Friday, November 18, 2016

My November Samples for Gecko Galz

Hi Crafty Friends!

Today I am sharing my November samples, and my final post for Gecko Galz.  I'm very sad that I had to leave, but the stress of my current state of disorganization in every aspect of my life has forced me to put crafting aside for the time being.  I have so enjoyed being a part of this team and the lovely and talented group of ladies.  Thanks for looking!





Please visit the Gecko Galz blog for a free digital stamp HERE.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

The New Gecko Galz Challenge is Here!

Hi Crafty Friends!  I completely forgot that the first of the month came and went already.  Below is my sample for the November customer challenge "Deck The Halls".  Please visit the Gecko Galz Blog to see the samples created by all of our talented team members.  Join in the challenge for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree!  The only rule is to use at least one Gecko Galz image or background paper.

I created a Christmas ornament using a small paper mache heart that I picked up at Michael's ions ago.  I used mod podge to apply background music note paper from Gecko Galz, a bingo card, the vintage girl image, and the music note bow.  All images by Gecko galz.  I added trim around the edges, and a few details from my stash.  It was very quick and fun to create.  Thanks for looking!


Vintage Visions mini printable paper pack
Alter It digital collage sheet set
Little Christmas Icons digital collage set
Christmas Haberdashery collage sheet set


Thursday, October 27, 2016

The Gecko Galz Annual Blog Hop is here!

Hello Everyone!

We want to welcome everyone to the
Gecko Galz 6th Annual Blog Hop

This is your Fourth stop on a wonderfully Wicked Blog Hop
We have 16 AMAZING blogs for you to visit this weekend, each with some gorgeous projects created using the Gecko Galz collage sheets that we are giving you for FREE! Each blog you visit will have another free Gecko Galz Collage sheet for you to down load, the one here is
"Cinema Sweethearts".

Also make sure you leave a message on each blog site you visit and on the last blog there will be a phrase that you will email to us to be entered in our drawing for a wonderful treat pack.  So sit back, relax, take your time and enjoy the hop!
We have FOUR amazing prizes up for grabs:
·        First is a Gecko Galz shopping spree for $100!
·        Second prize is a $50 Shopping spree with Gecko Galz.
·        Third prize is a $25 shopping spree!
·        And our Grand Prize ONE FULL YEAR of Gecko Galz PRODUCTS!!! This includes the 6 new collage sheets each quarter, a new stamp set each quarter, a new paper pack each quarter!
 This is a $100 value!

First of all, you will need to visit all 16 blogs and leave a comment on each blog :) **This is important so we know you have been to all the blogs **. Collect the phrase at the end of the hop on the Fripperies and Butterflies site there will be a link to email the phrase to Gecko Galz.
This enters you in the contest. On October 31st we will randomly draw the 4 winners and email each of you, then we will post the winning names on the Gecko Galz blog site.

For an extra chance to win make a purchase from the GECKO GALZ ETSY STORE between the 27th of October and the 30th of October and your name goes in again for a better chance of winning (each purchase you make that weekend gives you another chance to win) 


Please enjoy this free Gecko Galz Collage sheet
“Cinema Sweethearts”


Following are some samples using this collage sheet and other Gecko Galz products:

First up is an altered mini clipboard.  After painting the clipboard with white gesso, I covered it with Gecko Galz paper in a music note pattern.  I matted the image, printed out a quote and put it all together with a few other simple details.  The bingo card is also Gecko Galz.  Products links below:
Vintage Visions mini paper pack
Bingo Cards digital collage sheet

Next up I altered a cigar box.  I began by painting the box with gesso and white paint.  Along the sides I applied torn Tim Holtz tissue paper in random areas with matte Mod Podge.  I also did some random stamping and distress ink staining.  The top of the box is covered with Gecko Galz papers, and also some music sheet paper from my stash, both applied with matte Mod Podge.  I placed doilies and a Gecko Galz bingo card under my image, then added some white glittered roses by recollections.
Bingo Cards digital collage sheet

Background paper is from the Wild Roses paper pack
Large rose is from the Ephemera Fun digital collage sheet

Behind Door #1 digital collage sheet

Thanks for looking!

