MIDNIGHT MADNESS MMSC8

Happy Tuesday and Happy Midnight Madness to you all!!!

Yes it's that time of week again when we get to see the next sketch....we are now on number 8 and once again for sketch challenge number 7 we have had a fabulous array of creations to look at. The dt have been busy looking them over and getting inspiration once more!! Whoo hoo...there are some very talented peeps out there. Unfortunately with my computer issues last week I wasn't able to comment or view all of the entries as they were coming in...so if you entered and you didn't receive my comments......I'm sorry!! Sometimes computers have a mind of their own!

Well as it's the last day of June, is Priscilla going to double the money in the mad money piggy bank???? If the followers doubled to 320, then yes she will....you have until Midnight tonight to enter and become a follower....so stop reading this, go tell your friends and your friends friends to swing on over the the Midnight Madness site at Priscillastyles. Trust me, Priscilla really wants to double the money and for those of us who could use a little extra, it would be so worth it!!

And the Midnight Madness Gold Star Award goes to....Di! Congratulations on winning this award...display it proudly!



The DT Award this week goes to.......Michelle! Congratulations Michelle....you've definately been the sunshine for all of us!
OK now if you are still reading this post you are not over on Priscilla's site....naughty naughty!!!!
Just kidding!!! Anyway, for my card I chose another Elisabeth Bell image, coz she makes such beautiful drawings....I think I need to go try out to be a dt member on one of her sites!!! LOL
I just think she is incredibly talented and the little girl images are just precious. This one I colored in copics and mounted on pop dots for a little dimension. I chose the soft colors as this image is such a sweet gentle one. I switched the rectangle and circle around from the sketch but I like how it turned out. The flowers I've had for ages and just love the delicate color of them and they matched so well to the rest of the card. The little gems add a little sparkle to the ribbons and circle along with the stitching and 3d butterfly to complete the look!

Let me know what you think!
Hugs,
Charlotte

Tutorial for shaker card! Better late than never!!

Happy Monday everyone!

First let me say sorry for the lateness of this post....I promised to get this done two weeks ago and I didn't do it...I've been playing taxi driver and house sitter then last week I had some problems with my computer and didn't get to post anything after Wednesday, so I apologize for that. I know I'm not the only one experiencing computer issues but it's so frustrating when it happens!!

Second, I would like to greet my new followers and say a huge thank you to them for joining me!! Kaymin Kantina, (some delicious food on this site, plus check out the Kaymin Kreations scrapbook albums), Phyllis Long (Midnight Madness teammate who loves to make flower cards), Dottie (who makes wonderful floral arrangements) and Sandee (Midnight Madness player with some gorgeous cards). Thank you all for becoming a follower!

Also many thanks to those of you who have left me such lovely comments...I so appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time to let me know you've stopped by!

OK so here goes with my first tutorial (not sure this is going to work too well without a bunch of photos!!)

Things you will need:
cardstock for card, designer paper for background, images to color, pop dots, plastic beads for shaker inside, ribbon, gems, foam squares (small size, approx 1/4"), double sided tape and bubble (rainbow) stickers.

Method:
1. print out two copies of the fish bowl image in the size you want to make, mine was around 4.5" X 5" Trace the outside of the fishbowl shape onto a piece of acetate and cut out.
2. color in one fishbowl completely and cut it out. The second fishbowl, I just colored around the edge of the bowl and cut the colored part out....this can be a little tricky to do, and I ended up cutting the top off and fixing it back on later.
3. print out two or three little fish images, from Dustin's balloon fish approx 1.5" X 2" (size was measured from top to bottom of balloon, excluding the string)
4. color the fish and cut them out then decide where you want to place them in the fish bowl.
5. Using the pop dots to give a 3d effect, I placed my fish in position.
6. Using the foam squares, place them on top of the fully colored image around the edge of the bowl making sure you don't leave any spaces in between the squares where the beads could get stuck.
7. When all the foam squares are around the edge of the fishbowl place a few beads on top of the image then place the acetate on top. When you are comfortable that you have the right placement, remove the tape from all the squares and place the acetate in position. Now you should be able to lift the fishbowl up and shake the beads around without them falling out!!!!
8. Place the cutout fishbowl edge on top of the acetate using pop dots or double sided tape. I placed two flower gems at each side of the fishbowl edge because that's where I cut the top off. Now your shaker is ready to mount on your card!
9. After cutting and folding your card (mine was 6" square), machine stitch the outer edge of the Designer paper using zig zag stitching. Position the fish bowl in place then using double sided tape, place the dp onto the card, add the ribbon around the bottom edge, decorate with flower gems and bubble stickers (raindrops).
10. There you have it..a shaker card!!


