Thursday, March 28, 2013

Holiday Handouts: Easter Goodies

For those of us who celebrate Easter, it is a joyous weekend ahead.  I know that in Canada, Friday is a stat holiday, so for us here, it is a long weekend.  If you are in PEI it is an extra long weekend because Easter Monday is considered a provincial holiday and apparently it is optional in Alberta. My understanding of Quebec is that either Friday or Monday must be observed.  Of course, anyone working in the federal government gets Friday and Monday off.  Now I learned something new about my own country today when researching this.  I was always under the impression that Easter Sunday was a stat holiday but it isn't.  Stores are often closed in different municipalities around the country but it is not considered a National holiday.  Huh!

As far as the rest of world goes, interestingly enough, Good Friday and Easter are not holidays at the National level for my friends south of the border, in the US.  Some states observe Good Friday as a state holiday and many businesses do close down on Easter Sunday so I guess it depends on where someone lives in the US as to whether this is a long weekend.   In the British Isles, France and New Zealand, it is my understanding that Friday and Monday are national holidays too.  In Sweden and Germany, the public holiday falls on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.  Greece shares the same three holidays but they don't celebrate them until the first weekend of May which I found very interesting!   In South Africa they get Good Friday off and the Monday after Easter but it is referred to as Family Day over there.  Now, have I forgotten anyone?  I have tried to cover all the places that I know of for sure where I have readers from.  If I have missed your location, I'd love to learn what days are observed in your country. 

 Obviously, Easter is both a Christian and pagan holiday from the spiritual side of things and I know we are a world made of many cultures and religions.  So, even if you don't celebrate the actual holiday of Easter, odds are the majority of you out there will be getting a little extra time off this week.

I have a couple Easter treats for you.  I realize it is too late for any Easter projects you may be putting together this year, but there is always next.

All of these creations were made using images from the ever-talented Romiposer 11.  I just love her stuff and have so much fun putting together digital designs based on her work.  Keep in mind though, that these combined images are for PERSONAL USE ONLY.  No selling is allowed because of the TOU of both Romiposer 11 and the creators of some of the fonts used.

 Fonts:  Scriptina Pro-CU and Academia SSI-unknown
 

  Font:  KG True Colors-PUO


  Fonts:  Alex Brush-CU Oil-CU

Now based on that same theme but without the Easter related symbols...

Fonts:  Cupid de Locke-PUO


Now for those of you who absolutely have to be able to sell what you use, I offer you some phrases in different colours...




 Font:  Bunnywunny-CU





  Font:  Easter Bunny-CU





 Font:  Easter Sunrise-CU

Wherever you are, what ever you do this upcoming weekend, I wish you the best.  May you spend it doing what you love surrounded by the people you love most.

Until next time,
 
Combined Images and Sentiments
Please note that due to the nature of these designs, you may not use them on products you intend to sell since several of the fonts and ALL the images are for personal use only with no profit generation.  If you use any of these combined images and sentiments, please ensure that you also credit Romiposer 11 for her part of the design. 

Fonts Used: 
Click the font names to take you to a download location.  CU-commercial use allowed.  PUO--Personal use only.

If you are not sure how to copy the image, check out the download instructions page.   If you haven't already, please become familiar with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  Quick summary of Terms of Use:   
  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' & 'Romiposer 11' somewhere on your creation for any of the combined images and sentiments.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Pinterest®, 4-Shared®, etc.  Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the image for themselves.
  • If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.
  • Leave a comment on my blog.  It is currently the only way for me to know if any of my freebies are being nabbed.  Additionally, it will help to inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.


 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Wonderful Wednesdays: Bangin' Buttons for March

If you are new to my blog and would like to know how Wonderful Wednesdays got started, please click HERE.

Here is the final entry for the March kit.  We finish the kit up with a Bangin' Button.  I created it in Photoshop Essentials using a template.  Each one is 302 x 302 pixels wide.  I'm providing it in four different colours that will coordinate with the other items currently meant for the March kit.  Choose one or all four, it is up to you. Here you go...



 
















Your March kit should now have a total of four items in it.  If you have missed one, or if you are new to the site, you can go HERE for the first item, HERE for the second and HERE for the third.  If you are new and would like items from the January & February kits, just click on 'Wonderful Wednesdays' in the label section on the right sidebar (scroll down) of this blog to find them.  Remember next month brings with it a new theme. 

Hope you like my final offering for this month's kit and can find some use for it.  If you create a project using one of these images or any of the images I create, I'd love to see them and post them into the 'Your Gallery' portion of the blog.

