Hope for a Brighter Future

I've got exciting news for you....the wonderful Graphic Designers at http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ have joined forces and created a kit as a fundraiser for the New Zealand & Japan Earthquake.... Red Cross Appeals....called "Hope for a Brighter Future" - profits from the sale of this kit will be evenly distributed between the two countries.


It is now available in store, for you to purchase and it is a kit you will mostly certainly want in your collection....it has fantastic papers and embellishments suitable for all forms of scrapbooking - traditional, digital and hybrid - and of course card makers.

Here is a little preview of the embellishments - the papers are equally as beautiful.

and here is a little layout I created with it ....using pics of my gorgeous eldest daughter - this layout was based on the current Digi Challenge over at the forum at For the Luv of Art - these challenges are such fun.... you should check them out...http://fortheluvofart.forumg.biz/t3151-for-the-luv-of-art-digi-challenge-2

A "Distressing" Good Time

I did say I would be back today with a few more cards to show you....remember?? I said I was spending the weekend with my BFF... and she was going to introduce me to something new -  well not really "something new" but something I hadn't played with before! I had a lesson in the variety of uses for Distress Inks - it was fun to get my embossing powders and heat gun out again..... and rediscover the huge stash of stamps I have collected over the years - and shhh!! don't tell anyone but I did find some stamps and inks that I had never used - they were still  wrapped in their packaging!!  ;) I did enjoy creating some different looking cards but this form of card making is a lot messier than my beloved Copics and not nearly as theraputic as colouring-in....but it makes for a nice change now & then....and I can see myself playing a bit more with them.

These are two of the cards I made....

and a closer look at "You Amaze Me"

The stamp set I used is For The Luv of Art "La Mode" Stamp set - available here online at http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ForTheLoveofArtLaModeStampSet.aspx The flourish in the corner is from a SU set called "Baroque Motifs" - the pink patterned paper is from Echo Park's Love Letter range - I used some "Old Paper" Distress Ink to tone down the brightness of the pink.....the other ink colours I used were "Victorian Velvet", "Peeled Paint" and "Walnut Stain" all from the Tim Holtz Ranger Ink range.

...and "Thankyou"

....this card was created with a selection of my "Stampin' Up" stash the only name I can remember is the background stamp - "French Script". I embossed the flower and leaves with clear detail embossing powder and used "Antique Lined", "Bundled Sage",  "Walnut Stain" and "Tattered Rose" to create my background. The pink spotted paper is from the "Chicks Rock" collection by "Three Bugs in a Rug" - really cool girly papers in this range!

As we enter into the Easter weekend and the prediction of rain, I expect you will find me in my "happy room" playing with Paper, Ink, Stamps and Copics - stay tuned!!.... to see what I come up with LOL!!

A Touch of Pretty

My blog post today includes some of my latest Digi and Card projects -  that all have a touch of "Pretty"

Firstly, I wanted to share with you my "first-time" play with my new Copic Air-Brushing System....I am going to require a little more practise with it and my masking technique....but already I can tell you I LOVE this new addition to the "toys" in my craft room.

I have a few cards to make in the next couple of weeks in time for Easter but this is one, I can cross off my list! I used my new Magnolia images - from the 2011 Butterfly Dreams Collection (Tilda with her Bunny and the Tulip Wheelbarrow) stamped onto X-Press IT Blending Card...along with an assortment of other goodies from the Mad for Markers store.

Air Brush System Set 1

it is a complete set ready to use. It comes with the Airgrip, Aircan 180 (approx.40mins of air ), the Air Adapter, Airhose and Can Holder.

