Join the DoubleClick Skittles Food Challenge!

There's one week left in the current DoubleClick Skittles Food Challenge.  There's always a fun prize up for grabs, so why not play?  Skittles are not required to enter.  Just link up your food themed creation but be sure and check out the challenge rules; backlinking is not allowed.

I truly believe that cake should be a food group unto itself.  I love cake in any shape, flavor....basically, I have a major sweet tooth.  I'm knocking out two birds with one stone here; I need a birthday card and a food card.  Voile!

I chose to use the Strawberry Skittles on my cake.  The cake is a Miss Kate Cuttables svg and it had some larger decorative circles which made for perfect placement of my Skittles.  The card shape itself?  I used my Cricut Explore to cut the layered card shapes with a scallop frame in the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge.

Aren't they yummy?  You can purchase most sets as a 3 pk for $4 or less or buy individual bags.  Each bag has 25 Skittles.  There's so many colors to choose from!  A rainbow of colors, just like the candy.... And as always, Carri offers free USA shipping and PAYPAL is accepted.  Now, that's a deal!  She even offers a free bonus bag on some purchases.  I've been asked by some of my followers, how to apply the Skittles.  I use Tombow Mono Aqua Glue to really make sure it stays put but mini or small adhesive dots work well too.  Experiment by adding a touch of glitter glue to the bottom of your Skittle.  That adds even more wow factor.  Be sure it's dry though, before adding your adhesive dot.  I usually go ahead and add my clear glue right away with no problems, though.  

DoubleClick Skittles Store

Scroll down if you'd like to see the supplies I used.  Did you catch the new release of the "Believe in Magic" Skittles?  They coordinate perfectly with Disney projects and are still available.  Get them before they sell out though.  Don't come cryin' to me later.... 'cause you missed out!  #grin

Be sure and link up to the challenge by 8/18/15.   

Thanks for popping in to see my project!  I'd love if you'd click on the Friend Connect button on my upper right sidebar and become a follower. (P.S. I'm having a big blogiversary event this month!)

Terri

Linking to these challenges:

Simon Says stamp Wednesday Food/drink ChallengeAdditional 

Additional supplies:

DCWV Prism Play cardstock

May Arts Ribbon 1.5" white tulle ribbon

May Arts Ribbon scallop adhesive ribbon

May Arts Ribbon iridescent yellow ribbon

DecoArt Paper Effects Paint white and pink pearl

Ranger Liquid Pearls Platinum Pearl

Basic Grey buttons

DecoArt Glamour Dust

Tombow adhesives

Quick Quotes Powder Puff white chalk ink

TCW mini sea bubbles stencil

Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue in Yellow and Fruit Punch

#doubleclickconnect #skittles #embellishments #bubbles #dcwv #mayartsribbon #decoart #ranger #rangerink #basicgrey #tombow #tcw #thecraftersworkshop #stencil #chalk #glitter #birthday #cake #celebration #cre8time #ribbon #card #craft #polkadot #dots #party #banner #cricut #cricuteverywhere #ssswchallenge

DoubleClick Skittles Challenge #28 - Food

Welcome to a brand new DoubleClick Skittles Challenge!  

Challenge #28 - Food

Aug. 5 to Aug 18

Today I'm featuring the Willow Skittles on this sweet little strawberry card.   With food being the theme, there are so many routes I could have taken.  I have a love for stamping and coloring, so I chose to color up this stamp set from Simon Says Stamp for the first time.  I've been waiting on the perfect occasion and today is that day.  I opted to use the Willow Skittles; they're pale in color and I thought something neutral would be a perfect blend to compliment the red and green.  The little strawberry on the lower left was fussy cut and popped out with foam squares and the sentiment was heat embossed.

Willow is a test batch and not in full production.  Did you know Carri makes each batch by hand?  Manufactured in the good 'ole USA in her craft space.  How cool is that?  I'm sure she'd be happy to send you some Willow if you email her with your product request, and if she has any available.  Willow has a very faint, pale light green tint, but my lighting is a little bright and doesn't capture the full color.

You can purchase Skittles right here in an amazing assortment of colors:

Skittles store

Shipping is always FREE in the USA and her prices are priced just right.  Plus, you can pay with PAYPAL.  Bonus!  No worries about compromising your credit card information.

You can still purchase the brand new Disney-themed "Believe in Magic" Skittles here:

Believe in Magic Skittles

Terri

Why not join us, and link up your food themed project to our new challenge?  Skittles are not required to enter but please read the challenge rules, backlinking is not allowed.

Check out all the Design Team Creations, visit their blogs and leave some love, and enter to win some blog candy from Carri!