Until next time,



Follow on Bloglovin

Image information: 
  • You are allowed to use the buttons on handmade projects that you intend to sell.  Just be sure to familiarize yourself with my terms of use found in the copyright tab at the top of this page.  I have included a quick summary below.  This element was created using a template from Pixel Scraper.    
Quick summary of Terms of Use:    
  • Do not claim the image as your own.
  • Credit 'Decosse's Dynamite Doodles' somewhere on your creation.
  • Do not share my images with family, friends, etc.  Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc.  Instead, please direct people to my blog so they can grab the image for themselves.
  • If I have signed an image, do not delete my signature.
  • Leave a comment on my blog.  It is currently the only way for me to know if any of my freebies are being nabbed.  Additionally, it will help to inspire me to continue to create and offer future freebies.
Bonus:
If you've actually made it to the end of this post I have a little bonus item for the March kit.  It is a date stamp in the same green colour as other elements of the March kit.  Enjoy!





Card Design: San's Designs Easter Card


Today I have another image from San's Designs to share with you.  Well, actually two since both the digital image and the sentiment are both from San's fabulous Easter collection.


Here is the front of the card...



Here is the inside...

 
General Details:
  • I followed the following sketch for the card.


Image Details:
  •  Incubating BunnyI have relied once again on an image from San's new pre-coloured digis kit.  If you are ever stuck and in a hurry, these pre-coloured digi stamps are a great time saver.  Just print, cut and paste and you're done!  If you'd like a copy of this adorable pre-coloured image, just click on the image below and it will take you to the purchase page in San's Store.  This kit comes with all the images you see below.  Now, if you are interested in Incubating Bunny but would like to colour him yourself, you can go HERE in the store for the black and white version.

  • I printed out the image and fussy cut it.  I then only pasted down the head and body because I wanted the image to have more of a three dimensional look to it.

Digital Sentiment:
  • Happy EasterOn the inside of the card I used one of the new Easter sentiments from San's new freebie.  If you haven't already, make sure that you go and get your free sentiment set over at San's Designs before it is put into the store.  Clicking on the image below will take you to the post it was introduced in.

 
Paper Products:
  • Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
  • Designer Papers:  I'm afraid that everything used on this card is from my scraps folder so I don't know off the top of my head which paper pads they are from.  My guess is that they are all Recollections. I can tell you that the blue is definitely from one of the Recollection cardstock collections, I just don't remember which one.
  • I've layered the grass in three different strips.  I pasted a solid strip of the green DP in the background.  Next, I took a strip and cut wisps into it using small scissors and layered it on.  Finally, I took the last strip, did the same thing to it and layered it slightly lower.  I then fanned out the grass using my fingertips.
Ribbon:
  • Yellow ribbon--Offray from Michael's.
 Embellishments:
  • Buttons from our stash.  I did something new.  I coloured the two smaller buttons with a Copic marker.  I think it was G02 (or G05).  I've read about other people doing it and so I tried it because I just couldn't find anything to match with the cool darker green button in the middle. 
Challenge I am hoping to enter this digital design into:

I am so glad you have had the chance to stop by and also hope you get the chance to go and grab up this awesome freebie sentiment that San has available.  While you are there, why not pop into the store and see what other fabulous designs you can find.  There are a lot available right now to help you out with all your Easter needs!  With Easter coming up this weekend, her pre-coloured Easter digis may be just the thing to help you out!



Your place to go for amazing digital designs and card inspiration!


Until next time,








Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Follow Me With Bloglovin'

Follow my blog with Bloglovin



Just when I reach my first important milestone, Google Friends Connect is being retired.  Now I'm starting over and hope that you choose to start over with me by signing up with Bloglovin' and choosing to follow my blog that way.  Update:  It is a rumour that GFC is retiring on July 1st.  Only Google Reader is.  For more info, please see my post: Google Friends Connect is Apparently Sticking Around...For Now Anyways

If you have an iPhone or iPad, there is an app available for those devices, as well.   It is important for followers to click the bloglovin' follow button between now and June 30th as Google Reader will not be available as of July 1, 2013. 

Once you are signed up it is easy to import your current blog roll over to Bloglovin'.  If I understand things correctly, if you are already a follower, all you need to do is sign up over at Bloglovin' and once you've imported your blog roll you should be all set.  For new followers, you can find the 'follow this blog with Bloglovin' button over in the right sidebar between my blog badge and the 'follow by email' sign-up. 

I'll be reminding you all again soon.  I'll probably  put up a sticky note once the current draw is finished.

Thank you all for your continued support during this transition.  A big thanks to those readers who pointed this all out to me.  

Update: Paragraph with questions has been removed as they have now been answered.

Until next time,

Bit By the Bug Tuesday: Baby Benito MacBunny

Well, we knew it was only a matter of time with Bellina and Maximus, I just didn't realize it would be so quick.  Did Bellina look pregnant to you two weeks ago?  Boy those bunnies work fast!  Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to the newest MacBunny on the block, Baby Benito. 

