Back to School with Mary Margaret

First, I wanted to give everyone an update on Chelsey's condition.  She is still doing well in the hospital except for being tired of being in bed already.  She did have another minor setback last week...the doctors informed her that she has gestational diabetes on top of her other pregnancy problems.  Now, she is learning how to count her carbs and other diet issues with the help of the dietitian, so hopefully she won't need insulin.  She wants to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  My nephew came to visit us from North Carolina, so he is going to see Chelsey with another nephew and his wife today.  I'm sure that will help cheer her up!

Since school started last week for my grandkids, I thought I would make their teachers a card.  I wanted to use this image from Michelle Perkett Studio called Mary Margaret, and Michelle's challenge this week is a back-to-school theme.  As usual, I colored the image with colored pencils and blended the colors with tortillions and baby oil.  Mary Margaret is cut out and then popped up with foam adhesives for dimension.  Since this is for my DGD's teacher, I thought it would be good to make her a bookmark to go with the card, so I added a pocket to hold the bookmark.  The image originally got lost in the DP, so I backed her with some cardstock to make her stand out better.  The apple on the image and on top of the pile of books on the bottom right corner by children's author, Elizabeth O. Dulemba, both have Glossy Accents on them which doesn't show up to good in the pictures.  To finish off the front of the bookmark, I used a star eyelet to hold the cording from my stash that has a cute little pencil and ruler metal charms that are also a stash item.

The DP is the Classroom Collage and Stripe by daisy d's.  I've been hoarding them for a while, so I don't know if they're still available.  I've been dying to use my new little craft sewing machine, so I finally got it out of the box and used it on this card.  I'll need some more practice, but I'm sure I'll use it more in the future.  All of the edges are distressed with an emery board and inked with Distress Inks.  After distressing all of the edges this way, I think it's time to invest in the distressing tool.  The ribbon was from my stash and the rub-on that says, "thanks so much" on the top left is an American Crafts mini marks. 

The inside of the card has another digi of a set of books and apple from Elizabeth O Dulemba.  Her images are fabulous, and even better is the fact that they're free!  Just go to her site, Coloring Page Tuesdays, and you can choose from tons of fascinating images.  I've been coloring some of her Halloween images and I can't wait to make some cards with them.  Elizabeth is a accomplished children's author and a big supporter of libraries.  Since I volunteered in the children's library and at my kid's school library, I applaud her dedication to promote reading.  I was very lucky to be one of two Elizabeth's Coloring Page Tuesday supporters that recently won some autographed books.  My grandkids absolutely LOVE them! 

The thanks so much phrase and the dots are another American Crafts rub-on and the sticker is from my stash.  This goes to school with Chloe tomorrow, so I hope her teacher likes it!  Only two more cards to go!

~~  Lee  ~~

Challenges:
Michelle Perkett Studio:  Back to School
Daisy Doodles Creative Challenges:  Anything Goes
Cupcake Craft Challenges:  Let's Get Digital
Incy Wincy Designs:  Back To School
Little Red Wagon:  Back to School
Fussy and Fancy:  Back to School
Simple Doodles:  Back to School
Stamp Somethings:  Back to School Somethings
Crafty Hos Challenge:  Use Your School Supplies
Bee Crafty:  Anything Goes
Stampin' Sisters in Christ:  Use Metal
Paper Cutz Challenge:  Use Some Type of Metal

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Challenges Blog

I have another new challenge blog to tell you all about.  It's called The Fuzzy Wuzzy Challenges.  Not only do they have some awesome sponsors already lined up for you, but they are also offering some fabulous blog candy!!!!  They will be starting everything off on September 3rd, but you need to get over there now to sign up to win their awesome blog candy!

"The countdown is ON .... only days to go until our first ever Fuzzy Wuzzy Challenge!

And to kick things off in the most exciting way possible, we have a gift or two to share with you!!
Thats right, we are so excited about our new challenge, we are having a candy... and WHOA! What a candy it is too!!"

Up for grabs is:

*$30 (AUD) gift voucher from Tickled Pink Stamps!
Kellie is taking a short recess, but you can still window shop NOW!!

