Lovin Grannies :)

image - Mo's DP - Mumu

Lil Mermaid

Here's a cute birthday card I made :)

ABC Card 
Stamps: Melia on her shell phone
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc water paper from my stash
Ink: my computer printer,  Copic markers, Stickles in diamond and some bling
Accessories: Stampin Up Edger punch


Have a wonnnnderful day!

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:-    NikkiNix

http://prettylittlethingstocut.blogspot.com

My Creating Space/Scrap Room-Part 4.0

I did it!!!


Not only have I (almost) completed my new creating space, but I've got it on video for you too :)




Some of the bits and pieces I used to create this space were:
IKEA Expedit shelves $60x2
IKEA apothecary jars $4 per 4 pack
IKEA ribbon jar $5
IKEA fabric drawers $6 each
IKEA plastic drawer $20
Paper stacker
6 pack bucket $10 to hold my copic markers
Peg board $5 bucks, peg board starter kit $6, peg board ribbon rack pegs $3, ribbon rack dowel $3, ribbon used to trim home-cut melamine shelves $3 adhered with my handy glue gun.
See through drawers for scrap papers

Have a wonnnnderful day!




· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:-    NikkiNix

My Creating Space/Scrap Room-Part 3.2

So in this post you are going to see sneak peaks of my Fresh new crafting area LOL, it's not quite ready for reveal but it's getting close!!  The peg board is up, the ribbon is up, all of my crafting supplies are in the area, accessible and sorted and now... the clock is up too :)  I need a few more shelves, and a bit more organizing to make it all "work" at a hand's reach and ta daa!!!  Soon.. I promise ;)

Today was my last trip to Ikea to get some more of these absolutely wonderful glass jars for all my embellies.  It'll be like an apothcary/candy store :)  Siiigh... being able to see what I got is so so soooo fun!  I also grabbed this jar for tidbits of ribbon so they can be handy, visible and cute.

So today, I've altered the Rusch clock from Ikea - at $2.99 + a $0.33 sheet of patterened paper, some scrap white that I rolled through my QK Revolution using my Finale alphabet and it's the cutest clock a girl ever had!!

Here's what I did:

Took it all apart - it easy pretty easy, paying attention tot he way the minute/second hand attached for reassembly later.

Used the clock face paper template to cut out my water paper background.  Have I mentioned recently how much I looove these scissors?! I touched up some bad cutting with Copic markers to hide the white, and used my finger knife to cut out the center circle.

Then I airbrushed the plastic clock frame.

And stamped a totally unknown stamp randomly using stazon ink straight on with my hand as the base so I could curve it.

Then I cut out my numbers using my QK Revolution and the Finale alphabet

*SPOILER* you can see my peg board in the background ;)

Stuck on the numbers using reposition able tape and my zig pen glue

And there we have it, all the tools used 

(+QK Revolutionand alpha)

I've submitted this for the Copic Challenge#27 - using Copics on other surfaces too - yay, don't I looove me a challenge!!

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:-    NikkiNix

Welcome Home Grandma

My dear Grandma is moving into a Seniors Residence, you know the type for active Seniors with trips to everywhere from the mall to the theatre and casino... yeah, sounds like a grand ole time - kinda makes me wish I could join her LOL ;) Anyhow, I am hoping she'll settle in and quickly feel like the Foxxy Granny she really is ;)  This was a fun card to make although frustrating to gather all the materials as the entire thing... including the airbrushing and embossing was done sitting in my BED on a breakfast tray - yes, I'm serious!

And yes, this was my first attempt at embossing a sentiment... and in bed to boot - shhhhheeesh, I sure messed that one up - ah welll, too late ;)  It'll give me something even more funny to write to my Foxxy Granny aka The Silver Fox when I write a nice looooong note on the inside :)

Welcome Home Grandma Card
Stamps: Squigglefly: Forgiven , Stampin Up Whimsical Words
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc from my stash
Ink: my computer printer, Copic markers:
Accessories: an old brad and dollar store flower with funky rain dots already on it & good old rubber cement glue and glue dots.
Challenges: MojoMonday 133

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Speaking of the fantabulous Chrissy....

Lookie here...

