Roller Derby Anyone????

          There is nothing like the sound of roller skates crashing and rubbing along the cement floor, along with women getting pushed to the ground with a thump. Although I would love to be a derby girl.... I am not, BUT I am a huge fan of it as my BFF is a derby girl, as is her daughter, and my other BFF is joining the team as well. I live vicariously through them. See I bruise WAY to easily and the closest you will get me to the rink is doing first aid at the bouts, and quite frankly even that terrifies me. A coworker of mine asked if I could do three cards for her for graduations. One of which is the one I am about to show you. Oddly enough, this girl graduated from nursing school BUT she is a derby chick to the CORE so my coworker asked if I could something derbyish for her, how could I resist?

          I tried to come up with something funky and this is what I came up with. Isn't this rad? The image is from Simply B Stamps and is called Roller Derby Wednesday. I used Gina K Kraft card stock and made a 5.5X5.5" card. There was also purple card stock (unknown but from my huge stash). I used MME "Little Black Dress" patterned paper. I hand drew the faux stitching with a black pen. I also heavily distressed the edges with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain ink. I added some bling in the corners.

          As you can see from this picture and not the one above, I decided to add a diploma I made out of paper. The image was inked with Copic markers. Her skin was done with E000, E00, E11 and R20. Her hair was inked with C3, C5, C7, and C9. Her eyes were done with G21 and G24. Her eye makeup was done with C3, C5, and C7. Her outfit was done with C3, C5, C7, C9, V09, V15 and V17. There is also some Y18 through out the mix. The image was printed on Make It Crafty alcohol blending card and cut with Spellbinders Petite Ovals. Hope you enjoy =).

The Paper Nest Dolls, Ribbon and Lace Challenge.......

          So welcome to the Ribbons and Lace challenge.... this will be my final one for this term as I will be back on the regular blog posts starting June 1st. It has been a pleasure doing this for the past 10 weeks..... You can visit the challenge blog for all the rules located on the sidebar here. Without further ado, here is my inspiration card for all you lovely crafters......
          I decided to step outside of the box for this one as you will notice this is not the usual type of card I do. I am really happy with how it turned out and I think I will be venturing outside of my comfort zone more often. =)
          I have had this digital stamp in my arsenal for a LONG time and I have never used it so I decided to ink this little cutie and and it was so much fun. You can find Couture Ellis here. Don't forget to like The Paper Nest on Facebook.          

          I inked Couture Ellie with Copic markers.... For her skin I used E000, E00, E11 and R20. I used my favourite blonde combination for her hair, E50, E51, E53 and E55. Her dress was coloured with R37, R39 and R89. Her accessories were done with C5, C9 and 110. I covered her purse and the rosebuds on the skirt with Diamond Stickles. I love Diamond Stickles because it picks up whatever colour you may be using.

          So as you can see, this is not my traditional Gina K Kraft card stock OR my usual square shaped card. Very seldom do I shy away from my Kraft card stock. I decided to go for Gina K Lipstick Red for the card back and the card is actually a 5X7. I love red, black and white together and I hardly ever use it as a combination but for some reason it just seemed like the right thing to do for this card. The patterned paper used is Basic Grey "Little Black Dress". The sentiment is part of the Simon Says Stamp March kit and it is by Kristina Werner called "Flower Friend" It is really hard to see but I lined the polka dotted paper with Gina K Black card stock. I used a Signo Uniball white gel pen to do dash lines around the outside of the black layers and I framed the image with Lipstick Red and lace. I was going to add ribbon but I felt it was elegant without it.
          So you are probably asking yourself what the lovely prize is that you could win for all your hard work? Well check it out below....

          I hope you enjoy this card and I hope you enjoy this challenge.... we look forward to seeing everyone's creations..... have tons of fun.....

We will be running biweekly challenges, starting on Mondays, and ending the Friday the week AFTER the challenge starts. A complete list of challenge rules/guidelines can be found on our sidebar. It is NOT required to use a Paper Nest Dolls image on your entry, although we will have freebies available soon and encourage you to take a look around our shop.

*Don't forget the great contest that is going on right now over at The Paper Nest Dolls, check it out here!*

Sherri Baldy Digital Stamps......

          So I have become a real fan of Sherri Baldy digital stamps. I remember when I first started working with Copics and saw her stamps along with Kristy's from Saturated Canary and found them SO intimidating..... I totally stayed away from them..... until just recently, I have come across some blogs of some lovely ladies who use Sherri Baldy stamps quite a bit and I finally decided to give them a try and I have to say they really are beautiful...... here is the latest one I have coloured..... and when I get the other ones made into cards I will post them as well......

          Sorry for the huge shadow at the bottom. I did not realize it till just now. Isn't this adorable?..... I can not wait to come up with a card for this one and when I do I will include all the important stuff like Copic colours used..... =)

Darn Spam Commenters.......

