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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

I Thought I saw a Fat Guy in a Red Coat

Last day of the month of December, 2013.  Can you believe it?  Me either.  Thanks to Bugaboo Digi Stamps for being our December sponsor.  We love you!

AN ANNOUNCEMENT:  50% off through January 1st, 2014
This card is made for a hunter at Christmas.  Keep thinking HUNTER and CHRISTMAS together.  I made the sentiment up.  Do you get it?  Maybe I should change it because my guy friend drew a blank - he's not a hunter at all and didn't see the humor in it.  SO HELP!

Hunter, deer hiding, blank stare, gun, WHO DID HE SEE?   

I hope my other friends see the humor in this.  Can I stop hitting my head against the desk?
 A Bugaboo Digi Stamp (Gus hunting) right here.

Arlene and the Die Cut Divas wishing you the best of the year 2013.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Almost the end of a year

Back in time... so many cards, so little time!


I noticed as I went back through my card photos that I hadn't shown you this little boy, Deacon.  He is adorable.  He would make great gift tags.  I started on some, but didn't finish even one.  I did make a card and scribbled on the "Note" to make it look like handwriting.  A fun card.

 Can you believe I missed this little gal when I posted the other gals?  The background is a Hero Arts card on which I also stamped an old Hero Arts Manuscript background (H2141) and Three Ferns (S5154) in HA Shadow Ink, Wet Cement mid-tone.  I added a new Flourish die-cut in blue and brown, plus these wonderful little vehicles.  I thought the Bugaboo gal looks like such a little French girl on this card and here at Bugaboo.

Almost the end of the month.  Hard to believe.  Dawn will be back with the winner on January 2nd.  Can't wait to see who wins!
I'll be hosting January and can't tell you yet who our sponsor is, but you'll be very HAPPY!

Friday, December 27, 2013

From the Bugaboo Gals to You!

Pleased to have you join the party too.  Bugaboo Digital Stamps is our wonderful December sponsor.
COMING SOON!

I guess you can tell I love all of the little Sun Bonnet lasses over at Bugaboo.

I love these little gals.  They're fun to color and are just adorable.  That's why I've colored so many.
Bugaboo Strawberry SB Jam is just the sweetest.  I thought she might be taking some jam to a friend's house as a gift.  She was so much fun to shade.  Hope you like her too.

Oh, Another Sun Bonnet gal and this one is taking a present to a friend.  
She's bringing a Shabby Chic kind of Christmas.

I couldn't stop.  This present is with Warmest Wishes!  I think this Hero Arts
 notecard is perfect for the image.
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Here is SB Christmas Present at Bugaboo Digital Stamps.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Remember Bugaboo has their digital stamps on sale right NOW!

A little gal won the errand of delivering a special gift.  That's what I think of when I see this gal.  I guess I went overboard when I saw these little Sun Bonnet gals... which I DID ... but sometimes you just have to get  just one more.  This gal (Fancy SB Love) is from Bugaboo Digi Stamps here!

I think she looks a bit vintagy (yeah, that's not a real word... is it?).  The image panel is glue-dotted to a white dots on dark brown paper.  A Hero Arts (zig zag) background stamp keeps the background from being dull.

As you can see, I couldn't just make one of her.  I am obviously into purple this year.  I had a leftover reverse purple die-cut so I used it here.  The corner pieces are actually from the same Spellbinders Edgeabilities that is on the third card (You inspire me). I thought they made great corners too.

I'm using another Hero Arts Notecard as the base for this card.  I smudged the ink on the blank sentiment portion of the card, so covered it up with the die-cut.  You'd never know.  I cut Fancy SB love out and popped her up on this card. 

I hope you enjoyed these cards.  You can find the sweet image at Bugaboo Digi Stamps here.

Arlene and the Die Cut Divas wish you the BEST!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Let it Rain!

Remember Bugaboo Digi Stamps are on sale right NOW!


A kid in the rain.  I thought a kid with an umbrella was perfect for our winter weather here, but guess what... we're in a drought.  Hardly any storms... This guy reminds me of the rainy season and since he looks a bit wonky, (not right, odd) I decided to make the back ground wonky too.  This really looks much better in person.  He's a fun guy to color and I have one or two more to make cards with.  This is usually a perfect card for this time of year.  This guy is my attempt to do a paper rain-dance.

