{ODD IDOL} Top 15!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to vote for your favorites in the Some Odd Girl Round 2 {ODD IDOL} competition!  I'm happy to say that I have made it to the TOP 15!

 

There were so many amazing creations... I was getting nervous during the voting days.  :)  Since the entries were anonymous and the voting was done blindly, I wasn't able to tell you which was mine... but now I can!

 

Some of you mentioned that you thought this was mine when you voted.... hee hee!  Thank you again for your votes!  I wanted to do something other than a card for this round, so I created an altered embroidery hoop.

 

 

Here's the unpainted, unfinished back side, but a 4" embroidery hoop none the less. :)  I covered the front with card stock and made my creation on the front just like I would on a card.  I love making dimensional things to hang on my walls.  They seem more permanent than a card sometimes.

 

 

I used {SWEET THINKIN' MAE} as my Some Odd Girl image.  I water colored her with Distress Inks and paper pieced her dress and bow.  I used some of the same papers for the flowers and background.  There's a bunch of die-cut items layered up on this piece.

 

 

She's got the sweetest face!  I just love her eyes.  I added a few highlights with a white ink gel pen.

 

 

I recently shared a photo tutorial {HERE} on how to make these 3D paper flowers.  I added a few mulberry paper flowers as well.  I tied the top of the hoop with a couple fancy ribbons and that was that!

 

I'm now busily and happily working on my Round 3 project....  The voting for this next round starts May 24th so I'll keep you posted.

 

Thank you so much for letting me share with you!

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 

Pin It

{FARM FRESH FRIDAY} with TGF

It's time for a new {FARM FRESH FRIDAY} challenge on The Greeting Farm blog!  This week, our theme is something that I just LOVE to do with my images....

 

PAPER PIECING

 

If you know me or my work, you've seen a LOT of paper piecing.  It's such a great way to add texture and pattern and it can be really quick, if you don't have time to color a full image.

 

 

I used the new Big Anya stamp "ANYA STROLLS" for this card.  I colored her skin, hair and pants with Copic markers and I paper pieced her shirt, jacket and hair bow.  I also paper-pieced the puppy and her dress, but it's hard to tell.  So sorry for the poor lighting!  There was no fixing it... grr.  :)

 

I also used the new "TGF GATE" die and the DREAMS sentiment that is one of two that come with "ANYA STROLLS".

 

 

Here's a better view of the paper piecing.  Doesn't her shirt pattern look great?  I'd totally wear this outfit if I could!  :)

 

Be sure to pop on over to The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog to see all of the DT's PAPER PIECING projects and to play along!

 

Thanks for visiting.
Luvs,

Annie Rose

 

Pin It

{3-D FLOWERS} With A TGF Die!

It's my post day over on The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog.  Yesterday, my awesome design teammate Suzanne showed us how to make rolled flowers with coffee filters... so cool!

Today, I'm sharing how I make 3-D flowers using the TGF "Mini Fleurs Die".

 

 

To get started, die cut 8 flower shapes with the "Mini Fleurs Die".

 

I like to make mine out of old book-page paper because it looks cool and it's thin enough to cut multiple shapes at one time.  I cut 8 small squares of paper, placed the die on top, and ran it through my die-cutting machine.

 

 

Next, ink around the petals.  You can do this with any ink, in any color.

 

 

Once the edges are inked, lightly spray the flowers with water.  The thin book paper only needs a tiny bit of water.  You want just enough to soften the paper fibers.  The thin paper also curls when it gets wet; it's fun to watch... they look like little caterpillars wriggling around.  :)

 

 

When the flowers are wet, carefully scrunch each one into a little ball.  Not too tight, though. Since the paper is wet, it can rip easily.  If you use thicker paper, it won't be as fragile.

 

 

Carefully open each scrunched flower and flatten slightly.

Layer all 8 flowers into one pile and punch a small hole right in the center.

 

 

Fasten a small brad through the center hole to hold the flowers together.

