Perfect Peacock for an Anniversary!

After an extended absence, I am back full force in the blogging/crafting world. The last month has been spent finding my mojo and organizing my life a little.

What better way to get back into the swing of things than to celebrate Colour Me...! turning 1?

For our anniversary challenge, you can select any of the past 51 challenges. I chose to go with #12 - Pear Pizzazz, Soft Sky and Coastal Cabana.

I started out by stamping the Perfect Peacock in black Stazon ink. Then I laid my oval framelit over the peacock and traced the outline of the oval in pencil - down where the tail feathers are, I traced both the inside and the outside of the oval. Once I remove the framelit, I cut around the feathers up to where the pencil line was. 

When I ran it through the embossing folder, I pulled the feathers out through the top and only cut around the white part. I then popped a Coastal Cabana oval in behind it.

I coloured him up with Stampin' Write markers and added some Wink of Stella to the tail feathers and a bit on the body.

Here's the challenge this week:

Thanks for stopping by today, and be sure to check out all the fabulous projects by the lovely ladies who helped us celebrate this milestone!

-Tara

xox

Getting Creative at Colour Me...!

We have some super fun and creative colours for you at Colour Me...! this week, and I had so much fun making this card.

I started by sponging the background in Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Rose Red and Coastal Cabana. Then I used the stars overlay to add the stars with white stazon. While they were drying, I stamped the rocking chair on Coastal Cabana (with Coastal Cabana) and fussy cut it - I use an x-acto knife to cut between the rungs of the chair (it was fun, I promise).

I bunched a few banners together and tucked it under my sentiment, et voila!

Check out the challenge this week:

We would love to see what you create!

-Tara

xox

  

Weather for The Friday Mashup!

I'm sorry this post is so late! This challenge has closed and we're gearing up for another great week at The Friday Mashup with a new challenge tomorrow... but I had to share my project from last week's "Weather & Metal" challenge.

I kept it very simple this week and used the All is Calm designer series paper in the background (my weather element!). I then punched a 2-1/2" circle from some Whisper White and laid it over top. One tree was cut from silver glimmer paper (which counts as my 'metal', by the way!) and the other was stamped in Pool Party and punched. 

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a new challenge at The Friday Mashup!

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

A little foxy for Colour Me...!

We are celebrating autumn over at Colour Me...! again this week with some subtle, neutral shades. 

I decided to use a retired single stamp from Stampin' Up! that I haven't used in ages. I just love this little cutie! I stamped him in Cajun Craze cardstock and highlighted a few areas with the lightest Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities. For the belly and face and use Ivory, Nude and Neutral from the skin tone Blendabilities set. I cut out the belly/face and adhered them onto the Cajun cardstock.

I can't for the life of me remember what these little cards are called... Heidi Baks introduced me to these fun mini cards a long time ago, but I haven't created one in a long time!

Check out the challenge this week:

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Celebrating numbers at MDS Monday!

I am hosting this week over at MDS Monday, and I have a pretty simply sketch with a little added challenge; adding in a number!

I decided to use this awesome photo of my son that his daycare provider took of him. It is a rare 'quiet' moment in Jack's life, so I wanted to make the page quiet and calm as well. 

Check out the sketch this week:

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Something unexpected for The Friday Mashup!

I am hosting this week at The Friday Mashup and we want to see you use something unexpected on your card - a surprise element, if you will :)

I kept it very simple with this one, and just added some strips of cardstock and the itty bitty pieces of Lego.

Check out the challenge this week: 

1. Create a project using the "Sketch"
2. Create a project using a "surprise element, something you wouldn't expect to see on a card/or an unexpected embellishment"
3. or Mash it Up! and create a project "using the Sketch and an unexpected embellishment"

Come visit us - we'd love to see what you create!

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Nutty for Colour Me...!

This week at Colour Me...! we are going Striking and using Night of Navy and Tangelo Twist. I can't stop making Christmas cards, so that's where I went with this combo as well.

My son thought the 'nutty or nice' saying was just the funniest thing. I have to admit, I really do love this stamp set! And it's so much fun to colour... so many options. If you don't have Santa Stache, you should definitely consider it!

Check out the challenge this week:

Thanks for stopping by!

