saturated canary challenge blog

Challenge #12

2012-03-01T16:21:00.002-05:00

Rimna

Mary

The theme for Challenge 12 is
*Doilies*!

Now for the details....

The winner will be chosen at random. Because it will be too hard to choose just one:). But-- the Dt girls and I will be choosing a *Top Three* also. Top three girls: you will receive a badge for your blogs only:) that announces your awesomeness:)!! Random winner, you will receive your choice of 2 digi's from the Saturated Canary Etsy shop:)!!

Now to the fun part...

The Winner of our latest challenge (#11) is #8, Linda!!

Linda, please email me your choice of two digis and your home address for your Zutter machine!!:).

And, Our Top Three...

#4, Lucianna

#24, Tammi

#75, Tammy

**Ladies, please choose a badge from our badge page!**
Also, from now on, Top Three Winners will be invited to choose *1* digi from the SC shop for a prize...for being especially awesome:).
Just email me your choice!

Good luck, my friends!
Break out the doilies!!;)
xx

Card Swap Link Up

2012-02-29T21:53:00.000-05:00

I've waited to post this as some babies haven't gotten their cards just yet:(...You know how it is-- when you are eagerly awaiting something in the mail it takes FOR.EV.ER. I had hoped they would all be delivered by now.

Anyways, do not worry if you haven't gotten the card in the mail...the linky will stay open and we can revisit it in the summer-- because I plan to do it again. It was A LOT of fun for my kids and it sounds like everyone really enjoyed it!

To link up, just do a post featuring what your child received. (If you are comfortable with it, you can post a photo of your kiddo, too! Mine are all too happy to ham it up!:)

Thank you to all the kids who participated! You guys are so special and made this a fun, unique experience...Niamh and Philly now have two new friends. I hope you all were able to forge a new friendship-- even if it is one that spans the globe!

Hugs!

Challenge #11

2012-02-16T12:40:00.003-05:00

The theme for our eleventh challenge is

anything BUT square or rectangle!

Now for the details....

This week's challenge is going to be extra special! To show you our LOVE and appreciation:), not only will the *random* winner receive two digis from my shop...but also this:

A Zutter Bind it All. I have this small binder- and think it is just the most fun thing to play with-- so many awesome projects at my fingertips. And it's pink. So it's kinda cute, too:).

To win the Zutter, you must be a *follower* of our Challenge blog as well as link up a card!

Click here to see a To Do list I made with mine!

Now to the fun part...

The Winner of our latest challenge (#10) is #89, Jayne!

Jayne, please email me your choice of two digis:).

And, Our Top Three...
All the red, white, and pink looks so pretty as you scroll through the links!

You all are socrazy talented!!

#57, Paola

#95, Grandma Bonnie

#100, Wiccababe

Good luck, my friends!
Someone is gonna be one happy crafter at the end of this challenge!
xx

New Digis and Some Inspiration

2012-02-13T11:18:00.000-05:00

Lou

Hello lovelies! I hope your weekend was fantastic!

I'm posting today to remind you of a couple things.

**All Child Card Swap partners should have their cards out...by today at the latest!! We had a nice turn out for the swap. Make sure your kiddies get their cards out mamas...We don't want any broken hearts:).

**New stamps will be in the shop today (probably this afternoon, US time;)...The first card is the new "Murray" stamp. Lou colored her up so pretty! She looks so dainty and sweet! Perfect for your easter cards.

And here are a could more sneak peeks;)...

**And one more thing on the agenda...

I have a digi giveaway here going on this week! Check it out for a chance to put your digi idea into print!...And there is a sweet little thermos up for grabs, too!:)

Before I sign off for the day...here is just the sweetest creation using 'Canary Love'! Tammy sent me some links this weekend, and I just love it so much! Look at the plaque girls!! How pretty is that?! Perfect accent to a girl's room! Thanks Tammy, for sharing! Love your work, hun!...

Check out more of Tammy's SC creations here!

Challenge #10

2012-02-02T17:42:00.002-05:00

The theme for our tenth challenge is

Red, Pink, and White!!!

Now for the details....

Now to the fun part...

The Winner of our latest challenge (#9) is #117, Sheila!

Sheila, please email me your choice of two digis:).

And, Our Top Three...(WOW!! so many to choose from!!...And each one so pretty and special!!)

#8, Sharon

#13, Tammy

#142, Tracey

**Thank you to all who entered...Having this challenge is a HUGE inspiration to myself and the DT. I want to thank you all for that! There is nothing like feeling inspired by the creativity of another crafty gal! You guys rock!!**

Okay...So onto the Red, Pink, and White!! Can't wait to see the entries!!

Kid's Card Swap!!!

2012-01-30T04:40:00.001-05:00

This is my daughter, Niamh.

...In the 3D glasses she saves form every 3D movie we go to. I actually think they are pretty awesome.

She wants to be an artist when she gets older. And maybe a singer, too.

Oh. And a dancer. This chick can shake her booty:).

She is scared of all the same things I am.

Loves to play in my heels.

She has my eyes. And she has her dad's sense of humor.

She makes Philly play dolls with her. (Philly's Iron Man + Niamh's Monster High girls = TRUE LOVE:)

She says she doesn't like sports, but she corrects Philly when he says any of the NY Giant's names incorrectly...which leads us to think she pays more attention to the games than she lets on.

She hates to lose.

She is gracious and loving. And very thoughtful...In many ways, an old soul. Always thinking/worrying/loving like a person much older than 8 years of age.

Yesterday, Philly hit her in the face accidentally with his arm. She cried...and I asked, "does it hurt a lot or a little??" She replied: "Medium." :)

All these things make her my little woman:)...my bestie. I love her more than my life...Sometimes so much my heart aches! And we spend a lot of time together...

She loves to color my stamps and use my desk. She can color with my markers and use my papers. She loves to journal and write stories, too.

I get so many messages from customers saying that their kiddos love to use their stamps, too...And occasionally, I even get emailed a photo or two of their sweet creations! I love that. I think out of all the sweet notes and kind messages I've been sent over the past few months, the ones about sharing your creative time with your children make me feel the happiest. I love spending that time with Niamh. Often, I run my new stamps by her before I scan them in...just to see her reaction. See if she likes it or not. And yes. I have redrawn stamps because of her suggestions:). Yeah, mama got the thumbs down here and there;).

Niamhy also loves getting to 'know' you guys. I've received quite a few cards in the mail, and she is just as thrilled as I am to hold and inspect them...They have all been amazing and beautiful!! She gets such a kick out of things being mailed from overseas. You should hear her British accent. And she is currently perfecting her Scottish:).

I started to think how to do something special and get her involved in the card making/coloring she enjoys so much...A little project to give her something to look forward to. So, here is the plan...

**We are going to host a Kid's Card Swap**

If you sign up for the swap, each child participating will need to make one card with a SATURATED CANARY DIGI or SIMPLY SASSY RUBBER STAMP. If you have more than one child in your family who wants to play along, each one will be paired with a separate partner...So everyone gets their own card and makes a new, long distance friend!

If you are interested in signing up your child/children, here is what I'll need:

Email me at krista7smith@yahoo.com subject line "CARDSWAP" and include the following information:

~number of children who want to make a card and send it away

~name(s)

~gender(s)

~age(s)

~favorite color(s)

~birthday(s)

~And finally, please let me know if you are willing to ship internationally. **

Please send your email by Friday, February 3. (No late emails will be matched with other swappers!! Sorry!) I will be randomly pairing the children together. Kinda like a pen-pal sort of thing...They will each need to make one card for their partner and have them mailed out by **FEBRUARY 11**!!

We will be hosting a link up party to show off the kiddo's cards on February 29th! It will be so much fun and a great way to share a little of your crafty time with your babies:). Niamh will be so excited and be checking our mail every day, I know! Hopefully, it will be something kind of 'old school' that the kids get to enjoy and have fun with...I know computers and phones make it easy for even children to stay connected, but it is always so much nicer to open an old fashioned, snail mail card!:)

I'm excited to get everyone matched up...so send over your emails and let's get our children involved in some coloring and creating. And some new-friend making!!:)

... Now I just need to talk Philly into some crafty time:)

...He's more of a football kinda guy:).

