Wednesday, February 29, 2012

If you find the Purse...

Get the shoes to match!! =)
I thought this little Lizzie with her purse (from Whimsie Doodles) was too cute and should be on the front of a card - so here she is!
Image - Whimsie Doodles "Purse Lizzie"
Papers - Bazzill & Paper Studio Scraps, also Bazzill pre-cut border
Coloring - Copics
Extra STUFF - Ribbon & BLING!

Can you believe it?  Today is the LAST day of February and the ENTIRE month - and actually a BONUS day if you think about it.  And can you believe it - all I've used for paper is scraps from my scrap boxes - this ENTIRE month????

What about you - do you make it a habit to use up your scraps?

I think I might keep the scrap thing going for March too - it's kind of fun to try and USE up stuff you already have....PLUS it makes room so you can get some NEW stuff!  =)  

Hugs & Happy Days!
This has been entered into the following challenges - 
Cooking It Up With Katie -2W, 1E - # 90 3 favorite things which are BLING, SCRAPS & My Copics!
Scrapalicious - C5, must be follower, 1E - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Sisterhood of Crafters  - 2W, 3E - use a digi  (2nd wk)


A Tutorial in Coloring....

Happy Hump Day All!  I hope it's a good one!

With some of the neat "Silouettes" digis from Bugaboo Stamps, I thought I'd give you a quick crash course in recoloring the black and white version to making it the color you want.  I mostly use the free GIMP download for this, but there is also a simplier way if you're a bit apprehensive about trying photo/design editing software - Microsoft Publiser.
I BELIEVE you may be able to do something similar with MS Word also, but I have not personally tried it.

Ready?  Set?  LEARN!
(You can click on the images below to make them larger and better read the commentary along the right side of the frame.)

Open a NEW page and Insert the digi you wish to recolor - this is PERFECT for the Bugaboo Stamps "Silouettes" digis.
Left Click on the image and then right click to get the drop down menu.
You'll highlight "FORMAT PICTURE"

 This will be he next pop-up sreen you will get - click on the "RECOLOR" button.
 Click on the Color Box with te aarow and it wll give ou a "Color Picker Box" (yep, that's a technical term! =)
Select "MORE COLORS"
Choose your color and then click OK - you can choose a Standard Color or you can Customize your color - up to you - but THIS is the pop up bx you do it in.

Be sure to click OK once it show you the clor.  You'll click OK on the Format Picture bo also and it should turn your pic the color you picked.

After you've clicked OK and the pop up boxes have gone away, this is what you will be left with - all you have to do is print and attach to your project now.
Voila!
This is a card I did some time ago and I just LOVE how it turned out -
This however was colored using GIMP.

Image - Bugaboo Stamps - "Silhouttes" Collection "Elephant" image
I hope this tutorial has helped you today - please feel free to leave me a comment if you liked this tutorial, if it helped you, if you have questions or if you flat out hated it.  I love your input!!
Hugs & Happy Days!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

HA HA, Make Me Laugh

 And it's all about the HUMOR!
Bugaboo is sponsoring the Creative Card Crew's Challenge this week and we can't wait for you to join us!

So I recently became addicted to Pinterest - "My Name is Min and I'm a Pin-head" =)
One day, while I was pinning, I ran across this fabulous sign and KNEW it had to grace the cover of a card.

Well, with today's Humor challenge over at the Creative Card Crew, today was the PERFECT time for the cover gracing of this card.

Image - Bugaboo Stamps "Itchy Sit"
Papers - Bazzill, Coredinations & Basic Grey - ALL from my Scrappy Box
Coloring - 100 E53 E55 E57 R37 R39 R59 W1
Extra STUFF - Dimensionals, Custom border, Candi, Dimensionals and Computer Generated Sentiment

Hopefully, no one is offended and everyone is laughing.  =)
I know my hubby and I BOTH had a good laugh!  =)
A few people we know that should be layin' out in the yard, ya know!

So, come join us for the Creative Card Crew's Challenge, and SHOW US YOUR HUMOR!!!
Hugs & Happy Days!
This funny card has been entered into the following challenges -
Creative Card Crew's Challenge - Humor

Creative Mondays - Anything Goes
My Craft Spot - 1E - Make us laugh
Paper Playtime - 2W  (2nd week) Pets! And add a Sentiment!

Monday, February 27, 2012

ABC with a Recipe!

Happy Anything But a Card Day!

