Getting buggy...

Hi there!  It's time for another awesome challenge over at Wicked Wednesdays!  This week we are sponsored by Dilly Beans.  I just LOVE Megan's art.

It's going to be a short post today...crazy busy!  But, make sure you stop by Wicked Wednesday here to check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations.  Come join the fun!
Thanks for stopping by.
peace and love,
Mary xoxo

If Jeremy was a bunny...

Hi there!
If Jeremy (my best friend's son) were a bunny, I pictured that he would look like this:

He's a happy baby boy who does this really cool thing with his feet.  He rolls his ankles in opposite directions while reclining in his seat.  It's actually quite calming to watch :)  And to boot, he's born during the year of the Rabbit...so this is my CUTE "nephew" in bunny form.  So, thanks there peanut for being my source of inspiration.  This is only a preliminary sketch...I haven't decided what I'm going to do with it yet.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Easter!!!
peace and love,
Mary xoxo

Off with their heads!!!

Another awesome challenge over at Macabre Monday!  I am a HUGE Alice in Wonderland fan...however....I'm taking a different spin on this one.  I don't know what to call it.  It's not a card, it's too big to be a chunky page...meh, who cares?  I had FUN making it!

I LOVE cupcakes! I used a mish-mosh of stuff here:
1. Friday by Dilly Beans
2. Cupcakes by Marisa Hopkins
3. Cupcakes on stand by Impression Obsession
4. Prismacolor markers
5. DP from my stash
6. Wineglass charm
So I cropped Friday and glued her head to cardstock and drew her hair and then cut her out again...I fashioned her to be Marie Antoinette - zombified!
Her dress is a combination of chocolate covered strawberry and chocolate raspberry cupcakes (I cropped it and used the frosting only) I drew her victorian collar and added a wineglass charm as her necklace.

close up of her zombie makeup

Thanks for stopping by and happy creating!
Mary xoxo

Recycle, Re-Purpose and Reinvent!

Hi everybody!
I came across this awesome challenge blog that encourages us to be eco-friendly!

Recycle, Repurpose and Reinvent - Anything Goes!

This is an awesome place to share your creations and ideas; you can make anything you want, the sky's the limit!

Mary's CALORIE AND GUILT FREE Chocolates

Yup, you read it right...I found a way to make chocolate guilt free.  

I really like how this one turned out.  It looks like it has a rock sugar edge :)

Dark chocolate and orange bon bon - yum!

Ingredients:

1.  Recycled chocolate box

2. Left over mini cupcake liners

3. Scraps of ribbons pulled from old barrettes and left overs too short to make bows

4. Strand of glass beads from a broken necklace

5. Mini foam balls left over from a Christmas project

OK, so I took a mini foam ball and wrapped it in ribbon and secured it with sewing pins.  I made ribbon flowers on the bon-bon tops and secured with more pins.  I used the beads as sprinkles.  I just put each bon-bon in a mini cupcake liner and before you know it, I have a box of sweets :)

I really had fun with this one!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you join in on all the eco-friendly fun :)

peace and love,

Mary xoxo
Oops...totally forgot about the Bonus question.
What's the strangest thing you have been hoarding for the purpose of using it in your art and how do you plan to use it?

Guitar picks.  Yup.  Clear, plastic guitar picks.  I feel a mosaic coming.... :)

Stop and smell the roses...

Hi there!
We are sponsored by All that Scraps this week for our Woodland Nymph/Forest Fairies challenge at Wicked Wednesday!

DP by K&Company
Flower punch by EK Success
Butterfly brad by Recollections
Paper Flower from my stash

This is Bloom.  Isn't she just adorable?!  Make sure to stop by Wicked Wednesday and check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations.  Come join in on the fun for a chance to win this cute lil fairy :)
Thanks for stopping by!
Peace and love,
Mary xoxo

Flowers and Skulls

Hey there.  I woke up with what seemed to me like the world's most blinding, brain exploding headache.  I heard every single heartbeat in my temples.  So I slept in today and even after the headache was over, I was in a fog.  The rest of the day went on as usual, just peppered with a lot of naps in between.  Sheesh, every little thing took 10 times longer to do.
My art time consisted of wrapping up a couple of projects I started on Friday.

