Snow Heart Featured at Hambo Hoedown

This week with the Bacon Bits at Hambo Hoedown, we are using a very cute image called Snow Heart and a sketch.  It's a great digital for the upcoming Valentine's Day!  I added the extra "snow" by using puffy paint on the fur.  I decided to use a couple of white embossed card fronts and a wide sheer but embroidered Heart ribbon as the horizontal band.  The CAS gives the A7 card the Wintery feel I was looking for.  This image comes with 4 neat sayings for VDay and I plan on using them all!

This will be the last post for me as a member of Team Squeal at Hambo Hoedown.  They will be bringing some new members on for the new term and I wish them well.  This surely has been a learning experience for me~I learned how to use a watermark and how to submit items to print publications.  Guess you can teach an ole dog new tricks afterall.  Thanks for the memories~ Carolyn

SHOW YOUR HEARTS at Squiggle Fly this week

To make a card for this week's Squiggle Fly challenge, please create a card and show a heart on it somewhere.  The heart can be in your image, on your paper, or just an embellishment. We can't wait to see what you make! This is for our "Sister Team's Challenge-Holly Hobbists" on this great site and isn't the challenge perfect for this time of year??
I used the great image from Lynne Stansbery called Tickled Pink-I've used her for several cards and have just changed her up different ways.  I slipped a red foil section of a doily that I fancy cut in between her arms!
You don't *have* to include a Squigglefly image on your creation, but in order to qualify for the prize you will need to use one! You can also combine SF images with non-SF images to qualify! Don't have one? There are several FREEBIES you can grab from the Squigglefly store, hop on over there. Those images will qualify you for the prize.  
Come on over and Join us!!

MayzyArt is Bringing out the Romance in Me!

There are always such cute digitals over at MayzyArts Blog Challenges I just had to enter my card in the ROMANCE one #009!  This cute little girl in the swing is one I got when I substituted for one of her DT that had gotten sick~I was SO happy to jump right in there because her images are so detailed and FUN!  I especially like the Glasses!

On this A7 card, I've got the Fab image cut with a square scalloped Spellbinder, attached some heart brads through the matted square.  I've used 2 silver spiral clips hooked together and then attached Heart ribbon for the "band".  The sentiment I made up and just seemed appropriate for a swinging Chick like her-this image is called "Tire Swinging Hailey".  The inside is finished off with plain pink paper with a heart stamp.  Check out her store today!

Saturated Canary is Sponsoring Us on Southern Girls Challenge

Welcome to my Blog and SGC for our second challenge of 2013.  This time around we were to use Kraft Cardstock on our projects.  Southern Girls Challenge has 2 wonderful  sponsors this time around. Krista kindly gave the DT an image each to use on our projects :)  So you can check out my use of the "Nikki" image and then pop over to the Saturated Canary shop and check out loads more.  

On my card, I wanted to make it look like snowflakes so I used a stitch on my sewing machine around the edge of the lime green mat.  Mounted the image on top of a deep purple dp with lots of hearts on it.  I threaded a die-namics die punch-Love You- through a wide sheer white organza ribbon.  I love having these already punched in several colors of cardstock so that I can use them on a whim!  I had a beautiful purple and green swirled butterfly cardstock punch that I added as an accent.


There will be an International winner that will get a complete 7 Dots Studio Collection and then there's an Australian/New Zealand winner picked that will get 2 Saturated Canary images of their choice.  Our challenges at SGC run for two weeks so you have lots of time to join us in the fun!  Challenges are open to ALL PAPERCRAFTERS!  As long as your entry fits the challenge criteria YOU ARE IN!  The idea is to have fun and play along, the bonus is the prizes.  Prize winners are chosen by Random.Org and the top 3 or 5 are chosen by the DT.  Come on Get Krafty!!

We're SPINNING at the newest Hambo Hoedown Challenge

What a fun challenge at the Hambo Hoedown this week!  We were to make a CIRCLE shaped card using the Plate Spinner a digital image by Hambo Stamps.  Also as an added interest, we were to use swirls/spirals on the card in some fashion.  Well ole' Plate Spinner has a lot going on including a lot of fun! 

