Stamping the Details

Clean and Simple Birthday Cupcake

2012-01-25T21:17:00.003-05:00

Earlier this week I officially completed a Clean & Simple Card Making Class with Jennifer McGuire, Julie Ebersole and Kristina Werner. Totally my style and I LOVED it- the samples and techniques and sketches were amazing. Jennifer McGuire and Julie Ebersole are two of my all time favorites so to have a class with both of them was fantastic.

I made this birthday card on Sunday and it was inspired by some of what I saw in some of the class samples. My style is naturally clean and simple but I keep it too clean sometimes and it now I have some tricks to keep it a little more interesting.

Tall, Dark & Gruesome

2012-01-23T22:20:00.003-05:00

This week's Smudgy Antics Challenge theme was: Tall, Dark and Gruesome. I used Puff Boy and some images from Urban Decay for the background. Probably not as dark as the rest of my teammates but instead of over thinking it, I just made it.

I've been pretty busy since the beginning of the month. My manager at work left the company so I have been doing some of his job and hiring a new employee to do some of my old job. Some days are good, some days suck and sometimes I am so tired by the time I get home.

Last week I acquired an airbrush kit and a bunch of design cards for my Slice Elite and some ColorArtz paint. I think the craft stores try to clear out before CHA- it seems like every year I do well about this time. I'm taking a break from design teams for a while- I've been on at least 2 at a time for the past 4 years and I'm recharging my batteries. I just finished an online card class with Jennifer McGuire that I LOVED and in February I'm taking one with Joanne Sharpe.

S&S January blog hop- MESH IT!

2012-01-11T16:25:00.009-05:00

Welcome to the Smeared and Smudged member blog hop (the full blog roll is at the end of the post). If you haven't hopped here from Kristy's blog, you can start at the beginning at Tori's blog. Next stop on the hop is Kapree's blog. Thanks for hopping by and if you leave me a comment, I'll leave you one too!

The theme this month is MESH IT! Interpret this how you'd like. Mesh, mesh images together, have a mesh texture...etc.

My card features "Love Li'l Grumpies" from Smeared Ink, drywall mesh tape colored with Sharpies and a computer generated sentiment with a nod to some of my fellow Smeared Ink DT members. (The full blog roll for the hop appears after Randy's thought for today.)

Randy here- As you can tell by the photo, I'm going to talk about driving today (and no I don't actually drive a human car but I can ~~tear it up~~ enjoy a leisurely pace in a Barbie Jeep!) See those 2 signs in the photo? The first says STOP- that means you come to a COMPLETE stop. You do not roll through if you are the only car and do not follow the mantra: "No Cop, No Stop!" The second sign says Yield, which means the other car has the right of way. Hold your water and let the other car through. If you don't follow those signs (even the toy ones that Santa brought) you could cause an injury or ~~wreck a Barbie Jeep by driving it into a playhouse at full speed~~ or damage a vehicle. If you don't want to buy a new Barbie Jeep for the snotty neighborhood kid who says duct tape and drywall mesh tape aren't good enough to fix their vehicle, be sure to drive safely and heed signs (also avoid playing chicken with a playhouse when dared!)

Here's the blog roll for the hop:

JANUARY SMEARED & SMUDGED
MEMBER BLOG HOP
BLOG ROLL

Tori
Black Dragon
Fiona
Monique
Jane
Celina
Sara
Kristy
Heather
Kapree
Helen
Alison
Sugar
Dianne
Lisa
Sharon
Pam
Ike
MaryKay

No Stamps Card with Spray Ink

2012-01-10T08:10:00.004-05:00

I've been fascinated lately with Spray Inks. I don't own any of the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists yet but I have made my own with reinkers, distilled water, Powdered Pearls and mister bottles. The one thing I like about mixing my own is I can combine various colors of ink and pearls. I'll show you my recipe cards soon- I write down the exact number of drops of ink and formula on the front of the card and spray a sample on the back. That means I can pick a color easily. All of my bottles are numbered and correspond to numbers on my recipe cards.

The card above was spritzed with an aqua then I sprayed on top of a stencil. It smeared and I was going to throw it away but I liked the imperfection. Thanks Julie for the inspiration! I added some ochre mist to the corners and viola! Really fun backgrounds to make.

Do you use spray mists? What brand(s) do you like or do you make your own?

Thanks for stopping by today and I appreciate every comment too!

Smeared Ink- Recycle something challenge

2012-01-09T08:19:00.004-05:00

The theme of this week's Smeared Ink challenge on the Smudgy Antics Challenge is: Recycle something. So I recycled pieces of my husband's old leather belt and some used tin foil. I used images and sentiments from "Lov Li'l Grumpies" digital set and the background uses an image from "Inky Dreams" rubber stamp set. I went very far out of my comfort zone for this challenge.

Randy Here- I'm feeling 100% better- thanks for the get well wishes. I felt so good on Saturday that Heather and her husband took me to the store for some after Christmas bargains and we found those cute Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer scissors. 1 pair for me, 1 pair for Heather! If you are wondering about the blindfold, Heather didn't want me to see her card for today! Thanks for stopping by!

Love Me

2012-01-03T08:05:00.002-05:00

School started today! Not that I am excited or anything.

Lots going on at Smeared Ink this week.

First, Smeared Ink is having a 15% off sale- check out my sidebar for the details.
Secondly, Be sure to check out the Smudgy Antics challenge this week- Wheelie Good Time.
Thirdly, I'm loving the Love Li'l Grumpies digi set from Smeared Ink- the sentiments are as cool as the images. You'll be seeing lots more of this set on my blog.

What do you think of my new photo background? I've decided that a white background works better than my kitchen counter!

Randy Fans- Randy has reindeer bronchitis. He is resting and will be back later this week.

Thanks for stopping by today

Happy NY (Heather & Randy) + Squigglefly sneak peek

2012-01-01T22:19:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year! I've spent what was supposed to be a week off from work at the office (long story but it will be worth it) and spending time with my family.

Squigglefly has announced the new design team- and what a talented bunch of ladies they have this term! I'm so excited that the teams each chose a special name. Holley's Hobbyists and Rhonda's Rowdy Rascals are large and in charge this term!

Holley Barnhart

Shawna Sealander

Charlene Mitchell

Theresa Gerber

Tammy Hair

Pat Martin

Rhonda Zmikly

Terri Fleming

Kathy Bradley

Sharon Jones

Debbie Ebat

Linda Weber

Although I am not on the design team this term, I will still be around promoting Squigglefly through Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter (and who knows how else!) Once we get 250 "likes" on the Squigglefy page on Facebook there will be a free exclusive digi for all Facebook fans. There are some other cool ways to win some free digis too.

(cough, cough)
So my card... it features "Mr. Wool" an image by new Squigglefly artist Sandy Somerfeld which will be available for sale next Saturday. I absolutely love this image and yesterday my daughter and I came up with a bunch of great sentiments to use with Mr. Wool.
(cough, cough)

Randy the Reindeer here- (cough, cough) I have developed a cough this week. Today I haven't done much more than lie on the couch watching episodes of Monk and drinking tea with honey. (cough, cough) I am going to the vet tomorrow for some medicine. Heather's husband decided to ~~budge me off the couch~~ hunker down next to me, steal my warm fluffy blanket and then got mad when I coughed so loud that he couldn't hear Mr. Monk. Hope he doesn't get sick. (cough, cough) By the way- HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thanks for reading ~~my blog~~ Heather's blog.

12 Days of Christmas Day 12- Grand Finale

2011-12-23T09:14:00.006-05:00

Woo Hoo it is the grand finale for the Smeared and Smudged 12 days of Christmas! (But please, no confetti because it is impossible to clean up!)

Welcome to day 12 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. Today is a Smeared Ink Day and my project features "Steampunk Sugarplum Fairy". This is definitely one of my favorite Smeared Ink images!

I made the propeller glisten with some Stickles and the Sheer Heaven behind the sentiment was coffee dyed. Normally snowflakes aren't black but considering the audience I think it worked!

Randy here- Happy holidays one and all! I am in a much cheerier mood (in case Santa is watching). I have put the cards on the fireplace mantle even though I do not like heights. The undecorated tree is in Heather's daughter's room and I'm going to bake cookies next. Snickerdoodles and some frosted cutouts I think. Later Milly is coming over for to carol, drink spiked eggnog and help wrap gifts. (I'm all hooves when it comes to wrapping.) I know Santa will think I have been a good reindeer this year. I texted him my list: Hoof covers with skulls on them, a Kindle, a Starbucks gift certificate, a warm blue comforter for my bed and a knit hat that fit over my antlers.

Thanks very much for stopping by today- happy holidays to you and your family (including the 4 legged variety)!

12 Days of Christmas Day 11: More Tree Cards (+ Rebel Randy)

2011-12-21T02:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to day 11 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day.

Today's cards feature "I Heart Christmas Trees" by artist Jane Beljo for Squigglefly. I kept them simple and flat because I had to mail them and I didn't want issues with them arriving damaged. The first card has a background of Stardream text weight paper and it is a dream to texturize. The second card features a homemade spray misted background and some polka dot washi tape. I love that washi tape but I am struggling to find cute uses for it. I'll find my way eventually.

Randy here- Well we are almost to the big day. This hasn't been nearly as much fun as Halloween. Not that I am complaining or anything that we don't have a Christmas tree. Seriously, it is my holiday and goodness gracious do you think it would kill Heather or her husband to buy me some Cap'n Crunch's Christmas Cereal or at least carry the artificial Christmas tree up from the basement. I wouldn't even DREAM of asking for a REAL tree.

PS All those crunched up candy canes on the floor- I had NOTHING to do with it. Just because I had some pieces stuck to my HOOF doesn't mean I got mad and stomped on the box. And my socks are on my antlers because I am protesting- not because they got all sticky with candy.

Deck the Halls- with scraps

2011-12-20T07:24:00.003-05:00

I had to make just a few more holiday cards so I grabbed some scrap ribbon, an extra image and some Stardream metallic paper and texturized it. One of my favorite holiday cards and probably the quickest for me to put together. The image is from Squigglefly and is called "Deck the Halls" by artist Robin Willis.

Entering into the following challenges:
Weekly Christmas Card Challenges: Week 3- Non Traditional Christmas Colors
CHNC Challenge 51: Anything goes for Christmas
ABC Christmas Challenge: Y is for Yipee (Anything Goes!)

Thanks for stopping by!

12 Days of Christmas Day 10: Gothic Monarchs (+ a message from Randy)

2011-12-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to day 10 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day.

Today is a Smeared Ink Day for the 12 days of Christmas AND my card is for the Smudgy Antics challenge for this week. The challenge will run for 2 weeks (due to the holidays) and can be either: Wicked Santa or Gothic Christmas or a combo of both.

My project is tree ornaments. I used homemade glitter mist to spray dictionary pages which I then cut with my Slice. Over the top I layered printed acetate that I also cut with my Slice. A neat layered look, me thinks! I printed Calaveras- Sugar Skull digital image on green paper to complete my butterflies.