I'm also entering this card into these challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Tie It Up

Addicted to Stamps Challenge #156- Anything Goes

Inspiration Destination Challenge #45 Anything Goes

Additional Supplies:

Simon Says Stamp "You're So Sweet" stamp set

May Arts Ribbon Parrot Green burlap string

Zig Clean Color Markers (Carmine Red, Oatmeal, Brown, 

Green, Light Green, Light Gray)

Tombow Mono Aqua Glue

Tombow Foam Squares

Washi Tape from Target

Versamark Clear Watermark Ink

Ranger Black Embossing Powder

White gel pen

American Crafts White Textured Cardstock

Tim Holtz Waterbrush Pen

Ranger Jet Black archival ink

green button

#skittles #doubleclickskittles #simonsaysstamp #ranger #mayartsribbon #cre8time #strawberries #strawberry #stamping #coloring #zig #zigmarkers #zigcleancolor #embossing #washi #americancrafts #timholtz #ranger #challenge #prize #bubbles #kuretake #kuretakezig

May Arts Ribbon Design Team Call Submission 2015/16 Round 1

 Count me among the many crafters that are super excited to apply for the amazing May Arts Ribbon Design Team!  This is the first of two rounds in the selection process.  I'm charged with showing a minimum of three projects.  Of course, I can't just choose three, so I'll share a brief photo and links to some of my favorites.  I hope you like them too!  To begin, I'm sharing a new creation specifically for this post, along with a tutorial (tutorial is required). 

As of this writing, my sister is about to hit a milestone birthday; 50 years.  In addition, her youngest son just got married.  I wanted to do something super special, so I made a vinyl cut silhouette picture of my nephew and his new bride, with my Cricut Explore, and dressed it up with lots of May Arts Ribbon.  As you can see, I'm going with a monochromatic theme here.

To begin decorating my vinyl cut photo, I'm going to create a floral focus with May Arts Ribbon 2 mm bakers twine (for a looped accent and twine leaves),  trimmed rosette ribbon and mini adhesive rosette ribbon.

Starting with the looped accent:  you can use a toothpick or needle and Styrofoam, however I'm using a paper piercer and the piercing section of my Sizzix Stamper's Secret Weapon.

 1) Apply medium adhesive dot to a small punched circle, approximately 1/2" or fussy cut a circle from paper or cardstock.  Adhesive should be face up.

2) Poke toothpick or paper pierced through center of adhered circle.

3) Begin looping twine around the base of your piercer to make 6 loops (3 large loops and 3 smaller loops - approximately 2" for the large and 1" for the small), pressing down onto your adhered circle as you cross over with each loop. 

When finished, top with a medium or large sized adhesive dot.

Next, I'm making some twine leaves, also with the May Arts Ribbon 2 mm black/white bakers twine.  I've cut several leaf shapes using my Cricut, however you can use any leaf punch or hand cut this 1.5" shape.  Experiment and try different patterns of your own choosing, if you wish. 

1) Add adhesive to the top of your leaves (I used my Xyron sticker maker)

2)  Trim 4" of twine, per leaf, placing one end in the center of the adhersive side, dragging straight down to the bottom center edge,  Follow the outer edge of the leaf shape, filling inward.

3) Finish by trimming at the last gap, pressing edge firmly onto adhered leaf.

 

 The final piece to my floral centerpiece are the centers trimmed from the May Arts Ribbon 1.5" sheer white rosette ribbon.  I've taken 3 trimmed rosettes, and added foam squares to the back, bunching them together as a trio.  Top with the floral loops, adhering with more adhesive dots, and add a large enamel dot and the twine leaf accents.

Lastly, I used the May Arts Ribbon 5/8" adhesive mini rosettes to outline the acrylic stand-up frame.  The top, upper edge of the adhesive ribbon strip was pressed onto the backside of the frame, so that the outline of the flowers stands out.  I placed a tiny drop of silver glitter glue inside each little bud, and also on the centers of my larger rosettes for the centerpiece.

I have to say, these little mini adhesive rosettes have become my new favorite!  They go with so many of my projects and can be cut, stacked in bunches, colored.... the options are endless.

Additional supplies:  Clear Scraps Acrylic Book Stand, Tombow Adhesive Dots, Studio G Silver Glitter Glue, Xyron 2.5" sticker maker, We R Memory Keepers large enamel dots, Tombow Foam Tape (trimmed squares)

Now on to some of my favorite May Arts Ribbon Creations from 2014-2015:

This decorative Halloween popcorn box features MAR 1.5" sheer white mesh ribbon that has been colored with ink, and swirly baker's twine circles.  The entire theme is an ode to my love of The Wizard of Oz.

http://wavingmywand.blogspot.com/2014/10/2014-halloween-popcorn-box-blog-hop.html

