Holiday 2018: "Peace & Joy" Xmas Tutorial

Welcome to my blog & the start of my Holiday 2018 series!

It's Elina here & I hope you are having a wonderful evening.

Today's project is a simple card that packs a graphic punch.

What do you get when you add a reindeer silhouette & Distress

Oxide inks...

Click the video link below to find out...

If you enjoyed the video, please make sure to leave a "Like".

Here's a close up pic you can check out as well:

I have to be honest I really love how the background turned out.

I think it adds interest to the card & compliments

the main focal image.

Be on the lookout for more card backgrounds using my

Distress Oxide inks.

I definitely need to get some more colors to add to 

my collection.

But I digress, let me tell you the important

card making facts.

Card Making Facts:

Card Base- 4 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Black card layer- 4 1/4" x 5 1/4"

Image panel: 4" x 5"

Well since I listed the facts about card I might as well

list the supplies used.

Supplies used:

Distress Oxide inks- "Broken China" & "Cracked Pistachio"

Stampin Up "Gold Glory" embossing powder

Stampin Up Embossing Buddy

Gold gel pen

VersaMark ink

Recollections Christmas Sentiments stamp set

And that's it.

I hope you enjoyed this project & video.

Make sure to join me later this week for the second video 

in this series.

Thanks for stopping by & have a great evening!

Hugs

Fall/Autumn 2018: "Thankful to be me" Coloring Tutorial

Welcome to my blog!

Hi everyone it's Elina here.

I hope you are enjoying your evening.

Today marks the finale of my Fall/Autumn 2018 series.

The project featured is a deeply personal one for me.

I started this series to highlight the season.
This time around I decided to use this series to pay tribute to
the special people in our lives.
So my last project featured a tree to represent family.
This time of year we give thanks for our family.
We remember those who have passed, celebrate the newest members
& embrace friends who make life worth living.

But what I've noticed is that we often forget the most
important person of all: Ourselves.
It was with this idea in mind that I decided to
draw a portrait of myself.
This was not an easy one for me to do
let me tell you.
Just trying to capture my appearance as a drawing was horrifying.
To keep things simple I tried to capture the most
distinguishing characteristics that make me me.

My glasses was an easy one to draw as well as my
usual updo.
Where it becomes difficult is trying to translate the look
to reflect the season.
So I opted to draw myself as slowly dissolving into a pile of leaves.
A little trippy but it captures the fall theme.

For the coloring I tried my best to match the tone of my skin,
hair, eyes & glasses.
But then I chose to fade out the coloring on one side of my face
to create the illusion of dissolving away.
That part of the coloring was the trickiest.
I feel that I could have achieved that look if
I would have tried some different techniques but
it is what it is.

You can check out the pic below:

You can check out the coloring tutorial below to see how this came together:

It's taken me a long time to try to accept the person that I am.
And for me it's still a work in progress.
I have my good days & my bad days.
My days filled with regret & my days filled with joy.
But I try to take everything day by day.
I still judge myself pretty harshly but I'm
slowly learning how to lower that negative part of
myself that says, "You can't..."

My hope is to be able to love myself flaws and all
& just be happy.

I hope you enjoyed this project & thanks for stopping by.

Hugs,

Quick Update:

Hi everyone & welcome to my blog!

It's Elina here & thank you for joining me today.

I hope you are enjoying your Saturday evening.

It's hard to believe that in the next 6 days we will be 

kicking off the start of the holiday season.

Say whattttt?!!!! 

Honestly I haven't even begun my holiday card making.

I always say I'm going to start off early, get it out of the way.

But I get caught up with doing day to day things and next thing 

you know the holidays are peeking around.

Dang it!

I can tell you that it will be a mad dash to get them done in time.

Hopefully they will get mailed out too because I had one 

year where I made cards & forgot to mail them.

So it was Merry Christmas to you in February. :)

Anyways, so yeah, the holidays.

I'm trying not to overwhelm myself too much this year.

So I will work on what I can when I can.

And that has been my mantra for this year.

So that's pretty much it for this post.

Just a brief rant on what I would like to accomplish.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.

Hugs

Fall/Autumn 2018: Easy Watercoloring w/ Inks & Color Burst

Welcome to my blog, it's Elina here.

I hope you are enjoying your extended weekend.

Today's post features the second installment in my

Fall/Autumn 2018 series.

If you missed the video premiere last night,

you can click the link below...

I'm pleased with how the final card turned out.

During the filming, I encountered a few issues & was pretty close 

to scrapping the whole video.

My spray ink was clogged.

I love using my spray inks for various projects

but it drives me nuts when they clog constantly.

