Tuesday, June 29, 2010

TBD Challenge #9 if Tim Burton made a Vampire Movie

What if Time Burton Vampires?

Your Challenge this week is what if Tim Burton made a Vampire Movie.  Think movies, think deep rich reds, think popcorn?  Oh wait, that's my favorite part about movies!  If Tim Burton created a Vamp Flick what would it look like, what would he call it? 







Check out the latest Vampire, Louie and Jazzy creations from Simply Betty Stamps.  These vampires aren't your typical blood thristy creatures.  They are whimsical and charming.  So, play along, enter your challenge project and try to win all 6 images from this new blood thirsty line!

  Make sure you come back on Canada Day for our "CANADIAN BLOG HOP" where I'll be hopping with other crafty Canadian Bloggers.  I'll be checking in when I can.  I'l be keeping intouch on my Facebook page right HERE.   Add me as a friend and you'll get more of what's going on with my blog, me and all my closest friends;)

Monday, June 28, 2010

OH MY D.O.G. and CSN Winner


A HUGE THANK YOU

WOW, you are all amazing!  Welcome new Stalkers I hope you learn new fun stuff here and thank you for Stalking me:)  I had soooo much fun with the "Techniques" Blog Hop.  A big thank you to all the wonderful crafty blogs who joined me.  You ladies are amazing!  It was such a success (I was terrified it wouldn't be) that I am planning another one.  So, watch for it sometime in the Fall... my HALLOWEEN HOP!

Alright, onto the winner of the CSN Store $60 GC.  Here's how it worked.  Because I had a Hop tied into the GC, I combined the Giveaway comments and the Blog Hop comments to come up with our lucky winner. 

DRUM ROLL.....

***Gina at Gigi's Creative Designs said...

I left a comment last night, this is so amazing Nicole! Loved watching the video, its such a awesome look. Thanks again for sharing, Ive gotten a late start but on to the next awesome artist!
June 26, 2010 6:23 PM

Congratulations Gina:0) 

Now, onto some crafty business.  I made this card a couple weeks ago.  As many of you know we recently lost our dog Apollo.  I wanted to say a special Thank you to my Vet for all his compassion, help and even his tears as we made the hard decision to put Apollo down.  This is a CAC Doggy and bones.  The dog is cut at 3 3/4" and the dog bowl and 1 bone is cut at 2", while the other 2 bones are cut at 1 1/2".  I bought this adorable Dog paper from Michaels as I plan on making Apollo his own scrapbook. 

I used chalk on the dog and bones.

I love the "Thank You" stamped on the bone.


The inside of the card too. I got this stamp set at Michaels.

I wanted to let you all know I won't be posting very much over the next couple of weeks.  I pretty much live in my motorhome and on my boat all summer and whenever I can in the winter.  I'm on vacation, but I'll be popping in now and then.  I have a couple of posts lined up for you.  And I'm participating in a CANADA DAY BLOG HOP, so watch for that on July 1st.  All the Bloggers are Canadian, but anyone can join in.  I'll be popping into my Facebook account and Stalking you from there and rubbing it in letting you know what I'm up too.  If we aren't friends yet, let's be HERE!

WOOHOO...VACATION!!!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Canadian Nickel Scrap'n BLOG HOP

*YOU ARE AT THE START

Welcome to the Canadian Nickel Scrap'n Blog Hop. If you are just arriving, this is the place to start the blog hop. This blog hop is all about "Techniques". I have asked a group of VERY talented Bloggers to showcase their favorite techniques. Please leave them a comment under each post as you hop along. They have worked very hard to get here and don’t we all love Bloggy Love! Some Blogs will be offering up some Blog Candy and they all will be offering their secrets!  So, get ready to Hop your way through 9 Super Talented Blogs!

My Technique is "Stamping with Soot"  Here you'll learn to put flame to paper to get this smokey effect.  All you'll need is a candle, flame, glossy paper and hair spray.  Intrigued, watch my video and try this fun technique for yourself.

SO LETS GET HOPPIN!





Meet Poppy from Tiddly Inks 


Poppy's flower pops with Diamond Glaze. 