I thought I'd share with you one my favorite Sports Weekend (or any weekend for that matter) dips!
The Bugaboo team did a recipe swap and this was the recipe I picked.
"Sports Weekend Buffalo Chicken Dip"
Can you say YUMMO??
1 8oz pkg Cream Cheese
1/2 c. Ranch Dressing
1/4 or 1/2 bottle Frank's Hot Sauce (Smallest Bottle)
1/4 or 1/2 bottle Frank's Buffalo Wings Sauce (Smallest Bottle)
1 Large can - Canned White Meat Chicken
1/2 block (4 oz) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Box of Wheat Thins or Crackers you LOVE
Throw everything into a dish you can mircowave or throw in the oven.
Warm until melty and gooey.
ENJOY!
Papers - All from my scrap box (even that WONDERFUL M Go Blue paper).
Coloring - Copics
Extra STUFF - Bling & Stickles

Give this recipe a try - pin it if you like it and let me know what you think!  
I would love to hear if this becomes one of your go to favorites like it is at our house!  
Hugs & Happy Days!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

A little Snowy Surfer

Just a little quickie for a special little boy who is battling cancer right now and LOVES Happy Mail!
Image - Doodle Dragon Studios
Papers - Miscellaneous papers from my scrappy box including Cosmo Cricket
Coloring - Copics - B0000 B34 B52 C7 C9 E30 E31 E33 RV06 RV09 YG17 YG23 YR04 YR16
Extra STUFF - Stazon Jet Black Ink & Miscellaneous Sentiment Stamp

Hugs & Happy Days!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Tex-Mex Pot Roast - YUMMO!

Yep, another fantastic recipe that will be a DO OVER at our house!
Tex-Mex Pot Roast
Tex-Mex Pot Roast 
courtesy of The Pillsbury Annual Recipe 2012 Cookbook
It's an EASY recipe and Low Fat too.  Pair it with some mashed spuds like we did and WOW, everyone will be full and smiling!
1 medium onion, halved, sliced
1 beef rump roast or boneless arm roast (3 lbs)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (we used minced garlic)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1/2 cup beef broth (you can do half beef broth & half red wine if you want)
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water

Spray 4-5 quart crock pot with cooking spray.  Place onion in bottom of crock pot.  Place beef roast on top of onion.  Sprinkle with garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper.  Pour tomatoes & broth (or broth wine mixture) over top of roast.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
Remove roast to cutting board; cover and keep warm.  Ladle cooking liquid into 2 quart saucepan; heat to boiling.  In small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to form a smooth liquid; stir into boiling liquid.  Cook and stir 1 minute or until thickened.  Slice beef; serve with gravy.
ENJOY!
Hugs & Happy Days!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Oldie But Goodie Thursday!

Happy Thursday - yep, we're nearly to Friday, but we can't forget to celebrate The Oldies (which is what we're doing today at Bugaboo!)

I know this image I used isn't TOO OLD, but I just had to use it because it's just too cute!!
Image - Bugaboo Stamps "Kidz - Girl Balloon"
Papers - Doodlebug Design & Bazzill - ALL from my SCRAP box!!
Coloring - Copics B52 B91 B93 E23 E25 E27 E50 E51 R000 R81 R83 RV04 YG21 YG23 YG25 W1
Tools - Cuttlebug, Nesties & Embossing Folder
Extra STUFF - Dimensionals & Custom Blinged Pearls
Be sure to visit The Bug Blog and see what the rest of the team dusted off and is using - you'll for sure be INSPIRED!!
Hugs & Happy Days!
This card has been entered into the following challenges - 
Divas by Design - 2E - #23 bling
Inky Impressions - 2W, SIO - punches/dies  (2nd wk)
Paper Pretties - SIO -PPC194 punches/diecuts
Sisterhood of Crafters  - 2W, 3E - use a digi
Clear It Out! - 2W -Use Old Supplies - Birthday Card- Use Up Your Bling + Blog Hop Week1

In Threes....

Happy Challenge Thursday from Shelly's Images!
Today we have a great new images to share - the "Good Ole Days" image and on top of that, it's a CHALLENGE day today too - we want you to use THREE of something on your project!!
This is a Birthday card for my hubby's Uncle who has the BEST Sense of Humor (he and my dad were two peas in a pod!)
Image - Shelly's Images "Good Ole Days"
Papers - Basic Grey Scraps, Kraft, Bazzill Scraps & Coredinations Scraps
Coloring - Copics - B00 B91 B93 B95 B97 B99 C1 C3 C5 C7 C9 G94 G99 YG13
Tools - EK Success punch
Extra STUFF - Dimensionals, Candi & Stickles

Visit The SI Blog and check out the rest of the teams Challenge projects - you're sure to be inspired!!
Hugs & Happy Days!
This has been entered into the following challenges - 

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

New Release at Bugaboo!