So once I cleared the nozzle & began

spraying it sputtered & left blotchy patches.

My spray bottle filled with water was the 

saving grace this card needed.

Not to mention, it got all over my desk top

which had to be cleaned. Ugh.

Now I did enjoy using the Ken Oliver Color Burst powder.

I know that there are those of you out there

like really his stuff is amazing.

And I will totally agree with you on that.

I thought it was cool that after it's been dry

you can still spray it with water to soften the look.

Cool!

Enough rambling & ranting let's get back to the card.

Here's a close pic for you to check out:

I hope you enjoyed this card & video.

Stay tuned for the next video coming out soon.

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hugs,

Fall/Autumn 2018: Llama with Java Coloring Tutorial

Hi everyone, it's Elina here.

Happy Sunday & welcome to my blog!
Today marks the start of my Thankful 2018 series.
I have been doing this series for the past two years.
I think it's a great way to celebrate the season &
remember the things we are grateful for.

To start this series off I decided to use an original
character I drew.
It's a cute little llama who is thankful for
the cup of coffee she's about to enjoy.
Let's be honest, we have to be thankful for
the things in our life that help us get through.
For me, Coffee is that beverage I am most thankful for.

You can check out the coloring tutorial below...

Mmm.. I can just smell the coffee goodness.

Here's a close up pic...

I kept the card design pretty simple to showcase the main image.
I will probably use this image again for my Holiday 2018 series.

The measurements for the card are as follows:
Image panel- 4 1/2" x 6 1/2"
Brown card layer- 4 3/4" x 6 3/4"
Black card base- 5" x 7"

I did add Wink Of Stella to the glasses, nose & eyes.
I like the sparkle it gives to the finished image.

I hope you enjoyed this post & video.
Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Hugs,

Halloween 2018: Sanderson Sisters Coloring tutorial!

Hi everyone & welcome to my blog!

It's Elina here & I hope you are enjoying your Sunday morning.

Today marks the fourth installment of my Halloween 2018 series.

I enjoy creating & coloring spooky images for Halloween.

I feel it's a great way to stretch your creative muscles

& re-use your stamps.

So for this post I colored a trio of witches (sisters to be exact).

If your a fan of this iconic movie you know which

sisters I am referring to.

And for those who are aren't sure I'll tell.

It's the SANDERSON SISTERS from the movie Hocus Pocus!

I was super psyched to get a chance to do this tutorial.

Hocus Pocus is by far my favorite Halloween movie!

I remember going to the theaters with my family to see it.

The Sanderson sisters are a funny bunch & there are so many 

iconic lines.

It's a Halloween must see at my home.

You can check out the video below to see how I brought these sisters to life:

I love how this turned out.

Now it took my ages to draw these ladies & it got 

pretty frustrating.

So I found an image online I could draw & it made so much easier.

So unlike my original drawings or stamp re-dos,

this image comes courtesy of Cartoon Cookie.

You can find her here at: cartooncookie.tumblr.com

I did change up the way they looked a bit.

I made Winnie's face more slender & gave Sarah a different outfit.

Here's a close up pic you can check out:

"Why was I cursed with such idiot sisters?'

Oh Winnie, we know she doesn't actually mean it 

cause we know she loves her sisters deep down.

I hope you enjoyed this post & video!

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Hugs!

Halloween 2018: Creepy Doll Makeover!

Hi everyone it's Elina here & welcome to the 

third installment in my Halloween 2018 series!

This time I used a stamp from Stamp Anniething & 

gave it a "creepy" makeover.

I have to say I love challenging myself to 

stretch my stamps.

It's a great way to to get the most use out of the stamps

you own.

Although it is very tempting going in to the local craft store

& seeing the latest stamp offerings.

But if your on a budget, getting the most use out of what 

you have can save you money.

So with that in mind, check out the video below to see 

how I transformed the "Lorelei" stamp into a "creepy" doll.

I really like how this transformation turned out.

I must confess that I enjoy drawing creepy stuff but 

I am the biggest chicken ever.

You won't catch me in a haunted house. No way!

But safely drawing creepy things from the safety of home 

is just fine with me.

Here's a pic for you to check out:

I love how the Black Soot Distress Ink gives this image 

a look straight from a horror movie.

Nothing scarier than a creepy bear & an 

old rocking chair.

Makes you wonder what does she have in the box.

On second thought maybe not knowing is best.

I hope you enjoyed this post & video.

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hugs,

Chipboard Coffin Transformation; Halloween 2018

Hey everyone it's Elina here & happy Friday to all!

I hope your day is off to a great start.

Welcome to the second week in my Halloween 2018 series.