Mask it Sheets
also available in the M4M store - 8 sheets 15" x 10"

Copics:
Sky - B91, W1
Grass - YG93, YG95, YG97
Wheelbarrow - E33, E35, E37
Leaves and Tulips - YG93, YG95, YG97, Y21, Y23, Y26, R81, R83, R85, V12, V15, V17
Skin - E000, E00, E11, R20 (cheeks)
Hair and Boots - E31, E33, E35
Hat - Y21, Y23, Y25
Ribbon and Top - V12, V15, V17
Pants - B93, B95, B97
Bunny - W1, W3, W5

These are Two  Digital Layouts I created using an assortment of Digi Kits over at http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ The little girls in the photos are the daughters of a girlfriend and were taken a couple of weekends ago - a little impromtu photo session just for fun.

List of Digi Kits Used:
Spring Fling - Amy Teets

Snuggle & Happy Sunshine - Dana Miron

Dear Sweet Friend - Janet Carr

Victorian Veranada - Theresa Hernandez
Click - Angel Hartline

...and this layout is based on the sketch from Digi Challenge #1 and made for the 3/24 Thursday Spring Challenge over at http://www.fortheluvofart.com/  too! - the challenges are always a lot of fun and I love seeing everyone else interpretations!!

Digital Kits Used:

Dear Sweet Friend and Olivia's Friend by Janet Carr

Family Affair by Amy Teets

......I haven't entered any of my cards in any online challenges for awhile so I thought I might enter my Easter card into the Magnolia-licious Highlites Challenge - Category One - http://magnolia-licioushighlites.blogspot.com/2011/03/easter-spring-extravaganza-contest.html
but I would also love to have you leave comments with your best Copic Airbrush tips - this beginner can use all the help she can get LOL!!

A Hybrid Layout

My Happy Room ( alias my craft room ) is NOT a pretty sight at the moment - I am buried in projects and paper and despite the mess I am loving  it!! - some of the projects I am working on have come together more easily than others - but this layout took on a life of it's own - I'm sure you have all had that moment when you have an idea in your mind but when you put it into action....it doesn't quite turn out the way you imagined. Well this is what happen here LOL!! All the same I still managed the tropical look I wanted!

 

This is very much a "hybrid" layout - my palm tree and hibiscus flowers are from a "A Road to Bali" a Digital Scrapbook Kit created by Janet Carr of Little Feet Digital Designs - and if you want this kit for you own collection - then you need to visit http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ and participate in the digi challenge..

....because if you do - you can have this kit for FREE!! I printed the embellishments in Black and White on some X-Press IT Blending card and then used my Copics to color the images.

Copics Used:
Trunk of Palm Tree - E33, E35, E37
Leaves of Palm Tree - G02, G05, G07
Hibiscus Flower - Y23, RV23, RV25, RV29

and my Colourless Blender to "push" out the background and define the edges of the leaves....I also wanted a "translucent" appearance to my hibiscus flowers just to give them a more realistic look - not sure I succeed there LOL!! - but the effect was a little different than the usual blending techniques.

X-Press IT Blending Card and the full range of Copic Markers can be purchased online from http://www.madformarkers.com.au/

I used a Black Multiliner 1.0mm  (also available at Mad for Markers ) for my border, the scallop edge and journalling are from the "La Mode" Stamp Set exclusive to http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento ink. The printed paper is called "Ledger" from Kaisercraft, I added some striped paper ribbon from Creative Memories and some fabric ribbon from my "stash"  then added a few small pearl beads to the stamens of the hibiscus.

I LOVE it when I can combine my love of Copics with my love of Scrapbook ....fun, fun, fun!!

...and don't forget to visit the Mad for Markers stand at Paperific (Melbourne ) next week - 1st-3rd of April - the full range of Copic Ciao and Sketch markers will be available.... Sammi and the team will have lots to inspire you including, both the La La Land Craft & The Greeting Farm stamps - Looking forward to seeing you there!

Fun & Games at For the Luv of Art!

I am very honoured to be given the opportunity to work with the For the Luv of Art team and this awesome group of talented artists.

The team is full of very clever and inspirational ladies, they have worked very hard since this announcement was made ( just a few days ago ) to create a FUN digi challenge over at http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ and if you love digi freebies you won't want to miss out on it!!

