Happy New Year!!!

Just a short note from me today to let everyone know that the price changes at Shelly's Images Digi Shop are now complete.  

You will find a very simple tutorial in the top bar here at the blog and also on the main page at Shelly's Images.com explaining how to order and download your free digi stamps.

Once again please keep in mind that our Angel Policy and Terms of Use remain in effect.  Please do not share our digi stamps but do feel free to send your friends over to Shelly's Images to get their own digi stamps.  

As always we LOVE to hear from you!  It helps us know that you are excited about the digis and using this special artwork that means so much to me on your projects.  Let us know what you are making.  And enter those projects in our challenges.

Exciting news for 2014!

We have some very exciting news for our Shelly's Images friends for 2014.

Beginning January 1st (and earlier as we start to do work at the store) all of Shelly's Images Digi Stamps will be available FREE!!!

You heard right.  Every image at our store will be available free of charge to every registered user.  And registering is super easy!

We will continue to have our monthly challenges beginning on the first Thursday of each month.  These challenges will be "Just For Fun" since all of our digi stamps will be available at no charge.  We will choose a winner from each challenge and of course that winner gets a badge to display proudly at their blog.  Shelly's Images digi stamps won't be required to enter our challenges.  However, using a Shelly's Images digi stamp will give you the chance to be featured in our challenge post!!!  We will be choosing some very special projects entered each month using Shelly's Images digis so get those projects in!

And all new digi stamps will be added to the store and will also be FREE!  Any new digi stamps will be announced when our new challenges are posted.  So be sure to follow the blog by email so that you don't miss any new free digi stamps.

Checking out and downloading your free digi stamps is super easy.  We will have a special tutorial on the front page of our store at www.shellysimages.com just to be sure everyone can download images easily.  As always you can email Shelly at shelly@shellysimages.com if you have any trouble at all.  

Please remember that our Angel Policy is still in effect.  The fact that the digi stamps will soon be free doesn't change the rules regarding using or sharing the digi stamps.  Please read through our Angel Policy and Terms of Use.

TTT Winner and December Challenge

Happy Thursday!

Just a reminder that our challenges are now on a MONTHLY basis.  Each challenge here at Shelly's Images will begin on the first Thursday of the month and run through the end of the month.  That gives everyone a full month to play along!  Be sure to check out the sidebar for a complete list of upcoming challenges, tutorials, and special events.

AND, the DT will typically be working with a Shelly's Images digi stamp of their choice for each challenge.  That means you get to see lots of different digi stamps each month.  

So...let the fun begin!  To start off we want to announce the winner of our 

November ... Give Thanks Challenge.  

Our "Beary" Favorite project is #34 Judy Rozema from Joy in a Jar.    Judy, we just loved the beautiful simplicity of this card.  And we felt that the card perfectly captured our theme for this challenge. I will be emailing you very soon with your $6 gift voucher.  Please also be sure to grab your "Beary" Favorite badge here.

Ready for a new challenge?!!?!!  We sure hope so!

Our December 2013 Challenge is...
* WELCOME WINTER *
(Winter Theme + Snowflake)

Darlene

Using SNOW MAN SET

 Gerda
Using Snowbeary

Jackie
Snow Sign and Happy Holidays Sentiment

Amanda 
Using Snowbeary

Amanda's daughter, Lisa  
created this fabulous & fun box using Snowbeary

WOW!  What wonderful inspiration from the team!

Challenge Rules:

•  Link directly to your blog post entry, NOT your entire blog.
•  Shelly's Images are not required (but we'd LOVE to see them).
•  New projects only.  No back linking.
•  Your entry must follow the theme.  For this challenge the theme is WELCOME WINTER.
•  Only FIVE entries per challenge please. 
•  Challenge entry ends at midnight CST on December 31st.  Winners of this challenge will be announced January 2nd.
•  Please turn off word verification at your blog if you would enjoy a comment from us.  It is just too time consuming to type in word verification at each challenge entry.  Thank you for understanding.
•  In your blog post be sure to provide a link to Shelly's Images Blog and list that you are entering our challenge. 
• Life is busy for all of us here at Shelly's Images. We do projects with SI digi stamps and run the challenges just for the love of the hobby. We don't promise to comment on every entry. But all of the designers will go through the entries and stop by their favorites. If you get a comment from us you will know that we loved it enough to drop in and leave a special note.

We look forward to seeing your creation and thanks so much for joining in our challenge fun!