*Two digital stamps of your choice and an unmounted Hansel rubber stamp from The Stamping Bazaar

*$15 (AUD) digi stamp gift voucher from my bud, Zoe, at Make It Crafty

*One Popcorn Bear set - Golfing Popcorn

*One TGF Marlene Stamp

~~~ Lee ~~~

Prayers Needed for Chelsey!

Our family is in need of prayers for my youngest daughter, Chelsey.  She is having some problems with her pregnancy and will be hospitalized for the next 3 -7 weeks.  She is in her 21st week of pregnancy, and had surgery the other day to stitch her cervix together.  They had been trying to get pregnant for over five years, so her pregnancy was truly a blessing.  The doctor initially didn't place any restrictions on her, but after her ultrasound on Wednesday they immediately sent her to a hospital in Colorado Springs which is about 50 miles from here. 

Needless to say, we are trying to think of ways to keep her occupied, so she won't go stir crazy laying in bed.  She wants to crochet a baby blanket, so I'll be taking her lots of supplies to keep her busy crocheting.  Chelsey tried her hand at cross-stitch while she was in Iraq, but she didn't last long with it since isn't as crafty as the rest of the family.  If any of you have been in this situation and have any ideas on things to do beyond word searches, I'd appreciate your help.  Please, continue to keep them in your prayers in the upcoming weeks.  THANKS!

~~  Lee  ~~

Raise the Bar GD Challenge

I've been spending more time with the grandkids lately since school will be starting soon.  It's hard to believe that summer will be over soon.  I know I'm not looking forward to winter, but with all of the 100 degree temperatures that we've had this summer it will be a nice to have some cooler weather!

I recently was one of the Top Three over at Raise the  Bar challenge blog which gives me a guest designer spot this week.  This card takes me back to my card making roots that I've been missing lately.  The challenge is an ABC challenge; include an Animal, the color Brown and be a Clean & Simple card.  Talk about hitting the trifecta here!  I love all three of these items!  Since I make cards for Operation Write Home whenever I can, this is one challenge card that will fit perfectly in the box heading for the soldiers serving overseas.

I've always loved this beautiful moose stamp from Coronado Island stamps.  I usually try to use it with my Stampscapes scenes to really show it off even more, but since this is supposed to be a CAS card,  I stamped it alone with Tuxedo Black Memento ink.  My most satisfying way to add color is still using colored pencils, so that's what I used here with some help from the blending stumps dipped into baby oil.  Since this is a sunset scene, I had to get out the Sakura white gel pen and add some highlights and stars.  The black cardstock matting is from an ebay seller.  A stamper from our Stampscapes II yahoo group told us to use black to frame your scenic stamping to help make the image pop.  Don't you just love how helpful other stampers are?  Thanks to all of you for your great advice!

I took a bit of artistic liberty on this moose to highlight the color brown a bit more instead of their fairly disgusting mangy-looking fur!  My colors aren't the greatest and the glare is horrible since I had to take the picture inside because it was storming outside.  One of these days I'll try to put together some kind of light box!

The rest of the card was really simple which is what CAS is all about!  Instead of filling up all of the white space for once, it sure is nice to put the spotlight back on the central image!  This was going to be an obvious masculine card, so I decided to use kraft cardstock from Hobby Lobby as a base.  No frilly flowers for this card, so I took out the Magic Mesh and placed it in the background to dress it up a little.  I don't usually put the sentiment on the outside unless I have a specific occasion for the card, but I knew this would be used for OWH.  The sentiment is a rubon from American Crafts that I outlined with a Zig Millennium black pen and then added another rubon from Heidi Grace.  The finishing touch was a few pearls from Michael's.  

Well, tomorrow is another grandma day, so hopefully I can get some crafting time this weekend!  I made some flowers that I'm itching to use!

~~  Lee  ~~

CDAC Member Giveaway

Membership does have benefits especially at Crafter's Digital Art Center!  How would you like to win the awesome Genius MousePen 8" x 6" Graphic Tablet that is pictured below?

"Genius MousePen 8" x 6" Graphic Tablet

One CDAC Member will win this Drawing tablet. You can learn to draw your own digis with this prize. This brand new tablet is ergonomically designed for drawing, handwriting, sketching, coloring, or picture editing, and powered directly by the USB connection. It’s not only a fantastic media tool for designers, but a "hand-eye" coordination, fun input device for a computer. Giveaway ends Sept 13th and winner will be picked by random generator.

Prize Features are..

