Challenges Coming Your Way

Happy Hellos Everyone:

(Please click Read More at the bottom of the post to view the OTWC Challenge entry.)
Happy MLK Day! I hope those of you--here and abroad that are able to find time today during your busy schedules to take a moment or two to reflect on the wonderful contributions Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made in such a brief period of time. Although my plans are very modest today compared to other, I hope they will prove to be impactful as my son and I sit and listen to the I Have a Dream speech and watch King, the movie and other programs that will document the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

With the exception of the challenge I entered last week, it had been months since I threw any of my cards in the 'hat.' There are several challenges that I decided to participate in, including the challenge over at Pal Paper Arts. If you're interested there's still time to participate.

This is the inspiration photo...

...and this is what I created...

Aside from using the colors required for this challenge, I wanted to create a card that could be recieved by a man or a women. So, I tried to tone the softness of the card down by including a black flower. I also thought with love comes tears that are stimulated by happy or sad emotions, so I highlighted the words many (if not all of us) would like associated with a water-like effect.

Then I hopped on over to The Play Date Cafe. I love the soft colors in their inspirational photo. Don't you?

...and below is the card I created...

I used SU's Crumb Cake cardstock; Craftbox Ink; Ranger Ink embossing powder; Stampendous (flower) Stamp; Fiskars (sentiment) Stamp; scalloped edge punch; and silk baby blue ribbon


From there, I hopped over to Waltzing Mouse Stamps. I love their sketch this week. Since I came up with another idea for this card. I'm actually considering entering another card in this week's challenge.

I wanted to use my WMS stamps since it was a WMS challenge. So, without further ado...this is what I submitted...

My WMS are limited, but I had a fun time working with what I had. I used a line of Basic Grey papers; WMS; a little bling to represent steam; SU cardstock; amd some ribbon. Every other section had been raised with SU dimenisonals for volume.

I Recieved An Award

Happy Hellos Everyone:

As you know I post what I deem to be regularly--that is several times a month. However, sometimes I miss a comment or two right. Rest assured I'll come across them. This comment was delievered on my son's birthday and boy was I busy and it was a little over a week before I posted again. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly suprise when I discovered my 'Stylish Blogger Award.' My talented blogger buddy, Pauline from way across the pond. "Thanks"  so much for this wonderful award. Now from my understanding, I am suppose to share with you eight things about myself. The only thing is, I feel as though I have already share all the highlights, but here are the facts....

1. I love old television shows--the older the better.

2. I lived in Germany and travel throughout Europe for four years. Loved It! Loved It! Loved It!

3. My favorite places to visit were Prague, Czechoslovak and London, England.

4. I love to cook and bake. No matter what I cook or bake I have to garnish the dish. For me, presentation ranks high on the scale. Beside, the dish is just not complete if I'm not able garnish it.

5. I love to entertain. I'll make up an occasion if I have to ;)

6. I have written a book, Blue Monday. I hope to have it published by June. (There's an excert from the first chapter in the previous. You're welcom to read it.)

7. I love having a pet--always have, alway will.

8.  Lastly, one of my goals for 2011  is to become a better crafter. For me, that means creating more quality cards, layouts, alter art pieces,etc. to share with you.

Now here's the fun bit! 8 lovely ladies I like to visit on a very regular basis, pop by their inspiring blogs, you won't be disappointed! I can always find inspiration on their blogs.

1. Wanabugg Creations

2. Trina Makes Stuff

3. Princess Scrapper Stamper

4. Vera Stamps

5. Valita's Designs & Fresh Folds

6. A New Design

7. Hownownbrownkow

8. Savvy Sisters Studio


Again, thanks so much Pauline and thanks for stopping by the Gallery.

My Book - Bleu Monday

Happy Hellos Everyone:

Before I get deep into this post lets hear it for the Baltimore RAVENS!!! What a way to kick-off (pun intended:) the second week of 2011.

I hope your work week has beautiful beginning and a fantastic finish. I am so excited about The Peddler’s Gallery. It’s really beginning to take the shape of the gallery I envisioned. This blog has been a wonderful platform for me to share my talents with you and vice versa.

Over the Christmas holidays, I decided to share another one of my talents with you. When time, space, and the right environment align, I love to write. A few years ago, I wrote a book entitled Bleu Monday. Over the next couple of months, I plan to share excerpts from Bleu Monday in anticpation of a summer release. Please feel free to comment among other Gallery Followers and visitors. Although you may ask lots of questions, I plan to make as few comments as possible. Rest assured, I will read all of your comments.

You know I had to post a card to compliment the title of my book. Yes, my featured card is blue. I hope you like it!