Now have fun visiting each Blog


















If you did not start at the Gecko Galz Blog you might want to start there so you will not miss a thing!










Tuesday, October 18, 2016

My October samples for Gecko Galz

Hi Crafty Friends!  Below are the samples I created for Gecko Galz this month.  I absolutely love these images, and have linked the collage sheet below.  The cards were created with just some simple matting, and I added some leaves I created with a sizzix die, and with random scraps of Gecko Galz papers from my stash.  I love how the card turned out.  Please visit the Gecko Galz blog and pick up your free digital stamp HERE.



Autumn Days digital collage set
Hocus Pocus digital paper pack
Autumn Harvest digital paper pack

Thanks for looking!   Remember to join us for the annual Gecko Galz blog hop featuring free collage sheets at each members blog as well as the chance to win more free sheets.  The hop begins at the Gecko Galz blog and begins on October 27th through Oct. 31st.  Come join the fun!!

Saturday, October 1, 2016

New Challenge at Gecko Galz!

Hi Crafty Friends!  It's time for the October challenge on the Gecko Galz blog!  Our theme this month is "Fall into Autumn".  Please visit the Gecko Galz Blog to see the samples created by all of our talented team members.  Join in the challenge for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree!  The only rule is to use at least one Gecko Galz image or background paper.  This can be one of the free images offered monthly on our Pinterest page, or from our annual blog hop each October.  Speaking of which....don't forget to join us for this year's hop!!  Details on the Gecko Galz blog.

Autumn Days digital collage set
Autumn Harvest digital paper pack
Hocus Pocus digital paper pack

Thanks for looking!

Thursday, September 15, 2016

My Gecko Galz Samples for September

Hi Crafty Friends!  These cards were so much fun and very simple to create using Gecko Galz collage sheets and printable papers.  I hope you enjoy them, and be sure to stop by the Gecko Galz blog every day for Design Team inspiration and free digital stamps too!
Hocus Pocus digital paper pack
Haunted Ephemera collage set
Little Witches domino collage set

Hocus Pocus digital paper pack
Boo-tiful Halloween collage set

Thanks for looking!


Thursday, September 1, 2016

New Gecko Galz Challenge for September

Hi Crafty Friends!  It's time for a new challenge at Gecko Galz!  Please join us for our fun new challenge "Witching Hour"!  Below you will find my sample for our September challenge on the Gecko Galz blog.  Please visit the blog to see what the rest of the team has created.  We hope we can inspire you to enter for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree at the Gecko Galz etsy store.  Thanks for looking!
Hocus Pocus digital paper pack
October Treats digital collage sheet
Wicked Words collage sheet set

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

My Gecko Galz Samples for August



Hi Crafty Friends!  Today I am sharing the samples I have created for Gecko Galz for the month of August.  As you can see, I was still feeling a little beachy.  I absolutely loved a recent mermaid collage sheet I got from Gecko Galz, and I just had to use some of the images.  Background papers are also Gecko Galz printables.  Please stop by the Gecko Galz Blog today and every day for a free digital stamp!


La Isla Bonita digital printable paper pack
Namaste digital printable paper pack
Merry Little Mermaids digital collage sheet


La Isla Bonita digital printable paper pack
Namaste digital printable paper pack
Merry Little Mermaids digital collage sheet
Beachy Jewels collage set

Thanks for looking!

Monday, August 1, 2016

New! Gecko Galz Challenge for August!

Hi Crafty Friends!  I just love our August theme, since I love anything related to the sand, sun, and surf.  Summer was always my favorite season growing up on the East coast, and later moving to the West coast.  I literally lived on one shore or the other until 2007 when I moved 70 miles inland to an almost desert climate.  Summer has since become my least favorite season.  This month I can relive those days in the sun through all the fun and beachy Gecko Galz images!  Please join us for our newest challenge "Taking it Nautical"!  Below you will find my sample for our August challenge on the Gecko Galz blog.  Please visit the blog to see what the rest of the team has created.  We hope we can inspire you to enter for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree at the Gecko Galz etsy store.  Thanks for looking!