Randy here- Sorry no picture today, I wasn't up for being photographed. There is no easy way to say this- Milly has left the team for a new job. I have mixed feelings because she wasn't my favorite person in the world but she was good at the holiday stuff. However, things here weren't going according to plan (ie no holiday decorations or tree and Heather is sending her cards today). Milly felt she was being underutilized so she has decided to join the Griswold family in their holiday endeavors. I wish Milly the best of luck and I hope she will send me a Christmas card.

12 Days of Christmas Day 9: Button Star

2011-12-17T11:34:00.003-05:00

Welcome to day 9 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day. Today is a Smeared Ink Day so I used a Smeared Ink stamp from Urban Decay.

If you look at the star quickly you would think I stamped a button image- but actually it is a screw. I sprayed the background with a homemade mist made with a Nick Bantock reinker (I think discontinued by Ranger). The image is stamped with the same color ink for a tone on tone effect. Simple but a little different style card than I usually post.

Randy won't be posting today. He is taking the day off (with my blessing) to sort through some surprising news he received yesterday.

12 Days of Christmas Day 8: Metallic ornaments card

2011-12-15T08:21:00.004-05:00

Welcome to day 8 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day.

Today's card features background paper that I made using Faber Castell Gellatos, which are creamy colored sticks (like a lip gloss) that you rub on paper and they are blendable. I used blues, greens and a silver metallic. After they dried I over stamped them with images from the Urban Decay sheet from Smeared Ink. Day after day I use that sheet and I still haven't used all the stamps on it yet. The "tire track" on the right is the edge of a larger image- major coolness!

This card also fits the Squigglefly Challenge for this week: Clean and Simple Holiday theme. Last Squigglefly challenge until 2012!

Randy here- Good Morning! I just toasted up half a cranberry bagel and after I eat I'm going to tackle wrapping some gifts (but I might wash my hooves first!) Wrapping is a challenge when you have hooves- just saying ;) Milly was awake at 5:30am and she finished wrapping and left for the community center to walk around their track for an hour. I'm going to enjoy the peace and quiet ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

12 Days of Christmas Day 7: Barbed Wire Christmas Tree

2011-12-12T21:52:00.008-05:00

Welcome to day 7 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day.

Today is 2 for Tuesday- It is a Smeared Ink Day for the 12 days of Christmas AND my card is for the Smudgy Antics challenge for this week. This week's challenge is create art based on a poem, film or book. I opted for a film I saw as a kid. I do not remember the name of the film but part of involved some kids who hung out/ lived? in a junkyard. It was Christmas time and the kids decorated a Christmas tree with stuff from the junkyard- I remember tin cans. It is kind of a fuzzy memory but it inspired my tree.

The tree features images from "Urban Decay" from Smeared Ink. The ornaments are circular hardware images from the same plate. The tree was stamped with a woodgrain image from the same plate, then I colored on top of it with a brown Copic marker. I lost some of the detail so I stamped it again with sepia colored Versafine ink. The outer border was stamped with still another image from the same plate. (Can you tell I REALLY like that plate?)

Randy & Milly here: This morning we got a look at a typical lunch that Heather makes for her offspring: PB&J on white bread, Granny Smith apple cut in half and cored, bottled water and low fat blueberry cereal bar.

Milly- I'm shocked! Everything in there should be organic- including the water. Children should not eat apple skin and that isn't even an organic apple. I'm shocked.

Randy-I think her lunch looks pretty good. She could use more protein but I see what she puts away at dinner so I'm not worried.

Milly- Oh Randy! You think cranberry sauce is a fruit! What do you know about nutrition?

Randy- At least I'm not a cannibal! Milly, I saw you eating BEAR CLAWS at Tim Horton's!

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

12 Days of Christmas Day 6: Scrapling "Let it snow" card

2011-12-11T08:53:00.004-05:00

Welcome to day 6 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day. Can you believe it- today is the halfway mark?

Today's card is a scrapling. The background was stamped in white Brilliance ink with an image from "Urban Decay" from Smeared Ink. The remaining elements were cut with my Slice and I made a conscious decision to let them run off the edges of the card. I really like the sketch I used.

Randy here- (Whispering) Good morning! I'm making breakfast for the family this morning. I've been inpsired by the concept of turducken. (A turducken is a dish consisting of a de-boned chicken stuffed into a de-boned duck, which itself is stuffed into a de-boned turkey.) So I'm making French toast, surrounded by pancakes, with Belgian waffles as the "bread" of the sandwich. It is going to be delicious and I can't wait to surprise everyone! My cooking tip for today is if you spill egg on the floor ask for help to clean it up- do not lick it up! I need to go find some juice.

12 Days of Christmas Day 5: Journal Page

2011-12-09T11:46:00.002-05:00

Welcome to day 4 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day.

I started this project on Sunday and I love the concept of the large wreath embellished with punchies. Unfortunately, I realized too late that my sizing was wrong for the card. So I decided to make a page in my working journal and deconstruct what I had done and noted the good and the stuff to change for next time. I'll be re-making a similar wreath and showing you on a future project.

Thank you for all of the support you gave me surrounding about the strike. As it turns out, Milly learned about strikes in one of her classes and convinced Randy that it was a good idea. After a private discussion with Randy where I explained more detail about strikes, he agreed to end the strike and talk to Milly about it.

Randy here- I'm really glad that Heather taught me more about strikes and that when you are in a family you do not strike. Heather and I watched "The Year Without a Santa Claus" and we had cocoa and she gave me some egg nog candy. I don't know if you can see them, but I have Christmas hoof protectors with red stripes and pictures of reindeer on them. Milly isn't feeling well so she is in her room resting. I'm not supposed to go near her so I won't get sick or bother her because bears get grumpy when they are woken up (so what is Heather's excuse)?

12 Days of Christmas Day 4: Smeared Ink Wednesday

2011-12-06T23:03:00.005-05:00

Welcome to day 4 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day.

Today is a Smeared Ink Day. I used stamped with chalk ink an image from "Urban Deacy" on the upside down trees. Had my printer been cooperating, the sentiment would have been computer generated.

Randy and Milly here: Just posting a short announcement that we are officially on strike! We are not participating or helping to promote Heather in any way until the following demands are met:

Better dental plan (that's Milly's idea)
Pizza at least twice per week (Randy's idea)
2 weeks of paid vacation at Christmastime (mutual idea)
Clean sheets, towels and laundry on a daily basis (mutual idea)
Heather to drive us anywhere we want to go whenever we want to go (Randy's idea)
$100 per week allowance each for Milly and Randy (mutual idea)

Until our demands are met, we ask that you stop reading this blog and stop commenting. Reading this blog and commenting shows that you side with Heather!

Randy and Milly

This is Heather again- Please do comment and show me your support. I refuse to give in to their demands and I welcome anyone who cares to comment. And since Randy and Milly aren't going to do their work, I plan on withholding some service and comforts that they take for granted!

12 Days of Christmas Day 3: SFC127 and OCCC sketch

2011-12-05T08:06:00.002-05:00

Welcome to day 3 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day.

Today's card is somewhat bittersweet it is the last challenge for "Heather's Headliners" my sub design team for Squigglefly. The last 6 months have flown by and I am very grateful to the entire team for their dedication, creativity and sense of humor. The theme for this week's Squigglefly Challenge 127 is "Based on a Song"- Base your project on song lyrics. I used the song "Deck the Halls" and the image is "Deck the Halls" by artist Robin Willis. The sketch is from Our Creative Corner: "Haul Out the Holly".

For fans of Randy and Milly- They have the day off today. I don't really understand how they can take vacation time during the BIG month but that is what I get for not having my lawyer review their contract before I signed it. Yes, you read that correctly- Randy and Milly (AKA the Talent) have representation and made me sign a contract before they agreed to appear on my blog this month.

12 Days of Christmas Day 2: Smeared Ink new release images

2011-12-03T08:17:00.005-05:00

Welcome to day 2 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day.

Today is also a new release day for Smeared Ink! The whole team has created stuff using the new images. Most of the Smeared Ink Team is playing in 12 days of Christmas so you'll see their work as you hop today. However, Freddie and Kapree aren't doing 12 days, so do stop by their blogs today.

I lucked out and got to work with presents. There are 2 of them- one is plain and the other has bats. I printed a whole bunch in various sizes and created the "pile". The gray background is from the Urban Decay set and is edged with teal chalk ink. The letters and background have teal metallic Lyra pencil and the corners have my new white polka dot washi tape.

(Wispering) Randy here- HIDING! I'm here in Heather's craft room hiding from Milly. Holy guacamole does that chick talk! My headache has a headache from listening to her so I'm helping Heather organize. Seriously, I prefer to have Heather nitpick about everything I touch to dealing with the Mill-ster so you KNOW she must be annoying.

This morning I just wnated to brush my teeth in peace but oh no not if Milly is around. Did you know there are 242 types of bacteria that live in your mouth and brushing your teeth doesn't even remover half of them? The Milly proceeded to list every type of toothpaste and toothbrush on the market and tell me how effective each was. Can you say annoying?

I thought Heather was the most annoying spirit on Earth... not anymore!

12 Days of Christmas Day 1: Pink Christmas

2011-12-01T08:22:00.003-05:00

Welcome to day 1 of Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the blog roll of participating artists in the right sidebar. We'll be posting every other day until the "Big" day. But it won't all be Christmas- Winter and other winter holidays will be celebrated too. Be sure to visit Saturday 12/3 my fellow Smeared Ink design team members and I will be showing you the new release images. Definitely something for all tastes in the new release.

The card today features "I Heart Christmas Trees" by artist Jane Beljo for Squigglefly. The background features hand carved images from gg Designs rubber stamps. Charlotte the owner created a plate of blossoms and named it after me. The burst is one of my all time favorite stamps because it makes such great backgrounds.

I'll now hand it over to my co-host, Randy the Reindeer, who lives with me and my family while he attends college. Randy wrote about his adventures during 31 Days of Halloween too.

Randy here- Good to be back and I am proud to be HOSTING (none of this CO hosting stuff) 12 Days of Christmas. I've been busy studying for exams (and cute co-eds) but when Heather Baby told me about this 12 Days of Christmas I knew I had to contribute- after all I am a REINDEER- this is my holiday- right?

You're probably wondering about the photo? Milly will be helping out this month when I have exams. (What this really means is that Heather told me that if I pull any "nonsense" that I am out and Milly is in as the co-host.)

Seriously, I know you are here to see me and without me Heather might as well shut down her blog. I'm not scared of her. She should be shaking in her boots that I'll quit and go co-host on someone else's blog. Lastly, Milly is a DORK, so trust me I am NOT at all worried.

Based on a business holiday card

2011-11-30T21:41:00.010-05:00

This is a card I made based on a card in a holiday card catalog for businesses. The cards are of course impersonal but some of the sketches were inspiring. I'll definitely use this card so you KNOW I'm happy with how it looks. I'll definitely use this sketch again.

