Some of my Favorites and a Tombow DT Call

Hello ladies and gents!  Today I am bringing back some of my favorite projects in my submission for the Tombow Design Team Call.

First, my latest for The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge Team:  I used the Fan Dancer Avery image, and combined her with some digital papers from Baer Design Studio.  I fussy-cut a few of the paper elements, distressed the edges and glued them in layers onto the card.  I also used my gold Pentel gel pen  to highlight around some of the papers.  I also glued the bow (strung with some beads) and rhinestones onto the card to give it more depth.  The image is colored with my Prismacolor Premiere Pencils.

Fan Dancer Avery by The Paper Nest Dolls

My second project is one that I also did this month, for the Whimsy Stamps Design Team Call.  I used Rowan Fairy by Sylvia Zet to create this easel card.  I used some butterfly die cuts, as well as flowers, ribbon, lace and pearls from my stash.

Rowan Fairy by Sylvia Net for Whimsy Stamps

For my third piece (a DIY), I am including a tutorial I did using Rainy Day Birgitta by C.C. Designs.
This tutorial is for a very basic card fold, the top-fold A2.  Good for a beginner, this tutorial shows you how to create the card from the beginning, in photographs and written text.  I created this card and envelope with cardstock, which I decorated myself using a stencil, ink, and my Prismacolor Premiere Pencils.  I used vellum and ink for the sentiment and included flowers and ribbon as well from my stash.

Rainy Day Birgitta by C.C. Designs

As this is a very picture-heavy tutorial, I have included it in a link here, for you to see.

I am currently on 3 Design Teams and I have included their completion dates as well:

Quick Creations - March 31st, 2015
Polka Doodles - February 28, 2015
The Paper Nest Dolls

Thank you for taking the time to review my submission, and please be assured that I very much enjoy this part of my creativity, and I always put everything I have into my projects.  I have used Tombow Mono adhesive in these projects; I find the adhesive to be strong and quick bonding, and I love the precision tip!

A Little Bit of Happiness with Paper Nest Dolls...

Hello all!  I am sharing today my latest piece for The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge Design Team. (Wow, say that 5 times really fast...lol!)

Fan Dancer Avery by The Paper Nest Dolls

I chose to use Fan Dancer Avery, one of the new releases from The Paper Nest Dolls.  I love this image, so sweet and original.  I used beads, ribbon and bling from my stash.  I also downloaded the Chinese-themed paper from Baer Design Studio, such gorgeous digital papers!  The sentiment reads "Joy" in Chinese, and all the bits of scribbling in gold are done with my Pentel Gold Slicci gel pen.

Fan Dancer Avery by The Paper Nest Dolls

I colored her up with my ever wonderful Prismacolor Premiere Pencils in the following colors:

Hair - PC938, 935, 1101
Hair Pins - PC1084, 947
Roses, sash & lotus - PC922, 924, 925, 937
Fans - PC935, 924
Socks - PC1059, 1061
Kimono - PC935
Skin - PC927, 939

She really is a joy to create with :)  Please consider joining us for our bi-weekly challenges over on The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge blog.  And if you would like to create with this sweet image, you can find her here :)  Thank you for stopping by!

A Little Bit of Halloween Fun with C.C. Designs

So, the challenge this week for C.C. Designs is non-traditional Halloween colors...o boy...am I in trouble....
To put it mildly..lol...I am NOT a fan of Halloween.  However, one must do what one must do.  And I struggled with what colors to use.  I wanted to use purple, but, alas...purple is a Halloween color.  So instead, I settled on PINK!  Whodathunkit!  A pink Halloween card.  Well, I don't mind it, but I'll let you be the judge:

Halloween Birgitta rubber stamp by C.C. Designs

Ok, so I had an idea in my head when I first started coloring this image, but it required at least two of the exact same image, colored the exact same way, lol.  And I am pleased to say that for once the idea in my head worked out exactly the way I wanted it to in real life!  Yay!  I used the Halloween Birgitta rubber stamp from C.C. Designs.  After coloring her twice, I punched her out in 2 different sizes of circles and matted them all with black cardstock.  Then I put them together, kind of like a jigsaw puzzle, but at the same time, kind of like a game of Mahjong, lol.  They are pieced together and layered at the same time.  This was a fun project, and I hope Christine likes it as much as I do ;)

Halloween Birgitta rubber stamp by C.C. Designs

I colored her with my Prismacolor Premiere and Koh-I-Nor pencils in the following colors:

Hair - PC997, 943, 945
Skin - PC927, 939
Wings/boots - PC1061, 1065, 1067, 935, 938
Dress/hat - PC993, 995, KIN 14

Non traditional Halloween colors, come on, if I can do it so can you!  You'll find the new challenge posted here.  I am looking forward to seeing your projects in every color EXCEPT purple, green, orange, etc. LOL!  See you there!

