La-La Land Crafts Inspirational Monday-Patriotic/Summer Theme

Happy Memorial Day to all my peeps in the USA! I'm enjoying spending some quality time with my family this long weekend. We had a big tornado scare last week and nothing makes you appreciate your family & friends more than ever than the thought that you could have lost one of them. I really appreciate everyone who checked on us! It was definitely too close for comfort. I also want to take this time to thank all our servicemen who go above and beyond everyday to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. My dad served over 20 years in the Army so I know the many sacrifices that are made. Thank you for all that you do!

Starting this week at the La-La Land Crafts Blog we will be having Inspirational Mondays and Fridays. Every Monday and Friday the blog will showcase ideas from the DT to help get you inspired. This week we have a Patriotic/Summer theme to celebrate Memorial Day/Family Fun/Picnic in the Sun/Pool, etc. I was going to make 2 cards, one with a summer theme and one for Memorial Day. However, Friday was the last day of school for my little boy, and I had a lot to get done. You'll have to check back on Thursday for my Memorial Day card. :)

When I first saw Beach Marci and Summer Luka I knew I wanted to create a beach scene with the both of them. I decided to do a Side-Step Card, which I thought would help me capture all the elements I wanted for my scene. You can find a tutorial for this type of card here. I did make some measurement adjustments for my card because I needed the left side to be wider to fit my scene.

I also needed a free beach scene so I went on a search and came across this card at TheFrugalCrafter.wordpress.com with a free download.....AWESOME! I loved the hair gel idea so I incorporated that into my scene as well.

Here's my Side-Step Card (you can see the full recipe list at the bottom). Aren't Beach Marci and Summer Luka soooooo adorably CUTE! I am loving this new release!! Don't forget you can see the full line of Marci & Luka stamps at La-La Land Crafts.

Next is a close-up of Marci and my scene. I glued the blue wave paper (behind the hair jell bag) down first. Then I placed hair gel in a 3" x 4" baggie and taped that on top of the blue paper with Scor-tape (strongest stuff ever!). The dot paper has a circle cut out and is raised up on pop-dots.

To make the beach scene, I printed it and then cut it out with my Spellbinders Lacey Circles. I traced a circle on the inside and cut it out and around my image with an Xacto knife. I colored my image with Copics & chalk, and added CTMH Liquid Glass to the surfboard, pail and shovel. I cut another Lacey Circles border from yellow cardstock with the inside hollowed out and sponged Faded Jeans Distress Ink around it. Then I topped off the border with Stardust Stickles.

Here's a close-up of Beach Marci. I added CTMH Liquid Glass to her inner tube and Stardust Stickles to her hat. Do you see the little grains of sand on her feet? I bought several jars of different colored sand on clearance a while back and finally had a use for some. I think it turned out cute, hee, hee!
Summer Luka reminds me of my little boy. He loves to play in the water, but doesn't like to get his face wet. I really want to get him into swimming lessons soon! I added CTMH Liquid Glass to his goggles, inner tube, and arm floaties. I LOVE this image!

In the next picture, you can see the sand up close. I stamped the CTMH sentiment with Walnut Stain Distress Ink. For the water, I found some awesome Paper Studio wave paper and embossed it with Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl. I rubbed Faded Jeans Distress Ink over the top to bring out the swirls.

In this side view, you can see the Liquid Glass on Luka's goggles, inner tube, and floaties much better.