If you would like to see some other holiday cards created by members of the Paper Hoarders group you can see them on Tanya's blog.

Squigglefly: Winter Wonderland Challenge- dedicated to Rebecca

2011-11-29T09:49:00.005-05:00

This week's Squigglefly challenge is: SFC 126Winter Wonderland. Be sure to check out the samples from the design team! I thought I used a SF image* because it was printed on a piece of cardstock surrounded by SF images. Guess I was wrong because I can't find it in my files or on the Squigglefly site. But you may play in Squigglefly challenges without a Squigglefly image, you just aren't eligible for a prize. Since I'm on the team, I'm not eligible for a prize anyway so I guess no catastrophic loss.

**Update- I was correct, the image was sold at Squigglefly but is now discontinued

This card is dedicated to my fellow Squigglefly design team member, Rebecca. Rebecca was a fun and steadfast friend and teammate until I recently posted on FaceBook about seeing the first snow of the season at my house. True Blue Rebecca let me know that she had just been to the grocery store in flip flops. If ever there was cause to throw a snowball...

Smeared Ink Challenge- Mourning Glory

2011-11-28T22:28:00.003-05:00

This week's new Smeared Ink Challenge on the Smudgy Antics blog is: Mourning Glory. The challenge was to "make a project using graves, churchyards, etc." I interpreted this to be a project of mourning or bereavement so I opted for a very monochromatic and simple card with butterflies. I started out with a darker mood but it just wasn't working for me so I moved in a different direction.

The prize this week is a tombstone image which I featured in the project below (click on the photo to see the post).
Starting on 12/1 and continuing on alternating days until 12/23 will be the Smeared Ink 12 Days of Christmas. On Saturday 12/3 the design team will have a blog hop of the new release images. My teammate Black Dragon (awesome nickname!) chose images for us to use and I absolutely love what she picked for me! For those of you who enjoy Randy the Reindeer's visits, he'll be hosting my 12 Days of Christmas posts!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smudgy Antics Weekly Challenge

2011-11-22T21:31:00.002-05:00

This week's Smeared Ink Challenge is called "Poe Me". Check out the design team samples and details HERE

Squigglefly- Etch My Sketch Challenge

2011-11-21T12:58:00.003-05:00

I might be a wee bit biased about this week's Squigglefly challenge- SFC125 because I designed the sketch myself! You can flip or rotate the sketch if you like.

I used "Upside Down Snowman" by artist and Bond Girl Marlene Shaw. I added some very pale colored pencil to add some shadows to the snow. (Those of you who are noodling "Bond Girl" it is a kudos her recent personal achievement and Bond Girls are some of the most beautiful and cunning!)

Smeared Ink Challenge- Dear Heart

2011-11-14T05:43:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday! Today is my team's turn to create samples for the Smeared Ink Challenge for this week: Dear Heart- Use or make a heart. In order to encourage more participants, you are no longer required to use a Smeared Ink image on your project to play in the challenge. However, if you want to win a prize, you do need a Smeared Ink image on your project. Several of my DTmates are digital artists so there is some great eye candy if you are like me and like digital but are still slowly learning.

For my 8x8x2 box I am featuring Bot Bots- Tubby! I love his spikes because you can embellish him in a variety of ways. I colored Tubby with colored pencil and blended with odorless mineral spirits (neat way to use pencils but I am still practicing). The bolts and hinges were colored with a silver gel pen.

The background was created by stamping a splatter image from the Inky Dreams sheet, blitzing various shades or pink/ peach/ orange ink and some diecut hearts. The hearts were embossed with a crocodile texture embossing folder (I looked for one of these for YEARS- you should have seen me when I actually found it at Hobby Lobby). I love crocodile texture! I applied die ink with a Ranger applicator and some gloss medium to the red piece/ matt medium to the orange piece and let it dry before cutting with my Slice. I tossed in a few hearts cut from glitter cardstock as well.

I have been awake since 4:45. Off to another busy week! Have a great day and GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GO MAKE STUFF!

Randy here- What a tough day I had yesterday (Sunday). I'm waiting for a delivery and I literally sat on the mailbox all day waiting for the postman. I did have to visit the woods a few times but no mail/ packages at all. What is wrong with that postman?

Thanks for stopping by!

November S&S Member Blog Hop

2011-11-09T19:26:00.008-05:00

Welcome to the hop! If you didn't come here from Helen's blog go to Terra's blog to start at the beginning. Abbie Kay is the next stop on the hop. Thanks for hopping by today.

This is the November blog hop for the Smeared and Smudged member group. The theme this month is A Little Steamy. Use images, pieces, or parts that embrace the steampunk genre. Everyone also has to use at least one stamped (or digi stamp) image.

I chose 2 discontinued images from Smeared Ink for my altered clipboard. I've never made an altered clipboard (and now I know the reason why!)

Thanks for hopping by today, Abbie Kay is the next stop on the hop. The entire blog roll appears at the bottom of the post.

Randy here- I was working on homework this afternoon and while I was intently working, someone played a practical joke on me. They are dark chocolate chips- honest!

Squigglefly Challenge #123- No Patterned Paper

2011-11-07T08:06:00.002-05:00

Today is a new Squigglefly Challenge (SFC123) and I used "Stuck Santa" by artist Diane Carubia. I am a little biased but I was really impressed with how my team (Heather's Headliners) used different techniques to create their backgrounds.

Originally, I had planned to color block, but at the last minute I scrapped that design and sprayed my card with homemade shimmer spray. Then I sponged gray ink over a stencil for the corners. The image is colored with Copics and the sentiment cut with my Slice. Very simple but a nice casual holiday card.

Randy sends his regards and he will be co-blogging with me later this week.

Squigglefly- Sneak Peak

2011-11-03T19:25:00.004-04:00

Here is another sneak peak of a new Squigglefly image called, "Autumn Wind" by artist Gemma Mortlock. The sketch is from a new to me sketch challenge blog called Fetch A Sketch (isn't that the coolest name ever?) This week's sketch is Challenge 10. As soon as I saw the sketch I knew I had to use it!

Right after I posted this card I decided to visit the blogs of a few friends and the first one I hit was Holly's. Guess which image she used? Great minds and all that!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Squigglefly Sneak Peeks (+ Randy)

2011-11-02T20:54:00.006-04:00

Lots going on at Squigglefly this week. First of all, there is a new release scheduled for this Saturday, 11/5. Two new artists will be sharing their talents- Gemma Mortlock and Rachel Goble. I looked at their Etsy shops and all I can say is WOW!

This week's Squigglefly Challenge is SFC122: Tickle My Fancy. The Marvels did a fantastic job creating lighthearted/ humorous cards.

My card features a sneak peek of a new image called "Happy Tweetmas" by artist Diane Carubia (to be released Saturday). I used SC1102 from a weekly sketch challenge on The Outlawz.

I'm very proud that I completed a grueling 31 day Halloween challenge earlier this week. Posting to my blog and creating art for 31 days straight was a challenge. Since I've gone back to work, I haven't had as much time for daily blog posts. It was a good push to be creative even when I didn't want to be and the feedback was really interesting and inspiring. The one thing that surprised me the most. Although I have never been a fan of Halloween, I thought the challengewould convert me into a Halloween fan- NOPE! I respect it but you won't see any orange or my candy corn stamp for a while!

One of the things I did for the challenge was "invite" Randy the Reindeer to guest post on my blog. He was doing some court mandated community service for me and has since turned his life around. He will be attending community college and living at my house so you will see him from time to time at the bottom of my blog posts.

Randy here- What a beautiful fall day today- sunny and temps in the 60's. I decided to enjoy the sunshine and take a walk outside and have a little snack. Heather is not the world's best cook and a reindeer has to eat! There are 5 bags of Halloween candy in the house but sometimes it is good to eat some roughage!

Thanks for stopping by!

31 Days of Halloween Day 31- Dark DT challenge

2011-10-31T08:19:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Day 31 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. A link to the challenge and blog roll is in the sidebar. Thanks for sharing these 31 days with us!

I apologize for the photo quality today. This is a cell phone pic taken after my daughter left for school before telling us where she put the digital camera. We'll "discuss" that after school.

Because I don't have the camera I have let Randy sleep in today. He might make an appearance later ;)

31 Days of Halloween Day 30- Kindest Cut Card

2011-10-30T09:52:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Day 30 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. A link to the challenge and blog roll is in the sidebar. 1 more day until the big day!

Today's card features is made entirely of scraps. Ribbon scrap, sentiment that I computer generated that was leftover from another project and some leftover pumpkin images (Smeared Ink). Even the textures background was created from a scrap of black cardstock.

Randy here- Don't have time to talk today- I'm very busy doing candy inventory. Heather says if I eat too much chocolate that I'll get a tummy ache. OK 1 bag Hershey bars, 2 bags Twix, 2 bags Snickers, 1 bag 3 Musketeers, 2 bags Kit Kats. I'll have to do another taste testing of all the candy later- just to make sure it doesn't go stale before the big day.

Are you giving out Halloween candy? What kind are you (BURRRRPPPP) giving out? EXCUSE ME!

2011-10-29T10:29:00.003-04:00

Welcome to lucky Day 29 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the project and links to the other participating artists on the sidebar.

Today's card was inspired by a sketch. Some projects work, some don't. This is in the "don't pile".

Randy here- Just getting ready for the big day ;) I'm probably not supposed to be standing on the wood furniture but what Heather don't know, Heather don't yell about!

31 Days of Halloween Day 28- Boo Journal Page

2011-10-28T11:50:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Day 28 of 31 Days of Halloween sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out more details and a blog roll of participants in the sidebar. Today is Smeared Ink Friday and I have used only Smeared Ink images on my journal page. The background is is Fiskars brayer with a mesh texture. Fun tool!

Randy here- I'm making my big announcement today. I've been teasing you for weeks. I did some goal planning and I've been dreaming about going somewhere. Earlier this week I received the official news.

I passed my reindeer equivalency exam and I am going to attend community college

And the most exciting part of all is that Heather and her family are so impressed by the changes I have made in my life that they have invited me to live with them while I attend college! In exchange I have to study and get good grades and be guest blogger on Heather's blog once a week (my court mandated community service officially ends Monday).

I'm really excited!

31 Days of Halloween Day 27- 3 Little Kittens

2011-10-27T08:59:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Day 27 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. A link to the challenge and blog roll is in the sidebar.

Today's project is clean and simple because I was crunched for time. I don't know the artist of the digi off the top of my head either- it was part of my printed image stash on my craft table.

Randy here- I have the weirdest feeling. I keep hearing a song by the Cars. I feel oddly out of place- like I'm not supposed to be here...

RING

Yawn... Time to wake up ;)

C'mon people- I'm an inflatable reindeer and my feet don't even reach the brakes. Did you really think I could drive a car? As if! I think you folks have been sniffing glue fumes or something.