Here's Deacon in the rain again.  You just can't keep this kid in.  I used a new die, Spellbindres Edgeabilities Mix & Match Classics, Classic Petal, (3 in a pack).  I just love this solid die really well.  The note card is a wonderful Hero Arts notes with stamps in a box and just so perfect to make fun and happy cards with.
Deacon Rain is available at Bugaboo Digi Stamps right here!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

A Summer Christmas

 

I here to share another gorgeous Bugaboo image today.  I ADORE the Sunbonnet girls ( and I know Arlene does too!) and with Christmas in summer for me here in New Zealand and Paula in Australia... I can say this little girl today needs her sunbonnet when delivering her present..


I embossed her background with a Holly folder.  The lace doily was sent to me by a friend and made the perfect backing for her.  She is certainly looking summery to me!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to your continued support in the New Year.

Hugs to you all

Dawn and the Divas (Arlene, Hannah and Paula)
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Friday, December 20, 2013

It's all about the Sentiment!

We're having a wonderful month with Bugaboo Digi Stamps.  They have something for everyone.


I love the Bugaboo sentiment hereSee how I used the sentiment on on of my cards on December 18th as a small tag.  Now you see it taking center stage.  Since the technique of using an embossing folder on only part of a project is so popular now, I decided to try it and LOVE it.  Both cards have been embossed with the Cricut Cuttlebug James' Set folder.  It give such an elegance to a project.  I couldn't resist dabbing a dot of Black Enamel Accents either.


On the embossed image, I lightly sponged Antique Linen Distress Ink.  I mounted the sentiment on some wonderful left-over cardstock and it's done.  Of course the cookie MUST be colored, but then one can never have too many chocolate chip cookies!

This sentiment can be used for so many different occasions.  And so easy to color and shade.  Hope you enjoyed these two cards.

Arlene and the Die Cut Divas

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Believe in the Magic of Christmas


Isn't this Santa cute.. and perfect for me living here in New Zealand.  You can find him here at Bubaboo.  I have coloured him with some Copics and added some blue Stickles to the water, some Frosted Lace stickles on his hat and some black enamel to his tire.  This is a gift card as I made a pocket inside for money. 

If you are looking for a digi image that's a little something different Bugaboo is the place to go.   There's something for everyone there.

Thanks too, to everyone who has entered our challenge over the past two months... you are all awesome... I'm slowly getting round to commenting, so if you haven't heard from me... I'll get there!

Dawn and the Divas

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

I want Cookies!


And if I want cookies, Bugaboo Digi Stamps provides!

I really adore this guy with the cookie.  I printed him out three times and colored him up.  I haven't made the third guy into a card yet, but I will.  I had to cut him out.  He's very easy to cut and looks adorable on a card or he could be a tag on a bag of cookies.  Perfect, right?

Bugaboo Digi Stamps is having their December 50% off sale RIGHT NOW!  I can see using this little guy over and over.    I think the sentiment is perfect with this little guy.  You can make it large for a focal point or small to use as a tag.

This is really BROWN, not purple paper.  But I think this guy is certainly a fun image to color and SO easy to cut.  For me that is important.  He's available here!  I added paper buttons I cut on the Cuttlebug.

I papered the card with a bag from my LSS.  She always has wonderful bags so you feel very pampered.  I had the remainder of some card stock on which I glue-dotted the cookie kid, lots of cookies, and a great sentiment, all from Bugaboo too.  I thought they were perfect to go together.The sentiment is here!

I'm sure you would have lots of great ideas on using this cute kid too.

Arlene and the Die Cut Divas

Monday, December 16, 2013

More Inspiration from our guest Barb

I really love the cards our guest makes and I had some fun looking through Barb's photostream on Flickr trying to choose a few cards to share with you all today.   So without further ado here are some of my favourites.









Aren't these all just amazing.  Barb's use of dies really is incredible.  Do hop over to her Flickr photostream and have some fun feasting your eyes on perfection....

Thank you so much Barb for being our guest this month and allow me to share some of your fabulous work.  YOU ROCK!

