Penguins Party!

This is Penguins Party,  a digital image and my last one for this year.  I can't believe these impish ones were hiding in my pen!  Card was inspired by the Challenge theme over at Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Challenge Blog, which is up and running through December.
Sorry, no more details at this time.  If you have any questions, shoot me an email (my addy is in the watermark on the card).
Thanks Peeps!

New DT Members Wanted!

Hi peeps!  Just letting you know, this was posted by Denise of Whimsy Stamps on the Whimsy Stamps and Inspiration Facebook page:

Denise Lynn

We'd like to add a few new Digital DT members to the digi team for our new term in January, and if anyone is interested to please email our DT Coordinator Debbie (eastmandeborah@rocketmail.com) or private message her here on FB.

Digital Team members receive free digi stamps each month, a Whimsy store discount, get to be part of a wonderful group of DT members, and have fun working together!

Original message found HERE

New Digi Release/Hop!

Welcome to the November digital release blog hop!!!!

We have lots of new images to share with you today created by

Marika Collins Collection

Stamp Art Design

Lia Stampz

Crissy’s Digis (yours truly!)

 Miss Rach Digi's

Ashlan Valor Tangles

I chose to do 2 cards this time. For the first one, I used this super cute StampArt Design by Kathryne called Santa Mouse.  I just love this little dude's face and big expressive eyes! I could not resist using him as soon as I saw her image!! Here is a close-up:

I coloured Santa Mouse with the following Copics: 

Santa Suit: R32, 35, 37, 39, 89 and C6 for additional shading

White fur trim: BV20, 23

Holly Berries: R14, 17, 29, N4, Blender pen for a highlight

Greens: G05, 07, 14, 17, 19, 28, YG21, 23 (note: G28 caused some ink pooling which I tried to remove with the blender pen.  It did help, but there was still a blotchy appearance so I had to solve the problem further .  I used some coloured pencils to blend out the greens and cover up the blotchy areas, and as you can see, it worked!  It is always a challenge when colouring with the higher numbers - copics that end in 8 or 9 - because they are so high in pigment, and they don't soak into the paper but tend to sit on the surface.  Its good to know the problem of ink pooling can be solved and all the work you went to can still be salvaged!)

Mouse body: E50, 53. 55, N4, 5

Inside ears and blush: R12, 11, 21, N3, 4

Other Whimsy Products: 

Whimsy Shapeology Dies: Elegant Flourishes and Notables 5

Sentiment Stamp: Tis the Season Notables 5 by Raindrop Echo Designs

Whimsy Stamps Designer Papers: Vintage Christmas by Michele Roos

My second card is with my own image, Dragon Party.  I had to refrain from flowers, ribbons or bows with this one, because its for my hubby!  He loves my dragons so I thought I'd make one just for him (and share it with all of you too!) I feel this is "dude-ish" enough for a guy.   Interesting how my colour scheme is almost the same on both cards!  

Here is your close-up:

I coloured Dragon Party with the following Copics: 

Reds: R32, 35, 37, 39

Dragon Greens: YG21, 25, G07, 14, 17, 29 and I used the Blender for the scales, but I also went back in with some of the darker greens and made little "u's" or "v's" around where the blender had left a lighter mark.  I really like the effect I got. 

Balloon Greens: G00, 02, 03, 05, with B20, 23 and C1 for shading, Blender

Bone plates: E50, 53, 55, 04, 07

Pink belly: R20, 21, BV20, 23

Smoke puffs: N1, 3

Sky B0000 with a blue coloured pencil overtop

Also used a coloured pencil for the blush on his cheek and the end of his nose. 

The sentiment is a Whimsy Stamp from Party Mini Letter Seals and I used their Corner Die Set in the two left hand corners. 

Now, back to the hop info:

All Whimsy Stamps digital images are 300dpi for high print quality. You can re-size, flip, or rotate to fit your own project

  To find all of today's new releases please visit the Whimsy Stamps Store

Don't forget to leave comments along the way as there will be 2 mystery DT Members who will each be choosing a winner from the comments left on their hop posts!

These winners will each win a Whimsy digital image of their choice.
The Grand Prize winner of the hop will be chosen from the very last stop, which is Sheri's Blog.