I had some B'day paper with funfetti swirls on it so mounted it on the black circle, creased the side of the front so I could attach with brads the back circle.  I fancy cut the very cute digital so the plates actually wobble because they aren't affixed.  The plastic confetti swirls were embellies from a birthday pack so on they went.  This digital comes with 3 sentiments-the one I chose and double mounted is the first part and the inside has the second part.  Try something like this and step out of your comfort zone!  This was fun!

Inchies are all over Squiggle Fly This week!

There's always an interesting challenge happening at Squiggle Fly and this week is no different!  Rhonda, the fearless leader of Ronda's Rowdy Rascals, has challenged her team to use "Inchies".  These would be 1" square pieces used in a design.  It could be as mat accents on a page, made into a swirly flower by layering or, as I have done here, pieces of art.  I colored the wonderful artwork of Lynne Stansbery called Oh Please Be Mine and then measured and cut it into INCHIES!  I spaced them across the card  with gaps in-between so you could see the dp cover on the card. I also used her sentiment from the set I Miss You, added a new chevron ribbon, and then a beautiful handmade flower given to me by a friend.  Even though this is a "Spring" colored card, I think it would make a wonderful Valentine's Day card for a loved one.  Think outside the box~doesn't have to be Red, just full of Love!  Try your hand at this-it was fun!

Bugaboo Stamps Sponsors Seems a Little Sketchy

This week at Seems a Little Sketchy we are so thrilled to have a choice of those great stamps at Bugaboo to use on our cards!  I SO loved the options that using "Make it Snappy-Congratulations" gave me!  Whether for a shower or the actual Wedding Card, it was perfect!

As always SALS gives us a great sketch to use-it makes it so easy to use it as a template (although I changed the direction of some of the elements).  For the circle, I used a pearlized embossed circle behind the digi image.  Instead of the 3 brads, I used an engraved silver heart with a ribbon.  And then I turned the sentiment around!
Come and play around with us on this 2 week challenge-plenty of time to use any digital or stamp of your choice.  Just following the Sketch!  Hope to see you at our site!

Hambo Hoedown is having a Name That Toon Challenge

Welcome to "Name That Toon!" sponsored by Hambo Stamps! Today Hambo friends and the Bacon Bits Design Team are bringing you a dozen fun creations that depict comic strips! It might be our favorite, or just one that was fun to design. If you arrived here from Libby you are in the right place! If not, you might want to start back at the beginning at the Hambo blog to make sure you are eligible for the hopper prize!

To tell you the truth(and my age), it has been MANY years since I read a comic strip much less read a newspaper that could to afford to carry a syndicated comic section!  But when growing up, I always got a kick out of "Beetle Bailey".  I don't know if it was because of a guy being named after a BUG or if it was the cute doggie named Otto, but it always was a hoot.

Now, HOW APPROPRIATE that here at Hambo we have a lovable mascot called BAILEY!  Because of that, I chose to use my Bailey digi called Bailey Hugs in place of Otto's and think it turned out so cute.  I printed out a busy comic strip for the card's background, colored in the title, and featured 2 colored printouts from the internet.  Worked Bailey/Otto around a little bit, colored him with copics and there we are!  Aren't the gold star embellies and the dog bone twill ribbon cute!

Talk to the Ham - Hambo blog http://hambostamps.blogspot.com/
Lyn http://mypurplehouse.wordpress.com/
Libby http://stampinlibby.blogspot.com/
Carolyn http://luvmycards.blogspot.com/ That's me
Deborah http://beadnstampn.blogspot.com
Dawn http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/
Jan http://www.jans-gonestampin.blogspot.com/
Jane http://janeelizabethssworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Kecia http://stampingdeets.blogspot.com/
Paula http://heyheypaula-heyheypaula.blogspot.com/
Judy http://jarfullofjoy.blogspot.com/

A prize will be awarded to one participant whose comic strip-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way!  Another prize will be awarded randomly to a hopper who comments on all of the blogs along the way. The winners will be announced on the Hambo company blog, Talk to the Ham, on Wednesday, January 23, as well as at the Hambo Hoedown challenge blog. We love comments anytime, but the deadline for prize entry comments is Sunday, January 20 at 5 PM CST. Don't miss it!
Now laugh on over to Deborah for another great Comic Strip that will tickle your fancy!