Dilly Beans - Skulls and Skellies

Close up details: I "popped" Friday's head and her skellie barrette

First up is my card for this week's Dilly Beans challenge.  I absolutely adore Megan's artwork.  I paired Friday with some sugar skulls (both colored with Prismacolor markers) from Wonderstrange.  I used up some DP scraps I had laying around and dug out my skellie glitter tape.

MilkCoffee - Throw on those flowers - TAKE 2

I also recently discovered MilkCoffee.  They have some really cute stuff there.  This is one of their images that I used to make this chunky page.  The sentiment is from Melonheadz Illustrations.  I punched out some mini daisies and put them all over the page.  I really enjoyed this challenge so I'm submitting another piece.  This will also be submitted for Fat Pages with Attitude - Anything Goes.

Well, now that I somewhat have my head screwed on right, I will attempt to read a chapter for my upcoming exam.  But first, I'm going to make a nice cup of tea.

Thanks for stopping by!

Peace and love,

Mary xoxo

What the flock?

Did I get your attention?  Good.  It's not what you think.  I'm here to remind you about our Easter themed challenge over at Wicked Wednesday.  Meet Harvey Bunny.  Isn't he cute?  He's one of Michelle Perkett's creations.
Well, I decided to work with something I never used before...flocking powder.  Poor Harvey looks like he lost a battle with some shears...or he has premature male pattern baldness.  I decided to keep him as a comical reminder of my first time using flocking and have a point of reference to hopefully see improved technique in the near future, lol.
Happy Saturday!
Mary xoxo

It's party time!!!

Hi there,
Firstly, thank you to all who stopped by Cakewalk by KWOK! It was such an overwhelmingly positive response. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.  It's more than enough to lift my spirits and to keep on truckin' along.
I have a couple of things I would like to share with you today.  Cutting it close this time as my joints have really been bothering me this week.

Dilly Beans - Party Challenge

Here's a mini shaker card with a cupcake piggy from Bugaboo.  

I filled his balloon with pink glass beads.  

I colored the image with my prismacolor markers; "popped" the frosting on his cupcakes and glittered up his hat.  I used paper flowers from my stash to go with the DP.

Forever Night - Color challenge: Purple, Black and Red
MilkCoffee - Throw on those flowers

Yes, you've guessed it!  Another shaker card :)  I just simply like making noise, haha.  This is the queen of hearts from Dilly Beans.  I colored her with my prismacolor markers, glittered up her wand and crown and filled her dress with glass beads.

I found this really cool punch by EK Success where you punch out a few rows of petals and roll them up to make flowers!  Then I filled the rest of the card with purple paper flowers from my stash.

I love Dilly Beans digistamps!

Well, that's it for now.  Gonna go rest a bit and see where the rest of evening will take me.  Thanks for stopping by!

peace and love,

Mary xoxo

Hoppy day!

We are sponsored by the awesome Michelle Perkett this week over at Wicked Wednesday.  We got to work with her cute bunny!

I printed her a couple of times and "popped" her skirt.  I absolutely adore the serene, carefree expression on her face!  Hop on over to Wicked Wednesday and check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations and join in on the fun for a chance to win this awesome digi!

Oh, and stop by Cakewalk by KWOK and grab some free digis!

Happy creating!
Mary xoxo

Sneak Peek...

Hey everyone,
Well, one more week until the debut of Cakewalk :)  Here's a sneak peek of what's to come.

See you soon!
Mary xoxo

Shake, Rattle and Roll to the Blues

I love Sundays.  Went for a nice stroll this morning, did some chores and the rest of the afternoon was devoted to good music and card making.  I tried two new techniques today!