 This winner will receive 5 digital stamps of their choice from the

 Whimsy Stamps Store

The hop will run for 1 week and end on Sunday 8th September at 12 Noon EST, when the lucky winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations Blog.

Below is a complete list of the hop in case you get lost along the way

Michelle Oatman

Lisa West

Kelly Mannix

Judith Hall

Jackie Smith

Charlene Brown

Jackie Randolph

Crissy Armstrong(yours truly!)
Marjolein Dekker Dejager

Sheri Danielson 

Thanks for visiting! Come back again soon!

Glorious Pagentry

I am blessed to have some artistic friends in my life.  One of them just started with a line of digital stamps at Whimsy!  I'm so proud to introduce her line of images, "Ashlan Valor Tangles", by Lori St. Clair.  I used her beautiful "Glorious Pagentry" for my card.  The intricate detail is just stunning on all of her drawings.  I really hope you take a minute to go see her first release over at the Whimsy Store.  Her images are unique to her, and are all hand drawn (no computerized curves or lines here, just the delicate, easy flow of her hand).  As soon as I saw the images, I could not wait to get my hands on some so I could explore the possibilities, and make some cards.  This is my second card (if you want to see the first project I did, you'll have to wait til the next Whimsy Inspirations Magazine comes out, because it will be displayed in there!)

I coloured with the following Copics: 

B05, 06, 13, 32, 63, 66

FYG1, FBG2, R20, R22

I'm participating in the following challenges: 

Pile It On: Embellishment Crazy

Sweet Stampin: Wood, Trees or Leaves

There She Goes: Leaves

Stamping Sensations: All Creatures Great and Small

Everybody Art: Feather

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge: Recipe

PR Design: Patterned Paper

Thank you for visiting today!  I hope you go see what Lori has to offer!

Flash Sale on Rubber!!

Two days only, today and tomorrow (Oc 7 & 8 2013)!  Head on over to Whimsy to get some new Rubbah!!

Good Pony

My sister has a horse ranch and so I thought this card was rather fitting for her on her birthday!  This is "Good Pony", a rubber image I created for Whimsy Stamps.   I made the dark pink paper myself using a black liner marker and a white gel pen on a pink sheet of Basic Grey paper.  The image was coloured with Copics (sorry, no list today).   Those are actual hinges on the left which I created and adhered the two separate pieces of cardstock using brads.  

And, PS - I have another freebie posted on my Facebook page, so if you want to grab it while you can (its being taken down soon!) you'll have to "like" my FB page to get it!! Here's the link to my page: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crissy-Armstrong/133764576783604

Thanks for looking today!

50% Off sale on Digi's!!

Hi everyone! I have another card to share with you today, this one is made with "Over The Moon", a digital image I illustrated for Whimsy Stamps.  And what's more, there's a 50% sale today - Tues. Sept 10, 2013 - so get 'em while they're hot! 

I coloured the image with a combination of Copics and coloured pencil.  I'll give you the Copic list, although there is a lot of coloured pencil on top, so I'm not sure how relevant it is.  

Moon: YR30, W2, 4

Clouds: YR30, B000, 12, 14, 16

Cow white areas: YR30, C0, 1, 2, 3, E40, 42

Nose and udder: E93

Brown Spots: E42, 25, 27, 29

Hooves: E40, 42, W5

Bow: R81, 83, 85, BV20, 23, R89

Bell: Y00, 17, 18, YR00, 14, 15, 23, 39, 99

I had fun making the background paper for this one!  I used a sheet of canvas paper, and just went to town on it with my acrylic paints.  Then I roughed it up with an exacto knife to add scratch lines and distressing.  There's lots of texture on this paper!  

I'm joining the following challenges: 

Inky Chicks:Stitching Real or Faux

Southern Girls Challenge: Make Believe

My Creative Moments: Childhood

Creative Corner: Child's Play

Catherine & Cathy Create: Terrific Texture

Love To Scrap: Anything Goes

Parade Your Crafts: Anything Goes

4 Krafty Girls: Anything Goes

Creative Fingers: Anything Goes

Totally Gorjuss: Anything Goes

Digitally Sweet: Anything Goes

Five Simple Things: Anything Goes

Sister Act Card Challenge: Anything Goes

Thanks for visiting today!