This is the card I gave my Mom for Mother's Day this year.  It features four different MAR products, including the sheer white mesh listed above, the butterfly ribbon, the mini gingham adhesive hearts,  and the 1.5" frayed thread ribbon

http://wavingmywand.blogspot.com/2015/04/mothers-day-shaker-card-and-my-story-of.html

I won the Tombow 2015 Baby Challenge with this card.   One MAR satin ribbon, cut 3 ways; flat strip, rolled strip and a pretty bow.  Sometimes, a little simplicity is all you need to make a statement.

http://wavingmywand.blogspot.com/2015/03/baby-girl-shower-dress-card.html

Next up is a rockin' card, created for the May Arts Ribbon Retro Challenge, I went waaaay over the top with a rock n roll theme.  It's finished inside and out.  I really, really love this one and am so happy that it won top honors.  It features 4 different MAR ribbons that you can find at the link below.

http://wavingmywand.blogspot.com/2014/03/may-arts-retro-color-challenge-unity-be.html

Lastly, here's a recent creation using May Arts Ribbon 1.5" Parrot Green Net ribbon and natural burlap string to embellish a colored candle. 

http://wavingmywand.blogspot.com/2015/03/handmade-gift-giving-it-is-thought-that.html

Thank you Bethney and May Arts Ribbon for your consideration in Round One.

I would love for all my fellow MAR fans to come and follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/wavingmywand - 

Good Luck to all the entrants!

#cre8time #mayartsribbon #twine #dtcall #designteam #tombow #xyron #adornit #unitystampco #cdd

3 Minute Stamped Card with Washi Tape

I've been a fan of Unity Stamps for years and one of my favorite designers, is Lisa Arana.  When I saw that she created this new sentiment kit, Thanks Above & Beyond, I knew it would be added to my collection. 

I really struggle with CAS cards.  I'm always wanting to add more, but, I really tried to keep this simple.  My goal was to create a quick but pretty card in under 5 minutes. 

I inked my stamp directly with Tombow Dual Brush pens, then added a few little extras to the stamped image, various green colors for the stems and tiny pink dots around the flowers.

Next, I added a strip of gold foil washi tape and sheer pink ribbon.

Here's a close-up.  I masked the sentiment to only stamp a part of the image.

 

 This card truly only took about 3 minutes to make.  I just might have to do more of these!  This is such a fabulous kit and I highly recommend you high-tail it over to Unity Stamps and grab it while it's on sale!

Linking to these challenges:

Unity Friends With Flair

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Spring Flowers 

Sweet Stamps #216 Challenge Flowers

One Sweet Challenge Spring Has Sprung

Eureka Stamps #135 Spring Challenge

Additional supplies:  Tombow dual brush pens from the Bright collection and Soda Shop collection, American Crafts sheer pink ribbon, Washi tape from Hobby Lobby St. Patrick's Day clearance, Tombow Mono Super Bond adhesive runner

#tombow #ssswchallenge #unitystamps #americancrafts #washi

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Applying For A Craft Design Team? Top 5 things you need to know!

As a freelance craft blogger, I have crafty friends who've applied to be on design teams; small companies, large companies, independant franchises.......
design teams come in many shapes and forms.   

What exactly does it take to get on a design team?

In my own endeavors, I've contemplated this issue and decided to do a little research.  The best people to answer these questions would be those at the top, so, I did just that and went straight to the source.  In this case, I've polled several companies with a checklist of questions, hoping to get the answers that can help you reach your goal.

The companies who responded are all well known in the craft industry and range from small but well established businesses, to large companies with a worldwide business reach.  Yes, I've been talking with some big, big businesses.  You use their products every single day.  

So, let's get to it. I posed 5 questions to the representatives of several companies, two of which, were the business owners themselves who offered up the responses.  Let me mention that one particular company responded with no set requirements, but rather has an eye for what the company is looking for and goes with a gut feeling.




Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit
from: Sizzix

1.   Is experience a requirement?  Or does someone new to the scene, with a fresh approach, stand a chance?

• Experience is preferred.  A company will look at your blog to see what kind of content you're posting and what your blog looks like.   Go look at the blogs of the current design team.  It will tell you a lot about a company.  So, how does one gain experience?  Apply everywhere, all the time.  You will get a lot of rejections.  Don't give up!

2.   Does it help to have connections?  Other company contacts who know you and can vouch for your work ethic?  

• It doesn't hurt to have connections, however, it's not a requirement.  So, if you know someone in the company or have a friend somehow connected, reach out and make contact.   Word of mouth is a powerful thing.  Let your crafty friends know you're looking .  Sometimes it does help to know people!

3.  What do you look for in researching your applicants?  Use of your product in their social media and blog posts?  Other?

