Mami Doodles: Digital Stamps

Challenge #42: For a Loved One

2012-01-27T15:00:00.000Z

The 41st Challenge was a great one, I loved each one of the entries, thanks for taking part!

The winner of the challenge, courtesy of random.org, is Wicked Witch with this beauty:

Wicked Witch, please email me to get your prize.

The challenge for the next two weeks was set by Lisa:

"For a Loved One"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 9th of February, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Lily, She Loves me, Double Bed), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Pam

Did you see?

2012-01-24T21:42:00.000Z

DT member Jackie Mooney was featured in Crafting Ireland Issue 7. Congratulations Jackie! Theres a fab selection of her cards and also links to her blog and monthly card making classes, so hurry up and check it out!

Crafting Ireland is a beautiful online magazine with the lots of great articles, cards and other crafts. Also there is a colouring tutorial from my former teamie and "boss" at PaperPlay Challenges, Sandie Dunne.

Lily

2012-01-23T00:13:00.001Z

Here's Lily, she loves window shopping!

Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Challenge #41

2012-01-13T15:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

I hope you had a great time and that you started 2012 revitalized and full of inspiration.

I know I have lots of hope for this year, I wish you all a very creative year!

Last month we set a challenge for an Altered Art or Home Decor and the winner, selected by random.org, is MaRyKaY with the creative and slightly scary :-) Christmas decoration:

Congrats MaRyKaY, please email me to get your prize.

The challenge for the next two weeks was chosen by Wendy and is:

"White on white (maybe add one splash of colour)"

I am absolutely loving the cards that the DT created, I hope it will inspire you as much as it is inspiring me!

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday the 26th of January, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Double Bed,Peter and the Pudding and Baby's First Christmas), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Jackie

Jenn

Lisa

Manuela

Pam

Ren-Yi

Stephanie

Wendy

Frances

Double Bed

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000Z

Sharing a bed may have some disavantages, your partner might snore, pull your quilt or have a very noisy alarm clock, but still there's nothing nicer than sleeping all cuddled up.

A cute image for Valentine's Day!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T21:25:00.000Z

Merry Christmas to all, I hope you have a great time!!!

Thanks for all my readers and customers for your support, for the DT for their help and talent.

Check the latest challenge, as I updated it with Ren-Yi's gorgeous frame.

Challenge #40

2011-12-16T21:59:00.001Z

The winner of the 39th Challenge, thanks for random.org, is Chris Olsen, who made this gorgeous tag:

The last challenge this year was set by Stephanie:

"Altered Art/Home Decor"

Since it is a busy time now we'll extend this challenge to run for 4 weeks. Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 12th of January, midday GMT. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.
The prize will be the last 3 images released (Bea the Butterfly, Peter and the Pudding, and Baby's First Christmas) plus one of your choice.

Now enjoy the fabulous creations of the Design Team:

Frances

Jackie

Jenn

Lisa

Manuela

Pam

Stephanie

Ren-Yi

Peter and the Pudding

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000Z

Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Challenge #39

2011-12-02T20:55:00.000Z

The randomly chosen winner of the 38th Challenge is Carly with this magical card:

Ren-Yi set the challenge for the next two weeks which is:

"Make it Shine (Glitter)"

Who doesn't like a bit of sparkle in their lives? And cards?

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 15th of December, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Baby's First Christmas, Bea the Butterfly and Tropical Santa), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Frances

Jackie

Jenn

Lisa

Manuela

"Added gold mirror board, golden card candi, glitter and some shiny bells. "

Pam

Ren-Yi

Wendy

Baby's First Christmas and the December Promo Item (Bea)

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000Z

It's December already, on 25 day to Christmas! It is a cliche but I can't believe how fast this year is going!

I have a couple of images released today.

This is for all the babies born in 2011.

You'll get the image as you see it or the baby on his/her own.
Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

And Bea the Butterfly is the promo item in December (free with any purchase).

She comes on her own or sitting on the mushroom.

Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Mami Doodles Gallery

2011-11-29T23:20:00.001Z

I haven't done this in a while, displaying some inspiring cards from Mami Doodles customers. Here's some that caught my eye.

This beauty is by Carol, she framed the image with gold frame and embelishments.

Karen used another Christmas image and added embossing and humour to her card.

I love the delicate colours which Claire used in her flowers against the vibrant ginger hair.