Whimsy Stamps Design Team Call Submission :)

Whimsy Stamps Design Team Call

I am so excited to try out for the Whimsy Stamps Design Team.  I adore their stamp images, and the stamp quality is fabulous.  If you've seen my previous post using "Young Spring Fairy", you will understand what I am saying :)  The lines made by these stamps is nice and fine, it is almost like no lines coloring!  They are so detailed too.

For this project I chose to color "Rowan Fairy", designed by Sylvia Zet.  Sylvia's designs are by far some of the most realistic looking fairies I have seen yet.  Some of my other Whimsy Stamp designer favorites?  Crissy Armstrong and Mi Ran!  Of course all of the Whimsy designers are fabulous, these are just 3 of my absolute favorites.

OK!  Let's get on with the show!

Whimsy Stamps "Rowan Fairy" Designed by Sylvia Zet

This is a 5 x 7 easel card, using many elements from my stash, including cardstock, adhesive pearls, dies, flowers, lace, and ribbon.  I colored her with my Prismacolor  Premiere pencils in the following colors:

Skin - PC927, 939
Hair - PC1012, 942, 1034, 1094
Berries - PC927, 1001, 922
Leaves - PC1020, 1096, 911
Branch - PC1084, 941, 947
Wings - PC1068, 1083, 1070, 1072
Clothes - PC1083, 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076

Whimsy Stamps "Rowan Fairy" Designed by Sylvia Zet

I just love this little fairy.  She is so sweet and dainty looking, that I just couldn't help but create this piece in dainty colors.  I even looked up Rowan Berries on the internet to see what color they actually are, and this is the closest I could get.  I am very proud of this piece, and will have MUCH trouble sending her off to a new home...I almost want to frame her.

Along with this card, I would like to showcase two others that I am particularly proud of.  One is a DT piece I completed this month for the Quick Creations Design Team, using Young Spring Fairy by Whimsy Stamp designer Crissy Armstrong:

Whimsy Stamps"Young Spring Fairy" Designed by Crissy Armstrong

And the other is one I made for the C.C. Designs Design Team call, using "Heidi Among The Flowers".

"Heidi Among The Flowers" by C.C. Designs

I appreciate your time in considering my submission in this Design Team call, and you can find me elsewhere here:

Facebook - Ode to Paper
Pinterest - Leah Tees
Email - Leah Tees

I am currently on the following Design Teams, and I have included their completion dates as well:

Quick Creation Design Team - March 31, 2015
Polk Doodles Digi Queens Design Team - February 28, 2015
The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge Design Team
C.C. Designs Digi Divas Design Team - December 10, 2014

Christmas with Polkadoodles

It's getting close, yes, it is...whether we are ready for it or not.  Yes, Fall is here.  Oh!  You thought I was going to say something else didn't you?  You thought I was going to say Christmas!  Hahaha, well, for those of us that are excited about Christmas being practically right around the corner, this is for you.  My Polkadoodles project this week is an envelope mini album, using the Mailbox digital image from Polkadoodles' Work & Play Collection #5, Festive Hollybobs.

"Mailbox" Digital image by Polkadoodles

"Mailbox" Digital image by Polkadoodles

"Mailbox" Digital image by Polkadoodles

I created this piece by using a new tutorial from Dawn's Inspirations on Youtube.  I love her tutorials, she is just so easy to listen to.  And when you find out how easy this album is to make, you will laugh at yourself!

I also used digital papers and sentiments from the same Hollybobs collection throughout the album.  I colored this piece with my Prismacolor Premiere pencils in the following colors:

Hat/scarf/holly leaves - PC912, 1096, 908
Hair - PC1083, 944, 946
Skin - PV927, 939
Mitts/jacket/boots - PC1084, 941, 947
Skirt/tights - PC903, 1100, 901, 1065
Holly berries - PC1031, 1081, 1095, 938
Snow - PC1059
Mailbox - PC924, 925, 937
Shading around elements - PC946

Don't forget to visit the Digi Chooseday blog for regular challenges and prizes!

Happy Birthday Christine Paperdolls Blog Hop

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINE!