God bless!

Father-in-law's Birthday Card

Copic Colours:

Seagull: W00, 2 4, 5, 6, N1, 3, E40, 43, R20 for blush

Beak and feet: Y32, 35, 38, E97, 99

Water: BG000, 00, 10, 11, 13, B0000, 01, Blender as well as E43 for the post reflection

Hat stripe: B24, 26, 99

Wood post: E23, 25, 29, 43 44, 71, 87, 89

This is a card that I made for my Father-in-law's birthday!  I always find it a challenge to make cards for men - its hard to resist flowers, bows, pearls and lacy things! I used my Mr. Gullible rubber stamp image I illustrated for Whimsy Stamps.  

I'm entering it into the following challenges:

Crafty Ribbons Challenge: Anything Goes With Ribbon

Papertake Weekly: Anything Goes

Challenges 4 Everybody: Anything Goes

Fab n' Funky: Opposites Attract (opposite colours - mine are orange and blue)

Stamp and Create: Birthday (this is a birthday card for my FIL)

Everybody Art: Happy Birthday 

Simon Says: Animal Antics

The Cupboard Trilogy: Male

Ruby's Rainbow: Its a Male Thing

Our Creative Corner: Forgotten Things - I haven't used my embossing folders in ages!

Creative Card Crew: Things with Wings

Thanks for stopping by! 

God bless you!

Freebie Digi!!

I have another freebie digi available, and if you head on over to my Crissy Armstrong Facebook page, you'll find the link for it!!

Here's a peek at the image:

Free Images

I'm starting up a new thing - for a limited time, I'll be giving some free images away on my Facebook page, so you gotta go there to find the link!  I hope to do this periodically, so join me on FB and keep your eyes peeled!
Happy creating, everyone!!

I'm A Make It Crafty Guest Designer!

Hi folks!  This is a departure from my usual m.o. as I'm sure you have guessed already.  On Facebook not long ago,  Zoe of (Make It Crafty) posted that she was looking for some guest designers for her next release, and I was intrigued.  Then I found out this release was special because it was on her store's 3rd birthday so it was going to be a big bash.  Well that did it, I wanted to be invited to the party!  So you can imagine my delight when she opened the doors up for me and a special group of MIC fans who signed up before the deadline (early bird gets the worm, and all that). So...

Welcome to the very special Make it Crafty Tea Party!

Today, I'm joining the fun with a collection of Make it Crafty fans from around the world, serving you a delicious array of crafty delights to celebrate not only the magical release of Alice in Wonderland but also Make it Crafty's THIRD Birthday!!

What better way to celebrate than a tea party full of Make it Crafty fans?

As you chase the white rabbit down holes, through small doors, around corners and more, keep your eye out for hidden letters, collecting them along the way. Simply decipher the question and then enter the answer at the end of the hop for a chance to win the grand prize!

It wouldn't be a fun tea party without hidden prizes along the way, so make sure you comment as you chase the rabbit for a chance to win more prizes!
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Hopefully you've found your way through the door from KAT, but if you've just fallen down the hole then you might want to start back at ZOE.

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The guests were given the option to play with 6 images from the new collection and I chose to get creative with "Alice And The White Rabbit".

I challenged myself with this image, not only because it is a departure from my usual style of much simpler designs, but also I printed it in "watermark" mode (Word program) so that the lines would be a very light grey and hard to see.  Did it challenge me? Oh yes it did!  Thankfully I have heavy duty magnifier lenses which never left my face the whole time!  Some call this the "no lines" method of colouring.  I think my lines were a medium grey so I am not sure it counts as such.  I've seen other people's "no lines" colouring and you really don't see the lines at all, once they are done.  Maybe next time, I'll choose an even lighter ink, if I feel like stretching my boundaries that much more! 

