High Time for a Couple New Follower Freebies!

Okay so, yeah, I'm a little behind in my follower freebies.  Okay, whom I trying to kid, I'm so far behind, it is likely to take me years to catch up but at least I haven't given up on this concept yet.  To be truthful, I haven't given up on any of the special concepts I've created on this blog although you'd think it from the lack of consistency.  However, the Saturday Showcase, Sunday Spotlight, Wonderful Wednesdays, etc., are all still ideas that I am passionate about, they've just had to sit on the back-burner for a while as other passions come to the forefront.  As much as I'd like to be able to do it all, I'm learning all too hard the infallibilities of being me.

However, today I am able to offer up two more Follower Freebies.  As promised in my prior post, I'm offering up the two sentiments that I used on my recent Pattie's Creation project (click HERE if you missed that post).

Follower Freebie #40:    In honour of 'sandybear76' who became a follower on November 7th, 2012.  

Follower Freebie #41:    In honour of AmyJRockstar who became a follower on November 8th, 2012.  

To grab either sentiment (or both if you want), click on each of the previews above to be taken to the download locations.  In each zip folder you will find a copy of the sentiment, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.  As usual, each sentiment is in png format and published at 300 dpi.  

It is my true hope that each of you is enjoying your summer, or winter for that matter, depending on which side of the world you live on.

I've got quite a number of sentiments that I've developed for the insides of my cards over this past year that I haven't actually made into freebies (bad me--I really feel like I'm neglecting you guys in more ways than one) but it is on my 'to do' list to get them out there.  Well, one of my 'to do' lists anyway, there seem to be rather a lot of them!

Have an absolutely fabulous weekend everyone!  I wish you bright blue skies and gentle breezes wherever you may be!

Until next time,

Font Information

• GarineldoNo01 font and GarineldoSC font created by gluk

Click on the font name to take you to a download location. These fonts were listed as free for commercial use at the time of these creations.

Card Design: Pattie's Creations Challenge #95...Summertime Fun

Happy Friday everyone!  We are back from a two week break and it is time to announce the next challenge over at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge.  This time around for Challenge #95, the theme for the next two weeks is Summertime Fun.  This is the perfect opportunity to get some summer cards created.  While I don't usually give out 'summer' cards, I have the perfect recipient in mind for this one!  How about you?  Who will you create for?

Here is my card, I hope that I haven't forgotten any important details: 

FRONT

Digital Image Details: 

• Sea Shell Border 1, Sea Shell Border 2, and Six Seashell Images:  These are such unique images.  You can find them in Pattie's Etsy shop by clicking on the image names or watermarks linked below.  While the Six Seashell Images watermark is only represented by the sand dollar, be rest assured that there are six separate seashell images in the set.
• I used the first border on the left and then added border number two to the right.  Then I took some of the individual seashells and added them to the front to create a complete seashell frame.

• The images were added to the sand background paper that I created in Photoshop Elements using a layer style from Sheila Reid, a designer with Pixel Scrapper.  I then added shadows to each of the sea shells using a shadow layer style from this same designer.  It is incredible the difference it makes with adding a simple small shadow vs leaving it flat.  Once the overall design of the front was completed, I printed it out, cut it out and then coloured the shells with Copic Markers.  I had such fun colouring the shells because I got to mix and match colours that normally wouldn't go together. Peaches and purples, pinks and blues, purples and blues, oh my!

Digital Sentiment Details:

• One I created for this card.  Stay tuned because momentarily I'll be offering it up as a Follower Freebie.  Boy, I haven't done one of those in a long time!

INSIDE 

Digital Image Details: 

• Six Seashell Images:  I also used some of the individual seashell images on the inside.  Two separate ones on the left hand side...

• ...and then I used the sand dollar image as a watermark underneath the sentiment on the right hand side.  I just love being able to add so many different images to one card but making them all look like they belong there.  Hopefully, I've been able to achieve that in this project as well...

Digital Sentiment Details:

• One I created and just like the sentiment from the front, stay tuned as I will be offering it up as a freebie.

OVERALL
Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's cardstock, Preppy Beach collection.
• Image, sentiment and beach digital paper base: Michael's Recollection's cardstock, white.

