Box of Colours

Copic Marker Europe

2012-02-19T12:45:00.000Z

Hello there everyone, hope you're having a great weekend!

I have some fab news to share with you today - I have been asked to Guest Design for....

Copic Marker Europe!!

I couldn't resist this adorable little guy whilst at a craft show recently, isn't he the cutest!!

Stamp:

"Revolver Hero" by Nellie Snellen

Dies:

Spellbinders Nestabilities Ovals

Quickutz Corner and Stars

Go-Kreate alphabet

Paper:

DCWV - All About Boys Stack

Misc:

Chalk ink - various shades

Glitter glue

Cowboy ribbon from stash

...............and the all important Copic list....

Anyway, I'd like to thank Copic Marker Europe for inviting me and if you haven't visited their blog before click HERE as it's a treasure trove of Copic information!

I'd like to enter my card in the following:

Allsorts Challenge - #142 Anything goes

Incy Wincy Designs - #133 A recipe (3 embellies, 2 papers, 1 image)

Scrappy Frogs Challenge - Die cut challenge

Chocolate Coffee Cards - Brown, Orange, Teal

Crafty Hugs

3 Companies - 1 Blog Hop

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000Z

Not one, Not two but THREE COMPANIES have come together to bring you a fantastic collection of images, sentiments and even matching embellishments to get your creative minds flowing with ideas!

WHO ARE THEY??
If you have been following the lead up to our big release then you may have taken a stab at guessing who we are.
If you guessed...

Whimsy Stamps, Make it Crafty & Little Miss Muffet Stamps!

Then you are correct!! Woot!

Now as you can imagine there are HEAPS of prizes to be won but before all that, join us on our incredible inspiration hop where the talented girls from our teams share different ways you can combine our products.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

With it being Valentine's Day, of course the theme has an element of love... whether it be friendships, a thank you or even a romantic kiss in Paris... you are sure to feel the love all round.

So if you have just popped by to say hi and stumbled into this hop you may want to

START AT THE BEGINNING!

Otherwise you should have arrived from ELLIE

Details:

Make it Crafty

Paris Elements & N2 Fancy Collection chippies

Little Miss Muffet Stamps

Krill the Gargoyle, Penny Farthing, Elisabeth Louise Hatter

Whimsy Stamps

Thanks a bunch notables 2

Close ups:

This image was coloured using both Copic and coloured pencil

PRIZES & SURPISES & A CHALLENGE!!
Make sure you comment along the way for a chance at winning a few extra goodies and once you reach the end, we'll share all the details on the prizes you can win and we even have a fun challenge you can enter which could win you a feature in the upcoming Whimsy Magazine! Wooohoo!

Did we just hear you scream?
"I LOVE THESE PRODUCTS AND I WANT THEM NOW!"

haha - they are awesome right? Our ideas just exploded!!
Well they are available RIGHT NOW!!
Whimsy Stamps Store | Make it Crafty Store | Little Miss Muffet Stamps Store

So where to next you ask??

JUMP on over to my friend SARAH

Hugs

Oh and before I forget I'd like to enter my little Parisien project into the following challenges:

Allsorts Challenge - free and easy February

CES Challenge - #72 Lots of layers

One stitch at a time - #100 Anything goes

Crafters companion - Anything goes

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Pike's Playground Challenge...

2012-02-12T10:00:00.000Z

Hello everyone, it's that time again!

Over at Dustin Pike's place we're challenging you to create something using one of Dustin's Digis and at least THREE of the following colours:

BLACK

PINK

PURPLE

RED

BROWN

Now I recently got set a challenge to use ALL of my newly acquired Fluorescent Copics in a project (which I promise I will share with you at a later date)

and I loved the pink one so much (there's a surprise) that I had to use it in this challenge:

.........believe me when I say her T shirt glows!!!!

I used BLACK, PINK, PURPLE and BROWN

Go on, have a go - and place your entries HERE

Crafty Hugs

Spring is in the air

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000Z

Oh the post title is sooo inappropriate, I am currently looking at a snow covered garden!!

Any way, lets think warm thoughts and spring mornings because......

the MAKE IT CRAFTY CHALLENGE is:

"Spring Colours"

Now I had rather a lot of fun with this particular card as it's a combination of my two favourite mediums: Copic and coloured pencils, in other words a "hybrid"

I know I've said before that I don't tend to use pencils on Copic suitable card because its smoothness causes the pencils to smudge (oh boy the Australian themed card did until I sprayed it with fixative)

However, I would say I have found that adding pencil to Copic work smudges less, I guess the Copic ink gives the pencil something to adhere to - and I am loving the results I can achieve. But please note, I use Copic first, then add pencil - doing the reverse may cause your Copic nibs to pick up pencil residue and over time lead to them having to be replaced.

Hair is an ideal area to benefit from the finer detail that adding a little pencil can achieve, not to mention grass and in this case the toadstool - try it for yourself and I'd love to hear how you get on.

I would recommend investing in a can of fixative to save your artwork smudging once complete - I use Winsor & Newton Artists' Fixative for pastel, charcoal and pencil which works brilliantly, but for years I used the students "budget conscious" alternative - a can of hairspray!!!

I loved seeing all those beautiful red entries and cannot wait to see what you guys create for this challenge which can be posted HERE where you will also find some lovely projects created by my fellow teamies.

In the meantime I'm entering this into the following challenges:

All that Scraps - Anything goes

Crafts and me - Use a new image

Crafty Creations Challenges - Swirly Whirly

Crafty Purple Frog Challenge - Flowers

Moving along with the times - Cute Critters

Crafty Hugs

Cupid is shooting arrows again!!

2012-02-08T15:03:00.003Z

I am thrilled to be able to share the news that I have been asked to be a guest designer at

Crafting for all Seasons

for their

"Love is in the air"

Challenge

Lili of the Valley - Love Grows

We have 3 sponsors for this challenge:

Digi Doodle Shop

They are offering a $10 giftcard for one lucky winner

Bugaboo Stamps

They are offering 7 digital images to one lucky winner

Lili of the Valley

they are offering a £10 voucher to their store

If you would like the chance to win one of these fantastic prizes all you have to do is enter your project HERE where you will also find some fabulous inspirational pieces by the Design team.

I'd like to enter my card in to the following:

Stampalot Feb Challenge: In the garden

The Crafty Pad: Fresh Spring Colours

Crafty Anns Challenge: Love is in the air

Sweet Stamping Challenge: The one I love

All Sorts Challenge: Free and easy

One Stop Crafty Challenge: For the one I love

Crafty Hugs

Thank you

2012-02-02T13:19:00.000Z

Well, here is a little thank you card coloured in pencil on kraft card.

With my newly acquired flesh tone pencils I am working hard at achieving more realistic skin colours, still need practice but I think I may be getting there!

FYI I am now using a combination of Caran D'Ache Pablo, Derwent Artist and Faber Castell Polychromos.

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

DP2 Challenge: Anything Goes

Crafts and Me Challenges: Bright colours

Fab n Funky Challenges: Use a digi image

Paper Pretties: Use ribbon or twine

Creative Craft Challenges: Bingo (ribbons, pink, gems)

Crafty Hugs

Make it Crafty Red Challenge

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000Z

Make it Crafty

"Shading Reds"

(Adding depth with darker shades)

"Gumnut Flower Girl"

available here

Now the big thing to remember about reds is their tendancy to bleed, so a light touch and good cardstock is essential.

I guess the question most people have is "how to add depth to my reds?"

You can do this by choosing deeper shades of yep you guessed it red, but this doesn't always achieve the desired effect. For this project believe it or not I used green!

Many moons ago I learnt about "Complimentary Colours" and here is a basic colour wheel to show you that the complimentary or opposite colour to red is indeed green!

So to create shadow and depth in my picture I used BG93 and BG96 to tone down my reds and create both depth and shadow. I myself am still experimenting with this and discovering which complimentary Copics colours work well together.

If her dress had been green I could have used a suitable shade of red to add depth, try it yourself, it sounds mad but it really does work.

Ooh and before I forget, I applied the same principle to her skin, because flesh tones are sort of yellowy-peach I tried BV31 and by jingo it worked too!

Another tip, crikey I'm full of them today! This one relates to the Gumnuts. Now, I hadn't got a clue what a Gumnut was let alone what it looked like so I did what I always do - I Googled!

This is one of several images I snagged from Google to assist me in getting the colours accurate

Having an image to refer to not only ensures that you select the right colours but you notice things like the white vein that runs down the centre of the leaves......easily overlooked if you guess!!

Talking of guessing - if you've never tackled ruffles as on her skirt before look that up too. OK you probably won't find something exactly the same as the image but having a picture of something similar in front of you will help guide you as to where shadows fall etc.

Before I forget here is the Copic list (yes I remembered this time)

I do hope this has been of some help to all of you who use Copics - give it a go and I look forward to seeing your entries over on the Make it Crafty Gallery where you will also find some amazing examples from my fellow teamies.

In the meantime I'm going to enter this little girly into the following challenges:

Crafts for Eternity - Clean and Simple

Crafty Anns Challenge - What's new Pussycat (new technique, new digi)

Cute Card Thursday - You're a gem

Digi Doodle Shop - Anything Goes

Moving along with the times - Blooming Marvellous

Crafty Hugs

Dustin Pike Challenge time again!

2012-01-29T13:27:00.000Z

Over in Pike's Playground we decided to try something different for this weeks challenge:

We'd like you to produce a card using the above sketch.

You can use any of Dustin's Digi's and my fellow teamies and I cannot wait to see what you come up with.

Here is my interpretation:

(and yes I realise its a square card not rectangular - oops)

"AFFY BIRFDAY"

Believe it or not this naughty little Bulldog is from the 100 days of Christmas collection, but works just as well for a non-Noel card!

I coloured him with pencils on Kraft card and added Quickutz paw die cuts, a smidge of sewing, a dash of chalk ink and ribbon to finish.

So come on, we've done the card design for you, all you need to do is add your favourite Dustin Digi and enter the competition HERE where you will also find inspiration from some of the Design Team.

Talking of competitions, I'm going to enter him into some too:

Crazy 4 Challenges - Layer it on

Just some Lines - A Dogs Life

One Stop Craft Challenge - Stitching, faux or real

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Ribbons

Stamp, Scrap and doodle Saturdays - Anything goes

Oh and before I sign off today, just a reminder to check back tomorrow for my Make It Crafty entry which I should have posted on Friday - with tips on how to darken reds.

Crafty Hugs

Make it Crafty Blog Hop

2012-01-26T09:59:00.000Z

G'day, today over at Make it Crafty we are celebrating

"Australia Day"

with a

BLOG HOP!

And as if that was not enough we have some

NEW Australian themed Digi Stamps

What is Australia Day? Well in short, it's the day that the first fleet of convicts arrived in Sydney Australia (yup they are a bunch of convicts!! haha) but today they celebrate what's great about Australia with family and friends and it usually involves a few snags on the barbie (sausages on the BBQ to you and me)!