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Tips & Tricks: Colouring darker skin tones

I simply ADORE Chrissy's work, and after watching this video, I think her daughter's a hoot!!



· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

I wonder what I'll name her ....

So I've been busy. I just ordered 12 new Copic markers and 7 Various ink refills of my all time faves (2 which have run out and one which is getting a tad light, and 2 that I use all the time when airbrushing). and... an air compressor! LOL... yeah, I did it and I am crazy but I got an unexpected bonus at work and after dumping most of it into bills and such, I treated myself to this generous gift *eh hem...* I mean investment *wink wink*

COPIC TIP: Start light, and buy in threes.

I took the Copic Colour Wheel and put a dot beside each marker that I own, then I compared tones and all that jazz we learned in the Copic Certification Class and chose complimenting light and darks for the markers I love the most.

It's so hard not to just get them all, but I am being very picky in choosing how to expand when I just bought an AIR COMPRESSOR :) LOL...

I must say I love Ellen Hutson and she's become my first stop shop for everything Copic because I like to support our own but I've been eyeing this darned compressor for over 2 months now and it's been out of stock AND since I have to ship things from the UW to Canada I have to be careful about how much and when and our taxes are insane! I hate the 'surprise' taxes I get after ordering a beautiful bounty for the US - so my opportunity knocked and I answered.

First, I ordered the compressor here and all my Copics and hoses and stuff from Ellen. I felt so invigorated yesterday when my all time wonderful best friend said will be travelling to the US this month and will be back in a few weeks so not only can I ground ship my order to a residential address for her, she'll hand deliver the darned thing to me personally when she returns with her "almost empty" checked luggage - WOOOOO WEEEEEE I hear the angels singing :)

So... the embossing tool and stuff I've had my crafty mojo set on since Christmas will have to wait until my next splurge... probably closer to winter when embossed textures will be sooo pretty ;)

Now... onto the important question...

What will I name my new, true-blue crafty pal??
Any ideas??

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Cruising the big blue Caribbean Sea - Flowersoft Tutorial

Today we're cruising the big blue sea;
this has got to be the closest thing to heaven on earth I've ever known!

By now you should have guessed that these vacation posts were done before I left. If I get a chance to go online, I'll add to my prepared posts. So, as a treat, for following my adventures, I wanted to give you a tutorial on creating "flower soft" real cheap ;) Someone on my iloveknk group (I don't remember who, was it you Lynn? Thanks!) led me to this tutorial at hogwildaboutstamping and I never got around to posting it - so here's how YOU can make snow, SAND, grass or gravel using some styrofoam balls, a baggie and copic various inks:

Here's a link to some project ideas, and, I wouldn't be having this much fun and not remember you sooo....

... While I'm cruising the Caribbean Sea I hope this doesn't happen - my goodness!


WOW!
This was the last ship we were on... the Ruby Princess for a week in the Eastern Caribbean last year - beauuuutiful ship!!


And, I'd like to celebrate my 1st Pretty Little Things blogoversary with all of you wonderful and inspiring people who've become part of my daily life by thanking my BBFF's with some BLOG CANDY!!! See this post for details and I'll absolutely ship anywhere in the world!

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Colouring Shadows on Faces

Here's a DIY tutorial on shading faces and finding the source of the light when colouring with Copic Markers, take a look at the website and see how simple the shadows of colours are and imagine where the sun must be coming from for her neck to have the shadows it does.  Take a close look and try it, and pop over here for some more tips :)

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

10 Things I Love About Mom

This evening I found a great tutorial for this cute little meander book and thought it would be a perfect alternate to a Valentines card for my Mother in Law.  Here' the almost final product, I'll put some tags with ribbon pulls in once I write up my little messages.

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

10 Things I Love About Mom
Stamps: Top Ten, Top Ten additions, Friends till the end, Treemendous, Love Circles
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, various cardstock from my stash
Ink: my computer printer, Memento Tuxedo Black,
Accessories: Copic Markers
Challenges: Color Throwdown #77,
Inspiration: SCS Meander Card tutorial, Dawn McVey

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Gosh I love my Copics

Siiiigh... if I could do my Copic experience all over again, I'd start by buying the Copic Lights set, and build my markers from there. I'd search blogs and see what coloured images I like and what colours I'm attracted to and continue writing down colours. I'd download the Copic Colour chart and plot my wish list.

