HIMCR - Use a Critter! #121

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

Here it is the 4th Saturday of the month and do you know what that means?  It means it's time for another Hiding In My Craft Room challenge and since it's the 4th Saturday of the month, it means the challenge it a "Mix It Up" challenge . . . so this time we challenge you to use a Critter!  This can be a stamped image, a digi image, a cut out image, a die cut image . . . even a photo of your favorite "critter".  FUN, don't you think???  

And this month, our most generous leader is giving away the following "Wildlife" Cricut cartridge"

I have to admit, I struggled with this challenge . . . mostly because I don't have many cuddly (in fact, I don't have any) critter images.  So I decided to use a spider for my project . . . actually, I did three (3) projects that I decided I would share all three (3) of them with you this week.  How's that for some inspiration?

My first project is a Halloween tag I did for a "just because" gift for a friend.  I cut the spider at my LSS using their AccuCut machine., did a little distressing, added some Snug Hug ribbon & cheesecloth, and some Dew Drops in orange and here's what I came up with:

Since my daughter is going to a Halloween party this weekend, I decided to get a headstart and do a Halloween layout.  So for my 2nd project, I once again used a spider (cut on my Cameo) along with some flowers cut on my Big Shot, added some ribbon and cheesecloth, and a little black drawing ing and here's what I came up with:

 Here's a closeup of the flower cluster with the spider:

And for my 3rd project, I thought I would share a pin I made for a pin swap I was in...I actually did 3 different pins because we had to send in sets of three (3) for each person and I was in both groups, so I had to do 14 sets.  Long story short, because of problems with my local PO, I ended up having to redo this pin three (3) times . . . that makes for a LOT of pins.  But I am really happy with the way they turned out.  And for those who wonder how to adhere or fasten your beads to you pin, I used E6000 adhesive . . . it is the BEST for this type of project.  Here's how it turned out:

 Here's a closeup of one of my pins in a project I did a couple of weeks ago.  

Click HERE if you would like to see the whole project.

Thanks so much for stopping by today . . . I hope to see you and your "Critter" projects up on HIMCR this week!!!

Oh, one more thing, if you are interested in winning a $20 gift certificate to VLVS (Viva Las Vegas Stamps) from ME, click HERE for more info (will be at the end of my October "VLVS Guest Designer-Halloween Tag" post).

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

**Challenge(s) entered:
**NOTE:  As with most challenges, you need to have a separate post for each project (or one blog post=one entry) . . . .  So instead of creating several different posts, I am entering this post just ONCE per each challenge and putting which project I would like considered.

Always Something Creative - Halloween or Autumn (with most challenges, you need to have a separate blog post for each project entered.  So instead of creating several blog posts, I am choosing to enter just ONE project for this challenge -- the Happy Halloween tag with the spider -- Though I may change my mind after I ponder that a bit more. lol :))
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards Challenges - Bugs or Little Critters (I use tags as cards so I'm entering my Happy Halloween tag)
Crafty Boots - Halloween (tag)
Crafty 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - Happy Halloween (entering the tag)
Heck of a Challenge - Autumn Colors (tag or layout, doesn't matter)
Feeling Crafty Challenge - Autumn or Autumn Colors (entering LAYOUT)
Paper Crafting Journey - Anything Goes (tag or layout, doesn't matter)
Sweet Stamps - Tags
Use it Tuesday - Creatures (diecut spider(s) for almost 3 years)
4 Crafty Girlz - Anything goes (am entering just the tag for this challenge)

VLVS Guest Designer - Halloween "tag"

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!  

As you may remember, I was asked a few months ago if I would like to be a Guest Designer in October for VLVS! (VivaLasVegas Stamps! and my first project went LIVE on October 11th. (click HERE if you would like to see it).  And since the last time I showed you a mixed media layout, so I thought I would show you a mixed media "tag". 

But before I go on, I want to let you know that I will once again be giving away a $20 gift certificate to VLVS.  Details will be at the end of this post . . . so stay tuned.

Back to my project --- Since I absolutely LOVE Halloween, I decided to combine the best of both worlds . . .mixed media and Halloween . . . a gigantic Halloween tag!!!  After a couple false starts, I finally got it together.  Here's how it turned out: . .