Thanks for using Mami Doodles images, please contact me and I'll send you a Christmas images (to be release 1st of December).

Cardlifting

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000Z

I made a few cards for Vera's card drive. Since I had no idea what to make, I decided to turn to the DT blogs for inspiration.
This one lifted from Jackie:

I am very pleased with it, but when you compare with the original, it doesn't look as nice by a mile! :-(

The next ones don't use a Mami Doodles image, but it is a truly DT inspired card series.

The design is Ren-Yi's and the baubles are a freebie from Wendy.

My advice? If you need inspiration look at the DT work here and in their own blogs for inspiration.

I'll finish with a little tip. A quick way to make a strip of paper more interesting is to score two lines on them, like here:

The sentiments is a digi by Ali Edwards, available at Designer Digital.

Cra

2011-11-19T23:36:00.001Z

Challenge #38

2011-11-18T15:00:00.000Z

If you haven't done so yet, please go to the DSYU challenge blog, their DT work is amazing and there is still time to enter the competition;we are one of the sponsors this week!

As for our own challenge, the winner of the 37th Challenge, chosen by random.org, is Julie with this gorgeous and sweet card:

Julie, please email me to get your prize.

The challenge for the next two weeks was set by Manuela:

"Fairy Tales are Real"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 1st of December, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Under the Mistletoe, Tropical Santa and Holly), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

I love how the DT interpreted the challenge!

Frances

Jackie

Jenn

Lisa

Manuela

Pam

Ren-Yi

Wendy

Sponsoring DYSU

2011-11-17T20:00:00.000Z

Today we are sponsoring the amazing DYSU Challenge Blog.
Check the work of their talented DT and see if you can get some prizes!

Tropical Santa

2011-11-17T11:53:00.001Z

Long time no see... I am sorry for the long absense, but I am back!

I have a new Christmas image out - Wendy wanted a something suitable for hotter climates and here is what I came up with.

There's 3 variations, one as seen, one with Santa on its own, one is the coconut tree on its own.
Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

See you back tomorrow a brand new challenge.

Sponsoring Incy Wincy Designs

2011-11-14T20:00:00.000Z

I am delighted to be sponsoring Incy Wincy Designs today!!!
Please check their blog!

Under the Mistletoe

2011-11-08T23:35:00.001Z

Lisa suggested a Christmassy penguin. This is what I came up with, it is free with any purchase this month.
Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Cards That Care

2011-11-07T21:36:00.005Z

I should have posted this ages ago. Vera Yates (Ling) is again this year organizing a card drive to send cards to elderly people in nursing homes. This year she has teamed up with Jennifer McGuire and you can send your cards to either of them. Details and addresses here.

I am starting late this year, but I reckon I still have time to get a few done and posted in time to get to them before the end of the month.

Please help if you can, it is such a worthwhile cause.

Digital Scrapbooking Day

2011-11-06T01:30:00.000Z

If you are into scrapbooking, I have a giveaway here.

Challenge #37

2011-11-04T18:57:00.000Z

Thank you for everybody that took part in the blog hop and for the DT for hosting the hop. You are the best!

Most of the winners have been announced in the DT blog, but if you missed here they are:
Frances: Dianel
Jackie: Tracyk
Jenn: Fliss
Lisa: Maribel
Manuela: Yaz
Pam: Michaela
Ren-Yi: Carol
Stephanie: Sammibug
Wendy: Karen C

From this blog, the winner of the challenge and blog hop is Marjo with this Halloween cutie:

The challenge for the next two weeks is:

Christmas!!!!

I know it is still a while till Christmas but I am feeling festive already!

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 17th of November, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Autumn Girl, Holly and Wanna Play), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Lisa

Frances

Jackie

Jenn

Manuela

Pam

Pam was super inspired this week and made 3 cards!

Wendy

Holly

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000+01:00

I owe this one to Wendy; when she saw Autumn Girl she asked for similar one for Christmas, with holly instead of flowers.

Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Blog Hopping in Challenge #36 and freebies!!!

2011-10-21T15:00:00.000+01:00

This is a very exciting week because the new members of the Design Team are making their debut. Of course it is a motive to celebrate so keep your eyes open!!!

Let's not forget the our last challenge. I used random.org to choose the winner of the 35th Challenge who is Lovely Linda with this stunning card:

Congratulations Linda, please email me to get your prize.