That is just TOO SWEET to pass up!
This adorably sweet Strawberry Girl collection is now available at The Bugaboo Store.
Image - Bugaboo Stamps "Strawberry Girl" New Release
Papers - Recollections, Bazzill & Coredinations (all from my scrappy box)
Coloring - Copics E18 E23 E25 E27 E29 E50 E51 G21 G24 G94 R24 R22 R27 R29 RV00 YR12 YR14 YR15 YR18 100
Tools - Cuttlebug, Nesties & EK Success Punch
Extra STUFF - Doodling, Custom American Crafts Lace & Dimensionals

Visit The Bug Blog and see what Strawberry Sweet creations the rest of the team whipped up.  Then head on over to The Bugaboo Store and add this cutie to your collection!! =)
Hugs & Happy Days!
This has been entered into the following challenges - 
Lollipop Crafts - Anything Goes
Nettie G's Digital Gems - 2W, SIO - (1st week) Anything Goes (ends 4th March)
Stamps R Us - 2W, 2E - (2nd week) Anything Goes (ends 26th Feb)
One Stitch At A Time - SIO - Use a Digi OR No image
Colour Me Creative Copic's Challenge -3E, 2W - must use copic's - Lots of Bright fun 
Crafty Boots Challenges - Food Glorious Food

Monday, February 20, 2012

80's ROCK

And our 80's Rock Lizzie is doin' just that in her blinged out shirt, sassy hat & leather belt! =)
Gotta Love Whimsie Doodles AND the 80's!! =)
Bring on the memories of big hair, jelly bracelets & Cindy Lauper!  =)
Image - Whimsie Doodles "80s Rock Lizzie" February Release
Papers - ALL from my Scrappy Bin!  =)
Coloring - Copics 100 E21 E50 R81 R83 R85 Y21 Y26 Y28
Extra STUFF - Computer Generated sentiment, Button from my Button Bin, Ribbon from my stash, Doodling, Stickles, Bling from Joann & Dimensionals

You can visit the Whimsie Doodles store and check out all the new February Releases (if you haven't checked them out yet and maybe add one or two to your collection!  =)
 Hugs & Happy Days!
This has been entered into the following challenges - 
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - M, 1E - (February) Celebrations (ends 11th March)
*NEWCreative Mondays - 2W - (1st week) Anything Goes (ends 4th March)
Make it Monday - always Anything Goes
Pollycraft - SIO - Ribbons and Buttons
Stamps R Us - 2W, 2E - (2nd week) Anything Goes (ends 26th Feb)


Sunday, February 19, 2012

Celebrate Today with Dream Valley

Bugaboo is sponsoring the Dream Valley Challenges this week and we can't wait for you to join us!

Today's challenge -BIRTHDAYS!
And heck, who doesn't need an extra birthday card or two 
Papers - All from my scrappy box  (Are you counting - EVERY project so far this month has been made from my scrappy stash!)
Coloring - Copics BG10 BG53 BG72 BG75E23 E25 E27 E29 E50 E51 RV04 RV06 RV09 V15 V17 YG13 YG17 YR14 YR15 YR16
Extra STUFF -  Studio G Bday sentiment, Stazon Jet Black Ink, Bling from J's $1 bin, Stickles, Bazzill Pre-cut Scallop Border & Prima Flower

Come on over to The  Dream Valley Challenges  Blog and join us for this week's Birthday Challenge - Heck, if you play along, you just might WIN!  =)

Hugs & Happy Days!
This card has been entered into the following challenges -
Dream Valley Challenges - Birthday

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Gettin' Sketchy with The Bug!

It's Saturday and you know what Saturday means over at The Bug Blog?
It's a Challenge day and today it's a SKETCH challenge!
Check out The Bug Blog blog to see this weeks sketch, get some inspiration from the design team and see what kind of awesome prizes you could win if you PLAY along!
Here's my take on the sketch - for a SUPER woman in my life - My mama!
Papers - All from my Scrappy Bin - not sure who they're from
Coloring - Copics B97 B99 E21 E50 E74 E77 E79 R37 R39 Y35 Y38
Tools - Cuttlebug & Nesties
Extra STUFF - BLING, Smooch, Computer Generated Sentiment & Dimensionals

Be sure to join us and play along this week! =)

Hugs & Happy Days!
This has been entered into the following challenges - 
 Eat Sleep Stamp - Sketch Challenge
Delightful Challenges - 1E, SIO - Use your scraps
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - SIO - Anything goes
Do You Stack Up? - 3E - Layers

Friday, February 17, 2012

Freebie Friday at Bugaboo...