Dawn and the Divas.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Celebrating Christmas

Hi.. back again to share with you a beautiful card from Barb. 

 
I love the Barb has embossed her background and isn't that tinsel just gorgeous around her circle. 

Thanks Barb for sharing your fabulous creation with us. 

Dawn and the Divas.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Introducing..... this month's guest ~ Barb Engler

Welcome to our guest for December.... it's none other than the talented Barb Engler.  Barb is a delightful crafty who is super friendly ~ being one of the first people to introduce herself when I joined a few Flickr groups.  Barb often uses her die and embossing machine to add to her cards so without further ado... I introduce you to Barb....



·         Tell us a little about yourself
I’ve been married for 25 years and have two wonderful boys ages 22 and 18. I manage the floral department of a small grocery store and have worked there for almost 31 years.

·         How long have you been a card maker/scrapper & when did you start?
When our boys were little, I did a lot of scrapbooking and loved looking at Creating Keepsakes magazine. It was there that I first saw Jennifer McGuire and her cardmaking technique articles. That, in turn, led me to the Hero Arts website. Soon after, my scrapbooking days turned into cardmaking days, and I haven’t looked back since. That was back in 2010, so I’ve been a cardmaker for almost 4 years now.

·         Do you follow sketches or dive right in?
I rarely follow a sketch. I don’t know why because that’s one of the things I have the most trouble with in my cardmaking – coming up with a design. In the few times I have used a sketch, it made the process easier. Thanks for this question – it reminds me to use sketches more often.

·         How many projects do you make a week?
It varies. There are times when I’m able to make a bunch of them in a few days, but more often than not, I make a card or two per week.

·         What is your favourite tool (what can't you create without) & why?
Oh, there are so many I wouldn’t be able to create without! It’s tough to pick just one. I’ve come to realize just how important tools are in this hobby and how much I LOVE those tools! Ummm. . . . . . .I guess I would have to choose my Tonic paper trimmer. You can’t even begin to make a card without the correct size, right?

·         What at the moment is your most favourite thing to do on your project?
I can’t seem to put down my Wink of Stella Glitter pen lately! It creates the prettiest shimmer on any image!

·         How would you describe your style?
This is always such a difficult question for me to answer. I can’t do vintage very well, I like CAS but always want to add something more and I don’t do cutesy very well either. So I’m not sure what my style is. I just know I enjoy stamping, inking and coloring.

·         What about your style would you change (or not) & why?
If I could change anything about my style, it would be the ability to come up with unique designs for my cards more often. I really admire those cardmakers who are able to create card after beautiful card, sometimes daily! How do they do that?

·         Have you been published or on a Design team - when & where?
I have never tried submitting anything for publication. It’s not for fear of rejection - it’s more because I feel like I just don’t have the time to write everything down – supplies, instructions, etc. Or maybe I’m just lazy. Lol! I know if I tried it once, it would get easier each time, so I just need a little push when it comes to submitting. As far as being on a design team, I was on the Lily Pad team for a short time before that site closed down, and I loved it!

·         Describe (pictures are even better) your crafting area
I craft in the lower level of our home and share a portion of the family room. I get about half of it but I’m starting to think no amount of space will ever be enough!

·         Do you have a blog? If not where can we see more of your fabulous creations?
Yes I do have a blog. It’s called “Enjoying Life” and you can find it here: bdengler4.blogspot.com.

I want to thank Dawn, and the wonderful ladies at Die Cut Divas, for inviting me to guest design this month! I’ve had such fun creating my cards and being interviewed! 

So here's a cute card that Barb created....


 Isn't this super cute and Barb is keeping with our Penguin theme!

Thanks Barb for allowing us to get to know you a bit better.   Come back on the 14th to see another gorgeous card from Barb. 

Dawn and the Divas

Monday, December 9, 2013

It's all about the Penguins!

Sponsor of Die Cut Divas for December is: Bugaboo Digi Stamps and all their images are 50% off this month.  I can't help but see something I WANT!  NEED!  DESIRE!

This little penguin is skating away as happy as can be.  My penguin's beak isn't black, but then how many penguins do you see ice skating?   I think he's cheery and should bring a laugh or smile from the recipient.  I hope you like him.  He sure likes you.