31 Days of Halloween Day 26- KennyK

2011-10-25T18:29:00.015-04:00

Welcome to Day 26 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink (we are in the home stretch!) You can check out the sidebar for details on the challenge and a blog roll of the other artists.

Today's post is sponsored by Kenny K and they generously let Smeared Ink DT members choose a free image and I chose "Tequila Worm" for my project. I'm also playing in the Kenny K Challenge #66- Get Dotty.

Randy here- Don't have time for chit chat today- I've got $20 and a set of car keys! Finally, these hoof covers are good for something!

31 Days of Halloween Day 25- Splotch Journal Page

2011-10-25T08:47:00.005-04:00

Welcome to Day 25 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. You can check out the sidebar for details on the challenge and a blog roll of the other artists.

Today is another journal page. 7x10 is a good size page but not too big for me. For the background I used my blitzer to apply maroon Sharpie ink, added some red/maroon watercolor crayon, randomly stamped some crackle background with gray ink, stenciled with a checkered stencil and stamped an image from "Inky Dreams" by Smeared Ink. The die cut letters were cut from Making Memories paper and blitzed with maroon Sharpie Ink. Fun background to make!

Randy here- This morning I got a rare treat and I got to have a breakfast meeting with Heather's husband. (OK maybe I leaped up on the table and ambushed him with questions and complaints.)

I got a little hungry and took a bite of his cereal. He didn't appreciate that.

SFC121- Saying Thanks!

2011-10-24T18:45:00.003-04:00

If you are looking for the 31 Days of Halloween post for today you may see it here!

This week my team- Heather's Headliners created samples for SFC 121- Saying Thanks! challenge for Squigglefly Challenge blog. This week Kathy Bradley was our guest designer so be sure to check out her project too. And don't forget the Mega Giveaway for your chance to win free stamps from Squigglefly.

There was a new release Saturday with some really great stamps. For this project, I used "Dotted Circle Sentiments". I made this 4x4x2 box using my new Martha Stewart scoring board. It was quick and easy to make and it was nice to make a non-card project for a change.

31 Days of Halloween Day 24- Owl Art Journal Page

2011-10-24T09:48:00.005-04:00

Welcome to lucky Day 24 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the project and links to the other participating artists on the sidebar.

On Saturday I splurged and bought a new mixed media art journal. I already had an 11x14 but it is almost too big for my style. My new journal is 7 x 10 and the page size is much better for me. I used drywall mesh tape to make some borders, stamped some pumpkins and enhanced them with a Micron pen. I'm trying to relax and go with the flow on my journaling... as you can see I'm working on it.

Randy here- To those of you who chose to ignore my warning about discussing my blue hoof covers, just know that karma will bite ya! In case you are wondering why I am on the stage, I am rehearsing an announcement that I'll be making later this week. And for those jokers who want to know why I am not wearing my hoof covers, it is because we have protected the entire stage so I can prance and not case damage to it.

31 Days of Halloween Day 23- Framed Inchies

2011-10-23T11:06:00.004-04:00

Welcome to lucky Day 23 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the project and links to the other participating artists on the sidebar.

Today's project was inspired by a set of mini frames at the Dollar store marked down to 25 cents for both! I love the look of a partial stamped image so I used some stamps from Inkadinkadoo for my project. I also added a few faux gemstones to one of the frames. Simple but so many possibilities!

On an added crafty note- yesterday I bought a Martha Stewart scoring board at Michael's for $12. I have a Score-Buddy which I love but now I have a full size board!

Randy here- Make one comment about the booties and you are toast! I see all those comments you make about me.

Yesterday Heather and I had a difference of opinion because she says my hooves scratch the floor. Can I help it if I have a natural inclination to Riverdance? Anyway she said I needed hoof maintenance so I don't damage the floor. She tried to use an enemy board- and boy it is my enemy- I squirmed and fussed and ran away from her. She said she had another idea and the next thing I knew she put blue booties on me. These booties have one advantage- you can sneak up behind someone and they won't hear you. BOO!

31 Days of Halloween Day 22- Scary Bookmark

2011-10-22T09:52:00.003-04:00

Welcome to lucky Day 22 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the project and links to the other participating artists on the sidebar. As we wind into the final third of the challenge I must say I have enjoyed the challenge. I will also say I probably won't be using orange in my artwork for a long time ;)

This bookmark is a great example of using orange patterned paper that has nothing to do with Halloween. The spider web is from Smeared Ink.

PS Squigglefly had a huge new release today!

Randy here- Wishing the happy couple a very happy 18th wedding anniversary. That's Heather and her husband, Rick. Not a gray hair on either of them (but don't tell Heather I said that!)

31 Days of Halloween Day 21- Candy Corn anyone?

2011-10-21T08:33:00.005-04:00

Welcome to Day 21 of 31 Days of Halloween sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out more details and a blog roll of participants in the sidebar. Today is Smeared Ink Friday and I have used only Smeared Ink images (or 1 image in this case) on my card.

Today's project is a CASE of a project by one of our 31 Days players. It had Zentangled candycorn which was absolutely brilliant. I can't find your post so if it is your project, comment and I will link to your project!

My other "new to me concept" was stacking the letters in candy corn. I've seen it done with other words and it was the perfect way to use the space on my mini card.

Yo, yo dude- I'll meet up with all my peeps later. Of course I'm wearing my chill pink hat. Peace out.

THUNK

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Randy! How many times have we told you not to play with the Bluetooth? You BROKE it! You are not to use the cell phone unless it is an emergency. You are in big trouble, Mister!

Randy here- Guess I'll have some unexpected time to think and reflect this weekend, when I'm not doing extra chores to pay for that Bluetooth.

31 Days of Halloween Day 20- Bingo card

2011-10-20T08:16:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Day 20 of 31 Days of Halloween sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out more details and a blog roll of participants in the sidebar.
Today's project is a bingo card (in this case spelling out CANDY). I used an online template and filled in most of the spaces with digi's from Smeared Ink, Squigglefly and a few other designers. After I printed it I filled in the leftover blanks with stamped images from Smeared Ink, Sideshow Stamps (31 Days Sponsor), Inkadinkadoo and some PSX numbers.

If I made this project again I would color the digi's digitally- I made them really small to fit the grid- too small for me to color by hand.

Randy here- The weather is getting colder and Heather says I need to prepare for the weather because otherwise I'll get sick with caribou flu (and that means I'll have to go to the vet for a shot.) These antlerwarmers belong to Heather's daughter. She calls them gloves. They are pretty warm but I prefer a manly color like lilac.

This is a rain poncho to keep me dry (it is a little dorky but does the job). I need some boots. Heather's husband walked through a big puddle in the parking lot at work and he got his whole foot, sock and part of his pant leg wet. I think I want some LL Bean boots- the most expensive kind. I'll need 2 pairs of course. Off to find Heather's credit card.

31 Days of Halloween Day 19- Ghoul Halloween

2011-10-19T08:25:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Day 19 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. You can check out my sidebar for details on the challenge and a blog roll of the other artists.

Today's card features a "Nerdy Boy Skeleton" by artists Marlene Shaw for Squigglefly. The sentiment is my own creation. I used non-traditional colors, a speckled background stamp, some ribbon and buttons for interest.

Speaking of Squigglefly they are having an incredible giveaway- check out the details HERE.

Randy here- I'm feeling on top of the world this morning! (OK not really because we have to get up really early so the kid can get to school and I like to sleep in but I'm trying to use what my therapist calls "a positive attitude".) Anyway it is cold and dreary here today and I am really sore from all that exercise over the past few days. I think today I am going to take it easy and watch videos and drink hot cocoa and relax. My motto is: RELAX AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. (And my sub-motto is - Don't ask Heather to turn the channel or stop vacuuming so you can watch TV- she is a little funny about that sort of thing!)

31 Days of Halloween Day 18- Rustic Gift Bag

2011-10-18T09:18:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Day 18 of 31 Days of Halloween sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out more details and a blog roll of participants in the sidebar.

Today's project is a giftbag. It was stamped with cheap foam stamps and a candy corn stamp from Smeared Ink. The tag was cut from chipboard and color was added with a Sharpie for the base and then watercolor crayons were colored along the grain of the paper and lightly blended with a baby wipe to make it look like wood.

Randy here- Today I am trying yoga- this is a ler stand. Very relaxing and I like it better than hooping or the exercise ball. Oh and in case you were wondering- it has NOTHING to do with yogurt. The words sound the same but what can you do- English is a weird language.

Have a peaceful and enlightening day!

31 Days of Halloween- Day 17- Skull Challenge

2011-10-17T08:12:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Day 17 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. You can check out the sidebar for details on the challenge and a blog roll of the other artists.

Today is Monday and it is time for a new challenge on the Smudgy Antics blog for the Smeared Ink Design Team. This week's theme is skulls. For my mini notebook I used Calaveras- Sugar Skull 2 and a spider web from Lonely Boy and Puff sheet. I went with the new trend of neutrals and added some lace for a Gothic feel. The lace wraps around the notebook to keep it closed when not in use.

Randy here- Happy Monday! As you can see I woke up this morning brimming with energy! I decided to do a bit on the exercise ball. This was the photo taken BEFORE the ball rolled backward and I was under it! After Heather got through laughing at me she told me there are exercise options for reindeer that are a bit safer. (Did I mention I got whacked in the antlers with the exercise hoop yesterday? I had a major headache.)

31 Days of Halloween Day 16- Kurt from Glee makes a costume

2011-10-16T10:04:00.004-04:00

Good Morning, welcome to Day 16 The 31 Days of Halloween challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink Stamps (check out the rest of the bloggers participating - links are in the sidebar). Hard to believe we are halfway through the challenge! 31 days of posting projects seemed daunting at first but it has pushed me to get into my studio regularly to create! I also listen to audio books as I work and I have finished two and am working on book my third (The Good Wife).

Today's card is inspired by a freebie from Simply Betty. After I colored the image it screamed to me Kurt from Glee. Maybe it was the Miami Vice colored jacket.

Randy here- For those of you expecting an apology for yesterday, you can keep waiting. I'm a reindeer, it is rutting season and Heather's husband snores so loud that I have been having trouble sleeping. If Heather got up earlier and made me a hot breakfast, we could have avoided the whole scene. But I am willing to admit I am feeling stressed and perhaps I could have been nicer yesterday. OK?

Heather has taught me how to hoop. It is very good exercise and helps me relax. As part of my court mandated community service, I am working on some goal setting. I have to write (or in my case type) 3, 6, 9 and 1 year goals. Hooping is a good time for me to think.

Heather is making us cinnamon French toast for breakfast. Not as good as pizza but it smells good!

31 Days of Halloween- Day 15 So cute it makes your teeth hurt

2011-10-15T08:39:00.006-04:00

Welcome to Day 15 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. A link to the challenge and blog roll is in the sidebar.

