Mardi Gras Party!

Here's the invitation! Are you ready to party? Shirley's 2 Girls has three new Mardi Gras images!  They are: "Zola Does Mardi Gras", "Bourbon Street:, and "Mask".  Zola is featured on the invitation. She certainly looks like she's having fun! I sparkled things up with glitter CS, rhinestones, and Stickles.

Now you know I couldn't stop with just a card! LOL! Once I have a theme, my mind just seems to spin with ideas! Pictured above is my "Tablescape".

  

I modeled my mask after the "Mask" digi image. I confiscated some feathers from one of my boas and glued them to the mask. I added punched stars and rhinestones to match the invitation.

 

I purchased this glass at the Dollar Tree, and it only cost, guess what?...a dollar! I used the Zola image to make a glass decal using Grafix Rub-On paper purchased at Hobby Lobby. You could make one for each guest to take home, or use one for a centerpiece like I did. The glass is actually clear, but I filled it with white glitter for photographic purposes.

         

I made coasters which would make great take home favors for guests. I found some coasters at Michael's in the dollar bin. Gotta love a bargain! I used all three of the Mardi Gras images. I colored, cut, and  attached the images to the coasters with Mod Podge and distressed ink around the edges. Next I applied five protective layers of Mod Podge, letting each coat dry in between layers. 

  

Close up of "Bourbon street".

Throw some doubloons on the table and some beaded necklaces, and you're ready for a party! But don't stop here! The party continues at these DT members' blogs: Georgia, Jane, and Lisa! Be sure to stop by the S2G Store and pick up your Mardi Gras images. While you're there, check out the new Indulgence images, too!

This project fits these challenges:

1. Cupcake Craft Challenges: A Matching Set

2. Kaboodle Doodles:Pink, Lemon, Green, and Plum

3. Creative Card Crew: "Punch It"

4. A Spoonful of Sugar: Free Style; Anything You Like

5. ABC Challenge: M is for Masking (OK, I took it literally!)

6. Your Next Stamp Challenge: Anything That Sparkles!

7. Our Creative Corner: "Music" (Coaster)

It's S2G Twisted Thursday.....

...and the twist is CHOCOLATE!!!!!!! One of my favorite indulgences is chocolate! I guess you already figured that out after last week's amazing  Indulgence Blog Hop! What a talented group of ladies I am fortunate to work with! This week, we are continuing to spotlight the indulgence line. I am showcasing "Chocolate Dreams".

I couldn't resist adding a little matching box of chocolates to the photo shoot.

Isn't this image adorable! I LOVE how she is dreaming "in chocolate"! I love the clever sentiments that come with this image! When you purchase it, you get THREE different sentiments! Feel like indulging? S2Gs Indulgence images can be found here. I hope you'll join us in this week's TT Challenge and post your card using Mr. Linky. For now, grab a cup of your favorite indulgence, (and some chocolate, of course!) sit back, relax, and have a look at the amazing creations of our talented DT! Their links are in my sidebar.
The DP that I used is DCWV, and the CS is Bazzill. It's color name is "FUDGE"! Can you believe it? Glitter CS is from The Paper Studio.

It's Softpencil Thursday Preview Day!

I fell in love with this adorable image as soon as I saw it! It's one of Elizabeth's new Valentine images featuring Michu and Michula. They are standing in front of a heart. The heart is blank, so you can put whatever you want inside! I have been wanting to make another shaker card for a few weeks now, and when I saw this image, I knew it was perfect! The twist was to add rhinestones, eyelets, or brads: choose one or all three. I chose rhinestones. The confetti I chose for the shaker reminds me of rhinestones, too. They are tiny, tiny hearts that Look like rhinestones! Perfect! (Double click for a closer view.) Michu and Michula are standing in front of the heart and telling each other what "Love is....". What are they saying? What would you say? One of the things I would say is, "Love is having a husband who loves to cook for me!" Hubby doesn't like to clean up after a meal, and I don't mind at all. He says he would rather cook. He doesn't bake, but I do!