I take an ordinary chipboard coffin from Michael's

and transform it into an elegant marble coffin.

Check out the process video below to learn more...

The secret to this transformation is the black gesso.

You can find black gesso in any craft store.

I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby.

Just like with white gesso, the black gesso gives the surface

a great starter base.

You can then follow it up by layering & adding color using 

paints, inks, sprays, etc.

To give the coffin the look of marble, I start off using 

a combo of silver & grey paint.

I apply it using my stencil brush, adding color and removing it

using a paper towel.

I continue adding & removing the color till I get

the desired effect.

Here's a pic you can check out:

To decorate, I add a cameo, rose beads & die cuts

to give an elegant look.

I finish it off by adding scraps of black lace to the interior 

of the lid.

Now I can use the coffin to decorate my entryway

or as a cool treat box.

I'm pleased with how this project turned.

I might have to go back to Michael's to pick up a few more. :)

Thank you so much for stopping by!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Getting back to what I love plus the start of Halloween 2018 series!

Hi everyone! It's Elina here! I know what you are thinking, "Man where have you been?" 

It has been a long, hard road for me to get to this point.

I came to a realization where I needed a hiatus from everything.

I had given up on doing what I loved: blogging & my channel.

It was getting frustrating keeping up with the schedule I set for myself.

I was disappointed in myself and disappointed in the goals that I hadn't reached.

My mental and physical health was taking a beating.

So I made the decision to just step back and focus on what was important.

Me.

So I got back into yoga, started eating a little better, and spent more time for family.

And I have to say it has helped me a bit.

Now I try to focus on taking things day by day and enjoying life more.

It's not an easy process and I do have my bad days but my family's support 

helps get through those rough patches.

I will ask you to bear with me as I ease back into blogging and videos.

I'm happy to posting and sharing again to be sure.

But I am a little rusty.

For my videos I upgraded to Adobe Premiere Pro and my skills with that

is still a work in progress.

See the video below to see what I mean. 

I will try to post regularly and there will be more videos to come.

 I will say that I appreciate you all for your patience and continued support.

Now without further ado please enjoy the video below

Have a great weekend and I will post again soon.

Hugs,

Elina

"Monster Wishes" Coloring & Card Making Tutorial feat. Bo Bunny!

Hey everyone it's Elina here & welcome to my blog!

I hope your Sunday is off to a good start!

Today's post features a "monstrously" adorable birthday card

feat. the Bo Bunny "Monsters" stamp set.

I purchased this stamp from Hobby Lobby on clearance.

You can check out the tutorial below>>>

Make sure to "SUBSCRIBE" to my channel 

you haven't already.

*Make sure to show your love & support for small

YouTube channels like mine.

Like, comment & share!*

Here are a few close up pics:

 Isn't this monster adorable?!

The color scheme works well with this image.

This card would work for a boy or a girl.

 I thought it would be a cool idea

to have him balance a huge cupcake on his head.

So I pulled out my "Cupcake" stamp from Two Paper Divas.

And voila!

I hope you enjoyed this card & video!

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your day!

Coloring with Markers & Pencils Tutorial feat. Stamp Anniething!

Hey everyone it's Elina here & welcome to my blog!

I hope your day is going well!

Today's post features a card I created using the "Violet- Created by Me for You"

stamp set from Stamp Anniething.

You can check out the video tutorial below>>>

Make sure to "SUBSCRIBE" to my channel 

if you haven't already.

Make sure to show your love and support 

for smaller YouTube channels like mine.

We do what we do because we enjoy sharing our passions with

others.

Just by clicking the "Like" button, commenting 

& sharing, let's us know that our work is appreciated.

Here are some close up pics for you to check out:

 I love this adorable artist image.

 I have a newfound passion for combining my alcohol markers 

with my Prismacolors.

I feel its gives the images such depth.

I hope you enjoyed this card & tutorial!

You can find a full list of colors & supplies down in the 

Description Box below the video.

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your day!

"Thank you for all you do"- Coloring & Card making tutorial!

Hey everyone it's Elina here & welcome to my blog!

For today's post I created a "Thank You" card

feat. the"Swiss Pixie" digi from C. C. Designs.

The card design is simple to showcase the adorable image.

Check out the process video below>>>

Make sure to "SUBSCRIBE" to my channel

if you haven't already.

Check out these close up pics:

 Isn't this image adorable?!

 I'm glad I went with shades of purple for her outfit.

This image reminds me of my daughter when she was younger.

I hope you enjoyed this card & tutorial!

Make sure to check the Description Box for a full list of the supplies & colors used.

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your day!

