Punkydoodle Papers - Stamps, Ink, Paper and a Little Whimsy. . .

SNOW Big Deal! Uh, yes it is!

So do you ever have the feeling that the stars are lined up against you? All I can say is - I hope they shift a different direction next week.  I have had more than my fair share of frustrations and while I won't bore you with all of them, I will say, this blog has been at the top of the list!  I have had so many problems with it, I considered dumping it and going with another blog company/site.  The problems have been numerous, but the main issue is loading my pictures.  I type a detailed post - load the pictures and when I set it to post, it deletes the pictures. . .F-R-U-S-T-R-A-T-I-N-G!!!!!!!

So, here we go, for the umpteenth time! 

I was the Inky Impressions Inspiration host last week and typed up a sweet post regarding our "nothing-to-write-home-about"snow storm.  Now as part of our design team requirements, we also post our creations to our own blog - which I did.  But, alas, it is not here - why?  Because I couldn't get pictures to post - at all.  When I went back and looked at it, all the text was there, but no pics.

Finally, this week, I updated my operating system and have tried to adapt to Typepad's new image editing system - and, behold:

So here is sweet Angelica and her Snowman enjoying a snow day!  I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored it with Copics.  Since our Inky Impressions Challenge last week was to use punches or dies, I chose to use a circle die and create this shaker card - sort of a snowgloble, if you will!

Take a look at the close-up. . . 

I also used a scalloped pennant punch to create the banner.  The snowflakes came from Hobby Lobby during Christmas and it only took a sprinkle to get the affect I wanted.  I figured if I couldn't get my snow day, Angelica might as well get hers!  I can just live vicariously! LOL!

My apologies for the problems!  I guess in the scheme of things, it's probably "snow" big deal! Hope you enjoy the card!

See you again soon!

Inky Impressions Challenge - Inky Impressions Challenge

Yes! Yes! You you are are seeing seeing double double!  Today is the Inky Impressions Double Ribbon/Two Trims Challenge!

Nicole, the Queen Inkette and the rest of the team were challenged to use either double ribbon or two types of trim on our projects this week.  I LOVED this challenge!  If you will recall from THIS post, I have a slight addiction to ribbon.  While I could blame this addiciton on several of my stamping peeps, including my QDM and Jody Morrow, it would be pointless. So, needless to say, I had plenty of ribbon and trims to choose from for this challenge!  Take a look!

For starters, this pattern paper is pretty challenging to match.  It's not really yellow, it's not really gold, it's not really blue and it's not really teal - the colors were in between - and, due to my addiciton, I had the PERFECT ribbon to match!  (At least that's how I am going to justify it!)

The sketch is from Sketch Challenge on Splitcoast Stampers.  I'm sure you have already noticed that I didn't follow it exactly. . .but I couldn't get the optional flap/pocket to work - it just didn't quite work with my plan.  But, that's the fun about sketches, you can totally do that!  So I modified the sketch and replaced the flap/panel with my sentiment.

The sweet image, Teary Eyed Lili, is from the newest release by Inky Impressions. Clearly Lili has had a bad day and her sweet elephant is providing some much needed cuddling.  And, how darling is the sentiment?  Too cute for words!

I hope you'll take the time to play along with the Inkettes!  And, remember, when you use an Inky Impressions image, you can win a $10 gift certificate!  Hope to see you there!

 

Bling A Ding Ding - Wish It Was Snowing!

I'm quite certain it must be winter somewhere.  It is, after all, January - the month of snow, ice, coats, hats, boots, gloves, long underwear and hot chocolate.  This time last year, we were in blizzard conditions, which dumped more than two feet of snow on our fair city. 

This year?  We have set a record for the warmest January in history.  There is no one more irritated about this record breaking fact than yours truly.  I'm a four seasons kind of gal - spring, summer, fall and winter - I need them all, clearly defined, in the months in which they are supposed to appear.  I don't want my flowers blooming when it's supposed to be snowing and I don't want it snowing when my flowers are blooming.  You get the gist. . .

Now since today is our weekly Inky Impressions Challenge (Use Bling or Pearls) and I'm clearly pouting about the weather, I decided to vicariously through MarLeigha & Pebbles - take a look!

These two really know how to spend a snow day!  Don't you think? 

I started with the Sweet Sunday Sketch from the fabulous Karen Giron. . .

Now I must admit, I took a few liberties with the sketch and moved the circle and changed the banner to ribbon.  You know how it is with us cardmakers - things have to be "just so" or we kinda freak! And, rather than just use a plain circle - I replaced it with a glittered snowflake topped with a rhinestone brad.

Here's a close up. . .

I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored it with Copic markers.  I cut around the top of the image and popped it up on my favorite foam boosters from Jody Morrow.  I mean you really can't get much cuter than this image - don't you agree?