For those of you that like to read between the lines, please note-- 

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales are entirely coincidental. All rights are reserved. The reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, or in any other information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without written permission of the author.

 I hope you will enjoy reading  the first two pages of Bleu Monday...

ALTHOUGH HE WAS STANDING IN THE CENTER of the doorway, Clarke didn’t spot him at first. She was drinking her preferred gourmet tea, French Vanilla Blend, when she raised her eyes above the rim of that hearty tea-mug she held onto so firmly. Her petite hands gave an impression they were even smaller when she interlocked her fingers snugly around her favorite mug. However, she immediately noticed him when he entered the room. It was discernible for anyone to assume this was his first visit to Bigelow’s. His eyes gazed around the room like a feline on the prowl for mischief only he was searching for some familiarity.


Almost in a whisper she asked, “What’s he doing here?” She glanced at her wristwatch. “He’s not supposed to be here for another hour.” God, he looks good! Clarke thought.


He looked as though he’d just stepped out of an issue of Essence’s Sexiest Man of the Year Issue. His locks, that gently swept his shoulders when they were loose, were pulled back in a neat ponytail that now hung slightly above his shoulders. The colors he wore weren’t just for the season. It was as if God created those colors with him in mind. He was casually dressed in a pair of pleated platinum suede slacks that anyone could see were tailor-made to fit him and him alone. His baby blue powered ribbed turtleneck clung to his body like the color blue clings to the sky. A silver crucifix hung down his chest. Not too big, but not too small. Amazingly, the crucifix matched his ego—it was just large enough to indicate, he was one of God’s children. Clarke always heard people say, “Clothes make the man,” but she thought, “Uhn! Uhn! Not in his case.” In this case, he definitely made the clothes. He was dressed for any occasion. To Clarke he could have entered the room having just left a pig’s sty and he would have still smelled like a rose.
--Look for more excerts in future postings

Several people have attempted to leave comments regarding Blue Monday; however, their comments are not showing up. If you would like to make a comment, my suggestion to you is to 1.) Post your comment in the comment box. 2.) Make a selection from the Comment as box. If you have to post as 'Anonymous' be sure to include who you are at the end of you comment. 3.) Select Post Comment tab--once, maybe twice 4.) This may take you to the log on screen. Since I have a Google account, I'm prompted to enter my logon name and password. 5.) It should bring you back here and you should select the Post Comment tab. 6.) Lastly if this does not work for you, send your comment to: thepeddlersgallery@hotmail.com and I will post your comment(s)under this post.

Don't forget to share your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery. Come back real soon.

First Challenge of 2011

The Moxie Fab Trigger of the Week is the first challenge I will have particpated in this year. Below is a phot of the inspiration picture:

This is what I created.

I hope you like it.

Michelle Zindorf + Brayer Class = AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE

Happy Hellos Everyone:           

‘Wow!’ One week down 51 weeks left on the calendar. Time is moving fast. I have more news to share with you that I think you’ll be interest to know.

Take a look at the card to your left. It's nice isn't it. Well, if you’ve never taken a class with Michelle Zindorf and wanted to, here’s a perfect opportunity for you to do so. This summer I will host four classes for Michelle Zindorf. That’s right! Michelle is coming to Maryland to teach her brayer style techniques. It’s an awesome class  with wonderful step-by-step instructions (just like her blog, but only better) and when it’s all over, you’re so inspired with the endless possibilities of all the things you can do with your brayer.  The classes will be held in Owings Mills, Maryland on Saturday, July 9^th and Sunday, July 10^th.  For more information about Michelle’s style visit Michelle’ s Blog or click here to enroll in a class.

NOTE: There are no more than 11 people to a class and I received notice that 15 people have already enrolled.

 Now on with today’s card….

I'm participating in a weekend challenge ove at SOC. You're challenged--should you decide to participate to create a Valentine's Day card using only the colors red, black, and white. I use a technique I discovered over at GinaK website. I embossed the edge of the red cardstock with black embossing powered. The heart is also embossed. I placed dimensional under the heart for a little lift before sealing the jar with Copic markers. Finally, I topped the card off with a touch of glitter mist.  The sentiment was computer generated.

Yes, it's a simple card, but it works for me.

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler’s Gallery. Come back real soon.  I’ll have more Gallery information to share with you.

NEW(S) From the Gallery

Happy Hellos Everyone:

I feel as though I'm behind with the lastest happenings, but I promise to bring you up to speed. So much is about to kick-off here at The Peddler's Gallery. I'm just too excited. To avoid over loading you all at one time, I thought I would share a little bit of news with you over the next couple of days. Before I go any futher, I wanted to share today's card with you.