Saturday Cards.

2012-01-28T07:58:00.000-05:00

Some pretty creations to inspire your coloring on a Saturday!

.from our Guest DT girls.

Enjoy.

Angela

Mary

Rimna

Vicky

Happy Weekend!

ps. Check back tomorrow for a chance to get your kiddos in on some coloring! It's a swap!!

Guest DT Members

2012-01-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

Hello lovelies! Well, today is the day:). The DT and I spent so much time looking through the entries to our guest DT call. We each submitted votes. A big handful of all our favorites. Commented...Looked through each other's choices. Commented again:). Then, we each whittled down our 'favorite list' to approx. 6 entries. I tallied up our number of votes for each entry on the list. We had four girls who ended up with the most...and I couldn't choose between them. So, we have invited four girls to be our guest designers for the next three months.

Here they are:

This was truly a labor of love...I can't tell you how many of your entires received multiple votes... The girls and I each have different tastes and styles...so a huge number of cards were talked about. I seriously considered having 124 guest designers for the next three months:). Really, no joke! This was a super hard choice, but we all feel good about our final decision.

I hope each of you put in again in April, when we have our next guest call. The last thing I want is for anyone to feel discouraged. I know the feeling of being rejected (believe me! I have saved all my rejection letters from publishers:).....But, please know, we are not rejecting any of you!! Simply asking that you put in again next time!!

Like I said, I'd invite each of you if I could. I am in the middle of a blog re-design for our place here...and I'm pretty sure my designer would kill me if I asked him to make 124 badges for links to my guest designers' blogs:). So, for now, we invite these four amazing, lovely ladies to join our team. I hope you are as inspired by their creations as we are!! I can't wait to show you their first official team cards later this week:)!!

Thank you again, ladies!! Have a lovely Monday!!

Challenge #9

2012-01-19T10:33:00.004-05:00

The theme for our ninth challenge is Dies and/or Punches!!

Now for the details....

The Winner of our Clean and Simple challenge is #78, Fiona!!

Fiona, please email me your choice of two digis:).

Our Top Three (voted on by the Dt and myself)...and sheesh-- there were a lot of cards voted on!!

#50, Lucianna

#54, Jacqui

#65, Katie

Thank you for all who entered! It is such fun to click through your entries, seeing all the creativity and talent out in blogland!! You guys are so inspiring!!:)

Okay...So onto Punches and Dies!! Can't wait to see the entries!!

Mwah!xx

DT Additions

2012-01-15T21:02:00.000-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to our newest team member, Rebekah. I first fell in love with Rebekah's style with her white and black vampire card. If I could have envisioned a card being made with that digi-- that is it my friends. I *love* it!! So vampire-a-licious and pretty, too! I started following her blog and each visit is a treat. An inspiration. (Oh. and have you seen her eye candy?? LIKE. EYE.CAN.DEEEEEEEEEE. Yeah, you need to go visit this mama's blog!!;) Okay, here are some of her creations:)...

And just for a little *extra* inspiration, take a look at our other new Dt member's cards of the week...pretty amazing, huh?!! I especially love the blue hair;)!

And before I sign off for the night, I'd like to welcome back Pops. She has fixed her internet issues, and so we get her scrumptious card-making skills back!! I'm so happy with our team...all the talent on here is AUH-MAZING!! Now we just need to figure out the guest spots...Which is looking harder by the day!! Have you seen all the fabulous entries!?! You guys don't make it easy!!:)

Hope your weekend was relaxing, filled with craftiness, and especially good to you!

Lou. A New Member!

2012-01-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

Before we add to the Dt team with guest spots (see post below!!), we have welcomed a new, permanent friend to the mix. (My goal is 10 girls on the team altogether, including the guest spots...so stay tuned for one more addition to the team soon!) Please say hello to our friend, Lou! (And YES!! this is a stamp to be released tomorrow:)...

Lou is seriously such a sweetheart! Her cards are amazing and caught my eye right away. I love her style of card making...So, when I started thinking of girls to ask, she was my very first thought!:)

Lou has used "The Force" stamp on her card today. Lou has a sweet little boy named Mo. He sounds like her little man...this is a mama in love! (Can totally understand that! In love with my own snuggle-muffin little guy!) There is a girl to match...Kinda perfect for Valentine's Day for the boys who love...well...a galaxy far, far away;).

Please pop over to our new Dt member's blog and checkout her awesome-ness!!

To be considered for the guest Dt spots (3), enter your card in the previous post Link-up!!

hugs.xx

DT Call.

2012-01-09T02:51:00.000-05:00

I have been working on a bunch of new stamps over the past couple weeks. I'm looking so forward to adding this group to my shop! I hope you all really love them!!!

On another note, we are ready to add to the Dt team!! The girls and I are hosting a Guest Dt call starting today! We are looking for three girls for a period of three months. Then it will open back up again for new friends to join in!:)

I'll be honest. This sort of thing makes me terribly uncomfortable. And excited. But, yes, a little nervous and squeamish. Only because I've met SO MANY awesome ladies through this blog and in this business. My heart wants *ALL* of you on the Dt:). I already dread picking out of the entries-- because it is hard enough to do that for the challenges!! You all are so talented. So lovely. Such sweet and wonderful ladies...The good thing is we will open it back up in three months and invite everyone to submit again:).

Okay. So here is what we are looking for.

Link up a *new blog post* with a Saturated Canary Digi.

Any style card, any theme...just something you enjoy creating.

***Please don't put these cards on our SC Facebook Page.***

( I don't want to read through comments and be influenced in any way:).

We will close the Dt call Saturday, January 21st and announce the three new members that Monday!

I think that's about it, friends. I look really forward to seeing your entries! Thank you for all your kind emails and awesome support these past few months. I'm so excited to include some new girls in our awesome team here!!

Challenge #8

2012-01-05T17:26:00.003-05:00

pics via Pinterest

The theme for our eighth challenge is Clean and Simple!!

Now for the details....

You must use either a Saturated Canary Digi or a Simply Sassy rubber stamp. Also, please leave a link to the blog *post* featuring your challenge card:). This challenge is open until Wednesday, January 18th @ 12:00pm EST. The randomly chosen winner will be posted Thursday with the new challenge:)!

So, the winner is random. Because it will be too hard to choose just one:). But-- the Dt girls and I will be choosing a *Top Three* also. Top three girls: you will receive a badge for your blogs only:) that announces your awesomeness:)!! Random winner, you will receive your choice of 2 digi's from the Saturated Canary Etsy shop:)!!

Now, for the Dt creations...Clean, simple, and totally beautiful!!:)

And now for the winners of Challenge 7!

In no particular order,

#8, Creepy Glowbugg

#25, GroT

#33, Mary B.

Winning ladies, please email me your choice of digis:)...Or hold onto your prize for an extra week-- new digis coming the end of next week;)

Thank you for all who entered, even in the hustle and bustle of the holidays! It is such fun to click through your entries, seeing all the creativity and talent out in blogland!!:)

Okay...So onto Clean and Simple!! Can't wait to see the entries!! Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year! Mwah!xx

Challenge 7!

2011-12-22T22:25:00.002-05:00

The theme for our seventh challenge is Christmas/Winter!!

Now for the details....

Now, for the Dt creations...Check 'em out-- they are wonderful!!:)

Jane
And now...to the most exciting part!!

The winner of our fourth challenge is #4, lis-m! Congrats, girlfriend !! Email me to talk about your digis sweetie!

And our Top Three...
#7, Linda
#8, Patty Sue
#14, Catherine

Thank you to everyone who played along in our challenge dedicated to the boys!! It was fun to look through the entries...a nice change from the girly side of things:). And for the Top Three girls-- I've got a badge for ya!! I'll email you shortly!:)

So that's it! Cannot wait to see the entries this time around! And before I split, I wanted to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and wonderful Christmas and New Year! You all have been such a blessing to me this year-- I hope your holidays are bright and happy!!

Love you guys!! Muah.xx!!

Winners!