 

 

You will then take each single layer and scrunch it together in the center of the flower.  The first layer you scrunch will end up being the center of the flower, so do that one slightly tighter than the rest.

 

Then continue turning and scrunching each remaining layer up into the center until you have a tightly scrunched flower.

 

 

Then carefully start to spread each layer out to make the final shape.  I just use my fingernails to slightly separate the scrunched layers and turn it around until it looks just right.

 

 

You can then add more ink around the edges if you want more vibrant color, or leave it as is. Since the paper was slightly wet, it will hold its scrunched shape when it dries.  I like to use my heat-tool to quickly dry the flower.

 

Now you've got a perfect little 3-D flower to add to your projects!

 

 

For this card, I used the same book-page paper and I inked it with green Distress Ink to match the color scheme.  I think it looks awesome! :)

 

I hope you'll give it a try!

 

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 

 



Pin It

{GARDEN VARIETY TUESDAY} with TGF

Time for another {GARDEN VARIETY TUESDAY} challenge over on The Greeting Farm blog!  This week we have a color challenge for you:

 

BLUE + GREEN

 

 

I used the newly-released "ANYA STROLLS" rubber stamp. Aww, little puppy.  :)  I water colored her with Distress Inks.  I used the same sketch idea from last week's GVT sketch challenge -- I love it!  I also used the new "TULIP BORDER DIE" and the "MINI FLEURS DIE" from TGF.  The leaf die is from All That Scraps.  The blue flowery paper and the green triangle paper are from Lawn Fawn.

 

I'll be posting a photo tutorial later this week showing how I made the 3-D flower with the TGF "MINI FLEURS DIE" so stay tuned!  :)

 

 

Be sure to stop by The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog today to see all of the fabulous blue + green DT creations and to play along!

 

Thanks for visiting.

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

{FARM FRESH FRIDAY} with TGF

It's finally Friday!  Whew, this was a long week, but I was able to get in lots of crafty time, so I won't complain.  :)  Today we have a fun new {FARM FRESH FRIDAY} challenge up for you on The Greeting Farm blog!

 

This week's challenge theme is:

 

EASY AS 1... 2... 3...

 

 1 image... 2 embellishments... 3 designer papers!

 

 

I wanted to keep this card fairly simple, with just a wee touch of flare, because I really wanted "ALICE BEAN" to be the main focus. She has been colored with Distress Ink and a blender pen.  And, of course she's got Stickles on all of her clothes... :)

 

 

I used 3 matching designer papers and ribbon and a spiral clip as my 2 embellishments.  The orange and striped papers (and the sentiment stamp) are by Lawn Fawn.  The ledger paper was a scrap in my large stash of scrappy bits.

 

This was a really fun challenge theme!  It definitely makes your brain churn a bit harder, but it's well worth it.  I hope you'll stop by The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog to see all of the DT's 1...2...3... creations and to play along with all of our new challenges!

 

Thanks for visiting.

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

{ODD IDOL} Time To Vote!

 

 

It's time!  Yippeee!

 

I mentioned earlier that I was chosen as one of the Top 20 contenders to win the {ODD IDOL} competition hosted by Kristy of {SOME ODD GIRL}....

 

Well, it's now time for YOU to vote for your favorite!  Only 15 contenders will move on to the next round and those 15 will be chosen by YOU, the voter.

 

I can't tell you which entry is mine... you simply just need to pick your favorite.  Trust me, whoever you pick will be super grateful, and the voting is anonymous, of course.

 

So if you wouldn't mind taking a few minutes to {CLICK HERE} you'll be taken to the Some Odd Girl ning community site where you can vote.  You will need to register first, but that is super quick and I'd be ever so happy if you did!  :)

 

You can vote ONE TIME between now and Midnight (EST) on Wednesday, May 15th.  One vote... so make it count!

 

Thanks, everyone!  I can't wait to show you my project, once the voting for this round is over, even if it's not chosen as a favorite.  :)

 

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

{RETRO FRESH} with TGF

It's time for a new {RETRO FRESH CHALLENGE} over on The Greeting Farm blog!  This is our month-long challenge where you simply need to use any TGF stamp/digi image that is at least six months old... and follow the theme, of course.

