Girl's Like Wallets Too

When I presented my sister with some cash for her recent birthday she wanted to know why she didn't get it in a cute wallet after she saw THIS one I recently I made using one of Mo's school boys - you can find the tutorial link in that post too. It got me thinking - girl's like wallets too and so I've come up with a version for them!

I didn't use the faux leather technique I used with the boy's wallet - instead I chose my floral fantasy CB folder and then spritzed the wallet with some gold glimmermist. I also added a few flowers - what gal doesn't like flowers!?!?! The rest of the wallet is pretty much the same as the boy's wallet.

The image I've used here is Mo's Trinity and can be found in store HERE.

xXx

More Summertime From Simply Betty Stamps

With only a month left of Winter here in Australia our thoughts are turning to the warmer weather ahead. This fabulous image from Simply Betty Stamps certainly helps to forget the heater is on. This cool dude is Christian from the Summer Emo Digi collection and can be found in store HERE. These digis are currently on sale so it's a GREAT time to pop over and pick him and some of his friends up!

The letters and flower I've used were cut using one of my cuttlebug alphas. I haven't used them for a while and had forgotten how much fun they were - and they also add such impact to a simple layout! My DP is from my Kaisercraft Utopia paper pad.

xXx

Albert's Off To Bingo!

Meet Albert - he's one of the gorgeous wrinklies from the new digi shop Just INKlined. I was honoured to be asked to be a guest DT for Just INKlined for August but I just couldn't wait to play with the FABULOUS images on offer. When the store first opened Albert was offered as a freebie - which I mentioned on a previous post so I hope many of you managed to grab him - in the nicest possible way of course - LOL. He's now up for sale in the store HERE.

I decided Albert didn't need too much embellishment - so went with some Basic Grey DP and a Tim Holtz embossed piece of CS. I computer generated the sentiment. I enjoy trying to come up with fun sentiments and had several for this guy. Another one I had was - I had my ride "pimped" - my kids LOVE the show "Pimp My Ride" - but if you've never seen it I thought it wouldn't make any sense - LOL. "Check out my new wheels" was another possible sentiment. But I do have someone in mind for this card and he does like his bingo.

I was a little disappointed after I used my crystal effects on the "window" - the colour of the handlebar changed quite a bit so I had to try and make the rest fit in! Now I could say it's all to do with light refraction through the "glass" - but I think maybe it was the markers I was using - I mainly use copics but do have several colours in another brand which is what I started out with! Ah well - live an learn!

And don't forget Just INKlined have a competition running HERE with the chance of becoming a guest designer for September and earning some free digis!!!

xXx

Burtonesque Dolls Challenge #13 - Big Fish

Boy is it me or is time just whizzing by at the moment??? It only seemeed like yesterday that I was announcing last week's challenge for

The Burtonesque Dolls and here we are at the next one!!! This week we have a wonderful sponsor in Smeared and Smudged and they are offering the winner this fabulous prize package from Smeared Ink.

The Dolls DT were lucky enough to be able to play with some of these for the challenge. I've used the Fortune Teller digi for my card - I used her to represent the witch from Tim Burton's Big Fish who shows the main character Edward Bloom his future - specifically the way he will die by a vision in her glass eye - it could be a said this is a glass ball like my fortune teller has - LOL! This means he can carry on through life living all sorts of adventures knowing he will be safe! It's a fanciful movie full of tall tales and fantastic characters - so these carnies from Smeared Ink fit right in!

There is some fabulous inspiration from the DT over at The Dollhouse - and there are also some stills from the movie to help you with the challenge. Hope you can come along and play!

xXx

Sale Time at Simply Betty Stamps!

Over in America they gearing up for Back to School! Betty has been shopping with her kids, and on the go, and "this doesn't fit," and "that doesn't look right" and blah blah blah! She's spent many hours at the malls, eating on the go, dealing with the hot weather and well you all know how it goes! So Betty thought hey... we parents deserve a little shopping fun too! Not only a little shopping fun, but some cool deals too!

So Betty has a fabulous sale going on right now at Simply Betty Stamps:

My Little Shoe Box papers, stickers, and overlays are 50% off!