2011-12-21T17:37:00.000-05:00

Christmas Linky winners::

#2, Coops

#5, Linda

#8, Arjette

#19, Pinky

#23, Jo Ham

#42, Kerri

Congrats my friends!!

Email me your choice of 3 stamps from my shop:)!

You may hold onto your prize until after my next stamp release mid January if you'd like:).

Merry Christmas everyone!!

(Check back tomorrow for a new challenge!:)

Christmas Party!!

2011-12-15T13:05:00.002-05:00

Hello, friends!! A bit MIA around these parts lately...so busy with the hustle and bustle of the holidays!:)

I mentioned a while back a fun Christmas link party...with voting, top five prizes, and all...So. Here we go! Link up ANY Christmas/New Years project with a Saturated Canary Digi or Simply Sassy Stamp below. Then grab the button, link back here...and gain votes for your submission!

*Top five win 3 digis from the Saturated Canary Digi shop!*

Winners can hold on to their prize until after the New Year when a bunch of new stamps will be released! Do you want a peek at some of the new stamps? Then sign up for the SC Newsletter (if you haven't already)! First one goes out before Christmas!! So hurry and email me with subject line "NEWSLETTER" at krista7smith@yahoo.com .

I have also added just a couple extra digis to my shop, fulfilling promises to some friends who made special requests:). There is a super cutie skateboarding boy, a library nerd, and these two fashionistas...

The two girl stamps are *only* being sold as a pair and at a discount. A little Christmas sale:). I hope you get the chance to enter the link party...and don't forget about our Current Challenge!!

Hugs!...oh, and grab your button...

Challenge Six!

2011-12-09T10:17:00.001-05:00

pics via Pinterest

The theme for our sixth challenge is For the Boys!! ....Have fun with it! You can use a boy digi. Or an image your hubby might like;)...Anything that fits the theme-- feel free to be creative with it!:)
Now for the details....

Now, for the Dt creations...Check 'em out-- they are adorable!!:)

Jane

Kellie

Carisa

And a card from our newest Dt member, Caz! (Pop's has stepped down...We will all miss her around these parts! She is an amazing person!) I asked Caz to fill in our open Dt spot because I truly love her style. It is clean, neat, and always worth that second, third, fourth look! (Yeah, I kinda stalk her blog:)...Thanks for joining the team, friend!

Caz

And now...to the most exciting part!!

The winner of our fourth challenge is Janette, #6!Congrats, girlfriend !! Email me to talk about your digis sweetie!

I received the votes for Top Three. Looked everything over again. And I couldn't narrow it down to three. So, this week we are going Top Five. There were a good number of entries, so I think it is okay for one week:).

TOP FIVE, no particular order...
#14, Penni
#23 Coops
#65 Pat
#67 Mindy
#70 Mary
I will email you the badges girls!! You get to rock our (first) Top Five badge:)!! Yay for you!!

***I apologize for the late posting of the winners and new challenge! I've been working on the set of Philly and Niamh's school play this week (a little unexpectedly)...and I accidentally fell asleep on the couch last night at 9:30! (I NEVER do that!)...Anyways, woke up this morning in the same outfit as yesterday-- kinda gross:)-- but finally got on here to post!!***
Okay, ladies! Time to start creating!:)...

Tshirt Tutorial using Digital Stamps

2011-12-05T09:00:00.006-05:00

Hi Saturated Canary Fans!

Carisa here and I have a fun tutorial that has been in the making for a long time. I started making these tshirts using digital stamps last year for my kiddos. Recently, a good friend asking me to join her birthday Blog hop and I jumped at the chance to make her something unique and special. So, while doing so, I created a little step by step tutorial that turned out to be super picture heavy! LOL Sit back, enjoy a cuppa hot cocoa and I hope you like my tutorial!

Step 1: Print your image on Transfer Paper. I used HP Transfer Paper for Dark Clothing even though I'm usually using it on white. I like it and it works.

Step 2: Carefully cut around your image as close as you can to the black lines. Then carefully remove the backing before placing your image on the tshirt for ironing. I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten this step only to ruin it b/c I end up fusing it to the backing and then I can't use it. Grrr! LOL

Step 3: Iron your image on the shirt using the protective sheet that comes in the transfer package and let completely cool before removing the protective paper. ps. it's a good idea to slip a piece of chipboard inside the tshirt both for ironing and coloring.

Step 4: This is the fun part - time to color!!!

Step 5: Once you are done coloring, you need to heat set your color and I do this by using the same protective sheet from the Step 3.Once again, you need to let this completely cool before removing.

Final product! Doesn't it look awesome? I think so and they wash so well. My girls have had their shirts for over a year and the color hasn't faded or bled at all. I'm so happy with this technique. It's time consuming but so well worth it to give someone a one of a kind gift!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I really hope you enjoyed the tutorial as much as I did making the tshirt. Digital stamps really give you a world of opportunities when you think outside the box!!

Hugs,

Carisa

2011-11-27T02:14:00.001-05:00

Been working on Christmas cards for friends! I kind of like taking the regular digis and turning them into Christmas ones:). It's always a fun challenge to make it look like it was a Christmas stamp from the beginning:)!! Norma Jean just might be my favorite for this.

Do you guys have a favorite Christmas digi from the shop??

My favorite holiday stamp is Spritz. I love his belly:).

And since I've been spending a lot of time at my craft desk, figured I'd introduce you to my crafting buddy. I need to think of a name for this guy:). It's one of my favorite decorations in our house. I LUV that Rhino! And he is just the nicest-- cuz I bang my head into him all the time by accident:)...and he hasn't retaliated once!! LOL...

And hey-- if you have a lovely Christmas card, take a picture and get ready to link up later in the week...a just for fun link party...but it will come with a prize for the Top 5 voted on cards!! Don't forget to take a pic before you send it out:):)

Have a great Sunday my friends!!:)

Challenge #5

2011-11-25T00:40:00.002-05:00

via

The theme for our fifth challenge is Anything Goes!! So, what is inspiring you this week?? Are you in a Christmasy mood?? How about sparkles?? Or fairytales?? Colors? Or memories? Whatever it is, use your inspirations to make a lovely card for this super fun, easy challenge! ....Now for the details....

Now, for the Dt creations...Check 'em out-- they are gorgeous!!:)

Kellie

Lori

Pops

Jane

And now...to the most exciting part!!

The winner of our fourth challenge is #48, Arjette!Congrats, girlfriend !! Email me to talk about your digis sweetie!

We loved all your fall-inspired creations this challenge...So, once again it was difficult to pick between all of them. Here are the three girls we chose as Top Three!

The Top Three this week are...(no order;)

#18, Coops

#21, Nicolchen

#47, Jayne

I will email you the badges girls!! You get to rock our Top Three badge!! Yay for you!!

Okay, ladies! Time to start creating!:)...
ps-- sorry for the late post. celebrating thanksgiving!!:)

Time is Almost Up:)!

2011-11-22T23:57:00.001-05:00

Don't forget that Challenge #4 ends in just a few hours...Be sure to link up your entry before it closes!! The prize is super fun this time-- I love my Glamour Damaged hat:)!! It is so cute and cozy!!

Oh...besides the gift certificate to Julie's shop, you get your choice of two free digs from my shop as well:)...I have one more release before Christmas (Dec 2nd), so this prize might prove to be pretty fun to cash in!!

And stay tuned to this place...because I'm working on an *incredible* cyber--Monday deal for you to stock up on any digs currently in the shop:)!

Hope your week is going great...Are you ready for your Thanksgiving feast yet??...We are headed up to Phil's family's for dinner on Thursday:)! I can't wait to pig out on yummy food:)!

Hugs!

Judes Christmas Wreath...

2011-11-21T04:51:00.001-05:00

Firstly apologies for the terrible photos....we were just messing about yesterday afternoon and when it turned out so good I decided to post it up here to share with you all....next time we are messing about I will make sure to take better pics!

This is Judes Christmas Wreath which she will be hanging on her bedroom door to welcome Santa!

I have been watching a few tutorials on youtube for these wreaths made from old book pages and have been itching to give it a go.