          So I hate to say this but I think I might have to have one of those silly bot boxes at the bottom of my comments page. For some reason, I have been getting a ton of spam commenters {totally strange} because I NEVER got any but for some reason they are loving me now. SO I am going to apologize ahead of time for those of you who hate them, please don't stop commenting because of it. I, quite frankly, despise them myself and have been moderating my comments but it is getting ridiculous.... I will test it out and see if it makes a difference... Don't stop showing love because of it...... thanks, xo

First Ever Tutorial...... Making Your Own Envelopes.........

          So as part of our term with The Paper Nest Dolls we had to do a tutorial. This made me a little nervous because I have never done ANYTHING like this before, so please be gentle. As most of you are aware, I am a member of YouTube but have absolutely NO CLUE how to do videos so my tutorial is going to be a blog tutorial.
          I chose to do a tutorial on how to make envelopes, something I do a lot for my cards because 1: it is really hard to find envelopes that fit my big cards that I like and 2: I can coordinate them with the cards I make, either with paper or embellishments.

Supplies Needed

8.5X11 or 12X12 piece of card stock

Ruler

Pencil

Scissors (sharp and small)

Scor Pad (I use Martha Stewart here)

Bone

Double-sided tape (I use Scor tape, because it is strong) or you can purchase envelope glue.

Picture 1a

Step 1: You start out by measuring the paper. I do like to use a medium weight card stock, it just holds up better with the folding, ect. This particular example I am making a card that is 5X5" square. For this a 8.5X8.5" piece of card stock is a good size as it gives a little bit of room for embellishments. See 1a.

Typical Measurements

5x5" - 8.5X8.5" card stock

5.5X5.5" - 8.75X8.75" card stock

6X6" - 9X9" card stock

Martha Stewart Envelope Attachment

Picture 1a - 1

Picture 2a.

Step 2: Although I am not a huge fan of the Martha Stewart Scor board, I DO LIKE the fact it has an envelope attachment that can help with the scoring of the card. I would scor all four corners at the 3.25" mark. Please 1a -1. You WILL have overlapping and that IS what you want. Next see 2a.

Picture 3a.

Step 3: Cut all the overlapping corners as shown in picture 3a.

Picture 4a

Step 4: Use the bone to get a nice tight fold on all four corners. See 4a.

Picture 5a

Step 5: Tape the edges of the card with the double sided tape. You want to be as close to the edge as you can WITHOUT going over so you don't tape the inside of the card shut. See 5a.

Voila! You have your envelope! You can make the decision as to how you would like to decorate the envelope, I am a minimalist type of girl so I do not do too much decorating. If you choose to use a paper that coordinates with the card you are doing, just keep in mind to go with a lighter colour so you can address it and it can be seen (if you are mailing). Or you can make a label with a shaped spellbinder if you would like, just make sure it is STRONGLY attached to the envelope..... hope you enjoyed this tutorial.... xo

The Paper Nest is Having a Contest!!!

.........and we want to see YOUR cards and projects made using Paper Nest Dolls stamps! 

How to Enter

• Create a card or other project using a PND stamp (can be either digital or rubber) and add it to the linky gadget on this post
• Your project must be posted on either your blog or online gallery so that it can be linked up

Contest Rules

• You may link up to a maximum of 2 projects
• New projects only, no backlinking, please
• You are welcome to combine your project with any other contests or challenges as long as your project is new
• Contest will run from May 15th - May 31stand winners will be announced here on the blog on June 3rd
• The design team will choose their three favorite cards/projects and the top three will each be randomly chosen one of the following prizes:

Copic Storage Bag! Holds just under 300 markers

Outside of bag

Inside of bag (markers not included)

* you DO get the storage cases though !*

Embellishment Pack

What's Included:

- 2 My Mind's Eye "Lost and Found" 6x6 Paper Pads

- Authentique 8x8  " Strong " Paper Pad

- 2 Sets of Prima flowers

- 1 Set of Petaloo Flowers

- Authentique Alphabet Stickers

- Chipboard Albums by Echo Park

$25 Gift Certificate

Good for both digital and rubber stamps in our online store!

We can't wait to see what you create!

Pearls Anyone??? Challenge at The Paper Nest Dolls......

          SO we are heading into our fourth challenge over at the Paper Nest Dolls Challenge blog. I am SUPER EXCITED about this challenge.....If you love pearls (and what girl doesn't?) then you will LOVE our newest challenge....... bring us your projects dazzled with pearls. We would love to see what you come up with and look forward to seeing your creations.
          I chose to use Bubble Bath Ellie for this challenge because 1) She is adorable and 2) you can be really creative with this stamp... or at least I think. You can find her here.
          So here is my card.... let me know what you think.... =)

          So with this card, the base is a 5.5X5.5" square made from Gina K Kraft card stock. I used Anthentique "Journey" Collection. I also used pale blue card stock to frame the image. I used the Spellbinders Hectagon shapes. The image was printed on Make it Crafty paper. The embellishments I used Mona Lisa cheese clothe. I also used Prima Say it in Pearls in Swirls White. I distressed the layers using the Tim Holtz distressing tool and Walnut Stain ink. I also used my favourite Liquid Pearls in Baby Blue and White Opal.
          The image was inked with Copic markers. The skin was inked with E000, E00, E11 and R20. The hair is done with E50, E51, E53 and E55. The bathtub was coloured with C0, C1, C3 and C5. I did some blending with 0. The bubbles were coloured with B000, B00, BG01 and BG02. The soap was coloured with E40, 41 and 42. Her little headband was inked with RV10, Rv11 and RV13. he remaining was coloured with YR04, Y16, RV21, G24 and B02. I also added the polka dots to the headband and the marking around the card with a Signo Uniball white gel pen.