  

I LOVE using Fred, She Said Digitals!

Last weekend I needed a little Pick-Me-Up..my computer was acting up, I need color ink, I wanted to make some cards that would put a smile on my face.  So I turned to some pre-colored images I had previously printed off called Tea Cup Pansys from Fred, she Said and started on a Get Well Card and a "Friends" card.  There's just something refreshing about pastel stripes.  These went together so quickly and with totally different looks.  I used accents of crocheted lace, wide sheer ribbon, and some cardstock embellies.  Come check out all the other digitals from this great designer and put a smile on YOUR face too!

Hope your Refrigerator is Running..To Hambo Hoedown

We all know that if a family wants to find anything out that's being scheduled or to see if any important messages have been left, you check the REFRIGERATOR, right?  Well this week at Hambo Hoedown we're acknowledging this great American "Post Office" and to do this, we're using Refrigerator-a digital image by Hambo Stamps.  It comes with a choice of 3 sentiments.  The additional challenge was to use some LEFTOVERS from some of your other cards~ I used the embellished heart "magnet" from a previous Valentine card-the red bumpy paper on the "floor" was from a masculine card and the clock on the kitchen wall was a rub-on from a New's Years Eve card.
I chose to take some liberties with the digital and reverse the image, one of the beauties of using digitals!  That was because I wanted to Open the Freezer door to the interior of the unit where I placed the sentiment "You're So Cool".  I also used an embellished heart to attach to the Frig the sentiment, I'm Stuck on You".  The inside below the Cool sentiment is finished with a Top Note Die Cut.  I think this will make a Great Valentine's Day card.
While you're checking out the Hambo site, be sure to note that there is a DT call currently going on until the 19th in case you'd like to submit your application.  Also there are new sets of Clear stamps being introduced into the shop as well as other scraping supplies~still with the same quality you'd expect of Hambo Stamps.  Be sure to come back on the 18th for a Blog Hop with the Bacon Bits-the theme features comic strips and anyone can join in the parade as a participant.  See you there!

Squiggle Fly has the Winter Blues Challenge

For this second challenge of  the New Year, the Holley Hobbyist's team from Squiggle Fly has given us the theme of "I've got the Winter Blues".. Your choice, make a winter theme card OR a blue colored card, or double up and make a blue card in winter them. The challenges at SF begin and end every Monday Morning, so you've got plenty of time to try to win a free digital image from their shop!

I used an image from Cheryl Alger (she's one of their contributing Artists) called "Let's Party Sassy Sally" and I wanted to create some excitement it so I placed the image INSIDE the card and made a peephole in the card front.  A friend had given me these great embossed flowers~I love the look of buttons in the middle of flowers!  I fancy cut the digital image after using copics to color her. The BEST effect I used on this card was I MADE HER A BOBBLE CARD!  Yep, she looked like she was so happy and excited that she needed movement so I fashioned a wire coil onto 2 circles and she jiggles with the best of them.  I hope you will join us with your card-this theme is a breeze to put together and it's a great chance to build your library.  I'm sure having a blast being on their DT team.
Thanks for stopping by and come back again!

Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge-Join for a Free digi Chance!

Doodle Pantry has a great challenge going on through January 24th!  Use Any of their images (and they have lots of free ones) and All participants who place their post link in the blue frog linky, and who have created a project that follows the theme/rules, will be emailed this set for FREE.  Wouldn't he be adorable for Valentine's Day!

