Sunday, March 31, 2013

Joan's Challenge Fill It With Flowers

Good Morning Ladies,
Happy Easter!
I took a trip to Joan's yesterday and came home with a bag full of goodies. Stamps, dies, and paper. It was so good to see Joan. She is always an inspiration. So happy! Always smiling! When I leave there I feel wonderful!
Now on to Joan's Challenge Fill It With Flowers. You can see the challenge here... http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/03/this-weeks-challenge_28.html
I e-mailed Joan the other day to see if the challenge had to be a card. Her answer was no make whatever you want. Thanks Joan.!
The requirements for this week are:
Use some kind of container
Fill it with flowers
You must use something sold at Joan's (no problem there...lol)
Use yellow, green, and orange.
Here is the project I came up with...
 I had this galvinized  bucket in my craft room for a long time. I don't know what project I had in mind when I purchased it. That idea is long gone from my brain. LOL It was perfect for this challenge. I filled the bucket with coarse excelsior. My rolled flower choice was one of the cutie dies from Cheery Lynn Design dies. I purchased this die from Joan. I rolled the flowers double using orange and yellow cardstock. I also made some single colored ones. Green leaves peak out from under the flowers. They are cut using the Cheery Lynn leaf trio die. I also purchased this from Joan. A bird is perched in the bucket among the flowers. I used a spellbinder die set to cut the mats for the butterfly on the front. Bakers twin circles the bottom of this bucket. Back to my stash to look for something to make a tag with. I found just the thing. A round circle price tag ...the old fashioned style. Its metal rim matched the bucket perfect. It was white, so I colorized it with orange Copic marker. I then stamped the happy mother's day sentiment on it and attached it to the bucket with the same baker's twine. Below are more views of this project.
 More of a front view to show the butterfly.
 A top view of all the flowers.
 A close-up of the tag.
 Here is the baker's twine at the bottom.
A little closer look at the flowers.
Thanks for another great challenge Joan and Selma
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Happy Day Dog

Good Evening Ladies,
I had a day full of running around getting things done. This is a very late and fast post tonight.
My project for today is for a raffle at the dog show next weekend. Happy Day Dog fills the bill.
This is a framed piece. It features what seems to be my favorite ribbon image. This image is colorized with Prisma pencil and gamsol. The paw print in the center is cut from a sizzix die. The cute happy dog is an image from Inky Antics. She is colorized with Prisma pencil, gamsol, and Copic markers. She holds a circle that proclaims Happy Day. This image is from CTMH. The background dog dish, bone, and paw print paper is the perfect setting for this scene.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Thursday, March 28, 2013

USA Mal Thank You

Good Morning Ladies,
This week is flying by. It has been a hair warmer. And this Sunday is Easter. I am going to brunch at my mom's on Sunday.
Here is a card for today.... USA Mal Thank You
 This card started life with the American flag image. It is colorized using Copic markers, stardust pen, and a gold leafing pen. The embossed stars are created with a Cuttle Bug border embossing folder. The Mal is from Grey Wolf Graphics and is colorized with Prisma pencil and Gamsol.
This is the inside of the card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Turtle Birthday

Good Morning Ladies,
I am glad to have time this morning to post a new card. I do have a fun one today.... Turtle Birthday ..
 The turtle image is from stamping fools. He is colorized with Copic markers and a star dust pen. The cupcake is cut out twice and popped up. This image has the cupcake already on his back. This is a really cute stamp. The sentiment is stamped on purple card stock and hand cut. The wreath is cut from a Memory Box die. Little pearls accent the wreath. The three purple roses are created from a Sizzix die. All on a polka dotted background in fun birthday colors!
This is the inside of the card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Blue Ribbon Mal Dog

Good Evening Ladies,
Today's weather was just crazy. It was snowing one minute with snow on the ground and a couple hours later the snow was gone.
I have a card today.... Blue Ribbon Mal Dog
 My ribbon image was colorized with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. It was then hand cut. In the center is a die cut paw print from a Sizzix die. I attached this paw print to the ribbon with a wobbler. So this card has a little action going on. The Mal is a Grey Wolf Graphics image. It is colorized with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. Also hand cut. To top this card off a ribbon with a pearl slide graces the bottom.
This is the inside of the card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Monday, March 25, 2013