Summer Card Recipe

Stamps: Beach Marci & Summer Luka (La-La Land Crafts)/Sentiment (CTMH)/Digital Beach Scene (The Frugal Crafter)
Papers: Kraft Cardstock (Recollections)/ DPs (the Paper Studio)
Tools: Spellbinders Lacey Circles/ Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl Embossing Folder
Embellishments: Sand from my stash/ Clear bag/ Hair gel/ Stardust Stickles/ CTMH Liquid Glass
Coloring Medium: Copics & Chalk
Copics used on Image:

Marci:
Skin: E000 & chalk
Hair: E37, E25, E51
Hat & Swimsuit: R81 & chalk/ Y21 & chalk/ Stardust Stickles
Inner tube: BV00 & chalk/ Y21/ CTMH Liquid Glass

Luka:
Skin: E000 & chalk
Orange areas: YR02, YR04
Blue: B00, B02, BG10
Inner tube: G14, Prismacolor Grass Green, Y21 & chalk/ CTMH Liquid Glass

Don't forget to check back here on Thursday for my Memorial Day card. I hope you had a great weekend and your day today continues to be blessed!

Hugs,
Rosie
Guest DT: La-La Land Crafts
Creative Team Member: CropStop

CropStop Challenge #21- Complimentary Colors

This week at the CropStop Challenge Blog we challenge you to use your Copics markers (or any other coloring tools) to show us some complimentary colors. If you head over to the CropStop blog, you can see the amazing samples from my Creative Team sistas! Remember to check out the Guidelines by clicking on the "Rules" tab on the left to be sure your entry follows the rules.

Complimentary colors are pairs of colors that are of “opposite” hue in some color model (like the color wheel). Complementary colors create more interest when used together in a project.

This beautiful color wheel is from Quilts and creativity.

Don't miss out on a great opportunity to win Copic's 12 new color markers by participating in the May challenges on the CropStop Challenge Blog! This is the last challenge for May so get your entry uploaded before Wednesday night!

Use Copic markers on your projects and have a chance to win this colossal prize! No Copics? Not to worry! Use the coloring media of your choice and you still get into the monthly draw for the Copic Marker prize!!

At the end of May, CropStop will randomly draw one winner from all challenge entries during the month of May to win this grandiose prize...a collection of the 12 new Copic colors and lots of other goodies!

Be sure to visit the CropStop Challenge Blog every Thursday for a new challenge! Hope to see you soon!

Hugs,
Rosie

La-La Land Crafts Memorial Day SALE!

At La-La Land Crafts, Irina decided to add something SWEET to your long Memorial Day weekend :-)

SALE, SALE, SALE!!!!

From now until Monday, May 30th when you enter discount code MEMORIALDAY upon checkout, you will receive a 10% discount on your order over $50.00!! Digis INCLUDED!! Now is the time to stock up on these incredibly, CUTE stamps!

Did you check out the new release?? Here's a picture of the new stamps Irina released this week.

So click HERE to go shopping!!

Hugs!
Rosie
Guest DT: La-La Land Crafts
Creative Team Member: CropStop

La-La Land Crafts Summer Release Blog Hop

La-La Land Crafts is gearing up for summer with new stamps and new Design Team Members. Drum roll please...................I'm so excited to announce that I'll be a guest designer for June and July......WOO HOO!! I love their cutie patootie stamps and I know you will too once you see them!

Today we're hopping around so you can see the amazing creations by the new team featuring these AWESOME and fabulous new stamps. We hope you'll join us and hop along. If you didn't arrive here from Pop's blog, then be sure to head over to the La-La Land Crafts Blog for the full details and blog hop line-up.

You'll want to leave a comment on every blog you visit along the way to be eligible to win all 6 stamps in the Summertime collection: that's three new Marci stamps and three new Luka stamps!! :) After me, you'll want to hop on over to Sandie's blog to see what she has in store for you. And, don't forget to comment along the way so you can win!

Today I'm showcasing Fisherman Luka....isn't he adorable?!?! I knew when I saw him that I wanted to make a Father's Day set with a card and tackle box. When my dad was alive, one of his favorite past-times was fishing. I remember when we were little, he would take the family to the lake and try to teach us to fish. I didn't touch the worms or any other live bait...ewww, gross! But, I loved casting the line and the act of catching a fish. I also didn't mess with the fish when I reeled him in, LOL! I had to call dad over to get the fish off the line and hook up some new bait. Poor guy.....so much for his relaxing day of stress-free fishing, right?!?!