Sentiment is from Amusing Animals 
 I used Stickles for the flower in her hair.

I will be giving away a $60 GC towards a VANITY for your bathroom.  Or select from over 200 stores at CSN Store. This online mega store offers over 200 stores to shop from to US and Canadian Shoppers. I will be choosing 1 lucky winner from the comments left HERE.  Please leave me a comment, if you want 2 chances to win become a follower of my blog and leave me a second comment. But, you MUST, MUST, MUST leave me your e-mail address so I can let you know you won. If you don't, I'll have to pick someone else:(
 
Now head off to Alex's Blog to learn her great Technique.  Make sure to leave her a comment for a chance to win her Blog Candy. 

Then make sure after you come back HERE and leave me a comment to win!!!

Your Blog Hop List.

Start Here... Nicole (that's me)
Shelley

(PS Did anyone notice I messed up my spelling on my CNS LETS HOP BADGE?  HOLY!!!!)

Friday, June 25, 2010

Surf's Up Birthday Bags


Birthday "Crab" Bags
(I can do "cute" too)

These are anything but crabby.  Every birthday has fun grab bags, or should I say "crab bags".  I had so much fun making these bags and they fit any occasion, including a Swimming party.  This little crab is cut at 2 1/2" and sentiment is cut at 1 1/2" fit perfectly with last Friday's Birthday Card post.  I ran the light paper through the cuttlebug with this bubbly embossing folder.  I kept them simple after all, the 9 year olds will just be ripping them open. 

I used Stickles on the crab and "Wild" to give it a under the sea feel.

Here the "Crab Bags" are full of summer treats, bubbles and waterguns.

Go HERE to learn how to make these fun treat bags.  I just hit my local favorite $1 store for all these fun Summer Treats and candy.  They don't take very long to make and have a big impact on your little birthday party goers.  My son Liam is so excited and proud I made these for him to give to his friends. 

BLOG HOP TOMORROW!!!!  WOOHOO SO EXITING:0)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Lil Lolita's Boutique Challenge



I'm a new Lil Lolita Lady Design Team Member.  I've been asked to spend the next 3 months playing with the Lolita Ladies and I am so excited to be on this DT.  I love Tickled Pink Stamps and now once a week I get to play and share with you. 

This weeks challenge is to create your own Designer Paper!  HOW FUN!  I used my Fifth Avenue Floral SU set for the background layered paper in 2 shades of pink.  Then I stamps this creepy spider here there and everywhere.  I stamped "From the Crypt" (SU) to give the paper behind Willow creepy vintage wallpaper feel but in pink.  And yes, that paper is stamped and to make it pop I clear embossed the whole sheet.  You can say WOW now.

I just got this fun ribbon and went from there.

Pink can be a little creepy too.

I love pink and black together.


Canadian Nickel Scrap'n BLOG HOP AND GIVEAWAY
Saturday June 26th

Our Blog Hop is all about "Techniques". I'll also be offering up a GIVEAWAY click HERE to leave me your comment and e-mail address! CSN Online Store has asked me to offer you a $60 Gift Certificate to spend at any of thier 200 online stores.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Embelly Challenge

***Canadian Nickel Scrap'n BLOG HOP AND GIVEAWAY.***
Our Blog Hop is all about "Techniques". I'll also be offering up a GIVEAWAY click HERE to leave me your comment and e-mail address! CSN Online Store has asked me to offer you a $60 Gift Certificate to spend at any of thier 200 online stores.


Tiddly Inks Challenge Blog is having a challenge and I wanted to play.  It's all about using embellishments which is not something I do a lot of.  But, I have been adding more lately.  I went crazy with buttons, ribbon and Stickles.  Even the bat got some Diamond Glaze!  I bought this greyish paper for another card and never ended up using it.  It also has a purple foil look when you move it.  Of course I LOVE HALLOWEEN so Batty got purple and orange that I blended with my SU Markers.  The card is a 5"x5" Easel card, click HERE for my video tutorial. I love my Creepy's they are so fun to pay with.