VLVS products used:

Kids with Giant Jack 'o Lantern stamp #19209

Brick background #19077 

High Gloss Embossing Powder

Miracle Tape:

Other products:  Mischievous by MME, wood paper from MME, UmWowStudio October 2012 kit, chipboard, cardboard, plastic lid, block letters from Tim Holtz, Vintage Photo and Black Soot distress ink, gesso, orange glitter, Timeless, Taupe & Tattered Leather mists, geltos (banana & blood orange), black Pitt pen, sandal & latte alcohol inks, cheesecloth, misc. flowers & grass, Tim Holze bottles, misc. dictionary pages, and misc. bottle labels, 

For the base of my tag, I used 9-1/2"x12 chipboard and 2 pieces of the orange printed paper from Mischievous paper collection from MME and using the brick background stamp,  I embossed it with black ink and high gloss embossing powder from VLVS..  Tearing dictionary pages to various sizes,, I distressed them with distress inks and then glued three (3) them on each side of the tag (by folding them in 1/2 but not making a crease).  Using three (3) sprays (Timeless, Taupe & Tattered Leather), I,sprayed around the tag. I also sprayed some misc. pieces of cardboard and using glossy accents, put glitter on my lid . . . then adhered to my tag along with the cardboard pieces..I also colored my stamped image and adhered it above the lid.

I used some wood paper and made my fence.  But since I didn't like the color, I used Sandal and Latte alcohol inks and changed the color. Once it was dry, I adhered it on each side of the tag so it would bow out.

I fussy cut "O-C-T-O-B-E-R" from the block letters and used my geltos on them to help them match my tag a bit better.  Using a glue gun, I adhered the letters to the outside edge of my lid.  I also glued bats in three (3) places.

I stamped my Kids with Giant Jack 'o Lantern stamp on to cream colored paper and colored it with my watercolor pencils.  Then I fussy cut it out and glued it to a piece of script paper.  Then tearing about 1/2" to 1" all around my image, I then distressed it with my distress inks.  Using a burlap-wrapped toilet paper roll, I placed it behind my fence to use it like a table.  I adhered several small bottles and added some fake grass and flowers.

I also sprayed some cheesecloth . . . then added that and a small book & tag from UmWowStudio Oct. 2012 kit.  Added a few more drops of spray and I was done.

Thanks so much for stopping by today . . . now to the other important stuff . . . . a $20 gift certificate to VLVS from ME!!!  To be eligible, become a follower (if you aren't already) and leave a comment that you did so.. You have till Saturday, Nov. 2nd to be eligible.  I will draw a name on Sunday and announce the winner on Monday, Nov. 4th.  Good Luck!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Challenge(s) entered:
Alphabet Challenge Blog - "S" is for Scary

Always Something Creative - Fall or Halloween

Artistic Inspirations - Anything Goes
Craftin Dessert Divas - Halloween linky party
Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - Happy Halloween
Crafty Boots - Halloween
Crafty Hands Challenge - Anything Goes

Creative Craft Challenges - Anything Goes
Creative Inspirations Paint - Anything Goes
Creative Moments - Anything goes / use lace
Delicious Doodles Challenges - Halloween/Something Scary
DLArt Thankful Thursday - October Linky/Anything Goes
Dorcerela Creations - Challenge #48 Anything Goes

Feeling Crafty Challenge - Autumn or Autumn colors

Flourishes - Fussy Cutting (I fussy cut around my 

stamped image, then adhered it to script paper)
Hanna and Friends - Anything Goes

Heck of a Challenge - Autumn colors
Left of Center Creative Challenges - Halloween or Creepy
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
My Craft Creations - Anything Goes

One Crazy Stamper.com - Thankful / Autumn colors
Paper Crafting Journey - Anything Goes
Penny Black and More Challenge - Anything Goes
Rhedd and Roses - Anything Goes
Scrapbook Stamp Society - Anything goes / Halloween
Stamping for the Weekend - Something spooky
Sweet Stamps - Tags
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Use It Tuesday - Creatures (the bats I have had for over a year)
2 Creative Chicks - Halloween
2 Creative Chicks- Halloween Linky Party
4 Crafty Girlz Challenges - Anything Goes

Winner, winner . . .

who wants a chicken dinner???