Your turn ... please enter your creations at the Inlinkz below:

Tutorial - Creating and snowy or starry night sky

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Today I have a long lost video to share with you.  Somehow this one got buried in the video vault but thankfully it is found now and can be shared with you.

In this video I show you how to create a starry or snowy night sky on your colored digi stamps.

If you have any trouble viewing the video by clicking the above you can use this link. 

I hope you enjoyed our tutorial.  

TTT Winner and November Challenge

Happy Thursday!

Just a reminder that our challenges are now on a MONTHLY basis.  Each challenge here at Shelly's Images will begin on the first Thursday of the month and run through the end of the month.  That gives everyone a full month to play along!  Be sure to check out the sidebar for a complete list of upcoming challenges, tutorials, and special events.

AND, the DT will typically be working with a Shelly's Images digi stamp of their choice for each challenge.  That means you get to see lots of different digi stamps each month.  

So...let the fun begin!  To start off we want to announce the winner of our 

 October ... Fall Photo Inspiration Challenge.  

Our "Beary" Favorite project is Shell Klieber from 'Shell's Card Haven.    Shell, we loved this beautiful card.  It beautifully captures all the wonderful and beautiful colors of the season.     Shell, I will be emailing you very soon with your $6 gift voucher.  Please also be sure to grab your "Beary" Favorite badge here.

Ready for a new challenge?!!?!!  We sure hope so!

Our November 2013 Challenge is...

GIVE THANKS!

What are you thankful for today?
We are thankful for having you joining our fun challenges!

Now let's see what the design team has created to inspire you with today!

Darlene

Using Shelly's 'Thanks' image.
and

Using  Pilgrim Girl and Thanks Sentiment 2

Miranda
Using Shelly's Pansies image and Thanks sentiment.

Challenge Rules:

•  Link directly to your blog post entry, NOT your entire blog.
•  Shelly's Images are not required (but we'd LOVE to see them).
•  New projects only.  No back linking.
•  Your entry must follow the theme.  For this challenge the theme is GIVE THANKS.
•  Only FIVE entries per challenge please. 
•  Challenge entry ends at midnight CST on November 30th.  Winners of this challenge will be announced December 5th.
•  Please turn off word verification at your blog if you would enjoy a comment from us.  It is just too time consuming to type in word verification at each challenge entry.  Thank you for understanding.
•  In your blog post be sure to provide a link to Shelly's Images Blog and list that you are entering our challenge. 

We look forward to seeing your creation and thanks so much for joining in our challenge fun!

Your turn ... please enter at the Inlinkz below:

Wipe Off Planner Tutorial

I hope you enjoy this tutorial showing how I made my Weekly Planner.

There are lots of fun techniques and tips in this video, so even if you don't plan to make a Wipe Off Planner I hope you will watch the video and maybe learn a few little tricks.

If you have trouble clicking the video above you can view the video at this link.

As I mentioned in my video I want to be sure to give special recognition to Vivian from Contadina K.  I can't thank her enough for her inspiration and amazing videos.  The masking tape technique I use in this video is inspired by some of her projects.

TTT Winner and October Challenge

Happy Thursday!

Just a reminder that our challenges are now on a MONTHLY basis.  Each challenge here at Shelly's Images will begin on the first Thursday of the month and run through the end of the month.  That gives everyone a full month to play along!  Be sure to check out the sidebar for a complete list of upcoming challenges, tutorials, and special events.

AND, the DT will typically be working with a Shelly's Images digi stamp of their choice for each challenge.  That means you get to see lots of different digi stamps each month.  

So...let the fun begin!  To start off we want to announce the winner of our 

 September ... ROLL 'EM Challenge.  

Our "Beary" Favorite project is #20 Jackie Wallace from Schoolin' and Scrappin'.   Jackie, we loved the vintage feel of your project.  All of the added embellishments carry out the theme perfectly.  Awesome work!   I will be emailing you very soon with your $6 gift voucher.  Please also be sure to grab your "Beary" Favorite badge here.

Ready for a new challenge?!!?!!  We sure hope so!

Our October 2013 Challenge is...

FALL PHOTO INSPIRATION

Wouldn't you just love to take a walk down this road right now!!
You can almost feel the coolness in the air and hear the leaves rustling in the wind!

We hope you'll come join in our challenge ... 
Now let's see what the design team has created to inspire you with today!