BoBunny papers, stickers, and embellishments are 40% off!

All Rubber is 30% off!

All Digis are 25% off!

How's that for a sweet reward !? So hurry on over the Sale ends Thursday night at 11:59 PM California time - that's 5pm Friday for us Melbourners - LOL!!

Have fun shopping! See you all soon for winners of our first Challenge, a new New Relese Blog Hop August 6th, and lots more fun!

xXx

A Winter Birthday

This is one of the very first Mo images I bought - my daughter has been figure skating for over 6 years, and there's not many skaters in Melbourne! Until recently we only had ONE 3/4 size ice rink for the ENTIRE city!!!! So of course anything ice skating related was hard to find here - but this image came to my rescue! It's called "Skating" and can be found in Mo's store HERE.

Now Bella and Bronte have been designed as Christmas images - but I've used them for a birthday card for a member of Melbourne's small skating community! I used some Kaisercraft DP which had a lovely silver swirl because it reminded me of the ice surface at the rink - as well as the cold Winter winds blowing at this time of year! The layout is fairly simple - I like to think of it as elegant - like the sport itself - LOL. I've used my silver spica pen on the blades for a metallic glimmer and have used liquid applique on her ear muff for some texture - before sparkling up her hat, earmuff and muff with glitter. I've also added some glitter to the "ice".

It's great to see how versatile some stamps are when you look at them in a different light!

xXx

Magnolia Down Under #56 - Christmas in July

We have a new challenge for you this week at Magnolia Down Under - and one that's doing the rounds at the moment - we're doing Christmas in July! As I was born in England we were used to having cold Christmases with the full roast meal and open fireplaces. But when it can be 40oC on Christmas day we've changed the way we cook at Christmas here in Asutralia. But since my birthday is in July we often had a full turkey roast and Christmas pudding for my birthday meal so the idea of Christmas in July has been around in my family for a number of years - and has become quite a trend lately! I even saw Christmas crackers in the store last week!!!

For my card I went with blues and silvers - a less traditional Christmas colour combo but one that is gaining in popularity. You can't tell it here but I have actually toled Tilda - her head and apron are popped up to give some more dimension. The DP is from Magnolia.I found some fabulous braid offcuts in the op-shop and have Tilda sitting on a piece - and since my daughter was buying a few things the lady didn't even charge me for it - BARGAIN!!! The rhinestone bling flourish was from Tickled Pink Stamps. Some stickles add some more Christmas sparkle!

Don't forget to pop over the see what the rest of the DT have come up with as inspiration over at MDUC - as always these guys are amazing! Hope you can come along and play - it's a GREAT excuse to get your cards started for Christmas ; ) and our winner this week will be asked to stay on as our guest designer for August!!! Do you need any other reason to play along - LOL???

Merry Christmas in July to one and all!!!!

xXx

My Birthday Candy Winner

Before I announce my blog candy winner I'd first like to thank everyone for their birthday wishes - I don't tend to make much fuss on my birthday so it was really lovely to get sooo much attention - LOL. My sister even put together a post on her blog - with old photos of me as a little birthday tribute - if you want a giggle you can check it out HERE.

I must also apologise for the lack of posts recently too - I've had a really bad Winter with head colds and I have managed to succumb yet again - and this time I have dear hubby home sick too - why do men always act like they're dying when they have a cold!?!?!?! I'm snuffling away and HE'S in bed snoozing while I run around after the kids and get some ironing done and food cooked! And unfortunately this time my mojo seems to be on sick leave too - it took me one very frustrating morning to get only one card done - and I'm still not happy wth it!!!

But I'm not going to keep you waiting any longer - here's the bit you REALLY want to know - LOL - the winner is...........

Kristine Breach

Congratulations Kris - I'll be popping those on the post for you!

Now for a quick question - I just CAN'T seem to copy the random selection box into my post. Can anyone help????