So let's celebrate amongst friends from around the world and share some crafting inspiration with an Aussie Outback theme!

If you're already on the hop then you should have arrived from DEBBIE otherwise if you want to hop from the start head on over to say G'Day to AJ

"Aussie Outback Sheila"

available HERE

Here is a close up, the digi stamp is coloured with Copics, unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the Copics used, sorry.

The sketching of Uluru behind the Aussie girly was done by yours truly in coloured pencil.

Now I guess you're looking for the next mate to hop on over to??

Well before you do... Make sure you leave a comment on my blog for your chance to win an Australian Souvenir. Each of us will be selecting someone from our comments to receive a little Aussie Souvenir from Zoe!

PLUS Zoe is offering 20% OFF store wide at Makeitcrafty.com until the 28th January! Hurry on over (when you get through the hop of course!) to grab some bargains!!

OK OK... It's time to head on over to see my mate Jenn D

Thanks for celebrating with us!! Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!!!

Crafty Hugs

Doodle Dragon January Members show and tell

2012-01-25T17:29:00.001Z

Just a quickie today

"Ready, Yeddie, Go!"

This fun little chap is part of the

January Membership Set

Doodle Dragon Studios

$10

Click below to find out more

I drew additional doodles for just a bit of fun, coloured it again in pencil and added a super cute Whimsy Stamp to finish.

Back with more crafty fun tomorrow and I promise it does include Copics!!!

Hugs

New Doodle Dragon Studios release

2012-01-24T11:41:00.000Z

Good Morning everyone!

This week is quite a hectic one for me, so keep checking back as I have quite a few posts lined up.

First of all we have a fantastic new Dragon release from Dustin Pike

In fact there are 10 dragons for $5 and if you buy them before Friday, Jan 27 you get the new Castle set free!!!

So why not hop on over to Doodle Dragon Studios and snag some dragons

Hugs

Daydreams.....

2012-01-19T11:56:00.003Z

"Daydreams"

I'll keep this short and sweet today - got a lot to get done!

Image: End of Summer by Mo Manning

Paper: K & Company Sparkly Sweet

Colouring: Copics (sorry no list)

Additional: Cuttlebug die, Sewing machine

I'm entering this sweetie in the following challenges:

Mo's Digital Challenge - Stitching (real or faux)

Anything Goes Challenge - Anything goes

Crafty Sentiments Designs - Anything goes

Alphabet Challenge - Y is for you can choose

Charisma Cardz - Plain and Simple

Crafty Purple Frog Challenge - Anything goes

Papercrafting Journey - Floral

Crafty Hugs

Dustin Pike Doodle Dragon Studios Challenge

2012-01-15T13:21:00.000Z

Dustin Pike - Doodle Dragon Studios

"Birthday Challenge"

(It's actually Dustin's birthday later on this week)

This little monster is from the Members November 2011 collection.

I decided to use my pencils for this chap, and I applied peel offs to the ribbon for the caption.

So why not join in this week, make a birthday card for Dustin using one of his Doodle Dragon Digi's and post it on the blog via Linky HERE for your chance to win a digi.

Oh and before I forget, if you love Dustin's Digi's you may want to mark your calendars for:

"Friday Freebies"

Thanks for dropping by and all that's left for me to do is wish

a very, very happy birthday

Hugs

Make it Crafty Challenge time

2012-01-13T10:34:00.000Z

OK firstly, where did the last 12 days go............holy moley, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the date - I sure hope the rest of 2012 is not going to fly by in a blur!!

Anyway, abject apologies for not posting since the 1st (oh the shame)

Make it Crafty Challenge

"Create Blades of Grass"

Nah, I don't mean go grow some grass (clarification - as in lawn not the illegal plants!!)

Oh before I dig myself in any deeper here is my interpretation of this challenge:

I wanted to choose a very simple image so the grass was not swamped, nor did I want to go mad and make it look like the fungi were growing in astro turf or green shag pile carpet. As I have said before "less is more"!

Initially, I printed my image out twice, once on my cardstock and then again on Eclipse Masking tape. I used to use masking film, which is fine for rubber stamps as you can use Stazon ink, but printer ink, like Memento just doesn't like it, I've tried it and got inky fingers and splodgy messes for my efforts!! However as Eclipse is like a Post-It printer ink works fine. Why do this you may well ask - ah ha, once I had trimmed my mask mushrooms I stuck them over the ones printed on cardstock and set to work with my Copic Airbrush. However hard I try to get smooth backgrounds by hand, the air brush, pardon the pun beats it "hands down" - so the faff of masking is well worth the effort..........................especially when colouring and creating grass.

Little Toadstools Digi Stamp available at MakeitCrafty.com

As you can see from the above image - I was quite restrained this time with my colour palette! My grass base was created with G40 and it was there that I started when inking in my tufts, working my way through G82, G12 and G84 with various W greys to add depth and those all important shadows. Delicate little flicks from base to tip are sufficient to give the impression of grass. Keep the darker shades at the base of the tufts, and the lighter shades to create the blades of grass NB - be light of touch - if you are too heavy handed with the tufts it can start to look like a bad hair transplant - not a good look for crafting or middle aged men!!

Another thing to bear in mind when adding grass to an image - where is the focal point in your picture - if you only want a little bit of grass to ground or enhance your main subject then keep it light in both colour and density - it's all too easy to over do the grassy tufts and before you know it you have a lovely dense green carpet that draws your eye away from the main focus...............been there, done that!!!

I and the rest of the Make it Crafty team would love you to join in this challenge - your entries can be posted here at the Make it Crafty Gallery where my teamies have posted some wonderful examples to inspire you.

Well I hope this is of help to those of you wanting to experiment with ways of "grounding" your stamped images...........as always if you have any questions feel free to email me.

Crafty Hugs

Hello 2012!

2012-01-01T09:46:00.003Z

First of all may I wish you all a very

HAPPY NEW YEAR

And to celebrate I thought I'd give my blog a facelift - what do you think?

Now I don't know about you but my Christmas Fairy got rather fed up of being perched atop the tree (pine needles and tulle skirts are a nightmare combination) so she hopped off to enjoy last nights festivities!!

This image is pre-party - you honestly don't want to see the state she's in now......

Yesterday I gave myself a little post Christmas treat and bought some of Mo Mannings newest images, this is one of the Fairy Princess ones.

As you can see I printed her out on kraft card as I was dying to try out these little beauties....

Caran D'ache Pablo

Oh my, these colour like a dream, are in the same colour range as my water-soluble Supracolor Soft but are water-resistant - the possibilities when combining the two...........

Have no fear, these little wooden sticks of wonder won't replace my Copics, in fact Santa included the Copic Fluorescents in my stocking (my collection is officially complete) along with a post-it note saying if I'm a very good girl he'll send me the new colours in February!

Well, I think all that's left is for me to do is to enter this cutey in to a few challenges out there in bloggyland.......

Crafting for all Seasons - Fairies
Stamping for the weekend - Anything goes
Charisma Cardz - Anything goes
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Anything goes
Cooking up with Katie - Anything goes

Crafty Hugs

Oops a day late (but it is Christmas)

2011-12-19T12:00:00.000Z

Please forgive the tardiness of my post, last minute shopping followed by a trip to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie meant all yesterdays good intentions went awry!!

Any way better late than never here is the latest

DUSTIN PIKE CHALLENGE

"Anything but a card"

I decided to make some placecards for Christmas Day

I had great fun with Liquid Applique and Stickles - and the place cards are made using an old Quickutz die I had in my stash.

For those who wish to play along, please post your entries HERE

(You have TWO weeks)

And may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"

Hugs

Make it Crafty Challenge time....

2011-12-09T11:19:00.001Z

OK, this time Zoe set us the following task:

"Recolour an image from earlier in the year............and share both"

Not too daunting a task until you have a migraine for 3 days, then find yourself left with a head that feels like it's full of marshmallow! I've had the concentration span of a goldfish since Monday so not surprisingly my initial Copic recreation went in the bin - major booboo. Hence I finally opted for pencils - at least I could erase the mistakes!!!

Anyway, here goes, this is the original image I coloured with Copics way back in August

and here is the new version:

I chose a completely different colour palette (yellows, oranges and browns, oops and turquoise hair) with Caran D'Ache Supracolor Soft pencils on Kraft card. Oh and before I forget, yet again I remembered to choose my background papers first - see, I'm learning!!

As in my previous rendition, the flooring was added by yours truly with a Copic multiliner and the super cute little Christmas stamp was a new acquisition from LOTV. The flat backed pearls were from my teamie Elaines' store Quixotic Paperie.

Why not give it a go, this is an easy peasy challenge - at this time of year you don't need uber difficult challenges especially if you're brain is as mushed up as mine currently is!! Why not hop on over to the gallery to see what my teamies came up with which will hopefully inspire you to join in HERE

In the meantime I'm going to enter my little golden elves into some challenges myself:

Bizzybecsstore - Christmas

Stampin for the Weekend - Christmas

Sundays with Crissy - Anything goes

Bearly mine Challenges - Un-traditional Christmas

Celebrate the Occasion - Christmas (no green)

Creative Card Crew - 'Tis the Season

Oldie but Goodie Challenge - Christmas (no red or green)

Papertake Weekly - Anything goes

Tuesday Throwdown - Celebrate the season

Crafty Hugs and Christmas Wishes

Brrr it's so cold I've turned blue!!

2011-12-04T13:58:00.001Z

Although, I am a tad chilly it's not technically me that's turned blue so much as my card!!

This week over at Dustin Pike's Blog we're challenging you all to come up with a

CARD/PROJECT using NON-TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS COLOURS

Here's mine:

And I was so good this week, I picked out my paper first and then co-ordinated the colouring accordingly - normally I merrily colour my image then pull my hair out struggling to find an appropriate paper! I feel a New Years Resolution a brewing!!!

Copics Used:

B91, B93, B95, B97, B99 oh and B0000 and B000 for snowman with a touch of grey to help with the shadows.

Make it Crafty snowflake chippies were covered in white ink then Copic'd to match!

So come on dear blog visitors - put your greens, golds and reds to one side and come up with something totally awesome and post it HERE for your chance to win a free digi!

In the meantime I'm going to enter these little chaps in the following challenges:

Catch the Bug - Anything goes

Stamptacular Sunday - Colour Challenge (Blue, Black or Brown and Tan)

One Stop Craft Challenge - Let it snow

SSDS Challenge - Holiday card

Sweet Stampin Challenge - Snow

Prairie Fairy Fridays - Beat the winter blues

Stampin for the weekend - Friends

Stampin with the dragon - Anything goes Christmas

Totally papercrafts - Let it snow

As always thanks for dropping by

Can you colour white?

2011-11-25T12:18:00.001Z

Make it Crafty Challenge

"Colour White"

I guess it is easiest if I post my image first:

The image was coloured with Copics, the background was airbrushed with Caran D'ache pencil additions to the hair and clear gel pen on the halo.