 

Our theme for you this month is:

 

BRING ON THE SUN!

 

I made a fridge magnet using "LOLLI ANYA".  She's an oldie rubber stamp that is a little hard to find, but sometimes shows up in the TGF store during the Farmer's Market, which is when I purchased her for myself... finally!  :)

 

I've been wanting to make a magnet forever and this SUNNY theme seemed perfect!  I created the large paper rosette by scoring a 12in x 3in strip of card stock at 1/2 in increments then folded on the score lines and glued it together.  I punched and inked around the edges first.  I then simply layered elements and die-cut items on the top just like when decorating a card!

 

 

The scallop heart border is from the new "TULIP BORDER DIE"... I just cut off the tulips!  I also used the "Enjoy" sentiment from the "DELICATE WORDS DIE".  I colored Anya Lolli with Distress Ink.  I added some Stickles to her outfit and some Glossy Accents over the lollipop -- it feels and looks like a real one!

 

I cut a thin magnet sheet (which came in the junk mail... recycle those magnets, everyone, they're free!) into a perfect circle (heh heh...not) and glued it onto the back.

 

 

Alright, now it's your turn to go RETRO!  Pop on over to The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog to see all of the sunny creations from the DT and to play along.  This challenge has the best prize.... go check it out!

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Luvs,

Annie Rose



Pin It

{GARDEN VARIETY TUESDAY} with TGF

{GARDEN VARIETY TUESDAY} is The Greeting Farm's new name for the Tuesday challenge!  Along with the new name, you may see a few new challenge themes, including sketches, color stories, photo inspiration, and more!  This week, we have a SKETCH for you to follow.

 

 

Following the sketch, I made this bright and happy card with "GARDEN ANYA" and the "MINI FLUTTERS" die.  I water colored Anya with Distress Ink and added some highlights with a white gel pen.  I inked all of the paper edges with black Distress Ink and added some black matting.  I think this looks really cute when the image is stamped in black.  It ties everything together.  :)

 

Here is Thanh's awesome sketch to inspire you this week:

 

 

We hope you'll pop on over to The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog to see all of the DT creations and to play along in the new {GARDEN VARIETY TUESDAY} challenge with us!

 

 

Thanks for visiting.

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

{ODD IDOL} Here I Come!

I have some exciting news!

 

Kristy, the owner and artist of {SOME ODD GIRL} is hosting the coolest {ODD IDOL} competition right now.  You can read all about it at the {SOME ODD GIRL NING} website -- which, if you haven't checked it out and joined yet, you should -- so much talent and fun happening over there.

 

Round One's sketch challenge is over and I am so THRILLED to announce that out of the 68 entry contestants, I've been chosen as one of the TOP 20 to move on to Round Two!  Yippee!  This is such an honor.  Kristy and the whole ODD GIRL gang and Design Team are all so awesome. :)

 

Here's the card that got me through Round One:

 

 

I used SOG's {GWEN IN BLOOM} stamp set.  I colored her with Distress Ink and a blender pen on watercolor paper.  I added some black matting, which I love to do, to really help the image and the sentiment pop!

 

The grand prize for this competition is HUGE!  Seriously, it's too big to even go into.  Check out {THIS} post to see for yourself.  Oh my goodness....  :)

 

Round Two is starting up, and from here on out, the winners will be selected by YOU!  YOU get to vote on your favorites to see who moves on to Round Three, and the best part is, all of the entries will be anonymous.  You wont know which project belongs to who... you just get to vote for your favorites.

 

I'll keep you posted on when the next round of voting starts so you can join in on the fun, and I hope you will!

 

 

Thanks for visiting and letting me share the good news!

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

May Release {BLOG HOP} with TGF!