I created a 6 x 6 collage.  I began by printing out a beach background that was part of the Sea Side Splendor kit which I use over and over, the images are so awesome!  The ship was part of a collage sheet set that I fussy cut and applied to the background with dimensional tape.  The swimming lady was also part of a collage sheet set, and is also up on pop dots.  I added some texture paste and glitter around the edge of her body to cover the cut edges.  I also fussy cut the rock from another image, and added the little crab from my stash just for fun.  Thanks for looking!

Sea Side Splendor digital craft kit
Lets Get Nautical digital collage set
 Splish Splash digital collage set

Saturday, July 16, 2016

My July Samples for Gecko Galz!

Hi Crafty Friends!  Today I am sharing the samples I have created for Gecko Galz for the month of July.  As you can see, I was feeling beachy.  I did a bit of fussy cutting from several of our collage sheets to embellish my samples.  Background papers are also Gecko Galz printables.  Some of the fussy cut images are from one of the digital kits available at our Etsy store.  The digital kits are so much fun!  I especially love the beach themed kit, containing so many printables to use over and over.  I have done my best to list and link all items that I used below each sample.   Please stop by the Gecko Galz Blog today and every day for a free digital stamp.


Seaside Splendor digital craft kit
Beachy Jewels collage set
Sea Side Snapshot collage sheet set


Sea Side Splendor digital craft kit
By The Shore digital collage sheet set
Beachy Jewels collage set


La Isla Bonita digital paper pack
By The Shore digital collage sheet set
Beachy Jewels collage set



La Isla Bonita digital paper pack
By The Shore digital collage sheet set

Thanks for looking!

Ge your FREE digital stamp HERE!

Friday, July 1, 2016

New! Gecko Galz Challenge for July!

Hi Crafty Friends!  This month the challenge theme for Gecko Galz is "Sun, Moon, and Stars".  Be sure and stop by the  Gecko Galz Blog each day to see what the Design Team has created.  We hope that our samples will inspire you to enter our monthly challenge.  There are so many amazing Gecko Galz images to fit this theme, and the Design Team has created an amazing variety of samples.

I decided to go with a Gothic arch shape, just to be different.  I just love the shape and I started by creating a paper template which I made by first folding a piece of ordinary copy paper in half and cutting out half an arch shape.  I had to make a few more cuts to get the perfect shape I wanted, but by folding the paper in half, that insured that the shape would be even.  I simply used my template to cut the shape out of chipboard.  I used re-positionable glue stick to stick the paper template to the chipboard so cutting the shape was very easy.  I did a wee bit of sanding to make it perfectly smooth.


I inked the edges of the arch in black prior to adding my printed paper.  I had a scrap piece of doily that I placed behind the image, and I added some ric rac to the bottom of the arch before placing my image which I elevated for dimension with pop dots.  I cut one of the circle shapes out of leftover paper and placed it over the left bottom corner of the image.  I die cut some stars using a Tim Holtz moon and stars die and I embossed and glittered them before adding them to the piece.  I added a butterfly that was laying on my desk just because I love adding butterflies to just about everything :).

Thanks for looking!

Summer Picnic digital paper pack
Sun, Moon, Stars digital collage set


Saturday, June 18, 2016

Always and Forever Layout


Today I'm sharing another layout to frame for my Oliver's memorial wall. The photo was taken in September of 2014, prior to his downhill slide.  I miss those eyes, they were such a piercing pale blue almost white color.  He was my most handsome man, and I miss him terribly every single day.

I am entering this layout into the Blue Fern Studios June Sketch Challenge. Papers and chipboard are by Blue Fern Studios.  There are many online stores from which to purchase these gorgeous chipboard pieces and papers.  I got mine with my Scraps of Darkness and Elegance Kit Clubs and/or from the Scraps of Darkness online store.

I am also entering my layout into the Inspiration Board Challenge for June at the Scraps of Darkness & Scraps of Elegance Mixed Media Scrapbooking Community on Facebook.   Please see both the Blue Fern sketch and the Scraps of Darkness Inspiration board below.