Today's Nerdy Pirate was drawn by artist Marlene Shaw and given away for free on her blog before it was released for sale by Squigglefly. I paired it with an ancient (probably 16 or 17 year old) sentiment from HALOS. I didn't see the image on their site but I am so delighted they are still in business- they are one of the originals!

The background was spritzed with homemade green shimmer spray and was randomly stamped witha pirate image from Sideshow Stamps (another sponsor of 31 Days).

(Cue Announcer's Voice)- When we last left Randy he was lying motionless under a mountain of cereal boxes...

Randy here- What? You people are still here watching? I'm an INFLATABLE REINDEER- of course I wasn't hurt by the fall. Oh honestly, you people need to get a life! Or at least should go stamp something!

Excuse me- I'm eating my breakfast. May I please have some privacy? $%^&* GO AWAY- You made me step in the milk! Oh #$%^&!

31 Days of Halloween- Day 14 Teen Angst

2011-10-14T08:12:00.005-04:00

Welcome to Day 14 of 31 Days of Halloween sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out more details and a blog roll of participants in the sidebar. Today is Smeared Ink Friday and I have used only Smeared Ink images (or 1 image in this case) on my card.

We are definitely going for teen angst and drama- what would a bored teenager create when their mom FORCES them to make a Halloween card for their little brother? Something like this!

Randy here- Let me just address a few of the reader comments:
1) Yes, I do rake with my antlers
2) I am hosting this blog (as part of court mandated community service) I am NOT a co-host (does this look like the Mike Douglas Show?) I am the TALENT- Heather is my opening act. I would discuss this further but I am Starving like Marvin and Heather was so busy doing her angst ridden teen impersonation that she forgot to make me breakfast (typical).

OOMPH- Could they put the Caribou Crunch breakfast cereal on a higher shelf? I don't think so! I hate climbing (I am a little scared of heights). Past the canned beans, past the soup, past the cereal bars- almost there.

Made it! But boy this is awfully high up. Now to find a box of cereal. Maybe I'll try these Trader Joe O's (Trader Joe's is coming to Heather's town and she and her family are EXCITED).
Stupid box is STUCK. Maybe if I give it one good tug...

Cue dramatic Brady Bunch music
Cue Announcer's Voice (How did we get an announcer? We are over budget already on special effects. We'll take it out of the food budget.)
Cue Announcer's Voice: "Is this the end of Randy? Will there be enough Trader Joe O's for everyone? Come back tomorrow for Part 2 of Randy's Breakfast adventure!"

31 Days of Halloween- Day 13 Ghoulish Counting book

2011-10-13T08:43:00.003-04:00

Welcome to lucky Day 13 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the project and links to the other participating artists on the sidebar.

Today's project is a ghoulish counting book. Most youngsters have counting books, so why shouldn't ghoulish children have them too? This book starts with 1 and ends with 10,000,000. A little silly but if you have ever dropped a bag of candy corn and had to pick it up doesn't it feel like 10,000,000?

Randy here- Did a little outside yard work yesterday afternoon. The leaves are pretty and it was nice to be outside in the sunshine. Of course when I woke up this morning and looked outside you couldn't even tell we raked because there were more leaves. I see more leaf raking in the future.

31 Days of Halloween- Day 12 Where are the Stripes?

2011-10-12T08:24:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Day 12 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. You can check out the sidebar for details on the challenge and a blog roll of the other artists. Some really amazing work out there! Kudos to my fellow artists.

The other day I mentioned that I had used a retired image for the Squigglefly challenge (using stripes) so I decided to make a new card. I did. I was tired last night because as I was congratulating myself on completing the project, I realized I had forgotten to add stripes.

Randy here- I learned how to play a new game yesterday. Can you guess what it is?

Bowling! It is really fun. I have a special red ball that is just the right size for me to use to knock down the pins!

OK, I know the story about me and bowling is a little lame but I am trying to keep a low profile for the next day or 2... I got into a little trouble yesterday afternoon...

31 Days of Halloween- Day 11 Luminaria

2011-10-11T01:13:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Day 11 of 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. For the blogroll and details about the concept, please see the sidebar. Today's post is dedicated to my mom- the best mom in the whole world and my biggest blog fan!

Today's project is a luminaria created using the Laced Luminaria tutorial on SCS. Because the inset panels are vellum, an battery operated tealight inside will glow. The candy corn image (from Smeared Ink) is stamped with Brilliance Moonlight White ink on the purple cardstock. That Brilliance Ink shows up well on dark cardstock and had a slight shimmer to it as well.
Randy here- I am a bit upset this evening. Heather's mother (AKA "Grandma") invited Heather and her daughter to dinner at her house. I use the term "Grandma" loosely because aren't Grandma's kind sweet ladies who invite EVERYONE to dinner and serve enough home-cooked food for all? Not this Grandma- I WASN'T INVITED and Heather and her daughter left me home alone!

That's a picture of "Grandma"- don't let that pretty face fool you!

I was feeling a little sorry for myself while they were gone so I went to my favorite place in the house- Heather's studio.

This little pile of cardstock and folders is my favorite place in her the studio. I hope I left footprints on the cardstock- would serve Heather right for leaving me home alone! I didn't even want to eat stupid dinner at Grandma's anyway.

31 Days of Halloween- Day 10 Yipes Stripes Card

2011-10-10T09:24:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Day 10 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. You can check out the sidebar for details on the challenge and a blog roll of the other artists.

Today's card is a mishap. I am a design team leader for Squigglefly stamps and this week was my turn to create the challenge and post the design team samples on the challenge blog. I realized after my card was finished that I had used an image no longer sold in the store so I can't use my card for the challenge blog. Trust me I had a few negative thoughts when I realized this at 11:45 last night!

Thanks for all of the questions/ comments about my watercolor crayon card. I'm definitely going to use them again during 31 Days. I created a simple tutorial HERE with a similar technique. Making backgrounds is my favorite part of cardmaking.

Randy here- It is National Fire Prevention week so this weekend I went to an open house (at the fire station) and to the local police station (but I did not have to get into a holding cell). I got some stickers, crayons, a junior sheriff badge and a junior firefighter helmet. Heather's daughter said I should dress up in my gear and she would take a picture. (I agreed because she helped take care of me after I got beat up.)

The next thing I knew, this girl showed up out of nowhere with a balloon and the camera started flashing again! For the record- I DO NOT KNOW THIS GIRL!

31 Days of Halloween- Day 9 Watercolor Crayon Card

2011-10-09T11:02:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Day 9 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. You can check out the sidebar for details on the challenge and a blog roll of the other artists. The variety of projects is amazing.

Today's card features watercolor crayons and Distress Ink. White cardstock was scribbled with watercolor crayons and then rubbed with a barely moist paper towel to move the colors. After it dried Distress Ink was lightly stippled over a Tim Holtz stencil (in the opposite corners). Lastly, the images (Inkadinkadoo) were stamped in brown ink.

Randy here- Here is part 2 of my date story. As you recall, I was on a date with the beautiful Marcella. When the magic moment came, we kissed and I saw stars.

I saw stars because this big lug grabbed me and pulled me away from Marcella. Her boyfriend! I didn't know she had a boyfriend.

I'm a little stiff and sore today. Heather and her family did a great job at taking care of my boo boo's. I have sworn off women for now! Women- who needs them (except Heather and her daughter).

31 Days of Halloween- Day 8 Envelope Giftcard Holder

2011-10-08T10:35:00.003-04:00

Good Morning, welcome to Day 8 The 31 Days of Halloween challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink Stamps (check out the rest of the bloggers participating - links are in the sidebar).

Today's project is a simple giftcard holder made out of a small #9 envelope. The envelope is sealed and then decorated. The top 2 inches is trimmed off and the bottom section is crimped (brush the dust off the crimper you bought when you started paper crafting)! Chalk ink was very lightly rubbed on the ribs and edges to create depth. The sentiment and Calaveras- Sugar Skull are both from Smeared Ink.

Randy here- I have so much to tell you that I'll have to split the story into 2 parts (aka a cliffhanger). My big news is that I had a date! I met a really cute moose who works at a pizza parlor and her name is Marcella. I got her digits (aka phone number) a few days ago and we decided to meet. I was really excited and I had a difficult time deciding what to wear. Heather's husband has some awfully spiffy looking ties.

And what a date it was! We have so much in common- I love pizza and Marcella works at a pizza parlor, we both think Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer is underrated as an actor and we are both concerned about the impact of the decline of the Euro across the global economy. (OK we did not discuss the economy but I didn't want you to think we are shallow). Anyway after dinner we took a walk and then went back to her place and the magical moment happened and we kissed. It was as if I saw stars...

TO BE CONTINUED

31 Days of Halloween- Day 7 Hooty Halloween Card

2011-10-06T21:04:00.007-04:00

TGIF! Today is day 7 of 31 Days of Halloween sponsored by Smeared Ink. For the blogroll and details about the concept, please see the sidebar.

Today we went hooty with an owl by Dustin Pike. Am I the only one who hears that name and thinks 70's band? "And now for the 1976 Grammy for best original song- the Grammy goes to- Dustin Pike!" The owl is a "Rocky Horror Spotted Mountain Owl" (ok not really but isn't that a great name for a species of owl?)

The background is from "Inky Dreams" by Smeared Ink. The open splotches are cool because you can color them or leave them open so you can let the background paper peek through.

Randy here- As I wrap up week 1 of my court mandated community service, I decided to go to bed early. I've got big plans for tomorrow night! I'm not one to ever complain but I really don't like the sheets on my bed or the blanket or sleeping with all these moose! They snore and kick in their sleep. Don't get me started on the morning breath- haven't they ever heard of Scope?

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

31 Days of Halloween- Day 6 Giftcard Holder

2011-10-05T20:36:00.010-04:00

Welcome to Day 6 of 31 Days of Halloween sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out more details and a blog roll of participants in the sidebar. Today's project is a giftcard holder. Since giftcard holders are pricey for something that is going to be thrown away, this is a thrifty alternative. The image is from My Grafico.

The cardstock is folded and a square punch is punched twice to create the notch. Then a circle punch is used to create the curved cut. Since a real gift card wasn't available, a piece of turquoise cardstock stands in for the giftcard. Double stick tape needs to be used to anchor the giftcard to the holder.

Randy here- Last night after I worked on this blog post and wrote a progress report for the judge for my court mandated community service (I try to work that into every post), Heather made scratched lasagna for dinner. Not really sure why we had to eat scratched food so I told Heather I wanted pizza for dinner.

I learned that hard way not to insult Heather's cooking because I had to do the dishes. Thanks for reading and commenting (and I'm glad you know who the talent is here!)

31 Days of Halloween- Day 5 Inspiration book and card

2011-10-05T08:31:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Day 5 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. Check out the project and links to the other participating artists on the sidebar. Today there are 2 projects. The first is a simple card made out of scraps. Non traditional colors are in play and the image (Inkadinkadoo) is stamped on sparkly paper and colored with Copics.