This is a special surprise blog hop for Christine, the designer behind The Paper Nest Dolls rubber stamp images.  They are so precious and each of the images depicts a person in her life, usually her children :)  You couldn't ask for any better inspiration, could you Christine?  Well, I am so excited to be part of The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge Design Team, and when I was asked by Monica to participate in this blog hop, how could I say NO!

I chose the new design image "Ballgown Avery".

Ballgown Avery rubber stamp by The Paper Nest Dolls

I really enjoy the ballgown images that Christine designs, must be the little girl in me always wanting to play dress up :)  Everything in this project, aside from the rubber stamp is from my stash, right down to my own hand-made flower.  I had a great time creating this piece.  You can find this rubber stamp online in The Paper Nest Dolls store.

Ballgown Avery rubber stamp by The Paper Nest Dolls

Ballgown Avery rubber stamp by The Paper Nest Dolls

I know, a couple extra pics today, but I couldn't help myself, I am very proud of this card.  I feel like maybe I am graduating into the "Fancy Card" grade, lol.

I colored this image with my Prismacolor Premiere pencils, which I so love to use, in the following colors:

Hair - PC1012, 1034, 942, 1094, 947
Skin - PC927, 939
Dress - PC1040, 903, 1100, 938
Flower - PC911, 903, 938, 1100
Bow - PC1061, 938

This special surprise blog hop is more than a surprise for Christine.  It is also a chance for you to win a rubber stamp from The Paper Nest Dolls!

If you would like to win THIS particular stamp, please comment on this post, and a winner will be randomly drawn November 3, 2014. Comment on every post in the hop to have a chance to win one of each of the stamps from the new releases!  There are also 2 grand prizes to be won:

Aren't they gorgeous collections!

Please visit these blogs to complete this hop and don't forget to visit The Paper Nest Dolls blog as well!


The Paper Nest Dolls

Shabby Pinkstamper

Leah **You are Here!**

Elizabeth

Katja

Melanie

Martha

Sharon

Annette

Leslie

Hilde

Trine

Monica

Lene

Pam


Thank you for joining us in this special Birthday Hop for Christine Paperdolls, and don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win the Ballgown Avery rubber stamp from The Paper Nest Dolls!

Whimsy Stamps and Quick Creations!

Hello everyone, and to my fellow Canadians, Happy Thanksgiving!  Don't forget to ponder all that is good in your life, especially today.

Lately there has been so many negative images and stories in the news, online and everywhere, I especially need to ponder the good things as I just seem to let the world get to me sometimes.  So, before I go into my project, I would like say thanks for what I have:  two beautiful daughters, who are growing up so fast but at the same so wonderful and warm; my husband Pat, who does everything he can to make sure we are taken care of; my parents, for always being there, and for teaching me to be the person I am today; my sister, without whom I would definitely be a different person, her imagination and spunk has taught me many things, one of which is to keep my imagination and spunk ;) ; and my friends, in person or online, for always giving me a reality check when I need it, a virtual shoulder when I need it, and most importantly, a smile when I least expect it.  I would also like to says thanks for the people who have faith in me to showcase their products online.  I so enjoy this part of my creativity right now.

OK, I know, enough of the mushy stuff, lol.

For my Quick Creations DT project this week, I worked with Whimsy Stamp's "Young Spring Fairy".  This is my first time working with a Whimsy product, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this image.  The stamp lines are fabulously thin, which lend a great professional finish to my project.  Almost like 'no-lines coloring', lol!

"Young Spring Fairy" Rubber Stamp by Whimsy Stamps

"Young Spring Fairy" Rubber Stamp by Whimsy Stamps

I created this with a 5 x 7 card blank, using the Whimsy Stamps rubber stamp, Heidi Swapp letters and the Die-Versions "Birthday" banner die from Quick Creations online store.  I added ribbons, fibres, cardstock, paper flowers and bling from my stash.  I colored this fairy with Prismacolor and Koh-I-Nor pencils in the following colors:
Hair - PC940, 942, 948
Skin - PC927, 939, 928
Wings - PC1026, 956, 932, 1001, 992, KIN 20, 8
Shirt - PC992, 905, 901, KIN 20
Pants - PC927, 1001, 1092,1031
Shoes - PC1023, 1022, 1027, 938, 935
Mushroom - PC1068, 1072, 1076
Spots - PC997, 941, 947

I hope you check this awesome stamp out, it really was a treat to color :)

Please join us for a challenge over on Quick Creations blog!  Prizes!!!