Hope to be back with some eye candy soon!

xXx

Burtonesque Dolls Challenge #12 - The Nightmare Before Christmas in July

It's Tuesday so that must mean it's time for another challenge from The Burtonesque Dolls. Christmas in July seems to be a very popular theme this year. But you know us - we have to put the Burtonesque spin on it. So our challenge is The Nightmare Before Christmas in July! We're dying to see how you fuse Halloween and Christmas on this one! And this week we are being sponsored by Michelle Perkett Studios.

We were sooo excited when Michelle asked if we would like her to sponsor us - her designs are just gorgeous and soo different to many others around. Michelle was gracious enough to supply the DT with images and is offering a fab prize - the 4 Digis we worked with! Thank you so much, Michelle!!!!

If you want to see some of the most amazing inspiration for this challenge pop by the Dollhouse and check out how the rest of the DT have interpreted the challenge.

For my card I uses Michelle's Snow Goddess - available in her Etsy store HERE. She's not so snowy white here though. I found this fabulous deep red paper with a black and gold pattern and thought I'd use that as base of my card. Once I had the paper everything just fell into place and I've ended up with a Christmas card that's just a little Burtonesque with the colouring. I kept her muff and collar white and glittered them up - and she's surrounded by a halo of gold - after all she does need to be a little bit festive! I'm not sure she's Burtonesque enough - so if you know the movie you'd know Jack visits Christmas Village - maybe this gal lives there - LOL

xXx

Magnolia Down Under Challenge #55

This week at Magnolia Down Under Challenges we are asking you to theme your creation around a SEASON - it's probably fairly obvious which season I went with - LOL.

I was really lucky to find this fabulous shadow box frame in an op shop (thrift store) recently. My daughter loves to find bargains amongst the clothing racks while I tend to fossic among the books and nick nacks on the shelves. The frame didn't need much work - I just had to open it up and remove the cheesy little wooden animals that were living in each square and give the glass a good clean.

Unfortunately I did find a problem with the frame - each square is only 3 1/4" high - and most of my Magnolia stamps were too tall! I had intended to do all 4 seasons - one per box - but these guys were 2 that fit and were both for Winter - so this became my "snow much fun" frame - LOL. There is icy glitter everywhere and I ended up sparkling for several days - LOL.

The best part was the depth of each frame - I managed to create a fun 3D effect in the "scene" boxes and pushed the other boxes up closer to the front by padding behind the DP - it's added a lot of interest and fun. All the DP is from Magnolia. I'm going to enter it in this month's Creatalicious Challenges where they're asking you to show something 3D - I haven't had a chance to enter over there for some time so it will be fun to play along - LOL.

Don't forget to to go and check out what other season's the DT have to inspire you this week at the Magnolia Down Under Challenges Blog - and check out the little prize parcel I've put together for some lucky winner!

And because today is my birthday AND because I've reached the incredible milestone of having 300 followers which is absolutely amazing and I'm grateful for each and every one - I've decided one random comment from this post will get this little prize parcel from me - it's a "pigeon pair" to the winner's prize I'm putting up at MDUC. There are 6 embroidered snowflake doilies/decorations I made, a pack of rhinestones, 6 charms and some Magnolia rubber - I'll announce the winner on Thursday, 22nd July - chosen because I'm a Thursday's Child with far to go - LOL.

xXx

A Boy's Best Friend

As soon as I saw this image I knew I had to get it - but it did take me a little time to print it out and colour it up - but I knew it was there waiting - LOL. This is "Buds" and you can find it at Mo's store HERE. There are 4 different versions of this gorgeous image - it just makes you want to go aaaaaawwww.

The DP is a retired pattern from SU and the background stamps is Tres Chic from SU and I've made sure to showcase the sentiments I wanted to from it. The fabulous crochet flower was a gift from my wonderful friend Alison - and I've popped a SU build-a-brad in the middle.

This card also fits this week's challenge at Mo's Challenges where they are asking for a card for the guys in our lives.

xXx

Magnolia Travel Collection

Aren't these two GORGEOUS!!!! Well Kellie has them - and lots of their fabulous friends from the new Magnolia Travel Collection up for Pre-Order NOW!!!! Run - don't walk - to Tickled Pink Stamps to make sure you get  yours!!!! The direct store link for these cuties is HERE - but don't forget to check out the other stamps in the rest of the store while you're there.