The second project today is a 31 Days index card idea book. Smeared Ink DT member Monique wowed the team with her "up in flames" book and inspired some of the team to create their own idea books. Index cards are cool because they are portable and the binder rings make it easy to add or remove pages. The background is blitzered and spider webs from Lonely Boy and Puff are randomly stamped for interest.

Randy here- Pass the popcorn! I stretched out on the couch to watch "The Year Without a Santa Claus" and "Rudolf's Shiny New Year". I'll sing that "I'm Mr. Heat Miser, I'm Mr. 101" song all day today. They can make this reindeer host a Halloween challenge but you can't take Christmas out of this reindeer!

Thank you for all of the nice comments, Heather and I enjoy them. (Since most of them are addressed to me I know why you are really reading this blog ;)

31 Days of Halloween- Day 4 Mobile

2011-10-04T08:27:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Day 4 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. You can check out my sidebar for details on the challenge and a blog roll of the other artists. Today's project is a simple mobile based on a design by artist Joanne Sharpe. The simple design features images from Lonely Boy & Puff sheet from Smeared Ink and images from Inkadinkadoo.

Above is a close-up of one of the medallions from the project. Wouldn't you know the best picture was the one medallion that didn't line up perfectly?

Randy here- After a little confusion about where to wash up, we got everything squared away.

There is nothing I like better after a day of court mandated community service, than a nice soak in the tub!

31 Days of Halloween- Day 3 Honeycomb Pumpkin Card

2011-10-03T09:11:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Day 3 of the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink. A link to the challenge and blog roll is in the sidebar.

Today's project features a honeycomb pumpkin created with a bunch of folded scalloped circles. The pumpkin can be dressed up with some DTP along the edges of the scallops for definition. Imagination is the limit for the types of stems/ vines that can be used for embellishment too.

Today's Smeared Ink challenge on the Smudgy Antics blog is "Pick a Pumpkin or Two". This card features "The Patch- Round Pumpkin". Join the challenge for a chance to win a free digi from Smeared Ink.

Randy here- this is a picture from last night's dinner. I've never had pepperoni pizza before but it was YUMMY! The only edible food they have served me since I arrived for my court mandated community service. Of course after I ate Heather asked me for a "favor"- Would I mind adding info about the Smudgy Antics challenge to the 31 Days blog post today? I agreed if she promised to save the leftover pizza for me! (Of course I didn't see until it was too late that can of soda. Maybe I can do soda commercials. Which is my best side? All right Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.)

31 Days of Halloween- Day 2 ATC and Card

2011-10-02T11:13:00.003-04:00

Good Morning, welcome to Day 2 The 31 Days of Halloween challenge sponsored by Smeared Ink Stamps (check out the rest of the bloggers participating - links are in the sidebar). Both projects today feature images from Smeared Ink. The first project is an ATC. Combining this image with the witch's hat was a concept sketch and documented in Heather's official 31 Days of Halloween index card book (which you will get to see later this week.) Normally, ATC's aren't die cut and don't extend off the base but Heather's blog, Heather's rules!

The next project is a card based on a layout in the October issue of Cards magazine. Who knows why those creepy Jack-O-Lanterns are smiling? Stickles were added to the stamped candy corn images. The candy corn ribbon was purchased for 10 cents at an Offray ribbon outlet store a few years ago. It sat in the ribbon stash until yesterday.

Hello, this is Randy and I'm still hosting 31 Days of Halloween on Heather's blog as part of court mandated community service. Some of you asked what I did to get community service. I was hanging out in Heather's studio, cranking tunes (Lionel Richie and Barry Manilow are favorites) minding my own business. When "Dancing on the Ceiling" played something came over me and the next thing I knew there was paint on my hooves and the ceiling!

Wondering about my wizard costume? Heather's daughter dressed me up and took the picture. (I think this is going to be the longest 31 days of my life!)

31 Days of Halloween- Day 1 Tag Book

2011-10-01T11:01:00.003-04:00

Good Morning! Welcome to Heather's blog, I am Randy Reindeer and I am hosting Heather's 31 Days of Halloween Wicked Blogger Postings sponsored by Smeared Ink. You might be saying to yourself, "Self, why is a reindeer hosting a Halloween/ Day of the Dead themed challenge?" The answer is simply, "because I can!" (and also because of court mandated community service- but I won't get into that here).

The project for today is a tag book. The tags are colored with dye ink and then stamped with various images. In a few places details are drawn or colored with black Pitt pen or a white gel pen.

Here are the individual tags in the tag book. The green tag exclusively features images from Smeared Ink Stamps. Smeared Ink is also sponsoring the 31 Days of Halloween.

If you are interested in seeing the rest of the work of the Wicked Bloggers, check out the right sidebar for links to all of the participants. Heather wanted me to remind you that some of the artists might post artwork which is not appropriate for children or small caribou (the small caribou is my idea!)

Thanks for hopping by!

SFC117- Floral Fantasy

2011-09-26T08:10:00.000-04:00

This week's Squigglefly Challenge is Floral Fantasy. Be sure to check out the design team's creations on the Squigglefly challenge blog.

I made my card for my mom's birthday which was yesterday. We had a quiet (but fun) birthday dinner on our screened in porch. We've lived in our house for nearly 2 years but only recently bought chairs for the porch (long story). This afternoon we enjoyed mixed grill, apple cider and my mother's birthday.

My mom LOVES this card. LOVES it! I'm so glad because I REALLY lamented- it took me forever to come up with a design that I felt was good enough for my mom.

After dinner my husband and I took my mom to the store and we left our 11 year old (her birthday was last week) with grandpa to do homework. I'll just say my father is a SAINT because homework and my 11 year old go together like a lighter and gasoline! The homework was done when we got home and my dad and my daughter are still friends! Like I said- my dad is a SAINT!

Happy Monday to all of you!

Winner of the Upcylce Blog Hop Blog Candy

2011-09-20T21:19:00.002-04:00

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-09-21 01:19:32 UTC

And the winner is....

Dawn, RI said...: Your mistake is a simple one Ive done it before also you have doubled the (ing) in the second word on the nail polish
Dawn RI

Thanks to everyone who participated in the hop or hopped through- it was a very inspiring hop!

Bad to the Bone Monday

2011-09-19T21:15:00.003-04:00

This week's Smeared Ink challenge is "Bone to Pick with You" and you can check out the challenge and the rest of the design team's creations HERE. I used an image from the Calaveras Digital Set.

There's still time to win a chance to win my blog candy.

Upcycle Blog Hop (+ Blog Candy)

2011-09-17T05:45:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Scrappy Scavenger's Upcycle Blog Hop for September. Hopefully, you have arrived here from Amy's blog. If not you can start the hop from Tanya's blog. Next stop on the hop is Haidee's blog.

For my project, I re-purposed a plastic vitamin bottle and made it into a bottle of faux nail polish which was inspired by this project. The label is computer generated and the nail polish image is from the Makeup Kit set by artist Chesney Young for Squigglefly. With the proper safety modifications, this could be a really cute for a little girl who wanted to paint her nails like her mom or older sister.

As I was writing this post, I discovered I made a mistake on my project. So leave me a comment and tell me what my mistake was and you can win that stamps shown below. Even if you don't see the mistake, leave a comment and you might still win (because I am really nice!) Tell me what my mistake was and I'll add an extra treat to the blog candy. I'll use a random number generator to select a winner on Tuesday 9/20 at 6pm EST.
Thank you very much for hopping by!

The blog hop stops:
Tanya T- http://www.ScrappyScavenger.wordpress.com/
Brie - http://vintage53.blogspot.com/
Janice - http://www.cricutconfessions.com/
Faith- http://faithfulecreations.com
Bridgette - http://www.nutsaboutcuts.com
Brenda - http://createbyburffrau.blogspot.com
Krista - http://www.KristasPaperCafe.com
Jennifer B- http://jlbzlittlecorner.blogspot.com/
Amy - http://www.lovetocrop.com
You are here! Heather- http://stampdetails.blogspot.com/
Haidee- http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/
Roberta- http://decorablesart.blogspot.com
Dawn- http://strawberryrainsdelights.blogspot.com/?zx=96da74d1751a02e
Joe - http://www.createncraft.com/
Beth - http://Mytimetoplay.blogspot.com
Anita- http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com
Shannon- http://www.purplelionpaper.com/blog
Shannon L- http://www.Shannonleffew.blogspot.com

Squigglefly news

2011-09-16T22:09:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow we have a new artist joining Squigglefly. You have seen her work on the design team and now she's sharing her drawing talent with us. You'll see more of Deena's work tomorrow for the new release.

We also have a new design team member, Laura B. Welcome Laura! She'll be a part of Marlooney's Marvels! Maybe I can sell her an elevator pass! Isn't that what you are supposed to do to the new kid?

Smeared Ink New Release Blog Hop

2011-09-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Smeared Ink New Release Blog Hop. 7 new sets and 2 new singles. Check out what the design team has made with the new images. My dominoes feature "Tombstone Angel" from the "Build a Graveyard" set which I printed and colored with Copic markers. To highlight the cross, dove and angel's wings I used a Copic blender pen to "lift" some of the color.

Thanks for hopping by- be sure to check out the new images at Smeared Ink and projects from the rest of the design team.

Terra
Tori
Black Dragon
Lady Brayton
Kapree
Sugar
Paula
Ike
Freddie
Celina
Jane
Monique
Heather --- That's Me!
Sara-- Our Guest Designer

SFC115- ColorBowl part 2

2011-09-12T08:20:00.002-04:00

Today's Squigglefly challenge is part 2 of a color bow challenge started last week by the Marlene's Marvelous Marvels. This week the challenge is to incorporate red/ orange (and all shades in between) into your project. I used "Phat Sexy Dude" by Marlene S.

You can see the rest of the Headliners' creations on the SFC115 on the Squigglefly Challenge Blog.

I also wanted to remind you that when you buy images from Squigglefly, they keep a record of your purchase through a rewards program. If you ever lose your images, you can log in on the Squigglefly site and download your images again. Also for every $15 you spend on images (they don't have to be on the same transaction) you get to pick a free digi of your choice. Great benefits from buying from Squigglefly.

September S&S Member Blog Hop

2011-09-08T11:45:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the September Member Blog Hop for the Smudged & Smeared Member Forum. If you didn't arrive here from Kapree's blog, you can start the hop from Terra's blog. Next stop on the hop is Lady Brayton's blog.

This month's theme is Pieces and Parts. Participating artists used at least two stamp or digi images combined to make a "new" image or focal point on your project.