If anyone is not able to follow these instructions, please let me know and I will be happy to clarify for you! This was actually a little harder than I thought....I think photos would have been easier to explain!!

Would love to hear what you think!!

Hugs,
Charlotte

DUSTIN PIKE DAY!!! WHOO HOO!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Wow, we are already half way through the week........who is taking the days away so fast...this is unreal!!! OK, enough panicking about the days flying by.....

As it's Wednesday, it's time once again to give lots of credit to the absolutely fabulous DUSTIN PIKE!!! Have you stopped by his blog today? Did you see his new pickies!!! Wow, I think he made that dragon in the innertube just for me!!!!! No really, remember my post of Thijs in his little innertube.....the likeness is uncanny!!!! LOL
Anyway, take a look over there, I swear his creations get more fabulous every time he comes up with something new. I just loved the dinos he made for us to play around with, and my card is using the background he created to go along with the dinos. Don't worry I will post more dino's before the end of the week. I just loved making this one, can't you tell?? I think my hubby thinks I'm nuts getting excited about coloring dino's....at this age!!! And no, I wasn't deprived as a child.....I did have coloring books!!! Honest!

I colored the whole card in copics and prismacolored pencils, made the delectable dino 3d with pop dots and as she was all alone I couldn't resist the sentiment.....Won't be the same...without You!!! The sky I sponged on with Martha Stewart ink. Let me know what you think!

Ok I have to run, but will check back later on if time permits.
Have a fabby day!
Hugs,
Charlotte

MIDNIGHT MADNESS (MMSC7)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Well it's that time of week................time for Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge number 7
Are we ready to play?? Every week it gets so much harder to pick a winner for the Midnight Madness Masterpiece..I know I said that last week too, but you need to see these creations that everyone is coming up with..............AWESOME! For some of the first time players, welcome and please come back because this DT is so inspired by all of the entries.....

Don't forget that there is also a chance to win some Mad Money during the month of June, so make sure you stop on by priscilla's blog to check out all the details. You will be glad you did.

Anyway, onto my card for this sketch...I chose another Elisabeth Bell image to create this card and this one is called "Country Style". I colored her in copics and prismacolor pencils then mounted the picture on foam squares to raise it up. The dp is by K&C called Que Sera Sera and I just love the pastel colors of this one. The cream lace has ribbon threaded through it which gives it a little feminine touch and of course the flowers...I always love flowers on cards...not that I have such a good selection, but I think they make a card look extra pretty!!! I did some stitching on this card too and added some little butterfly gems to the corner, and the sentiment "missing you".

card recipe
Stamp - Elisabeth Bell Country Style (from Sugar Nellie's)
DP - K & C Que Sera Sera
Butterfly gems - from my stash....Michael's I think
Flowers - Prima Calypso (orange), Prima Nursery Tales Vintage style (mint green), and white flowers from my stash

Let me know what you think!
Hugs and have a very happy Tuesday!
Charlotte

Dustin Pike - Father's day cards!

Good morning everyone!

Well I hope you all had a terrific weekend and got some crafting done or at least took the time to rest!! My weekend was busy as Thijs had a pool birthday party to go to, which was really great, except for the heat.....boy it was hot!!! I ended up driving around 160 miles there and back and as I no longer need to drive long distances anymore, this was a tiring trip!!! Needless to say I ended up with a migrane headache at the end of the day!

Talking about heat....it's supposed to be 98 degrees today! This kind of weather does not agree with me at all with all the pressure in the air it gives me really bad headaches. I have been taking Thijs swimming almost every afternoon, which is nice while I'm in the water but later on I know how the day will end.....another headache!! If anyone knows how to avoid this from happening.....I'd love to hear from you!! And don't tell me to stay indoors coz that won't help!!!

OK, enough about that, today I am sharing two cards I made for Father's Day....I know they are late being posted but at least they are here now!! I used the adorable images from Dustin Pike, and colored them in copics and prismacolor pencils. The little monkeys eyes I also added paper glaze, and Mod podge was added to the cupcakes, just to give a little shine and sparkle!! I got happy comments from the recipients so both seemed to enjoy their cards!!! I was really happy with the monkey card, maybe coz it was so much fun to color and make. Anyway, I'd love to hear what you think of them both.

Enjoy your day!
Hugs,
Charlotte

DUSTIN PIKE RELEASE!!!!!

Happy Thursday All!