I coloured this image with mixed media, starting with a base of Copics.  Here is a list of the Copic colours, although I did cover over a good deal of those with Prismacolour pencils and a handful of pastel pencils as well to get this look: 

Hair: E50, 51, 53, 43, 44, BV00, BV20

Skin: E0000, 000, 01, BV20, R20

White areas: C00, 01, 02, 03, BV20, E40

Blue dress: BG11, 01, 53, 57

Shoes: E13, 15, 18, 19

Red coat: R32, 35, 37, 59

Tie: FYG2, V15

Top hat: C0, 01, 02, 03, 05, 07, B21, B34, B39

Background is Prismacolour pencil burnished with white.

Some people use a blending stump to blend coloured pencil.  I prefer to burnish over it with a white or light coloured pencil crayon.  I find it blends better and I have more control. 

I made the sentiment on the computer as well as the little playing cards and row of hearts, which came from a free share file (the hearts and cards did, not the saying). 

Blue and green background panels stamped with Lavish Flourishes from Whimsy.  I thought this would make a great belated birthday card, although having one on hand and ready to go is a bit ironic.  Maybe I'll just have to be late on someone's birthday on purpose in order to give it out.  ;-) 

The fun doesn't stop here and if you head through this door you'll find your way to ALYCE.  (Isn't that cool, we actually have an Alyce on the hop list!!)
Thanks for coming by today!
God bless you!!

Winnifred Whale

Here is one of my digi images, Winnefred Whale in all her glory (from Whimsy Stamps).  Doesn't she look like she wants to be your friend? She can be, and you can play with her for all of 3 US dollars!  :-)  She also comes with a couple of sayings too - "Whale, wha'da'ya know!" and "Hope you catch a big one!"

I made this card to thank Zoe for sending me a gift.  If you haven't seen Zoe's store, "Make It Crafty" you really are missing out.  She has a ton of magical, whimsical images to choose from.

I made the "tons of thanks" sentiment on my computer. 

Country Heart Die also from Whimsy. Chipboard corners from Make It Crafty but discontinued.

Here is your close-up.

Copic list: 

B0000, 000

BG23, 32, 34, 45, 49

BV20, 23, 25, 29

And lots of use of 0, the blender pen

Thanks for stopping by today!

Fairy Daydreams

I was totally inspired for this card, and practically copied the layout of this stunning beauty of Mariska's right HERE. Please take a moment to go look at hers - it made my jaw drop!  On my card I used my Fairy Daydreams image for Whimsy.  I made some videos of my colouring on this image from start to finish.  Find the first three HERE and the final one HERE. You can find all my colouring videos in the tabs at the top of this page (just under the banner).

  I tried Mariska's method of popping out portions of the image, but I didn't care for how my attempt turned out! So I re-coloured the fairy and cut her out a second time, and laid it overtop of the one that I botched.  It was not easy cutting around her fingers (twice)!! 

Here is a side view to show how the image is lifted off the page.  I glued the flower part down at the stem so it actually angles outward from the bottom up. But the fairy and the wings are also cut out, making 3 parts that I glued on separately.

I made my own panels using Cuttlebug folders and Distress ink.  I inked up the folder before I put it in the machine.  I love how it turned out and will be trying this method again. The sentiment, which is only half of it, was done by my Bestie Kathryne of Stampart Designs, also for Whimsy.  Inside I put the other half to complete the sentence "its your birthday".   This came from a set of fairy sentiments that she gave away on her Freebie Tuesday giveaway on Facebook.  Thank you Kathryne! Also one of the purple flowers was a gift from fellow card maker friend Brenda Snider.  Thanks Brenda!

Die cuts by Whimsy Shapeology (Tab and Vines) and Spellbinders (ovals).

I stamped Lavish Flourishes also by Whimsy, on the front of the card base.

Here is your closeup and Copic List: 

Wings: FYG1, FYG2, B01, C3

Skin: E000, 01, 13, C3, R20, 21

Petals: BV000, 02, 04, N3, 5, 6, 0Blender

Hair: E50, 53, 57, 59, W7

Stem: G20, 21, 24, 28, C5

Thank you for coming by today! Bless you!

Flourish Tree

Hi Peeps! 