We used an old cd for the base and tied the ribbon on it before we started....pink of course!

Because it was going to be quite a small wreath we cut the book pages in half.

Jude then rolled them into cone shapes and stapled them...they were still a little big so we trimmed them a bit..

then with the hot glue gun....I did that bit....we glued them all around the cd....keep going round and round until you have this......

Jude then coloured one of her fave SC images "Whispy" and we sprayed the whole wreath with some glimmer mist and she stuck on some snowflakes and diamonds!

I hope you like! Jude was so excited when I told her I was sharing it on here!

Hugs

Jane & Jude

xoxo

Queen of Hearts

2011-11-19T20:36:00.000-05:00

Hello lovely readers!! Today I wanted to share a super amazing creation with you! It was created by Vicky, a sweet and funny lady whose blog I've followed for a while now. She is a riot-- and as you can see, majorly talented!! If you haven't seen it just yet (I'm sure many of you have-- it's super cool!), take a peek!!

And my favorite part...

Vicky emailed me first to ask permission to merge the images like this. I really appreciated that, and I always try to work with special requests. Since the project did not alter my actual character, I told her to go for it!!:)

Pretty amazing, huh!?!...If you have any cards/ projects you'd like to submit for a feature post, email me at krista7smith@yahoo.com. Please include at least 2 good photos. I honestly see SO MANY beautiful cards, it is hard to narrow it down for asking!! I'd love to feature at least one girl a week...so, feel free to shoot me a note. I love opening emails full of your creations!!

Hope your weekend is going great!! Hugs!:)

Want to see more of Vicky's SC creations?? Check here, here, and here!!

Challenge 4

2011-11-10T23:36:00.001-05:00

Challenge number four...Autumn colors!!

The theme for our fourth challenge is FALL COLORS/Theme!! Wa-hoo!! I think this one allows you a lot of freedom...so turn on your creativity girls! Can't wait to see what you guys come up with:)....Now for the details....

So, the winner is random. Because it will be too hard to choose just one:). But-- the Dt girls and I will be choosing a *Top Three* also. Top three girls: you will receive a badge for your blogs only:) that announces your awesomeness:)!! Random winner, you will receive your choice of 2 digi's from the Saturated Canary Etsy shop:)!!

And for the winner, we have a little extra love!! You will also receive a 12.00USD gift credit to *Glamour Damaged*-- a totally gorgeous Etsy shop full of pretty hats and things-- perfect to keep you snuggled and cozy in the chilly fall weather!:)

And now...to the most exciting part!!

The winner of our first challenge is #75, Sara!. Congrats, girlfriend !! Email me to talk about your digis sweetie!

And, *WOW*, once again, you guys made it so hard to choose a Top Three! I think this has been my favorite challenge yet...so many creative and beautiful entries. You guys know how to make a girl's job tough-- I mean...I want to list every one of you on here for top three!!!:)...Since I cannot, we did narrow it down to these lovely three ladies:)...

The Top Three this week are...(no order;)

#21 Christine

#28 Caz

#40 Lou

I will email you the badges girls!! You get to rock our Top Three badge!! Yay for you!!

Okay...So that completes our third challenge and begins challenge number 4!! Hope all of you are enjoying your new stamps...Seems like there are a lot of Alice in Wonderland fans out there!! If you haven't checked out our Facebook Page, please do!!...I am in love with this post!!

Tonight...

2011-11-07T10:31:00.000-05:00

New Stamps....

will be added to the shop at 8:00pm tonight!! (EST)

Cocoa Anyone??

2011-11-05T02:27:00.000-04:00

When I was little, the four of us kids would make presents for each other. And for our parents. There were some duzies!! One year we made my parents a cassette tape of us girls singing...and my baby brother was the music behind our voices. He just kept repeating da-na-nuh-nuh-nuhhhh...over and over. By the end of that famous song, he was huffing and puffing, just miserable with the part we gave him:). Another year, my sister Becca made me gel manatee earrings and a matching necklace. Those were the biggest green and turquoise manatee earrings you can imagine. But the thing is, my parents loved that tape. And I wore those manatee earrings to high school...because I wanted her to know I loved them.

I really appreciate the value behind something handmade, even if it is just a tiny thinking of you...or stocking stuffer...or birthday wish. Something someone sat down to make for me-- that means a lot.

I still like to make gifts at Christmas time. Each year, I get excited for that challenge of a new handmade craft:). It isn't that I'm cheap. I'd love to buy every teacher and friend and classmate a beautiful present...but, honestly, I'd rather spend that money on my kids and their cousins:). So those odds and ends gifts tend to be handmade.

I was thinking of teacher's gifts (check this one out on my other blog-- it's really fun!!)...and friend's gifts....Sunday school teachers...and choir directors...all the little ones that you need stand-by gifts for. I have really started to enjoy making cards (you guys got me hooked;), so here is my hot cocoa card. Perfect little treat for the kids to hand out to their friends. (Should I draw a cocoa boy??...Think I'm gonna need one. What do you think??)

My paper is 6.5" wide by 5.5" long. Scored at 3" on long side. Basically, the paper needs to fold around your packet of cocoa.

I sewed on my image. Cuz I love sewing paper:). Material and I never get along, but paper is so easy to sew.

Little sentiment inside:).

You can even color the girls to look like your kid's friends:).

And, if you really want to wow them (LOL), put the whole thing in a mug and tie it up with a cute matchy ribbon. Cute, right?!

So that is gonna be our friend's gifts this year. Super cheap. Super cute. Super easy:).

Naughty or Nice?? A Tutorial.

2011-11-02T21:37:00.000-04:00

So-- what list are you gonna be on this year??;) Well, no matter where your name ends up on Santa's lists, there's a cupcake for you here!!:) This is a fun way to make your own cupcake toppers!:). I chose to make Christmas ones with Stroppy Beth and Christmas Angel. Although, I think the Gymnast would be cute for a gymnastic's party...or maybe the General for your little guy??...

Check them out:)

You need an image (printed normal and then flipped and printed as a mirror image), scissors, toothpicks, and two sided tape. Oh yeah, and a cupcake or two!!:)

Apply the tape to the back of both images. Place the toothpick in the center. Then stick both images together!:)

Here are your cupcake toppers:)!

Cute, huh?! And you won't find them at any other party:)!!

Hope you give it a try!

confession: i bought the cupcakes from the bakery. baking is not my forte. :)

Challenge # 3

2011-10-27T11:30:00.002-04:00

New Challenge...It's gonna be as easy as...

The theme for our second challenge is 1-2-3: 1 image, 2 patterned papers, and 3 embellishments!! Wa-hoo!! I think this one sounds so fun! Can't wait to see what you girls come up with:)....Now for the details....

You must use either a Saturated Canary Digi or a Simply Sassy rubber stamp. Also, please leave a link to the blog *post* featuring your challenge card:). This challenge is open until Wednesday, November 9 @ 12:00pm EST. The randomly chosen winner will be posted Thursday with the new challenge:)!

So, the winner is random. Because it will be too hard to choose just one:). But-- the Dt girls and I will be choosing a *Top Three* also. Top three girls: you will receive a badge for your blogs only:) that announces your awesomeness:)!! Random winner, you will receive your choice of 2 digi's from the Saturated Canary Etsy shop:)!!

And now...to the most exciting part!!

The winner of our first challenge is #42, Gabbi !. Congrats, girlfriend !! Email me to talk about your digis sweetie!

And, *WOW*, you guys made it so hard to choose a Top Three! I know all of you girls put a lot of effort into making these sewn up cards;)...Some girls even did it by hand (kudos ladies-- that takes patience!!:) It's funny, because when we vote, there are a huge variety of cards we choose-- as we each submit three votes individually. The cards that are repeated in those votes are the ones chosen as Top Three-- but believe me, there are lots more that get 'favorit-ed' ... All three of us love your entries. Because they are amazing creations...beautiful treasures! So thank you for sharing!

The Top Three this week are...(no order;)

#33, Katie

#38, Corry

#56, Marlena

I will email you the badges girls!! You get to rock our Top Three badge!! Yay for you!!