This is a super fast post today as I've been having some computer issues.....so, before it starts giving me any hassle again, I figured I would get this new Dustin Pike release card posted!!! I loved making this card and it's my first Step Card!!! Woo Hoo, I will definately be making more of these as they are sooo much fun to make....and the creativity is endless. Dustin's release, if you haven't been to his sight today is Space, the moon, stars, ufo, planet and dino rocket!!!!! Awesome stuff. Check it out!!! Also, you should fly on over to the design teams creations coz they are fabulous!!

I colored the images in copics and prismacolors and made some things shiny with paper glaze and mod podge. I tried to give you all different views so you could see a couple of close ups. Let me know what you think!

Hopefully I will post more tomorrow!
Have a fabby day!
Hugs,
Charlotte

DUSTIN PIKE SPACESHIP CARD!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

First I would like to welcome my new followers, Jojo, Allison and of course my DT friend over at Dustin's place Domi!!! Thanks so much for joining my blog! Thank you also to all my followers and non followers who so kindly leave me the wonderful comments each day....I love to read what you have to say, and all your kind words are sooooo appreciated! Thank you all!

Well as it's Wednesday, I figured I would post a little Dustin Pike image......he has some cool images coming out tomorrow and the DT have had some fun creating with them. This image is an older one, but still on the same lines as the new releases! I will post the new ones tomorrow! The freebie today is the Moon background which is fabulous to color and put together with Dustin's space dragon!!! I feel like a child when I color these images and kind of get lost for a while!!! Such fun!

This card is a springy card that I have seen some people make before, I had wanted to give it a try and so the lovely Betty Benton over at Stamptv was nice enough to give me the tutorial info so I could give it a try! So now it's my turn to pass the info on to you lovely cyber friends.... just click on the "Springy card" words that are underlined and that will take you through to the tutorial. These are super easy to make but are really cute when they are done. The little space alien bounces when the card is moved.....so cute.

I colored this one in copics (my colors are limited as I only have a few of them!!), then I glazed over his eyes and around the yellow part of his space ship to give it a little shine. The dp is from DCWV All About Boys stack, and I mounted the little alien ontop of the dp using pop dots. The wording is typed on the computer and also mounted with pop dots. Let me know what you think!

card recipe
Image - Dustin Pike
Designer paper - DCWV All About Boys stack
Cardstock - Best Occasions Purple
Glaze - Paper glaze by Aleene's from Michael's

That's it for my post this morning, but don't forget to fly on over to Dustin's blog and all my fellow DT members blogs to check out their terrific creations...you won't be disappointed!

Have a very happy Wednesday everyone!

Hugs,
Charlotte

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge MMSC6

Happy Tuesday everyone!

First of all I would like to welcome Allison to my blog.....thank you so much for joining and I really hope you enjoy checking out the things that I make. I have to admit I'm not always the most efficient at getting new cards and projects posted....but I do my best...so thanks again for joining..you just made my day brighter :)

Well it's that time of the week again.....time for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!!! It doesn't seem like a week has gone by since the last one......where does the time go to? I hope it's not just me that feels the days slipping away.......way tooo quickly!!!!!

OK For those of you who haven't checked out this challenge yet, you really should coz they are a lot of fun! Some sketches will really challenge you but you will always have plenty of samples to look at from the design team so you can get an idea of what you could do with the sketch. The entries we have had are amazing and each week we see more newcomers to the challenge which is very rewarding, especially for the DT. We all get inspired by your entries and this is what it's all about...having fun and learning from each other! There are soooo many talented peeps out there....and we love to see your creations. So come along and give it a try, you never know....you might just get hooked on the Midnight Madness Challenges!!

For my card this week I chose another Elisabeth Bell image, (no surprise there!!) one of the Country girls collection called Painting Rainbows. I colored her in prismacolor pencils and copics then raised the whole image on pop dots. The ribbon detail on the left was a little tricky to place initially but eventually they all stayed where they were supposed to be!! The flowers I added some Martha Stewart glitter in turquoise to give a little sparkle, then some gems from Darice, then finished them off with leaves which were made using a Martha Stewart punch. On the top right corner I added a hat pin with plastic beads, just to finish the card off. Hope you like it!!

card recipe
Stamp - Elisabeth Bell, country girls "Painting Rainbows"
DP - My minds eye - Bohemia
Ribbon - teal sheer - Lady Chiffon Willow 3 by Offray
Ribbon - Burgundy from my stash
Flowers - Prima Nursery Tales
Leaves - Martha Stewart punch
Gems - Darice from Michael's


I would like to say Congratulations to one of our own DT members - Chris on her spotlight at Our Daily Bread Designs check it out and learn a little more about this very creative designer! Way to go Chris, you are an inspiration to all of us!!