The paper I used is from Blue Fern's gorgeous Tranquility collection that came in one of my Scraps of Darkness kits.  I created some texture on the background using a doily stencil and some sprays.  The sprays didn't turn out the way I wanted, so I embossed in white over it and was happy with that result.  The Blue Fern chipboard pieces were purchased at the Scraps of Darkness online store.  I  covered them with various embossing powders in different colors and textures.  I just played with them until I got the result I wanted.

As far as the inspiration I drew from the Inspiration Board...well, it does have a kitty in it, so I just had to create another layout for Oliver's memorial wall.  I also grabbed some of the shades of blue, and the butterflies (by Renea Bouquets) from the board, and also the use of a quote on my page.  I used some flecks of gold that were also pictured, and some circles which I stenciled at the upper right of the page.

Here are some links to visit:


Thanks so much for looking!


Thursday, June 16, 2016

Gecko Galz June Projects

This month our theme at Gecko Galz is "Man O Man".  I ended up creating all of my monthly samples in a masculine theme.  It wasn't my intention to do that, because we have so many amazing papers and images to choose from in the Etsy store, but I loved the masculine collage sheets and background papers that I'd chosen for my challenge theme sample card so much, that I got carried away.  You can see what the rest of the Design Team has created by visiting the Gecko Galz Blog each day.  We hope to inspire to you create your own project and to play along with our challenge.




Man O Man collage sheet set
Dapper Dan printable paper pack

I also used a couple of chipboard pieces from Gypsy Soul Laser cuts as well as a steampunk cardstock doily.   The film reel on the last card is vintage from an actual view master.  The reel was falling apart and this piece was the backing.  It was already neutral colored so I just stamped it with a newsprint stamp by Kaisercraft.  I also did additional stamping in vintage photo distress ink with some Tim Holtz stamps.  Thanks for looking!

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

New Gecko Galz Challenge for June!

This month the theme for the challenge on the Gecko Galz Blog is "Man O Man".   Creating in a masculine theme was something new to me and I really enjoyed it.  The card was simple to make with just some classic matting.  I covered the top half with a piece of plain cream cardstock  that I embossed with a gears pattern, and then inked lightly with vintage photo.  The clock at upper right was stamped and fussy cut.  I added chipboard hands which I embossed.  The shirt is one of the collage sheet images which I will list below, and the hat and tartan blanket were fussy cut from one of the images.  The lower half of the card is papered with a design which is already collaged, and it's an amazing design with many uses.  The printable paper collection I used is also listed below.  The sentiment is stamped, fussy cut and elevated by pop dots.  I also added a piece of chipboard chain which I embossed the same as the clock hands.  The chipboard accents are by Gypsy Soul laser Cuts.

Man O Man digital collage set
Dapper Dan printable digital paper pack

Thanks for looking!  Please visit the Gecko Galz Blog to see what the rest of the design team has created to inspire you to enter the current challenge.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Serenity Layout for the Challenge at Blue Fern Studios

Another layout to frame for my Oliver's memorial wall. The photo was taken after the kidney disease diagnosis, but prior to the pancreatitis and small cell lymphoma. He looked so serene back then. We hadn't started chemo yet, or had the feeding tube placed, but this was taken very shorty before all that happened. 

I will be entering this layout into the Blue Fern Studios May Sketch Challenge. Papers and chipboard are by Blue Fern Studios.  There are many online stores from which to purchase these gorgeous chipboard pieces and papers.  I got mine and the Prima flowers with my Scraps of Darkness and Elegance Kit Clubs and/or from the Scraps of Darkness online store.


Here's the sketch:


I used papers from Blue Fern Studios Timeless collection.  It's so gorgeous!  The chipboard title "serenity" is also by Blue Fern Studios as well as the rock wall pieces.  I used Tim Holtz distress embossing powder on my chipboard as well as some Kroma crackle.  Blue Fern is also now carrying embossing powders and flowers to match their paper collections!  I plan to get my hands on some soon.  Thanks for looking! 