Let the party start now!!! The theme is:

Black and Orange

Every guest will get this image to get in the mood:

However, you won't be able to download the Scary Mummy just yet. Let me ask you to start the prize giving blog hop and visit Frances' blog to see her amazing card.

From there, please proceed to the other DT members' blog:

Wendy

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll see in their blogs:

At this point you should have the info you need to download the freebie; click here, enter the password and download it.

Usually we give a prize for one of the participants of the challenge and this is still the case, but this time there's also a chance to win the prize in each of the DT's blog. The prize is a package containing 4 of my favourite Christmas-themed images. Good luck!

But that is not all, I have now a facebook page and if you go there, there's another freebie to be got. Please visit it and "like" me if you like.. :-) Thanks!!!

Please link your card at the end of this post for the chance to win the Christmas image package. Cards using Mami Doodles images will have two entries in the draw. Entries will be accepted until 3rd of November, midday. Thanks!

Welcome to the new Design Team members!

2011-10-14T15:00:00.000+01:00

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all that applied to join our Design Team. I was amazed by the level of the entries and was grateful that all these talented girls wanted to be part of our DT. I couldn't make up my mind on my own so I asked help from the DT. And together we had a tough time deciding but finally I can introduce you to the new members, in alphabetical order:

Frances R

One of the first things I noticed about Frances work is how she draws one's eyes to the focal point of the card. Fabulous design and colour combinations are her trademarks.

Jenn Zeeb

Look at Jenn's cards in her blog and you have to resist the temptation to touch them. There's always texture and dimension in them. I love how she uses ribbon, brads, bling and stitching to add a special touch.

Pam Blood

Pam's cards are beautiful, girly and sophisticated. She is not afraid of experimenting and can make any type of card but I feel that she's in her element when she can use flowers and a little bling in her cards.

Jackie, Khalinne, Lisa, Manuela, Ren-Yi, Stephanie, Wendy and I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome them here. Please leave them a little love in their blogs!

Wanna Play? October's promotional item

2011-10-11T00:19:00.000+01:00

I think it is so sweet when kids knock in my door looking for my daughter: "Can she come out to play?".
Sometimes she can, sometimes we're just about to go out. But I'd sure would be very sorry if I had to turn this cutie down.

I know we're well into October, but this is October's promotional item, free with any purchase. Don't forget to add it to your cart while making the other purchases.

Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Challenge #35

2011-10-07T15:28:00.001+01:00

The winner of the 34th Challenge, chosen by random.org, is Audrey with beautiful and peaceful card:

Audrey, please contact me to get your prize!

The challenge for the next two weeks is brought to you by Lisa:

"Mother Nature"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 20th of October, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Mother Nature, Dress Up Add-On and the Snowman), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Here's the fabulous artwork of the Design Team!

Jackie

Lisa

Manuela

another one by Manuela

Ren-Yi

Stephanie

Wendy

Dress Up Add-On

2011-10-07T00:08:00.000+01:00

I had so much fun creating clothes for Ligia and Jake that I decided to add a couple of outfits suitable for the festive season. The angel costume and the Elf costume fit both Ligia and Jake. Please notice that the images of the girl and boy are not part of this kit and must be purchased separately.

Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

If you are looking for something different, look at all my Christmas images.

Mother Nature

2011-10-07T00:07:00.000+01:00

Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Snowman

2011-09-29T10:00:00.000+01:00

Just want to say THANK YOU to everybody that applied/is going to apply for a spot in the DT.

My first Christmas image this year! The cute snowman and the birdie in the tree come in the same image but they can very well used separately.

Khalinne

2011-09-26T23:09:00.001+01:00

I am sorry to have to relay that Khalinne's partner passed away after a short illness. I am sure she will appreciate if you leave her a note in her blog.

Challenge #34

2011-09-23T15:00:00.000+01:00

First, I would like to remind you that I am having DT call - there's still a week to enter, please read here, if you are interested.

The randomly chosen winner of the 33rd Challenge is Grace and she made this inspiring card:

Jackie made the sketch for the next 2 week long challenge :

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 6th of October, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Terry, Autumn Girl and Party Animals), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Trinh is having a DT break, I'll look forward her coming back with her amazing creations in a few months.