As you can see, I'm still on the purple tip. I mean, who  isn't? I used much of the same materials as I did in yesterday's post, with the exception of the designer paper. The DP is actually some vellum I picked up months ago and of course my SU (floral) die.

On With the News....

When it comes to Christmas cards, I decided I wanted to do something different at the Gallery this year. Over the holidays, I had an opportunity to read several blogs and the messages that were left at the Gallery. From what I could tell, several of you either send lots of  Christmas cards; sell lots of Christmas cards; and/or want to send more than what you currently send. Some times that becomes very challenging towards the end of the year. There's so much that we're trying to accomplish in such a brief period of time. So, this year I'm starting a monthly challenge at the Gallery. Instead of waiting until July or November to begin making Christmas cards, why not start now! If you would like to participate, read on.....

The Christmas Challenge

Each month you are required to create one Christmas card and duplicate it nine times. Once you have created your Christmas cards, all you have to do is post a photo of your creation onto this blog acknowledging you have completed the challenge by the last day of the month. By November, you should have at least 110 Christmas cards to sell and/or give away.

I know what some of you may be thinking and I'm one step ahead of you. Since Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus, you may subsitutes, five of the ten Christmas cards with birthday cards if you do not require that many Christmas cards. If you plan to subsitute, remember, you must have five duplicated Christmas cards and five duplicated birthday cards. Periodically, there will be a random give-a-way available for one lucky person. If you would like to play along with me in this year's Christmas challenge you can begin by leaving a comment letting all of us know you plan to participate.

Looking forward to your comments and your photos!

Well, thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery and be sure to stop by tomorrow. I'll have more news to share with you.

Happy New Year Everyone

Happy New Year Hellos Everyone:

It appears as though so much has happen since my last post. I don’t know where to begin. I wanted to post my first posting on New Year’s Day, but of course—that didn’t happen.  If you’re wondering, wonder no more, I’ll tell you what happen. My computer has been dying a slow death since early last year.  I’m the culprit.  I did it. I sat on it. That reminds me never lay your laptop on your bed. There’s a good chance you’ll forget it’s there.  I cracked the screen. It began oozing this black liquid (I guess) through the cracks over the course of the past nine or ten months—to the point where I only had half of a screen;  three four of the keys stopped functioning; and my USB ports were so bad, the internet worked when it wanted to. I got really creative maneuvering around the laptop until Christmas day. My sister and brother-in-law surprised me with a brand new Dell Laptop. I was stunned. It came just in time too.  It’s beautiful. I’m missing a few programs that I love to work with, but as soon as I locate my software, I’ll really be back in business. That’s not all…. On Christmas morning, my mother informed me, I was no longer allowed to use her camera. Yes, the lovely pictures I post are from using my mother’s Nikon.  My mom is a great amateur photographer. She’s been taking pictures for as long as I can recall. So when she announced I could no longer use her camera, I thought, ‘Great! The gravy train ride has ended.’ I couldn’t be upset. I just did know how I would photograph my cards. That is until she pulled out a Nikon camera and gave it to me.  Once again, this was totally unexpected.  I’m learning how to use it. It’s nothing like the camera I have been shooting with.  Oh, by the way… The camera’s purple too.

There were some other things that have happened over the holiday. Someone tapped into my FaceBook and Ebay accounts via PayPay and had a goodtime on me, my car is in critical condition, but I’m just going to pray over those things.

On with what’s happening in the Gallery…
I thought I start 2011 off with a purple creation. I love the Christmas holidays, but I was so ready to start working on something else. Where any of you feeling this way?
 



Well, what do you think? Did I used enough purple? :)

I used Canford and SU cardstocks. The DP is paper I purchased from a while back. I embossed the crown stamp over at the Queen’s Inks in Savage, Maryland twice to achieve a 3-D effect. The stamp works great for a male or female recipient. To top it off, I added a little bling and embossed one of Hero Arts’ new sentiments from their 2011 collection.

Thanks for visiting The Peddler’s Gallery and come back tomorrow. I’ll have more to share with you.

A Special Birthday Boy

Happy Hellos Everyone:

Today's a special day. My little man is officially a 'preteen/tween.' It's hard to believe so much time has past.We commenced the day with a celebratory haircut. That is, Kevin's haircuts are now full price since he falls under the 12 and up policy. Then we went shopping; had lunch with some friends, and then more shopping, but the highlight of his day came earlier this morning when he recieved his gift. He had been asking for a cellphone for months, but I kept saying 'no.' I finally broke down and purchased a cellphone for him yesterday. Needless to mention he was not just happy, he was thrilled (and I was the best mom in the world). This weekend, I'm sure he'll text until his little fingers can't text any more. Don't be surprise if Kevin text you :) My highlight was Kevin's response to his birthday card. He loved the card I made for him. Although, I couldn't take credit for orignality, I was so happy he liked it. I CASed the card from WMS website.