Digital Paper Products:

• Digital paper created by me using a layer style from Sheila Reid (details above).

Challenges I am hoping to enter...  

• Avenue 613 -- Anything Goes with optional twist
• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ (5E)-- Anything Goes
• http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://craftylittlefairieschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Summer Fun
• http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Feels Like Summer
• http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Summer Fun
• http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes/Twist: 
  Summertime
• Whimsy Inspirations Challenge -- Summertime
• http://craftingmusketeers.blogspot.co.uk/ (1E)-- Summertime
• http://natalieandamy.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Summertime
• http://sparklesforumchallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- At the Beach/Summer Fun

I really hope that you will join us sometime during the next two weeks.  Don't forget that along with all the typical rules that apply to the majority of challenges out there (please click HERE to become familiar with all the rules), you MUST USE A DIGITAL OR STAMPED IMAGE to qualify for the drawing (unless stated otherwise).  We would absolutely love to see you use a Pattie's Creations (PC) image on your card, but you are allowed to use other images.  If you do use a PC image, you will gain an extra entry in the draw and will have a better chance to WIN!  You can enter twice per challenge and of course MUST follow all the challenge requirements that are posted for each challenge. Easy Peasy right! 

As always, I hope that you will also check out what my fabulous teammates have offered up for inspiration and pop over in two weeks time for the next challenge brought to you by Team Pattieboop.  Oh and don't forget...Pattie offers up a new freebie the first Friday of the month.  So, be sure to add the date to your calendar so you don't miss it!

Until next time, 

12 Months of Christmas Link Up June Winners

 

Happy Hump Day everyone.  Before too much more time gets away from me, I better get to announcing the stats for June.  It has been another wonderful month filled with lots of creativity.  Thank you for continuing to link up your Christmas cards.  Here are the stats for the month of June...

JUNE

Something is wonky with the numbers this time around.  There are a total of 62 link ups with two of those linkups having 2 cards each.  So, my thinking is that would bring the number up to 64.  However, when I count everyone up, I somehow have a total of 65.  Not sure where I went wrong this month but anyway, I guess I'll leave it that we had eighteen people linking up a total of 65 creations to the 12 Months of Christmas Link Up during the month of June. Fifteen of those individuals linked up a minimum of two cards each qualifying them to receive the sixth paper of the season, which I've included the watermark of, below.

So, the following people need to send an email to decossesdynamitedoodles {at} yahoo {dot} ca, or by clicking HERE to bring the address up in your email program, with the subject heading, "Christmas Link Up--June":

• Hazel
• Suze
• Susan Renshaw 
• Helen/Made by Helen
• Crafting Vicky
• Margaret A
• Pumpy
• centralnyscrapper
• Edwina Brown
• TaylorMade4U
• Ellis
• KT Fit Kitty
• Gloria Shirr
• Borqna
• Kelly L.

Now, as always, if you thought you had linked up two cards but don't find your name in the list above, just let me know and we'll sort things out.

I ask that you continue to be patient with waiting for me to send out your paper.  I promise that I'll get to it as quick as I can.  Please note that these names have now also been added to the link up page as well, for anyone who doesn't see this post. 

 Don't forget, each month you have an opportunity to earn a new Christmas themed paper.  Then at the end of the year there will be an opportunity to potentially earn even more goodies in a special draw.  You can jump in at any time.  All you need to do is link up two cards in any one month, to my 12 Months of Christmas Link Up which can be found by clicking the same titled page above or HERE.  You'll find all the details you need on that post.  Hope to see your cards linked up there!

I've got lots of stuff brewing up so I hope that you'll drop by again soon.  Have a great evening all!

Until next time,

Flashback Friday: July 4, 2014

If you would like to see the impetus behind why I created Flashback Friday please go HERE.

Woo Hoo!  Two months in a row I have managed to come out with my Flashback Friday post.  But before I get to it I wanted to share what I was doing between 4:30 am and 5:30 am yesterday morning.  So, I got up to go to the bathroom, and unfortunately like it always seems to happen, I wasn't able to get back to sleep (keep in mind that I have only had about an hour and a half of sleep by this point).  So, with a thousand thoughts of everything I have to accomplish in the next couple weeks racing through my head, I started another 'to do' list, adding to it every few minutes over the course of the hour.  I thought I'd share it with you.