A Day for Daisies - Shades of Blue

I made a lattice card for this challenge. Arranging those strips reminded me of making pie...mmmm, pie.  But I digress. The cherry blossoms are also from ADFD.  I colored the cute little blue bird with my Prismacolor markers; When I think of blue birds, I think of spring at the countryside.  I went for a shabby chic vibe.

Dilly Beans - Stars

Care Bears are trademark of American Greetings, created by Elena Kucharik

Flashback alert!!!  We are time traveling back to the 80s :)  Remember the Care Bears?  This is one of their starry friends.  Image is from one of my old coloring books that I scanned and resized. For this week's Dilly Beans challenge, I decided to keep it clean and simple.  The new technique on this one: SHAKER CARD!  The little star's balloon is filled with pink glass beads that you can shake around :)

Take a Word - Angelic/Angel

Precious Moments by Sam Butcher

Last but not least, this is a tag I made for Take a Word.  I've been on a Precious Moments kick recently :)  I had scrap and buttons from my bluebird card that I used up.  I just adore the little turtle!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Have a great week,

Mary xoxo

A Windy, Rainy Day

Rain, rain go away...
It's spring showers over at The Cheerful Stamp Pad.
Here's what I got:

Cardstock by G Design
Ribbon and buttons from my stash
Prismacolor markers
Chalk
Flocking
Precious Moments by Sam Butcher
Sentiment by BrossArt Addiction

I printed the image several times and used foam dots for dimension

I've always been a huge fan of Precious Moments.  I remember passing by the window of Hallmark on my way to school and seeing those adorable figurines.  This card brings back some fond childhood memories.
Thanks for stopping by!
Mary xoxo

Up, up and away!

Another fantastic Wednesday means another challenge over at Wicked Wednesdays!  This week we are sponsored by Digi Darla's and we got to work with cute aviator kitties!

I used chalk for the background and colored the kitty with my Prismacolor markers.  I printed the kitty's arm twice and used a foam dot for dimension.  This is the first time I used flocking...I made a mess :)
Make sure you stop by Wicked Wednesdays and check out the rest of the DT's awesome designs!
Thanks for stopping by,
Mary xoxo

Shades of Green

Second and final post of the day...
I wasn't planning on doing any more projects for the day, but I came across Take a Word's Green challenge.  Perfect...I have just enough scraps left over to make another chunky page!
I'm also going to submit this at Fat Pages with Attitude.

Precolored Digi from MissMary.com
Shamrock embellishments from Recollections
Ribbon - my stash

Here's a different angle
I used foam dots for dimension

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Mary xoxo

All that Glitters...

Hi there!
Firstly I woke up startled today.  Then realization kicks it; it's Daylight Savings and my clock sprung forward.  After I pulled myself together, I got some retail therapy.  I was happy as can be to find a lot of sales at Michael's.  I found THE perfect item: GLITTER TAPE!!!
This week's challenge over at Dilly Beans is "I love glitter".  I got so into it, I couldn't just make one.  I combined my love of cupcakes and glitter :)

First up is my Very Berry cupcake:

Ingredients:
Cherry berry cupcake by Marisa
Lollipop party girl from Dilly Beans
Daisy glitter tape by Recollections
Cupcake brad (lower right corner) by Recollections
Flowers from my stash
Cardstock by Bazzil
Prismacolor markers
and a pinch of LOVE xoxo

Glittered up her hat and heart on her frock
Glittered up some berries on the cupcake

Foam dots for dimension

Second up is the Sugar Frosted Pansies cupcake:

Cupcake also by Marisa
Friday from Dilly Beans
Skullie Glitter tape from Recollections
Cardstock from Bazzil
Pansy stickers by Jolee's Boutique
Prismacolor markers

I sprinkled a purple glitter heart on her frock.

Aren't the skullies adorable?

