Saturday, May 30, 2015

MFT Stamps- You're the Sweetest

Today we're sharing a cute card we created from the MFT Stamp set, You're the Sweetest.


We used pigment ink, in two colors, to create the shadow effect on the popsicles.  First cover the stamp in the lightest color of ink, then add a layer of the darkest color on one side, on top of the lighter ink.  Use a soft, tapping touch to avoid a harsh line of color.

Here's a close up of those popsicles.


The paper is from the Pebbles, Fun in the Sun, 6x6 paper pad.  The colors in this set are bright, and perfect for your summer projects.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

What's New Wednesday




Happy Wednesday!

We have lots of new stuff to share this week.

New stamps from Hero Arts.


We received a BIG shipment of beautiful new dies from Memory Box and Poppy Stamps.  Stop in for a look at the entire selection.  Below are a few of our favorites.  Need some inspiration?  Visit our Memory Box Pinterest Board for some wonderful ideas.



New dies from Impression Obsession.


Watch our blog later this week for a post using the new stamp and die from Technique Tuesday.

We've had several requests to order these carts.  So, we decided to take pre-orders for them.  The carts are similar to the Ikea carts that we use upstairs in our Studio.  However, these carts are large enough to accomodate your 12x12 papers.  The carts are regularly $79.99.  You'll save 10% if you pre-order them.  We will be placing the order on June 10th.  So, all pre-orders must be in by June 10th.



Fun links you'll want to view:

1.  View this LINK for a look at some beautiful watercolor cards using some of the W Plus 9 stamps sets.
2.  More beautiful cards using Mama Elephant stamp sets can be found HERE and HERE.


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Mama Elephant's Freestyle Florals

Today we're featuring three different cards, all created using Mama Elephant's Freestyle Florals stamp set.

The card shown below was stamped with VersaMark ink onto Mixed Media paper, and heat embossed with white embossing powder.  After embossing the image, we watercolored the flowers using Tim Hotlz Distress Inks.


Here's a closer look at the watercolored flowers.


To create the card below, we stamped the images with Tim Holtz Distress Ink.  We then, used a wet brush to move the color, achieving a soft, watercolored look.


The final card is super simple.  We stamped the images in a soft mint color and added the sentiment with black ink.  It would make a wonderful wedding card.





Here's an image of the whole set.






Sunday, May 24, 2015

Mama Elephant- Water Blooms Stamp Set

You may recognize this stamp set.  We used it for our Spring Workshop in March.  So, if you attended the workshop, you already have this stamp.

A few days ago, we featured some watercolored cards using WPlus 9 stamps.  We thought this stamps set would be fun to use in a similar way.  You don't get a realistic looking image, but you still get a wonderful watercolored image.

Use the Tim Holtz Distress Markers to color your stamp.  Then, stamp it on some Mixed Media or watercolor paper.  Use a wet brush to activate the color and move it around for that watercolored look.  While the image is still wet, you can add a second color to the flowers.  Scribble your marker on a non stick craft mat, pick up the color with your brush, and touch the brush with the color to the wet areas.  The color should flow into the wet area creating a beautiful image.

Here are a few images of cards we created using this technique.





Here's the stamp set we used.  All the sentiments are from Mama Elephant's In My Heart set.


Friday, May 22, 2015

W Plus 9 - Pretty Peonies

I've been practicing my watercolor techniques using the W Plus 9 stamps we received a couple of weeks back.  They are super fun, and after a little practice, they make it super easy to create beautiful watercolored images.

My favorite set was the Pretty Peonies stamp set.  It can be used in numerous ways.  However, I used it to create some "loose" watercolored images.

Here's an image of the supplies I was practicing with.  I used the Tim Holtz Distress Ink markers, the Gansai Tambi watercolors, and Strathmore's Mixed Media paper.


To create the peonies, I used the detailed portion of the images.  If you look at the actual stamp at the end of this post, you'll find there are three images for each flower.  The base, the details, and the outline.  You can use them to build flowers by layering the stamps, or use the detail portion to create the basic image, pulling the colors out with a wet brush.  Check out this wonderful VIDEO from Dawn at W Plus 9.  She shows and explains the process in detail.  Here's another VIDEO demonstrating how she used the Flora and Fauna Two stamp set to create some amazing butterflies.  I highly recommend both of these videos!

Here's are the cards I created after a little practice.




I wasn't happy with the placement of these flowers.  However, a little ribbon and bow at the bottom helped to balance it a bit. 



Here's an image of the Pretty Peonies stamp set.



Here's the Floral and Fauna Two set.


Wednesday, May 20, 2015

What's New Wednesday




Happy Wednesday!

We have lots of new stuff this week, and even more that we're currently unpacking.  Here are some of our favorites this week.  However, you should stop in for a look at everything.

 We have the new nautical collection, Seaside, from Authentique Paper.