Joan's Challenge Make It Square

Good Afternoon Ladies,
I am late posting today. I had to finish my project for http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/03/this-weeks-challenge_21.html Joan's Challenge Make It Square....
Here are the specs for this challenge..
Use a square
Alter something
Use flower paper
Use something from Joan's Garden
Here is my project....
 I started with a Kaiser Craft Beyond the Page hanging frames. I am pretty sure Joan can order this as she carries the Kaiser Craft pearls.I have had this in my stash for quite some time. This challenge gave my the push I needed to create something with it. Thanks Joan and Selma.
 This is the completed project. All of the paper used to create this is from the Graphics 45 tablet Once Upon A Springtime. Below are close ups of each square with a list of each thing bought from Joan's used to create this.
 Each square has the same dies used. The rolled flower is a Memory Box die I purchased from Joan. The leaves below each flower is from the Cheery Lynn die set Build A Flower One. I have yet to make a full flower from this set,because all the pieces work so well as additions to other flowers. I purchased this set from Joan as well. I'm here to tell you this die set is worth more than what you pay for it. The leafy vine is cut from a Memory Box die also purchased at Joan's. Pearls are added to the leafy vine.

This square also includes a pearl sprig.
This was a fun one and freed up space so I can purchase more from Joan's.
Awesome challenge! Hugs to Joan and Selma.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Gorilla Happy Birthday

Good Evening Ladies,
I had a great time at the dog show this weekend! I am tired, but it is a good tired. I have a card for today. I could not post it this morning as my computer was down. But thanks to my youngest son I am back up and running.
Gorilla Happy Birthday
 The gorilla image is from Art Impressions. I stamped him on Bristol paper. He was then colorized with Prisma pencil and gamsol. He was cut with a spellbinder die set. I used the same die set throughout. The strawberry image is from a dollar stamp set I bought some time back. This was stamped on Bristol paper and colorized with Copic markers. I then cut it out and popped it up in the gorilla's hand.
This is the inside of the card. This makes the perfect guy card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Tulip Happy Birthday

Good Morning Ladies,
I am blogging before I head out for today. I am short on birthday cards so that is what I have been creating. Today's card is Tulip Happy Birthday
 This card started with the tulip oval by Inky Antics. It is colorized with copic markers. This was hand cut. The blue layer behind it was cut using a spellbinder die set. Pink and white polka dot backs this with another layer of blue. A ribbon tied at the bottom and pearls top this card off.
The inside of the card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Friday, March 22, 2013

Nested Easter Chicks

Good Morning Ladies,
I am off to the dog show this weekend, so I will blog. It may be different times than normal. Show season is starting and I am excited to be out and about with the dogs.
Today my project is Nested Easter Chicks ....
These bright little fuzzy chicks make me happy in this cold weather. I started this project with a nest filled with three eggs. The fuzzy little chicks are from Hobby Lobby. Three filled the nest. I created the rolled roses using a Sizzix die. Crystal sprigs sprout out from under the roses. To finish this nest off I added hot pink polka dotted ribbon with a bow in front.

Another view to show off the roses.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Shameful Dog

Good Morning Ladies,
On my way home from dog training last night it was snowing. I think mother nature needs to wake up and put old man winter to bed. Snow again this morning.
I have a shameful dog card for you today....
 This image and the sentiments inside and out are from an Inky Antics clear set. Inky Antics is one of my favorite companies. I stamped the dog on Bristol paper and colorized him with Copic markers. He was then cut with an oval spellbinders set. All the ovals on this card were cut with the same spellbinders set. I picked up a few polka dotted papers after doing a challenge at Joan's that required polka dotted paper. That challenge made me look at polka dots and they work for many projects. The flourish leaf die cut is from Cheery Lynn and the rolled flowers were created using two different Memory Box dies. A paw print ribbon tops this card off.
This is the inside of the card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

My Little Bugaloo

Good Morning Ladies,
A little to cold out for my taste. I think the birds I have been hearing in the morning are cold also. I can't wait for mother nature to throw some blessings on us.
Today I have birthday card for you....My Little Bugaloo
 This image is from Totally Stampalicious! I just discovered this stamp company recently. It is a Canadian company. I learned the other day that they are going out of business. I am so sad. On the bright side I did order a few of their stamps sets. I ordered this stamp set because it reminds me of my little buddy Lucas. I matted this card in greens. It seemed to fit the image of the little boy. I colorized this scene with Copic markers.
This is the inside of the card. Perfect for any little boys birthday.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Joan's Challenge Something New