Why don't you join us today and create your own project using bling or pearls.  Remember, if you use an image from Inky Impressions, you could win a $10 gift card!  You can find all the details HERE!  

Thank you for stopping by today!  I hope it's snowing where you are. . .

 

A Hearty-Sketchy-Better-Late-Than-Never Kinda Card!

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important challenge!  LAST week (now you understand the being late) the Inkettes were challenged to HEART YOU/Use Hearts with our Inky Impressions images.  My crazy week is deserving of a blog post all its own, so I'll skip the details and get right to the card.  I'm mean you've been waiting a week and that's long enough. . .

Now, for those stamp police out there in Stampingville, I am fully aware I just used Angelica in her heart socks on my Inky Impressions Inspiration Day.  But seriously, can you ever get enough of this sweet girl?

I started with the Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge #369. . .

And came up with this. . .

How great is this sketch?  I just loved the angled piece! It's fun to have something "out of the box" on these challenges.  I started by stamping sweet Angelica in Memento Tuxedo Black (my go-to ink for most images - love that stuff) and then I colored her using Copic markers. 

I have been working really hard on my coloring.  And with some helpful hints from my stamping pal Jody Morrow, I am starting to lose my fear of those intimidating markers!  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was using Skin White for everything, well, skin!  And shading? What shading? 

Oh well, the first step toward curing a problem is admitting you have one, right?  So there you have it world - I don't know how to color, but I am trying! And, here's a close-up to prove it!

I am obviously interested in what you coloring professionals have to say about my work, but go easy on me, will ya?

Don't forget to stop back by on Wednesday morning to check out the latest Inky Impressions Challenge!  See you soon!

 

 

A Sweet Sunday Sketch

Today is Sunday and I have done the following since I got up a bit before 7:00 this morning:

1) Read the paper

2) Drank coffee

3) Read some bills for the upcoming legislative session

4) Painted some trim in my DD's room

5) Finished four loads of laundry

6) Stamped about 20 images and practiced on my coloring

7) Completed the Sweet Sunday Sketch!

Here is Karen's sketch. . .

And here is my take. . .

I started with the darling Pure Innocence - Love You With All My Heart stamp set from My Favorite Things, which, I am sad to say, is currently out of stock.  I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored her with Copic markers.  Thanks to some wonderful advice from my stamping pal Jody Morrow, I've been working on my coloring.  This is the FIRST card I have made where I didn't just color all the skin with E00 (skin white) and call it good.  I actually used three different Copic markers on her face, hands and legs.  I know I have miles and miles to go with my coloring - but I am happy with my first try! 

Here is a close up. . .

And the sentiment. . .

I must say, that between my new crew of friends with the Inky Impressions design team and the advice from my friend Jody, my stamping mojo is on fire!  I can't wait to get my work completed so I can get back to my studio!  Hugs girls! And, thanks Karen for a great sketch!

See you soon!

Inspired by Inky Impressions LOVE!

Good morning everyone!  As one of the Inky Impressions Inkettes, we each get a turn to post the Inky Impressions Inspirational Blog.  Have you seen this sweet blog?  I mean WOW!  Every single day there is a new post by one of the Inkettes showcasing one of the darling stamps from Inky Impressions! 

Now every stamper knows that a beautiful card begins with a great sketch!  And where better to find this great sketch than with Jen del Muro's monthly Sketch For You To Try.  Here's a look at her sketch. . .

And here is my version using Angelica's Heart Socks from Inky Impressions!

How sweet is this girl?  Don't you love her socks, sweater set and headband?  Here's  a close-up. . .

I inked Angelica with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored her with Copics.  I used crystal lacquer for the hearts on her ensemble to give them a bit of a shine.  I replaced the circle panel on the sketch with a layered heart and I really do love the way it looks.  The yummy "chocolate covered cherry" color combo paper is from My Mind's Eye. 

Thanks for joining me today!  And be sure to check out MY POST on the Inky Impressions Inspirational blog!

A New Inky Impressions Challenge is Taking SHAPE!

For those of you that have read my blog over the past couple of years, you know that my shape has changed!  After becoming fully commited to Isagenix, and a strict exercise regimen that includes Zumba, personal training, boot camp and running, I went from 148 to 129 pounds and I feel great!

All of that to say, what a perfect time for today's Inky Impressions Challenge!  It's all about SHAPE!  Nicole challenged us to make a card using anything but a square!  I so loved this challenge. . .making something unique is one of my favorite rows to hoe!

I decided to go with this option. . .

This skinny rectangle card measures 3 inches wide and 6 inches long and is made from a scrap of 12x12 paper.  This color combo of orange, blue and olive is so "out of the box" for winter, don't you think?  Not that we Okies have seen much of that season as of yet - it was 72 here yesterday and much to my chagrin, I might add - so I thought maybe if I inked up Ice Skating Rachel, Mother Nature would take a hint!