Look at Michula! I colored her as a Valentine Calico cat! She is pink, gray, and white. She even has two heart shaped patches! Can you see them?

You have got to stop by Elizabeth's shop and see her new Valentine images! Valentine's Day will soon be here, and you want to be ready! She also has a link to some FREEBIES at the shop! I hope you'll join us at Paper Craft Planet this week and enter this week's Challenge #17. You could win a voucher for $10 to spend in Elizabeth's shop! While you're there, check out the Tutorial on "How to make a Pop Up Card" posted by our very talented Team Leader, Kerry. For inspiration stop by The rest of the DT and Guest DT blogs. We have a group of very talented ladies! Their links are in my sidebar.

CS is Bazzill and The Paper Studio Glitter. DP is DCWV.

S2G Blog Hop EXTENDED!!!!!!

S2G Indulgence Blog Hop!

Click HERE to shop!

WHOO HOO! The Girls Have Extended the Blog Hop! It Will Now End on Wednesday, January 27!!!!!!

Tell All of Your Friends! Amazing Prizes are Up for Grabs!!!

If you arrived here from Jane Wetzel's blog, then you are in the right place! If you just happened to stop by and want to participate in our fabulous "Indulgences Blog Hop" then you need to start at the S2G Blog to begin your day of "All Out Pampering". If you get "lost" along the way, head back to S2G (starting place) to find the next stop on the Hop!
Get ready to 'Indulge' yourself just a little! Join me and the rest of the ...NEW DT for S2G...for a Fabulously, Decadent Blog Hop of New Digital Stamps & Digital Papers! The New Line of Digi stamps is called "Indulgence"...and we're gonna treat you to a Sweet Tour through our personal Blogs...; have we got some exciting projects to show you! Can you say Bling?
This line has everything a 'girl' desires...from ~ images of partying with your girlfriends, going on a shopping spree, taking a bubble bath ...to a little spread of delicious desserts.  So, please come along! Who deserves a little 'pampering' more than you?

We have 3 Different Prizes you could win! There is one Grand Prize, and it is FABULOUS! Here it is: 

Spa gloves, spa slippers, eye mask, manicure set, bath fizzy, body lotion, felt coasters, shaped paper clips, chipboard buttons, 3 mini glitzy frames, ribbon,small charms. rhinestones, glitter, 2 clear stamps, 6 DPs, chocolates, tea or coffee, 3 digi images of Indulgence, 2 jelly roll pens  (OOOOh, I wish I could win, but I'm a hostess!)
One Second Prize:
1 Set of Indulgence Images (the Dreaming of Chocolate with three sentiments, Cake, Slice of Cake, and Box of Candy)
 and a Third Prize of a  $15 S2G gift certificate hidden somewhere in amongst the DT's Blogs.

****Before you leave to go on the 'Indulgence Tour'...leave us a comment on the S2G Challenge Blog
about one of your favorite ways you pamper yourself. You must do this in order to be eligible to WIN! Also leave a comment on each team member's blog to be eligible for the hidden $15 S2G gift certificate!
So sit back, grab your favorite drink (mine is Chai Spiced Tea), and some chocolate and enjoy all of the fabulous projects the DT has put together showcasing their favorite indulgences! After leaving a comment on my blog, hop on over and visit Jennifer Scull! She always has a pot of coffee brewing and eye candy! My post begins NOW!

I. Break Time

This is Izabella! Doesn't she look comfy blurfing away on her computer? What is blurfing, you ask? Why it's blog surfing! We all do it, and now we have a cool name for it and a cool digi image from S2G!

 

Here is a closer view of Izabella. She comes with three sentiments. I gave her a cup of Chai tea and chocolate brown lounging pajamas. I placed pop dots under Izabella and her chair for extra dimension. All of the DP is digi paper from S2G's new "Indulgence" line. The little teacups on the medallion were cut from the same DP covering the tote. The tote is from Papertrey Ink and it is called "Take-Along-Tote. I added Stickles dots to the front pocket and around the edge of the medallion.