I used a combination of distressed and SU classic inks, Waltzing Mouse Stamps, sewing machine, computer (text) and SU cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery and come back real soon.

Oh Christmas Tree

Happy Hellos Everyone:

There's alot of things going on in my world today, as I'm sure there is yours also. So, the plan is to make this posting as brief as possible. There's a lot of sharing going on over at SOC--that is Christmas trees. We're posting pics of our Christmas trees.  If you have a minute or two I encourage you to visit. Take a look at all the beautifule trees or perhaps post a picture of your tree too. Just remember, in order for you to post you have to sign-up. While you're already over there sign-up for the upcoming SOC E:spire Magazine--due to launch in February. It's free!!!

Below are a few pics of my Christmas tree I wanted to share with you. Hope you enjoy them.

I hope your enjoyed viewing the ornaments from my Christmas tree as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you. Many of the ornaments on the tree were recieved from Christmas Tree Trimming parties I hosted over the past 12 years. As you can see I need not another Christmas ornament. Thanks for taking a peek. ....and yes, my favorite color, if you haven't guessed by now is purple. Thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery. Come back real soon!

It's Official...

Happy Hellos Everyone!!!

It's official!!! We have entered into the twelve days of Christmas. You ask, 'What does that mean.' I haven't a clue, but it does appear as though something good should happen today. I guess we'll have to wait and see. As I mentioned, it is the twelve days of Christmas, but I do not have a Christmas card to share with you. Instead, I have a good number of family and friends that have December birthdays, so I decided to make a few birthday cards. I made this card to send to my good friend, Kelly.

Now on with the results of this weekend's give-a-way... And the winner is...

Trina

Congratulations!!!

Please e-mail me your mailing address and I will get your COPIC markers in the mail this week. Thanks for playing along.

COPICS Markers....Up for Grab

T.G.I.F.

Can you say it with me? T.G.I.F. I wanted to start the weekend off right. You know, today just feels like one of those happy days. I hope you're feel'n the same way too. From time-to-time I take a look at The Peddler’s Gallery blog and I am amazed by how much it has developed in such a brief period of time and I'm amazed by number of people that I have met along this wonderful journey. I realize many of us are far apart, but somehow this blog brings us a little closer together. I’ve also noticed in the past few weeks, the number of Followers have increased. That makes me smile! Having Followers reminds me I'm not the only one in the gallery.  Thanks so much!!! Hey!

Are you just beginning to establish a collection of COPIC Markers or want to?

Would like to add to the collection you already have?

If so, continue reading...

Since this is the season of giving, I want to give something to you. I have a few things up for grab which includes some COPIC markers. All you have to do, (if you haven’t done so thus far) is sign-up for a free subscription to Scraps of Color E:spire Magazine and leave a note on this post letting me know  you are a subscriber of E:spire by 6:00 PM Sunday, December 12^th. If you're Follower, let me know that too and I'll add your name in the hat twice to double your chance at winning the blog candy.  The winner's name will post  before midnight. That's it. That's all you have to do. 

 Thanks for stopping by the gallery! 

Another Tag to Share

Happy Hellos Everyone:

It’s Wednesday already! Can you believe it? I hope your ‘Hump Day’ has kicked-off to a fabulous start.  I have created a list of all the things that I would like to accomplish this week. To let you in on just a few things, (1) I need to complete my personal Christmas cards and get them in the mail ASAP—before they become Happy New Year’s cards; (2) I need to make a few birthday cards—for some reason, I have managed to acquire several jingle-babies in my life; (3) I also need to finish some of the projects I’m preparing for the NEW Scraps of Color E:spire Magazine. All I’ll say about that is you’re in for treat. However, in order for you to receive your treat you need to get over to SOC and get your free subscription before the free goes away. (4) Lastly, I want to show you my lasted Tim Holtz inspired tag. As I mentioned yesterday, I do not have half of the things required to make the inspirational tag, but I have inspiration. So, once again, I improvised.