8"x6" working area, comfortable for easy drawing, painting and using the PC

1024-level pressure sensitivity for all kinds of shapes and thickness control

Make handwriting notes/drawings on the Internet and in any application program

Cordless mouse and pen design gives you unlimited freedom

3D scroll wheel for fast browsing on the Internet and in Windows documents

Corel Painter-The ultimate digital sketching and painting tool

Supports Windows 2003/XP/Me/2000/98"

WOW!  Wouldn't you love to win this?  I know I would, so that's why I'm telling you about this great prize that a member of CDAC will win!  There are some requirements to win this blog candy, but if you're already a member of CDAC you're off to a good start!  Here's the requirements: 

"1. You must be a member of CDAC since this is candy to Thank our members.
2. Display the CDAC member badge on your blog sidebar (see badge on the right sidebar)
3. Add a photo of this prize/candy to your sidebar and link it to the front page of CDAC (http://priscillastyles.ning.com/)
4. Blog about CDAC and this prize and link the blog post to Mr. Linky below. (link your "my page" if you do not have a blog)
5. Meet some new people by following and comment on 5 New Groups here on CDAC
6. Follow the "priscillastyles" Group and Blog
7. Buy at least two digi from any of the digital artists here on CDAC between now and Sept 13th. We all appreciate the business here on CDAC so these purchases are based on the honor system and I would like to thank you in advance for your support to our artists.
**If you don't have a blog that is ok too...just follow the steps above and in place of steps #2 & #3 , please email at least 10 friends about CDAC and any help with spreading the word about CDAC is appreciated."
 
This information was copied from the CDAC, so you have to go there to sign up with Mr. Linky.  This shouldn't be a problem since you were probably going there anyway to sign up to win this wonderful blog candy!

~~  Lee  ~~

A Thousand Sheets of Paper Blog Candy

Talk about some blog candy!  Over at A Thousand Sheets of Paper blog, she's celebrating by giving away a Thousand Sheets of Paper!  How cool is that?  And it gets even better!  She has tons of stamps to give away, too!  For more details on how you can win one of the great packages, hop on  over to her blog.  Hurry, signup ends Friday, September 3rd!

OWH | Old Spice

I had to share this with all of my wonderful Blogger friends!  Sandy always goes over and above for all of our wonderful Heroes serving overseas, but I don't know how she's going to top this one!  What do you think? 


Now, if you want to know more about what YOU can do to help, go to Operation Write Home.  I'm sure you have extra cards laying around that could be put to good use, or maybe you can donate a few dollars to help pay some of the postage for the USPS Priority Flat Rate Boxes that are full of cards for our troops!  Spread the word!  We need your help!

~~  Lee  ~~

Double Pocket Card Tutorial

I hope all of you have had a chance to go through the Michelle Perkett Studio DT Blog Hop!  What fabulous creations from everyone that was involved in this hop thanking Michelle's first DT for their inspiration throughout their tenure.  Michelle gave us her new image, Leilani, to use for the hop plus she introduced two other beautiful digis to also celebrate the occasion.  If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, go to Michelle's blog to start at the beginning.

I tried to post this tutorial yesterday, but we finally had rain to cool us off from our 90 and 100 degree heat.  Unfortunately, we usually have good storms to go with the rain, so our electricity kept getting knocked out.  Sorry for the delay, but it's here now!  I've only done one short tutorial, so I hope I made this easy enough for everyone to understand.  I prefer to see videos myself, but this way is much easier for me right now.

This card shows tags sticking out of both of the pockets.  I love pocket cards because I like to add a special note when giving the recipient a gift card.  I don't like everyone to be able to see private notes, and this type of card really fits the bill.  I originally found a video on You Tube for this type of card, but when I went to make it, it was just too small to show off the image I wanted to use.  Needless to say, I played around with regular paper to make a pattern that would work.  Note to self - write down all dimensions instead of relying on the pictures!  It's amazing what the measurements look like at different angles! 

Now for the details!  This card front will fit on top of a 5" x 7" card base.  The base of this card is actually a "Z" fold card.  The overall dimensions will be 14 1/4" x 6 3/4", but since most card stock isn't that wide, you will have to make this card with two pieces of cardstock adhered together.

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Four pieces -

First piece 9 1/2" x 6 3/4"

Second piece 5" x 2 3/4"

Third piece 3 1/4" x 5"