I am going to try and do a "How to" section with the Make It Crafty Challenges from now on - in an attempt to make my posts a little more fun and fingers crossed - informative!!

How to Colour White

(well Jane's method anyway)

I've coloured the above image with Copics, but whatever medium you opt for will require similar colours to get this effect:

The temptation when you are faced with a white dress or at this time of year, snow, is to leave the area completely uncoloured. But that just leaves you with a very flat, somewhat boring image and if we're honest none of us want that.

To avoid this you actually need to colour the shadows and thereby give the impression of a white object - in this instance the little Angels dress and bow.

If you still think I'm being daft look at "white" objects around your house and you will see that none of them are pure white - they are basically shades of grey - to show what I mean here is an image of my radiator below:

Shock, horror - it's not plain white!!

I like to start with the palest grey and build up to the darkest shades - believe it or not from C00 right up to C5, blending as I go. I also added a dash of BG0000 and B0000. The only parts that I have left uncoloured are parts of the right sleeve and the two front folds and parts of the bow - everywhere else has been coloured with various shades of grey.

Why not give it a try yourself - and enter this fortnights challenge, posting your entry HERE

...............and I'd like to enter my little Angel into the following challenges:

Daisy Doodles Creative Challenges - Christmas

Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew - Monochromatic

Creative Craft Challenges - Free for all

Deep Ocean Challenge - "C" is for Christmas and Cool Blue

Digital Tuesday Challenge - Sparkle and Shine

Oldie but Goodie Challenge - Let it Snow

Papertake Weekly - Christmas Crackers

Happy colouring

Christmas Card Challenge

2011-11-20T20:02:00.001Z

Dustin's Design Team Challenge

over at Pike's Playground

Christmas - Anything Goes!

This little gem was from Goody Bag 3 but if you like Dustin's snowglobes he has drawn some fab new ones that are currently available in his

100 Days of Christmas - $20

HERE

...............and here is one of them

ideal for those of you who celebrate Christmas wearing shorts!!!

So come on lets see how many entries we can get this time

"the more the merrier, ho ho ho!"

Post your entries at Pike's Playground for your chance to win a Doodle Dragon Digi

HERE

As always, thanks for dropping by

Published in Pixels

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000Z

Our very own Dustin Pike is featured in the November issue of the online magazine

Papers and Pixels

As one of his DT I was lucky enough to get my little old effort used in the article, how cool is that!

Apologies for the lack of a Copics colour list, I had to get this done in a hurry to beat the publishing deadline, but oh boy I had fun adding texture and depth with a mixture of Copic techniques, gel pens and glitter, not to mention the beautiful die cuts from Memory Box and Die Namics.

Copics techniques:

The Penguin hat and scarf is really simple - just dots of a slightly darker colour on top of a pre-coloured image.

For the Polar Bear I just built up layers of dashes, starting with the palest greys and working up to the darker ones. As you can see the knack is to be brave and leave gaps between your pen strokes. I've found this method the best for me to get fur, try it out for yourself, I'd love to hear how you get on and whether it works for you too.

As for the dies, although I used the Snowflakes Corner die, I opted to resist the urge to place it in the corner of my card, using it instead to break up the straight lines of the central image. Yes it means a lot of the die is hidden behind the penguin but it sort of works - what do you think?

Ribbons, Snowflake paper, machine stitching, glitter glue and a Viva Decor Pearl pen finished it off.

I thought I'd enter these little chaps into a couple of challenges

Craft your Passion - Let it Snow

Digital Tuesday - Christmas Time

Oldie but a Goodie - Let it Snow

ABC Christmas Challenge - Christmas Sports (Polar Bear Racing????)

If you like this image and others I've posted lately why not pop over to Doodle Dragon Studios and see what digi's Dustin's been doodling.

Thanks for dropping by

I challenge you to...........

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000Z

Colour an image with a light source from a lantern or candle within the image!

Yee gads, I hear you shout (or words to that effect)

That is the challenge we are currently running over at

MAKE IT CRAFTY

If you have a current copy of the new Magnolia Ink magazine you may have seen Zoe's guide on how to colour an image with a lamp - hence she decided to set us the challenge to try it too!

Well, ahem, where do I start on this one - having stamped out my image I masked her with Eclipse masking tape (awesome stuff) and covered the snow area with a roughly torn piece of kitchen towel and set to work with my Copic Airbrush (Oh boy that piece of kit is fun to use)

Then the hard work began, colouring by hand. As with Zoe's tutorial, you must pay attention to your light source, but equally to the shadows - and don't forget to use your greys!!!

I had a blast with the snow, it is probably the most realistic representation of fresh snow that I have achieved since I started using Copics - not quite there yet, but I am getting there - and if I am totally honest it is a little too "white" for this composition.

That's enough arty waffle..............here is the list of stuff used:

Magnolia - Midwinter Tilda

Craft Creations Christmas Scrolls - Red

Ribbon from stash

Die-Namics - Fancy Flourish

Make it Crafty - Swirly Corners

Copics (see below)

OK this is the bit I love - inviting you guys to have a bash at our latest challenge and ask you to post your entries in the gallery HERE

In the meantime I am going to enter this little girly in to the following:

Charisma Cardz - Cutesy

Cute Card Thursday - Reds for Remembrance

Little Miss Muffet - Simplicity

Stampavie - Anything goes

Anything goes challenge - Stitches, real or faux

As always thanks for dropping by

Copic Storage

2011-11-08T13:18:00.000Z

Oh my, I've spent so many hours trying to solve the problem experienced by many a Copic owner..........STORAGE!

As my collection grew so did the storage dilemma - initially I used the plastic boxes that the Copic sets come in, adding more as required. I stored them on their sides to keep the pens horizontal - holding the boxes together with parcel tape.

Unfortunately the pens are only gripped at the end and as you can see they dip downwards and the more boxes you stack the worse this gets - when you pull one pen out several follow!!

Not to mention this type of storage is not overly stable and even after adding blu-tac to stick the boxes to the wall I was greeted several times with a cascade of Copics all over my desk.

I am sure I don't need to tell you that various solutions are available - Totes, Racks, Cubbies and boxes but I wanted something that keeps the pens horizontal and allows me to store them in colour order and gives space for additional pens.

One solution then caught my eye - some people were using "eggcrate louvre" as used in suspended ceilings. However, I personally didn't like the wooden dowels that were being used to suspend the eggcrate - so I challenged my hubby to come up with a cleaner solution.

And here it is..............

This little beauty will take 396 Copic Sketch!!

If this is a solution that would work for you too here are the details you might find useful:

Storage Box - we chose a "Really Useful Box" (11 litre) because unlike a lot of boxes its square inside - no annoying internal bulges.

2 x Eggcrate Louvre - I got mine online as they aren't so easy to find here in the UK

Transparent silicone sealant

Hack saw

Handy-man Husband (Oh boy, the mess I would have made trying to do this myself)

Oh and I mustn't forget the Sizzix mat that was sacrificed..... you can see a portion of it attached to the front on the box - it was well worth cannibalizing the poor mat as it makes the whole box rock solid - I did not want the pens falling all over my desk anymore!! I am not saying you have to chop up your prized Sizzix mat, it's just what we used - you just need something of reasonable density to ensure the stability of the unit.

And in case you were in any doubt here's a side view:

Because the eggcrate is siliconed in at the base of the box and the top the pens are held securely and of course without the use of dowels you are not losing valuable pen space!!!

*****Additional Info*****

I've had quite a few emails asking where you can source the items required to make this storage unit, so here goes:

Storage Box:

In the UK, Really Useful Boxes are quite common, mine came from Hobbycraft.

Rest of the World -use Search Engine for suppliers

Any similar box will do, it just looks smarter if your box is square inside and saves you cutting your Eggcrate into a strange shape and of course maximises marker storage.

Eggcrate Louvre:

USA - Try Lowes or Home Depot

Rest of World - use Search Engine (that's what I did)

size of squares: 15mm x15mm

NB. This storage system is suitable for:

Copic Sketch

Copic Ciao

I am chuffed to bits with my new storage - it stands with pride on my desk and the knowledge that it has room for quite a few more pens is a bonus!

What do you guys think??

It's Maggie Monday!

2011-11-07T11:37:00.000Z

Well that's what I'm calling it today any way!

And why you may ask, well it's a good excuse to show you one of those Swedish cuties that I have such fun colouring.

This one is a sweetie and I thoroughly enjoyed colouring her dress. I've also been playing around with tracing paper, adding white dots to create a delicate lace like effect.

Here's what I used:

Magnolia - Tilda with a small gift

LOTV - Corner Swirls & Christmas Circular Sentiments

Stempelglede - Vintage Garden

First Edition Paper - Festive Treats

Tracing Paper

White Gel Pen

Copics & Caran D'Ache pencils

Ribbon from stash

Sewing Machine

Distress, Memento and Chalk inks

oops and nearly forgot a dot or two of Liquid Pearls

And I thought I'd enter her in to a few challenges:

Crafty Catz - anything goes

Just Magnolia - anything goes

Catch the bug - anything goes

Dream Valley - anything goes

Magnolia Stamp Lovers - Christmas Challenge

Thanks for dropping by

Anything goes at Dustin's!

2011-11-06T11:36:00.000Z

OK, everyone Dustin has an "anything goes" challenge - so get your creative juices flowing and come join in the fun over at Pike's Playground!!!

All we ask is that you use a Doodle Dragon Studios image - the rest is up to you!

Post your entries HERE

I decided to do a Dudley - well he was responsible for me finding Doodle Dragon Studios after all.

Doesn't he look a dapper chap in his shiny armour.

As you can see I had fun with pins, dies, punches and ribbon, but as always my favourite part was the colouring................how about you?

and look I even remembered to take a pen piccie

Ooh and talking of pens, how many of you are getting frustrated with a lack of decent storage solutions for Copics - especially if like me you want to keep them in colour order!!

Well if you are then you won't want to miss my blog post later on this week here at Box of Colours.

Hugs

Make it Crafty Texture Challenge

2011-10-29T07:00:00.000+01:00

Make It Crafty Challenge:

"Create your own texture using your colouring medium"

Woah! Don't panic - honestly this is much easier than it sounds!

Here's my DT project:

Let's take a closer look......

Textures and techniques:

I started with the upper background which I coloured in BV01, then sprayed some Isopropyl onto a small natural sponge dabbing it on to the Copics - it gives a beautiful dappled effect. I then added dots of BV02 and RV10 - dabbing on more alcohol until I had this soft speckled look.

Then I coloured the lower half in V91 and V93 after which I sprayed Isopropyl on a piece of denim and pressed it on to the Copic area (remembering to mask off the top piece first) - it gives a really subtle lined effect, best seen near the boys feet.

As for the girls clothing, her spotty skirt was created simply by colouring it in with various shades of red then adding tiny dots of blue - we don't always walk round in plain clothes so why should she! The texture on her sweater was achieved with Caran D'Ache pencils (sharpened to a point) - in an attempt to resemble knitwear - what do you think?