Good Morning Ladies,
Freezing rain last night on my drive home from dog training. I will be so grateful when warmer weather comes. I am ready for the mud season with the dogs. Mud will be glorious and warm rain will be sweet drops from heaven.
Today I have created a card for Joan's Challenge Something New ..You can see the challenge here... http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/03/something-new-for-this-weeks-challenge.html
The requirements this week are as follows:
Make a Black and White Card
Use an embossing folder
Add some flowers, pearls, and lace
You must use something sold at Joans Gardens on your card
Here is my card...
My biggest challenge for this challenge was to use an embossing folder. I tend not to use embossing folders and have a limited collection of them. So I used a border embossing folder by Cuttlebug. I ran it through  with white card stock and skimmed the top of it with my black Momento ink pad.  My things I used that I purchased at Joan's Garden are the leaf circle wreath die cut by Memory Box. This die was cut out of white cardstock. This is one of my dies I purchased recently and I love it! Also the rolled flowers are created with a Memory Box die from Joans Gardens. These flowers were cut using black glitter cardstock. This is one of my favorite dies from Joan's. I love to make rolled flowers. I used a bichon image for the center of my wreath. He is stamped on white cardstock and embossed in black. I then used crystal laquer on him to give a different look. My paw print is cut from an old green Sizzix die. Pearls were added to the paw print on the top pads. Pearls were also added to the center of the flowers as well as the center of the black and white polka dotted sheer bow. A black pearl sprig peaks out from behind the rolled flowers. Now for my lace, I thought about using a big wide lace. But along the way I found this lace that is meant to run ribbon through. I thought this was the perfect finishing touch for this card. So I ran the black and white sheer polka dotted ribbon through it and added to the top of this card. I used the same black glitter cardstock to cover the base card.
Thanks for another great challenge Joan and Selma!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Monday, March 18, 2013

Blue Ribbon Collie

Good Morning Ladies,
I am loving the time change. I like when the daylight gets longer because of the change of seasons too. It has been a cold March. The warmer weather can head my way anytime. I do hear the birds singing in the morning and know that that is a a good sign.
My card for today is Blue Ribbon Collie ...
This collie image comes from Grey Wolf stamps in Michigan. He is colorized with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. The blue ribbon image is colorized with Copic markers. The blue ribbon sits on a die cut from a Spellbinder die set. The light blue card stock is textured and the tan card stock is smooth. The flowers are cut from Kaiser cards stock with a Sizzix die. A pearl sprig and regular pearls top this card off.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Sorry Dog

Good Morning Ladies,
I have been very busy this past week. I am having to restructure my time. Today is a relaxed laid back day for me. So Here is a card for today....  Sorry Dog
One of my Aussies is a counter surfer so this dog reminds me of her...
 This image is from an inky antics clear stamp set. I stamped him on Bristol paper and colorized him with copic markers. He was then cut with a spellbinder die. The two mats below him are cut with the same die set. I chose this patterned paper because it reminded me of wall paper.
This is the inside of the card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs.Swandog

Monday, March 11, 2013

Nested Easter Chick

Good Morning Ladies,
Another week and the weather is getting warmer. Spring is on the way and I have on my happy face!
Today I have a project instead of a card. It is a Nested Easter Chick
This nested chick started off with the fuzzy Easter chick. I thought these were so cute when I saw them. I just had to purchase a box of them. My son's girlfriend saw them and took on home with her. I sat her in this nest and it was a perfect fit. I created the flowers using a Die-namics die fringed flowers. This die makes a cute little rolled flower. I had to have nesting material so I used natural excelsior moss. The roses are shimmery organza .
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Joan's Challenge Garden Scene

Good Evening Ladies,
I am ending a very busy weekend. I had a lot of fun! I have created a card for Joan's Challenge Garden Scene . You can see the challenge here... http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/03/this-weeks-challenge.html
The requirement for this weeks challenge is
Create a garden scene
I thought about this challenge for quite some time before I came up with an idea. Here is my card...
 This entire card is made from dies that I purchased at Joan's Garden. I think it came out pretty good. The fence and the dies I created the sunflowers with are Cheery Lynn designs dies. The clouds, leafy vine, and the rolled flowers are all Memory Box dies. I used ribbon for the sunflower stems.
This is a side view. I popped the sunflower heads up with pop dots.
Thanks for the great challenge Joan and Selma!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Friday, March 8, 2013

Old English Sheep Dog

Good Morning Ladies,
Warmer weather is headed our way. I am so glad. Muddy dogs are fine. Being able to get out in the woods and go walking will be great!
Today's card is Old English Sheep Dog
 I had extra flowers made from Joan's Challenge last week. So I decided to create this card with them. The Old English Sheep Dog stamp is from Dog Stamps Plus. He was stamped on white card stock with versa mark and embossed with fine detail embossing powder. I then colorized him with art markers. The dollies behind him are both cut using Cheery Lynn Design dies. The border die at the bottom is from Memory Box.White braid and black pearl sprigs top this card off.
A close up of the dog.
On a side note. I purchase full spools of trim from Hobby Lobby. If you look in their clearance section you can find many wonderful trims at a fraction of the retail cost.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Easter Cross Box