Fourth piece 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Coordinating pieces for matting your image

Design Paper: 3 pieces -

First piece - 4 5/8" x 61/2"

Second piece - 4 5/8" x 3 3/4"

Third piece - 4 5/8" x 2 5/8"

Card Base 5" x 7"
Adhesive

Ribbon - 5"

Fibers
Edges of doily to fit

White Gel Pen

Embellishments
Paper Cutter
Scoring Board and/or Bone Folder

Fiskars Oval Cutter or Stencil & Scissors

Cut the FIRST base piece of cardstock to 9 1/2" X 6 3/4".  Score this piece at 4 3/4".  Cut the SECOND base piece of cardstock to 5" x 6 3/4".  Score this piece at 4 3/4" and fold over with a bone folder.

Take a piece of design paper that you want to be on the top section of the card, and cut it 4 11/16" x 6 1/2".  You can cut it shorter, but remember that your tag will be going up and down so it could catch if it's too short.  Put adhesive on the back of the design paper and place it on top of the largest section of the 6 3/4" x 9 1/2" (not including the cutout section) piece of scored cardstock.  I added stitch lines to the design paper with a white gel pen. 

Now, cut another piece of design paper to measure 4 11/16" x 3 3/4" that you want to be in the center of the card.  Again, you can cut it shorter than 3 3/4" high, but the tag for the gift card will also be going in and out of this pocket.  Put adhesive on the back of the design paper and place it on top of the smallest section of the 6 3/4" x 9 1/2" (not including the cutout section) piece of scored cardstock.   Add the faux stitch lines with a white gel pen.

Cut the last piece of design paper 4 11/16" x 2 1/4" that will go on the bottom section, or the piece of the cardstock that is 6 3/4" x 2 3/4".  I used a border punch on the top side of the cardstock, so you may have to adjust the heigth of the design paper to compensate for different sized edge punches.  Just measure from the bottom of the lowest cut piece to the bottom of the cardstock and subtract 1/8" so you have room for the border.  Now is a good time to put a ribbon on the card before you glue it to the front of the cardstock.  Finally, you can put the adhesive on the back of the design paper and adhere it to the cardstock.  Finish this piece off with some more faux stitching with a white gel pen.

Now you apply the adhesive.  I like to use a good non-foam strip adhesive here, but you can also use a strong liquid glue like Scotch's Quick Dry Adhesive or even a good quality double stick tape.  The picture above shows where you will place the adhesive on the cardstock pieces except that I cut off the left side of the big piece that also needs tape.  It's easier to get the proper amount of tape if you place it on the left side versus the right side.  The top piece will have the design paper on the right side, not like it's pictured. The adhesive on the left will fold over the top of the right side piece to make the first pocket. The bottom piece will have to be flipped over, so the design paper will be on the other side. I cut the top section of this piece with the border punch after I took the picture, but it's much easier cutting it first. Make sure you also place the adhesive on the flap on the left side. This will be what holds it to the cardstock piece on the top to make the second pocket. Now, flip this piece over and adhere it to the bottom section of the bigger piece.

You can now have fun decorating the front of the card.  I put this 4 1/4"oval section with a 4 5/8" matt on this card.  I glued the edges of a doily in between the matting, or you could even use ribbon here.  I like the doilies because they are lighter and less bulkier.  The main thing you'll want to do with the doily is to cut the bottom section (part that you'll glue to the back) about 1/4" apart making sure you don't cut into the design you want to show on the front.  This makes it easier to go around the rounded edges easier (ignore this if you are doing this to a square or oblong piece).  I used a heart shaped doily on this piece, but other shapes will work fine.  To add the oval to the front, you can't put adhesive on all sides to secure it like you normally would.  Lay the oval where you want it placed, and then place the adhesive so you can slide the tags back and forth across the pockets.  I only used two pieces of adhesive like what is shown on the picture, but use what you think is appropriate.  You can also use a smaller oval or even use a circle for your image here.  This portion helps hide the tags, so it's up to you to use what you want.  Some people even leave the front as is or add just a few embellishments.  I based my oval on the size of the image I was using.