A Stickled skirt and blinged out Bat on a string.

I used a bag of mixed buttons in shades of purple.

This Easel card is cut at 5"

Even the orange paper has bats on it.

Don't forget to leave me a comment HERE and join our Blog Hop Saturday June 26th.  You'll have a chance to learn 9 new techniques, win some amazing stuff and a $60 GC to CSN Store from me.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Burtonesque Dolls Challenge #8- Toe Tag


TOE TAG YOU'RE DEAD

TBD Challenge this week is to "DIE FOR"  Simply make a "Toe Tag" inspired by Beetlejuice.  What bride wouldn't want to die for this creepy husband.  Lydia AKA "Gossmere" from Tiddly Inks looks to die for all decked in her red gown and forced down the isle.  This week the Dolls could choose any image we wanted, woohoo!

***This week we have no sponsors for you... but we do have: Be Named Princess of the Dolls winner! You will be dubbed Princess of the Dolls for a whole month and be our Guest Designer for that month! Woot woot! Just link your project below and Viola you are in the running for Princess of the Dolls! 

The tag is from my Jasmine cart and run throught the CB Divine Swirl.

I blended shades of red inspired by Bettlejuice.

I Skickled gold on her crown and skull.


For the sentiment "Smooches" I grabbed from my new set of Amusing Animals.  You can grab these over at Scrappy Moms and soon Canadian Shoppers can buy them from SCRAP HUT.

Canadian Nickel Scrap'n BLOG HOP AND GIVEAWAY.

  Our Blog Hop is all about "Techniques".  I'll also be offering up a GIVEAWAY click HERE to leave me your comment and e-mail address!   CSN Online Store has asked me to offer you a $60 Gift Certificate to spend at any of thier 200 online stores. 

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Monday, June 21, 2010

Blog Hop and a GIVEAWAY



Canadian Nickel Scrap'n Blog Hop and GIVEAWAY!


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The magic word is Vanity, why?

 I'm offering up a GIVEAWAY! I was asked to host a giveaway by CSN Stores and they want to offer you a $60 Gift Certificate to spend at any of thier 200 online stores. LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ON THIS POST TO WIN!  Well with this mega online store offering 200 stores, traffic is important and if your bathroom needs a facelift, or you want one of those cool Bowl Sinks, you could always put it towards one of those:)  I need a facelift in my bathroom, argh!  Now how to win!

This Saturday, June 26th I will be hosting my first Blog Hop! I know, I know, you can't wait...but you'll have too. I have a group of super talented Crafters that will be hopping along and showing you thier secrets!  Our Blog Hop is all about "Techniques".  There will be 9 exciting Boggers for you to hop with including me.  Along the way you'll find amazing techniques, secrets and some candy.  Leave comments along the way at each blog.  These ladies have and are working so hard to give you an exciting hop!  Then come back here to this post and leave me a comment to win.  If you decide to "follow" my blog leave me a 2nd comment. 

You MUST leave me your e-mail address to win.  If you don't I won't count your comment:(  Please make sure you leave your address so I can get a hold of you!

Mark it down, June 26th!

Dude it's your Birthday



I made sure for my sons birthday I was ready!  I had the invitations made, goodie bags stuffed, cupcakes ready, birthday gifts wrapped...but no birthday card!  So as my not so little guy played with his new scooter, I whipped up this card!  Meet Christian from Simply Betty Stamps.  I LOVE THESE STAMPS!!!!

Everyone should have pet dragon!

I went for bold boy colours.

I coated his eyes in Diamond Glaze, love it.


The sentiment is "Amusing Animals" from the new stamp line from Scrappy Moms.  I wanted to show how you can use these adorable sentiments for your other crafty projects, when it's not a Cricut cartridge.  This Dude was so cool I thought the sentiment fit so great!  I know, you were probably wondering could I combine my love for these Creepy Cuties and sentiments designed for Create a Critter.  UMMM, YA I COULD!

***EXCITING NEWS FOR CANADIAN SHOPPERS***

SCRAP HUT will be carrying "Amusing Animals" for Canadian shoppers.  They will retail for $18.99 CND and will be shipping out by mid July.  Hmmm...I wonder how they found each other?