Okay, not a chicken dinner, but how about the $20 gift certificate from VLVS from my October Guest Designer project on October 11th???

{{{drum roll please}}} 

 . . . . and the winner is . . . 

Roberta Swisher

"Hello from your 101st follower! I'm also one of your newer HIMCR teammates.  Your project is phenomenal! I would say that taking your definitely works for you....just think of it as being deliberate, not slow. That's always my own story!  Thanks for the chance to win some yummy candy."

Congrats, Roberta!!!!  Please contact me either at Clayton528@aol.com or on Facebook . . . and I'll get you gift certificate to you.

For those who did not win but would like another chance, checkout my project that will go LIVE tomorrow, Friday, October 25th, for another chance to win another $20 gift certificate to VLVS. :)

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Mid-Challenge Inspiration - Halloween!

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!  

What a week this has been . . . and is starting to be that way again!  Busy, busy, busy . . . and here I am down with the flu, I think.  Been bowing to the porcelain god since Saturday , which at that time I thought it was a migraine because I felt so much better after a 3-hour nap.  

Then today it hit me FULL force!!!

I just work up (around 10:30pm Monday), realizing I had not scheduled a post for today's (Tuesday) Mid-Challenge inspiration.  So here I am, with a 7-up in one hand and typing with the other. lol  (I'm giving you the "pretty" picture of what I look like right now because you really do NOT want to know how I truly look like---LOL). :)

But enough about my wooos (or however you spell it) . . .  I am here today to to remind you that you still have two (2) weeks to complete a project for Clear It Out Challenge.  The theme is Halloween and the stash item is something ORANGE.  Here's a little card I put together:

  

This little cutie is "Witch's Corner" from Digi Darla.  Isn't she so sweet?

Now that I hopefully inspired you to do a little something yourself, I want to remind you again that you still have 2 weeks to get your project in to Clear It Out Challenge because since there are five (5) Tuesdays this month, this challenge was for 3 weeks, instead of two (2). Yay!!!  

So what are you waiting for?  Let's get crafting!!!

Well, I am actually going to drink a bit more 7-up and go back to bed . . . and hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow.  Though if this is what has been going around, it will probably be Wednesday before I'm starting to feel better. Booooo!

Till the next time I'm up in the night 

(and not bowing to the "pg" -- lol).  Kathy

Challenge(s) I want to enter:

Crafty Boots - Halloween

Bee Happy! --- Get Inky! Challenge #15

Happy Monday, to all crafty friends and family !!! 

I am here today with some inspiration for you.  But first, I want to tell you some exciting news . . . I was asked a week ago if I would like to be a guest designer for Get Inky! Stamps thru to the end of the year.  How exciting is that?!?!   I am so excited and honored I am to have been asked to be a Guest Designer for Get Inky! Stamps.  So THANK YOU, Thia, for this wonderful opportunity!!!

As many of you know, I just LOVE Get Inky! stamps . . . they are so versatile and so cute!!!  And because they are so versatile, I was able to use the "Buzzing Bees" stamp set on a fall card for this week's challenge on Get Inky! Challenge blog. (NOTE:  Make sure to read to the end to see how you can be eligible to win a $15 gift certificate to Get Inky! Stamps from ME . . . just a little something to say "Thanks!")

Okay, on to the challenge . . . the current challenge on the Get Inky! Challenge blog is a Fall or Halloween card with buttons.  At first, I was unsure what I was going to do because I don't have the Get Inky! Stamps "Halloween Spooktacular 2013" stamp set (it is actually the only one I do NOT have . . . BUT it is on it way as we "speak" right now -- lol).  But then as I was looking out at my flowers, a light bulb went on . . . I saw some bees just buzzing around . . . going from flower to flower, collecting the pollen so they can make honey and store it up for the winter, and being a "country" girl, I knew this was something they do every FALL to get ready for winter.  

So there I had it . . . I was going to use my "Buzzing Bees" stamp set for my card.  