And of course, foam dots for dimension

Are you as crazy about cupcakes as I am?  This is the closest I've ever come to baking :)  Well, I made quite a mess, but I had so MUCH fun...Thanks for stopping by.  I'm going to go clean up my craft table now.
Peace and love,
Mary xoxo

Over the Rainbow about Cakewalk!

Hi there,
OK, so we all have good days and bad days.  My joints hurt, I'm fatigued more days than not and I feel like I can sleep for a few years.  Safe to say I'm having a bad day...make that a bad few weeks.  My only solace is creating stuff.  It helps me take my mind off of stress which can totally wreak havoc on your mentality and physical body.  So, with what energy I have, I craft a bit then nap a bit...then repeat.  I'm hoping that this cloud of fatigue will blow away.  Meh, enough of my complaining, things could be worse.  On to more happier stuff.
It's time for another awesome challenge over at Wicked Wednesday.  We are sponsored by A Day for Daisies this week and we got to work with this adorable little fairy baby!  I love their mermaid designs.  Check out their stuff, guarantee you'll find something you like.

Sentiment by DessertDivas

I printed out the sweet baby a couple of times to add dimension.  I smudged the background with chalk and tied a bow to it.  Looking at her sleep makes me want to go take a nap too!
But, happy news first!  I would like you to meet Chickadee.  She's one of my sweet and fluffy creations that will debut at Cakewalk (my free digistamp site) in a few weeks.  You can get your own Chickadee starting March 28th.

Mark your calendars: March 28th
Give chickadee a home; she will be yours free to download

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to stop by Wicked Wednesdays to check out the rest of creations by the DT :)
Check out Cakewalk when you get the chance and stay tuned!
Peace and love,
Mary xoxo

Pearls, lace and seeing double

I haven't been feeling too well over the last few weeks.  It's only been the last two days I felt up to doing anything creative.  So, here goes.

Macabre Monday: Terrible Twos

Ruby from Dilly Beans colored with Prismacolor markers
Cupcake and Berry bow stamps by Sanrio

For this challenge, we had to use the same image twice.  Here, I used Dilly Bean's Ruby; I love this image because she's cute yet creepy.  Those vacant button eyes just staring.  I decided to do a Sugar and Spice theme.  And even though they are total opposites, they are still twins; so I "sewed" them together.  I'm also to going to submit this for the Fashionista challenge over at Art with No Boundaries

I used foam dots to add dimension

Whoopsie Daisy: Pearls and Lace

Isn't she so sweet?  She's the epitome of spring.  I made a chunky page for this challenge.  I colored her with Prismacolor markers and added a flower to her hair.  I tried to make a lace bow (first time ever) and I think it's an epic fail; we'll try again some other time.  I also printed a lace pattern and added some pearl accents.

That's it for now.  Gotta go and rest up.  Thank you so much for stopping by!

Peace and love,

Mary xoxo

Girly girls vs. Green and Black

Second post of the day...
Had a surprise call from my friend Lisa today and we enjoyed some lunch at Cozymels.  (My fave Mexican go to place).  I spent the morning at Blick's art supply and Michaels.  Other than that, I was enjoying quiet time at my craft corner; and here's what I got for ya:

Dilly Beans: GREEN and BLACK

Froggy stamp from Modes4u
Sentiment by teegs scrap n cards

I have this cool little stamp from Modes4u which I stamped on cardstock; I then scanned the image and resized on my computer.  This cute froggy trio was colored with Prismacolor markers; I used my butterfly border punch from Martha Steward and added a green and black ribbon from my stash.

Just Some Lines: Girly Girl!

Cute Japanese girl from Pixie Dust Studio
DP by CoCoMiMiLuLu

I'm back again this week for Just Some Lines!  I was so happy when I found out I won last week's challenge.  Thanks to everyone over at JSL!  Jehanne's digistamps are SO AWESOME!!!  When I saw this week's theme, I knew right away which digi I wanted to use :)  I colored her with my Prismacolor markers and added some punched out butterflies.