Here is a card I made using my Flourish Tree and the poem I wrote to go with it.  I made this for another Bestie (I am sooo lucky to have more than one!) in her favourite colour - spring green.  I wish I had taken a side view because it would show all the work I did to pop out the flowers.  I cut out some extra blooms from the scraps of paper, and some of them I just exacto cut a portion of them so that I could make a slit to insert the edge of the poem panel.  Even though there is virtually no colouring, the cutting took a long time, esp. the careful cutting I had to do on the flowers that I tucked the panel into. I didn't have any colouring to do - so something had to take a long time, right?! ha ha

Thanks for visiting today!  God bless!!

Raggedy Girl - Adorably Yours: Stampart Design by Kathryne

Hi Chilluns! This is a card I made using Stampart Design by Kathryne's digi stamp, Raggedy Girl - Adorably Yours for Whimsy Stamps.  I gave this to Kathryne for her birthday.  She is one of my bestest besties and has been for many years.  I love her images and only wish I had time to use more of them. We are both basically still kids at heart, and our images reflect that.  I adored the Raggedy Ann and Andy story books when I was young.  Her series of Raggedy images bring back fond memories of reading those imaginative stories.  If you want to check out her line (she has lots more than Raggedy dolls - quite a variety actually), go HERE.
I love the Cottage Charms designer paper, also found at Whimsy Stamps. It has a few lined sheets, like the one I used on the inside.  Perfect for writing out a personal greeting.

Other stamps:
Party Hat Sentiments
Vintage Fancy Corners
Fanciful Birthday Notables 1
Eblellies:
Two Tone Pale Pink Rose Bouquet (which I coloured with Copics)
Accent Leaves

I put so many embellies on the front of cards, it can make them front-heavy and sometimes they will topple. So I used one of the designer papers for the back of the card too.  It just completes the card so much, plus it balances out the weight of the card so it doesn't tip forward.    It looks more beautiful to decorate the back anyhow.

Here is your close-up.  Copic colours listed below. 

Copics used:

Reds: R12, 14, 17, 20, 21, 27 Shaded with C3, 5, and 7

Greens: BG11, 13, 15

Whites: BV20, 23, C1, C3, 5

Indigo shoes: B34, 37, C3, 5, 9

Face E000, 00, 01, 11, R20, 21

Copic white used on shoes and face for highlights

Blue background drawn with Prismacolour Pencil

Thanks for visiting today! 

God bless!!

Exciting contest!

This was written by Shannah of the Whimsy DT and posted on the Whimsy Stamps and Inspiration FB fan page:

 *Who would love to win a Whimsy Stamps Shopping Spree?!*

 We are so excited to have over 4,000 wonderful Whimsy friends on our Facebook Fan Page that we are giving away a $50 gift voucher for the Whimsy Stamps Store! To enter, all you need to do is:

1) make sure you are a Whimsy Fan Page follower (ON FACEBOOK) - here is the link for quick reference: Whimsy Stamps and Inspiration , then

2) go to the Whimsy Inspiration Blog and tell us what you would love to spend your voucher on. Enter HERE

 The $50 Whimsy Stamps gift voucher will be drawn by Random.org on Sunday 28th July and the winner will be announced on Monday the 29th July. Good luck everyone!! Hugs, Shannah xox

Fairy Daydreams Colouring Video!

Hi Peeps!!

I have a new video series for you, in which I demonstrate how I colour my Fairy Daydreams image from Whimsy Stamps.  I concentrate on teaching shading techniques.  Learning to shade simply takes practice.  I am by no means an expert, but I enjoy what I do and if you happen to like my style, you can learn from this demo.  I hope I made it enjoyable for you to watch and learn!

A Great Canadian Stamp Store!! Scrappin Great Deals!!

One of the BEST Canadian stores out there - I should know, I'm an avid customer - just sent me a TEN DOLLAR CERTIFICATE as a prize - JUST FOR BEING THEIR CUSTOMER!!!!

If you buy from them online, your name gets entered into their weekly draw.  And I WON this week, YAHOOOOOO!!

Who doesn't get excited about free stuff, and esp. for us card makers, when its MORE CARD MAKING SUPPLIES!!!