The boy was just as much fun - the seams on his jeans - that's an easy one - just apply your colourless blender to the coloured jeans until you've got the depth of fading you're after! As for the argyle pattern on his jumper - it's simply black, grey and white pencils, mimicking the shadows I'd already created using Copics. To give his hair extra dimension, which I never seem able to achieve with just Copics I added extra colour again with Caran D'Ache pencils (what would I do without them?)

One thing that doesn't show up well in the pictures is that I added clear Jelly Roll Glaze to the rubber parts of the Converse style footwear - it's just enough to give them a slight sheen.

And finally a few dots of White Gel pen - a word of advice, don't get carried away with highlights - "less is more" is my motto!

I'd like to enter this card in to the following challenges:

By the cute and girly : Anything goes

Heart Song Inspiration: No sentiment

Creative Card Crew: Fall'in for you

Deep Ocean Challenge: Sweet

Crafts and me Challenges: use blue

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!

Post your entries in the Make it Crafty Gallery HERE

Thanks for dropping by

Magnolia Christmas

2011-10-28T13:03:00.000+01:00

I smile whenever I colour this particular Tilda as she was my very first Magnolia stamp!

I have her sitting inside a Stempelglede Grunge Ornamental Circle (lg) and added a dash of colour with Liquid Pearls, White gel pen and ribbon.

And if like me you need a little bit of inspiration to get those Creative Christmas juices flowing why not treat yourself to the new Magnolia Ink Magazine - it's full of Festive Crafting goodness and an interview featuring Zoe McGrath from Make it Crafty!

Tilda was coloured with Copics (sorry no list) and as per Zoe's tutorial in Magnolia Ink I've used lots of greys!!!

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Just Magnolia - Christmas

Make It Monday - Anything goes

Inky Impressions Challenges - Anything goes

Simon Says Stamp - Anything goes

The Paper Shelter - Anything goes

Charisma Cards - Anything goes

Thanks for dropping by

Pike's Playground Challenge...and it's shiny!

2011-10-24T13:13:00.000+01:00

Firstly, I must apologise that this should have been posted yesterday, unfortunately I've been out of action for a few days - family stuff followed by a pesky migraine!

Pike's Playground Challenge:

"All things shiny!"

Anyway, here is my effort - and I assure you it is shiny even though it doesn't look it in the photograph!

Apologies for the lack of a Copics list but I was having fun playing with Perfect Pearls Mist - it's on the backing paper and the doily has several layers of it.

Then I added a bit of glitz courtesy of Crystal and Frosted lace and topped it off with satin ribbon and pearls to finish!

Come on this challenge is a great excuse to play with that glitter (unfortunately I always end up wearing the stuff) - so "do your thing and add some bling!" and post your shiny creations HERE

Please remember you must use one of Dustin's Doodle Dragon Designs and he's got some super cuties that are ideal for Christmas over at Doodle Dragon Studios HERE

Thanks for dropping by

Blog Candy Winner and new challenge

2011-10-14T14:56:00.000+01:00

Firstly, may I just say a huge thank you to everyone who joined in on the Make it Crafty Blog Hop, I hope you all had as much fun as we did.

Secondly I am happy to announce the winner of the

Box of Colours Blog Candy Bundle

"Grams Treasures"

Congratulations Joyce, your parcel of goodies will be on it's way to Canada shortly!

Now it's time to announce the new

Make it Crafty Challenge

"Colouring snow"

No, I don't mean, dying snow silly colours and taking piccies of it, although that would be kind of fun (if you could find snow in October that is)

It's the challenge of colouring something white:

For me personally when colouring snow, or indeed anything white with my Copics I use the following colours:

BG0000 Snow Green

BG000 Pale Aqua

W00,W0, W1,W2 Warm Greys

The temptation with white objects is to leave them uncoloured, but if you look around the house at white objects you will quickly see that they aren't in fact pure white - they have shadows, contours and are usually made up of various shades of blue and grey. You may also notice that shiny white surfaces often reflect the colours of objects around them and indeed lights in the evening.....

Hence my choice of one of the new Make it Crafty Festive Elements digis available HERE

Not only am I able to demonstrate the depth you can achieve by using warm greys but you can see how the light from the lamp is reflected in the snow and in this instance, the ribbon too.

Why not have a go, it's easier than you think!!

Please post your entries

at the

Make It Crafty Gallery

Boo!! Did I scare you?

2011-10-09T09:52:00.001+01:00

Guess it's that time of year again when ghosts and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night come out to play................as a result the gals at Pike's Playground decided that the theme this time would be:

"SPOOKTASTIC"

(Halloween colours)

Oh the tales I could tell with this one.........before I go any further, I love the Die-Namics (black) and Memory Box (orange) dies - they are so delicate and perfect for the size of cards I make - I love them! However, initially I only had black ones on my card and for some reason I decided to embellish the swirls once I had glued them and the pumpkin image on the card!! So I picked up my Spica Pitch Black and Sakura Black Gelly roll and off I went - BIG MISTAKE!

Thank goodness I used a Quickie glue pen to stick them on, they peeled off nicely - but I had to carefully lift off the pumpkin image first - yee gads, when will I ever learn not to fiddle!!

In future I shall stick to merging digital images as I did here and concentrate on mastering that - I am getting better with Photoshop Elements - an amazing achievement for me as computers are really not my thing!! LOL (just ask my son)

Here's a close up:

The eagle eyed amongst you may be able to spot a hint of smoke coming from the purple witches flask - it's really simple to do - just doodle scribbly circles with a white pencil - the colour sits on top of the Copics. Woosh lines (well that's what I call them) were added to the Orange witches pot with the same pencil - try it, if you don't like it you can always erase it (guess what, I erased my first attempt!!)

Well enough blathering, here's the list of ingredients and challenges I want to enter this in to - and don't forget if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Image: Dustin Pike

Paper: Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland

Misc: Die Namics and Memory Box dies

Colouring: Copics (see below)

Challenges:

Die Creative - Autumn colours

Stamp with fun - Halloween

Shabby Tea room - Shabby autumn

Digital Tuesday - We like to party

Tuesday Throwdown - Halloween

The Paper Shelter - Halloween Party

Now readers, I'm entering these challenges and I'd love to see your wonderful creations over at Pike's Playground - please remember that you must use one of Dustin Pike's digis.

You've got 2 weeks to play, so come on, get those oranges, slime greens, purples and blacks out and join in the fun!

Hugs

Christmas card....finally

2011-10-07T12:09:00.000+01:00

Oh boy, this year I am so behind making Christmas cards and with my arm injury taking yonks to heal I fear I may have to ............dare I say it "buy some" yee gads, the shame!!

But here is another seasonal project, using one of Mo Mannings fabulous images:

Image: Mo Manning NP Employee No 5533

Paper: First Edition Paper - Festive Treats

Colouring: Copics (sorry no list) and Distress Ink

Additional: LOTV Christmas stamp, ribbon, charm and pearls from stash

I'm entering this cheeky little chap in the following challenges:

DP2 Challenge - Patchwork

Craft your passion challenges - anything goes with a ribbon twist

Craft Challenge - Bright colours

Sweet Stamps Blog - anything goes

Crafts and me Challenges - Use a digi

Happy 1st Birthday

2011-10-04T12:28:00.002+01:00

Woo hoo, I can hardly believe it my blog is celebrating it's 1st Birthday today!!

Dustin Pike's dino's are having a party to celebrate!!

Don't forget, if you'd like a chance at winning the

BLOG CANDY BUNDLE

(JOINT CELEBRATION FOR ZOE & MY BLOGS BIRTHDAYS)

make sure you've left a comment on the

Make It Crafty Blog Hop Post

HERE

You'll also find details about how to claim your Make it Crafty freebie on this post.

Make it Crafty Challenge

2011-09-30T11:54:00.000+01:00

Hello there, if you are here for the Make it Crafty Blog Hop which will be running until 12th October please click on the Blog Hop banner on the right →

OK peeps, this weeks challenge involves colouring "sheer clothing" - yep you know the see through outfits the designers get the uber stunning models to wear on the catwalks!!

I gulped when Barbara and Zoe suggested this one, mainly because you've got to colour 2 layers - not only the sheer clothing on top but the fabric or body underneath!!

Now, I didn't think I'd get away with one of the new MIC Mischievous Elves sporting see-through clothing - and the gingerbread men are practically naked already so I've played safe and used a Hanglar stamp to try my hand at this particular challenge......

I started by penciling in the dress under the area I intended to make look like sheer fabric, inking it in very lightly with a Copic Multiliner 0.1. Remember, the pattern on the dress underneath will not be as bold due to the fabric covering it!

Once that was dry and I'd erased my pencil marks I set to colouring the spotty dress, using bold colours for the sleeves and bottom of the dress and softer tones for the middle section - and "don't forget to use your greys" - they will give your drawing depth and dimension!!

OK, at this point I took a deep breath and dived in with a pale flesh tone for the outer edges of the sheer fabric not covering the dress, then I stopped (using Copics that is) This is where I swapped to Caran D'ache pencils (Prismas will be fine for this too) because I could get the colour to lie on top of the Copics.

What I was trying to do was give the impression of a light, floaty material sitting on top of the spotty dress. What do you think?

Image: Hanglar Stanglar

Paper: Basic Grey Cappella Paper Pad

Misc: Make it Crafty Butterfly Chippie

Lili of the Valley sentiment stamp

Memory Box Elegant Scrollwork die

Stempelglede Vintage Garden Stamp

Magnolia Border die

Flat pearls

Colouring: Copics (see below) and Caran D'ache Supracolor Soft

I'd like to enter this card in to the following challenges:

The Play Date Cafe: "Colours - Wine, Smudge, Leather and Parchment"

Delightful Challenges: "Pearls and Swirls"

Digistamps 4 Joy: "Anything goes"

Inky Impressions Challenges: "Punches or dies"

Simon Says Stamp: "Anything goes"

The Paper Shelter: "For the girls"

I look forward to seeing your wonderful "Sheer Challenge" entries in the Make It Crafty Gallery HERE

Make It Crafty Christmas Blog Hop with Blog Candy

2011-09-27T11:00:00.000+01:00

Welcome one and all!

Hee hee, the Design Team have temporarily taken over the blog whilst we celebrate Zoe's birthday today, yep that's right.......

Happy Birthday Zoe!

To commemorate this joyous occasion, we're so excited to bring you a
Birthday Blog Hop with a Christmas theme!!!

The Design Team wanted to celebrate Zoe's Birthday in style so there's lots of inspiration, prizes, freebies and even a gallery album for you to post your own birthday greetings to our Zoe.

This is one hop you don't want to miss!

Zoe has some fabulous new Christmas images that were released today and we've been working really hard to produce some amazing cards to show them off!

From today until Sunday, 2nd October she is offering 15% off ALL digi stamps in the Christmas Category HERE

But the fun doesn't stop there!
every Design Team member on the hop is giving away

****BLOG CANDY****
You'll have two weeks to leave a comment on this blog post and I'll be posting my lucky winner here on Friday, 14th October.