-Tara

xox

Supplies:

Stamps: Santa Stache

Ink: Momento Ink, Night of Navy Blendabilities, Smoky Slate Blendabilities, Tangelo Twist Stampin' Write Market

Paper: Smoky Slate CS, Tangelo Twist CS, Whisper White CS, Night of Navy Core'dinations, All is Calm DSP

Embellishments: Silver Basic Metal Buttons

Tools: Mustache framelit, Big Shot

Museum of Science & Tech for MDS Monday!

Long time no blog! I was having some computer issues, which have now been resolved. I'm in the process of updating as much as I can now! This week is 'getting back on track' week :)

This week at MDS Monday, Jeanna is keeping us playful with her first sketch as part of the DT! It's a super fun one.

I had a rare day off with my littlest little boy back in September and we went to the Museum of Science & Technology here in Ottawa. A week later, the museum was closed 'indefinitely' due to mould (sad day for Ottawa!), so we were super excited to have gotten in one last time.

Jack's favourite part was the cars, and the 'circuit' maze... and the trains... and the snowmobile ride... and.... :)

Check out the sketch this week:

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara
xox

Christmas Bauble for Colour Me...!

This week at Colour Me...! we are going subtle and using Island Indigo, Soft Sky and Crisp Cantaloupe. I decided to use these colours for a non-traditional Christmas card.

I have to say, I really wish we had Blendabilities in every colour  ;)

Check out the challenge this week:

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Supplies:

Stamps: Christmas Bauble, More Merry Messages

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Island Indigo, Soft Sky, Versamark,

Paper: Island Indigo CS, Brushed Gold CS, Whisper White CS

Embellishments: Gold embossing powder

Tools: Heat tool, Blender Pen

Tag it for the Friday Mashup!

This week at The Friday Mashup, Cindy has us making some tags for bags, boxes or bottles!

I finally got these cute little 'stache stamps from the set Santa Stache. I coloured these little cuties with Blendabilities (Skin Tones for the faces, Crumb Cake for the Nutcrackers mustache/hair, Smoky Slate for Santa's hair/beard, Cherry Cobbler for hats/clothes and Daffodil Delight for crown/accents).

I can't wait to make some more tags with this fun little set. 

Check out the challenge this week:

1. Create a "Tag for a Bottle, Box or Bag"
2. Create a project with "Bling"
3. or Mash it Up! and create a "Tag with Bling"

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Thanksgiving for Colour Me...!

This week at Colour Me...! we are doing fall/Thanksgiving colours. Here in Canada, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend. It's my favourite holiday :) I wanted to make some quick thank you notes for the season, so I did them in MDS and I can print out a whole bunch to have on hand!

Check out the challenge this week:

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Designer Templates for MDS Monday!

This week at MDS Monday Holly has us using a pre-made template or designer page... but challenges us to change it up a bit!

I didn't stray too far from the original, because I loved it and the colours of the papers. Probably why I chose it in the first place :) I did, however, add a few extra embellishments and changed the 'family' to 'brothers'.

This was from a fun day out with their cousin... we played in the water, checked out some frogs and crab legs and all sorts of 'by the water' type creatures.

Here's the original template I used:

Be sure to stop by and check out the templates that other designer team members used this week!

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara
xox

Secret's Out! - Canadian Conference Project #1

I've been so excited to share this news, and I'm finally able to do so!

I was contacted by Stampin' Up! Canada to design the Make & Take projects for some of the conferences that are happening around Canada from Sep-Nov. Three other fab Canadian designers were contacted to do the same, for other cities (I've linked to their blogs below).

First up was the Kitchener conference, which happened October 3rd/4th. These are the projects I designed for those two days.

Shaker Card and Gift Box

Notecard Set and Holder

It was so much fun to design projects for my fellow Canadian demos to do, and I'm so honoured to have been asked to participate! It was a great experience!

Stay tuned though, later this month I will share the projects I designed for the Regina conference as well.

Check out the three other super-talented ladies who made projects for these conferences as well:

Cathy Caines

Anne Granger

Julie Olivier

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Rolling Marbles for The Friday Mashup!