It is written on the back of a library book loan receipt and once I decipher my writing, I'm going to be rather busy trying to accomplish all these tasks.  The worst part is there are still about five other things I still need to add!  Oh and that reminds me, I need to order some more books as soon as I'm done here.

Anyway...on to the subject of today's post...

This month I've decided to showcase a light hearted image from my teenhood.  I've got a few like this.  Of course, I've based them on existing comics.  I wish I had the talent to come with this kind of stuff on my own.  Unfortunately, since it was sketched lightly, the scan is pretty light as well.  Hopefully you'll get the gist of the drawing...

Hee, hee.  I think every cat we have ever owned has felt exactly this way each and every time the vacuum cleaner was pulled out.  In case you can't read it, the piece is entitled 'The Alien'.  There is also a little mousehole under the electric socket with a sign outside of it that says, 'quiet please'.

This one is dated on the back so I would have been 16 or 17 at the time I drew it.

Okay peeps, well that is it for today. I am wishing you all well on this lovely Friday evening!  For those of you in the States celebrating this weekend, stay safe and have a great one!

Until next time,

Happy Independence Day to all my American Friends!

Today is the Fourth of July and that means that all my wonderful American friends are celebrating Independence Day.  As promised earlier this week, I have another treat.  This time in honour of the great old U.S. of A.

Here is what I came up with...

To grab this paper click HERE or on the preview above to be taken to a download location.  In the zip folder you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.  As usual,the paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels (i.e. 12 inches) and published at 300 dpi.  

Once again, while this paper is being offered as a tribute to Independence Day, lots of people should be able to use it.  Especially considering these are the same colours that represent Britain, Australia, France and other countries and we can always use a little red, white and blue in our creations.  Just as I am working on putting together an "Oh Canada" kit, I'm thinking of also putting together one called, "Spirit of America".  Given that the vast majority of my readers are from the States, it seems only fitting!

If everything goes according to plan I will be back this afternoon with my Flashback Friday post.  I might actually get two done, two months in a row?  I must be feverish or something! 

Have a great Friday everyone and have a fabulous weekend! 

Until next time,

I'm Sponsoring...The Your Scrapbook Place Challenge Blog

I'm thrilled to let you all know that I am sponsoring the latest challenge over at the Your Scrapbook Place Challenge Blog.  This is my second challenge sponsorship this year.
 
The current challenge starts today and the theme is Christmas in July.  The challenge is two weeks long and ends on July 14th.  I expanded on my Holiday Hoopla kit for this challenge and I can't wait to see what the DT members created using my goodies.  Here are the prizes up for grabs!

• One person will receive the full mini kit.
• One person will receive both paper sets (patterned and textured).
• One person will receive the word art set.
• One person will receive all three element sets (frames, lace/ribbons, brads).

That is a total of four different prizes!  I hope that you'll consider playing along in their challenge.  To help provide some incentive, I am offering up one of the papers from this kit as a freebie.

To grab this paper click HERE or on the preview above to be taken to a download location.  In the zip folder you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.  As usual,the paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels (i.e. 12 inches) and published at 300 dpi.   

You can find out all the details you need to enter the challenge over at Your Scrapbook Place Challenge Blog.  Here is your opportunity to get some of those Christmas cards created; so, I hope that you will consider joining in!  To head to the main challenge blog, click HERE.

Until next time,

 

Card Design: Scribbles Designs Challenge #18 Midway Point

Hello to all my wonderful friends and readers.  If you missed my earlier post, Happy Canada Day!  If this is the first visit to my blog today, you might want to scroll backwards after you are done here because there is a freebie for you in the previous post.  There is also something special coming out a couple of hours from now so be sure to come back later too! 

Right now though, it is time to present my midway project for the latest Scribbles Designs Challenge.  It is nice to be celebrating a Canadian company on Canada Day!  

There are two whole weeks left for you to come on over and enter. In case you've missed it, the theme this month for Challenge #18, is Say it with a Sentiment.  Words truly can convey much in the way of expressing what is on our mind and in our hearts. This month, instead of making an image the focal point of your project, we want you to use a sentiment. With so many beautifully scripted sentiments out there, we are sure you will find just the right words to convey, what it is you truly want to say.