          Now for the prize! Check it out! how awesome is that? A very good reason to join us for this challenge, along with showing us your mad skills.... Please see the blog for full rules on the sidebar...... Have tons of fun =)
We will be running biweekly challenges, starting on Mondays, and ending the Friday the week AFTER the challenge starts. A complete list of challenge rules/guidelines can be found on our sidebar. It is NOT required to use a Paper Nest Dolls image on your entry, although we will have freebies available soon and encourage you to take a look around our shop.

Sherri Baldy Art....... Simply Gorgeous.... =)

          I first noticed Sherri Baldy Art images quite a while ago while perusing Etsy for digital stamps but was a little intimidated at the time because I was just starting out with Copic markers. In fact, I had boughten a bunch of them and they sat there for about a year before I really "dived" in to the Copic world. Copic markers can be a little intimidating to say the least.

          So after using Copics {for a little over a year} and getting the hand of it somewhat I decided to buy some of Sherry Baldy's images {you can find them here} and have now started colouring them. They are SO MUCH FUN. Mind you, none of these images that I am posting on the blog post have actually made it to card status yet but I do have some ideas for them whenI find the time..... =)

Image 741

Copic Markers

Skin: E000, E00, E11 and R20

Hair: E21, E23, E25 and E27

The Rest: YG00, YG03, YG23, YG25, V12, V15, V17, Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17, YR07, RV63, RV66, E74, E77 and E79

Image 694 

Copic Markers:

Skin: E000, E00, E11 and R20

Hair: E30, E31, E33 and E35

Pants: BG01, BG02, BG05, YG23 and YG25

Shirt, Socks and Wings: YR04, YR07, RV000, RV23, and RV25

Shoes: E74, E77 and E79.

I also used Stickles on her wings =)

Image 693

Copic Markers

Skin: E000, E00, E11 and R20

Hair: E50, E51, E53 and E55

Outfit and Wings: BG000, BG01, BG02, BG05, BG07, YG03, YG23 and YG25.

I also added little pearly to her headband and Stickles to her wings.

          I would say one of my goals is to get certified in Copic markers. It is hard because there is not a lot offered here in Canada. I certainly hope to one day..... =)

          Let me know what you think, super cute huh?

Baby Showers Galore.....

          SO apparently you should not be drinking the water at my work place because EVERYONE is having babies...... Ashley and I just finished all of the wonderful gifts and cards for a total of 5 babies.... YES I said it 5, 4 boys and a girl. So instead of trying to arrange 4 different baby showers, I decided to make it one BIG HUGE baby shower. You are probably wondering why my numbers are off, 5 babies and 4 showers? Well one of our lovely co-workers decided to get it done in one shot and make both her husband's wish of 2 babies and her wish of one labour come true...... they had adorable twin boys..... {heart}. So without further ado, here comes the cuteness..... =)

          So this is obviously for one of the little boys who will be attending the baby shower for tons of snuggles...... I used Gina K Kraft card stock and it is an A2 size. The patterned paper is that of EP called Bundle of Joy Dots and Stripes pack. I used Versafine ink to stamp the Inkadinkado "Congratulations" sentiment. The Baby Feet were stamped with Stampin Up ink. This was a really quick card to whip up and super cute....

          I am so excited to meet the twins...... this A2 card was made with Gina K Kraft card stock and the patterned paper came from the EP Bundle of Joy Dots an.d Stripes pack. I used Thicker Stickers and covered them with Martha Stewart's glitter called Feldspar. The babies were made with a scalloped punch 2" size and a 1" circle. I added the eyes, hair and cheeks were done with Copics.... RV000.

          The only girl in the mix...... I have already met this little beauty and she will win the hearts of many I assure you. This is an A2 card made from Gina K Kraft card stock. I used EP Bundle of Joy by Alisha. The button is actually a wooden piece that I covered with the pattern paper and then I distressed it with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain ink. The sentiments, one from Pebbles and one from Verve were stamped with Versafine ink. Pretty simple and cute....... I think! =)

    

          This little card is for one of our paediatricians I work with. She just had her second little bundle of joy and I can not wait to meet him..... This little tear bear you may remember seeing a while back on my blog. I had made a pink one as well. Refer here for directions. Again the A2 card is made from Gina K's Kraft card stock and the patterned paper is from EP Bundle of Joy Dots and Stripes pack. The sentiment on the front is a computer generated one I came up with and on the inside it says congrats which was inked with Versafine ink. All of the cards were tied in together with the use of my favourite thing in the world.... the Signo Uniball white gel pen....
          These cards were so quick and easy and super cute to boot.... hope you enjoy them..... =)