And there's a New Sherrif's in town!
Isn't he cute?
Image - Bugaboo Stamps "A Kids View - Cowboys - Sheriff"
Papers - SCRAPS from my scrap bin (can I tell you I'm starting to MAKE a DENT in my scraps).
Coloring - Copics B93 B95 E23 E25 E27 E50 R000 R08 R27 W1 Y17 Y19 100
Tools - Die Cutting Machine
Extra STUFF - Computer Generated Sentiment & Smooch

Come visit The Bug Blog and check out the inspiration from the rest of the designers, then be sure to visit The Bugaboo Store and get your freebie (and add a few of the collection cuties to YOUR collection).
Hugs & Happy Days!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

At The Beach

At our House we DIG the beach - and I LOVE taking beach photos!
This happens to be a photo I snapped this past summer when Glen and I were in the Dominican.
We got up SUPER early one morning to catch the sun rise.  The thing I love about this photo is our shadow in the sand.
So, since today is a "Show Us What You Got" challenge over at Shelly's Images and the New Release is a Seashell, making this mini-layout for my office was a perfect fit.
Image - Shelly's Images - Seashell
Papers - Little Yellow Bicycle, Bazzill & Miscellaneous Cardstock
Coloring - BG18 E51 E53 YG23 YR00 YR01 YR02
Tools - EK Success Punches
Extra STUFF - Stickles, Colorbox Frosty White Ink, Studio G "Beach Vacation" stamps & Dimensionals

You can come join us for this week's Show Us What You Got Challenge at Shelly's Images, check out the AMAZING beachy projects the Design Team created and if you LOVE this Seashell like I do, head on over to the SI Store and add this to your collection!
Hugs & Happy Days!
This layout has been entered into the following challenges - 
Desert Island Crafters - M, 2W, P1/15 choose 3 or more from the list  
I used - 2 or more patterned papers, sparkle/bling & kraft 
Mema's Crafts - M C3, P1 - Anything goes


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

For the Love of PIGS!

Happy Valentine's Day and HAPPY New Release Tuesday from Bugaboo Stamps.
How stinkin' cute is this little oinker?  =)
Image - Bugaboo Stamps "Pigs - Pig Flower"
Papers - Doodlebug Design, Bazzill & Kraft (all from the scrappy box)
Coloring - Copics E23 E25 G24 R81 R83 RV11 RV04 RV09 RV13 YR04 YR07
Tools - Cuttlebug & Nesties
Extra STUFF - Ribbon from my stash, Stazon Jet Black Ink, Dimensionals, Prima Flower, Custom Bling, Googley Eyes, Doodling & Studio G Sentiment
Visit The Bugaboo Stamps Store and check out the rest of the collection AND visit The Bug Blog and see all the fabulous piggy creations the team came up with.  =)
Hugs & Happy Valentine's Day!
This card has been entered into the following challenges - 
Send a Smile for Kids - 2W 2E -  2ndW Anything Goes (again) for Kids
The Hybrid Chick Card Caravan - 2W - (2nd week) Use Ribbon (ends 18th Feb)
Allsorts - 1E - #141 Free and Easy February
Crafty Emma - E3 - #72 Lots of Layers, 3 or more
Hiding in my Craft Room - 1E  #33 Super Scraps Saturday - use up those scraps
Alphabet Challenge – 2W, 1E, JFF – Week 1, A … Animal Antics

Monday, February 13, 2012

Cut Out Valentine with Whimsie Doodles

I just adore this Digi from Whimsie Doodles - so cute, so kid simple!  Perfect way to say I Love You!!
Image - Whimsie Doodles "Cut Out For You"
Papers - Custom Paper, Bazzill &
Coloring - Copics R81 R83 R89
Tools - Ek Success Punch & Die Cutting Machine (for scissors)
Extra STUFF - Doodling, Stickles, Custom Dew Drops & Dimensionals

You can check out this image and LOTS more over at The Whimsie Doodles Store.