Well, that's all I really have energy for today.  Gonna go make some tea and chill for a bit.  By the way, I'm trying out a new posting format that I learned from Jenn.  It really helps me consolidate if I'm joining more than one challenge :)

Ciao for now!

Mary xoxo

Someone was at my craft table!!!

Oh no!  Someone's been here and look at the mess she's left behind!

Background smeared with Ditto Inkpads
Palette and splatter embellishments from Recollections
Graffiti and tiny bunny footprints by yours truly :)

I'm going to have to talk to that bunny...
Well, before I go clean up this mess, I'm here to remind you about this week's Celebrate Art challenge over at Wicked Wednesday.  Join in on the fun for a chance to win Toby the painter by The Greeting Farm.
Gotta go, ciao for now!
Mary xoxo

Celebrate Art!

Hey everyone!
It's time for another awesome challenge over at Wicked Wednesday.  This week we are sponsored by The Greeting Farm; we are celebrating art!
Art keeps me sane.  When I'm creating, stress just melts away.  The way I see it, there's no right or wrong; even if it doesn't come out the way you imagined, that's ok.  Take a breath and just try again until you feel it's what you want.
So get creative and won't you join us this week?

Background is smeared with Ditto Inkpads
Canvas/easel and paint tube embellishments by Recollections
Lettering by KCompany
Toby the painter by The Greeting Farm, colored with Prismacolor markers

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
Mary xoxo

Save the date...

OK everybody!  Mark your calendars.  Cakewalk will be opening its doors on Wednesday, March 28th.  There will be lots of goodies for you to create with.  Stay tuned for updates!

Peace and love,
Mary xoxo

Coming soon...

What?!  Another blog?  YES.
Am I crazy?  No comment.
I've received some suggestions that maybe I should have some of my own digital stamps.  Honestly, the thought never crossed by mind.  But, to have received so much positive input over the last several months, why the heck not?  I'm honored and elated that people actually enjoy my sketches enough to want to create with them.  I'm truly taken away by that.

Over the next several weeks (time and life stuff permitting) I will be planning for this site.  All I can tell you for now is be prepared for EXTREME cuteness!!!!

I hope that I've piqued your interest :)
Thanks for stopping by and keep checking in as I will be posting updates.  If all goes well, I should be up and running by the end of March.
Peace and love,
Mary xoxo

I hope you dance...

Hello there!
A quick post before I call it a day.  Here's my last minute submission to Art with No Boundaries: Let the Dancer Inside You Escape; I hope I make it in time!
I've recently discovered Melonheadz; I absolutely adore her style!

Be you own kind of beautiful...
and get down with your bad self!
Image and sentiment by Melonheadz
heart and strawberry stamps - my stash

I love this fairy ballerina monkey.  She's so carefree :)
Thanks for stopping by.
Mary xoxo

Cute little easter basket...

Found a cool challenge blog, which is new to me, the other day.  Whoopsie Daisy has the cutest images.  I went with a 4x4 chunky page and kept it simple.  I wanted the image to be the main focus.

Colored with Prismacolor markers
I printed her out a few times to layer and add dimension

Here's a better angle to see the dimension I added with foam dots.

Have a great day, thanks for stopping by!
Mary xoxo

Seeing Red...

Another Friday, another challenge over at Dilly Beans.  This week we are seeing red...
It's one of my favorite colors, but I find it hard to work with because it doesn't photograph well (at least for me).  Anyway, second to my love of apples are strawberries!  I instantly fell in love with this little fairy by Crystalline Coley; go check out her deviant art gallery.  I'm starting to experiment with Prismacolor markers --the colors are amazing!

I used foam dots to give her dimension...her little legs are popping out of the card and so are the three little strawberries.  Can't really tell from the photo.

Prismacolor markers
Cupcake and Flower brads by Recollections
Butterfly border and butterfly punch by EKSuccess
Berry sentiment by Tiddly Inks

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!
Mary xoxo