I personally started with a beautiful exciting brights set of 12, most of which I never use. I use skin tones, hair tones, my faaave denimy colour, lilac, green, blue, cool greys for shading and lots of turquoise - but everyone's style and colour preferences are different.

Once I learned how the light markers "push" the darker inks and blend them, I really really wish I had started with this base kit, some greys, skins and lightish faves. InkyHeart has a hilarious post about her must have suggestions. But one day, you'll look at the Copic Colour Chart and say AHA!!! I get it, and I gotta get thatone.. and that one.. and oooooh, that one too ;)

I'm compiling my newest list of must haves and will report back soon.

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Thanks chick ;)

The stickles do not photograph well on this shot, but it was a fun card to make. I tried the easel card again, in a 6X4 size but I don't like how long it ends up, I much prefer dimensions closer to a square, or with a wider base and not so tall. Ever since that Copic Challenge with different skin tones, I've intentionally been working this image every which way because it's quick and fun to colour. This one has dark hair, I need some more grey tones to attempt black or very dark hair but for now, this is it. Stay tuned for my take on a blond, coming very soon :) Ope! That little bit peeking at the bottom is the inside of the card, it wasn't sitting flat when I took the pic.
I have this paper pack, meant for tearing as the inside is a shade lighter than the outside which is really pretty but the colours are soooo close to Copics it's awesome! Take a look at my Copic coloured white ribbon and the paper circle backing on my thank you. Neato!

And here's the stars of the Copic show, didn't have time to write them down, just took the pic this time - see below for more cards.

Pretty Little Tropical Thing
BLOG CANDY

- One entry for already being a BBFF,
- One entry for being a BBFF at the end of the contest,
- One entry for each comment made during the contest,
- The possibilities are endless!!

Contest deadline: Feb 23rd, 2010
Click here for the details

Thanks Chick

Stamps: Rachel
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, from my stash
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, my computer printer, copic markers and airbrush
Accessories: ribbon

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Hey Baby, Time to Party!!

OOOhhhwee - how fun was this card!!! I've had this digi image forever and I sincerely do not know where I got or bought it from so if you know, please pop me a line ;) For now, I call her Hot Stuff! Well, this pretty hot stuff is ready for a night on the town to celebrate with her chicas with some margaritas! OLE!

OOOH bay'bay'bee'bayyy'bay we have bling, we have zing, we have oh la laaa... we even have enough paper cuts to make a second card!! Looks like three of us will be hitting the town as soon as I colour up another image!!

Sorry for the dark pics, this new iMac is wonderful for a lot of things but one thing I miss dearly is my graphics software... soon my BBFFs, soon. Check out all the layering of stuff and stuff and more good stuff I have going on her, oooohhhhh la la! I think I'll kick up my feet and make some calls. Me and mah girlfrenz are going to hit the town and paint it pink for the upcoming February birthdays - wanna join us ;)



Hey Baby, Time to Party!!


Stamps: Greeting Farm

Paper: Neenah white cardstock,
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, my computer printer
Accessories: Ribbon adhesive, mini pop dots, Spellbinders ovals, Copic Airbrush, Copic Markers, Hair: E57, E35, E31; Skin: E00, E31; Makeup & Accessories: BV00, BV01, R00Rv10, RV11, RV32, RV34, C1, C3, YR02, 0

Challenges: 365 Cards - Girls night out, ABC - Layering, Cupcake Challenge - Girly, Cards Mag - Love Theme, Pink Elephant - Birthday, Stampin Royalty - Birthday, Creative Inspirations - New Year New products, Tuesday Morning Sketches - Buttons & Bows, Stampin for the Weekend Sketch, EBTKS Sketch, Inky Impressions Sketch, DP2 sketch, Spoon Full of Sugar Recipe: 3 pieces designer paper, 1 piece ribbon, 3 flowers and 3 buttons

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-

¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Wait! Can I see???