It's MAY-day at {THE GREETING FARM} and we are here to celebrate our wonderful spring-themed release!   We hope you've truly enjoyed the last few days of preview as we've introduced you to two new Anya's and THREE new TGF Dies!   The possibilities are truly endless with these versatile borders and we are anticipating seeing some super cute projects made by you!

 

There's a lot of fun to be had this month, and we are just getting started with our RELEASE DAY BLOG HOP!   As always, the prize is one sweet deal, as one lucky winner will receive the ENTIRE May Release!

Before I leave you with one amazing lineup, here's what I have for you today:

 

 

Little Miss "GARDEN ANYA" and her new "TULIP BORDER DIE"!  She is quickly becoming one of my top favorite Anya's. She's so much fun to color and I love her hair in a side ponytail.  I'm also in love with the new tulip border die!  The scalloped hearts and the different sizes of flower heads look so great together.  :)

 

 

I colored her with Distress Inks and added some highlights with a while gel pen.  The butterfly is die-cut from the TGF Mini Flutters Die/Stamp Combo set.

 

She's so ready for Spring!

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for stopping by, and if you're just getting here, be sure to head back over to the TGF BLOG to begin the hop.   Here's your order for our May release party:

 

TGF BLOG

SUZANNE BIER

ROSIE BRIDGES

MARIA THERESE HATLOY

ANITA MADDEN

PEGGY MCCURRY

RACHEL PARYS

 ------->  ANDREA ROSENSTIEL  <-------

JODI STANISCH

JO THOMPSON
JONI WILSON

THANH VO

PEGGY TOOLE

JESSICA DIEDRICH

 

...and BACK to the TGF BLOG to leave your comment letting us know you've hopped, left comments, and what you love best about this month's release!

 

You have until 11:30pm CST this evening (Wed, May 1st) to sit back, take in all the new creations, and enter to win!   Thanks so much for your support and excitement as we ring in our MAY stamp release!

 

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

May Release Preview #3 with {TGF}

Today is our last day of previews for The Greeting Farm's May release which is tomorrow, May 1st!  Woo hoo!  We'll be having a blog hop tomorrow, so be sure to stop by again for all of the fun. :)

 

Today I'm showcasing the two new rubber stamps and the new TGF FENCE DIE!

 

 

Isn't it great?!  It's the cutest picket fence I've ever seen. I love the staggered heights of the boards and the tiny heart cut-outs at the top.

 

 

It's the perfect size for a standard A2-sized card (5.5"x4.25") as it fits perfectly along the bottom.  I colored the new GARDEN ANYA with Distress Ink.  I also used the TGF Butterfly die on this one.

 

 

This classy gal is ANYA STROLLS.  She's so cute with her little puppy and her long, flowing hair!  I die-cut the fence then heat-embossed it with gold embossing powder. I cut it in half and added it to each side.  The top part of the fence with the hearts looks like a city skyline and the bottom half looks like banners!  You could use this TGF FENCE DIE in so many ways! :)

 

I also heat-embossed ANYA STROLLS with the same gold embossing powder on vellum paper.

 

 

Pop on over to The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog today for your chance to win the TGF FENCE DIE!  And be sure to come back tomorrow to for our blog hop for your chance to win the entire May release!

 

 

Thanks for visiting.

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

May Release Preview #2 with {TGF}

 

Pop on over to The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog to see more cuteness and enter to win!

 

Good luck.

Luvs,

Annie Rose



Pin It

{FARM FRESH FRIDAY} with TGF

Our {FARM FRESH FRIDAY} challenge theme this week on The Greeting Farm blog is:  APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS!  We want to see all of your flowery TGF creations.

 

 

I made an oversized chipboard tag.  I covered it with old book page paper and inked the edges with Distress Ink.  I then just grabbed a bunch of random bits and pieces I had laying around and got to work!

 

 

The stamp is The Greeting Farm's retired "LAUNDRY ANYA" gal.  I water colored her with Distress Inks.  The white gate is the newest die from The Greeting Farm's upcoming May release!  Isn't it gorgeous?  It's so intricate and perfect.  I love it.  :)

 

 

The flowers are from the dollar bin at Michaels.  I distressed the edges with brown ink and added some Stardust Stickles to the edges.  I stamped the script background by Inkadinkado with pink Distress Ink.