 If 19 or less participants, there will be 1 winner chosen, but if 20 or more participants, there will be 2 winners chosen, from all the entries to win a $15 gift coupon to spend at doodlepantry.com.
AND everyone who enters the linky with a qualifying project post will receive the featured set shown above for free!  The Image I used is called English Bluebells and it is so versatile-It could be used for cards of Love, sympathy, Thinking of you, and on and on.  Hope to see you at the challenge!

Creations in FELT with Hambo Hoedown

Our neck of the Country is still in the grips of winter, every few days we get a little snow, a little sleet or freezing rain.  SO, It's only fitting that the image that we are using this week at the Hambo Hoedown is Penguin Snowball-a digital image by Hambo Stamps. He comes with 3 sentiments and he sure looks warm with all the FELT on him!  We were to add felt to the card so I made snow from some white FELT, cut out a scarf from raspberry FELT and by cutting the area around his arms, was able to tuck it behind his flippers.  I cut the stocking cap out of the same color FELT, fringed the pompom on top as well as on scarf and put the details on each with a fine black marker.  The inside is finished with the snowflake paper.
There are many things going on right now at Hambo Stamps:  There is an open DT call and they are accepting applications until the 19th.  There are many new items in the Hambo Store for you to check out like clear stamps, inks etc.  And there is a BLOG HOP coming.  Our jammin’ theme is “Name That Toon.” Using any Hambo image, either rubber or digital, create a project that represents and depicts a comic strip! Maybe it’s your favorite one you read as a kid, or maybe it’s one that you don’t even like! Whatever it is, we want to see your comic strip creations!  The hop is scheduled for Friday, January 18, and is set to go live at 7:00 AM CST.   A prize will be awarded to the customer whose comic strip-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way!  The winner will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo blog on Wednesday, January 23.  You won't want to miss it!

FLU Bug Get Well Cards from Fred, She Said

With everyone around us getting one form or another of this crazy flu, I'm planning on making several Get Well Cards for family and friends.  And these great pre-colored digitals that Tracey (aka Fred of Fred, She Said) come in so handy for that purpose!  This A7 card was made using the digi Tea Cup Pansy Digi which I cut out with a Spellbinder die. I added a sheer leaf green ribbon with long ties.  The neat dark butterfly was on a cardstock sticker sheet and it went perfectly with the black mat I placed behind the watercolor blue background paper.  The curvy sentiment is also from a Fred set and comes with multiple phrases-just the perfect size too!  Hope you won't be getting one of these cards-only because I want you healthy and happy in the New Year!  Remember there's still a sale going on over at Fred, She Said with a 30% discount on orders of $10 or more.  Great Bargains!  Thanks for looking!

Squiggle Fly has a new DT Member~ME!!

Much to my excitement, I was asked to join the team of Rhonda's Rowdy Rascals at Squiggle Fly for 2013 and hopefully beyond.  I love this site because they have such a diversified group of Artists that supply us, and therefore all of you, with images for all occasions!  They have a new challenge every Monday and if you use a Squiggle Fly image (and there are some freebie ones), then you have a chance to win a digital of your choice from their shop.
The first challenge of the New year for RRR is to make a Thank You card-these will be so handy for those Christmas gifts!  The image I used for this was just released Jan. 5th and is called Tickled Pink by  Lynne Stansbery (they have new releases to the Store the first Saturday of the month so don't miss that!) and there were three sentiments that are included.  I liked them so much, I used them all!  I love the kraft and salmon pink combination that I came up with!
I'm glad to share my announcement with all of you and I can't wait to show you more and more of their great images!  Thanks for looking!  Carolyn

Sassy Studios Sponsors Seems a Little Sketchy #30

For our first Seems a Little Sketchy challenge of the New Year 2013, we are so grateful to be sponsored by Sassy Studio Designs. They have been partners with us often in 2012 and have such cute digital images!  The one that I chose for this sketch challenge is called  Scarecrow Honey- I just love all the elements on her!
Even though we are well past Fall, I will keep her for just the right occasion in the future.  It was a great chance to use a new tool in my craft room-my sewing machine.  I know you're thinking what?  Well it's been a long time since my original machine worked properly so my cards were lacking the stitching I like-well Dear Husband took care of that!
On this card I used 2 different examples of stitching and it worked like a dream.  It all came together so well with the fall papers from my stash, the mat finished brads and the great digital image.  Thanks for looking~Hope you'll be back soon!  Carolyn