Oops, nearly forgot....................we've got yet another surprise for you!!

We contacted one of Zoe's artists (S.H) and she's very kindly drawn us this gorgeous party girl for the occasion - how cool is that!

Introducing "Party Girl Zoe"

We wanted to make sure that everyone was included in our celebration so we're giving her away as a FREEBIE to everyone who wants to join in with our celebrations!!!

All you need to do is create a new project using a Make it Crafty image or chippies and upload it into the Gallery HERE by 12th October.

Then email Barbara here with a link to your project to claim her!

So are you ready for some Christmas inspiration?

Time to sit back, relax and enjoy the myriad of inspiration from the Design Team:

Jane (ME)

Well you've come to the right place as I'm your first stop, oh yeah!

Image:

Make it Crafty New Christmas Digital Image

"Elf Delivery System" available HERE

Paper:

Craft Creations

Misc:

Quickutz Britannia Alphabet, Circles and Stars

Cuttlebug corner die

Make it Crafty Fancy Ribbon Sliders

Ribbon from stash and sewing machine

Copics:

For me this is a double celebration!

Why?

Well, believe it or not

Jane's Box of Colours Blog

will be celebrating it's 1st Birthday on 4th October!!!

So, I've decided to give away this

***BLOG CANDY BUNDLE***

to one lucky reader

BLOG CANDY BUNDLE

Ribbon, Foiled die cut greetings, Wishes elements, Silver and Gold peel-offs,
Blank Jigsaw, Beads, Mini Jigsaw pieces, White gel pen and over 30 charms

Thank you for dropping by, don't forget to leave a comment on this blog post for your chance to win the

BLOG CANDY BUNDLE

you have until 12th October!

Now it's time for you to hop on over to

JEN

Make us Laugh

2011-09-25T13:00:00.000+01:00

Did you know it is World Smile Day on October 7?

Well over at Pike’s Playground we thought we’d celebrate it by creating humorous cards for our latest challenge!!

Image: Dustin Pike Snowmen (Members Nov 2010)
Paper: Daisy and Dandelion Christmas Collection
Colouring: Copics and chalk ink
Additional: Ribbon from stash, Die-namics Snowflake die, Quickutz frame die

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

The Paper Shelter - Anything goes

Sweet Stampin - Anything goes

So come on, what are you waiting for?
Create something that will make Dustin and the Design Team chuckle!
(PLEASE REMEMBER TO USE A DUSTIN PIKE DOODLE DRAGON DIGITAL IMAGE)
Post your entries HERE

Hugs

Make it Crafty - White Mist Challenge

2011-09-24T13:52:00.000+01:00

The Make it Crafty Design Team have been playing around with "white mist" this week - a great technique for those upcoming Halloween projects!

All of the Design Team Misty masterpieces can be seen over at the

Make It Crafty Gallery HERE

Having never attempted something like this before I decided to take a photograph before and after:

To colour these goggles normally was a challenge, I can see I've missed a couple of shadows, but on a whole I am quite pleased with them. Then came the scary part - adding mist. I decided to add rather than attempt to incorporate mist whilst colouring as my chosen image was so detailed to begin with.

In order to ensure I was going to create realistic mist I googled for images and found that it hangs in and around objects in wisps rather than fog which covers more densly.

Here is the misty version:

I did try initially creating mist with my Caran D'Ache pencils but found it just didn't give the wispy appearance I was after, so I erased it and went with option two, Chalk ink. This I applied with a cotton bud, adding layers of ink until I was happy with the density.

To get the mist to drift in and around the goggles I masked parts of them and the leaves enabling me to blob on the ink in the right areas - I am pretty pleased with the result - what do you think?

Image:

Make it Crafty Steampunk Googles

It's not surprising that I got through alot of Copic colours on this one:

Now come on, it's your turn to have a go - I really cannot wait to see how you guys interpret this challenge - please post your entries HERE

And don't forget we are having a Make it Crafty Blog Hop starting 27 September (Zoe's Birthday) and I'll be your first port of call - so mark your diaries.

Hugs

Granny's been baking again!!

2011-09-17T10:24:00.004+01:00

It's time for another challenge at

Make it Colourful

All you need to do this week is create something using ORANGE and BLACK

and enter it in to the new gallery HERE

To be honest I shouldn't really be colouring yet as my arm is far from healed but there is only so much daytime television this girl can take!!

Images:

Make It Crafty - Spooky House

Mo Manning - Witches Trick, Pumpkins and Mummy
Stempelglede - Grunge Collection (for stamped edge)

Colouring:

Copics (listed below) and Distress Inks

I look forward to seeing all your amazing orange and black entries.

Hugs

Stars and Stripes

2011-09-11T13:00:00.000+01:00

It’s time again for another Pike’s Playground Challenge folks!

“Stars and Stripes”

Apologies for the shortness of this post but I am still having problems with my right arm and my left one is getting sore because it’s just not used to having to work so hard

Yep, it’s another outing for the snowman but he’s sporting a nice ice blue ensemble this time around.

You may not be able to see it that well in the photo but the Liquid Applique has had a bit of Stickles glue applied for that sparkly touch!

Now come on, if this one-armed bandit can get this card online (I completed it pre-injury) you guys can create something for this weeks competition – don’t forget you have to use one of Dustin Pike’s digital images.

Please post your entries HERE

Hugs

Out of action

2011-09-06T07:20:00.001+01:00

I was bit of a numpty recently and sprained the middle finger on my right hand, but also managed to strain my right arm the same day. The finger has healed, unfortunately because I decided to soldier on and continue using my right arm, it has not.
I currently have my arm in a sling – more to stop me using it than anything else, in the hope that it will heal. As a result I am having to put down my pencils (yep, I’m right handed!!)
Operating a mouse and typing left-handed are a challenge – so blogging is also off the agenda – I will still be visiting your sites, but please excuse the lack of comments – this piece has taken an age to tap out.
Back soon (hopefully)
Jane

OK who stole my black ink?????

2011-09-03T13:34:00.003+01:00

The theme of the Make it Colourful Challenge this week is:

"NO LINES"

Now there's no need to panic! It doesn't mean you've got to draw your own digi, we'll save that for another time (only kidding)

A few weeks ago you may have heard and or seen the furore that Zoe caused by challenging herself to colour a Magnolia image having stamped it in really pale ink.

Well several of us had a go and not surprisingly the team decided it would make for an awesome challenge for you guys to try......................

For those who missed my first attempt click HERE

This is my effort for this weeks challenge:

Image: Magolia Stamp, Make it Crafty - Ornate floral frame

Paper: Victoria and Albert Hanovarian

Colouring: Copics (see below)

Additional: Ribbon from stash

And here is a close-up of the no-line image itself. I love the soft, pastel like effect you achieve when you nolonger see those harsh black lines.

For stamps it's quite easy, you use a really pale ink, personally I chose Memento Angel Pink. As for your digi's you need to alter the opacity in your graphics program - Zoe recommended about 20%, but wally brain here decided as this was my second attempt I'd reduce the opacity to 6%!!

Hints, Tips and little snippets of wisdom (that's funny, coming from me)

Make a "Sanity Saver" - Print your image twice, once normally. ie dark, the second being your pale one which you will be adding colour to.

Your normal image is a guide, when you start adding colour the lines on your pale version will on occasion disappear and this second version will be invaluable (trust me)

Take it steady, don't rush it, without the lines you have to pay more attention

(on average allow for it to take you twice as long as a black lined image)

Think shadows!

No I'm not going insane (well, not yet) - You have to remember that in this challenge you don't have your trusty black lines to lets say denote where Tilda's face stops and her hand begins. It's up to you to show this with shading and shadows - it's time to really use your greys!!!

For a more detailed guide about how to add depth and dimension to your images please click HERE

Quick note re copyright:

when reducing the opacity of your digi images please make sure the artists signature is still clearly visible - I go over mine with a pencil when I'm done.

With this particular challenge you will find yourself looking at your image far more closely than you'll have ever done in the past. It isn't an easy one, but believe me you will learn a lot if you give it a try, just ask my teamies!!

As you may be aware we are now asking you to post your entries to our new

Make it Crafty Gallery

There will be a gallery for each challenge each week. To enter the challenges, register for an account at the gallery and then post your card in the challenge entries gallery.

The MIC DT will be haunting the gallery and leaving love.

To keep all the inspiration in one place, the DT will display all their inspiration in the challenge DT gallery, they will also link to the products used in the photo description.

The gallery for this week’s challenge is here.

So why not pop along and see what my teamies have created to inspire you to join in this weeks challenge - I can't wait to see your entries.

Food, glorious food!

2011-08-28T13:00:00.001+01:00

As if eating a giant Vinylmation cake wasn't enough this weeks challenge over at Pike's Playground is entitled:

"Yummy in your tummy"

But I have been somewhat health conscious with my choice of edible fayre:

Now, this is bit of an "in house joke" - I love rabbits, having had 4 as pets in the past whereas my husband being a farmer sees them as pests!!

I forgot to take a pen-pic this time so to make up for it here are close ups:

Images: Dustin Pike - From Blogiversary and February Membership

Paper: Papermania Hampstead

Colouring: Copics

Additional: Ribbon from stash

Why not join in - don't forget you have to use a Dustin Pike digi and it has to have something to do with food!!

YOU HAVE UNTIL NEXT SUNDAY TO ENTER

So come along to the playground and join in the fun.

Birthdays, Exams, Cakes and Cards

2011-08-27T08:39:00.000+01:00

Yes I know I've been MIA but I have had good reason, honestly.

August 25th is my son's birthday, he turned 16 and it was also GCSE exam results day!!

(he passed the lot - well done Ben!!!!)

So I have been busy baking, icing and card making!

And oh boy this year the darling boy asked me to make him a Vinylmation cake!

(For those not in the know Vinylmation are 3" Mickey Mouse figurines)

Here is a close-up of the cake alongside the original Vinylmation Ben asked me to copy with a request for proper eyes!

Image: courtesy of Walt Disney with a Box of Colours twist

Colouring: Wiltons Food Colouring Gel

Additional: homemade American sponge cake, homemade Creme au Beurre, strawberry jam (not homemade), Royal and Fondant icing (cheated and bought it)

Oh boy I can hear Duff Goldman laughing as I type..........

Now for the cards, as it was a double celebration Ben got TWO cards, the first for his birthday:

Click to enlarge

Image: Lili of the Valley Rugby Mad and Sentiments

Paper: My Minds Eye - Stella and Rose

Colouring: Copics

Additional: Ribbon from stash, sewing machine, Quickutz

and here is the second for his Exams

click to enlarge

Image: Dustin Pike - Dudley Freebie

Paper: From stash

Colouring: Copics

Additional: Word Art by me

See, I have been a very busy girl and there'll be more from me tomorrow.