One might agree I went totally to the left wing with this tag. That is, I tried to capture the true relevance of the holiday season.  To begin I tinted the tag with two shades of brown Tim Holtz’s Distressing Inks.  I used my Hero Arts musical note stamp to setup the background. I embossed Silent Night from Impression Obsession on top of the music notes. Then I inked a three wise men stamp from Stampendous.  Half a wreath was stamped in opposing corners with SU Early Espresso. Scattered snowflakes were embossed into the background; diamond studs flourishes were tinted with Copic Markers; the focal sentiment, ‘Jesus is the First Gift of the Season’ Stampendous stamp was stamped and embossed onto the wise men. Lastly, three cardboard crowns were painted and coated in Glossy Accents.

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery and come back soon!

12 Tags of Christmas

Happy Hellos Everyone!

I hope your week has kicked off to a fantastic start. A couple months ago I shared I had an opportunity to take a class with Jennifer McGuire. If an opportunity every presents itself, be sure to take advantage and attend the class. I learned so many different techniques. I also became better acquainted with both Hero Arts—which I absolutely fell head over heels with. I received an excellent introduction to a brand I was intentionally avoiding. I didn’t want to learn anything about this line. A new line warranted new money—if there’s such a thing. LOL I totally managed to play the reverse psychology game. That is literally until I sat down in Jennifer’s class.  (One of the projects was already underway.) I was hooked. Unfortunately, every time I come across a card and/or a project made by this line, I become weaker. That is I began to admit aloud the good things I saw about the product line. This weekend, I hit rock bottom. I’m now hooked. I was blogging over at Scraps of Color when I stumbled upon two of my SOC sistahs blogging about tags they were making.  I read tags, the 12 Days of Christmas, and…..Tim Holtz. That was it. I quickly opened another window and before I knew it I was over at Tim Holt site just drooling. I learned this weekend, for the past four years Tim Holtz has created a series each year of the 12 Tags of Christmas. He creates a new tag as many of us begin to count down to Christmas—each one uniquely designed. Well, I couldn’t do much more than drool for the moment. I had so many  things going on this past weekend. You know, the typical stuff, salon on Friday evening,  barber shop on Saturday morning, car appointment,  tree trimming party to attend, and then there was Sunday--the bazaar and the Baltimore Raven’s game (which we will not discuss). I still licking my wounds from that game.  So, I wasn’t able to do anything about this addiction—the desire to create a tag. A tag I’m not exactly sure what I’ll do with now that I have it. Perhaps, I’ll place it on a bottle of wine.  I was invited to attend a Fling Before the Ring Party this coming Saturday. Maybe I’ll take a bottle of wine or I’ll save it for the next holiday gathering I’m invited to or I can place it on a gift I plan to give; maybe use it as a holiday decoration. Who knows?  

As I sat down at my create table to begin, I quickly realize there were several of Tim’s supplies I did not have on hand. It can be hard to find a neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar from during this time of year since so many people get into the baking mode. You can imagine finding a neighbor that happens to have Tim Holtz products on hand is even harder.  So, of course I had to improvise. I gleaned a few things from other lines I currently have to make the best tag that I possibly could.  I think the tag turned out pretty good for a first time attempt. By now, you’ve probably heard enough of my ramblings. Below is a photo of one of Tim’s tags:

…and here is what I created.

I used everything from my Tim Holtz's rowhouse die and ink to ranger Ink products to SU stamp and inks and Copic markers to create this Christmas Eve scene.

Leave a comment to let know what you think. Thanks for visiting The Peddler’s Gallery and be sure to come back real soon.

This Weekend's Bazaar

Happy Monday Everyone:


I know. It feels as though forever has happened since my last blog entry. I'm glad you and I found our way back to The Peddler's Galley.

What a weekend it was. All I know is, time flew and I tried to keep up. I was busy from beginning to end--so much so, there were a few things I was not able to accomplish. Nevermind those things, but I will tell you about the thing I was able to do. Most importantly...I finish making my holiday cards for yesterday's bazaar. YEAHHHH!  Things really turned out nicely and I sold a good number of cards. In addition to that, I was asked to teach a cardmaking class to a group of nuns. I'll have to let you know how that unfolds.  

Below are a few photos I wanted to share from this past weekend.

I was suprised all the vendors were provided with round tables,

but I managed to make it work. As you can see I had plenty inventory.

My signage really worked.

That is there was one less question not asked too frequently.

I loved how this card turned out. I'm not sure of the name of the stamp,

but I'll get back with you on that. It was a stamp

I picked up at the Queen's Ink after Christmas last year.

I had two other cards that were actually nicer than this one.

I went to take a picture of them only to discover, I had no more room on the disk.

That's why I only have these four photos from this week's bazaar.

Well, thanks for stopping by the gallery. Come back and visit real soon.