• Companies are looking for specific content.  Follow the trends and know what's hot.  As of this writing, these project types were mentioned by the companies I polled:   home décor, food, crafts made with an electronic die-cutter, jewelry making, fashion, quilting, sewing, paper crafts, party planning, teen & kids crafts, scrapbooking, card making
  

• Being active in social media is a must.   Your profiles will need to be public.  For example, if you're listing your Facebook page on your DT application, but it's not a public page, you need to consider setting up a separate page from your personal page.  Give it a name that companies can identify with you.  For example, I have my own personal Facebook page, but for crafting purposes, you can find me at Waving My Wand.  Keep the same name for all your social media.  It's a good marketing tool and a good way of branding yourself.
  

• Can I share my own observation here?  Based on conversations I've had with other craft bloggers, and as evidenced by following applicants who've been picked for design teams,  many companies go with applicants who are current users of their products.   

4.  Is there something to be said for enthusiasm?  Can it hurt or help for an applicant to follow up their application with an enthusiastic  endorsement?  Or is it best to remain silent and let your work speak  for itself?

• Either of those reactions is perfectly acceptable.   

5.   Is there anything that can hurt an applicant?

• An application that is not complete.  Make sure you follow the guidelines of the application.  If they're asking for your 3 favorite card making projects, show them just that.  The last 3 favorite DIY projects?  Give them what they're asking for.   Don't veer off topic and show them something else that you think is fabulous but doesn't meet the criteria of what they're asking for.

Is this helpful information?  I hope so.  Let me know what you think. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Growing in Unity - Day 4

Welcome to day 4 of my stint as the GIU (Growing in Unity) girl.  I'm showing you my creations all week long and if you comment every day on my blog post, you'll be entered into a random drawing for 25 random stamps from the Unity Stamp Company.  Wowza, 25 stamps!  

Who wouldn't love that?!  2 winners will be selected.

I made this for a gentleman who sings in our church choir, and is just retiring from his job after 30 years.  He's an avid hunter/fisherman, so I used a piece of WRMK designer paper that has this stag on it.  The stamp set I'm using today is called, "Sing a New Song".  It's one of my favorites and I felt it would be the perfect set to use for this card, embracing the recipient's love of music and hunting. 

I used the sentiment and musical notes from the kit, stamping with Colorbox archival ink in Saddle.  I did a little water coloring around the sentiment as well.

For the inside of the card, I used a sentiment from the "Everything More" sentiment kit.  This kit is a staple and has a perfect sentiment for just about any occasion.  I inked up the edges of the musical note paper with the same ink.

Come back tomorrow for more Unity inspiration! Don't forget to leave a comment here so you can qualify for the random drawing.  And for a shameless plug, I'd love if you would come and like me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand because when I get to 500 likes, I'm having a big giveaway!

Additional supplies: 

Queen and Company - Loaded Lunch Box Kit (bubbles)

We R Memory Keepers - Shine Collection - 12 x 12 Paper Pad 

kraft 5"x7" card 

Straw glitter fiber, maker unknown

May Arts Ribbon kraft twine 

Tombow - The Craft Collection - Stamp Adhesive Runner - Permanent - Refillable 

Sticky Doo pop dots

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Water color painting and Art Play, so easy!

 I've been playing aound with my ADORNit Art Play Paintables.  I love this art piece, created by artist Lindsay Ostrom, "Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear".

This is the original art that I started with.  It's from the "Home" collection and you can purchase it here:  Adornit "Home" Art Play Paintables 

I can promise you that once you take a look around and see how unbelievably inexpensive these Art Play Paintables are, you are going to want the entire collection!

If you've always wanted to learn water coloring, here is the super easy technique I occasionally use.

 Use watercolor pens, distress markers or archival ink dye pad.  For this project, I used Tombow Dual Brush pens from the Bright Collection.

1.   Blot ink onto an acrylic block or swipe your pens/markers across the block a few times.

2.  Dab a small paintbrush in water and dab onto your inked acrylic block.

3.  Paint and repeat, adding additional water to thin out your colors as desired.

That's it!  Super easy.  The flourish and stars were cut with my Cricut Explore™.  Photo editing done with PicMonkey: crazy-awesome photo editing .  Check out my supply list below.  "Like" me on Facebook because when I get to 500 likes, I'm having a big giveaway!

http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand

Additional Supplies can be purchased at links below:

- DCWV cardstock from Quince Blossoms and Prism Play
- white gel pen
-Marvy Le Pen extra fine point black
-Stickles yellow glitter glue (on the extra stars)
-Ranger Glossy Accents (for the clouds and flourish)
-DecoArt Glamour Dust glitter (for the clouds and flourish)
- silver glitter fiber sheet, maker unknown (purchased at Scrapbook Expo)
-gemstones, maker unknown
-Tombow Xtreme adhesive runner

 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!