"Happy Birthday to You": Coloring & Card Making Tutorial!

Hi everyone it's Elina here & welcome to my blog!

I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

For today's post I have a birthday card to share

using an image from La La Land Crafts.

This "Heart Cupcake Marci" digi was a freebie

from their Facebook page.

You can head to their online shop if

you would like to purchase it.

This was my first attempt at coloring this image

using both my alcohol markers & Prismacolor pencils.

Check out the full video below>>>

Make sure to "SUBSCRIBE" to my channel

if you haven't already.

Check out these close up pics:

 I'm pretty pleased with how this card turned out.

Loving the soft color scheme: pink, teal & grey.

 For the embellishments I used some Glitter Hole Reinforcers

from Heidi Swapp.

The match the card perfectly & are a cool alternative 

to traditional embellies.

I hope you enjoyed this card & tutorial!

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your weekend!

"Punny" Valentine's Cards Tutorial!

Hi everyone it's Elina here & welcome to my blog!

I hope your day is going well.

For today's post, I created a few handdrawn cards perfect

for Valentine's day.

I kept the drawing style pretty simple &

but you can recreate these cards using similar

stamp sets.

For the sentiments, I found a font style I liked &

 replicated it on the cards.

Click on the video below>>>

Make sure to "SUBSCRIBE" to my channel

if you haven't already.

Check out these close up pics:

 I think they turned out cute!

 I think the cactus is my favorite!

Using the G40 marker to create the striping 

came out cool.

 Love the Coffee & Donut!

Who doesn't love Bread & Butter?! 

And lastly, the perfect couple Peanut Butter & Jelly!

I'm partial to strawberry in my PB & J .

I've never been a fan of grape.

I hope you enjoyed these cards & video!

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your day!

Memo Board Re-Do: Home Deor Tutorial!

Hey everyone it's Elina here & welcome to my blog!

I hope your Sunday is off to good start!

Today's post features a project I created using

an original image handdrawn by me.

My husband purchased a few memo boards

from Hobby Lobby that were on clearance.

The cool thing is the cork board sits in

a triangular frame.

They were pretty plain looking so 

I grabbed one for myself to re-do.

Click on the video below for more details...

Make sure to "SUBSCRIBE" to my channel

if you haven't already.

Check out these close up pics:

 I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Now I can keep track of future video ideas, cards I 

want to work on or new techniques I want try.

I can jot them down and pin it to the board.

I love how the image turned out as well.

I purchased a set of Prismacolors from A.C. Moore

and have been experimenting with them.

Currently I use them to enhance the coloring of images.

I am still working on using them alone 

but with all things it takes some practice.

As for the image, I have also been working on my drawing

and this is one of the first images I drew.

I love her expression and she looks to me like she's forgotten something.

So for now I'm calling her "Oops I Forgot"

Chibi Girl.

I hope you enjoyed this project & video!

Thanks for watching & enjoy the rest of  your Sunday!

Distress Oxides + Stencil= A Quick & Easy Valentine's Day card!

Hey everyone it's Elina here & welcome to my blog!

I hope your Tuesday is off to a good start!

Today's post features a Valentine's Day card I made

using a stencil & Distress Oxides.

It's funny that I have more Distress Oxides than Distress Inks.

At first I wasn't really sold on this product till

I tried it out for myself.

I'm pleased with how easy they are to blend

plus the amount of coverage you get.

I have made a list of the colors I need to get

the next time I'm in Hobby Lobby.

Now I never tried the Oxide ink with a stencil

so this card is the first one I did.

Click on the video below for all the details>>>

Make sure to "SUBSCRIBE" to my channel

if you haven't already.

Check out these close up pics:

 I kept the card design simple.

I love how striking the background is.

 This is a great card to mass produce.

I used "Picked Raspberry" & "Candied Apple"

but you can switch up the colors.

 I used my Gelly Roll gel pen in White

to mimic the look of the background on the wood veneer hearts.

I hope you enjoyed this card & tutorial!

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your day!

"Just for You" Card tutorial feat. Stamp Anniething!

Hey everyone it's Elina here & happy Saturday to all!

I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Today's post features a card I made using the 

"Katy-Without the Rain" stamp set from

Stamp Anniething.

This is a wonderful image to color.

It's a cool to paper piece the raincoat & umbrella too.

I opted for my alcohol markers for this card.

Click on the video below for more details>>>

Make sure to 'SUBSCRIBE" to my channel

if you haven't already.

Here are some close up pics:

 I think this card turned out cool.

 I am loving the Distress Oxides.

This "Picked Raspberry" color is so pretty.

I hope you enjoyed this card & video!

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your weekend!