I love this store - they have weekly sales with deep discounts on tons of stuff too. They have very reasonable regular prices as well as great customer service. 

Love the gals at this store! 

Love Scrappin Great Deals!

Thank you SGD - you made my day!!

Jelly Bean

A birthday card I did for my daughter.  I used Jelly Bean and Party Time Accessories.  Coloured with Copics.  Thanks for visiting!!

New Release at Whimsy!

Welcome to the Whimsy Stamps March 2013 rubber stamp and die release!

Today, Whimsy Stamps is releasing 27 fantastic new Rubber Stamps & Stamp Sets, 6 wonderful new Whimsy Shapeology Dies, 2 fabulous new Shape EZ by TLC templates, 2 beautiful Whimsy Designer Paper 6x6 packs, and 2 *NEW* gorgeous sets of Whimsy Prints. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites. We are thrilled to announce that Monika Martinson has joined our talented group of stamp illustrators! Monika draws the most beautiful floral images and we are releasing 4 gorgeous rubber stamp sets illustrated by Monika for Whimsy Stamps this month.  Welcome to the Whimsy Stamps family, Monika! From today until 26 March, the Whimsy DT and our March Special Guest Designer, Louise Hodge, will be showcasing these new products with a daily mini blog hop. At the end of release week, we will draw 3 winners from the comments left on our designers' daily mini blog hop posts and each of these 3 winners will win 2 new release stamps! You have 24hrs to enter each daily mini blog hop by leaving a comment on every blog listed for that day. The prize locations are secret, so be sure to hop and leave comments every day to win! At the end of release week (Wednesday 27 March) a release round-up will be posted on the Whimsy blog together with a list of winners. To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations, please click on the links below...

Ellie
Janette
Melissa
Michele
Tammy Louise

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

Finally, here is a full reveal of the wonderful March release. Don't forget to visit today's DT and leave a comment on their blog posts!

[Please note that the following pictures are not to scale]

4 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Am I a Keeper? ~ Crown of Daisies ~ Hip Hippo-ray ~ Summer Pony
 
3 Elisabeth Bell rubber stamps

Goldie Locks ~ L'il Bells Snack Time ~ Skippydee and Indiana
                        
4 Kenny K rubber stamps
Blonde Bombshell ~ Total Drama ~ What If? ~ Wise Guy
      
  2 Meljen's Designs rubber stamps
Hunny Bunny ~ Lazy Susan Buggies
             
  2 Sylvia Zet rubber stamps
Birthday Baby Boy ~ Love You Slow Much
             
  3 2CuteInk Rubber stamp sets
Bundles of Joy ~ It's Play Time ~ Let's Party
                          
  *NEW ARTIST* Monika Martinson
Cup of Sunshine ~ Spring Tulips ~ Summertime Blooms ~ Tiger Lily
 
  5 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp sets
Everyday Button Sentiments ~ Fun Life Tickets 2 ~ Singing in the Rain Spring Silhouettes Notables 6

~ Vintage Fancy Corners
       
6 Shapeology dies
Button Die ~ Daisy Doily ~ Dandelion Border Lace Border

 ~ Mini Lace Doily Die ~ Umbrella Die
 
  6x6 Paper Stacks
Designer Grunge ~ Vintage Harmony 24 sheets per pack - 12 designs, 2 of each printed on heavy weight slightly textured papers. Acid and Lignin free.

  2 *NEW* sets of Whimsy Prints  ~  The "Whimsy Prints Collection" are beautiful sets of hand-colored images which have been digitally reproduced and die-cut into various shapes. The "Birthday Wishes" pack contains 3 sets of 4 images illustrated and hand-coloured by Crissy Armstrong. The "Make A Wish" pack contains 3 sets 4 images illustrated by Elisabeth Bell and hand-coloured by Simonne Clay. Whimsy Prints are printed on 100lb premium coated paper and professionally die-cut leaving smooth edges. Each pack contains 12 die-cut printed toppers.
Birthday Wishes (Crissy Armstrong)
 
Make a Wish (Elisabeth Bell)
         
  2 Shape EZ by TLC templates
Flip Basket ~ PIllow Box
                       
 Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you enjoy our new release!