 

Here is a side view of the tote. It also has an inside pocket. 

 Pictured above, is the tote fully opened. I added Stickles dots to the inside pocket, too. The Chocolate and Indulgence medallions were cut from the new Indulgence line of papers. I then cut Nestie scalloped ovals to place under the medallions. I used a MS lace punch to make a border for the pockets. I punched holes at the top and threaded Hobby Lobby ribbon through the holes to make a closure.

Did you guess what's inside the tote? My favorite drink, Chai tea, in bags, are in the front pocket. I placed four inside, but six would have fit easily. The inside pocket holds Ghiradelli dark chocolate squares with raspberry filling! YUUUMMMMM!  Don't run off just yet, I have two more posts featuring some of my favorite "Indulgences"!

II. Desserts

I just LOVE this image and the sentiment! I laughed out loud when I saw it! The sentiment and two others come with the digi image "Chocolate Dreams" (pictured in the post following this one.) I again used DP from the S2G Indulgence line! You have got to try it! It's so pretty!I embossed the paper using the Provo Craft folders, Swirls, and Circles. I added Black and pink Stickles for sparkle. (Double click to get a sparklier view.) CS is Bazzill. Flowers are "Got Flowers", and rhinestones are from my stash.

 

As soon as I saw the "Desserts" digi image, I knew what I had to do: whip up some "Desserts"! I wanted to showcase the new "Indulgence" line, and show how versatile the papers are! This is what I made.

 

The cupcake is a Basic Grey "Do Me a Favor" that I altered. I added a ribbon and a tissue paper "icing" rose to the top.

 

Next I needed cake! The template above is my own creative invention "Cake Stack" COPYRIGHT© 2010 Cat Darling. CS is Papertrey Ink and DP is again from the "Indulgence" collection. I just love the colors! They were perfect for my "Desserts"! After assembling, I added a Fiskar's punched border, curled "chocolate", Organza ribbon (my favorite), and an Indulgence tag.

Now it's time for pie! I also designed this original template: "Pie, Oh My" COPYRIGHT© 2010 Cat Darling. The scalloped crust was cut from S2G "Indulgence paper. I punched a border, added satin ribbon, and "chocolate" curls. All of the templates open. Imagine them filled with donut holes and Cakesters! No picture. :( I had to go to the dentist yesterday, and again today, so use your imagination for these yummy treats.

 

Luscious and NO calories!

I have another post! 

III. Chocolate Dreams

 

 This is one of the digital images that you could win if your name is the one chosen from the mystery DT blog! I don't know which blog it is, so leave a comment on each one so you can be in the draw! This digi comes with three sentiments and the little "chocolate dream". All of the DP is from the "Indulgence" line. The basket is a template from Papertrey Ink called "Pretty Petal Pocket".

The hearts and medallions were cut from the S2G DP. Bands around the middle are Hobby Lobby ribbon.

The basket is a template from Papertrey Ink called "Pretty Petal Pocket". I made large brown hearts for the front and back of the basket and then decorated with smaller hearts. It's quite roomy inside, and the  three "pillows" were a perfect fit!

Are you wondering what's inside? M and M Premium Chocolate Raspberry Almonds! Soooo Gooood!

I hope you've enjoyed my projects using the new S2G Indulgence Collection! Please leave a comment and visit the amazing eye candy the rest of the team has for you!  Jennifer Scull's blog is next on the tour!Good luck in the contests! Winners will be announced Thursday, Jan. 28 at the S2G Blog!

It's Softpencil Thursday!