Congratulations Chris on winning the Midnight Madness Inspiration Award....no one could wear it better! Enjoy it!

Congratulations to Lorelie for the Midnight Madness Masterpiece Award.....another beautifully creative lady.

Hugs,
Charlotte

MOJO MONDAY - DUSTIN PIKE!

Happy Monday everyone!

First I want to say welcome to my two new followers Sarah and Tanja....so glad you stopped by and decided to join my blog.....it really makes my day when I get new followers!!! WOOO HOO!
Sarah.....I will get you the tutorial for the shaker card before the end of the week.....I promise!

It's a really quick post as I need to go pick up my little one from summer camp, then take him swimming this afternoon....lots of running around starting today! Hopefully I will get around to making some cards though this week....I just need to schedule my time so I know where I need to be and when!!!!

OK...this card I made for Mojo Monday...it seems forever since I played...so I figured I'd get around to making this cutie into a card. Of course, it's another Dustin Pike dragon....couldn't resist this one (he reminds me of Thijs with the water wings and rubber ring!!! he he). Anyway, he is colored in copics (the dragon, not Thijs), and I added some shine to his flippers, water wings, eyes and duckbill with paper glaze. It's a very simple card..no stitching on this one, but I like how it turned out.......what do you think??

Gotta run otherwise I will be late!
Hugs,
Charlotte

DUSTIN PIKE RELEASES!

My First Shaker card!!!

Wooden picture frame

3D Card

Evening all!!!

Well I hope you all had a Happy Wednesday, I know for some of you the day is already over and for others not! I spent the morning at the doctors with Thijs....first the ENT to check on his ear tubes then to the pediatrician as he needed his shots for school.......this was not fun! Thijs gets very anxious about doctors visits....probably because he has been to way too many for a 5 year old!!! Anyway, we got through it and then stopped by the farmers market on the way home to have a delicious strawberry shake....that did the trick to cheer him up!! And me too!!!!!

OK now for the cards! It's Dustin's turn now and he has some fantastic releases to come out tomorrow.....sealife....how appropriate is that with our boating mishap!!!! Anywho, not only is Dustin producing some awesome cuties to color, now he's making backgrounds to go along with the theme.....you couldn't ask for anything better than that..... to get a complete package!!! WHOOO HOOO DUSTIN!!!

Did you get the freebies today??? I haven't had the chance to make any of them into a project yet....but I will. These are just too much fun to color. You can make so many creations with the designs and they are fab for children. I decided to make a shaker card.....MY VERY FIRST SHAKER CARD! from the fish bowl drawing, and although it was a little bit of work, I like how it came out....this one of course went to Thijs :) I then made the picture frame for him too, using the whale, shark, dolphin and crab drawings. The frame was $1 from Michael's....what a great project to make for that price, don't you think? The mermaid cat I made last week but wanted to show it with the other two projects to go along with the sealife theme.

Well if you haven't checked out Dustin's blog yet..............swim on over to check it out!!! Also, please take some time to check out the other design team members creations.....they are fabulous and well worth the visit.

I'm going to say goodnight for now as I am tired!! Will be back sometime tomorrow to check on some blogs!!!
Have a great evening if you are still awake!!

Hugs,
Charlotte

Midnight Madness MMSC5

Good morning everyone!

Well today is the day, It's MIDNIGHT MADNESS time again!!! WHOOO HOO....the design team have been very busy working behind the scenes on some exciting upcoming events....sorry I can't tell you about them but you will see in the upcoming weeks. Got you curious huh!!!
What a wonderful selection of entries we have had this week, I tell you that each week it gets more difficult to choose a winner for the Masterpiece award.......in my opinion everyone deserves the award for entering. Fabulous creations! If you haven't had the chance to check it out yet....go ahead and pop on over to priscilla's for some mind blowing inspiration! The chance to win some really cool prizes could also be an incentive to come and play!!!

OK enough said.....now to my card. This week I chose a stamp from one of my fav. designers Elisabeth Bell to use on my card. This little girl is called Daisy, and she always appeals to me with her day dreamy look!!! Love it. I colored her in prismacolor pencils and copics.....I like to mix and match a bit. Then the flowers in her hair are dotted with glitter glue to give them a little shine. Not sure if you can see that on the photo! The dp is from K & Co, and I had been looking at it for a while in Michael's but never bought any, then last week it went on sale so I just had to get it....it's fabulous because it's got a different design on each side, which means when I make my envelope I don't need to line it separately!!
I originally put a bow at the top right hand corner of this card but wasn't completely convinced it fitted perfectly, so I showed it to my son and he told me "Mom, I don't like the bow!! You should put another flower there". Well, that's exactly what I did and I am so glad I listened to my very creative little 5 year old!!! THANK YOU THIJS!!! MOMMY LOVES YOU! XXX

Card recipe
Designer Paper - K & Co - Que sera sera
Green textured cardstock - Bazzill Basics - Emerald City
Flowers - Oriental Trading!
Leaves - Michael's
Gems - Darice at Michael's

Let me know what you think!
Hugs,
Charlotte

Award from Sassy! & Midnight Madness

Attitude and Gratitude Award!