On to my Father's Day card and tackle box (you can see the recipe at the bottom of my post):

Here's a closeup of Luka (colored with Copics & chalk):

Full view of front of the card:

Side view of my card (I used PopDots behind Luka to raise him up):

Inside of card:


Inside left side:
Inside right side (has opening to insert a gift card):

Here are some pics of the tackle box with gummy worms, hee, hee. You can purchase the instructions here. It looks big, but it's only about 4x6 inches and 3 inches tall. My card is 6x6 so you can see the size comparison.

Supplies:

Stamps: Fisherman Luka (La-La Land Crafts)/Scenic Combo (Heartfelt Creations)/Father's Day Sentiment (CTMH)/Inside card quote (CTMH)
Papers: Kraft Cardstock (Recollections)/ Cocoa Cardstock (CTMH)/ Designer Paper (K&Company Julianne)
Tools: Decorative Window Scene Die (Heartfelt Creations)/Floral Doily Motifs Die (Spellbinders)
Embellishments: Brown Sheer Ruffle Ribbon (CropStop)/ Brown & Tan zigzag ribbon-glued on top of ruffle ribbon (Michaels)/ Button & Braiding Cord (personal stash)/ Fish Stickers (Frances Meyer)/ Brown Grosgrain ribbon for tackle box handle (The Paper Studio)/ Brown Mini Brads (The Paper Studio)/ Metal Label Holder on front of tackle box (Making Memories)
Coloring Medium: Copics & Chalk
Copics used on Image:
Skin: E000 & chalk
Hat: E55, E31, E51, B91, B93 and chalk
Hair: E49, E37, E25, E51
Shirt: B91, B93 and chalk
Pants: E55, E31, and chalk
Bucket: BV23 and black chalk
Socks: B93
Sole of shoes: BV23 and black chalk
Fishing Pole: E31, E51
Edges of papers & Frame: distressed with Walnut Stain Distress Ink

If you haven't checked out my Birthday Marci Stationery Box, click here. I actually won the contest Irina had with that project! Thank so much for visiting and don't forget to keep on hopping!

Hugs,
Rosie
Guest DT: La-La Land Crafts
Creative Team Member: CropStop

CropStop Challenge #20: Tic, Toc, Tic, Toc

This week's CropStop Challenge is to make an ATC using "Time" as the theme. ATC's are 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch trading cards to be "swapped" with your crafting friends! We want to see you "make the time" to create one too! Be sure to check out the blog for wonderful examples from my Creative Team Sisters!!

Remember...CropStop is highlighting Copic markers for the entire month of May. Use Copic markers on your projects during the month and CropStop will randomly select one winner from the month's total entries to receive a great Copic Prize Package!

Don't have Copics? Not to worry, use your coloring options...pencils, water markers, chalks, and still be eligible to win a $15 Gift Certificate during the random weekly draw! Always remember to check our Guidelines under the "RULES" tab on the left to ensure you are eligible for the prizes.

Also, be sure to check the blog on Mondays for Michelle's Monday Copic Tutorials. Michelle is a Certified Copic Designer and has some fabulous tips for all of us Copic users. If you've missed them, click on the links below to take you to the previous postings.

http://cropstop.blogspot.com/2011/05/michelles-monday-copic-tutorial.html

http://cropstop.blogspot.com/2011/05/monday-with-michelle_09.html

http://cropstop.blogspot.com/2011/05/monday-with-michelle.html

http://cropstop.blogspot.com/2011/04/copic-mini-monday.html

http://cropstop.blogspot.com/2011/04/copic-monday.html

http://cropstop.blogspot.com/2011/04/copic-colors.html

http://cropstop.blogspot.com/2011/04/copic-color.html

I hope this gives you plenty of inspiration to pull out your coloring mediums and join us this month as we celebrate coloring with Copics. You can use any coloring medium for our challenges, but if you use Copics you'll go into a separate drawing for a Copic prize!

