You Crack Me Up

I LOVE the sentiment that comes with this stamp by Stamping Bella. Cracked up Huggabugg is one of Cristy Croll's Huggabugg's bursting out of an eggshell and it caught my fancy. I've used it for this week's Bellariffic Friday sketch challenge. Ebru gave us a fantastic starting point. I know that most of you color then do your sketch. I work in the complete opposite. I have to know my papers, my sketch and I pretty much have it all cut BEFORE I start to color. That way I know how much room on my Bella's Bestest paper I should leave for the die, I almost always use a Nestabilites die and I have to know where I'm going before I can get started. Odd huh?

Anyhoo, I did start with Bella's Bestest paper, stamped my image with Memento Tuxedo black ink and then colored it up with copics. I then added shading with prismacolor pencils shaded with gamsol and to create the patch of grass. Additional shading was done around the image with VersaMagic Wheat chalk ink sponged on while the image panel was still in the Nestie die. Colored cardstock is AC Cardstock and design paper is Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 paper pad. The pink rhinestone brads came from JoAnn's about a million years ago so don't ask me what the brand is (I told you I'm bound and determined to use up my stash). I've again added a double bow using my new found favorite embellishment, seam binding ribbon scrunched up for a shabby chic look.

Hey, check out the ivory dots along my image panel. I made those using the Viva Decor Paper Pen and I think they add the pefect little splash of color. Cream is currently out at the Bella shop but there are plenty of other colors for you. The mat for this panel was made uing my new Spellbinders Beaded Oval die.

Mini-Bella McKenzie played along with us again this week too and did a fantastic job! Her Mom said she picked the paper to help with her color selection and set about making this all on her own. Here's her interpretation using Savvyshoppabella.

Next week's challenge is to ink up something that hasn't seen ink yet. How many stamps do you have that you buy but get too busy to actually play with? I have quite a few...like some of the new releases. Hmmmm which one shall I choose? Just make sure to send a photo of your creation to Emily@stampingbella.com by Thursday night. Then stop in to the Bella blog to see what the sistahs come up with and of course, to see your creation. Who knows, you might win $20 in Bella bucks for participating. No time this week to play, no problem. But don't forget to head to the Bella Blog and leave a comment. One lucky commentor receives $10 each week.

Hope you have plans for an awesome weekend. I have friends in visiting from Michigan. Woo Hoo - it's been three months and I've missed them so.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cath