 

I grabbed two different lace trims I had in my scrap bin and glued them down on the back and top.  I used a little bit of the cream-colored lace as the tie at the top.

 

 

The vellum cloud was die-cut with The Greeting Farm's "Mini Cloud w/ Die" set.  The "SMILE" sentiment from The Greeting Farm's "Delicate Words" die set.  The sun and main white stitch-embossed panel were given to me in a candy giveaway, and I cannot remember the company that makes those dies. Sorry about that! I finished off the tag with a couple tiny, pink clothespins and some baker's twine.

 

 

I had a lot of fun making this flowery tag!  :)  Be sure to stop by The Greeting Farm's {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog to see all of the DT's flowery creations and to play along.  We're also showcasing the new May release stamps and dies over the next few days, so you'll definitely want to keep your eye on the TGF blog for your chances to win!

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I'm entering this tag into the following challenges:

 

{SIMON SAYS STAMP AND SHOW} - Color Challenge

{LOVES RUBBERSTAMPS} - Great Outdoors

{SIMON SAYS STAMP} - Anything Goes

{OOZAK BLOG} - Pearls/Lace/Ribbon

 

Thanks for visiting.

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

May Release Preview with {TGF}

 

Check it out for your chance to win!

{SPLENDID STAMPING}

 

 

Good Luck.

Luvs,

Annie Rose



Pin It

{PAPER SMOOCHES} Guest Designing

This is my last Guest Designer post with {PAPER SMOOCHES}.  I've had a great month playing with some of the new stamps and I send out a huge THANK YOU and a big CRAFTY HUG to Kim for letting me play along!  :)

 

Today I'm sharing two more cards made with the "MARKET FRESH" clear stamp set:

 

 

 

I love this set!  There are so many ways to use each stamp.  The little cans with the added smiley face?  Too cute!  :)  I also love the "check this out" sentiment.  That can be added to any card style.  These stamps are really fun to paper-piece, too.  I pieced the cash register with two different papers and it looks awesome.

 

 

Be sure to stop by the {PAPER SMOOCHES} blog for more daily inspiration and if you want to play along in the Paper Smooches challenge (of course you do!) hop on over to the {PAPER SMOOCHES SPARKS} challenge blog.

 

Thanks for visiting.

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It

{DOUBLE-TAKE TUESDAY} with TGF

Today is my day to host the new {DOUBLE-TAKE TUESDAY} challenge over on The Greeting Farm blog!  I decided, that since Monday was EARTH DAY, that we should continue to celebration for one more week.

 

For my inspiration card, I used "ANNIKA", a retired TGF rubber stamp:

 

 

I created a little Earthly scene for her to hang out in.  I'm fairly certain she's heading home from the library on a warm Summer day.  Wouldn't you agree?  :)

 

 

I colored her with Distress Ink and a Tombow Dual-Brush Colorless Blender pen.  It's like water coloring, without the water.  And without a brush.  I've made a coloring video as well, which you can view {HERE} or down below:

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is my inspiration photo for everyone this week:

 

 

Here's how to play:

• Use a TGF stamp (rubber, digi, or clear) as your main image.

• Submit your entry via InLinkz (on the TGF blog) no later than Monday, April 29, 2013 at NOON CST. You can add a direct link to your entry from your personal blog, SCS gallery, Flickr or TGF galleria.

• The fabulous prize: A random participant will be selected to win a digital image of choice from the TGF store.

• And here's the "double take"...each week, as long as we have 20 or more players for one of our challenges, the prize DOUBLES to either two digis or a SINGLE rubber stamp of choice, so encourage all your friends and family to play along!

Hop on over to the TGF {SPLENDID STAMPING} blog to see all of the DT's Earth Day inspiration photos and to play along!
 

Thanks for visiting.

Luvs,

Annie Rose

 



Pin It