Okay...So that completes our second challenge and begins challenge number 3!! As a small thank you for entering your lovely cards, here is a coupon code (good till the end of this challenge) for my shop:). (Might be throwing in some random stamps this week...just a couple I promised to certain ladies...so keep an eye out;)...Have a lovely week!

Coupon Code (to be entered at checkout) : ~~EASYAS123~~

~~good for 15% off any order.~~ (coupon expired:)

3 Orders of Business...

2011-10-25T18:42:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!! Hope your week has started great!:) Did you check out Jane's fun post yesterday?!! It was pretty cool...Scroll down to see it!:)

I have three little things to talk about...First one you probably already know about:)...New stamps (10!) are in my Etsy shop:). I hope you like them!!

Second-- you have one more day to get your challenge cards in!!...We have a great prize of two digis from my shop and a bunch of pretty ribbon!:)...Don't forget to enter. The theme is sewing, and it can be real or drawn on!:).

And finally, I am going to start a monthly newsletter. It will be a combination of my artwork (stamps;) and my personal blog topics...If you'd like to be added to the mailing list, please email me at krista7smith@yahoo.com with a subject line: NEWSLETTER. (I get over a 100 emails a day sometimes, so please title it with Newsletter because I don't want to miss it!:). I am aiming for one newsletter before Christmas, and then monthly after the holidays. I think it will be something many of you will enjoy...and might even have a coupon here and there for my Etsy shops:).

Okay, everything covered:). Hope you are getting excited for our next challenge!! It's a really fun theme and some of the Dt cards have already been emailed to me-- they are *gorgeous*! I can't wait to share them with y'all!!

Have a great Tuesday...Hugs!

Wee Teeny Tutorial...

2011-10-24T10:00:00.007-04:00

Okay having never done a tutorial before I had no clue what I could possibly share with you all.....everyone is so very talented and what could I possibly show you??!!! Anyhooo I thought I would share with you how I do my notebook edge on my papers...I don't own the fancy punch...it is on my ever growing wish list which I am working my way through when the pennies allow! So I am always on the look out for other ways to create things....before I bought my nesties I had loads of shaped templates cut out of acetate...went all round the house looking for different size circle shapes!

I have to say that I did not come up with this idea...I came across it while surfing around blogland and I am kicking myself as I cannot remember the blog I saw it on! If anyone else knows please get in touch so I can add a link!

You can use a fancy hole punch or I like to use a bog standard paper punch

Use your hole punch to punch holes along the edge of the paper you are going to use

Then with your scissors do two little snips from the paper edge into the hole

And there you have it!

I hope you have found this helpful?! If anyone has anything they would like to ask me about my cards please get in touch and I can share how I do it here!

Hugs

Janex

Candy Bag.

2011-10-21T18:10:00.001-04:00

I posted a fun paper candy bag on my blog yesterday...(You can check it out here*)...But, I had this idea in my head, too. It's a little quicker to make, probably better for a large class or a big Halloween party. No sewing involved;).

You'll only need a clear candy bag (they sell these ones at my local craft store...in the candy-making section:), a stapler, piece of cardstock (cut to fit the width of your bag and folded in half), a few decorations (like an SC digi...lol), and some yummy snacks. I think it looks ever cuter if the candy matches your cardstock colors!

It's pretty cute, huh?!? (Sorry for the funky lighting...it's very cloudy here today; I have no inside natural light.)

I know a lot of you girls are from the UK and maybe places that don't celebrate Halloween. (What if you all just put on masks on October 31st and chose to make it a holiday?:):) Anyways, this project doesn't have to be for only Halloween treats. I used to package my plaques, pins, and mirrors this way for Etsy orders. It just adds that nice little finishing touch that says I care about presentation:). Also, you could do birthday treat bags this way and make them a little more unique than the store bought ones!:)

Here is a photo of the tree outside our back door. It's turning really pretty shades of yellow. While I love summer the most, I gotta say, these beautiful fall colors and yummy candy snacks are making me pretty happy:). Even if it is a bit chilly in the mornings now:).

Is it changing seasons in your part of the world yet??

Update:)

2011-10-19T23:49:00.000-04:00

Hello friends!! Hope your week is going great!:)

I am busy getting a *bunch* of new stamps ready. Some are Christmas and others are for everyday use...But, since there will be some holiday ones in the mix and it will be a bigger release (at least ten!)...I am releasing them after the weekend. It's a special release, since I normally do this on Fridays. (Plus my weekend is a little packed. my little sis is having her baby shower:) Anyways, to hold you over till Monday (and maybe even tease ya a bit;), I have added this new Christmas stamp to my shop at a *discount*.

She will be sold at the sale price for a limited time, so hurry and grab her quick:)! I have said before, I'm not a huge fan of drawing Christmas-themed digis...but I really like her. If you cut carefully (or you are handy with the computer;), you can remove the gift box and use her year round:). **(Please do not alter my actual character figures!!**)

I am trying to get some different Christmas ones finished...hopefully you'll like them! And I'm going to post some fun little projects over the next few days...so be sure to check back often!:)

Hope you have a great day! Hugs!!

Pink and Green.

2011-10-16T15:24:00.000-04:00

Are you having a great weekend?? I hope everyone is! Watching football?? Or crafting??...Maybe just snuggled up for a nice nap on the couch?:)...Whatever you are doing, hope it is relaxing and fun:)!

Last night I made this card for my niece. Her birthday is coming up, and I am ahead of the game! (Wow. I'm even shocked at that!:) She lives in PA...And even though we see Phil's family a lot...we still kinda wish our visits were more frequent:)! I colored in Stroppy Beth to look like Niamhy. Wanted it to be a --I'm missing you on your birthday-- sort of card:). We will def get up there for her party...but thought it would be fun to put a card in the mail, too! Those two girls are the bestest of friends:).

While I was coloring her, I realized that I am always grabbing for pink. And beige-y colors. Like-- for every card:). I need to expand my color preferences a little:), but they are my go to's. Oh, and I love pink and green. It's such a pretty combo!!Also one of my favorites!!

What are your favorite color combos??

The markers or pencils you reach for the most??

via

Challenge #2

2011-10-13T11:06:00.004-04:00

via

The theme for our second challenge is stitching!! Wa-hoo!! I love stitching through paper. Especially that little paper-popping noise it makes when I use the sewing machine:). Like cardmaking music to my ears:):)....Now for the details....

You must use either a Saturated Canary Digi or a Simply Sassy rubber stamp. Also, please leave a link to the blog *post* featuring your challenge card:). This challenge is open until Wednesday, October 26 @ 12:00am EST. The randomly chosen winner will be posted Thursday with the new challenge:)!

So, the winner is random. Because it will be too hard to choose just one:). But-- the Dt girls and I will be choosing a *Top Three* also. Top three girls: you will receive a badge for your blogs only:) that announces your awesomeness:)!! Random winner, you will receive your choice of 2 digi's from the Saturated Canary Etsy shop:)!!

**And, for our second challenge, we are doing a sponsor swap with Crafty Ribbons!! The winner will receive a gift of beautiful ribbons as well!:) Perfect for future card making!! Check out the Crafty Ribbons site and challenge blog (where SC digi's are sponsoring a challenge this week:)!**

Take a look at the SC Dt's cards...They are so *beautiful!*

And now...to the most exciting part!!

The winner of our first challenge is #17, Mary B!. Congrats lovely girl! Email me to talk about your digis sweetie!

And, *WOW*, you guys made it so hard to choose a Top Three! I want to make it a Top 88:). As hard as it was, the six of us decided on these three ladies entries:)...(no order;)

#4, Shelby

#12, Mette

#54, Eulanda

I will email you the badges girls!! You get to rock our first Top Three badge!! Yay for you!!

So...That's about it for now...I'm excited to see what you guys come up with as far as stitching!! It can be real or fake or a combo of both...Use your prettiest threads...yarns...even go for some ribbons:)!! And be sure to tie a little knot on your pinky...so you...

xoxo

Lovely Lou Creations!

2011-10-11T18:52:00.000-04:00

Check out these super pretty creations by Lou!! She is so talented...and such a super sweet girl! I was so happy when she said I could post a few of her cards on here:).