Isn't he the most precious thing?

In honour of this occasion I have created a card to send to Bellina and Maximus to congratulate them on the new addition to their family.  Here is the front of it...


With a closer look at the newest MacBunny...



Here is the inside...


 Here are the card details, I hope I haven't forgotten anything... 

Digital Images:
  • Baby Benito MacBunny (front):  Available as a freebie by going to Naomi's blog HERE.  
Digital Sentiment:
  • Front and inside:  One I created. Even though 'welcome' looks a little lighter than the words at the bottom of the circle, they are in fact the same blue.  I'm guessing it had to do with the flash or lighting.
Paper Products:
  • Card base and shadow: pastel blue cardstock--from Dollarama.
  • Designer Papers:  Plaid and tie die (front & inside)-- Recollection's All Girl Paper Pad. 
 Embellishments:
  • Square stones--from Dollarama. 
Challenges I hope to enter include:
Some more challenges may be added to this list throughout the week or month. 

So, if you'd like to take advantage of this sweet little digi stamp, head over to Creative Bug on the Loose and follow Naomi's instructions on how to grab it.  While you are over there, don't forget to check out all the great digis she has available in the store for purchase and don't forget to leave her a little love too.

As a bonus she is also offering up Baby Benito's first soother picture too.
Now just before you go, we have something to celebrate.  Naomi has just reached the 300 follower mark.  Congrats Naomi for achieving this incredible milestone.

Here is a little badge for your sidebar, if you'd like it.  I've made it 200 px wide to fit most side bars.
 


I've caught the bug,
have you?




Until next time,



Note: I apologize if there are any formatting issues.  This is a scheduled post and we all know Blogger has a mind of it's own.  If it turns out that something looks wonky, i.e.--part of the sentence a different size or font than the rest, I'll fix it as soon as I'm able to.








Card Design: Tuesday Alchemy Pastel Rainbow Monochromatic Challenge

Today begins another fortnight challenge over at Tuesday Alchemy. This week for Challenge 53 the theme is Monochromatic Pastel Rainbow.  

We have THREE fabulous prizes available from the following generous sponsors.

Di's Digi Downloads--$10 Store Voucher
Stitchy Bear Stamps--$10 Store Voucher
LEJ Designs--4 Digital Images 

 So please head on over to
and join in all the challenge fun!

Here is the front of my card...

 Here is the inside... 


Here are the card details I hope I haven't forgotten anything...

General Notes:
  • We were tasked with the challenge of creating a primarily monochromatic card.  Each team member had to choose a different colour of the rainbow and mine was pink.
  • Challenge was certainly the right word to use in the case of creating this card!  This was my first time creating a monochromatic card and with it having to be in the pastel pink range it certainly threw me for some loops.  I actually had to have a colleague help me figure out what was too dark that it no longer qualified as pastel anymore.  I realize that the very bottom of the pink ribbon might be a shade too dark but it is such a little amount that I think I can safely get away with it.
  • It has been a long time since I've created a card without a digital image.  It was nice for a change. 
Digital Sentiments:
  • FrontQuote.
  • Inside:  Mine.
Paper Products: 
  • Card baseMichael's Recollection's white cardstock.
  • Designer Papers:  Pink damask (front), pink dotted (shadow front and inside) and shimmery white shadow (front)--Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.  
Ribbon:
  • Pink variegated ribbon--gold label from Michael's.
Embellishments:
  • Hand cast--Jolie's from Michael's.
  • Glittery pink brads--Recollection's from Michael's.
  • White hearts (front) and pink hearts (inside)--from Dollarama.

Challenges I hope to enter include:
What will you come up with for the Pastel Rainbow Monochromatic Challenge?  Remember you have two weeks to enter over at Tuesday Alchemy.  While you are there, please check out the great inspiration offered up from my colleagues on the DT.  We look forward to seeing your interpretation of our theme!   

Thank you so much for stopping by.  As I've now added to my comment section, whether you are a regular, here for the first time or popping over in your official capacity as a DT member, please know how much I appreciate the words that you leave behind.  Your encouragement helps me to become a better designer.   I try my best to reply to your comments (when an email address is available) but that is getting more and more difficult as my plate fills up with new responsibilities, new roles, and new obligations.  If I don't get the opportunity to thank you personally, know that I don't take a single comment for granted. Thank you for your understanding.

Until next time,


Note: I apologize if there are any further formatting issues.  This is a scheduled post and we all know Blogger has a mind of it's own.  If it turns out that something looks wonky, i.e.--part of the sentence is a different size, font, or colour than the rest, I'll fix it as soon as I'm able to.