Now that the card front is done, you need to make the tags.  The bigger tag is 3 1/4" x 5".  Measure 1" from the top left and right sides and make a small mark.  Go down 1" from the left and right sides and also mark those spots.  Cut diagonally from the top and side marks, and then repeat this on the other side.  The second tag is 2 1/2" x 4 1/2".  I made a mark on each side 3/4" from the sides.  Then, I made another mark at 7/8" on each side from the top down.  Cut these diagonally from each side like you did on the other tag.  In order to keep the gift card or other type of card from getting lost in the pocket, I made a pocket with a small plastic bag.  First, find a bag that the tag and card will fit into comfortably.  Cut the bag 2" from the bottom up, and then tape the excess over and tape it at the back.  Also make sure to tape the plastic bag to the cardstock at the back.  Now, punch a small hole in the top center of each tag and tie fibers or ribbons through the holes.  You can also use reinforcements on the front and back of the hole if you like. 

Finally, you can glue the card front to the card base.  Since this is heavier than your basic card, you will want to make sure and use a good adhesive like I mentioned above.  I finished this card by decorating the inside with some stickers that matched the front of the card.  My finished card is shown below.

Well, I hope you are able to make sense of my tutorial, and I look forward to seeing what you make.  Just leave your URL to your project in my comment section, so I can stop over and check it out.  If you have any problems with this, just leave me a comment or send me an email and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

~~  Lee  ~~

Michelle Perkett Studio DT Aloha Blog Hop

Aloha!

Today, you are in for some awesome treats as we celebrate the Michelle Perkett Studio first Design Team's departure with a Blog Hop!  It's been six months since this wonderful group of people began designing all kinds of wonderful challenges for us, so we wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of them for all of their wonderful inspiration!  You'll be able to see all kinds of eye candy from all over the world on this blog hop.  Isn't it great how we're able to see so much talent from all over the world thanks to the internet?
If you came here from Pattie's Blog, then you are in the right spot.  If you get lost along the way, you can always go back to Michelle Perkett's blog for all of the stops.

Since I wanted to really highlight Michelle's new image, Leilani, I made this pocket card on a 5" x 7" base.  I will post a tutorial tomorrow telling you all of the measurements of this card.  The DP and stickers are from a page kit from NRN Designs I had bought a couple years ago but could never find a good use for them.  Thanking the design team is an excellent reason to use these yummy papers! 

Leilani was colored with my favorite medium, colored pencils, and blended with tortillions (paper blending stumps) and baby oil.  The highlights were made with a white Sakura gel pen.  The "lace" behind the image is actually a paper doily.  They are so beautiful, and they also don't make as much bulk or weight on the card like ribbon does.  Leilani is popped up with foam adhesives, and the flower stickers by her feet are also from this page set.  The DP is "attached" with some white gel pen faux stitches.  The fibers are from my stash and Little Black Dress Designs.  Don't you just love this 3M Smart Kraft floral ribbon?  This was some blog candy that I won from a blogger in Australia.

The pockets hold a special card thanking the DT.  The DT includes Pattie, Tammy, Nancy, Rhonda, Lynne, Terri, Jean, Ileana and the originals; Jana, Carlie, Kerrie, Gini and Cabio.  What a fabulous group of talent!  They gave us lots of challenges to our own talents that many of us didn't even know existed.  I'm sure they will continue to inspire us in their future endeavors!  We can't begin to thank you enough for introducing us to Michelle's wonderful digi stamps!!!!  The challenges you gave us not only made us think outside the box, but showed us that we all have an inner child waiting to be released.  I love all of the different types of images that Michelle offers, and the DT has helped to open my eyes differently to ones that didn't first appeal to me.  I'm so happy that this wonderful group of women has helped to broaden my horizons much more than I could have ever imagined!

Don't forget to stop over by Michelle Perkett's Etsy shop to see all of the other images that she has available.  If you're like me, you'll want them all!

Your next stop in the hop will be at Pauline's blog.  This is another blogger from Australia that has some really gorgeous creations for you to enjoy!  Don't forget to stop back tomorrow for some more eye candy and the tutorial for the pocket card!  Since the Hawaiin name for Lee is Li, I will sign off a bit differently today.

~~  Li  ~~

Challenges:
Aly's Sunday Challenge - Under or By the Sea
C.R.A.F.T. #61 - Hot & Spicy Colors
Crafty Creations - Summer Lovin'
Crafty Ann - Lazy Hazy Days of Summer
The Crafty Pad - Ribbons and Flowers
Dutch Dare - Anything Goes
For Fun - Colors of Summer
Fresh Brewed Designs - #13 Inspiration Challenge
Raise the Bar - A Sticky Situation
S2G Papercrafting Contest - Summertime Fun Summer Accessory
Shelley's Images - Vacation Time
Stamping Vacation - Pick 3