Jackie

Lisa

Manuela

Ren-Yi

Autumn Girl

2011-09-22T22:01:00.000+01:00

Here's my Autumn Girl, ready with a raincoat, umbrella and heavy boots!
Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

DT Call and Friday Gallery

2011-09-16T18:22:00.000+01:00

Would you like to join the Mami Doodles Design Team??? We are looking for 2 to 3 new enthusiastic members to add to our existing fabulous team.

You would be required to design a card or project for our challenges every second Friday . You will also be asked to post the card in your blog. In return you will get all the images I release while you are in the team. I'd ask for applicants to be able to commit for at least a 3 month period.

Please link you blog below the post before the end of this month. New members will be announced soon after.

I am looking forward seeing your entries!

Now to the eye candy...

First check Ren-Yi and Wendy's cards for the last challenge which where added late due to technical (internet) and memory (mine) problems. Hehehe.

Now see what our customers have created....

Sharon Scronce's pie plate:

She printed the image on decal paper and fired it. I never knew it could be done, isn't that a great idea?

Julie, a.k.a. the Frog Princess, made a back to school card using Mark:

Notice the blackboard, so realistic!

Clairebears is here 3 times in a row, but I had to show this card of hers.

Each of them will get my latest image, Terry and Pooch.

Thanks for looking, have a great and crafty weekend!

Challenge #33

2011-09-12T15:00:00.000+01:00

I am sorry for the delay posting this challenge.

The winner of the 32rd Challenge, chosen by random.org, is Julie with this festive side stepped card:

Julie, please email me to get your prize..

I hope you all enjoyed your summer holidays, here at Mami Doodles the challenge are back to our normal 2 week long interval.

Trinh set the hallenge for the next two weeks:

"All Creatures Great and Small"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 22nd of September, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Black Dress, Party Animals and Terry), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Guest Designer

Jackie

Lisa

Manuela

Ren-Yi

Trinh

Wendy

Terry and Pooch

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000+01:00

Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Party Animals

2011-09-01T22:06:00.000+01:00

Here's a trio of doodles to decorate your birthday or baby cards!

They're free with any purchase during the month of September. Please add it to the cart before checking out to receive a download link.

Available in the Mami Doodles site, direct link here.

Loving these cards!

2011-08-26T15:00:00.044+01:00

The DT and I spotted some fabulous Mami Doodles cards in blogland.

If you have created a card using any of my images, let me know - I love to see them!

The cute baby card is by Ronnie. I love the buttons and the raised boat.

The talented Clairebears is featured again with a blonde Ligia, in this beautiful, happy card.

Pam has a bunch of cards using Ligia, they're all fab, this one won my heart.

Finally DT member Jackie
has also created a card with the same image, notice the rosy cheeks and the beautiful ballet tutu. Irresistible!

Ronnie, Clairebears and Pam, contact me to get a little pressie - my latest image - Little Black Dress!

Little Black Dress

2011-08-25T15:00:00.001+01:00

I got some requests for older girls and teenagers and this is what I came up with.

Available at ww.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Owl and Books

2011-08-20T22:32:00.000+01:00

First a quick note, I added Ren-Yi's card in the challenge post, check it out, it is an absolute cutie!

And here's another owl - this one resting on books and could do for a last minute graduation card. The owl and books come in a single image and also on their own.

Available on the website, direct link here.

Challenge #32 Shaped Card

2011-08-19T15:00:00.028+01:00

The winner of the 31st Challenge is Agnieszka with this pretty baby card:

Agnieszka, please email me to get your prize.

The challenge for the next 3 weeks is:

"Shaped Card"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 8th of September, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Sleepy Owl, Swing and Jake), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Jackie

Lisa

Manuela

Ren-Yi

Stephanie

Trinh

Wendy

More cards for the flower challenge

2011-08-01T23:17:00.000+01:00

Here's more cards from the DT for the flower challenge. I scheduled the post in a hurry as I was getting ready to go away so it is totally my fault they were not in the original post, which also have been corrected.

Lisa's card:

Manuela's card:

Challenge #31 Flowers

2011-07-29T15:00:00.048+01:00

The winner of the 30th Challenge is Jacky (Paddington Fan's blog) with this cute buried-in-the-sand teddy:

Jacky, please email me to get your prize.

The challenge for the next 3 weeks is:

"Flowers"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run for 3 weeks until Thursday 18th of August, midday GMT. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Sleepy Owl, Swing and Jake), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Jackie

Khalinne

Lisa

Manuela

Ren-Yi

Trinh

Wendy

Sleepy Owl and August's Promotional Item

2011-07-28T15:56:00.000+01:00

Today I have two new digital stamps out:

Available here.