 DARLENE

Using Fall Fence and Nuts About You

 MIRANDA

Using Pumpkins

AMANDA

Using Pumpkins

Challenge Rules:

•  Link directly to your blog post entry, NOT your entire blog.
•  Shelly's Images are not required (but we'd LOVE to see them).
•  New projects only.  No back linking.
•  Your entry must follow the theme.  For this challenge the theme is FALL PHOTO INSPIRATION.
•  Only FIVE entries per challenge please. 
•  Challenge entry ends at midnight CST on October 31st.  Winners of this challenge will be announced November 7th.
•  Please turn off word verification at your blog if you would enjoy a comment from us.  It is just too time consuming to type in word verification at each challenge entry.  Thank you for understanding.
•  In your blog post be sure to provide a link to Shelly's Images Blog and list that you are entering our challenge. 
• Life is busy for all of us here at Shelly's Images. We do projects with SI digi stamps and run the challenges just for the love of the hobby. We don't promise to comment on every entry. But all of the designers will go through the entries and stop by their favorites. If you get a comment from us you will know that we loved it enough to drop in and leave a special note. 

We look forward to seeing your creation and thanks so much for joining in our challenge fun!

Your turn ... please enter at the Inlinkz below:

Making Glimmer Mists

Hi friends!

It's Tuesday and time for another Tutorial.  Today I thought I would do a little video tutorial to show you my tips and techniques for making Glimmer Mist sprays.

If you have any trouble clicking the video above, please click this link to the video.

Making your own Glimmer Mists is really very fun and of course cost saving.  Don't be afraid to mix paints too and come up with your own wonderful color concoctions.

Items needed:
Acrylic Metallic Paint - (non metallic works too)
Rubbing Alcohol
Ranger Ink Mini Mister
2 bb's

TTT Winner and September Challenge

Happy Thursday! Before we get to the new challenge we just have to share the 
BIG NEWS!!!!!
She's HERE!!!!!
Shelly's grand daughter arrived on August 15th (on her due date).  She weighed 9 pounds and 11 ounces and is 21 inches long.  And of course she is the most beautiful baby ever!

It is kind of hard to get back to the blog post after that excitement, but here we go!

Just a reminder that our challenges are now on a MONTHLY basis.  Each challenge here at Shelly's Images will begin on the first Thursday of the month and run through the end of the month.  That gives everyone a full month to play along!  Be sure to check out the sidebar for a complete list of upcoming challenges, tutorials, and special events.

AND, the DT will typically be working with a Shelly's Images digi stamp of their choice for each challenge.  That means you get to see lots of different digi stamps each month.  

So...let the fun begin!  To start off we want to announce the winner of our 

August ... OH SCRAP Challenge.  

Our "Beary" Favorite project is #81 Susan Kennedy from Scrap a thousand words!  Susan this project is absolutely stunning.  The layering you created is AMAZING!  And we also loved all the details on the inside of your invitation as well as the details on the envelope.  Great job!  And thanks so much for entering this project in our August Challenge.   Susan, I will be emailing you very soon with your $6 gift voucher.  Please also be sure to grab your "Beary" Favorite badge here.

Ready for a new challenge?!!?!!  We sure hope so!

Our September 2013 Challenge is...

ROLL 'EM

Use the Random.org number generator to pick your products/tools, 

roll at least three times. You can find the Random number generator in the top right hand column of the blog. For the minimum number enter "1" and for the maximum number enter "10" and then click generate.  Be sure to click generate 3 times.  Have fun! 

1– 4 Layers

2 – Border

3 – Die or Punch

4 – Kraft Paper

5 – Dry Embossing

6 – Item of Your Choice

7 – Markers only to color

8 – Paper Piercing

9 – 3 Different Patterned Papers

10 – Brads, Buttons or Bling

Take a look at what our talented designers created for this challenge!

Darlene

 Using digi image 'Feathered Friend'

Roll 'Em Numbers 5 (dry embossing), 0 (brads), 3 (dies)

Miranda

Using digi image Native American Girl

Roll 'Em Numbers 3 (die or punch), 5 (dry embossing), 4 kraft

Gerda

Using the digi May flowers and the sentiment

B is for birthday

Roll"em numbers

3-die or Punch, 7 Markers only to colour, 0 Brads, Buttons, Bling

Jackie

Used digi image Sunflowers  and Beauty Sentiment

Roll 'Em Numbers 3) Die or Punch, 4) Kraft Paper, 

0) Brads, Buttons or Bling

Min featuring Ladybug Afternoon

Roll 'Em Numbers - 2 - Border, 3 - Die or Punch, 4 - Kraft Paper, 

6 - Item of your choice, 0 - Brads, Buttons or Bling

Challenge Rules:

•  Link directly to your blog post entry, NOT your entire blog.
•  Shelly's Images are not required (but we'd LOVE to see them).
•  New projects only.  No back linking.
•  Your entry must follow the theme.  For this challenge the theme is ROLL 'EM.  Be sure to tell us in your blog post what numbers you rolled for this challenge.
•  Only FIVE entries per challenge please. 
•  Challenge entry ends at midnight CST on September 30th.  Winners of this challenge will be announced October 3rd.
•  Please turn off word verification at your blog if you would enjoy a comment from us.  It is just too time consuming to type in word verification at each challenge entry.  Thank you for understanding.
•  In your blog post be sure to provide a link to Shelly's Images Blog and list that you are entering our challenge.
• Life is busy for all of us here at Shelly's Images. We do projects with SI digi stamps and run the challenges just for the love of the hobby. We don't promise to comment on every entry. But all of the designers will go through the entries and stop by their favorites. If you get a comment from us you will know that we loved it enough to drop in and leave a special note. 

We look forward to seeing your creation and thanks so much for joining in our challenge fun!

Your turn ... please enter at the Inlinkz below:

 

'ERASING' TIP

Hi Everyone and welcome back to another Tutorial/Technique Tuesday! Today I have more of a TIP for you verses a tutorial or technique.  Actually Shelly introduced me to this product and I was so thrilled with the outcome that I felt it important to share with all of you!

Now if you are an Artist (like Shelly) this is not a new product for you but a novice crafter like myself can use all the helpful tips & tools I can get my hands on.  

This product is called KNEADED RUBBER ERASER!

As you can see, this product comes in different sizes & is manufactured by different companies.  I am using the General's Kneaded Rubber Eraser because that's the one Shelly showed me she was using and I found it during a shopping trip to JoAnn Fabrics.  The cost is minimal, depending on the size and company but I think mine was right around $1 and for what I'm doing, it will last me for a very long time because I only need a little bit ... not the whole block.  Let me show you what I'm talking about and the HUGE advantage to this product . . .

Here's the items I'll be using: 

This beautiful digi image called "Spring Lamb" is perfect for using this product.  I'm not real good coloring a 'sky' with my alcohol markers yet so I like using CHALK. 

Now that I have this product I don't have to worry much about going over my image lines with my chalk.  This kneaded rubber eraser makes it easy to get into those little places and remove any unwanted chalk from my image.

As you can see in this next photo ... you can also use a 'regular' eraser but when you do, you have all those NASTY pieces of eraser that come off and all over the place.  You are constantly erasing and blowing the residue of the eraser from your workspace ... messy, messy!

NOW with using this artists kneaded rubber eraser you have NO eraser pieces & residue to deal with.  You simply pull it (knead it) into the shape you want to work with and erase away!!!  It 'erases' the unwanted pencil lines, chalk, charcoals ... without any of that nasty residue.  You simply work the erased chalk/pencil back into the product by kneading it and keep working on your project!

I really like that you can form it into a shape that you can work with for getting into those close fitting areas of your image.  With a regular, larger eraser I was constantly having to reapply chalk to an area that was erased accidentally due to the size of my eraser.

Now my image is all ready to color & create with.  

My background sky looks perfect and so does my 'Spring Lamb'.

I hope you enjoyed this helpful TIP and when/if you purchase one for yourself, pop back and let us know what you think.

Remember to come back to Shelly's Images on Thursday when we will have another FUN challenge to share with you!  

Till then ... HAPPY CRAFTING!!

TTT Winners and August Challenge

Happy Thursday!

Just a reminder that our challenges are now on a MONTHLY basis.  Each challenge here at Shelly's Images will begin on the first Thursday of the month and run through the end of the month.  That gives everyone a full month to play along!  Be sure to check out the sidebar for a complete list of upcoming challenges, tutorials, and special events.

AND, the DT will be working with a Shelly's Images digi stamp of their choice for each challenge.  That means you get to see lots of different digi stamps each month. 

So...let the fun begin!  To start off we want to announce the winner of our 

Anything Goes - Christmas in July Challenge.  

Our "Beary" Favorite project is #82 Julie Temple from Julie's Rubber Temple.   Julie, we loved this fun design.  The combination of the candy cane paper with the digi stamp is so cute and really eye catching.  And the pretty white ribbon is a fantastic touch.  Just a wonderful layout!  Julie, I will be emailing you very soon with your $6 gift voucher.  Please also be sure to grab your "Beary" Favorite badge here.

Ready for a new challenge?!!?!!  We sure hope so!