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER and the longest day of the year.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

It's Father's Day so here's a quick easy card if you have forgotten.  I know, my cards tend to be a little more involved!  But I really love doing simple cards with paper.  I'll even keep my post short and sweet...like me!  I really am short, but I'm not too sweet!


To all those Dad's out there (that won't be reading this post) HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Introducing...Scrappy Mom's Stamps


Have you been looking for a fun, quirky stamp set that goes with your Create a Critter cart?  Well, here it is.  Scrappy Mom's is a new clear stamps company created just for your crafting needs.  These 2 Crafty Moms wanted fun sentiments to go with thier Create A Critter carts and thought you might like them too!  Swing by SCRAPPY MOM's to see other Featured Bloggers showcasing these fun stamps and thier crafty projects.  Follow so you don't miss what we are all creating.

 

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I was so lucky to be asked to help showcase these adorable stamps.  Ummm, Ya I'll play!  "OH SNAP" how CUTE so of course I needed the turtle.  I ran his shell through the CB and Stickled the blue spots.  I mounted the turtle on clear cardstock (insert ohhh, ahhh here) on the top of the clear cardstock.  I taped the blue background on the inside of the card where the sentiment can be written.  Also, I punched out the sentiment and glued it on the inside of the clear cardstock.

I used my new SU huge Scallop punch

I smooshed green chalk around the turtle and used white gel pen to accent.

Check this adorable stamp out. I used Oh Snap and the "Thanks" to Ewe.

These stamps are availible to purchase now and have been a HUGE hit!  AND... if you are CANADIAN you can order these too!  Come on, I would not dangle something this cute and say you can't have!  If you're a Crafty Mom check out "AMUSING ANIMALS" for your next crafty project!

Watch for more cards featuring Amusing Animals on CNS.  Make sure to check out the the Scrappy Mom's Blog, Scrappy Mel (Mel) and Scrappy Critters (Tammy).

Friday, June 18, 2010

Surf's Up Birthday Invitations


My Baby is 9 Today!!!

Oh wow, it has already been 9 years since my youngest son Liam was born.  Here comes his little story.  I went into labour on Father's Day.  I ended up being in labour for 17 hours and he was born on June 18, 2001 on a warm sunny day.  The day after Liam was born all the nursing staff went on strike and marched in protest in downtown Vancouver.  It was really a sight to be seen.  Since I was the only Mom on the floor that had 3 kids, the overworked staff pretty much left us alone.  With a whole Maternity full of new Moms they seemed happy we knew what to do.  Liam was a handfull from the start and not much has changed.  He's a ladies man, always on the move and a real ham!

Yummy... baby swimming in pasta.

Our first Halloween in Calgary.

Liam camping at our favorite spot, taken 3 weeks ago.

***Swimming with Life is a Beach cartridge***

I used Divine Swirl emossing folder for the water. 

The inside of the card using variuos SU Stamps.  I love how the bubbles turned out.

Lets go Swimming!

You may have guessed, Liam asked for a swimmng party. So I grabbed my Life is a Beach cartridge and started cutting. My Cricut hummed for 4 hours. I made 10 invitations and let me tell you, getting the swimming shorts on this nude dude couldn't come soon enough! There we a lot of cuts to get all the colours I wanted for this snorkeler, (snorkeler is that even a word?) but it was worth it!

The "snorkeler" was cut at 2 3/4" and all the layers to follow. The Surfs Up is also off the Life is a Beach cart.  Hmmm I think I cut that at 3 1/2"?  And the surf board blue layer was cut at a 1/4" smaller to fit over the board.  Sorry, I made these last weekend.  I should write it down for you, my bad!

Sneak Peak, stay tuned.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Blog Award Fairy came by


I got a couple of Award this week, lucky me.  Thanks for thinking of me:)  Stinkin Sweet Scrappin' 

 Please grab your award, post it on your blog, select five new recipients, and write five things about yourself!
Five things about me...