And check out this lovely digi that I specially made for Tiets and her card club. (She will be available towards the end of the month!!) Lou used non-traditional Christmas colors, and I love the effect! Each year, we choose a new color combo of lights for our Christmas tree...I'm thinking this might be the color scheme this year in the Smith house:)! It's so pretty and girly!:)

If you want to see more of Lou's lovely cards, pop over to her inspiring blog!

Thank you, gorgeous, for letting me showcase your beautiful creations! xo

Ideas, Future Stmaps, and Your Votes:).

2011-10-10T00:54:00.001-04:00

Hello all! How was your weekend?? Ours went by pretty fast!...But the kiddies have one more day off for Columbus Day-- so not quite over just yet!! Horray!

I feel like I am definitely getting to know some of you wonderful stampers.I love to get all your sweet emails and even get an occasional suggestion for a future stamp. I enjoy the conversations so much...You guys are the *best*!!

Because you are all so awesome...with great ideas and talent of your own...I'd like to keep you in the loop. And get your feedback via some fun little polls on the right sidebar. Please go ahead and vote-- on one or all of them!! I'd love to see what your thinkin'...what you like...and what you are hoping for in future releases. Some things to look forward to in the next couple months are...

Sets of Characters

Boys

Babies/ Tiny Tots:)

Digi's with Backgounds and Themed Sheets (more than one digi per image)

Fantasy

Ragamuffins with Their Pets...a little sub-series.

I have a ton of ideas floating around in my brain:). But these are a few. I think it will be fun to put out some more sheets of digis...like my Camping/ Sleepover girl. One of them is DEFINITELY gonna be tea-party themed. I just can't wait to start on it! Also, I'd like to put out a small series of Ragamuffins and their pets. I really love how Stella and her Jellyfish turned out! Oh, and a short movie-inspired series. (See sidebar)...

And, don't worry...A bunch of Christmas digis will be released this month:). Promise:):). (BTW...is there a Christmas digi you think is missing from the stamp world?? Christmas ones are my least favorite to draw, actually...Because I feel like they are all already done. But-- if you've got a stellar idea-- leave it in the comments ladies. Love to hear your thoughts on that!)

Okay. I've rambled on a bit here. And I don't know how other artists operate-- but I like to keep the communication lines open:). Sometimes this makes my inbox a little jammed...but I read each one and can't wait to hit the reply button:)! I have an on-going list of ideas I always keep handy (will carry it with me everywhere people...it has been to the supermarket!!)...just in case something pops into my head during the day. So, consider yourself a valued part of that list of ideas:). Because each of you help me to work from home...and be closer to my babies...and enjoy every moment of my 'job.' (It really doesn't feel job-ish at all:). I love you guys!! And want this to be a big, happy family of Saturated Canary stampers:).

xoxo

Butterfly. Book. Card. Heels. Stars. (and a mac.)

2011-10-08T03:05:00.000-04:00

A fun way to learn about a person is seeing what they are interested in-- what catches their eye. Here is a quick list of weekly favorites from the team:). Little things that we all stopped to view for an extra second this week...from pretty (canary;) colored heels to great reads to butterflies...it's what we are loving this week:).

Oh-- and mine...well, not going to link you to a picture of a Mac Pro. Just cause, well-- honestly, it seems a bit boring:). But, that is my favorite of the week. It took me WAY TOO LONG to do normal things on the computer today...so I am loving, wanting, needing a Mac:). (Can you hear me MAC fairy??;)

Anyways, here are some *more fun* things---;)

Carisa

Lori

Pops

Kellie

Kept this one for last...Jane linked me to this beautiful rendition of a classic-- Enjoy.

Friend's Cards...Stoppy Beth:)

2011-10-05T18:17:00.000-04:00

Where do digi images start?? Well, sometimes it is just a thought that pops into my head. Sometimes, a song. A memory. A photo. Stroppy Beth-- well, she started here:).

Cathy from Ellieskeepers Creations mentioned a blog post for me to check out and that her Beth would make a cute stamp, in a very -- LOL, can you imagine!!-- kind of way. But, looking at that little cutie in her slouching stockings with her personality jumping right off the screen...Well, how could she not be a stamp!!:) I love a big personality. And a little mischief in the eyes:)...I'd have to say, Stroppy Beth is one of my favorite images to ever become a stamp, digi or rubber.

Here is Cathy's card, which she also entered into our first Challenge!! (Still open...check it out here!!!)

So, if you ever get an idea...or a good photo...and feel like sharing, be my guest:)! I can't promise it will become a stamp...And, if it does, it could take a while...But I love getting your emails. Especially the ones with cards attached. It's just a lovely thing to see each day! You guys are such an inspiration to my heart...so I will try my best to give back to you!! (Just be prepared to be patient;).

And, before I go, here is a folder I made for Niamh. We are huge on lunchbox notes in this house. The kids look so forward to them each day. Niamh loves to save hers. (Philly...well, we are lucky if they make it home:). Anyways, I thought a little folder would be cute for her to put them in...

Hope you are having a beautiful Wednesday!! Hugggggssssss!!:)

Mistakes. Give 'em a Chance:).

2011-10-03T01:18:00.002-04:00

My daughter Niamh is very artsy. Sometimes we sit together and just color for an hour. She told me today that, when we move (which we are trying to do), she wants to hang all her artwork on her bedroom walls. It's a funny thing-- I use to do the same thing. Had this little section next to my bed where I had tiny doodled faces thumb-tacked into the paneling. Probably had 50 of them on torn out pieces of paper...different expressions that I liked. They made me feel happy to look at:).

One thing I've tried to teach her lately is that mistakes will happen on paper. Even the best artist will color outside of a line...smudge some ink...try something that really doesn't 'work' on the paper in front of them. I imagine that some of the most famous pieces of art have some of these imperfections deep within their layers. I always tell her, right when she goes into huffing and puffing mode;), that she should learn to incorporate it. Make something beautiful out of it. A mistake should never ruin a whole piece before you at least try to give it a chance! Every once in a while, those mistakes turn into the most beautiful parts of the project. Something you never saw coming.

I actually like imperfections.

It's why a snaggle tooth can make a smile uniquely beautiful. Why a scar becomes a story that makes you tear up. Why a testimony can touch thousands of lives-- even be the catalyst to saving thousands of lives. The imperfections become the different layers that build the beauty into your life. Into your art. Into your craft.

I am a terribly imperfect person. Just a mess sometimes.

My purse is an abyss.

My desk often needs to be dug out.

I've drank four cups of soda tonight. And a huge glass of chocolate milk.

I've made terrible decisions. I've made decisions that still don't make sense.

I drive too fast. I've crashed twice just inside of our own yard.

I know more about ESPN than I do about cooking.

I have four baskets of laundry that just seem to rotate from basket to dirty clothes back to basket. Never actually make it into closets or drawers.

I can't talk about finances and not get snippy.

I can be terribly awkward in conversations. And just in general.

And I am always late. To and for everything. All. The. Time.

And this is just the beginning...:)....

In all my short comings and problems...bad decisions and mistakes...I know there is so much beauty in my life. In my surroundings. I am thankful for where I am right now. And for the choices and decisions that led me here:. Even if I'm not sure why I made some of them:). Sometimes the very thing I thought was a mistake or an imperfection in my day turns out much later in life to be something truly good indeed.

So, I urge you lovely crafters, to give your mistakes a chance. When your copics bleed outside the lines, see where it takes you:). I can't tell you how inspiring all of your beautiful creations are-- and I'm not talking about just the ones with my stamps. I often check out posts that have no trace of my artwork. I just love to see your craftiness. Your own artistic talent!

This is a lovely world of very creative women. I've met so many beautiful people through my shops, stamps, and blog(s). And you are all over the planet:). 12 hours ahead, 2 or 3 hours behind...and everywhere in between. Thank you for your support...and please know that I always comment on your blogs and emails from the bottom of my heart. Even if it takes me a few days. Or a week. (Told ya, I'm a really late person:). I mean every word I say.

I feel like the world of crafting/blogging that I entered a little over a year ago went from this...