Our August  2013 Challenge is...

OH SCRAP!

(use scraps on your card/project)

It is the perfect time to use up some of those scraps that we all have a mountain size pile of!  (well, at least I do ... LOL)

Need a little inspiration? 
WAIT!   Before I share our DT inspiration with you, we just want to take a minute to say good bye & thanks to Marianne for all her fabulous creations and hard work here at Shelly's Images.  This will be Marianne's last creation as an SI DT member but hopefully she'll find time to come join in our challenges in the future!  Life can get busy as we all know and Marianne has had to make some difficult decisions.  She will certainly be missed and we here at SI wish her all the best in the future!! 

Today the team will be showcasing creations featuring Shelly's adorable image
 "Sweet Baby"!   Please notice that this image comes in THREE versions ... how cool is that!


This is SO APPROPRIATE since Shelly's daughter is expecting their first child this month and you know what that means!  YEP .. that means that Shelly is going to be a GRANDMA!!  
How exciting!
We will keep you all posted as to when this blessed event occurs!

NOW, how about these fabulous projects from the design team I promised you . . .

Marianne

Darlene

Miranda

Jackie

Gerda

Shelly 

Amanda

Challenge Rules:

•  Link directly to your blog post entry, NOT your entire blog.
•  Shelly's Images are not required (but we'd LOVE to see them).
•  New projects only.  No back linking.
•  Your entry must follow the theme.  For this challenge the theme is using SCRAPS.
•  Only FIVE entries per challenge please. 
•  Challenge entry ends at midnight CST on August 31st.  Winners of this challenge will be announced September 5th.
•  Please turn off word verification at your blog if you would enjoy a comment from us.  It is just too time consuming to type in word verification at each challenge entry.  Thank you for understanding.
•  In your blog post be sure to provide a link to Shelly's Images Blog and list that you are entering our challenge. 

My Copic Storage

Are you still as addicted to Pinterest as I am?  

There are so many fantastic crafts, ideas, recipes, and so much inspiration.

I truly think I could browse the pins for hours!

So...the idea for this project originated at Pinterest. (I will share a blog link at the end of this post)

Basically...I wanted a storage solution for my Copic sketch markers.  But I also wanted my storage to be something that I could pack up and take with me.  

Here are the directions for how I made my copic storage box.

I got my box at Michael's for 50% Off.  LOVE a good sale!  

Be sure to take a copic marker (or at least the measurements) with you with you when you go shopping for your boxes.  There are lots of options for your storage box (as you will see in the blog link later in this post) so choose whatever you think will work best for you.  I liked the pretty decorative box I found.

 The next item you will need is an "egg crate ceiling light tile".  My husband found this one at Lowe's or Home Depot.  (you could easily make 2 or 3 copic storage boxes with one)  I measured how large the inside of the box was and then cut the ceiling tile to size.  You will need two layers for each box.  One layer of the ceiling tile will lay flat against the bottom of the box.  The second layer will be elevated to create a nice stand for the markers.

The ceiling tile cuts very easily with wire cutters.  Just lay the cutting edge flat against the spot where you want to cut. 

In order to elevate the second layer of the ceiling tile my husband had the idea to use pieces of the ceiling tile to create a "shelf".  Cut four "shelves" to look like the picture below.

 The picture below shows the shelves inserted in each corner.  The bottom of the shelf will slide down on top of the bottom ceiling tile piece.  And the top shelf will be where the top ceiling tile piece rests.  Be sure to insert these "shelves" so they only block the four corners of your ceiling tile. 

  

 To make it a little prettier I decided to add a little bling to the shelf that showed through each four corners.  I put some Instant Krazy Glue CRAFT on the part of the shelf that showed through the square and then added the bling.  I also used this glue to glue the top ceiling tile piece to the shelf.  You don't want the top ceiling tile piece to pull away when you are removing your copics.  While you are gluing squirt a little glue between the shelf and the box on each corner.  Again, just to be sure everything stays in place.

 All done.  My copic markers fit in the ceiling tile grate perfectly!  They are all organized so I can see exactly what I have.  And in my box there is a little space in the front where I can slide papers and projects that I am working on.  FABULOUS!  It stands nicely on one side (the lid is kind of a "kick stand") so I can use it on my desk.

What a great storage solution.  And CHEAP too.  The ceiling light tile is very inexpensive.  And the box itself was a great price on sale.  SO much less expensive than the copic marker wallets and bags.

Thanks so much to Helen for her blog post that gave me a great "starting point".  You can see her blog post here.