I guess I have Valentine's Day on the brain! With a name like "Darling" I guess it's to be expected! LOL

The challenge at Softpencil this week is to make a friendship card. Do you remember when you were little, and you gave Valentines to everyone in your class at school? Well, this digi image; Amy, Michu, and Ratiny, brought back memories of those times, so I made a little Valentine house with hearts on the roof. I cut a lacy border with a MS punch, added ribbons, cut hearts using Nesties, and embossed them in a Swirls folder. I added a flower from "Got Flowers" and a rhinestone from my stash. I colored the image with watercolor pencils and a sparkly pink gel pen. I placed pop dots under the figures. The sentiment is my own. I hope you'll join us in this week's challenge  #16 at Paper Craft Planet. You could win a voucher to spend in Elizabeth's shop! She has such adorable images! Elizabeth just posted some new images, and I know you will fall in LOVE when you see them! Check them out here. Stop by Paper Craft Planet join the Softpencil Group, and see what's happening! If you need inspiration for this week's challenge, check out the blogs of the Softpencil DT and Guest DT. We have some very talented ladies! Their links are in my sidebar. Have a great weekend!

S2G TT Winners!

The winners of last week's TT Challenge #38 ( chosen by Mr. Linky, himself!) are:
#2 KRISTINE and #15 MARSHA!!!! They will receive a  S2G digital image of their choice and a Winner's icon for their blogs! Congratulations!! I hope YOU will join us at this week's S2G's ABC Challenge with a Valentine's Day Twist! Check out the DT's blogs for inspiration! Links are in my sidebar.

Softpencil Candle Tutorial

Have you tried Softpencil Digital Images? They are so versatile! They can be resized for any project! Today I am going to show you how to place a Softpencil Digital Image on a candle. I chose one of Elizabeth's "Three Hearts" images. She has such adorable images in her shop!

 

After you have downloaded the image of your choice, pull it into a photo paint program. There are many out there in Computer Land. Mine is an old program, Photo Express, but I like it.

 

 Choose your colors and fill in the spaces. I used the "Paint Bucket" feature on mine. When complete, save it to a file. My program colors in a bmp format, but I saved it to a jpg with no problems.

 

It looked like the above picture when I saved it to my computer. Now it is time to assemble your materials.

You will need: 1 piece of regular copy paper, tissue paper, waxed paper, scissors, a glue tape runner, (I used Ad Tech) a white candle, and a heat gun.

Cut a piece of tissue paper that is slightly smaller than the copy paper.

GENTLY roll small dabs of glue dots about an inch apart around the two sides and the bottom of the tissue paper. You do not have to place any glue dots at the top.

Turn the tissue paper over (glue side down) and carefully place on top of the copy paper. Keep the tissue as wrinkle free as possible and smooth it on to the paper. The glue will hold the tissue paper in place so you can print on it without it getting stuck inside of your printer. Choose the size for your image. I chose a wallet size and "shrink to fit" feature for the heart. Place your paper in the printer, tissue side up. Be sure that the bottom of the paper that was glued, feeds through first. Then print.

 

I printed two. I have two daughters. Guess what they're getting for Valentine's Day?

After your image has printed, cut it out leaving a small border around the image. Cut through both layers. You do not need to remove the tissue from the copy paper before cutting.

Now you can remove the tissue from the copy paper. Remove it slowly, as some of the ink may have soaked through, and you don't want it to tear. You can see that some of the ink soaked through on mine.

Place the tissue image on your candle. Press it on gently and it should stay. Cut a strip of wax paper that is a little taller than your image, and long enough to wrap around the candle.

In the above picture, I am holding both ends of the wax paper, and the candle is in the middle.

Now for the fun part! Using a circular motion, blow hot air from the heat gun over the wax paper and the image. I started on the right side, If you look closely you will see that the upper right hand side facing you, is darker than the rest of the image. That is because the wax from the wax paper has melted on to the tissue paper, and the image is now adhered to the candle. Continue using a circular motion until the entire image is "melted" into the candle. The tissue paper just seems to disappear!