To this:).

So thank you sweet girls!...And let's all keep encouraging and building each other up. I imagine that we are all more similar than we think. All have schedules. Some of us (may be most of us?) have messy craft areas:). And for sure, we all have little imperfections. Share a kind word with a new blogger:). Leave a meaningful comment on a favorite blog. Email your fellow crafter. Just to say hi:). And let's all remember that part of the beauty in everything we do and make lies in the imperfections.

Let it Rain...Baby!

2011-10-01T15:20:00.000-04:00

Hello crafty girls!! Hope your Saturday is goin' great:)! It is actually a really nice day here...But I am posting Jane's card...Perfect image for a rainy day:). Fridays are going to be our 'fun' post day...showing you our favorite things of the week. Little tidbits that have caught our eyes:). However, yesterday didn't go quite as planned. My stamps gave me a little trouble loading into my shop (actually, it was this mean, old, grumpy computer...we don't get along so well;). So, that post never went live as I still had some editing to do. Instead, I'll share a couple of the fun things the Dt girls chose over the next day or so:). Yeah, yesterday it just rained on my parade...gonna make the best of it...and just...

I don't like when things don't go quite as I plan...but sometimes it is a nice lesson in relaxing and taking a chill pill:). Speaking of rain, take a look at Jane's lovely card. Isn't this a great color combo?? I think I want to do a room in these colors! I love 'em!!

And Jane's pick of the week...well, I've never heard of such a thing:). But isn't he the cutest!?! It's an Eco-Friendly Hot Water Bottle Cover

So, Jane emailed me this link, and it made me laugh at first...I never thought about sleeping with a hot water bottle:P). But, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense...especially if you are always cold (me!). Hubby likes to keep the house COLD at night. I like to crank up the heat:). With this little animal to snuggle, I can keep warm and keep our energy bill down! Oh...and keep Mr. Hottie (I mean that in every sense of the word;) nice and chill:). It still makes me giggle..but I gotta get me one! I might even want two...put one over my toes:P.

Oh...and if you haven't met "Baby Jake" yet...Here's the little guy. He looks exactly like my little nephew. Jake. I just want to kiss him all the time. Big eyes and a hint of a smile:). Even with that binky in his mouth:). Jane did a fab job leaving the coloring so simple and giving the card a fresh, sweet baby vibe...like baby powder:). My kids still love that stuff. It's fun to just squeeze the bottle and make poofy clouds fly up in the air:)!! Anyways...say 'hi' to Jake:)...

Have a lovely weekend girls! Remember to scroll down to the Challenge post and enter your card for a chance to win a couple free digi's!! Have a splended day!

xoxo

Challenge #1

2011-09-29T09:50:00.002-04:00

via

It's our first Saturated Canary Challenge!! Wahoooooo!! Can you guess what the theme is?? I provided you with a little inspiration:). (Isn't the green chick so pretty!?! I want to be her for Halloween:P) So...Here is what you should know:)...

The sketch you need to follow:).

**with an optional theme of Halloween!!**

You must use either a Saturated Canary Digi or a Simply Sassy rubber stamp. Also, please leave a link to the blog *post* featuring your challenge card:). This challenge is open until Wednesday, October 12 @ 12:00am EST. The randomly chosen winner will be posted Wednesday evening:)!

So, the winner is random. Because it will be too hard to choose just one:). But-- the Dt girls and I will be choosing a *Top Three* also. Top three girls: you will receive a badge for your blogs only:) that announces your awesomeness:)!! Random winner, you will receive your choice of 2 digi's from the Saturated Canary Etsy shop:)!!

Take a look at the SC Dt's cards...They are so *beautiful!*

I hope lots of you play along in this first challenge! Tell your stamping buddies...spread the word!! It's gonna be fun around here:):)...Good luck!

Now bite the bullet!! (or the pumpkin;) And get coloring:):)!! xoxo

via

Coordinator Carisa!

2011-09-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

Please say 'hello' to our Dt Coordinator, Carisa...

I have been married nearly 11 years to my amazing high school sweetheart and we have 3 beautiful kids together. My passion is coloring & making cards. Put some fresh rubber in one hand and some Copics in the other and I am happy but I am also branching out to mixed media & altered art. I've come across new stamp companies, new techniques, amazing products and love learning as well as sharing something new all the time. I have been blessed and honored to serve on several amazing design teams. I love every single minute and have met some truly amazing and talented crafters in the process. It's one of my favorite parts of this hobby to be able to meet so many unique people and develop friendships around the world. Each time I'm asked to be on a new DT, I'm amazed that they want lil' ol me! Each one has helped me learn, grow and evolve my personal style of designing as well as gain confidence to continue to follow my own personal dreams. It is my hope thru my blog to inspire others to keep learning, growing & creating as well, but most of all just to have FUN while you do it!

I first came across Krista via Sugar Nellie Simply Sassy images - then I started stalking, I mean, following her blog just to see more bits and pieces of her artwork and amazing sense of style. I am so over the moon excited that she has welcomed me onto her debut Saturated Canary team. I think I was the first person to purchase her digi stamps when she opened up as I had been waiting all day for it to go live! *giggle* I love coloring her images and just being able to chat with her almost daily. I just wish we all lived closer together so we could have one bit slumber coloring party together!!!! I'm looking forward to the great challenges we have lined up and seeing the fans create and inspire thru what they love to do - it really shows whenever I see a new card posted on the Saturated Canary Facebook page. It's one of my daily stops just to see what new cards have been posted.

I love that it already feels like one big happy Saturated family. I know that it will just continue as we all get to know each other better along the way.

I should start by saying that the only reason I have this site up and running and in order is because of this girl!! I've loved Carisa's blog for a while...I think I really fell in love with her site after she did a bookmark video tutorial for the Simply Sassy Blog. It was fun to watch...and she seemed so down to earth and sweet. (She is the queen of bookmarks. And hair coloring!!:) Anyways, when I mentioned the release of my digi's, Carisa left an open-ended comment on my blog about being part of my Dt. At that point, I wasn't planning on having a Dt or a challenge blog...But I thought, if she is going to color my artwork, I'll try this!! LOL. I am so glad she is the coordinator. Carissa just knows what to do, people!! Ha. I've written her novel length emails over and over, and she is so gracious and answers all my questions. Takes care of all the planning. It has been a lovely learning experience for me!

Apart from the stamps, I've gotten to be good friends with her...albeit, it is over emails and that sort of thing. I wish I could jump across the US and give her a big ol' hug! Even the hubby knows who she is. When I mention 'Carisa,' he always says that's the one with the purple hair, right? Hey-- any girl who loves fun colored hair is my kindred spirit!!:P So, thank you girly, for all your help and especially for a new friendship!

If you'd like to check Carisa's blog out, pop over to Lady Guinevere's Inky Faeries! Be sure to check out her hair coloring video and her paper bag mini album video! They are really great tutorials!:) I'm sure you will be as impressed as I am by her totally awesome creations!

Pops. Lovely, Sweet Pops.

2011-09-27T08:38:00.000-04:00

Please say hello to Pop's...

I am so thrilled ot be a part of this new adventure for you and your gorgeous digital line....

Pops was the final person added to the Dt team. I had the four lovely girls (you will meet Carisa later today:) and thought it might be nice to round that number out at five. I started thinking about the sites I often visit...and I am always so impressed with this lovely lady's creations. I have been a follower of hers for a while (followed her old blog, too:) and just fell in love with her cards. If I were her, I don't think I could ever let them go!! They are each so detailed and beautiful! I was so excited when she said yes:)! She is the nicest lady and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to getting to know her better! Thank you, lovely girl, for coloring in my digi's!! You make them so special!

If you would like to visit Pop's blog, click over to Pop's Cards. You won't want to leave:)!! (Take note of the beautiful photographing of her pieces, too...It's rather exquisite!) I dare you to find a favorite-- it will surely be too hard to choose!!:)

And Sweet Jane...

2011-09-26T13:36:00.000-04:00

Meet Jane (in her cupboard under the stairs:)...