Entering is super simple!  You do not need to use a Scribbles Designs image; however, if you do, your name gets entered into the draw twice.  You can purchase your Scribbles Designs images HERE or you can also find one for a limited time on the challenge blog HERE.  Also, be sure to check out Sam's special Freebie Friday posts as it is another great way to build your Scribbles Designs collection.  You can find the rest of the rules and information regarding winners in the sidebar on the challenge blog.  You have until 9pm PST on July 14th to come over and play with us. 
 
Originally I was going to do another Christmas card but then when I was out of town last week, I found out that there is going to be a secret wedding coming up very shortly.  I can't say too much considering it is supposed to be a secret, but suffice it to say that the groom (nor any of the guests for that matter) has any idea he is going to be getting married on....well, I definitely can't tell you that!

Just after I got home I found out about a fabulous new image that Sandy had created and knew it was perfect for both the card and my midway project.  I adore Sandy's subway art images and the new Wedding Subway Art one is no exception!  Click on the name or watermark below to take you to its location in the store. 

Here are my card and details, I hope I haven't forgotten anything...

FRONT

General Information:

• Given that this is for a wedding, I decided to do something a little bit more fancy and created a gatefold card.

Embellishments:

• Gem stones are Crafts brand, purchased at Dollarama.  Thank goodness I had sixteen of the little tear drops.  Of course, now I need to go and replenish my stock.  *Ü* Shopping trip *Ü* !!!
• The sheer white ribbon is Celebrate brand, purchased at Michaels.  Although completely off topic, I'm almost out of my tape runner refills and also white paper.   *Ü* Shopping trip *Ü* !!! 

INSIDE

General Information:

• Now I hemmed and hawed about whether there should have been an additional sentiment like, 'congratulations', but putting it anywhere would have destroyed the symmetry of the card.  Therefore I'm just going to write in 'Congratulations ___ & ___" by hand, just above the subway art and then sign our names at the bottom.

Digital Image Details: 

• Wedding Subway Art: Information for how to obtain this image is included above.
• I brought this image into Photoshop Elements and played around with it so that I could add some layer styles and colour to the various little pictures.  Digital Credits include:
• Hearts and cake were adapted using layer styles from Star Sunflower Studio.    
• The wedding rings and love birds were adapted using layer styles from Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com.
• The flowers and bird silhouette were just coloured in digitally using complimentary colours. 

Here is a closer view...

OVERALL

Paper Products: 

• Card base and die-cut pieces: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Soda Pop collection.
• Sentiment base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• The damask paper in the background on the front and inside is from the Recollection's Paisley and Damask Paper Pad.

Cricut Cartridge:

• The background shape in behind the sentiment on the inside of the card and the two pieces you see on the front of the card are actually the same electronic die-cut shape.  I kept the one on the inside solid and then cut the one for the front in half, flipping out the edges to create an interesting look.  This shape is available on the Elegant Edges cartridge.

Challenges I am hoping to enter... 

• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ (5E)-- Anything Goes 
• http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.ca/-- Anything Goes
• http://craftcreatoins.blogspot.ca/p/new-challenge.html-- Anything Goes
• http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/ -- Wedding
• http://simplycreatetoo.blogspot.ca/ -- Your Sentiment is the Highlight
• http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.nl/2014/06/challenge-25-anything-goes-with-twist.html-- Anything Goes, Twist: Get Sentimental
• http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.ca/ (max 9 others) -- Dies and/or Punches (I've used two electronic diecut shapes, see above for details)
• http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Ribbon
• http://opus-gluei.blogspot.ca/ -- All Tied Up:  Ribbon, Twine, String, etc.

So put on those thinking caps and design a project that fits our Say it with a Sentiment theme. If you need some images to help you out you can check out all wonderful ones that are in the Scribbles store (you can click the image above to head there now).  Remember there is still two weeks left to enter at the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog, so I hope to see you there. If you have some time, I invite you to go and check out the wonderful inspiration offered up from my colleagues on the DT.  With so many possible projects to create, the ideas are boundless.  We always look forward to seeing what you come up with for each month's theme! 