The next image, The Swing, is the promotional item from today till the end of August (free with any purchase). If you make a purchase, please add this item to the cart to be able to download it.

Available here.

Inspiring cards and a plate

2011-07-22T10:00:00.021+01:00

I love the vibrant colours in Clairebears' beautiful card:

She also made this card for the current challenge:

I just couldn't resist showing you a few of the cards made by the DYSU DT for their challenge last week:

Denise's card, is gorgeous, delicate and all sweet pastel colours:

Miranda's card, just as gorgeous and delicate, uses a completely different neutral pallete with bits of pink here and there.

Of course, the images can be used for other things rather than cards and scrapbooks. I painted this plate in Artworks Cafe in Portmarnock, when we had a ladies night a few weeks ago. It is also a great place to bring the children to paint their own plate or mug during the summer. The price depends on the piece you choose, mine cost €15 and included the plate, materials and firing.

This week, I'd like to give a little prize to Clairebears, since she never got a freebie from me. And of course, because her cards are gorgeous!

Learning as I go: Part 5 - Flower Makeover

2011-07-18T10:00:00.060+01:00

There's tons of paper flower making tutorials in the web and here is my own twist.

I am taking the lazy approach and making flowers out of existing ones! If you are cardmaking or scrapbooking as long as I am, you must have gone through a Prima daisies shopping frenzy. Do you remember the pretty flowers that came in pretty glass jars? Like these ones?

I used plenty of them, but still have lots left and hardly use them anymore because while I still love them, they look a bit... let's say... out of fashion. So I decide to try a flower makeover and here are some of my results:

To make the pink chrysanthemum, I used 2 dark daisies, 3 pink ones and a smaller yellow one.

I glued one dark one on top of the other one.
Then I folded the pink ones in the middle, back to back. I put a dot of glue so that they'd stay that way.

Then folded them again, and glued.

Now put glue in the center of the dark one.

Now cover the dark daisies with the folded pink ones:

Now scrunch the yellow daisy like this. Back to back, so that the petal tips go inwards.

Glue it in the middle and you get this.

For the other two flowers I used a different shape and coloured them with Promakers. I didn't record all the steps but it follows the same idea of the first tutorial.

For the yellow flower, I coloured the centres with a darker shade.

And got this:

The blue one has a fuller centre; I used two yellow daisies.

Here's a second tutorial, very similar to the previous one. This time I wanted to make a rose.

The steps:

The "ingredients":

Pop a bit of wet glue on the back of two of dark flowers:

Fold.

A bit of glue on a third flower.

Place one of the folded ones over it.

Then the other one, on the other half.
Put a bit of glue on the back of the petals of the remaining two.

Scrunch the small one up, petals against petals.

Wrap the other one around the first one.

Glue it in the center of the other ones and you're done!

If you get to make a flower using the tutorial let me know, I'll love to see your creations!

Friday Gallery

2011-07-15T10:00:00.034+01:00

Here some Mami Doodles cards and crafts that the DT and I spotted lately.

Sammibug made this cutie, I love that she layered the image over denim.

Fairysparkle used my first image (and still one of my favourites) in this beautiful card:

And one of my favourite cardies, former DT member Deirdre used one of my roses here:

They're all beautiful - I don't think I can choose a favourite, but this week, I'll give a little pressie (Ligia Playing Dress-Up) to Fairysparkle because I think she never got a freebie from me. And as a member of "other races" :-) I appreciate that she's making cards for diverse ethnic groups. Please email me so I can send you your prize!

Last but not least, Jackie made this sweet card with my latest image, notice the colouring, the sand and the sky!

Sponsoring DYSU Challenge Blog!

2011-07-14T22:30:00.000+01:00

Today there's a new challenge up in the Do You Stack Up Challenge blog which I am sponsoring. Look at fabulous cards/scrapbook pages of its DT - these girls are so talented!

Here's Ren-Yi's card, she's a member of our DT as well as DYSU's:

Which little girl (or indeed big girl) wouldn't love to get a card like this one? And I am bookmarking the post in Ren-Yi's blog because I am definitely going to copy her idea!

Jake Playing Dress-Up

2011-07-14T10:00:00.006+01:00

Jackie requested a boy to go with the girl and here he is, Jake Playing Dress-Up.