  1. I know how to wakeboard.

  2. I started skiing when I was 2.

  3. I love to be in my kitchen.

  4. I don't like crowds.

  5. Peachy Keen Stamps Creep the sh*t out of me, ya really they do!
 Lookie at me, people think I'm Trendy.  Oh...and it rymes! I got another award from Alex at You Had Me At Craft and Stephanie at  Stephanie and the Bug I have to pass this award onto 5 Bloggers.

OK, here are my 5 Blogger they are going to.  And these 5 bloggers will get them both!  Go check out these blogs to be inpired and see some amazing projects!

Cards, Cards and More Cards My Canadian Friend.
Haunted House Design Oh the Creepier the Better!
Scrappin 3rdeeschik She spoils me.
Kinderstampo It's so fun here.  
Made by Momo I get inspired.               

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Last Day for my GIVEAWAY


****If you are wanting to enter the Summer Vacation Cartridge Giveaway, click HERE to leave your comments. If you leave me comments under any of the other posts they will "Not" be apart of the Giveaway! Remember, leave me a comment for "EACH" option you do up to 5 comments! If you leave me 1 comment with all the options you chose, it's still only 1 comment when I go tothe draw! And welcome to all my new followers. I have room for lots more;0)****

Final Day to leave your comments to win the SUMMER VACATION cart!  There are a ton of fun things you can make with this cartridge.  I hope you felt like you were able to see some fun projects?  There wasn't enough time for me to show you all the projects I wanted to make.  But maybe SCRAP HUT will want to play again?  Hmmm Mini Monsters now that would be a fun giveaway!

Here's my final summer inspired post.  My friend Dawn had asked sometime ago to make these pages and I asked if I could post them.  In the summer we camp and boat and do not attend too many fair grounds.  But in Calgary there's this little event called the Calgary Stampede.  You may have heard of it.  Well there's also a huge fair.  I hope you enjoy Dawn's 2 page layout and see how the Summer Vacation cuts can work with your fair ground photo's.

The pattern paper is Little Yellow Bicycle.

The horseshoe is from the CAC cart and the ride is from Summer Vacation.

The Ferris Wheel and Ticket are from SV and So Fun is a CAC cut.




Tuesday, June 15, 2010

TBD Challenge #7- A Creepy Birthday Wish

And a Creepy Birthday to You

Today we have a super fun Challenge with a Super fun Sponsor! The sponsor is Tickled Pink Stamps.

Here's a little something Kellie the owner of Tickled Pink Stamps prepared for you:
Tickled Pink Stamps is an Australian based online company that stocks a range of popular and well sought after stamps from many companies and is always so excited to be supplying you with everything cute, quirky and PINK... They now have their very own Lil Lolita range of rubber-licious stamps with the first collection being a HIT another collection is coming just around the corner... Tickled Pink Stamps is always so excited every month to be sponsoring the awesome Burtonesque Dolls Challenges...


Now this is my kind of birthday card!  Talk about being inspired by paper!  How adorable is this paper, full of spooks, bat's and all things that creep.  Lucky me, my girlfriend bought me sheets and sheets of this spooky paper and I LOVE IT!  As soon as I saw it I knew what my challenge card was going to look like.  I dare say you'll be seeing a lot of this paper and some of my favorite stamps, Tickled Pink Stamps! 

The frame is cut at 5" from the Jasmine cartride, how perfect it goes.

I  coloured in shades of yellow to compliment this awesome paper. 

I Stickled the ruffles of her skirt and Glazed the present, eyes and bow.

Now, you know me well enough to know I keep no secrets.  So, if  you look at the Frame Lylah is in it looks almost smokey.  Well, that's because it is.  I used glossy paper, a candle, hair spray and a spooky stamp.  It takes moments to do and the effect is perfectly eerie!  Just right for this Burtonesque Doll!  If you want to learn how to do this, leave me a comment and if enough of you want to see it I'll do a video tutorial for you.  Because I'll be doing this technique again!

Now, you won't want to miss out on this prize!  The Prize for one lucky winner this week are the three wonderful Willow, Lylah and Evie.