Challenge time at Make it Colourful

2011-08-20T14:15:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone, hope you're enjoying your weekend! My hubby is currently playing with, oops sorry, working very hard driving his combine harvester up and down the field - boys and their toys!!

Now the question is "are you up for a challenge?"

Over at Make it Colourful we'd like you to

"GROUND YOUR IMAGE"

How many of us are guilty of stamping or printing an image, merrily colouring it in and then leaving it floating in mid air - I know I have!

Well this time you're not allowed to - so there!

It doesn't matter if you just shade it, add grass, an entire scene or like mine, doodle something yourself:

I was desperately trying to come up with a snappy little caption for the poor elf at the bottom but my mind went blank - any suggestions would be most welcome!

Image: Make it Crafty Christmas Elves (free image), floor boards doodled by me

Paper: Dovecraft Back to Basics Christmas

Colouring: Copics

Additional: Brad and bakers twine from stash, Chalk ink

If you are wanting to add your own doodles please make sure the pen you use does not bleed when used in conjunction with your markers. I use Copic Multiliners - both water and Copic proof.

As usual I went mad with the Copics - maybe I should set myself a challenge whereby I limit the number of colours............................nah, where would the fun be in that!!

Come on, have a go, this is a really simple challenge and like me you can use it to make a start on all those Christmas cards you were planning to do this year!!!

Thanks for dropping by

Graphite, Arches Aquarelle and me..........

2011-08-19T07:00:00.004+01:00

Before I started stamping just over a year a go I was working primarily with die cuts and as many of you know 'cause I witter on about it, prior to that I was painting portraits.

Well, here is something that I started about 5 years ago (hanging my head in shame) and as you can clearly see it's not finished!!

ELIJAH WOOD

Click for close up view

I decided to experiment with some of my beloved Arches Aquarelle NOT watercolour paper, drawing on it rather than painting - a challenge to say the least. The vast majority of my pencil work has always been done on cartridge paper and this behaves very differently.

Watercolour paper comes in 3 types:

ROUGH - Course surface

NOT - Moderate texture & most commonly used for watercolour.

HP (Hot Pressed) - Relatively smooth and great with pen and ink work.

In hindsight, HP would have been the wise choice, but I didn't have any and as you can clearly see from my sketch the bumpy surface affects the pencil, and it smudges like crazy - once completed I've got some serious clean-up to do and will have to spray it with fixative to prevent further smudges.

Why am I showing you this unfinished piece - simple, procrastination!!

I've come up with awesome excuses for myself as to why the poor boy still only has half a sweater and I'm hoping that by posting this I will be somehow compelled to finally finish him.

Whimsy Stamps/Make it Crafty Blog Hop

2011-08-14T11:00:00.018+01:00

Whimsy Stamps & Make it Crafty have come together to create a fun Urban Themed digi collection!

Ann Vento has whipped up her magic and designed an incredible collection of
funky wall sayings, city landscapes and of course a range of super cool street signs.

Check out the Sentiments collection HERE

Make it Crafty is trying something new offering all the different elements for you to build your own urban backdrop.

Check out the Urban Street Collection HERE

Then of course, what better characters to incorporate into such a scene than the fabulous KennyK rubber stamps available from Whimsy Stamps!

Our incredibly talented Design Teams have had a blast playing with all the different elements to bring you LOTS of inspiration!

We have broken it in to TWO HOPS
HOP A Starts HERE & HOP B Starts HERE!

There will be a winner for EACH HOP and if you hop your way through BOTH, you’ll go in the draw for the GRAND PRIZE TOO!

HOP A & B Winners will each receive a $15 voucher from both Whimsy Stamps and Make it Crafty

GRAND WINNER will win our full Urban Digital Collection
4 Digi Sentiment sets by Ann Vento & the Urban Elements Collection from Make it Crafty

You are currently on

"HOP A"

and should have arrived from Lisa

MIC Urban Street Collection, Kenny K - Club Kid, Whimsy Urban sentiment.

and here is the pen-pic

Your next stop on

"HOP A"

will be my pal Vicky

but before you go please make sure you leave a comment below!

You have until August 21^st 8PM Australian QLD time to make your way through the hops!

Have fun!!!

Are you ready for a Dustin Pike challenge?

2011-08-14T10:00:00.003+01:00

Woo hoo, it's Pike's Playground Challenge time again!

The challenge theme this time is

"BUTTON IT"

N'ah, not as in zip it, shut up, or QUIET!

Dustin wants you to create something using his uber cute digi's and adorn it with, yep, you guessed it BUTTONS!!

Here is my effort:

I have been feeling so bad lately, a lot of you bloggylanders have been so organised and started making Christmas cards and I had precisely zero!!

This little bundle of snow is the first, of hopefully many as I try to catch up with all the super-efficient gals out there.

He's literally jumping off the card - mainly due to the number of foam pads I've stuffed under him!!

.................take a look

I also had fun playing with Liquid Applique and Snow Writer, so much so that I forgot to take a picture of the Copics (sorry)

As you can see, you don't have to limit yourself to real buttons, die cut ones count too.

Now, come on everyone, have a go - and remember the winner of the challenge gets a:

FREE DUSTIN PIKE DIGI

Click HERE to join in the fun & post your entry

(You have until Sunday August 21)

Happy Crafting

Note to diary - visit Jane's blog on Sunday!

2011-08-13T10:15:00.000+01:00

......................and this is why

So come back tomorrow for some awesome blog hop fun with

Make it Crafty

Whimsy Stamps

I tried something new

2011-08-07T15:22:00.002+01:00

Credit for this has to go to Zoe from Make it Crafty

How many of you automatically reach for that Tuxedo Black Memento when stamping, I know I always have.

Well, next time, grab Angel Pink and see how different your finished image can look.....

This image was coloured purely with Copics, although Zoe suggests adding highlights/low lights with pencil to add definition.

It gives a much softer, pastel like quality to your work as the stamp lines don't show - it's just your colouring that is visible.

This technique does come with a "warning" - it isn't easy and is much more time consuming than the traditional method. I had quite a pile of bloopers around my feet by the time I'd finished, but it is such a cool look it is well worth the effort.

Tip: It's what I call my "sanity saver" - get your faithful Tuxedo Black and stamp the image on some scrap paper, then you'll have a nice clear image to follow when the lines disappear under the Copic ink.

What do you think?

Make it Colourful and MAKE IT PINK!

2011-08-06T11:45:00.001+01:00

Oh yes, woo hoo, this weeks challenge over on Make it Colourful:

"Colour with pink"

and it's being sponsored by Bunny Zoe's Crafts

This weeks winner will receive a £10 gift certificate

Here is my DT card for the challenge

I thought I'd have a change from my normal square cards! I realised once I'd made this that the swing now looks more like a window, especially after adding the extra piece on the top ( hides where I mis-measured the card & cut it too short, ssshhh) but I don't know about you, I quite like it.

..............and for those who like to know the colours I used I've included a pen-pic!

Other items used:

Images: Ribbon Swing from Make it Crafty,

Magnolia - Travelling Tilda (Bon Voyage Collection 2010)

Paper: DCWV Nana's Nursery Baby Girl

Additional: Ribbon and stones from stash

Why not pop over to the Make it Colourful site HERE and have a look at the other georgous pink beauties my fellow teamies created.

Come on, what are you waiting for, get those creative juices flowing, get colouring and remember ...........THINK PINK!

Hanging around for Christmas....

2011-08-01T12:42:00.001+01:00

I am working with Copics too, honest, but pencil is really my number one medium of choice, I've used them since I was a teenager (ie a long time, in fact a frighteningly long time!!) and working on Kraft card just makes the colours zing!!

That said, I have just bought some fab new white card especially for my pencils which I will be testing out this week.

Remember Little Elf Mim by Mo Manning from a few posts ago, well here is her friend Pipa, unfortunately the poor gal lost her balance and ended up upside down, but hey, she's still smiling!

As before I've coloured her using Caran D'Ache Supracolor Soft (love these pencils, especially for the detail work) and Prismacolor on Kraft card.

More of Mo's amazing creations can be found HERE

Well, yours truly is off to test that cardstock, play with my Copics before they get testy with me through lack of use and grab a coffee (and sneak a biscuit sshh) - guess that's what they call "multi-tasking"

Happy Crafting

Girl's Rule and that's official!

2011-07-31T15:28:00.002+01:00

Well they do over at Pike's Playground this week!

I thought I'd decorate the inside this time too....

You have to feel sorry for the poor dragon, as we all know high heels can be a real pain!!

Image: Dustin Pike Ever After Set

Paper: First Edition Paper - Summer Breeze

Colouring: Caran D'Ache & Prismacolor Pencils

Additional: Word Art by Box of Colours

Now Dustin is known for giving his fans freebies so I thought you might like these PNG files:

I look forward to seeing your girly entries and the winner will get a free Dustin Pike Digi - so what are you waiting for?

Happy Crafting

My "Christmas Mojo" finally arrived!

2011-07-25T16:39:00.000+01:00

What can I say, thanks must go to Mo Manning!

Have you guys seen her newest creations - go check them out - they are awesome

MO'S DIGITAL PENCIL

Little Elf Min

I was going to make it into a card, but I splurged on several other Mo digi's today, so I fear the urge to colour will win over completing the card!

Happy crafting peeps, undoubtedly I will be back with more so pop back soon

Pencils......

2011-07-22T17:44:00.001+01:00

Just a quick post to show you my latest Pencil/Kraft card effort......................

This is a combination of Caran D'ache Supracolor Soft and Prismacolor Premier - in other words 252 wooden sticks of gorgeous colour to play with .... heaven....

I'd love to hear what you guys think

Bye for now

Animals Rule!

2011-07-17T18:20:00.000+01:00

Well they do over at Dustin Pike's blog this week!!

Yep, it's Pike's Playground Challenge time again, and this week we are dedicating it to all things furry, four legged, slithery or scaly. Did you know it's National Zoo Keeper week July 17-23?

King of the ~~Jungle~~ Pond!

Image: Dustin Pike Doodle Dragon Studios

Colouring: Copics (sorry no list)

Papers: DCWV All About Boys stack

Misc: Machine stitching, Chalk ink, Gold Peel-offs

I am lucky enough to have a garden that backs on to our local river, which means my garden is always full of frogs 'n' toads so I couldn't resist Dustin's uber cute amphibian!

Now it's your turn - "hop" on over to Dustin's Blog HERE - I am looking forward to seeing all your fab entries.

NB: YOU MUST USE A DUSTIN PIKE DIGITAL IMAGE

Thanks for dropping by

I've got some great news to share

2011-07-16T13:53:00.000+01:00

Now, after a wonderful trip to the US I was planning to hit the ground running and jump right back in to crafting. Unfortunately, I picked up a chest infection and lost my voice whilst away and had to spend my first morning back in the UK at the Doctors - hopefully the medication will kick in soon, but until it does I'm taking things a bit steady.

Anyway, I won't let a wheezy chest or a croaky voice stop me from sharing some really great news with all my bloggy readers.........................