I made a paper wine bottle bag which was inspired by this project on Paper Craft Planet. I multi-stamped the word "muse" and the word "believe" in a star shape then stamped a candy corn stamp for the leaves. I used colored pencil to draw in petal shapes around the words. I also randomly stamped splatters from Inky Dreams. The ribbon crisscrosses inside the holder to support the wine bottle

Thanks for hopping with us today!
Here is the hop in its entirety:

Terra http://www.moresmearedink.blogspot.com

Black Dragon http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/

Jane http://jcocraft.blogspot.com/

Kim http://basementstamper.blogspot.com

Celina http://www.scrapvamp.blogspot.com

Kapree http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com/

Heather http://stampdetails.blogspot.com/ ----YOU ARE HERE

Lady Brayton http://www.ladybrayton71.blogspot.com

Kristy http://kristyleesworld.wordpress.com

Monique http://www.phoebekattebeest.blogspot.com

Lisa http://www.ldfdesign.blogspot.com

Ike http://www.suzy-ikesworld.blogspot.com

Jean http://jean-jeansartdolls.blogspot.com/

Dianne http://dkspinner.blogspot.com

Kelli http://cajunstampingqueen.blogspot.com

Sara http://WelcomeToMyDarkSide.blogspot.com

Metal Mania on Smudgy Antics

2011-09-05T09:11:00.002-04:00

Happy Labor Day! Today on the Smudgy Antics challenge blog for Smeared Ink (say that 5x fast) the challenge is Metal Mania. I used images from Lonely Boy and Puff and Inky Dreams. My background was stamped with an image from Inky Dreams using metallic ink and then I smooshed on some silver Lumiere acrylic paint and then splattered with some Sharpie marker. I added some diecuts cut from metallic paper and added the image colored with Copics and metallic pencils and marker. My daughter called it "really creepy" so I guess it worked!

My parents celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this weekend. Wow. I can only hope my husband and I have as many happy years.

Lace Tag

2011-08-30T18:48:00.001-04:00

I made this tag on the fly for a 24 hour challenge on a Facebook paper crafter's group. The challenge was to make a tag and incorporate lace on it. I kept it really simple but if Joan Jett comes looking she'll be able to find it!

Squigglefly Challenge- SFC113 Writer's Cramp

2011-08-29T19:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday! This is my card for the Squigglefly Writer's Cramp challenge for this week. Be sure to check out the samples from the design team. I used Inside Outs: Thanks a Bushel on my card. The dots are sponged on using a Martha Stewart cake decorating stencil (don't worry I bought it for crafting so my desserts are safe!)

Last week we took a short vacation and had to end it early because Irene was on her way toward Connecticut (where we were visiting family.) This week's Squigglefly challenge was hosted by my team, the Headliners, and when my team hosts I prepare the challenge blog post. No big deal because I have done it several times.

I completed my card the day before we left and figured I could write the blog post while my husband and daughter went swimming in the hotel pool. My husband brought his laptop from work but forgot the mouse. Let's just say it was a challenge to prepare the blog post. As it turns out we came home early and I had just one more sample to add to the post and when I went to edit the blog post had some REALLY weird formatting so guess what happened? I started over! ARGH- but it is done now!

And totally unrelated but noteworthy- I did a black ink comparison for Craft Critique. If you use or are considering Memento, Copic, Big Brush or other permanent black inks check out my comparison.

So busy!

2011-08-25T09:02:00.002-04:00

I spent last night making stuff! We are leaving momentarily for a long weekend and I had to get my projects done early. I made a tag, a card for next Monday Squigglefly challenge and a super secret project that you'll see Saturday when I am the guest blogger here.

Hopefully, I can sneak in a bit of shopping on the trip.

Practical Joke for Squigglefly Challenge

2011-08-22T21:53:00.004-04:00

I played a little practical joke on my co-design team leader for the Squigglefly challenge this week. She went on vacation and I was helping her with her post (at her request) and I slipped in my own card (as seen above). The team got a kick out of it! I used Boogie Board Girl by artist Jackie Matthews.

Sending good thoughts to Marlene and many others who have lost power and are enduring the wrath of the Hurrican Irene.

Smeared Ink Callenge- Gothic Newborn

2011-08-22T07:50:00.002-04:00

This week's Smeared Ink challenge is to create a gothic newborn card. Check out my team's samples on the Smudgy Antics challenge blog. (Some of this week's creations are best viewed by adults.)

For my card I used images from the Inky Dreams sheet. While you're checking out the sheet, check out the newly overhauled website- faster, easier to maneuver and am improved shopping cart!

Shaken not Stirred

2011-08-17T20:40:00.005-04:00

This card is the perfect example of why I like rubber and digital images and can't pick a favorite. The background behind the image is a spider web image that I stamped randomly- so easy to make my own background. I generated the sentiment in Word and printed it at the same time I printed Tubby from the Bot Bots set by Smeared Ink (he'll be available as a single soon!) I drew some olives and added them to the spikes so Tubby could have a few dirty martini's! My sketch is based on SC346 from SCS.

I can't even fake that this card is even close to the Smudgy Antics challenge theme for this week: Dead Divas. The Smeared Ink DT is split into 2 groups and I'm in the other group so I got a pass (and collected $200) this week.

August S&S Member Blog Hop

2011-08-11T08:59:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the August Smeared & Smudged member blog hop!

If you didn't arrive here from Sugar's blog (aka Sugar Sugar- wink), you can start the hop at Tori's blog. (Please be advised - some of the artists in the hop have chosen adult themes or images for their projects which may not be appropriate for children.)

This month's theme is: PAINT. Sploosh, smear, splatter, brush, drip- so many ways to use paint.

I had fun creating this card last night. Splooshing paint is not me but it was fun to let go and be messy. Both images are from Smeared Ink. Isn't her hair cool? Really springy curls! I used this week's sketch SC0810 from the Outlawz and the Button Blowout challenge from Squigglefly.

Smeared Ink is undergoing a website renovation which will hopefully have less dust than a real renovation (although Terra's cleaning skills are a bit sketchy!) All of the single digi's will be there (woo hoo!) Smeared Ink is also having a special sale- checkout the details at the end of this post.

edited: People asked about the background behind the image- It is white cardstock and I sponged paint over it through a piece of mesh. Simple but one of my favorite go-to backgrounds.

Be sure to visit the rest of the artists on the hop and thanks for hopping with us!

Splat!- Smudgy Antics Weekly Challenge

2011-08-08T08:11:00.003-04:00

Good Morning! Today Smeared Ink is starting a new weekly challenge on their blog, Smudgy Antics. This week's theme is Splat!- Create a project that features splatter, drops, splodges, or blots. Non-card projects such as 3D items, altered items and the like are encouraged. Weekly prizes will be awards to those who use at least 1 Smeared Ink image on their project.

For my project I went in a completely new direction (for me). I wanted to feature the "Domo Arigato" sentiment from the Bot Bots set. My base is actually a page from my daughter's school notebook. Since it already had some red ink (corrections) on it I went red and black for my colors. I added some fingerprints and smudges with Marvy red ink (my fingers were red for 2 days) and some splats of Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Black Soot. I crumpled the edges and added a paperclip to make it more realistic.

When I joined Smeared Ink DT I cringed when I saw the challenges were on Mondays because they conflicted with my other DT. But since the both DT's are split, it just so happens my turn is alternating weeks so no conflict. Whew!

3 in 1 color tool review on Craft Critique/ Smudgefest

2011-08-05T19:54:00.002-04:00

My review for the 3 in 1 color tool that I reviewed for Craft Critique was published today. I feel so bad because I wrote the review at the beginning of April and unfortunately the stamp line that was featured on 2 of my samples was discontinued at the end of June!

If you are looking for some fun challenges with PRIZES- check out SMUDGEFEST on the Smudgy Antics blog. Take a few minutes and go check out the Mr. Linky entries for the challenges this week- some amazing techniques and projects from my fellow DT members and customers!

Smudgefest Day 3- Color Challenge

2011-08-03T20:55:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Day 3 of Smudgefest- today is a color challenge. I used another of the Bot Bots and some long abandoned postage stamps. I channeled a little steam punk and added some watch parts with the button cluster. The sentiment is from a set from Studio G that I haven't used in a long time.

Smudgefest Day 2

2011-08-02T21:28:00.002-04:00

Big news - I am now an official member of the Smeared Ink Design Team! You can check out my sidebar for the team blog roll. I am so proud to be part of such a diverse team- in both style and geography. In addition to the US we have members from Greece, the Netherlands and the UK.

Smeared Ink is celebrating Smudegfest, which is a week-long celebration with daily challenges and randomly chosen daily winners. Today's challenge is "Terrifying Tuesday". And what is more scary than a bunch of bugs- or big bugs! I used a bot from the Bot Bots set and my own computer generated sentiment and some ants from Third Coast (had that stamp forever but I'm not even sure I ever used it!) I also dug out my blitzer and was able to add some blood splatters for effect. A blitzer is a tool you use with a marker to create an airbrush effect. I've had my blitzer a looong time but I'm not sure I used it more than once or twice (Are you detecting the trend?)

SFC109 Handwriting Frenzy

2011-08-01T07:59:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday! Time for another Squigglefly challenge. Every other Monday I host Squigglefly's challenge and today my team, Heather's Headliners have done a great job with the theme: Handwriting Frenzy. For my card I used Gothic Flower Child by artist LuLu Lancaster.

Can you believe the summer is half over? How has that happened?

SFC108- Kraftastic

2011-07-25T19:46:00.002-04:00

This week for the Squigglefly Challenge SFC108- Kraftastic, samples design by the talented Marlooney's Marvels! I really liked how they used the color kraft in their projects. And if you missed Saturday's release, LuLu Lancaster made her debut as an artist and several of her images are featured in this week's samples.

I used Loving Home by artist Nina Brackett for my card. The sentiment is a sticker from SRM. Love SRM stickers because they are matte and clear so they layer very well on cards.

You say pumpkin- I say tomato

2011-07-24T21:30:00.003-04:00

This week is my father's birthday so today we had a birthday dinner at my parent's house. Since my dad really likes to cook, we bought him an assortment of spices from Penzey's. Penzey's is the holy grail source for spices and spice blends. I decorated a gift bag for him and put the spices in it.

Decorating the gift bag took some time, the background took me the longest. First I added layers of gray and green Blo-Pen (my CoorArtz airbrush isn't working -grr), then I laid down a checkerboard stencil and laid down more color, and randomly moved it, coloring only certain sections. Then I grabbed my Tim Holtz stencil and sponged green ink in the corners of the bag. My hands looked like zombie hands when I was done.

Next I cut 2 carrots (orange and green) with my Slice and cut and pasted so it would have traditional colors. I added some details with markers and chalk ink. See the tomato? It is actually a pumpkin image from Smeared Ink. At the risk of offending the artist, I love the image but think it is shaped more like a tomato so that is how I colored it. Terra, the owner of Smeared Ink was cool enough to expedite my order. The letters were cut with my slice and I edged them with chalk ink and stuck them onto the bag.