Monday, May 16, 2016

May Samples for Gecko Galz

Hello Crafty Friends!  Here are my May samples created for Gecko Galz.  It was an off month for me, no mojo, unhappy with everything I created, but you all know how that is.  Somehow I pushed my way through it.  First up was my most challenging sample.  We've been encouraged to create a sample using the free digital stamps that are offered monthly on our blogs.  Well....I'm no colorist.  I haven't got a clue about shading....so...I didn't color it, but rather fussy cut it and tried to make it look more vintage than it did already by changing the overall color to sepia tone, and I also somehow managed to thicken the outline in Paint Shop Pro.  No idea what I did, I just played with different effects.  In the end, I actually didn't mind how it turned out.   
Wild Roses paper pack
Free Digital Stamp (grab yours below)

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Next up is one of those cards that fell together on my desk.  I had already printed the background, and embossed and inked the panel behind the image, for the card using the digital stamp above.  It just didn't work with that stamp at all, so I pushed it aside.  I noticed then, that the collage sheet containing the image that I had printed with intent to use elsewhere, looked good against the other pieces, the whole neutral color theme seemed to work somehow, so this card was born from the throwaways of the previous card.  I added the plaid strip, yet another scrap, and I die cut the hearts from more of the background paper.  I used a stamp for the sentiment, and I was done.   
Vintage Visions mini paper pack
Wild Roses paper pack
Kidding Around digital collage set
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Next up I have a retro look card for you.  It's a pretty simple card, just some paper layers, doily, and image.  I love the Gecko Galz image, and the whole collage set is very colorful.  The background papers are also very colorful and versatile in this set, it's one of my favorites.  The rose is a die cut from Marianne Creatables.  I cut it out in white then inked through the die in red.  This gave it a retro look that went well with the papers.  The title is by Mambi, and I got it in a package along with several other sentiments, at Michael's.  
Stay Young and Beautiful collage sheet set
Kitchen Sink printable paper pack
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Next up is another vintage style, this one feminine.  I used my square punch to cut the squares.  Three across was too many, and two wasn't enough, so I added a strip to the left side.  The shape under the image is a Tim Holtz "On the Edge" die.   I added a doily from Gypsy Soul Laser cuts, and a flower by Spare Parts from Hobby lobby, and a few buttons, and I was done.

Linen Closet mini paper pack
Spring Awakening paper pack
Colorful Cuties digital collage set
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Next up is a tri-fold shutter card.  I was really stumped as to what I wanted to create next, and was still struggling with my mojo.  I got inspired by a card I had seen on the Graphic 45 blog.  It looked easy enough, and I have a score board the rarely gets used, so I gave it a go.  The card measures 9 x 9.  It was surprisingly easy.  I filled the sections with scraps from my other creations this month.  The images were mainly from one collage sheet, along with some fussy cutting from the background papers.  I added a couple of chipboard miniatures from Gypsy Soul laser Cuts.  Really a lot easier than it looked, and so much fun.  You could easily make this from any of our collage sheets.  It was so easy, you just might see another from me next month.  Here is a link to the Graphic 45 card that inspired me.  You will also find the template there, showing you where to cut and score.
Linen Closet mini paper pack
Wild Roses paper pack (may not be available any longer)
La Vie En Rose digital collage sheet

I hope you've gotten some inspiration, and thanks so much for looking!

Saturday, April 30, 2016

The May Challenge at Gecko Galz!

Hi Crafty Friends! This month our challenge theme on the Gecko Galz blog is "Garden of Dreams".  For my sample this month I chose to alter another of the unfinished wooden plaques that I purchased very inexpensively from Michael's.  This piece was very simple to create.  

I printed out two background papers from the Magnolia Blossoms paper collection covering the top two thirds of the piece with one and the bottom third with another.  I traced around the wooden plaque, cut the shape with scissors, applied with matte Mod Podge, and then sanded the edges smooth.  I rubbed some gesso onto the edges, then inked with vintage photo.  