This week at The Friday Mashup Lynda has a fun technique for us! I've never tried the Rolling Marble technique, so it was fun for me!

I have to say... Melon Mambo ink all mixed up in a container with cat's eye marbles looked a tad gruesome... Next time I might try it with a blue or green ;)

Check out the challenge this week:

1. Create a project with the "Sketch"
2. Create a project with the "Marble Rolling technique" (tutorial here)
3. or Mash it Up! and create a project using the "Marble Rolling technique & the Sketch"

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

By the Tide for Colour Me...!

It's monochromatic week over at Colour Me...! and I have made a scattered little birthday card

I always have fun with monochromatic week - when you're playing with only 1 colour, you tend to go crazy on the rest of the elements ;)

Check out the challenge this week, and be sure to stop by and see the fab creations by the rest of the Design Team (and meet our Featured Designer for October!)

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

My Grandparents

This week at MDS Monday Tami is hosting and she has a wonderful sketch and challenge for us. We are to use a vintage photo and create a vintage-feeling page.

I chose a picture of my grandparents that I just love. It's such a simple and candid moment, but so beautiful. My grandpa is standing on a large tree stump and giving my grandma a hand to stand with him. The funny thing is, I assume they were getting up there to get their photo taken together, but I've never seen the "posed" pic! It's OK though, this one is just as special (if not moreso)

Check out the challenge this week:

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

For an Awesome kid

It's Friday, which means my boy gets a little something extra in his lunch. I like to throw in something fun (non-food) to brighten up his day, cause you know... it's Friday! It's Friday!!

I think I've used the Mario set I carved for Hunter maybe once or twice since finishing it. Truth be told, I kind of forgot it even existed! Thought I'd whip it out for Avery's fun challenge over at The Friday Mashup this week.

Check out the challenge! This is my first time trying the ink blowing technique. I made a huge mess.

1. Create a project with "Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry & Basic Black"
2. Create a project with the "Ink Blowing Technique"
3. or Mash it Up! and create a project with "the colours above & the Ink Blowing Technique"

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Supplies:

Stamps: Cool Kid, Undefined Mario

Ink: Basic Black, Bermuda Bay

Paper: Basic Black CS, Bermuda Bay CS, Crushed Curry CS, Whisper White CS, Project Life DSP

Tools: Scallop Circle, 1-3/4" Circle, 2" Circle

Four Feathers for Colour Me...!

This week at Colour Me...! we have a fun 4-colour playful week for you!

I finally inked up the Four Feathers set after WAY too long of owning it. Very simple, clean card. 

Check out the challenge this week:

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Supplies:

Stamps: Four Feathers, And Many More

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Tangelo Twist, Daffodil Delight, Real Read

Paper: Bermuda Bay CS, Whisper White CS, Silver Glimmer Paper

Embellishments: Frosted Sequins, Real Red Cotton ribbon, Bermuda Bay Taffeta ribbon

Tools: Corner punch, Feathers Framelit

The Friday Mashup, way too late.

Time got a little away from me last week, and then that sort of carried over into this week!

Although very late, I wanted to share my project for this week's Friday Mashup challenge.

Check out the challenge:

• Create a Project using "Vellum". 
• Create a Project with "Stitching (Sewing or Faux)".
• or Mash it up! and create a Project with "Vellum and Stitching".

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Supplies

Stamps: Blended Bloom, And Many More

Ink: Calypso Coral Blendabilities, Versamark

Paper: Brushed Gold CS, Calypso Coral CS, Pistachio Pudding CS, Vellum CS, Gold Soiree Specialty DSP

Embellishments: Gold Embossing Powder

Tools: Dotted Scalloped Border punch, Heat Tool, Sewing Machine

Gift Box Punch Board for Colour Me...!

So, I've been completed addicted to the Gift Box Punch Board. I'll admit it, I was skeptical at first... But now that I've got my hands on it, I can't put it down!

This little box is ~ 1-3/4" x 3-1/4" and is just too cute for words! I created a little band to go around, that I stamped with the adorable Little Buddy Birthday set. 