The box is a small gift from my daughter for my dad (Grandpa), wrapped by my daughter (10 years old). Holy Cannoli! Look at that bow- she tied it all by herself. My photo doesn't do it justice- the kid is a natural bow tier. Shes doesn't even know how she does it- she just knows. I have the bow easy and still struggle- and my kid does it freehand. I'm going to hire her to tie my bows- think she'll give me a discount rate?

Sneak Peek

2011-07-24T12:56:00.003-04:00

This is part of my father's birthday gift- I'll show you the rest later this evening. Check out the "tomato".

Pssst- Wanna hear a secret?

2011-07-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

My favorite thing about Squigglefly is the wide variety of artists who draw their images. With so much variety I dare anyone not to find something they like. And now they've done it again...

A new artist will be introduced on Saturday... you can check out some of her work now on her Etsy page Think Goth meets Tim Burton and they discuss Steam Punk!

Welcome LuLu's Apple to the Squigglefly family of artists.

(I'm in a blog hop tomorrow and am frantically trying to finish my project- art tomorrow ;)

July Smeared & Smudged Member Blog Hop

2011-07-20T16:36:00.009-04:00

Hello! Welcome to the Smeared & Smudged Member Blog Hop for July. Hopefully you just hopped here from Steph's blog. If not and you want to start from the beginning go to Alex's blog. Please be aware that some of the projects in this hop may not be suitable for children.

From the Smudged & Smeared group: "Smeared and Smudged is an online community of rubber stampers and crafters who enjoy using alternative, gothic, edgy, and unique stamps in their designs. We thrive on different and unusual. We welcome the macabre and devious side of things, and most of all, we embrace ALL types and styles of art. "

This month's theme is to create/ alter a 3D item. I chose a 12 x 12 cork panel. The image is Contortionist Carnie from Smeared Ink. Boy I wish I could bend like that! The words were cut with the Slice Elite and were inspired from a Rick James song from the 1981. (Sigh- when I looked for the lyric earlier the website had "superfreak" as one word- when I looked before posting this it is 2 words. Watch what you Google!)

Below is a close-up of the image.

Thanks for hopping by! Next stop on the hop is Madeleine.

Alex- http://www.paperandstring.blogspot.com/

Black Dragon- http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/

Kapree- http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com/

Jane- http://jcocraft.blogspot.com/

Steph- http://stephscreativechaos.blogspot.com/

Heather- http://stampdetails.blogspot.com/ ------ > You are here

Madeleine- http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/

Helen- http://cromscubbyhole.blogspot.com/

Ike- http://suzy-ikesworld.blogspot.com/

Fiona- http://idontdostraight.blogspot.com

Lady Brayton- www.ladybrayton71.blogspot.com

She's Working It!

2011-07-19T16:52:00.004-04:00

When I saw the Mix It Up Monday sketch (STVMONVD2) on Stamp TV yesterday, I just had to play! I knew with such a bold sketch (I rotated it) that it needed an image with attitude. That's why I selected Fashionista by Squigglefly artist Chesney Young. I also got a chance to use the Nestabilities that I bought on clearance a few weeks ago. The shape almost forms a spotlight around the image. My sentiment is from PTI.

Many thanks to all the comments about my husband, the model! If I had know how popular he would be I would have asked him to pose ages ago. Then again maybe not, wouldn't want him to get a swelled head!

Thanks for stopping by!

Squigglefly Challenege SFC107- Hang Ten!

2011-07-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

This is what it says inside:

Happy Monday! This week for the Squigglefly Challeng e SFC107 my team, Heather's Headliners, have their turn in the spotlight (and I must say they did a great job!) Our theme is: Hang Ten!- Show Hands, Feet, Fingers, Toes, Paws, Claws or Fins (or finger or footprints) on your project.

I chose a new release from last week called "Elementary, My Dear" by artist Lynne Stansbery. I knew as soon as I saw the image that was what I was going to use for this challenge. I envisioned fingerprints but ultimately it turned into a faux ransom note!

I knew I had a winner this morning when my husband looked at the card and told me he thought it was great. My husband is my worst critic so I know is he likes it I have a winner. Then he proceeded to tell me he would pose with the card for my blog. WTH? I hadn't asked him to do that, nor had I planned to put any such photo on my blog posting. But sometimes a girl has to do what a girl's go to do ;) Married for nearly 18 years and he's still my cutie (unless he is criticizing my cards!)

SFC106- Heavy Metal

2011-07-17T21:10:00.003-04:00

Believe it or not, I loved the theme of last week's Squigglefly challenge SFC106 which was "Heavy Metal" - use metal on your creation. I used "Here's to You" by artist Chesney Young- it is one of my go-to images. I had one of those weeks and by the time I carved out an evening for crafting (Thursday) I had unexpected drama which killed my mood. But I was determined to play in the challenge so when my husband was unexpectedly called to work last night, I had a window of opportunity. I listed to 4 chapters of a Nora Roberts book (book 3 of the bride quartet) and I had lots of fun crafting.

SFC106- Heavy Metal

2011-07-12T22:27:00.003-04:00

My sample will be posted tomorrow.

This week is a special challenge for Squigglefly because this is the first challenge for Marlene's Marvels. Her team really rocked the Heavy Metal Challenge on the Squigglefly blog.

It has been a very hectic week in my home- day camp- EARLY day camp plus swimming lessons afterward. My child has been dead on her feet after camp for the past 2 days and a touch grumpy (ok REALLY, REALLY grumpy and tired by the time she gets home). Not enough hours in the day this week (yawn). Now that you mention it- I'm tired too.

SFC105- Good Old Sumertime

2011-07-04T08:20:00.002-04:00

Happy Independence Day to those of you in the US! Today marks the first day as an official co-team leader and challenge leader for Squigglefly. My first challenge was to create a project depicting what summertime means to you SFC105. I couldn't resist this Sun image by Janet Jones.

Enjoy the holiday and wear sunscreen!

SFC104- Red, White and Blue

2011-06-27T09:02:00.005-04:00

This week's Squigglefly challenge is: SFC104- Red, White and Blue. My sentiment is Birthday Wishes by Jess Holland. It is also the last challenge hosted by team leader Vicki. I will miss being having Vicki (aka the basement stamper) on the team next term- she is lots of fun, a loyal friend and one heck of a stamper! (And she's not even paying me much to say nice things about her!)

For my card I used the sketch from CPS224 and some paper from Daisy D (I wish they hadn't gone out of business- I love their paper). See the nifty inverted scallops around my sentiment? JoAnn's had Nestabilities sets on clearance for $5.97 each (reg. $24.99) and I bought the inverted circles and squares. A really great bargain!

Pear Tree Designs Sketch 54

2011-06-25T10:10:00.002-04:00

I tried a new to me challenge this week- Pear Tree Designs sketch challenge #54. I really liked the sketch. The main image is Loving Home from Squigglefly. The sentiment is from Stampendous. I experimented with using Faber Castell Big Brush markers with Copics for the trees- turned out a little streaky but I like the different shades of green. The background paper is from Making Memories and I ran it through my Big Shot to add some texture then randomly sanded to bring out some pattern and added a little chalk ink around the edges. I love how it turned out- I'll take the time to distress my papers in the future! It really looks different than the original paper.

SFC103 + SC338

2011-06-23T09:00:00.003-04:00

Asking me to pick my favorite Squigglefly image (SFC103) is impossible- there are so many that I use for all different reasons. Since I don't have time to make a card with every "favorite" I chose "Perturbed Tilly" because she has so much spunk! And it is an amazing likeness (self portrait) of the artist and my fellow team leader, Marlene. (Don't worry Marlene probably THINKS I am kidding!)

I paired the image with the SplitCoastStampers sketch for this week (SC338). Now that I own the Slice Elite I don't have to avoid sketches with large circles. Tilly's earrings were colored with a Bic permanent markers to match her outfit. The sentiment is stickers and they have the same texture as labels from a labelmaker.

My daughter is out of school for the summer and starting tonight we are going to spend some time daily in our art journals. I have been very good about doing a bit every day. Julie Fei-Fan Balzer has really inspired me. When she admitted that she doesn't always finish a page in a day it made me realize that I could RELAX and enjoy the process without worrying about completing a page per day. Now that I work that way, I find myself sneaking in work here and there when I have free time and I get more done than when I blocked out long sessions. Doesn't mean that sometimes I don't like long sessions too, but I can be an art journaler even if I don't have hours to play!

Exciting news!

2011-06-20T00:02:00.000-04:00

Squigglefly proudly announces their new design team! I'll be leading Heather's Headliners and Marlene will be leading Marlene's Marvels. I'm very excited to be working with Marlene and all of the talented women on the design team. A number of our new team members have never been on a design team and I'm so excited that they'll be sharing their creations in the upcoming months.

Smeared and Smudged Member Blog Hop

2011-06-13T23:45:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the June Smeared and Smudged Member blog hop. Hopefully you have arrived here from Black Dragon's blog. If not you can start from the beginning at Tori's blog.

Out theme this month was to use a natural element and a stamped or digital image on your project. I used a twig from my yard. I meant to do a simple stick binding but the stick was brittle and broke. So instead of wandering around my yard with a flashlight (just call me last minute Heather) I took a piece of the stick and tied it in with the twine. The butterfly definition is an image from Innovative Stamp Creations. The butterflies are made out of feathers and are very light. I found them at a ribbon outlet store and had been saving them for a special project.

Thanks for hopping by- next stop on the hop is Laura's blog.

Hop List:

Tori http://ndustrial-lemon.blogspot.com/

Paula http://www.whatspeaks2myheart.wordpress.com

Sugar http://sugscardsnmore.blogspot.com/

Kapree http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com/

Lady Brayton http://www.ladybrayton71.blogspot.com/

Black Dragon http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/

Heather http://stampdetails.blogspot.com/ -------> you are here

Laura http://craftylittlewoman.blogspot.com/

Ike http://suzy-ikesworld.blogspot.com/

Jane http://jcocraft.blogspot.com/

Jennifer http://justcoffeepleasestampsribbonspaper.blogspot.com/

SFC 102- Make it Masculine!

2011-06-13T23:40:00.002-04:00

Squigglefly's challenge (SFC102) for this week is to make a masculine card. Above is a quick birthday card I made for my Father In Law. I paper pieced the tires so I could put them on pop dots to raise them but they turned out a little funky... Both images are from Squigglefly.

Squigglefly News/ Craft Critique Round-Up

2011-06-11T14:32:00.004-04:00

Squigglefly had a new release today and one of the images, Fairy Klara by artists Jane Beljo is a special image. All proceeds from the sale of this image go to http://www.one-happy-mama.com/2011/05/fundraiser-for-hope.html to help fun research for Juvenile Diabetes.
Squigglefly new design team will officially be announced on June 20.

Craft Critique featured reviews of games and crafts for kids this week. Including American Girl Craft Kits, Perler beads and more. Check out the reviews and get some ideas to keep your kids entertained this summer. Did I mention they are giving away a bunch of kits to some of our lucky readers?

Some new art will be posted soon... I've been working on some super secret stuff I can't show you yet.