Same as the girl, two hairstyles, 4 clothes combined making 8 images. And the same bargain price!
Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

Sponsoring Craft Your Passion Challenges

2011-07-12T21:52:00.000+01:00

This week we are the proud sponsors of the brilliant Craft Your Passions Challenges. The challenge theme is Just For You and I absolutely love all the cards their DT created. Please go, check and submit a card for the challenge!

Trinh's card

2011-07-12T14:28:00.000+01:00

Here's Trinh's card for the beach challenge:

challenge #30 At the Beach

2011-07-08T15:00:00.032+01:00

How are you enjoying the summer holidays? I am having a great time -with the children at home all the time I don't have much time to doodle or make cards but at least I managed to make a little blog redesign. Tell me what you think!

The winner of the 29th Challengem drawn by random.org, is Lisa with this cute dog card:

The challenge for the next two weeks is:

"At the Beach"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 28th of July, midday. This challenge is running for 3 weeks. The prize will be the last 3 images released (girl with balloon, millie and ligia), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Jackie

Manuela

Ren-Yi

Wendy

Trinh

By the way, Wendy has a fabulous flip flop freebie in her blog, which would be perfect for a beach themed card.

Girl and Balloon

2011-07-01T17:47:00.000+01:00

Isn't she cute? And even better, she's my promotional item this month; free with any purchase.
Available at www.mamidoodles.com, direct link here.

More heavy metal cards!

2011-06-26T19:27:00.000+01:00

I've updated the challenge #29 post to include Khalinne and Wendy's fabulous entries. Check it out here!

Challenge #29 Heavy Metal

2011-06-24T15:00:00.004+01:00

The winner of the 28th Challenge is entry 42 Juelmarie with the Supe Hero Dad card:

She was with staying in hospital looking after her son, hopefully this will cheer her up a little bit! Please email me to get your prize Juelmarie!

The challenge for the next two weeks is by Manuela is:

"Heavy Metal"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 7th of July midday. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Millie, Ligia and Balloons), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Jackie

'My double take on "Heavy Metal"'

Lisa

Manuela

Ren-Yi

"The pinwheel is made out of aluminum foil"

Stephanie

Trinh

"Looks like Stephanie & I were on the same wavelength for this challenge!"

Khalinne

Wendy

Friday Gallery - Now with PRIZES!

2011-06-17T22:36:00.000+01:00

Wendy spotted this card by Lisa Oliver, (which uses one of the bees from the Bee's Party kit), while blog hopping:

Isn't it a gorgeous card? So much so that it won a prize. And now it won another one, as I will be giving a little present to one of the cards featured in the Friday Gallery. This week it will be Ligia, my latest image - Ligia Playing Dress Up. Lisa, please email me to get your prize.

Talking of Ligia, have you spotted Jackie's set of cards in her workshop blog?

Here's a sneak:

More here.

I had lots of fun creating Ligia and her dresses, it brought back memories...

Ligia Playing Dress Up

2011-06-16T10:00:00.015+01:00

Sometime ago, Jackie and I were talking about paper piecing and I decided to make an image which allowed for easy paper piecing, a drawing with no hair or hands on the way. My girl, Ligia, comes with two different hair styles and 4 clothing options making 8 images altogether.

The clothes include a bikini for summer cards and an uniform for back to school cards.

Available in the Mami Doodles shop, direct link here.

Learning as I go: Part 4 - digitally colouring the background

2011-06-13T10:00:00.002+01:00

I think an image really pops when you add a little "halo" around it, like Jackie did in this card and Wendy did here.

I am sure both got their effect using their markers and watercolours, but here I am going to show you how to get the same effect digitally.It is a handy technique when the image has lots of details which make it hard to colour by hand.

Don't be put off by the number of steps. Probably you already know how to do most of these things but I wanted to make it as detailed as possible.

I used PSE (Photoshop Elements) but the same idea would work in any other graphic editing software which support layers such as Paint Shop Pro.

First you have to know a bit about PNG files and layers. Excluding some of my earlier images, all others are provided in PGN format as well as in JPEG. For this tutorial you will need the PNG file.

As for layers, think of layers as sheets of paper, one on top of each other. Some sheets can be transparent or partially transparent, in which case you can see what's underneath.

OK, that's enough, it will be clearer when you see the tutorial.