C.C. Designs Design Team Call Submission

C.C. Designs is having a Design Team call!  I have completed this card using "Heidi Among The Flowers" a Swiss Pixie rubber stamp from C.C. Designs.  She was so cute, and she colors up, naturally, so bright and cheerful.  I could only picture her on a cheerful card :)

"Heidi Among The Flowers" by C.C. Designs

 I crafted this card as a 4 x 6 easel card, using dies, cardstock, fibres, flowers and brads from my stash.  I have been learning different card folds in my quest to acquire knowledge (I am a life-long learner, of all things!) on card folds.  I so enjoy learning the different folds and techniques.  I will soon add this as a tutorial to my Beginner's Guide blog page, so keep your eyes open!

"Heidi Among The Flowers" by C.C. Designs

"Heidi Among The Flowers" by C.C. Designs

"Heidi Among The Flowers" by C.C. Designs

I colored this stamped image using my Prismacolor Premiere and Koh-I-Nor pencils in the following colors:

Hair - PC997, 943, 944
Skin - PC927, 939
Boots, Wings, Dress - PC956, 1008, KIN 8
Dress - PC1086, 919, 1027
Grass, Leaves - PC1005, 1090, 908
Flowers - PC915, 1003, 917, 1033, 921, 994, 1032, 944, 937, 938, KIN 15, 9

I enjoy the rubber stamp images, as I've mentioned previously, because they allow me to not only use the creativity that's bursting out of my head, but also because they allow me to connect the images with people and children in my life that inspire me.  I work in a catholic elementary school, and I seem to find inspiration daily in the children I am so blessed to work with.  Thank you for viewing my submission and for considering me to be on your Design Team.

You can also find me on Pinterest as Leah Tees
and also on Facebook as Ode to Paper.
I am a member of the following DTs:
C.C. Designs Digi Divas
Quick Creations Design Team
Polkadoodles Digi Queens
The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge Design Team

Only 73 more days until Christmas!

Hello everyone, and although I am usually a grinch when it comes to getting ready for Christmas, I am trying to be better this year with some early Christmas Card makes :)

My project for The Paper Nest Dolls challenge this week is a Christmas Card using the Nativity stamp image.

"Nativity" image by The Paper Nest Dolls

 I created a step-easel card, learning from a tutorial online, of course.  If I could remember which tutorial it was, I would definitely give that person credit, but alas....I watched far too many to try and find it again.  It was a picture tutorial (not Youtube) if that helps any.

"Nativity" image by The Paper Nest Dolls

I loved the simplicity of this image, which made it a breeze to color, but also because it speaks to the authenticity of the true Christmas story.  Thank you for that Christine.

"Nativity" image by The Paper Nest Dolls

I created the stable and star using a cut file from the Silhouette Store, and the background I drew with watercolor pencils.

The following is the list of Prismacolor Premiere and Koh-I-Nor pencils that I used to color in the image of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus:

Skin - PC 927, 939
Staff - KIN 23, PC 1084
Hay - KIN 21, PC 1034, 947
Manger - KIN 21, PC 947
Baby Jesus - PC 1067, 936, 1025
Joseph - PC 1022, 1025, 901, 1080, 1081, 937, 1068, 1072, 1094, 1076
Mary - PC 1080, 1081, 937, 1068, 1072, 1094, 1076, 1056, 988, 1098, 1084, 945, 946

This challenge at The Paper Nest Dolls is ALWAYS anything goes, but this week, the winner of the challenge will be included as a guest designer for the month, as well as winning the $20 stamp prize!  Come on over and join the fun!

CC Designs Beads or Sequins Challenge piece!

Wow, I am having so much fun with these Design Team projects.  Whodathunk I would find a place for my love of colors and coloring and crafting, and be able to put them all together! :)

This week I am bringing you a new image from CC Designs, called Autumn's Mum.  I actually used several of Christine's digital images in png form and layered them together to form a scene, rather than just a character.  However, this was before I learned that Christine will no longer be selling digital images.  I am sure, that very soon you will see these characters in awesome rubber stamp form though :)

Ok, enough of the babbling, and onto the projects at hand:

"Autumn's Mum" by CC Designs

"Autumn's Mum" by CC Designs

This was a great project; I loved being able to put several images together to form a beautiful scene that just seemed to call out for this sentiment :)  I also got to add in another of my favorite mediums....beads!

This is an A2 size card, in landscape orientation, using beads, ribbons and paper from my stash.  The following are the Prismacolor Premiere pencil colors that I used to bring this image to life:
*** Houston, we seem to have problem....*** OMG...I can't find the list!  Commence to frantic searching...
PHEW!  Found it...and now we continue...with our regular scheduled programming...