The sweet dino was coloured with Blender Pens and punched out with the 2" circle punch. See those little yellow pearls? Those were coloured with Daffodil Delight Blendabilities! Yes, you can colour those pearls and make them shine in any colour :)

Check out the challenge this week:

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Supplies:

Stamps: Little Buddy Birthday

Inks: Sahara Sand, Blushing Bride, Pool Party, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight

Paper: Sahara Sand CS, Pool Party CS, So Saffron CS, Whisper White CS

Embellishments: Blushing Bride 1/4" Cotton Ribbon, Linen Thread

Tools: Gift Box Punch Board, Dotted Scallop Border Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/8" Handheld Punch

Emboss Resist for The Friday Mashup!

This week at The Friday Mashup, Sara is challenging us to use the emboss resist technique. I haven't used this technique in ages so I was really looking forward to it.

 

I started with a piece of Whisper White CS and stamped The Newborn King and embossed it in white embossing powder. Then I sponged/shadded the trees with Pear Pizzazz, the sky with Lost Lagoon, the ground with Crumb Cake and behind manger with Hello Honey. I was a bit concerned about how this was going to look, but in the end I was pretty happy with it.

The two strips of DSP on the left side are from the All is Calm Specialty DSP pack, which I love. The sentiment was punched out with the 2" circle punch (btw, if you think you don't need any more circle punches and you're going to pass on the new 2" circle punch... think long and hard!! I find it indispensable.)

Check out the challenge this week:

1. Create a project using the "Sketch"
2. Create a project with "Emboss Resist"
3. or Mash it Up! and create an "Emboss Resist project with the above Sketch"

Thanks fot stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Supplies:

Stamps: The Newborn King

Paper: Lost Lagoon CS, Whisper White CS, All is Calm DSP, Silver Foil Sheets

Ink: Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake, Hello Honey

Embellishments: Rhinestones

Tools: 2" Circle Punch, Heat Tool, Sponges

Daffodil Delight for Colour Me...!

Weee, it's that time of the month again - Monochromatic week!! I love Monochromatic week at Colour Me...!. I'm always so fascinated to see how so many people can use the same colour and have the projects look so different.

I've been wanting to try the stained glass technique with the Blendabilities for a while now, and finally got tried it out on this card. 

I brayered the background in Daffodil Delight. The flowers were embossed with White on a piece of vellum and then cut out. The back of the vellum was coloured with Daffodil Delight Blendabilities and then popped up on the background.

Though faint, the sentiment reads "With Sympathy".

Check out the challenge this week and be sure to pop over and see what the rest of the Design Team has created, and say hello to our Featured Designer for September!

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Digital Project Life for MDS Monday!

This week at MDS Monday, Heidi has us getting creative with Project Life. I had a lot of fun with the first challenge we did like this, and I was happy to try it again.

I did a two-page layout this week for our trip to Merickville. It was just a short day trip to a small town about an hour from us, but it was so much fun!

When we asked Jacks what his favourite part of the day was, he said watching the boats go through the locks. When we asked Hunter, he said eating Ice Cream, haha. Either way, it was a great day and I still have more pictures that I haven't included here!

Swing on by the MDS Monday challenge blog and check out the challenge for this week, have a peek at the DT creations, AND, welcome some new members to our design team; Yapha, Jeanna and Anita!

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

Shake it up for The Friday Mashup!

This week at The Friday Mashup, Lisa is our host and is challenging us to create a shaker card with an animal. I love shaker cards!

My "animal" is the sweet little red cardinal sitting on the tree.

Check out the cool new stamp set from the Holiday catalogue (which was just released yesterday!) that I used on my card this week.

Here's this challenge this week:

1. Create a Project using "Animals"
2. Create a "Shaker card" project
3. or Mash it Up! and create a "Shaker card with an Animal"

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara

xox

More digital Christmas cards for Colour Me...!

Yes, Christmas card-making is in full swing here at the Bourgoin residence. I can't stop myself!

For this week's Colour Me...! challenge (Marina Mist, Tangelo Twist, Very Vanilla and Pink Pirouette), I whipped up another digital card. I'll be printing these off next month, so I want to get as many done as I can :)

This time around I went with a "winter" theme instead of Christmas.

Check out the challenge this week, and be sure to stop by the blog to check out the awesome projects by the Design Team!

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Tara
xox