1. Open your PNG image. See the checkered part around the image? That's the part that is transparent. (if the background is not transparent, this technique won't work, but all my pgn files have a transparent background).

2. Create a blank file. I like to create a blank file the same size as my card size. Go File→New→ Blank File...

3. Like so. Check if the layers window is open on the right hand side (red arrow). If not, to open it, click on Windows→Layers.

4. Click on the image. Go to the layers windows and drag and drop the image on the blank page (see red arrow). Resize it if needed. To resize, select the tool pointed by the blue arrow.

5. Select the brush tool (red arrow). Change the colour of the "paint" by clicking on the foreground colour (blue arrow, left box). This will open a new window (green arrow) which will allow you to select the desired colour.

6. Select the brush type: Click on the little downward arrow pointed here by the red arrow. This will open the Brush types window. Click on a blurry one, like #35 in the Default brushes list.

7. Select the layer you want to edit by going to the Layers windows and selecting the background layer. Click where the red arrow is.

8. Start colouring the image with your mouse. Click and hold the left button of your mouse and start to colour. Did you notice how the colouring only shows behind the image? That's because the image layer is on top of the background layer and the image is opaque.

If you think the colour is a bit too strong, or the brush is too big or too small, press Ctrl Z to undo it. Then change the opacity/size of the brush. To change them, look at the blue arrows in step 6.

10. Keep on colouring around the image and voila. Now it is only a matter of printing it.

I asked the DT what they thought of the tutorial, if they could follow it and here's Jackie's using the same technique:

And Trinh used the gradient tool instead of brushes, check it here:

Challenge #28 Card for a boy or a man

2011-06-10T15:00:00.017+01:00

The winner of the 27th Challenge, chosen by random.org, is Linda B who submitted this beautiful, starry card:

Linda, please email me to get the prize!

The challenge for the next two weeks was set by Ren-Yi:

"Make a card for a boy or a man"

Which is fitting as Father's Day is on the 19th of June. (Or at least is if in Ireland. Back home we celebrate it in the second Sunday of August.)

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 23rd of June midday. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Hot Air Balloon, Bookworm and Daddy's Boy), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Here are the lovely Design Team cards:

Jackie

Lisa

Manuela

Ren-Yi

Stephanie

Trinh

Wendy

Friday Gallery

2011-06-03T15:00:00.002+01:00

Sometimes I spot a card with a Mami Doodles images while I am blog hopping or looking at forum post. Sometimes someone kindly emails me photos of their cards. Sometimes there's a submission for the challenge using of one of my images. I love it happens, it makes me so happy.

If you are like me, looking at inspiring work fuels my wish to create. So, every second Friday, that is, the Fridays between challenge posts, I'll have some cards for you. Between one to five, some found from my web surfing, some might be ones emailed to me, some could be even (gasp!) mine. And if you are kind enough to link a card to in this post, I'll make sure that at least one will be featured in my next gallery post.

This card is by Maureen Shannon, which I first saw in the Cara Craft Supplies forum. It is for her daughter's Home Economics teacher. I love that the card is perfectly suited for the teacher, look at the cute kitchen utensils.

This one is by Heather, look at the texture of this card, fabulous!

Jackie Schachter's baby card is all blue, green and yellows. Adorable!

Hot Air Balloon

2011-06-02T21:13:00.000+01:00

I wanted something suitable for a boy or man's card. I hope you like it.

Available at the Mami Doodles shop, direct link here.

Bookworm

2011-06-01T10:00:00.003+01:00

First a quick note, check Khalinne's beautiful box for the last challenge, which was added later due to internet problems.

This is my most recent image, a girl whol loves books.

This item is free with any purchase for the month of June 2011 in the Mami Doodles shop, direct link here.

Learning as I go: Part 3, making ruffled ribbons with a stapler

2011-05-30T00:28:00.001+01:00

When I started this blog, I had all the good intentions to share my cardmaking sucesses and errors, but didn't go very far. I am now restarting the tutorials.

While I haven't progressed much as far as my colouring is concerned, I have some other techniques that I'd like to share, some are "crafty", some are digital (that is, things that can be done in Photoshop elements).

Today, I'll start with ruffled ribbons. A few days ago, a member of the Cara Craft Supplies forum posted a card with ruffled ribbons. I never made one but it was one of the things I've meaning to try since I saw a tutorial on how to make one using Tim Holtz's tiny attacher. Now I don't have a tiny attacher but I have a regular stapler.