Remember Tickled Pink Stamps DOES ship stamps internationally - but only stamps!

xXx

Mo's Dream Team Blog Hop - A Fairytale

This is my third post for today - please scroll down for my Simply Betty Stamps and Spesch Stamps Release Day Cards.

This month's Dream Team theme for the blog hop is Fairytales. You should have arrived here from the uber talented Cheryl's blog - but if you want to go back to the start you need to visit our wonderful host of the month, Elaine's blog. The complete hop order is listed at the bottom if you get lost.

I thought these cuties would make a perfect Hansel and Gretel. Their names are actually Brady and Chloe and they can be found HERE in Mo's store. I decided to make a recessed window card to get some more depth of field to my scene. The gingerbread house was a colouring page I found on the internet.

I made the pine tree using my McGill fern punch and used 3 different greens. I then added some liquid pearls on the edges for snow before sprinkling on some glitter.

Your next stop on the hop is the amazing Mina's blog.

Here's the blog hop order if you need it - Elaine, Rosette, Lori, Jak, Liza, Peri, Cheryl, ME, Mina, Shell - you can find the links for all of these blogs on my left sidebar under Mo's logo.

xXx

Simply Betty Stamps Release Day Blog Hop - Summer Lola

This is my second post for today - please scroll down for my Spesch Stamps Release Day Card

YAY - today is release day for the Summer Fun Emo Kids from Simply Betty Stamps and we're having a blog hop to celebrate - and if leave a comment on every post you have a better chance of being one of six people to win one new release digi image, and one person will win the Grand Prize of all six images. You should have started at the Simply Betty Stamps Blog - so if you didn't pop back there first - I've put the whole hop list at the bottom if you get lost along the way.

This is Lola from the Summer range from My Kids Emo World - and she and her friends are NOW AVAILABLE for sale at Simply Betty Stamps as digital stamps. I've paired her with Speedy from the SBS My Pets digi range for a bit of Summer fun.

And a bit of news for all of those that asked - the original My Kids Emo World stamps that were released in May in rubber will be released in digi from today as well. And there are going to be lots more new release specials too.

You're next stop on the hop is the talented Kim - we hope you enjoy the ride and good luck!

Hop order - SBS blog, Amy, ME, Kim, Alicia, Barb, Catherine, Jen, Lisa - you can find all the links on my left side bar under the Simply Betty Stamps Logo.

xXx

Spesch Stamps Newest Release

It's release time for some new images from Spesch Designer Stamps and this time we're covering the 4 seasons. I got to use the fabulous Winter image - an icy blast in the middle of all my recent Summer cards - LOL.

This card is all about Winter glitter and texture - with the fabulous central figure tying it all together. To embellish I used 2 layers of my Spellbinders snowflake die and topped it off with a punched snowflake and ice blue rhinestone. Each layer is smothered with icy glitter - as is the blue ice along the top of my card. Some lace and dry embossed snowflkes add some texture while my clear spica pen has been used over Winter's cape and ice shards for a more subtle Winter ice sparkle. 

Brrrrrrr - have I made you shiver yet - LOL.

The fabulous 4 seasons are now available over instore HERE - and you can check out the rest of the DTs cards with Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn at the Spesch blog HERE.

xXx

Simply Betty Stamps New Release Preview - Summer Betty

It's another preview day from me for the Summer Series of Simply Betty Stamps Emo Kids. This is Summer Betty and she - along with all of her friends - will be available for sale on July 15th at Simply Betty Stamps.

I decided Betty looked like she belonged in a fabulous spa - so this layout is definately not beachy - LOL. I used the fabulous digital paper from the Gothic Bruise set from Crafty Chaos Designs - you may notice it's been printed in a couple of different sizes - I thought I had enough printed and didn't realise it was different - but it works - LOL.

Don't forget to pop over and check out some of the other previews by the SBS DT at our blog HERE - and come back tomorrow for our release day blog hop, news and a chance to win some images!!!

xXx

Something For Fun!