I'll be back soon with some projects I've been working on. Also, I have some BIG NEWS to announce next week....so stay tuned!

Hugs,
Rosie :)

La-La Land Crafts National Scrapbooking Day Contest

La-La Land Crafts is having a contest for National Scrapbooking Day. It ends today so I was scrambling trying to get it done before the deadline! You can see the details of the contest on their blog here. They are also doing a Design Team call!! If you love their stamps then you should head on over to their blog and apply. The benefits sound amazing!

For the National Scrapbooking Day Contest, they wanted to see a creation using their stamps in a project other than a card. They are looking for different projects including scrapbooking layouts, decorative items, altered items, 3D projects, etc.

They will pick THREE winners for this Contest!!!

1st Place - $50 credit to our store

2nd Place - $25 credit

and 3rd place - $10 credit

This Contest will run through May 7th. They will announce the winners on May 9th.

For my project I made a Stationery Box with a matching birthday card. I found this AWESOME tutorial by Jackie on Splitcoaststampers for this amazing Stationery Box. There are a lot of steps and it's a little time consuming, but I think the end result is fabulous....don't you agree?

For my image, I used my digital stamp of Birthday Marci. Isn't she the cutest thing ever?! I love the Marci and Luka line! They are so easy to color and I think their faces and outfits are adorable. You can find the entire Marci and Luka collection in rubber here.

I colored her in Copics and did most of my shading in chalk. She has Stardust Stickles on all the orange parts. Actually, there's quite a bit of stickles all over the card. I added it to all the Wild Orchid Crafts flowers and around the edges of the sentiment.

The paper is from CTMH Splendor paper pack. I used my Classic Ovals Large Nesties and Classic Scalloped Ovals Large Nesties behind Marci. The white oval is embossed with Cuttlebug Swiss Dots. The gorgeoous sheer Navy ruffle edge ribbon is from CropStop here. I used my Bow Easy to make a double loop bow. Love that thing!! The lace came from WOC.

The sentiment is from Inkadinkado and is matted on Spellbinders Fancy Tags. The crystal sprigs on the left came from the blog candy I won from Patricia Garcia. Thanks girl....they are amazing!! I need to find out where she got those!! The other crystal garland on the right came from Hobby Lobby. Here's a side view so you can see the dimension. I have Marci and the sentiment raised up on popdots.

Now, here's the amazing Stationery Box. I LOVE this thing!! It has a place for some large square cards (5 x 5), tags, 3x3 mini cards, post-it notes, mail stamps and a matching ink pen. Everything a person needs to write a nice little letter.....remember those days when we used to sit down and write a letter to someone?!?! I'm not so great at doing that, especially when there's email and Facebook, but I think I will sit down this week and write some letters to my family members in Michigan!

Here's a close-up of the middle section with the tag and 3x3 card taken out of the holder. I used the same digital image and just re-sized her smaller to fit on the mini card.

And, a closeup of the 3x3 mini card and tag:

I hope you enjoyed my Stationery Box Set. It was a lot of fun to make! Now....go check out these amazing stamps from La-La Land Crafts and get some for your stash. I promise you will love coloring them!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,
Rosie :)

Magnolia-licious May Sketch Challenge & Announcements

Hi Y'all! How has everyone been this week? It's late Tuesday night and my little one is in bed finally. He's been sick the past couple of days with a fever so we stayed home from school. He's prone to febrile seizures so when he gets sick it's always a little stressful. I think his body is finally at the point to handle the quick spikes in temperature, but it's still scary when his temp jumps to 102. To say the least, we are up every 4 hours giving him meds just to make sure.