Remove the wax paper and you have a lovely candle! I dressed mine up a little by squeezing small drops of silver Stickles around the edges of the heart.

And now I have perfect gifts for my daughters for Valentine's Day! I know they will love them, because they are truly  handmade gifts from my heart! Stop by the Softpencil Shop, "Michu and His Lovely Friends" and choose some images for your Valentine candles and cards!

It's an ABC Twisted Thursday!

Do you LOVE "Anything But a Card" Challenges? I do! It's time to be creative! This week's S2G TT has a Valentine theme. I decided to make something for Hubby. Here's what I came up with.

It's two little milk cartons filled with chocolate inside their own holder featuring "Zola", one of S2G's newest Valentine images! The name of the digi is "Zola Sweeps". In the original, she holds a feather duster in her hand. I removed the duster and added hearts. I didn't want something that was "too girly" for my Hubby, so I chose striped DP for this project. Hubby also likes red and black so I chose those colors along with a muted green.

 

Here's a peek inside one of the boxes. It's filled with an assortment of Lindt's Lindor chocolate truffles. Yuuummmmm!

 

I placed pop dots under Zola and the hearts for added dimension. Buttons threaded with ribbon were added to the sides of the holder. This is what the project looks like when the milk cartons are removed:

Head on over to the S2G Shop and check out the new images! Besides Valentine's, there are also NEW Mardi Gras images! They are so CUTE! I know you will LOVE them! I hope you'll join us in this week's Twisted Thursday Challenge. Just upload your project to Mr. Linky. I'd love to see what you create! Have a look at the amazing ABC creations of the S2G Design Team! Their links are in my sidebar.
Milk carton and holder are Papertrey Ink, My Timeless Template: Milk Made. CS is Bazzill. DP is Autumn Leaves and The Paper Studio. Dry embossing was done with a Provo Craft Swirls Folder. Punches are MS and Nesties. Buttons are Papertrey Ink, and ribbon is Hobby Lobby.  Image was colored with watercolor pencils and Copics. Yes, I got some for Christmas! :)

Soft Pencil Challenge #15, Favorite Sketch

Don't you just love this week's image? It's "A Lovely Couple". This week's Challenge #15 at Softpencil is to use your favorite sketch. It's hard to pick a favorite. I like this one because of the layering, and I thought it fit this week's digi image perfectly. I have used this one before, and it is from Mojo Monday #116. Instead of circles, I used hearts.

 Hearts were cut using Nesties. Some of the hearts were embossed with Swirl and Dot folders from Provo Craft. The larger hearts were glued to DP from DCWV, and then I cut around them using deco scissors. The heart above was inked aound the edges and dots were added with Copics. The butterfly is an MS punch. I glued a darker butterfly to the heart and then cut a stand up butterfly out of glitter CS.
The edges of the butterfly were inked. I placed pop dots under the sentiment heart and "A Lovely Couple" image which was colored with watercolor pencils and Copics. (Santa brought me Copics for Christmas :D  Yay!)

Do you like my rose? I call it my "accidental" rose! I cut some scalloped circles free-hand out of pink tissue paper, twisted, layered, and glued them together. Then I sprayed them with Glimmer Mist. Some of the petals stuck together after being sprayed, so I picked up the nearest pencil to separate them. The pencil I picked up was an orange watercolor pencil. Because the petals were wet, the orange color adhered to them. I didn't mean for this to happen, but I decided that I liked the look, so I added some more!

I hope you'll join us at Softpencil's Challenge #15 this week and post your card at Paper Craft Planet! You can even "borrow" the sketch I used! For inspiration, visit the Softpencil DT and Guest DT blogs. We have a group of very talented ladies! Their links are in my sidebar. The prize this week is a voucher to spend in Elizabeth's new shop! It has a new logo and a new name, "Michu and His Lovely Friends". A SALE is going on: 5 images for $10!!! Stop by and check out her Valentine images. I know you'll FALL IN LOVE with them!