I'm having a WONDERFUL time with my DT work but I do miss playing along with challenges - "just because" - but today I managed to get a card done for fun - and because my daughter told me I HAD to get some of Kenny K's images - LOL.

This week is the first week for Kenny K's Krafty Girlz Challenges and they are asking us to use pastels! I used this cutie called Uptown Angel. These images are just gorgeous to colour! It's a bit hard to see but there are stickles around the edges of the main image and the sentiment - and on the tips of the flowers - so it sparkles fabulously in the light. I've also used my gold spica pen on her ear-rings, wristband buckles and belt - just to add to the sparkle.

I look forward to playing with more of these cuties soon!

xXx

Burtonesque Dolls Challenge #11 - Ed Wood in B&W

This week at The Burtonesque Dolls we are being sponsored by Tickled Pink Stamps and we are asking you to go B&W - as in Tim Burton's classic "Ed Wood" - the movie which is the mostly true story of the legendary director of awful movies and his strange group of friends and actors. Kellie from TPS is offering the winner a fabulous prize too - 20s Evie and 30s Lylah could be winging their way to your house in all their rubber glory!

As you can see I went with whole movie theme with Lylah acting out the part of one of the director's friends or stars. I found some fabulous Bo Bunny DP in my stash that had lots of photography terms in so I framed them within a film strip. I also mounted Lylah on a backing paper that has a thin film strip running down the side. Although not strictly B&W I have tried to keep to the theme - a challenge is designed to inspire so I'm hoping a little rule breaking will be forgiven.

Now I just know the rest of the fabulous dolls will have some amazing inspiration for you - so pop over to the Dollhouse and check them out - and remember you have a chance of winning some Lil Lolita rubber by entering!

xXx

There Are Some New Digi's On The Block!

The ultra talented Jak Heath has put together an AMAZING team of designers and launched a new venture - a fabulous new range of digital stamps. I'm sooo proud to have been asked to be a guest DT for the month of August - but I didn't want to wait until then to shout out and let you know about Just INKlined - go check out the wonderfully fun and diverse range of images on offer - you won't be disappointed! And if you're lucky you may find the free limited time digi on offer too - once you stop drooling over the amazing examples done by the DT that is!

xXx

Simply Betty Stamps New Release Preview - Summer Miller

YAY - Summer is definately in the air on my blog even if it isn't outside my window - LOL. Today is the first preview day for the newest Simply Betty Stamps Emo Kids on the block - the Summer Emos! I loved playing with the last group of emo kids and this batch have been just as much fun!

This here is Summer Miller - he's all set to play beach volleyball and is just looking for some mates to arrive! Maybe you'll find them over at the Simply Betty Stamps Blog where Miller and his emo friends are being previewed today by the fabulous DT. These guys are going to be instore on July 15th as digi images - and hopefully they'll be available in rubber soon too.

Betty is also stocking some fabulous DPs instore too - I've used one from My Little Shoe Box for this card and you can find it HERE - it's double sided and I've used both sides here. The sentiment was computer generated and cut a little crooked now I look at it - LOL.

And if you're up for a challenge don't forget the sketch we have for you to play along with HERE - for a chance to be our GDT for August!

There will be new previews by the DT every day on the SBS Blog up until the release on Thursday - I have a couple more coming but am not covering every day so be sure to check out the rest of the DTs work with these fabulous images HERE.

xXx

Mo's Summer Kids

Here in Melbourne it's the middle of Winter - the wind is icy cold and blowing pretty darn hard today! It's sooo nice to be able to escape for a little into the Northern Hemisphere's Summer with Mo's new images. I've merged 2 of them together here - 'Jamal in July' is in Mo's store HERE and 'To The Beach' is HERE.

There are 2 versions of these Summer cuties available but I decided to go with these to challenge myself more with ethnic skintones - and who wouldn't want to hit the beach with golden skin anyway! Me - I'm usually VERY white or VERY red - I always seem to miss getting that golden glow - LOL!!!

Since this fits the Summertime theme over at Mo's Challenges I'll be entering it over there.