Here are the details:

Welcome to the brand NEW Monthly Digi Challenges at FTLOA


Every month the Digital Design Team will bring you a fun activity to inspire your digital creations
• Digital or hybrid layouts and projects welcome!

April 2011 – Sketch Challenge – with a twist

Our very 1st challenge comes with the opportunity to earn this fabulous Mini Kit designed by Janet Carr of LittleFeetDigitalDesigns.
 

All you have to do is earn 20 or more points in this challenge and we will personally forward the “Road to Bali” package to your inbox


– COOL! Hey!??!

Rules

Your project MUST be based on this Sketch Design.

5 points = completing the challenge ( easy!! )
2 points = using the colour “blue” somewhere in your project
10 points = Use 2 or more Digi Kits from the FTLOA store ( can be the same designer or two different designers )
5 points = upload your project to the FTLOA gallery prior to the 20th April
2 points = adding a link to your project in this forum.
2 points = having a Page Title and Journalling on your project

I had so much fun creating the sketch - and the layout I completed is for my friend's children's album - memories of their pet lamb - Mary

...the layout uses a variety of digi products available online at the For the Luv of Art store -
Hello Sunshine Digital Kit - Dana Miron

Digital August Yellow Bag Add-on - Amy Teets
...extra embellishments - staple from Janet Carr's Road to Bali - freebie kit/ stitching from Janet Carr's Dear Sweet Friend Digital Kit

...then because I earnt the required 20 points - I received the "free" Road to Bali kit - and this is what I created.

If you LOVE  "everything digital" you really MUST  come on over to http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ - it is a warm, welcome and fun online community - with a very generous heart.

New Stamps, Cards & Digi Papers

This post is long overdue and although I have lots of things to share,  I have no excuses.... just haven't found the time to blog.... I do however, have some exciting news to share. Firstly a little "Woo Hoo" to me!! ;) Last weekend I attended the Copic Certificaton Course in Melbourne - it was a lot of fun, I learned lots and can now share some wonderful new techniques with you.

Here I am with the lovely Mandi -  who was our instructor and as you can see we were a little weary after our long day in the classroom....but not as tired, as my new colouring friend Natalie from Seriously Scrapbooking in Adelaide, who flew in just for the day, to attend the class. Thanks for sharing the day and your wonderful chipboard designs with me Natalie.... it was lovely to meet you.

I came home very enthusiastic and had a great time experimenting with new colours and techniques. However, I have also been busy putting the final touches to the new design team and challenges at http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ - be sure to visit and check out all the fun and inspiration we have in store for you there. This weekend I spent my time combining my love of Copics and Digital Designs and created these cards.

This card uses one of my favourite little Hanglar images, combined with some gorgeous B/W patterned paper from Angel Hartline's Digital Kit - "One Fine Day". This is one of my all- time favourite kits it is a stunning collection of papers and embellishments in classic Red, Black and White - you can find it here http://angelhartline.com/angeltown.html

..and this little Hanglar cutie is called - Allahjartns which aptly means girl with heart ...lots of pink and glitter on this one LOL!! - Pink Stickles used on the heart, Distress Stickles - Antique Linen added to the flowers and the lovely Music print is a Digital Paper from  ATC Art v.1 from Angel Hartline Designs. 

During the Copic Certification we got to play with the new La La Land Craft Stamps and I have the pleasure of announcing that the La La Land range of stamps are now available to order online - at the Mad for Markers store  - http://www.madformarkers.com.au/ - Woo Hoo!! - these are just some of the cutest little images you have ever seen! The stamps are deeply etched cling cushion rubber, all cut, ready to use on your acrylic blocks...the Marci and Luka characters truly are gorgeous images to colour and the animal creatures are simply adorable - especially the sweet little "Easter Bunny"! - perfect timing for your Easter Card making.

I chose to share "Luka with Truck" with you today - just to follow along with our Male Card Theme over on the Challenge Blog at M4M - and if you look closely at the photo you will see a "sneak peek" of Miss "Sugar & Spice Marci" - very cute!