Good Morning Ladies,
I have a very busy day today..so I will get right to my creation. Today I have created an Easter Cross Box.
 This box started as a plain paper mache' box. I base coated it with white acrylic paint. I then used one of my new Dylusions ink sprays to colorize it in the purple color. My rolled roses are cut from a sizzix die from white card stock. I inked them with lavender ink and rolled them using a quilling tool and jewelry pliers. These flowers sit on a die cut with a cheery lynn die. The fern is also cut with a cheery lynn die. A pearl sprig tops this box off.
 This is a side view of the box. I wrapped white braid around it to give it that finished look.
This is the box open. Ready for a trinket or candy.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Framed Vintage German Horse

Good Morning Ladies,
They are calling for a big snowstorm this evening. I am hoping it passes us by. I am done with winter and ready for spring to come on.
Today I have created a Framed Vintage German Horse project.
I had a hard time photographing this piece. It just kept showing my reflection. So this is the best I could do.This piece started with the vintage German horse cut-out. Matted with two textured card stocks. The larger one being a gold pearl. The blue ribbon was stamped with Versa-mark and sprinkled with blue embossing powder. This was heat set and hand cut.
This horse looks like a blue ribbon winner to me.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Monday, March 4, 2013

Vintage Easter Egg Ornament

Good Morning Ladies,
I had a  fun time at the correction match yesterday. It was a wonderful way to spend my birthday!
I have been playing around with my supplies and doing some new things. Today I have a Vintage Easter Egg Ornament to share with you.
 I wanted to try out my new Dylusions ink sprays by Ranger. I like them! This ornament started out as a plain paper mache' egg. I painted it with white acrylic paint for a base coat. I then sprayed it with the new ink spray. It took it like a champ. I added vintage German easter cut-outs. White ribbon braid is wrapped around the egg. A beaded topper and ribbon on the top finish this ornament.
A side view of the egg.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Australian Shepherd Flag Card

Good Morning Ladies,
I have a fun day ahead of me. I am going to be at the dog training club today. We are having a correction match. Always a good time with my dogs and my friends!
I have a dog card for you today. Australian Shepherd Flag Card
This a simple card. I felt that less was more here.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Joan's Challenge Painted Flowers

Good Afternoon Ladies,
I have been working on the Joan's Challenge Painted Flowers card this morning. I had to sit and think about this for awhile. Then I started to gather supplies. You can see the challenge here ... http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2013/02/this-weeks-challenge_28.html
The requirements for this challenge...well they really challenged me! But here they are:
Use some lattice...be creative
Use a circle or an oval die-cut background
Use a flower that has been painted
Use dry embossing that has been inked
Here is my take on this challenge...
 This is my finished card. Blue and white in color. The dies are Cheery Lynn, Memory Box, and Sizzix. My embossing folder is from Sizzix. A border punch by Martha Stewart.
 I looked around in my craft room thinking about the paint part. This was the first order of business as it would set the colors for my card. I found my ranger paint daubers. I picked one in blue. Now how did I get the look I have. Well the dauber was not working right. I was going to start to fiddle with it but decided this was a unique look. So I went with it. I did this to both sides of the cardstock.
 These are my finished flowers created with a sizzix die.
 This photo shows my dry embossing. I ran a white piece of cardstock through my cuttlebug using a sizzix embossing folder. I then inked over the top in blue. It peaks out from underneath my lattice.
This is the inside of my card using the same memory box die on the front. This is one of my new dies from Joan's. The last couple of challenges have involved an oval and I was waiting for a circle to appear in a challenge. This week was my chance to use this beautiful die. On the front and in this view I used the center cut out and placed it inside the circle. I cut one of each color and could not throw the middle out. I think the middle is an interesting piece in its self and will use it in other designs. I feel like a got a real bang for my buck with this die.
All the products I used except for the pearl spray can be purchased at Joan's. If you haven't already you need to check her site out. She carries all the amazing dies!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Friday, March 1, 2013

Go Weave Windy

Good Morning Ladies,
I went roller skating last night at my great nieces birthday party. I had a blast. I figured I would be sore this morning when I rolled out of bed. But to my surprise I am not. So maybe they are right when they say "You are only as old as you feel." Well I feel pretty darn young!
Here is a layout I made for a round robin.  Go Weave Windy...this is my dog Windy.

Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog