Towards the Sunshine by Ching-Chou Kuik

Happy New Year, dear friends!

2018 was a most difficult year for me.  I am looking forward to this new year, being happy, and moving on.  Sunflowers are known to be "happy" flowers. I chose this beautiful image "Towards the Sunshine" because it showcases these lovely flowers. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/636798305/towards-the-sunshine-printable-instant?ref=shop_home_active_17 

Many authors and countless artists have used the symbolism of these flowers to inspire them.  Here is a more detailed explanation of their meaning and symbolism: 

http://www.flowermeaning.com/sunflower-meaning/

I created this card for Ching-Chou Kuik's monthly Facebook Challenge.  The theme is "New Beginnings". You may win some gorgeous images, if you enter.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/chingchoukuikdigitalstamps/

I used Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils to colour this image.  The sunflowers are handmade.  I included the dragonflies because of their meaning and symbolism as well: 

"The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world, symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life."

I wish you a healthy and wonderful new year.  Hugs, Lori P xx

Materials and Tools Used

Frames:         Spellbinders "Classic Scalloped Ovals" and "Classic Ovals Large" dies

Label:            Spellbinders "Classic Circles Large" dies

Flourish:        Crafter's Companion "Filigree Flourish" die

Borders:        Martha Stewart "Pinking Scallop" punch

Sunflowers:   SVG file

Dragonflies:   Marvy Uchida "Dragonfly"punch

Ribbon, pearls, beads, Magic Mesh and Flower Soft are from my stash.    

                 

Snowman with Baubles by Conie Fong

Hi, crafty friends!  It's hard to believe that Christmas is almost upon us.   We are expecting some snow on Christmas eve, so it will look like a winter wonderland here on Christmas day.  How perfect!  I have always loved snow!

I chose this delightful image "Snowman with Baubles" for my DT inspiration card.  You can find it in Conie's etsy shop here: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/486610997/digital-stamp-digi-stamp-digistamp?ref=shop_home_active_35&crt=1

I created this card for Conie's monthly Facebook challenge.  Conie is offering an adorable free snowman digital image this month, and a couple of other freebies, too.  Check it out here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/396730687168777/

In addition, Conie's Facebook group will give you information on some amazing giveaways that she is offering on Kit and Clowder's Facebook group.  Don't miss out on these festivities.  

As always, I have used my favourite mediums to colour this darling image (Copic markers and FC Polychromos pencils).  I wish you the special gifts of this beautiful holiday season...peace, joy and lasting happiness.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!  Hugs, Lori P xx

Recipe

Window:         Memory Box "Grand Madison Window" die

Label:              Spellbinders "Vintage Lace Motifs" dies

Flourish:          Fancy That "Swirly Flourish" die

Snowflakes:    The Paper Studio "Snowflake" paper punch

Beads, crimper, Swarovski crystals, white flocking, ribbon are from my stash.

Challenges entered

As You Like It Challenge Blog

http://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.com/

Creative Moments Challenge Blog

http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/

Crafty Gals Corner Challenge Blog

http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/

The Fairy and the Unicorn Challenge Blog

https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2018/12/december-challenge.html

Crafting With An Attitude Challenge Blog

http://craftingwithanattitude.blogspot.com/2018/12/challenge-46.html

Lemon Shortbread Challenge Blog

http://lemonshortbreadchallenge.blogspot.com/2018/12/challenge-83-anything-goes.html

Message in the Bottle by Ching-Chou Kuik

Hi there, peeps!  I hope you had a pleasant weekend.  The weather here has been truly dismal.  It would be so nice to see the sun.  I am sharing my final DT card (an easel card) for this month which showcases the lovely "Message in the Bottle" image by Ching-Chou Kuik.  You can find it, along with 9 other beautiful mermaids, here: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/605406168/mermaid-set-greyscale-printable-instant?ref=shop_home_active_21

I made this card for Ching-Chou's monthly Facebook challenge. The theme is Celebrations.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/chingchoukuikdigitalstamps/

You may win some gorgeous images if you enter. 

This is what it looks like when opened:

The card base is made by using a free fish bowl clip art image.  I've coloured this lovely image, and the koi, with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.  The little flower is handmade.  I wish you a happy week.  Until next time, Lori P xx

Recipe

Rope:      Marianne Designs "Rope" die LR0418

Coral:      Marianne Craftables "Coral" die CR1406

Koi:         Heartfelt Creations "Under the Sea" stamp and die set

Flower:    Heartfelt Creations "Tropical Hibiscus" stamp

Bottle, seashells, starfish, pearl spray and pearls are from my stash

Puppy Cuddles by Conie Fong

Hi, dear peeps, and welcome to my DT post for Conie Fong's current Facebook Challenge.  The theme is "Christmas".  If you enter this challenge, you may win some gorgeous images from her.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/396730687168777/