Prismacolor Premiere pencils :)  :

Pumpkin - PC941, PC947, PC942, PC1033, PC1032, PC944, PC1020, PC1005, PC911, PC988
Wagon & Rocks - Pc1031, PC937, PC1050, PC1056, PC1052, PC1054, PC1063, PC1058, PC935
Teddy Bear - PC997, PC942, PC1034
Sunflower - PC1005, PC917, PC988, PC944, PC911, PC1003, PC941, PC947, PC935
Girl - PC927, PC939, PC1082, PC947, PC1084, PC941, PC927, PC939, PC1033, PC945, PC1034, PC1032, PC1020, PC1021, PC911, PC988, PC1058

Thanks for visiting, and have a great coloring and crafty day!

Polkadoodles, Week 6 and Piper!

Hello everyone, and even though the weather is not very nice, it is still a great day :)

I am sharing with you today my Week 6 project for Polkadoodles.  I decided to use the digistamp "Piper" as she is just so sweet.  If you haven't seen Nikky's "Pretty Sweet Girl" collection, you definitely should!

"Piper" by Polkadoodles

"Piper" by Polkadoodles

This is a regular A2 size card, made in portrait orientation.  I used digital papers and a sentiment from Polkadoodles' Rosebud and Pretty Sweet collections, which you can find on their website, here.

I also used fibers, bling and flowers from my stash.

These are the Prismacolor Premiere pencils that I used to color this wonderful image:
Hair - PC1034, PC941, PC 943, PC 947

Skin - PC927, PC928, PC939

Shirt - PC993, PC994, PC995

Dress - PC1079, PC1101, PC901

Tights - PC1060, PC1065, PC1067, PC938

I so enjoy coloring images that allow me to bring the characters to life with coloring, and sometimes these characters even remind me of a child or person that I know in my real life home and/or work :)

Just a shout-out to those who are feeling daunted by the number of challenges and artists out there:  Please DO NOT shy away from what you enjoy doing because you feel you are not good enough.  PLEASE do what you enjoy and share your art with the world.  PLEASE keep trying and trying and trying, if that's what you feel you need to do!  PLEASE remember, that at one time or another, every one of us was or is a beginner as well.  That's all from me today, have a great day!

Masquerade Ball Avery and The Paper Nest Dolls

Oh my GOODNESS!  I cannot believe I totally forgot to post this yesterday!  So, I have company this week (Mom and Dad :)) and of course I have been busy having fun, right!  So I have a new Paper Nest Dolls project to show you, using Masquerade Ball Avery.  Such a delight to color, I just love the masses of curls and ruffles :)

Masquerade Ball Avery by The Paper Nest Dolls

Masquerade Ball Avery by The Paper Nest Dolls

I colored her with my Prismacolor Premiere pencils, and she was just begging for a beautiful black ball gown.  

 
My next PND post will be on October 13th, 2014 featuring some awesome Halloween images from Christine :)

New Mirabelle Card with Quick Creations DT!

Hello all!  I am very excited to announce that I have been chosen for the Quick Creations Design Team for Noelle Martin at Quick Creations!  My first piece as  DT Member includes the "Set Adrift" clear stamped image from Mirabelle, of Santoro.

I enjoyed this stamp, it's urban similarities to Gorjuss are what attracted me to this line to begin with.  The stamped image is gorgeous, with really nice fine lines, that makes coloring it a breeze :).  I will be doing more of these images in the future for sure, but now, on to my piece:

"Set Adrift" by Santoro's Mirabelle

"Set Adrift" by Santoro's Mirabelle

I used my Lyra and Spectrum Noir brand colored pencils to color this image, both are great to work with and fairly easy to blend, even without odorless mineral spirits.  I did not keep track of which colors I used on this one, my apologies as I usually do.  Next time for sure :S

The materials in this piece include:
Recollections Cardstock, Kraft - From Michaels
110 lb white cardstock - From Staples
Fancy Circle Frame chipboard, Piccolo - From Sweet Stamps
"Set Adrift" by Santoro's Mirabelle - From Quick Creations  *** The best customer service :)
Spectrum Noir Blendable Pencil Crayons - From Quick Creations  *** And the nicest people :)
Lyra Rembrandt Polychronos Pencil Crayons - From The Painted Turtle
Prismacolor Premiere Pencil Crayons - From Michaels
Watercolour Paints
Pearlescent watercolour paints

My next piece for Quick Creations will be posted on October 17, 2014....and I'll give you a little hint of what company I will be featuring............ok, maybe not, lol.  You will just have to wait and see ;)