I then printed out another paper from the same collection (the one with the black birdbath image).  I printed that paper smaller and square to act as a mat for my image.  Along the right hand side I used a stencil followed by ink sprays.  I didn't like the ink spray, it was too dark, so I rubbed clear embossing ink over the raised areas and embossed it in white which ended up looking great IRL.

I die cut a doily and placed it to the left of the image, and later used the other part of it under the flower cluster at top right.  After I placed the image on pop dots and adhered it, I added the resin birdbath by Prima.  Above the image I added a scrap piece of chipboard that was actually the top of a chipboard shuttered window that I'd cut off at some point using just the shuttered part on another project.  I hand painted the chipboard piece, but didn't like the colors so I sprayed over it with gold ink and I liked that look a lot better.  Below the image and to the right there was a blank space of pink paper that didn't look right.  I had planned to put flowers there, but then decided I wanted the flowers at the top instead, so I had this big pink space.  I ended up using a die cut trellis shape to fill in that area.  The dark green color of the trellis die shape was part of the printed paper that I hadn't used, so it blended in perfectly.  I had a scrap piece of a die cut flourish laying around that I'd cut for a previous project and hadn't used, so I stuck that under the image.  I added my flowers and some butterflies from Renea Bouquets and I was done.  Oh, actually not quite.  I thought I needed to bring in a little of the darker pink to the top of the piece so I rubbed some clear embossing ink on the top of the piece and sprinkled on some embossing powder in pale and hot pink and heated it.  I did the same thing along the left edge where the two patterned papers met to blend them a bit.

Whew! Now that I typed all that, it doesn't sound so simple, but really it was!

Anyway, I hope I have inspired you to join in our monthly challenge on the Gecko Galz blog.  We are accepting entries from May 1st - May 30th.  There is only one rule.  You need to use at least ONE product from Gecko Galz.  It can be one of the free products, stamps, collage images, or digital background papers.  The winner will receive a $25 Gecko Galz shopping spree!  We look forward to seeing your creations.  Please stop by the blog to see what the rest of the team has done with the  "Garden of Dreams" theme for May.  I've already seen them, and they are awesome!

Gecko Galz Products:
Magnolia Blossoms digital paper pack
Birds and Bees digital collage set

Other Products:
The gorgeous peachy pink glittered flowers by Recollections
Fine detail embossing powder in white by Recollections
Resin birdbath by Prima
Chipboard window topper by Gypsy Soul Lasercuts (cottage windows)
Glittered double layered Butterflies by Renea Bouquets
Stencil by Prima 
Sizzix thinlits Tim Holtz mixed media dies
Sizzix thinlits Tim Holtz doily die
Flourish die by Spellbinders shapeabilities "Positively Me" set


Sunday, April 17, 2016

Layout - You Are Unforgettable


Welcome Crafty Friends!   Today I'm sharing another layout that I plan to frame for Oliver's memory wall.  This one features the gorgeous Serendipity papers by Blue Fern Studios as well as several awesome chipboard pieces.   I think this is number eight or nine of the 24 layouts I want to display on his memory wall.  I really enjoyed creating this one, and I like to think he's peeking through a beautiful garden.   I still miss him so much, not a day goes by that he doesn't weigh heavily on my mind.  I am entering this one into the Blue Fern Studios April sketch challenge.  I covered my chipboard pieces by first sponging on some white gesso, followed by Lindy's embossing powders. 

I am also entering into the Facebook Inspiration Challenge Board for the Scraps of Darkness and Scraps of Elegance Kit Clubs.  The mood board is pictured below.

 Thanks for looking!    


Blue Fern April Sketch




Blue Fern Products:
Blue Fern Serendipity paper collection
You Are Unforgettable Chipboard Title
Chipboard Mini Flourishes

Other:
Butterflies by Renea Bouquets
Scraps of Darkness/Elegance Kit Club papers and embellies
Fern die cuts by Cheery Lynn Dies
Stencils by Kaisercraft and Prima
Sprays by Dylusions
Trinket by Prima
Doily die by Tim Holtz Sizzix
Flowers by Prima and Petaloo and my stash
Sentiment by Deep Red Rubber Stamps