The lace I used along the top reminds me of little rays of sunshine - perfect to have my bird charm flying out of for Jamal to look at while his big sister keeps an eye on him! The DP is from Basic Grey and I've used my markers as usual to colour.

Wishing everyone a FABULOUS weekend

xXx

Tickled Pink Stamps Helps Celebrate Colour Throwdown's 100th Challenge

This is my second post for today - please scroll down for my Simply Betty Stamps Challenge card!

For my latest Lil Lolita card I've used the ColourThrowdown Challenge #100 colour combo which Tickled Pink Stamps is happy to be one of 31 amazing companies sponsoring - they're having a HUGE party for their 100th challenge and the prize list is absolutely AMAZING!!! 

I've also used the sketch for this month's Tickled Pink Stamps Monthly Challenges. The lucky winner for this month at TPS will win the ENTIRE range of NEW Fashionette Lil Lolitas - that's SIX fabulous gals in rubber!!!

I was going to play with one of my gorgeous Sweet November mermaids this month at TPS - but with the combined challenge I chose Lil Lolita 60s Ivy - she just seemed to suit the colour combo. But I did want to remind you that you can use a stamp from ANY range stocked at the Tickled Pink Stamps Store - even if you bought it elsewhere!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's challenge inspirations at the TPS Blog and the TPS Monthly Challenges Blog.

Simply Betty Stamps Sketch Challenge

Betty has decided to start a Simply Betty Stamps monthly sketch challenge for you and we hope we can inspire you to join in. I decided to have a bit of fun with our inaugural sketch and used one of Betty's digital vampire images - this is Louie.

This one is dedicated to all my friends who are Twilight obsessed - you know who you are!!!! Poor Louie feels a little like I do - sorry but I'm just NOT an Edward fan - and even though I think Jacob is a hottie I keep remembering him as Shark Boy in the kid's movie "Shark Boy and Lava Girl" - LOL. 

I found the "Edward" poster on the internet and the sentiment is computer generated too!

By entering the sketch challenge you have a chance to be selected as our Guest Designer for SBS in August. The challenge will run through 11:59 pm Eastern on July 29th - that's 4.59pm July 30th Melbourne time.

xXx

Mo's Two Tu-Tu's

I've loved these little gals for SUCH a long time and decided it was time they came out to play - oops - dance! They are Mo's Two Tu-Tu's and can be found instore HERE. They look all sparkly IRL with glitter on their wings and tu-tu's - and of course the wands are glittered too!

I've used 2 of Chantelle's fabulous doilies from her Etsy store here - and am hoping they qualify for the "fabric" requirement over at Mo's Challenges - they ARE allowing lace so I figure these should be OK!?!?! I've also added some sparkled up flowers and butterflies for embellishment - but humble apologies I can't remember where the DP is from!

Edit - the DP is from my 7 Gypsies 6x6 paper pad

xXx

Do You Wanna Win Some New Emo's from Simply Betty Stamps???

Over at the Simply Betty Stamps Blog Betty is featuring some snippets of the new Emo Kids range that will be released on July 15th - although we're starting previews on July 12th. These images will be available in digis first and in rubber shortly after! Betty is also giving YOU have a chance of winning the ENTIRE range of 6 fabulous kids - HOW you ask!

It's simple... everyday Betty will post fun cards with the first Emos released June 1st. The new range has a theme! With each showcase of an Emo kid there will be a snippet of that Emo in the new theme. You are to link a card/scrap page/project using a Simply Betty Stamp image (remember there are digis available at the store) with a theme you think is the Emos new theme! The link for this is at the bottom of the post HERE.

All entries with the correct theme will be put into a random drawing and a winner will be chosen by Random.org! The winner will get all six new Emo Digis free! You have until July 11th at 10PM Pacific time to link your entry. Thank you all for stopping by and good luck!
 
xXx

Burtonesque Dolls Challenge #10 - Burton Boys

This week's challenge at The Burtonesque Dolls is all about the boys - the Burton Boys! We are very lucky to have Stamp It Crazy sponsoring us this week. With their fabulous Gothic and Halloween stamps they are a match made in Heaven (or maybe that other place!!!) with The Burtonesque Dolls. When I saw the stamp we got to play with I immediately thought printed T-shirt and leather jacket - don't ask me why I have NO IDEA how my brain works - LOL - but what honest to goodness Burton Boy wouldn't have a leather jacket and ghoulish T-shirt!?!?!