Be sure to visit The WD Blog too - we've got a great "OH SCRAP" challenge going on over there right now too - GET OUT THOSE SCRAPS and get creatin'!!  We all have to make more room for the NEW stuff comin' out, right???
Hugs & Happy Valentine's Day!!
This card has been entered into the following challenges - 
Crafty Boots - 2W, SIO - (2nd week) Valentines (ends 19th Feb)
Creative Stamp Friends - 2W - (2nd week) Valentine (ends 19th Feb)
Hooked on Crafts - MSIO - (February) Hearts (ends 3rd March)
Pollycraft - SIO - Colours: Reds, Pinks, Creams
Scrappers Delights - M, 2E, SIO - (February) Love (12-25th Feb)
The Crazy Challenge - 2E - Valentines day
Dream Valley Challenges - 2W, 3E - (2nd week) Valentine (ends 18th Feb)
One Stitch At A Time - SIO - Anything Goes
PanPastel UK Challenge - 1E, SIO - Love and Romance


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Stella Says Sketch 104 - with Shelly's Images

Bugaboo Stamps and Shelly's Images are partnering up again this month for our
Stella Says Sketch Challenge!!
Complete with Miss Cranky Pants herself!  =)

This weeks sketch - 

And here's my take on this weeks sketch - it turned out SO CUTE!!
Papers - Doodlebug Design Papers, Cosmo Cricket, Kraft and Bazzill
Copics - 100 E21 E31 E33 E35 E50 RV17 RV19 Y15 Y17 YG17 YG23 YG25
Tools - MS Border Punch
Extra STUFF - Custom Flat Backed Pearls, Stickles, Dimensionals, Stazon Jet Black Ink and Miscellaneous Sentiment

Check out The Bug Blog and see what other magnificent images the design team used (and some of Shelly's Design Team even joined us this week too!!).
Then join us - there's lots of great stuff you can WIN by playing along!!! =)
Hugs & Happy Days!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

This message sponsored by Kenny K

What a treat for the Bugaboo Design Team to have today's Bugaboo Photo Challenge sponsored by Kenny K digis!

I'm sure you've seen these fabulous fun, sassy and even a little sexy images and today WE get to play with them as part of our Saturday Photo Challenge.

Check out The Bug Blog and the Photo we're using for inspiration.
The image I picked out to use - 
Image - Kenny K "Madison Attitude"
Papers - Paper Studio, Coredinations & Bazzill all from my scrappy box
Coloring - Copics B91 B93 B95 BG32 BG34 E50 E51 RV21 RV23 RV25 YG01 YG03 YG05 YG13YR20 YR21 YR24 100
Tools - EK Success Punch, Cuttlebug & Nesties
Extra STUFF - BLING, Doodling, Prima "Got Flowers" flower, Studio G sentiment, Stazon Jet Black Ink & Dimensionals

You can also check out the Kenny K's Krafty Girlz Challenge blog too for more inspiration with these great images.

Then join us over at The Bug Blog for a GREAT Saturday challenge!! 

We can't wait to see how you're inspired!
Hugs & Happy Days!

This has been entered into the following challenges - 


Friday, February 10, 2012

Oh, Scrap!!!

That's what I was saying when I realized just HOW MANY pieces of SCRAP PAPER I have (in addition the the CRAZY amount of full sheets of paper).

The awesome thing - this month's February challenge at  Whimsie Doodles  is an "Oh SCRAP" challenge - whip up a project that uses up your SCRAPS!!!

My Oh, Scrap project - this adorable card using a new Whimsie Doodles February Release and LOTS of SCRAPS!!
Image - Whimsie Doodles "Easter Jayson"
Papers - Oh, SCRAP - I have no idea, they came out of the SCRAP bin!!
Coloring - Copics B24 B26 BG 13 BG15 E21 E31 E33 E35 E50 RV7 RV19 Y15 Y17 YG01 YG17 YG23 YG25 YR15 R16
Tools - Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Nesties
Extra STUFF - Custom Ribbon, Bakers Twine, Custom Button, Doodling, Dimensionals, Studio G Sentiment, Stazon Jet Black Ink & Stickles

Come join the Whimsie Doodles Design Team with this month's "Oh, SCRAP" challenge - we can't wait to see what SCRAPS you dig out of your scrapbox!!
Hugs & Scrappy Days!
This card has been entered into the following challenges - 
Whimsie Doodles - February Oh, SCRAP challenge


Bugaboo Freebie Friday

And BOY is this Bugaboo freebie just ADORABLE - but I could be partial because it includes a cute kitty!
Image - Bugaboo Stamps "Kids Girl Cat"
Papers - All from my scrap bin - Basic Grey & Bazzill
Copics - E50 E51 E55 E57 E59 G24 G28  R000 R81 R83 W1 W3
Tools - Cuttlebug & Nesties
Extra STUFF - Custom Lace (American Crafts), Custom Brad, Flat Backed Pearls, Miscellaneous Sentiment Stamp, Dew Drop Ink & Dimensionals

You can get this super cutie over at The Bugaboo Stamps Store (and check out the rest of the collection).  And, for a bit more inspiration, visit The Bug Blog and check out the awesome projects the rest of the team created!
Hugs & Happy Days!