Isn't that little ballerina cuuute ;)

This image called out to me as soon as I saw it! The little girl reminds me of my inquisitive 21 month old who thinks she's a big girl LOL ;) I also know exactly who this card is for -it's sooo perfect!

An it's my first real easel card, from this tutorial SCS Making an easel card

A bit of paper pleating, finger knife trimming and pop dots did the trick ;)

My focus was colouring different skin tones with my Copic markers; you'll see from left to right:

• Mixed or Native - Skin: E00, E31, Hair: E57, E35, E31, Dress: YG11, TG06
• Asian - Skin:E31, E51, Hair: 100, E29, E57, Dress: YR02, YR07
• Caucasian - Skin:E50, E51, E00, Hair:E31, E51, E00, Y21, Dress: B00, BG01, BG45, BG49
• African - Skin:E11, E31, E35, E57, Hair:E57, E29, Dress: BV00, BV01, V17
• Little girl - Skin: E31, E11, E00, Hair: E29, E57, E35, Dress: RV10, RV32, RV34
• Tights: RV10
• Shoes: RV11, C1
• Shading and floor: C1, C5
• Airbrushed background: RV11, C5

I'll tell you it took a lot of trial and error mixing the few colours I have to come up with two or three tones to shade the skin tones and the African one took the longest to get just right but I love how she turned out. I put a pink tights RV10 overlay on all their legs after they were coloured and shaded. Not too happy with the ground, but the airbrushing and colourless blender helped a bit. I have a bit of work ahead of me in expanding my skin-tone options going forward.

Take a look at the back of my card, you can certainly see thorough this card stock weight how much ink I had to use to blend my African skin tone, and some of the darker colours.

And I made my own envelope with a 12x12 sheet to match and just folded it and basically "winged it" as I folded and cut until I got it the way I wanted. I softened the flap with my corner rounder.

Wait! Can I see?
Stamps: Big Girl's Class, Just Rite stamps
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc from my stash
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, my computer printer
Accessories: Copic Markers, Copic airbrush, Nestabilities Classic Circle and scalloped circle, QK Revolution, scor-pal, scor-pal mat, Fiskars finger knife, CM Straight cutter, CM corner rounder, Stickles - Crystal, foam squares, EZ Runner adhesive, Elmers Rubber Cement,
Challenges:Copic coloring of Ethnic Skin Tones, PCP Phindy's Place - something new and different challenge, Just Magnolia - Paper Pleating

Resources: SCS Making an easel card

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

Little Soldier

2010 is my year of using up my scraps! I am intentionally working around the paper I already have on hand and am very impressed at what I have come up with. This card is dedicated to little Leyton who was certainly gone too soon.

I must say, my new monitor is really great when it comes to colours on the screen but boy - this ribbon has NOT been photographed well :(

Little Soldier

Stamps: Jak Heath's Little Soldier - In Memory of Layton
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc from my stash
Accessories: scor-pal, 3D foam squares, misc ribbon from my stash, Copic markers, Copic Airbrush, Copic atyouSpica - garnet glitter pen, bling from my stash

Challenges: BG Photo Inspiration #11, CP Sketch 46, Colour idea from Jeanette Lynton, Rasberry Suite Challenge #21, and the JUG 15 - sewing

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix

It's my party....

... and I'll cry if I want to ...

Do you remember... she's all dressed up for her birthday in a pretty little outfit and then... it happens "waaaaaahhh!" boo hoo, the little princess didn't get her way, or her pretty little outfit got dirty, or whaaadeverrr! You have to love those terrible twos and Mo has captured this moment perfectly in her digital image Two Tasha.

Card: It's my party...
Stamps: Mo's DP: Two Tasha
Paper: Neenah white cardstock, misc from my stash
Accessories: gold craft paint (crown), white mini brads with Colorbox pigment ink - gold, gold wire edged ribbon, mini glue dots, EZ Runner scrapbook adhesive, scor-pal

Challenges: Mo's DP: Birthdays, 365 Cards Day 314 Braiding, Mojo Monday 120 sketch, SPCC #29, and Stampin' Royalty

· ´¨¨)) -:¦:- -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨)) Live with integrity.... -:¦:-
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Create with passion!
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* -:¦:- NikkiNix