Conie has some absolutely beautiful images in her etsy shop.  I chose the darling "Puppy Cuddles" image, found here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/630586582/digital-stamp-digi-stamp-digistamp-puppy?ref=shop_home_active_6&crt=1

I have coloured this adorable image with Copic markers and FC Polychromos pencils.  And, of course, I made the poinsettia.  You know how much I love to make flowers!   I just realised that I forgot to add flocking to her pom pom and the trimming on her coat. I will do that shortly.  Well, that's all from me today.  I wish you a happy day.  Lori P xx 

Recipe

Poinsettia:         Heartfelt Creations "Sparkling Poinsettia" stamp and die

Leaves:             Heartfelt Creations "Large Sparkling Poinsettia" stamp (I fussy cut the leaves)

Borders:            Heartfelt Creations "Regal Borders and Pockets" dies

Tree:                  Dee's Distinctively :Small Snow Covered Tree" die IME026

Icicles Border:  Marianne Creatables "Icicles" die LR0135

Snowflake:        Memory Box "Batavia Snowflake" die

Label:                Crafty Sentiments Designs "Christmas Circles"

The dimensional dots, glittered paper and beads are from my stash.

Challenges entered
The Paper Shelter Challenge Blog
https://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-paper-shelters-8th-birthday-blog-hop.html
A Perfect Time to Craft
https://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com/2018/12/a-perfect-time-to-craft-december.html
Crafty Catz Challenge blog
http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/

The Moment by Ching-Chou Kuik

Hi, crafty friends!  Today, I am showcasing my 2nd DT inspirational card which I made for Ching-Chou Kuik's monthly Facebook challenge.  Our theme this month is "Celebrations". 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/chingchoukuikdigitalstamps/

This theme lends itself to many different interpretations.  I chose this delightful image ("The Moment") because I love to read, and teacups and fairies have always held a fascination for me.  This image can be found in Ching-Chou's etsy shop here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/217279598/the-moment-digital-stamp-instant?ref=shop_home_active_85

I wanted to include a book charm on this card.  It was snowing on the day that I was making it.  I was too lazy to drive in the snow, so I made my own tiny book charm.  And, it has pages that can be flipped!  How cool is that?  Here is a close-up of my book:

If you look closely, the author's name is "F.C. Markers".  Who is that?  Well, "F.C." is for Faber-Castell pencils and "Markers" is for Copic Markers (my favourite mediums for colouring).  I thought that was rather clever - LOL!  

As usual, I made my flowers and pinwheel bow.  That's all from me.  Have a lovely day!  Lori P xx

Recipe

Leaves:  Cheery Lynn "Flourish Leaf" strip

Flowers:  EK Success "Retro" punch (small and medium)

Pearls, Swarovski cystals, chain and ribbon are from my stash

Challenge entered
https://sheepski-designs-challenges.blogspot.com/

  

Sea Breeze

Hello there, peeps!  This is my first DT card which I created for this months's challenge over at Ching-Chou Kuik's Facebook Challenge.  The theme is "Celebrations".  If you join, you may win some beautiful images from Ching-Chou.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/chingchoukuikdigitalstamps/

I absolutely love mermaids so I chose this stunning image called "Sea Breeze".  You can find her, along with 9 other gorgeous mermaids, in Ching-Chou's etsy shop here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/605406168/mermaid-set-greyscale-printable-instant?ref=shop_home_active_19

A close-up of this beauty:

I have coloured her with a combination of Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils.  I wish you a happy week.  Lori P xx

Recipe

Frames:  Spellbinders "Big Scalloped Circles" dies

               Spellbinders "Classic Scalloped Squares Large" dies

Robin's Nest clear dew drops (on lace), lace, tiny bottle, sand, starfish, seashells, Swarovski crystals and Magic Mesh are all from my stash.

The seaweed was made with an old SVG file.

Challenges entered

Morgan's ArtWorld
https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/
Jo's Scrap Shack
http://www.josscrapshack.com/2018/11/ffc-262-always-anything-goes-with.html
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/
Creative Moments

http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/2018/12/challenge-158.html

Pepper with Flowers

Hello, dear peeps!   I hope my American friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  It's so cold here.  Just 3 degrees when I woke up this morning.  I am showcasing my DT card today which I made for Conie Fong's monthly challenge on Facebook.  The theme this month is "Gratitude".

https://www.facebook.com/groups/396730687168777/

  This adorable image is Conie Fong's "Pepper with Flowers", found here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/477136281/digital-stamp-digi-stamp-digistamp?ref=shop_home_active_93

What a cute and versatile image!  I used Copic markers and FC Polychromos pencils to colour it.  There are enough flowers in the image so I didn't include any - LOL!  I did make the pinwheel bow.

That's all from me today.  Have a lovely day!  Lori P xx

Recipe

Frame:  "Raindrops on Roses" die by Heartfelt Creations

Butterflies:  "Butterfly" die cutting template by Momenta

Ribbon, beads and Swarovski crystals are from my stash.