And like most of you, I needed more "generic" cards for my card stash, so I decided to keep my card CAS (clean and simple) card.  In addition to my stamping, I used Marigold and Charcoal twine from the Twinery, wrapping it around the top-middle part of the card twice and folded up the bottom corner of the front of the card and attached a button.  I also used a little bit of "Frosted" Stickles on the wings of my bees to give them a little something.

Remember, the current challenge at Get Inky! was doing a card with a Fall or 

Halloween theme . . . with buttons as the a twist.

Earlier I mentioned a $15 gift certificate to Get Inky! Stamps from ME as a "Thank You!".   To be eligible, you need to become a follower (if you aren't already) and leave a comment you did so.  You have till Monday, Nov. 4th, to do this . . . I will randomly draw one (1) name and announce the winner on Wednesday, Nov. 6th.   

Thanks so much for stopping by to see what I've been up to!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

HIMCR #120 - Color It!

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

It's the 3rd Saturday of the month and do you know what that means?  It means it's time for the "Color It" Challenge on Hiding In My Craft Room.  Remember you have one week to submit your projects on HIMCR to be eligible for a Copic Fusion set . . . YES, you read that correctly!!!  A Copic Fusion Set  . . . GREAT prize, isn't it?!?!?  So get out your paper and glue and let's see what you can come up with. :)

 Here's a card I did to give you a little inspiration to help get you going:

The stamp is "Seed Catalog" by Stampendous . . . and it is so much fun to color with so many different options.  I decided to do something a little different with this image . . . I decided to do a "telescope" technique.  Instead of coloring just one (1), I colored two (2) images identical. 

Then I took a set of dies (4 of them) and placed them on one of the images . . . this is to help me see where they need to be.  I placed tape on alternating ones . . . for the 1st images I placed the tape on the 1st die and the 3rd die Then removed the other two dies (the 2nd and 4th) and ran it thru my Big Shot. 

Setting that set aside, I did the same thing with the 2nd image . . . only this time I taped the 2nd and 4th die before running thru my Big Shot.  (Remember to place all 4 dies on the image to make sure you are cutting the image in the EXACT same spots as the 1st image . . . otherwise they will not line up correctly when putting all four (4) together.

After cutting both images, I layered them . . . alternating the 1st image set and the 2nd image set and making sure the stamped images lined up with each other.  I used foam tape in between each layer. 

It is such a FUN way to add some a little "different" to your card.  Is there something "different" you do to your cards once in awhile to give them a different look?

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Clear It Out Challenge - Halloween

Does anyone know what time it is?

That's right . . . 

It's CHALLENGE time!!! 

Once again, it's challenge time over at Clear It Out Challenge.  Time to roll up those sleeves, get out your markers and get your crafty on.  And usual, our A-M-A-Z-I-N-G leader, Laura,  has come up with an awesome challenge this time . . . so easy, peasy!!! 

 Are you ready???

I didn't hear you . . . 

Are you ready???

Okay, it's challenge time!!!

Theme:  Halloween

Stash:  Something Orange

You have 3 weeks to play (till Nov. 4th)

Our sponsors this challenge are:

Stitchy Bear Digi Outlet 

For this week's challenge, I picked out an adorable witch digi stamp called "Lucy Witch" by designer Reeces Scrap Pieces for Stitchy Bear Digi Outlet.  They have many different designers to choose from, each having their own unique style. . .  and I just fell in love with "Lucy Witch".   Here's how my card turned out:

Copics used:

Isn't she just adorable?  In addition to my Copics, I also used "Apothecary" paper collection by Echo Park, orange dew drops, and Black Diamond Stickles (on the spider) . . . oh, I also used Helmar's Scrap Dots for my saying since it would have been uneven due to the height of all the layers of paper under the image. 

So now that you have seen what I did for this challenge, what are you waiting for?  Go grab your supplies and join in on the fun!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Here's some other challenge(s) I've entered:

Creative Inspiration Paints - Halloween

Crafty Boots - Halloween

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Halloween

Sweet Stampin Challenge -  Halloween

Kitty Bee Designs -  Halloween

Left of Center Challenges -  Orange and black