 
Copics Used:


Hair - E31, E33, E35

Skin - E00, E11, R20

Jacket - YG93, YG95, YG97

Pants - B93, B95, B97

Shirt - Y21, Y23, Y26

Truck - C-3, C-5, C-7, YG23, R35, R37



If you would like to see these stamps in person don't forget to visit the Mad for Markers stand at Paperific (Melbourne ) on 1st-3rd of April - the full range of Ciao and Sketch markers will be available and we will also have the April release of The Greeting Farm stamps -We look forward to seeing you there!

For the Luv of Art

Have you ever visited the wonderful world of  http://www.fortheluvofart.com/ ?? It is a wonderful online store for all your creative pursuits including a fun and inspiring forum community. For The Luv of Art nutures your creative needs through many artistic mediums - fabric, paper, ink, paints, stamps, digital software and the list goes on....and on!!!....The gallery is a gorgeous collection of art work from many talented ladies throughout the world....who love to share their work and special techniques. I LOVE "playing" there and if you are a Digital/Hybrid artist we would love to have you onboard too....and I encourage you to apply for the Creative Team call listed below. I can promise you a very warm welcome and plenty of inspiration.

Paper Wings

I'm so excited to share with you the latest digital kit designed by Angel Hartline - it is called Paper Wings and in the words of Angel -  Let Paper Wings lift you up to heaven! Paper Wings overflows with sublimely soft and delicate textures in shades of pink, purple, blue & cream.

I think this kit is absolutely gorgeous - it is so pretty and evokes such serene emotions. While it is perfect for showcasing photos of the "Angel" in your life - it is ideal for fantasy pages and at the same time a great choice for heritage layouts - yep!! - you guessed it I created a heritage layout with it!

To add this stunning kit to your digi collection be sure to....

Visit Angeltown:
http://angelhartline.com/

For the Luv of Art:
http://www.fortheluvofart.com/

theStudio:
http://www.digitalscrapbookingstudio.com/store/

Digital Playtime

I've packed up my copics and my stamps and hit the world of digital scrapbooking again....well that is the way it may appear - but it is not "techinically" true. I have a heap of stamped images ready to colour and some wonderful new Digital kits to play with so I am alternating between the two. My latest digital kits are by designer Amy Teets and you will find her lovely work over at www.fortheluvofart.com.
One of the things I love about Spring is all the wonderful photo opportunities it gives me and my camera! - Gods best work is produced at this time of year...the Spring Fling Mini Kit by Amy is full of beautiful spring colour and is the perfect colour palette for my photos.


I also used another kit by Amy - It's a Family Affair Scrapkit for this photo of my daughters - this pic is one of my all time favourites and I love using it - it features in a number of layouts in many of my scrapbook projects. Don't you love the quote embellishment? - it says it all...and if you want to add this kit to your collection it is currently on sale at www.fortheluvofart.com

A Little Card Making

....well I am slowly on the mend - I'm heading into my 4th week of this flu and really and truly that is enough!!! - I've still managed some playtime - nothing big but very enjoyable thanks to my Sweet Friend Janet Carr of Little Feet Digital Designs and her brand new kit "Dear Sweet Friend". This kit is adorable and it inspired me to do a little hybrid card making. I had so much fun.... and when I made the "Friends" card it took me back to my childhood it was like cutting out paper dolls all over again!!!....I think I was always destined for paper and scissors :)



....this photo shows off the detail - I created these cards by printing off multiple 4 x 6 copies of each design - then I freehand cut around the main embellishments and adhered back over the top with some foam adhesive - just to give the cards a little
3D effect.











I really LOVE this kit...It has some wonderful "pink" touches ( just for me LOL!! ) but so many cute embellishments the stitched heart border and the little clothes line just for starters. I can't wait until I have some time to create some layouts with it....here is a sneak peak of the kit...and don't forget to pop on over to fortheluvofart.com where you can purchase it for yourself.