I have a vague memory of seeing a card in blogland with a leather jacket that I thought I could use for inspiration - but try as I might I just couldn't find it - serves me right for not saving it when I found it the first time! Alas that meant I had to come up with my own version! It's a little hard to photograph but I hope you get the idea. I used a strip of crimped CS for the neckline of the T-shirt, my embossing folder and clear embossing powder for the "leather" and one of my Martha Stewart punches for the "zippers". Some silver pen "stitching" and silver brads for studs and it all came together. I do wonder if I should have put a few chest hairs peeking over the top of the T though - LOL. 

I used my SU markers in red, burgundy and black to colour the stamp - I wanted to add a little depth to this guy - isn't he too handsome -  in a skeleton kind of way - LOL

Don't forget to check out the rest of the DTs inspiration for you HERE.

xXx

Simply Betty Stamps Meets Smeared and Smudged in A Blog Hop

This week Simply Betty Stamps is proudly sponsoring the Smeared and Smudged challenge. The theme is "Getting Grungy" and using a metal element on your card. After I'd made my card I was also told to use black and grey - well I do have the black covered and if you accept the touch of grey in his hair I'm fine - LOL.

The event is also a blog hop so if you've come here via Lisa's blog then you've done well - if you want to start back at the beginning then Terra's blog is the place to be. 

I used the handsome young Miller here and mixed him with some My Mind's Eye DP which I screwed up, flattened out and smooshed ink over. I also distressed all the edges to grunge them up a bit more too. The metal element is a swirl paper clip which I've attached a key ring charm too. I've also used a jumbo brad in the centre of the sentiment.

I love Miller's little lizard friend - he's too cute and adds a touch of colour to my card! Don't forget these guys are available for sale at Simply Betty Stamps and are FABULOUS for all sorts of occasions - especially for teenagers I've found!

I believe I'm the last stop on the hop - Betty had a family emergency but will post her card later - so we hope you enjoyed the ride and are inspired to join in the challenge!!!

xXx

A Tribute to Ginger - a Special Blog Hop!

Mo's marvellous mum has her birthday today and Mo's teams have gotten together and made some cards to send to her. We're also running a special Blog Hop as a tribute to Ginger.

Of course we all had to choose a Mo image to use - can you just imagine how proud you would be as a mum to see your child's amazing artwork being used by soo many people - and then to receive some as well - I think I'd be all choked up!

Now I'm not sure how old Ginger is but I don't think you're ever too young or too old for a bit of magic on your birthday and I just love these "real women" fairies - this one can be found in Mo's store HERE. Add some bright colours and glitter and this gal's ready to make all your birthday wishes come true!

Your next stop on this special hop is Liza's blog - but if you get lost along the way I have the hop order listed below!

We hope you enjoy the hop and we all wish Ginger a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Hop order - Jak, Rosette, ME, Liza, Cheryl, Elaine, Peri, Lori, Shell, Mina - you can find all the links to their blogs on my left sidebar.

xXx

Magnolia Down Under Challenge #53 - In The News

This week at Magnolia Down Under Challenges we're asking you to use newsprint somewhere on your creation. Now you can just use it in place of DP for some interest but I went a more literal route - I have a habit of doing that - LOL. I googled "newspaper articles" and discovered this article on the sinking of the Titanic. Now this isn't the happiest of stories I know - but it's a story that has always fascinated me - and not just because I think Leonardo DiCaprio is pretty hot - LOL. A distant relative of mine was a steward on the Titanic and went down with the ship - so I have a personal interest too!

I printed the article out and distressed it a little before adding a picture I found on the net too. This Tilda was just the perfect choice to be shouting out the headlines on the street corner and a touch of old lace I found in an Op Shop added to the period charm.