I couldn't help but do another penguin.  I think they're multiplying.  I really like the star behind this little guy.  After all, he is the star!  The diamond gems worked out well on this card too.  I rarely have a use for them (they're really square).

I had to CASE Hannah's card on the Die Cut Divas December 1st post.  I just loved that little penguin as I think the gray brings out his personality. He's also very glittery.

I hope you can see the glistening of the Perfect Pearls I sprayed on this little guy.

Arlene and the Die Cut Divas.  Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Skating Penguin.

 

Bugaboo Digi Stamps have some of the cutest images.  This month they are sponsoring two of the teams I'm involved with.   Both Die Cut Divas and Chalk'n'Stock are sponsored by them.   Today's card covers both blogs.


I printed out the penguin at a fair large size, coloured with Copics and fussy cut him.  The design for my card is similar to one that we used in the Holiday Card Workshop.   I used my embossing folder on the top and bottom of the card.  I then sponged over some chalk ink.  I used a greeny blue colour ink.  The sentiment is from Simon Says Stamp Holiday Borders set.

I really enjoying working with Bugaboo images... there really is something for everyone and for all of December their images are 50% off
 


Thursday, December 5, 2013

The Charming Sun Bonnet Girls

Thank you to Bugaboo Digi Stamps for sponsoring Die Cut Divas' challenge.


A charming gal skates over the ice in a vintage style!  My kind of gal!  Don't you just love her?  That's why I love Bugaboo digital stamps - they have something for just about everyone.  I set her with a vintage type of background paper.
You can try to catch this gal at Bugaboo Digi Stamps here!
There is another skating vintage gal turned to the left here!

I couldn't help myself and had to color another gal for Christmas.  
She looks so cute dressed up for Christmas.  You can find this gal here!
I love the way you can re-size digital images.

These are such fun to color!

Monday, December 2, 2013

November winner!

Hi Lovelies,

Wow how amazing are you all!  114 entries so far, you really inspire & humble us here at Diva central.  I think by the time December is finished we will have the most entries ever.  Thank you all for joining us each month & playing along.

Now onto the winner for November!  Using Mr Random.org, our winner is...............



Congratulations Heather we will be in touch!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Lets Celebrate Part 2


Hi all, Dawn here to get December off to a great start... we've had an amazing response so far and it continues....  We'll be back to announce Part 1 winners soon, meanwhile let me tell you about our December sponsor...

It's none other than BUGABOO DIGI STAMPS!  Bugaboo is a digital stamp company and they have crazy stamps, cute stamps, and catch your breath, beautiful stamps.   Their stamps are fun to colour and sentiments fun to read.  There's a free digital stamp every Friday, so please visit Bugaboo Digi Stamps to catch your freebie!

Remember, you have to use a die-cut or something embossed from your machine.  You do NOT have to use a Bugaboo Digital in your creation.  However, if you use a Bugaboo Digital, I will award 2 chances to win.  You MUST also let us know if you are using a Bugaboo stamp or you won't be awarded your extra chance.  Do remember that Bugaboo has free digital stamps on Friday and December is Bugaboo's Annual 50% off Christmas sale! EVERYTHING is 50% off! no code needed...it will be applied at checkout
 
And because we are having our theme over two months, you can enter up to 8 times over November and December. 

 
Now for some more inspiration from your Divas



Isn't this just an adorable Christmas card.  Love the ribbon treatment. 
 
Dawn ( Dawn's World)
I love colouring in this adorable little elf.  






So lets see your holiday or celebration cards.  Just link them HERE

Cheers

Dawn and the Die Cut Divas 


Saturday, November 30, 2013

Thank You, Crafty Sentiments Designs


A Great Big Thank You to 
Crafty Sentiments Designs
Our Die Cut Divas' fantastic sponsor has been Crafty Sentiments Designs.  

He really is precious.

 A close-up for you.  I colored him in Copics on cold water press water color paper.

As you can tell, we have our favorites.  I love this little boy asleep in his chair.  Such a darling little boy and he can be used for a birthday as well as Christmas, even though he's hanging out in the Christmas collection here.  

A winner for the month of November will be announced on December 2nd.

Arlene and the Die Cut Divas