level of experience with them.  They left the class ready to go out and color the world! 

That makes me happy!

Thanks for stopping in today...  Have a GREAT one!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Supplies

Cardstock:           X-Press It Blending Card

                           Bazzill Basics Paper Tahitian Princess and Raven

Rubber Stamps:    Gina K. Designs “Quite a Catch”

Ink:                      Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black

Copic Markers:     BG11/BG72/BG75/YR04/YR07

Adhesive:            X-Press It Double Sided Tape and X-Press It Foam Tape

Other:                 Copic Mulitiner

 

Humming Along

Like many of you, I'm busy getting ready for CHA next week... and I just don't seem to have enough hours in the day!  LOL 

I'm leaving a few days early so that I can attend the Intermediate Certification Class that Debbie and Sherrie are going to be teaching on Thursday.  Since I'll be teaching my first one in April with Debbie, I want to sit in on another class and absorb all of the information I can. 

I'll be spending the days working the Copic booth, either demoing or chatting about our education programs.  It's one of the busiest booths there... which is always fun!  If your going, stop in and say hi!

Before I head out, I wanted to share one last project that I put together for the booth.  It's totally different from the cutsie style I typically do, but I enjoyed challenging myself and stepping outside my comfort style. 

I used the following Copic colors:
Leaves - G20/G40/G21/G24/BG93/BG75
Flowers - RV000/R81/R83/R85/R89/Y0000
Centers - Y15/YR16
Bird - BV0000/BV00/BV02/BG10

I really just stamped the image and colored it...  doodled a frame around it with my multiliner,  matted it on some pink 
card stock and then attached it all to a black card base.  The whole thing measures about 7 x 4 

Supplies:
Copic Markers, Multiliner, and X-Press It Blending Card (Imagination International Inc.)
Pink and Black Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)
Red Throated Hummingbird Stamp (Stamps Happen)

Well, I better get humming onto the next project!  I'll try to post snippets from CHA if I can!

 

 

Never Stop Sparkling!

WOW... what a great weekend I had!  I was lucky enough to attend a trade show where I taught two Copic classes.  I was beyond humbled by the enthusiastic and joyful students I had in both classes. 

The first class created a mixed album full of altered goodness... from ribbon to fabric and gems to flowers...all a mix of inky and colorful fun.   And while there wasn't nearly enough time to finish it all - they buckled in and held on tight as I plowed through the techniques. 

My second class was HUGE... I had over 60 people at tables and a whole audience standing in the back looking on as I covered the basics of the Copic product line and how to blend with them.  In that class we slowed it down a bit and managed to practice and play and create two lovely cards.  (I shared one last week and will share the other later.) 

One of the most enjoyable parts of the weekend was the Sample Making Frenzy.  What a blast to have people get the chance to play with our markers - some of them for the very first time!  I used this adorable Atti-Tude Loves to Sparkle image from Stamping Bella and some pretty pink paper from Bazzill Basics and everyone had the chance to get colorful and make this sweet card.  Of course - we had to add a bit of bling with the Atyou Spica Glitter pens too! 

I had an absolutely fabulous time.  I met some amazing store owners (A big Thanks goes out to The Scrapbook Girl for the Rockin' Sweatshirt!)  and some super cool manufacturers (you will be hearing about some new companies here soon!!!) 

And of course - A big shout out to Ron...  thanks for adding laughter to my days.  

*Important Note*

The Indianapolis and Ft. Lauderdale Certification classes are open to the public. 

There are only a few seats left... sign up now! 

Applications can be found HERE.