Now I much prefer to sit down and colour something in than have to talk about myself but here goes…..... My name is Jane, currently enjoying the last year of my thirties....eek! I live in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands with my lovely hubby Phil and two girls Lucy (11) and Jude (7). I have been making cards for a while, but got into it big time when I discovered the blogging world around 3 years ago!...(I work at the local High School as a dinner lady, so get loads of holidays to play in my cupboard!) As soon as I saw the Simply Sassy stamps I was hooked on Krista’s work and was really excited to see that she was opening a Digi Store and was even more excited when she asked me to be on her Design Team! I am still grinning from ear to ear! I am really looking forward to the challenges and seeing all the fab creations!

After I had a couple girls on the Dt team, I thought, 'Oh my goodness, I have to ask Jane!!' I think she is one of the first ladies I remember meeting through Sugar Nellie. Always leaving nice comments on my blog. Always there for the SN blog hops for the Sassy range. Plus, she stuck in my mind because of that lovely red hair! I have quite a bit of Scottish heritage on my mom's side of the family, so I always liked this Jane from Scotland:). Besides all that-- have you seen her lovely cards!?! I think they are perfect in every way. (I even have one in my possession...even more beautiful in person!) I was so thrilled when Jane wrote me back and said she would be part of my team! I think she is a wonderful, sweet lady who is a pleasure to work with! Thank you Jane. I'm so happy to have met ya this past year!:)

Please hop over to Jane's blog, The Cupboard Under the Stairs, where you can see more of her gorgeous creations...and might even find a peek of her adorable family!:). She's such a sweetheart!

And Lovley Lori...

2011-09-25T20:45:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! I want you to meet Lori Boyd...

Hi! I'm Lori Boyd. Owner and artist for my small digi & personalized gifts business, By LORi Designs. I'm a homeschoolin', boo-boo kissin', Mommy to 6 little bugs. Wife to my "made just for me" & very supportive husband, Eric. Daughter of The King! I like reality TV, Quilting, Painting and Photography. I love coloring...it's like a therapy to me. I do like assembling my card, but coloring the image is where my heart is. Color is a Good Good Thing! :o) I am honored to be on the Saturated Canary Design Team. Krista is just as fabulous as her images...I am thrilled with this opportunity to bring color them and to call her a friend!! Blessings & Hugs!

Lori first approached me through Etsy, probably within the first day of opening my digi shop. I popped over to her blog, to check out her style of coloring and cards. I instantly liked her:)and was excited that someone so talented would want to color in my designs! Lori's love for her family shines through on her blog. She seems like such a great mom and a lovely person altogether. She also has one very talented cardmaking daughter, Hannah!:) I am still astounded when I see her designs...Check them out here!:) And just a peek at one of Hannah's cards...(I know. Pretty darn impressive!)

If you'd like to say 'hi' to Lori and check out her fabulous blog, click over to By Lori Designs! She seems like a beautiful person inside and out! (gorgeous photo, huh!:) Thank you, girly, for being part of our team:)!

Kellie, Kellie, bo-bellie...Banana-fana fo-fellie...Fee-fi-mo-mellie, KELLIE!

2011-09-25T01:06:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! I want to introduce you to *Kellie*.

Hi all, I am from down under aka Australia, where we can often have 4 seasons in one week, and have summer at Christmas time. We don't just have dry dirt everywhere and we don't ride Kangaroos, although I could imagine would be some fun. I live in a little country town called Seymour where you SEE MORE, hehe, don't hear that one often. I have been here since I was 8 years of age. And LOVE it! Some people dread coming back once they leave, I dread the thought of ever leaving. I married my best friend and we have been together going on 12 years. We laugh together every day and I don't think I could love him any more if I tried. We have 3 gorgeous girls that can make me go from pulling my hair out one second to giggling away with them and in awe the next. They have me wrapped around their fingers like that. Kira is 12 going on 16, hehe. Heidi is 5 and Chloe aka Bow is my baby at 4.

I have always LOVED crafty things all my life. From when I was in school I always had to make my projects pretty and a little over the top sometimes. In high school my favourite days were the ones with Art and Photography... I have dabbled in Jewellery making, candle making and much more and finally settled when I started playing with paper, that lead to scrapbooking, which then lead to cardmaking, that lead me to where I am now.

I am so beyond thrilled to bits to be on this amazing team and getting to work with Kristra's gorgeous illustrations. I can't thank Krista enough for having the faith in me to showcase her images. I really can't wait to start inspiring you all to join along with our challenges and just having FUN along the way....

I was thrilled when Kellie asked if I was having a Dt...I immediately emailed her back, and she quickly became a team member:). I first spoke with her a little over a year ago, and we've really gotten to be friends over the last few weeks. She is the sweetest! Part of me is bummed she lives so far away...we would make awesome shopping buddies. The other part of me realizes it might be a good thing we live across the world from each other. Because we would make really awesome shopping buddies;) ($$$$$$$$$$$$$). LOL. We have very similar personal styles...are night owls...and just click:). I love her B & W style! It is fresh and unique...and I think people see her cards and know immediately who it is behind the design. That's really saying something! So, Kellie, I am thrilled to work with you!

Please pop over to her awesome and inspiring blog...Give A Girl A Blog. Say 'hi.' Check out her designs. Peek at her totally crazy, awesome craft room (I want this room!)...I am looking so forward to her future Saturated Canary designs!

Here We GO!!

2011-09-24T12:48:00.000-04:00

hello, Hello, Hello!!

I'm so *glad* you stopped over today to check out the new challenge blog! It means a lot-- I'm so excited to start this fun, new place...a little part of cyber world where all you crafty-coloring-stamping-cardmaking girls can visit, be inspired, and hopefully find something to brighten your day!

First posts always scare me:). I can't tell you how many times I wrote my own blog's first post. Hit DELETE. Wrote it again. DELETE. *giggles* Truly, they make me super nervous! So...instead of trying to get it all out in one post, (you know, introducing the Dt to you, talking about the stamps and the challenge...all the things I want to excitedly tell you all!), I'm just going to touch on two things today. The Challenge Rules. And giving you some info on the digi's:). All the really fun stuff starts tomorrow-- when I begin to introduce you to my *amazing and talented* Dt:)!! We've gotten to know each other a little over the last two weeks, and I'm so happy and astounded that they want to help me out over here! I have fun posts scheduled to hold us over till Thursday when the challenge starts! It's gonna be fun...Be sure to follow, heart, love, friend-- whatever...just be sure to come along for the ride:)!

The Saturated Canary Challenges will be held bi-weekly, on Thursdays. We have themes and sketches (thank you lovely girls!) to share soon...and fun prizes, too! (Not just digi's, girls...we got us some Etsy sponsors to make it a little sweeter!) There will be posts throughout the week by myself and different Dt members...from tutorials to spotlighting *your creations* to the Friday 6. Yeah-- you gotta wait till next Friday for that post, but it should be some good readin':)! The Challenge Rules are located under the Rules tab on the Nav bar. (Go figure!)...Be sure to give them a once over, just to familiarize yourself:).

As far as the Saturated Canary Digi's being sold on Etsy....First, thank you!

xo !thank you, thank you, thank you! xo

I'm so humbled and thrilled to create images for you to make beautiful! There are amazing, talented ladies buying the digis, and I literally browse through the Saturated Canary Facebook Page freaking out at the screen!! Wow. It is so fun to see the images colored so differently...so unique to each person's style and tastes. You guys are a huge inspiration!:) I just want to keep drawing!!

(Okay--- get back on track Krista:) Fridays are stamp release days:). I have a ton of designs to put on paper! As an artist, I like the freedom of digital art. I can make those slightly more obscure stamps along with the popular ones...I love that. It's fun to make pretty little girly-girls, but a vampire or witch or mermaid sprinkled in keeps things interesting:).

I'm almost finished that first scary post:). Hope I did okay!...

I'd love for you to introduce yourself-- even if we are already friends!:). And I thought it would be fun to run a poll...so please vote on the digi that captures your personality best-- located on the right bottom sidebar:). Thanks again for stopping by...I'm looking so forward to seeing your creations and building wonderful friendships!