Until next time,

 

Happy Canada Day!

Good day and happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians!  Though we seem to be few among the card making/scrapbooking/blogging community, we are still mighty and very proud of this amazing country!

For those of you in other parts of the world that may not know too much about us, let me bust some of the myths out there....

Myth #1:  It is Always Cold in Canada

I hate to break it to you but if you are thinking of coming to Canada to get away from the heat of the summer months south of the border, don't expect it to be chilly up here.  Okay so the extreme northern parts of Canada may not have high temps and extreme humidity but the lower half of the country certainly does.  Just this past Sunday the temperature was 36° Celsius with the humidity (that would be 96.8° for all you Fahrenheiters) and that was in northern Ontario.  Often we can reach the mid 40's and most of southern Ontario stays in the low to mid 40's (with humidity) for a great deal of the summer.  That is just Ontario alone!  Of course we won't talk about the winter temperatures.  Just know that it doesn't snow across the entire country all year round.

Myth #2:  Toronto is the Capital of Canada

While Toronto happens to be the largest and most populated city in Canada and also the financial centre of our country, it is not in fact the capital of Canada (although it is the capital of the province of Ontario).  The honour of our country's capital is actually Ottawa.  If you thought it was Toronto, don't feel bad.  Unfortunately, there are a number of Canadians who hold the same belief!

Myth #3 - All Canadians Speak French

Bonjour!  Comment ça va?  While my French vocabulary might have a little more in it, it is not extensive.  I certainly can't carry a conversation of more than just a few sentences.  The worst part is that the hubs speaks fluent French.  It is after all, his first language.  While I got A's in French all through school, I just never mastered it.  I'm not alone.  While over 10, 000, 000 Canadians can carry a conversation, that is roughly only about 30% of our country's population (Statistics Canada, 2011).  Most of the French-speaking population lives in Quebec, where French is the official, provincial language.  That is where my good friend Vicky from Crafting Vicky is from. Outside of Quebec you'll find other high concentrations of French speaking people living in New Brunswick and Manitoba.  Northern Ontario has a higher concentration as well but you'll also find quite a few people in the Ottawa and London areas of Ontario who speak French too.  I'm sure there are many other communities across Canada with a portion of dedicated French speakers.  The reality though is that 70% of our country does not parlez-vous Français.

Myth #4 - Mounties in Red Uniforms Atop Horses Police our Country

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, more commonly known as the Mounties, is the national police force of Canada.  However, you are not apt to find them galloping through our cities and countryside in their red jacket, navy jodhpurs, brown boots and hat.  That particular dress form is usually reserved for official or ceremonial reasons.   Now while the majority of Canadian provinces do contract out their provincial law-enforcement responsibilities to the Mounties, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador maintain their own provincial police forces.  Additionally, many First Nation's Reserves have their own police forces established through agreements between the governing Native Band, the province and the federal government.

Myth #5 - All Canadians Say "Eh."

Well Okay.  You have us here.  Yes,  the majority of English speaking Canadians has uttered an eh or two (thousand) in their lifetime.  However, keep in mind, Canada is a very big country with many different people who speak many different languages with different dialects.  Not everyone can be accused of this stereotype, eh?

 ______________________________________________________________________

So there you go!  It is possible that you've just learned a bit more about this beautiful country that I am lucky to call home.  Of course, I couldn't let today go without giving out a freebie to honour Canada Day.  So check it out...

To grab this paper click HERE or on the preview above to be taken to a download location.  I'm trying something different.  This way, the credit information and terms of use will be kept with the creation itself. As usual, the paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels (i.e. 12 inches) and published at 300 dpi.  

Now even though this paper is in honour of Canada Day, anyone can make use out of it.  While it is just starting out, I'm hoping in the long run to have a whole kit honouring Canada, aptly called, "Oh Canada".  Oh and don't worry, I wouldn't forget the celebration coming up later this week in honour of my southern neighbours; so, be sure to come back on Friday for an Independence Day freebie.

Stay tuned as it is a busy day with double treats.  In just a couple hours I'll be posting my Scribbles Designs midway post and then at noon, I've got...well you'll just have to come back and see what I've got for you.... 

Until then,