Anyways, since we've been hanging at home these past couple of days, I managed to make a card for the Magnolia-licious Highlites May Sketch challenge. Keep reading to the bottom of my post if you have time because I've announced the winner of my Spellbinder Candy from last week and I've got some CropStop news for ya. :)

Here's Suzanne's amazing sketch:
Here's my card using Tilda with Birdcage:

I actually made the birdcage last week for CropStop's Nightingale challenge. You still have until Wednesday night to enter. All you have to do is make a project using a textured bird, birdcage, and/or bird's nest on your project. If you want to know how to make the birdcage, then click here go to my previous post.

This week though, I was inspired by the Magnolia-licious sketch to make a matching card using Tilda with birdcage.

I used Copic E50 to color her skin and then did all the shading and cheek color with chalk. For her hair I used E37, E25 & E55. Her socks are B00. Her clothes are all paper-pieced and shaded with some black chalk. I added Stardust Stickles to the green paper on her dress and bow. Her shoes are covered in CTMH Liquid Glass to give them that patent leather shine. I like the CTMH Liquid Glass much better than Glossy Accents. It's thicker and comes out slower so I have more control especially in smaller areas. I can make some pretty high dew drops/spots with the CTMH Liquid Glass because of its thickness. Believe me, if you try it you will love it!!

I used the same papers as my birdcage from DCWV Nana's Nursery Baby Boy paper pack. The green paper came from my stash. All dps are edged with Stardust Stickles. I used my Spellbinders Classic Scalloped Oval Large to cut the white cardstock behind Tilda. Then embossed it with Cuttlebug Swiss Dots. I inked the scalloped edges with Broken China Distress Ink. Behind the white scalloped paper is a circle paper doily. It was originally white, but I rubbed blue chalk all over it to color it.

The large, blue roses are from Recollections and the white cherry blossoms are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I covered all the flowers with more Stardust Stickles. I used the Martha Stewart Blossom Trim deep edge trimmer for my middle trim piece. I cut one border in green and another border in white. I cut out the flowers on the white trim and used my McGill flower making tools to curl the flowers up. They were edged in Broken China ink and Stardust Stickles. The center blue pearls are from Jolee's.

The butterflies were made from the Martha Stewart Monarch Butterflies deep edge trimmer. I punched the border and then cut out some of the butterflies to get the various sizes. The edges were inked with Broken China and covered in Stardust Stickles. Small Recollection pearls were added to the butterfly centers. I added rhinestone swirls from my stash (I think they were also from Recollections). The metal looking corners were cut from some metallic paper I had in my stash using Cuttlebug Vintage Corners.

Here's a side view so you can see the dimension. I raised Tilda on pop-dots.

I really loved how this card turned out. It actually came together pretty quickly for me (usually it takes me at least a week to make one card, LOL!). I know having the great sketch to get me going was really the key. I definitely need to do more sketch challenges!

Now on to my Spellbinder Candy winner. Sorry I didn't get it up earlier. We've been having internet issues and I haven't been able to load pictures to my blog from home. They finally got it fixed this week....YIPPEE!!

KELLY NEIS....you are the winner of my Spellbinder Candy!!

Here's a picture of your winnings: Deckled Rectangles Large & Eyelets Pendants. (the little boy is excluded, LOL!) If you already have these dies let me know and I can try to switch them out.

Now, the joys of having a little boy....can you guess what he is doing that he wanted me to take a picture of???

Yeah, he's burping! I'm telling ya, having a boy can be interesting!

Before I go, I wanted to let you know that CropStop is highlighting Copics for the month of May. Look for great Copic Tutorials by Creative Team member and Certified Copic Designer, Michelle Pearson, every Monday in May. She will be sharing her Copic talent with you.

At the end of May, CropStop will randomly draw one winner from all challenge entries during the month of May to win this grandiose prize...a collection of the 12 new Copic colors and lots of other goodies!

Have a happy hump day and I hope you enjoy the rest of your week. I'll be back soon to share a Name Frame I made for Isaiah's teacher.

Happy Crafting!
Rosie :)