I've been asked to join the "Make it Colourful" Design Team!!

If you've never paid the site a visit, go take a peek, it's a wonderful mecca for all those like me who strive to learn new or improve their colouring skills with really exciting weekly challenges. Ooh and did I mention that the awesome designs we use are available here at Make it Crafty

This weeks challenge is Colouring Hair (but NOT in normal colours)

and here's the Copic list...

What do you think?

Have a great weekend everyone

Hot and bothered!

2011-07-03T13:00:00.001+01:00

Pike's Playground Challenge

"Hot and Bothered"

This weeks challenge is anything to do with summer

(PLEASE REMEMBER YOU MUST USE A DUSTIN PIKE IMAGE)

Here's mine

Hope you're all having fun in the summer sun!

"Errr what did you say?"

2011-06-19T17:05:00.000+01:00

It's time for another

"Pike's Playground Challenge"

and this time the theme is

RED, WHITE and BLUE

(NB please use Dustin Pike images)

Unfortunately the teddy bear I used as a model on my card had "cloth ears" (slightly deaf)

When I said "thumbs up" he thought I said "bums up"!!

So I would like to apologise on behalf of myself and Dustin Pike for my bear bottom, sorry bear's bottom (typo)

Unfortunately I omitted to note the Copic colours used, I guess staring at a bear's butt may have had something to do with that!

Image: Dustin Pike - Under bear (Part of 52 digi set)

Paper: Printed off internet

Colouring: Copics and Caran D'Ache Supracolor Soft

Additional: Marianne Design die, ribbon and buttons from stash

Now it's your turn to make your very own RED WHITE and BLUE project using one of Dustin Pike's digis and enter it HERE

Go on, get creative

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

2011-06-17T14:07:00.002+01:00

No it's Super Boy!

It's dull and wet outside right now so I was in dire need of something bright, cheery and non-fattening when I spied Mo's cute little chap sitting on my shelf.....

..........and I thought I'd share him with my bloggyland friends!!

I even decorated the inside of the card this time

Image: Mo Manning - Super Duper Boy

Paper: DCWV - All About Boys (love this set)

Colouring: Caran D'Ache Supracolor Pencils, Chalk ink

Additional: ribbon and peel-offs from stash, Word art on front by Create with TLC

word art inside by me

Have a great weekend and Happy Father's Day to all those Dads out there!

I'm not amused!

2011-06-12T09:49:00.000+01:00

Ever have one of those days when everything you touch goes wrong?

Well here is a card for just such an occasion.......

Image: Mo Manning "Two Will"

Paper: Forever Friends - The Good Life

Colouring: Caran D'Ache Surpacolor Soft, Chalk ink

Additional: Wordart by TLC, ribbon etc from stash

It's a boy thing!

2011-06-05T13:49:00.004+01:00

It's time for another Pike's Playground Challenge

"It's a boy thing"

Anything goes for this one as long as it's suitable for the male of the species!!
PLEASE USE A DUSTIN PIKE IMAGE

This is my interpretation:

Now if my husband is reading this blog entry,( I know he does) honey you need to develop amnesia - you have not seen this card.......

Copics colours used

Image: Dustin Pike "Read with me" available HERE

Paper: DCWV All About Boys stack

Colouring: Copics (see above for colours)

Additional: Quickutz dies, ribbon from stash, chalk ink

Why not join in, with Father's Day coming up on June 19 (UK & USA) you've got a great reason to get those creative juices flowing.

You'll score brownie points for making the card & Pike's Points for entering it into the competion!!

Click HERE to enter

M.M.M

2011-06-02T13:28:00.003+01:00

"Mega - Masked - Magnolia"

Oh my this was a labour of love, not to mention second attempt!

I lost count how many masks I had to make to complete this project, and yep you guessed it I'd stamped over half of the original one when I stamped before I'd masked!!!!!

and here's the staggering list of ingredients:

Magnolia Stamps:

Sitting Alva

Sitting Alf

Mini Tilda

Mini World – Flying Tilda

Edwin's Village

Church

Fabric Roses

Santa Winter Forest

Ink Cap Mushrooms

Goblin Mushrooms

So Jolly Fungi

Mushrooms in a row

Death Cap

Copic Sketch:

BV: 0000,000,00,01,02,04

V: 17

RV: 00,21,23,25,29,91,93,95

R: 00,01,02,20,81,83

YR: 20,21,23,24,30

Y: 28

YG: 61,91,93,95,97,99

G: 0000,12,20,21,24,82,94,99

BG: 70,72,75,78,93,96,99

B: 0000,000,00,01,02,04,06,91,93,97

E:0000,000,00,02,11,13,15,17,18,21,25,30,31,34,35,40,41,42,43,44,47,50,51,53,55,70,71,74,81,95,97,99

C: 3

T: 0,1,2,3,4,5

W: 00,0,1,2,3,4,5,6,8

Colourless Blender

Stickles glue and white gel pen

After the first disaster, I really had to concentrate so I didn't make any more bloopers - I daren't work out the hours I spent on this little beauty, but I was pretty pleased with the end result - what do you guys think?

Time for a Pikes Playground Challenge

2011-05-22T09:44:00.000+01:00

Okay dokey peeps, time for another challenge over at Dustin Pikes Playground!!

"Shades of Green"
(Anything goes as long as it's GREEN)

Yep, I know, it's got red in it too. See, the thing is the Gnome got a bit testy and decided to wear his stripy sweater and insisted that his hat be red to match!

Gnomes can be so fiesty!!!

Anyway, I hope this little creation inspires you to have a go and enter our competition, you have until next Sunday to get it done, and everyone earns Pikes Points just for entering (Full details here)

Looking forward to visiting your blogs to see just how "green" you're prepared to go!!!!

Creative Genius!

2011-05-20T14:51:00.001+01:00

Ha Ha, this weeks challenge over at Mo's is entitled "Distressing" - now, what does that mean to you?

You've lost your mobile phone

Blogger is not working!!!

Mother-in-law visiting for the weekend

Tearing paper & Tim Holtz inks

Whatever distressing means to you I hope this card will do the opposite and simply make you smile :)

Come on admit it, is this something either you or a sibling did when you were young!! Or maybe you have a little "darling" who decided to copy Ty Pennington and redecorate your wall!

More to the point who knows how to remove the crayon masterpieces? I guess we'd better call those guys at Crayola if all else fails LOL!

I coloured this adorable little chap in Copics with Caran D'Ache Pencil highlights. Ooh and the word art, I did all by myself, well, with the help of Photoshop Elements. Then I just added some gorgeous Jumping Jack paper by Cosmo Cricket, ribbon & some wonky stitching on my sewing machine. Oops nearly forgot, Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Old Paper) to finish!

This time, I decided to decorate the inside of the card too, adding that personal touch, yes I am responsible for the scribbles!!!

Good luck to everyone entering this weeks challenge.

Here comes summer??

2011-05-14T13:12:00.000+01:00

Well that's debatable, if you look out my studio window this afternoon - it's somewhat overcast!

But to brighten things up here is the card that I have produced for this weeks challenge on Mo's Challenge Blog

Challenge #82 - "Here Comes Summer"

Last week I used pencils so I thought I'd give the old Copics a workout!

Image: Mo Manning - Little Umbrella

Paper: Debbie Mumm - Noah's Ark

Colouring: Copics & Caran D'Ache pencils

Additional: Word Art by TLC, ribbon from stash, chalk ink

Thanks for dropping by and taking a peek inside the box today

Pikes Playground Challenge - "Dudley and his Power Wheels"

2011-05-08T13:24:00.003+01:00

I have a recipe for you today

you will need:

# Dustin Pike's Dudley and his Power Wheels Freebie (click HERE)

# Colouring of your choice - pencils/paints/crayons etc
# A pinch of imagination

# A spoonful of creativity

mix it all together

and post your creation HERE

Go on, have a go, I love visiting your blogs & seeing all your wonderful creations

To get those creative juices flowing here is my version, and as you can see I used my pencils (Caran D'Ache Supracolor Soft) on Dudley.

Image: Dustin Pike freebie

Paper: Basic Grey Wander

Colouring: Pencils (see above)

Additional: Quickutz die, Wordart by Elegant Word Art, sewing machine, chalk ink

Happy cooking, oops, I mean crafting!!!

Monochrome delight

2011-05-05T15:46:00.003+01:00

Pencils, I love my pencils - it has been such fun today, colouring in this adorable Mo Manning image with my Caran D'Ache Supracolor Soft, they are an absolute pleasure to work with.

This weeks challenge on Mo's Challenge Blog # 81 "Monochromatic" and here is my entry:

I love the detail in Mo's images, it gives me the opportunity to hone my shading skills and practice faces, my favourite part!!

Having done quite a few "pink" projects lately, I thought even I could do with a change.

Image: Mo Manning "What's Cooking"
Paper: Basic Grey and V & A
Colouring: Caran D'Ache pencils
Misc: Charm from stash, Marianne D die

Well, I shall keep this short and sweet, thanks for looking and I'll see you again soon with yet more arty crafty goodness.

Rinky Dink PINK!!

2011-05-02T11:30:00.003+01:00

Oh yes! A Mo Manning Challenge - and it's PINK & GIRLY - could it get any better. Not from where I'm typing (my art studio is seriously pink - hey, can you blame me, I am the only girl in the house & this is my space)

This particular image made me smile the first time I saw it. How many of us have had fun with balloons & the static they can produce!! My hair was really fine as a child, so even pulling off a sweater would have this effect!!!

I had a blast colouring this one, using a combination of both Copics & Caran D'Ache pencils. I suspect you'll be seeing alot more pencil work in the future - finding that sketch book has stimulated the old mojo......

I remembered to keep track of the Copics, but I goofed with regard to the pencils - sorry.

Good luck to everyone entering the competition.

Something different

2011-04-26T19:26:00.001+01:00

I was tidying my studio today & came across one of my old sketch books. Thumbing through the pages I found a figure I drew many, many years ago & thought I'd share it with you......

Portrait in colour pencil

I always used to work in coloured pencil back then, mainly Caran D'ache on cartridge paper.

She's always been a favourite of mine & it seemed such a shame to keep her hidden!

Party in Colour Challenge

2011-04-24T17:40:00.003+01:00

Hope you've all had a blast on the Dustin Pike blog hop & you got to see all the projects he and the crew made for you! I tell you it was hard to keep up with Dustin, he was working into the wee hours to bring you that amazing Blog-iversary Bonanza!!

List of Blog Hop Winners can be found HERE

.....well now it's YOUR turn.....

Challenge

"Party in Colour Challenge"

Dustin & the crew would like YOU to make a card using 2 colours from the banner below:

(Let's see if we can double the number of entrants on this one!!!)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Make a card using the colours from the banner above

Post your entry in Pikes Playground HERE

(click on the blue Linky froggy)

Closing date for entries May 1st

Everyone earns Pikes Points just by entering!