Very Exciting News

I have been so sick for weeks now - hence the huge lapse between my blog posts!! I am starting to feel better and who wouldn't feel great when you receive news like this....



This is a huge honour and an amazing opportunity. I am in awe of the Digital and Creative Designers at For The Luv of Art their work is not just beautiful, but so inspiring and the community over there are a very talented bunch of ladies & ever so warm and friendly...hop on over and check it out....I'm sure you will want to stay and play too!!! - I hope I do them all proud!!

...and even though I have been sick - I haven't been too sick...that I haven't been able to have a little playtime!! LOL!! - here is some of what I have been up to.

These photos were taken at my friends property that was badly damaged in the awful bushfires of Black Saturday - but look at it now - beautiful green grass!!

Layout created with a combination of digi kits - Janet Carr's papers from "Olivia's Friend" - Carina Gardner's "Imprints" - "Silk Flowers" by Mary Ann Wise and a border from Jen Allyson designs....what do you think of the results???



and well this is my eldest daughter and the journalling says it all....layout created again from Janet Carr's "Olivia's Friend" and a Jen Allyson border.

Groovy Fun

....yes, that is what I have been having with this awesome Digi Kit from Angel Hartline Designs it is called "Renewal" - remember the quick kit page I did a little while back?.... well this is from the same collection. I have had so much fun with this kit - head across to the shop at For The Luv of Art and you see all the other great goodies Angel has put together for your digital designs.

These photos were taken a couple of years ago when my youngest daughter had long dark hair... at the moment she is ( as you can see in my last post ) very blonde with a cute little bob cut.......anyway, they were perfect photos to use with this kit.

Olivia's Friend

....is the name of a beautiful new kit released today by Janet Carr Little Feet Digital Designs - it contains some gorgeous gingham paper, a fun flag banner, lovely word art and of my favourite - lots of shades of pink - here is preview of the kit - be sure to check it out at For the Luv of Art

and here are some layouts I did using the kit....love the fact that is suits so many different themes...

A Touch of Pretty

....I'm still enjoying some time, digi playing with my photos and having fun stretching my style and experimenting with a few different kits from some talented designers.
I've been hanging out a little over at the forum and gallery at For The Luv of Art - so many beautiful things to see over there and I'm in awe of how clever the ladies over there are. I loved this Renewal Quick Page from Angel Hartline Designs it is a freebie - and I knew I had the perfect photos to use with it.



It's gorgeous isn't it? and the subtle touch of music is just so Larissa - very cool!




...and I can never go past an opportunity to play with my beloved heritage photos...this layout commemorates my ancestors. David & Ellen Henderson are my Great Great Grandparents and they are our first Australians. Henry is the eldest of their 14 children and my Great Grandfather and Priscilla - who was known as Phoebe is the eldest of their 8 daughters..........this all makes me a fifth generation Aussie. The Digi Kit I used for this layout is from LitaBelle Designs, it is certainly very pretty! oh and the Key embellishment can be found in Janet Carr's King of My Heart Digital Kit

For the Luv of Art

A great new online store opened this week - fortheluvofart.com - I love the caption on their home page...it reads "where the colours and textures of your imagination come to life" - sounds like my kinda place doesn't it?? Now, you all know I am a huge fan of Janet Carr's Little Feet Digital Designs - well; guess what? Her kits are now available to purchase from this store and for their grand opening she released a brand new kit to compliment her current beach designs. This fabulous kit is called "Where I Long to Be - Serenity of the Cape" - here is a little preview of the kit.




and of course I had the perfect photos to use with these gorgeous designs and today I created three more layouts in my own little beach series - all are posted to the gallery at For the Luv of Art too!





...do you like the way I framed the photo in this layout?? - cool hey?? Well this is another of Janet's designs - check out the store at For the Luv of Art for the kit called "Frames - New Perspective" - I love these frames!! :)