Happy Monday everyone!

I'm so chuffed right now that Sassy awarded this to me!!! (Even if it was for being cheeky!!!) I love it and want to say a huge Thank you to Sassy for thinking of me for this one. This is one talented lady, and if you haven't checked out her blog yet....what's wrong with you? She is creative and funny, honest and adorable....she will become your best friend just by being herself. Take a few moments to pop on over to check her blog out.....I promise you won't be disappointed.

Thank you Sassy!


*****Midnight Madness:
Don't forget tomorrow is Midnight Madness......time for sketch number 5!!! Come on and play if you haven't already done so....there is so much inspiration there, not only from the DT but also every entry is well worth a peek!!
In addition to the inspiration of course are some fab prizes to win, so come along and play!

What you waiting for???


Go on and play!!!

Hugs to all you fellow bloggers out in cyberspace!
Charlotte

DUSTIN PIKE CARDS!

Good morning everyone!!

Wow, it seems forever since I entered a post!!! I've been MIA since I came back from vacation.....been trying to catch up with things and not doing such a good job of it. Vacation went a little different than planned....after riding out a storm we got the boat stuck in tooooo shallow water....hit a metal pipe and needed to be towed into a marina and spent the week there! Could have been much worse than it was coz the marina had everything we needed...electrical hookup, hot showers, laundry facilities, pool and private beach. So we ended up making the most of a not so good start, then had to wait for my brother in law to bring our truck and trailer down to the Keys to pick the wounded boat up!!! Now we need to get the propeller and housing fixed! As our fellow boaters let us know......the bigger the boat the bigger the problems!!!

On Thursday we finally got our air conditioner fixed.....whooo hooo!! so now we can sleep with comfort once more.

OK enough of that stuff, onto the cards. I haven't given any credit over the last few weeks to Dustin Pike's fabulous creations, so today it's his day! I love this Wednesday Freebie design and really enjoyed making this card. The card sentiment on the inside says "You can always count on me!!!"

I colored the bird in copics and prismacolor pencils, glazed over his beak and claws with paper glaze. I just couldn't resist turning one of the birds upside down....coz that's how I feel since I've been back home!!!! Anyway, let me know how you like him!

Don't forget to check the other design teams creations and Dustin's blog too!

card recipe
Cardstock - Best Occasions
dp - Sandylion Lollia by Margot elana - stitched stripe - embossed RMMESCB12
flowers - Prima calypso tin
gems - Michael's
Ribbon - Basic Narrows, celebrate it by Michael's

Have a great day and see you soon!

Hugs,
Charlotte


A HUGE THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU WHO LEFT ME LOVELY COMMENTS ON MY BLOG WHILE I WAS AWAY!!! IT WAS GREAT TO RETURN AND READ THEM ALL!

MIDNIGHT MADNESS (MMSC4)

Yes it's that time again...time to get creative with the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!! This is our 4th one and boy is this getting exciting......the entries are absolutely gorgeous...well done all of you who have been participating!! Keep em coming because the DT really enjoy seeing your wonderful works of art!

I'm still MIA but will be back sometime this week....unless something's happened and we are stranded in Key West somewhere, lounging in a hammock with a strawberry daquari in hands!!!! LOL

Anywho, here is my card for the sketch, I love this little vintage girl image, complete with frilly knickers and sparkling necklace!! She is just darling and this was a fun card to make, I almost wanted to wrap her in the feather boa!!! Ooh, this is the first time I've used the feather boa and boy I was spitting out feathers as they were flying through the air.....phew....what a mess, I had tiny red feathers everywhere!!!

Well I'll keep this short as I have with my other posts.....it gets a bit tyring typing a bunch of posts all at once...so hop on over to the Midnight Madness blog over at priscilla's and check out all the other team members creations!!! I'll have to check them all out when I get back.....mwah!!...don't want to have to wait!

Thanks for stopping by and an even bigger thanks for leaving me a little message :)

Enjoy your day!
Hugs,
Charlotte