Playground Rules:

Choose a Doodle Dragon Studios image and create a Birthday theme card or a project.
Directly link the actual card using InLinkz.
You may only submit one project per challenge.
Must be registered at Doodle Dragon Studios to receive points (go HERE to register) and email me at dustin_pike@yahoo.com to let me know you have entered using Linky and have registered with your registration name so you can get credit. Use "Party in Colour Challenge" in the subject line.
Challenge open until May 1st, winners will be announced by May 3rd.
Project should be created for this challenge and the challenge referenced on your blog or other sites that they are posted on. Any reference to my blog or links to my blog are much appreciated.

**Remember there is a link on the sidebar "Pike's Playground" for all current challenges!

Fine Print

...play along get 10 points, that's 50 cents just for playing along, win the random pick and get 20 points that's $1.00, and the Doodledragon Crew's "pike's pick" choice gets 30 points, thats $1.50.

Here's one I made earlier:

(Yep, I goofed & used more than 2 colours - oops!!!)

Can't wait to see what you come up with

Have you hopped?

2011-04-23T08:00:00.014+01:00

Have you completed the

yet?

If not - you still have time to play along with Dustin and his crew

ends tonight at midnight (USA Mountain Time)

START HERE

(Blog Hop image made using Bear ABC)

Whilst you're here, would you like to take a peek at the last few images I have been playing with?

Ducky set

It doesn't matter whether you say Hocus Pocus or Izzy, whizzy, lets get busy, this duck is pure magic!!! Yep, it's official I'm completely quackers!! Sorry, but duck jokes abound with this set - they're cute & they're quirky (or is it quacky?)

Basketball Dragon set

Did you honestly think Dudley wouldn't make an appearance! He's taken up basketball and by the look of things he's pretty good at it!

I merged several images with yep you guessed it Photoshop Elements. Oh the fun you can have with digis..........

Farm set

As a farmer's wife, I couldn't end this post without an image from the Farm set.

(This is a merged image)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you want to enter my Blog Hop Draw you need to make sure you've left a comment on THURSDAYS (21 April) blog post - and if you like what you've seen today then by all means leave a comment here.

I do hope you've enjoyed yourselves. May I take this opportunity to thank you all for playing along & wish you a very Happy Easter.

Hugs

Blog Hop/Blog-Iversary images cont......

2011-04-22T11:00:00.010+01:00

Hello again, did you have fun yesterday on the blog hop?

If anyone visiting my blog today didn't join in there is still time, you have until midnight, Saturday April 23 (USA Mountain Time) - have a go, don't be shy, you never know you may be one of the lucky prize winners!!

START HERE

Now I promised you yesterday that I'd have more images to share with you, so here they are:

52 Digis set

Dustin is known to his Crew as the "Sheriff", with his trusty Deputy (Jenn) keeping us in line!! So when I saw this image in the 52 Digi set (available HERE) I knew I wanted to use it on a card to celebrate Doodledragon Studios 2nd Blog-iversary.

If you look carefully you'll see the backing paper is made using lots of Dustin's digis, old and new - they were merged together using Photoshop Elements.

I coloured him using Copics and gave it an aged look with chalk inks.

Happy Blog-iversary Boss!!!!

Hippos set

Can you imagine the size of the tree these Coconuts came from!!!

Monkey Travel set

G'day to you all - isn't he the cutest!

Copics again folks, and this monkey is bit of a globe trotter - with outfits from around the world - there's even a British Guardsman ( I wonder if he'll be attending the Royal Wedding next week?)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you want to enter my Blog Hop Draw you need to make sure you've left a comment on THURSDAYS (21 April) blog post - and if you like what you've seen today then by all means leave a comment here.

Well, I think that's all for today - if you're really, really good I may just have a few more up my sleeve (or on my laptop) that I'll share with you tomorrow.

Happy crafting & if you've not given digi stamping a go before, go on, be a devil - try it.......

DoodleDragon Blog Hop

2011-04-21T13:00:00.033+01:00

Hello there, you should have arrived here from Dustin's blog, if not don't forget to pop/hop/skip or click back so you don't miss anything!

Welcome Dustin Pike fans to our second blog hop, woo hoo!!

This is a party you will NOT want to miss.

We are delighted to share with you some of the amazing images Dustin Pike, illustrator of all DoodleDragon Studios designs. This day marks the anniversary of Dustin's 2 years on his blog and we, the DoodleDragon Crew want to show you some of the fabulous Blog-iversary images you can get for a "fantastic price", offer is good for a limited time, so go look. Dustin is so generous with his images.

Now, if you are new with digital images you will be happy to hear that they are easy to use, store and print out. You can resize them and then print on your favorite paper. Dustin not only gives you Black and White images but sometimes even throws in the coloured versions too, how cool is that!!!

You can locate these images HERE as well as many more.

207 images for ONLY $20.00 USD during the blog hop ONLY

Now I personally have been beavering away in the studio with Copics, Pencils and all manner of crafty goodies using some of Dustin's awesome new images.........

DOODLEDRAGON STUDIOS - FARM SET

Here's the full picture from yesterdays teaser - aren't they just the cutest pigs, and they have lots of friends down on the farm......

I used Caran D'Ache Supracolor Soft pencils on chocolate sugar paper.

DOODLEDRAGON STUDIOS - PARTY MONSTER SET

He's bright, he's fun & he's been invited to a party - can you tell? It was really hard choosing which monster to use - I loved them all!!

Once again I used Caran D'Ache pencils, but on my usual white card - as you can see, the colours just JUMP out at you!!!

DOODLEDRAGON STUDIOS - HIPPOS SET

Now, you didn't honestly think I'd abandoned my Copics did you!!

The entire crew fell in love with this set & I am sure you will too - I've merged these guys using Photoshop Elements (pelican is not included in set). It shows how versatile digi images are - you can alter their size, orientation & with the help of a graphics program make up little scenes!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ

***If you purchase the Blog-iversary images BEFORE Saturday midnight (MTN TIME) you will receive over 200 digi's for $20.00. AND if you bought the April 7th release there is a 50% off code in the file that would make the blogiversary 10 bucks...Thru Saturday ONLY. After Saturday night they get split into sets and will be available at a different price. Don't wait, get in on the Blog-iversary NOW.

HOP DETAILS:

STEP 1

Comment on EACH one of the stops along the way for 10 chances to win. Each one of the Design Team will be drawing a name and announcing a winner from our commenters. We will post the winners on Sunday April 24th and you will have till the following Wednesday to email Dustin with your name and shipping address for your prize delivery.

STEP 2

Every blog along the way has a special word. Collect the words on each blog to make a sentence and then at the end of the Hop email the sentence to Dustin_Pike@yahoo.com in order to be eligible for the prizes.

What is the prize you ask?

You will receive an original piece of artwork, hand drawn, coloured and signed by Dustin Pike.

In all your excitement don't forget to pickup YOUR Blog-iversary images at Doodledragonstudios.com.

Blog Hop starts today & goes until midnight on Saturday April 23rd (mountain time)

My special word is "am"

Don't forget if MY blog is your first stop be sure to go back and visit DUSTIN so you don't miss anything.

DUSTIN http://dustinpike.blogspot.com/

JANE (me) http://janesboxofcolours.blogspot.com/

GINNY http://my5bratzcreations.blogspot.com/
LELIA http://greengoddescreations.blogspot.com/

KERRI http://bigsmilesfromkbear.blogspot.com/

GRAMMA http://grammascards.blogspot.com/

CHARLOTTE http://designsfromwithin.blogspot.com/
JENNIFER http://just4funcrafts.blogspot.com/

VERONICA http://kreativelicense.blogspot.com/

RIKKI http://coconutloungecreations.blogspot.com/

thanks for dropping by, don't forget to leave a comment on this blog post for your chance to win a prize, and now please hop over to my fellow crew member GINNY who has your next word and some amazing creations for you.

........and if you check back here tomorrow I will have even more scrummy images to share with you!

Hint hint....

2011-04-20T14:52:00.001+01:00

Ooh I am getting excited - it's nearly time for the Dustin Pike Blog Hop - (it's my first one)

As I've been working flat out on lots (and I mean lots) of fab new images Dustin has been feverishly creating over the past few weeks I thought I'd share with you a sneeky peek!

Come back tomorrow and you'll not only get to see the rest of this image but many, many more............

Fairy Dust

2011-04-13T15:55:00.000+01:00

Anyone who knows me well knows I love all things pink......................

I adore colouring Magnolia stamps & with this card I've let loose with Stickles, doilies & pearls for a really girly card. Not to mention the fact that I airbrushed the background with copics - woo hoo I love the smooth effect it gives!

Images: Magnolia fairies
Paper: From stash
Colouring: Copics
Additional: Sentiments by Lili of the Valley, Doily, Stickles, adhesive pearls

Short but sweet today

Party Time

2011-04-08T14:03:00.000+01:00

Birthdays are a bit like buses, you don't see one for ages then umpteen come all at once! My nephew celebrates his today & my Dad on Sunday - so this is for them & anyone else with a birthday coming up.......

Image: Dustin Pike
Paper: DCWV All About Boys
Colouring: Copics, Spica
Additional : Nestabilities, ribbon from stash

Now, how would you like to get this little chap for FREE? Well just follow the instructions on Doodle Dragon Studio & you too can give this cute little Giraffe a home - simply click HERE.

(Please note "PARTY TIME" was added by hand)

Here's the Copic colour list

Happy Crafting

In time for Mother's Day (USA)

2011-04-07T15:37:00.001+01:00

Well, it's a tad late for us English Mums (April 3) but for all my American readers Dustin has just released a really cute set in time for Mother's Day! And the sweetie has included both spellings: Mom & Mum - thanks Dustin.

Image: Dustin Pike Mothers Day
Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Colouring: Copics, Chalk ink
Additional: Quickutz dies, Create with TLC word art, sewing machine

I'm in Copic heaven this week, my new 2011 Copic Sketch arrived - woo hoo! You'll be pleased to hear I am colouring like a demon and will have oodles of new things to show you soon.

So in the meantime, have fun, be happy & keep crafting

A fisherman's tale....

2011-04-06T16:45:00.000+01:00

Oh boy - did you see a new little logo appear on the right hand side of my blog last week - I was lucky enough to be asked to join Dustin Pike's Design Team (what an honour) and I've been busy beavering away on DT projects ever since.

As I am not allowed to share any of the new stuff with you just yet I thought I'd post one of Dustin's older characters:

This is for all the fishermen out there - with those "you should have seen the one that got away" tales!!!!

Image: Dustin Pike
Paper: from stash
Colouring: Copics, Chalk ink
Additional: Word art from TLC, ribbon from stash

Happy Crafting

Dragon Slayer

2011-03-30T16:21:00.002+01:00

I finally bit the bullet and had a stab at merging digital stamps and this is the result:

What do you think?

Images: Dustin Pike

Colouring: Copics

(Many thanks to Crafty Cardmakers for their wonderful tutorial that enabled me to finally do this)

click HERE if you want to give it a try too!!