Rustic Elegance from Carte Bella is absolutely beautiful.  You'll love this collection!


New releases from MFT Stamps.  Below are images of our favorites this month.  View our Pinterest Board HERE for a look at some fun card ideas.




New May releases from Mama Elephant.  We've updated our Mama Elephant Pinterest Board with some fun cards using these stamps.  You can view it HERE.




If you purchased the coffee cup die and sentiment stamp shown below, you'll be happy to know, we got the paper back in stock!!!  Finally!


Also back in stock, the 360 Crafter's Bag.


Be sure to check out the links below.  You don't want to miss the fun stuff we posted on the blog last week.

1.  Here's a link featuring one of the Gorjuss stamps colored with Copic Markers.  View it HERE.

2.  We added lots of new inspiration to our MFT Pinterest board featuring the new stamps.  Be sure to visit this LINK for a look.

3.  Be sure to visit our Mama Elephant Pinterest board.  We've updated it with loads of new images featuring their new stamps.  You can view that board HERE.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Gorjuss Ladybird Stamp Set

We recently received a couple Gorjuss stamps from Santoro.  We thought these little girls were adorable so we ordered them.

Here's a super simple card we made using the Gorjuss Ladybird stamp.  She's colored with Copic Markers (colors listed at the end of the post).


Here's a close up look at her.


For those interested, here are the Copic Marker colors used:  Hair- C3, C7, and C10;  Clothes- Y00, Y11, Y15, and Y17, BV02, BV04, BV08;  Ground- E41, E43, and E47;  Skin- E00, E11, and E21 (cheeks R20)

Here's the image of the stamp set.  It comes with a nice frame and border, along with the adorable girl.


Wednesday, May 13, 2015

What's New Wednesday




Happy Wednesday everyone!

Here's what's been happening at Doodlebugs the past few weeks.

We've added our June Card Club Class to the schedule.  Here are the details:


We're dressing up die cuts with Copic Markers!!

When: June 27th from 1PM until 3PM
Class Fee:  $8 (we'll refund $5 if you purchase $25 or more after class)
Call the store to sign up:  360-683-3154


Love the new May, stamp and die from Technique Tuesday.  It's just in time for your summer travels.  BONUS:  receive the small "You Mean the World to Me" stamp FREE when you purchase the stamp set and die.  This cute little stamp fits perfectly into the globe die.



April's Distress Color from Tim Holtz is now in stock.  Stop in before we are sold out.



New, products from Tim Holtz!  Video demonstrations for the products below can be found HERE (ink refresher), HERE (custom blend pad), and HERE (Distress Micro Glaze).  PLEASE NOTE:  EACH VIDEO INTRODUCTION IS THE SAME.  HOWEVER, HANG IN THERE, EACH ONE FEATURES A DIFFERENT PRODUCT.


We also received a bunch of Distress Ink reinkers for your DIY ink pads!!  Stop in for a look at the selection.  We'll special order for you, any color we don't have in stock.



May's Distress Color of the Month was announced last week, Twisted Citron.  It will be shipping at the end of the month.  Give us a call if you'd like to get on the special order list.  We'll hold it for you once it arrives and you'll save 10%!  Here's a quick video LINK of Tim Holtz demonstrating how this color compares to the current Distress color palette. 


Back in stock:

The Precision Cutting Plates sold out the first week we had them.  They are currently back in stock (probably not for long).


We also received more FUSE tools.  They are sold out at the manufacturer until August.  So, they are going to become hard to find soon.  If you've been wanting one, now is the time to get it!



Don't forget to redeem your Birthday Envelope this month!!  We've already had some big winners!!



Below are a few links we think you won't want to miss:

1.  This VIDEO from Jennifer McGuire features a fun way to use white ink (our challenge product) layered with a dye ink.  Super cool technique for backgrounds.  Watch that video HERE.

2.  We have a fun idea for custom color graduation cards on our blog.  Visit this LINK for all the details.

3.  You'll want to head over to our blog and check out this MUST HAVE TOOL for your die-cutting.  You can use this LINK to get to our blog.

4.  We have Project Life/ Pocket Scrapbooking inspiration on the blog.  View the fun pocket cards we created using Technique Tuesday's monthly stamp and dies HERE.

5.  Looking for some inspiration for cards?  Take a look at the following blog posts HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Just Add Watercolor- Super Easy Cards from Cosmo Cricket

I love how easy it is to customize these cards with your own colors.  The cards come blank, but include the resist and gold foiling.  Simply add the color of your choice, and tada! you have a beautiful, custom color card.

I thought they would be perfect for graduations. You could customize them with school colors.  Below are two cards, one, purple and gold for Sequim High School.  The other, I added green, for Port Angeles.


I also thought they would be wonderful for weddings.  You could customize them with the wedding colors.

Here's one I created with multiple colors.