While I usually color the Inky girls to match my DD's hair and eyes, this one was colored to match me! Highlighted hair, brown eyes and a bright orange coat!  Yes, I love my North Face Summit Series in electric orange* and I must admit, I'm a bit jealous of the fur trim on Rachel's. . .

Here's a close up. . .

Don't you just love that sweet mitten charm?

And, here's a peek at the inside sentiment. . .

Okay - enough of my chatter!  Time to head over and see what the other Inkettes have created!  You can find all the challenge details HERE.  And remember, there's a $10 Inky Impressions Gift Certificate up for grabs, so play along with us, won't you?

See you tomorrow when it's my day to be Inky Inspirational!

Until then, say a prayer that I'll get to wear my mittens in the snow real soon. . .

*Sorry girls, but the electric orange is no longer available.  However, I highly recommend the fusion pink version!  It looks like cotton candy on steroids!

IIC41 - Pink, Red & White

Hello friends!  It's a busy day in a good way over at Inky Impressions!  Not only do we have THREE new Lili stamps for you, but since today is Wednesday, it's also time for another Inky Impressions Challenge!

We are on challenge #41 today and it's all about red, pink & white!  I chose our recently released Cupcakes & Candy Factory digital stamp. . .

Just look at the amazing detail. . .

I just love this image!  Perfect for Valentine's Day, Christmas, Halloween - anytime you feel like a sweet treat! 

We hope you will play along with us this week!  And remember, if you use an Inky Impression stamp, then you can win a $10 gift certificate to spend in our store!  PLUS, one random winner will receive a free digi stamp and the top three winners will also have an Inky Impressions badge to add to their blog!

You can check out the other Inkettes challenge projects HERE!

AND - Don't forget about the new release of Chatterbox Lili, Tutu Cute Lili and Teary Eyed Lili which you can find at Inky Impressions!

Stamping Hugs!

 

Lesa

Calling ALL Stampers! Ready for Some Inky Fun? It's Release Day!

Note: You should sing this song to the tune of the Pointer Sisters hit "I'm So Excited". . .

I'm so inkcited! And I just can't hide it!

I'm about to show you stamps and I know you'll like 'em!

I know, I know - it won't win a Grammy, but I thought it was cute!

Soooooooooo - Are you ready for the Inky Impressions New Release Blog Hop?

I am so happy to join all the other "Inkettes" as we showcase the newly released stamps from Inky Impressions! Today we are so "inkcited" to add three new Lili stamps to the Inky family!  Please welcome:  Chatterbox Lili, Teary Eyed Lili, and my featured stamp today, Tutu Cute Lili!  Hopefully, you have joined me from Joanna's Blog!  If not, I highly recommend you head to the start of the line at Anita's Blog - why?  Well, if you leave a comment on each of the Inkette's posts, you could win ALL of this!

Winner's choice of 1 of the 3 New Releases-
--- Chatterbox LiLi Rubber Stamp, Tu-Tu Cute LiLi Rubber Stamp, or Teary Eyed
LiLi Rubber Stamp
--- Angelica's Bunny Rubber Stamp
--- LiLi's Slumber Party Rubber Stamp
--- 3 Sentiment Rubber Stamps: My place or yours, Bring your jammies & Uh-Oh
Spaghetti Oh's
--- Padded Butterfly Trim in 3 colors: Bright Pink, Turquoise, & Lime Green
--- 4 packs of Inky Pearls in Bright Pink, Lime Green, Turquoise & Tangerine
--- 4 packs of silver charms- Butterflies, Flowers, Dragonflies, Cute Little
purses
--- 1 pack of beautiful silver flower centers
--- 1 pack of Inky Dinky Drops in Clear
--- 2 packs of Inky 6mm brads in Bright Pink & Light Green

All you have to do is leave a comment at each of our Inkettes posts and you could win!  How easy is that?
Okay - enough my talk, let's take a look at Tutu Cute Lili!


How darling is she?  Just look at the detail on her sweet face. . . 


And, how perfect is this sentiment?

And isn't the ballet slipper charm from Inky Impressions the perfect "en pointe" touch?

Alright stampers, time for you to head to DeNetra's Blog to meet Chatterbox Lili!

And, at the end of the hop, join us at Inky Impressions where you see all the new stamps and take some home!

Later today, I'll be back with the Inky Impressions Challenge!  Lucky you - hearing from me twice in one day!

Stamping Hugs!

Lesa

 

Calling ALL Stampers! Ready for Some Inky Fun?

I am so "inkcited" to be a new member of the Inky Impressions design team!  If you haven't heard, there's an Inky Blog Hop on the way! You won't want to miss it!  New releases, new design team members, new creations and NEW prize packages - what a great way to start the NEW year!  Join us on Wednesday, January 11th for some INKY fun!