Now I know there's all sorts of FABULOUS news inspired projects by the DT over at MDUC - so why don't you pop over HERE and check them out, and then come along and join in the fun!!!

xXx

Tickled Pink Stamps New Lolitas - Meet Our Newest Gal - 80s Sookie

Wooohooooo - we've made it to the end of our Fashionette Lil Lolita releases from Tickled Pink Stamps and hasn't it been just a LOAD OF FUN!!!! Now you get to meet the new gal on the block - Sookie (can you guess Kellie is a True Blood fan - LOL). Sookie is rockin' it out in the 80s - and era that brought us big perms and leg warmers - and I got married! The sad part for me is how many of the TPS DT were BORN in the 80s - but they do keep me young with their fun filled chatter - LOL.

You know what else this means - this AMAZING range is up for pre-order from 6pm Melbourne time - and the stamps shouldn't be too far off!!! Kellie has also been saving all sorts of other goodies to go into the Tickled Pink Stamps Store today too - new stamp ranges including TGF and Pink Cat Studio, new embellishments including charms, lace, ribbon and small tassels - so there's LOTS to check out instore today!!!Just remember Tickled Pink Stamps will only ship stamps internationally!

But don't forget to pop over to the Tickled Pink Stamps blog and see how to have a chance to win this cutie for yourself - and while you're there check out the rest of the AMAZING Pink Ladies work with Sookie.

Thanx too for all of your amazing support this week during our previews - you guys and your excitement about this new range make all our work worthwhile.

xXx

Tickled Pink Stamps New Lolitas - Meet 50s Lilith

Remember our little goth cutie Lilith from the last release - well this time she's bopping along in the 50s with her poodle skirt embellished with skulls! Lilith is the 5th of SIX new Fashionette Lil Lolitas from Tickled Pink Stamps we're previewing this week and from what I've seen of the rest of the DTs work you really need to hop on over to the Tickled Pink Stamps blog and check out the awesome creations there - and find out how to win this beauty for yourself while you're there.

Pre-orders will be available VERY soon and don't forget Tickled Pink Stamps DOES ship stamps internationally!

With only one more decade to go - and our new girl on the block to introduce to you - I hope you'll pop back tomorrow for the final day of releases!

xXx

Tickled Pink Stamps New Lolitas - Meet 60s Hippy Willow

Peace Man!

Look at Willow all hippied up for the late 60s - isn't she too cool for school - LOL. 60s Hippy Willow is the fourth of Tickled Pink Stamps new Lil Lolita range. In her psychadelic colours, cheesecloth top ( I remember those!!!) and flared jeans she's a real cutie!

And if you want to see what the rest of the DT have done with Willow - as well as give yourself a chance to win her - pop over to the Tickled Pink Stamps Blog and check it all out!

This was a great card to use up some DP scraps too - LOL. And the fabulous doily is from Chantelle's Simply Cards and Creative Bits etsy store. The peace charm was from Tickled Pink Stamps.

Remember that Tickled Pink Stamps does ship their fabulous stamps internationally - so if you miss out on winning one you don't have to miss out on getting one!

Hmmm - we've visited the 20s, 30s, mod 60s and the hippy 60s now - don't forget to check back tomorrow and find out where we're visiting next!

xXx

It's New Release Day at Spesch Stamps - Birthdays

It's the start of the month so that means release day for new digi images at Spesch Designer Stamps. This release focuses on birthdays and have all been designed by Spesch's artist Max. I chose to do a boy's card and a girl's card - that way I've covered all my bases - LOL. If you want to check out some other fabulous cards using these images - and the other new releases - check out what the rest of the DT have done with them at the Spesch Blog HERE.

I've used Basic Grey DP on both of my cards - and quite a bit of stickles on my girl's card - I know girls love a bit of bling but my son assured me boys didn't - LOL. One thing I've found with stickles is that they don't coat large areas terribly well - I realised I should have put a second coat on these butterflies after I had uploaded the photos - have done it now!!! The sentiment is from Stampin' Up - as is the build-a-brad I used on the boy's card!

xXx