"The Cards that Christmas Forgot" at Fred, She Said

You know how hectic things get around Christmas, with all the hustle and bustle of families, meals, gift purchases, and then the Big Day....well throw in the sudden surprise of the nasty Flu bug that's going around and you're just amazed you made it through it all in one piece!   Along the way, you try to keep up with the requirements of the great DT groups that you belong to so that you represent them well....

Thank goodness here at Fred, She Said we've been given the chance to show "The Cards that Christmas Forgot" -they're the ones that got made with loving care using either the b&w digitals or the gorgeous pre-colored digitals by Tracey (aka Fred) and then, for whatever reason, never got sent.  

Tracey decided to have a card Parade of DT cards~like a Hop of sorts~ ONLY she's combining it with a NEW YEAR SALE in her store!!  She's offering 30% off on purchases over $10.  The Sale starts Saturday JAN 5th until Wednesday JAN 9th midnight EST.  Such a Deal-she has such a variety of images-you will LOVE them!  Hope you enjoy checking out the DT's cards and hope also that you find some wonderful bargains in the Store. With Spring right around the corner...somewhere ...(we're getting more snow and ice tomorrow!) you'll have to start using the spring images to get the stockpile built up!  Thanks for looking and come back and stay awhile!  Carolyn

Exciting things going on at Hambo Stamps-Read all About it!

And now for some super duper FUN and exciting news!

Hambo Stamps are having a Design Team Call for the new term, which begins in February. They would LOVE to have you apply! Read all about it HERE.
AND.........
Don't forget about their awesome SALE going on right HERE! They are making room for some AMAZING new stuff to be revealed soon!
AND.........
New STAMPING SUPPLIES have been added to the Hambo Store! Be sure to check out the available inks, acrylic blocks, and accessories for all your stamping needs!
AND......... 

It’s a Hambo Blog Hop! And you can join us!

Their jammin’ theme is “Name That Toon.” Using any Hambo image, either rubber or digital, create a project that represents and depicts a comic strip! Maybe it’s your favorite one you read as a kid, or maybe it’s one that you don’t even like! Whatever it is, Hambo want to see your comic strip creations!

The hop is scheduled for Friday, January 18, and is set to go live at 7:00 AM CST.  All blog hop posts must stay at the top of the page for that whole day.  A prize will be awarded to the customer whose comic strip-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way!  The winner will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo blog on Wednesday, January 23.  Hope to see you there!

Happy New Year..Pheasant from Hambo Stamps

Well this was a fun Hambo Hoedown COLOR challenge~We were to use the colors of Hot pink, aqua, lime green, sunny yellow and orange! Choose three (or all) of those colors to spiffy up Pheasant! It's a New Year bird! :)  I never have enough Birthday cards so I jumped right in.

I freed the tail feathers up from the pheasant when I cut with the scalloped oval.  Threaded this neat very stiff rickrack I got at a LSS under the tail as an end accent-love that look!  This New Year Bird is called Pheasant-a digital image by Hambo Stamps and using such bright, vivid colors is definitely stepping out of my comfort zone!  BUT, I think it's a great way to expand my ideas and a good way to start 2013.  The image comes with 3 sentiments, and I've accented the one I chose with aqua dew drops.

There's lots of wonderful new product and projects coming up in 2013 for Hambo Stamps-clear acrylic stamps, ink supplies just to name a few!  We would love for you to join us~the DT group, otherwise known as the "Bacon Bits" get so inspired when we see the different interpretations of the images that you provide!!  Please become a Follower so that you can continue to get the newest challenge alert AND if submitted by the deadline, you can receive the next challenge digital image FREE!  What a great deal!  Hope to see you ALL around a lot in 2013!

Carolyn