Supplies:
Ribbon, stapler and double sided tape.
The narrow stapler is best suited for this, as the width of the staple has to be smaller than the width of the ribbon. Mine is quite wide so I had to use a wider ribbon.

1. The idea is to staple the ribbon, back to back, at regular intervals.

2. Like so

3. You will end up with something like that. I said regular intervals, do as I say, not as I do...

4. Turn it the other way round. That's basically it.

5. Stick the double sided tape where you want to place the ribbon. Remove the backing of the ribbon.

6. To form the ruffles you'll have to join the peaks together, this way. 1 indicates the first staple, 2 the second.

7. Carefully stick the ribbon over the double sided tape, first the start of the ribbon, then one ruffle at a time.

8. Final product.

Thanks for the inspiration, Di!!!!

Challenge #27 Let's Party

2011-05-27T15:00:00.047+01:00

The winner of the 26th Challenge is Kelly-Anne with this beautiful spotty and stripey card:

Kelly-Anne is only 14 but I would never have guessed looking at her card! Please email me with your choice of image.

The challenge for the next two weeks was chosen by Lisa:

"Let's Party"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 9th of June midday. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Daddy's boy, Daddy's girl and Mice Birthday), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Jackie

Khalinne

Lisa

Manuela

Ren-Yi

Stephanie

"Wish you could see the shimmer from the metallic colored pencils! Hope you like my party card!"

Wendy

The red haired one...

or the dark haired one

Inspiring cards

2011-05-25T22:07:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I posted Mami Doodles cards I've encountered in the web. Here's some of them:

This one by Deirdre, don't you lovered in a wedding card?

A communion card by Elaine Smyth, notice the pearls in her dress:

Look at the cute colours on this cute this card by Theresa Gerber.

Julie's adorable Easter card:

Also I noticed a few in the current challenge submissions, there still a few hours left if you want to participate.
See you on Friday with a brand new challenge!

Daddy's Boy

2011-05-20T23:35:00.001+01:00

A little boy carrying a message, suitable for Father's Day, birthdays and other occasions as the kit includes a version without the text.
Available in the Mami Doodles shop, direct link here.

Daddy's Girl

2011-05-20T23:34:00.000+01:00

A little girl carrying a message, suitable for Father's Day, birthdays and other occasions as the kit includes a version without the text.
Available in the Mami Doodles shop, direct link here.

Mice Birthday

2011-05-20T23:30:00.000+01:00

Two cute mice wishing Happy Birthday. Also includes an option without the text.
Available today in my shop, direct link here.

Lara with Roses

2011-05-13T22:08:00.000+01:00

The girl in this image is not inspired by my daughter but the clothing is so her -She mix styles, layers clothes and thinks converse goes with everything.

Available in the shop, direct link here.

Challenge #26 Spots and or Stripes

2011-05-13T21:52:00.000+01:00

This is an exciting week as we are welcoming our new DT members. I am sorry for the delay posting this, but blogger was not working at the time.

Also apologies to the challenge entrants, as I couldn't get to see several of the entries. The winner of the 25th Challenge, chosen by random.org, is Kurly-Q with this sweet girly card:

Congratulations Heather, please email me with your image choice!

The challenge for the next two weeks was set by the lovely Wendy and is:

"Spots and/or Stripes"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until Thursday the 26th of May, midday . The prize will be the last 3 images released (Lara, Party Dress, Baby and Blankie), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Jackie

Lisa

Manuela

Ren-Yi

Stephanie

Stephanie said: "I'm super excited about it's monochromatic-ness, rarely do I actually pull that off! Don't know how much you need for details, but this card was made entirely from scraps and my pretty party girl was colored with Copics on PTI white card."

Trinh

Wendy

Party Dress

2011-05-07T13:35:00.000+01:00

There's a new image in the shop, I hope you like it!

Direct link here.

Amazing additions to our Design Team!

2011-05-06T15:00:00.001+01:00

I am proud and delighted to announce that we have 3 new members in our Design Team. They are (in alphabetical order):

Lisa: She's got eye for design and colours, and everything she makes is truly eye-catching!
Manuela: She's got a cute, colourful and happy way to do things, which always makes me smile!
Stephanie: Classic and clean style, a girl after my own heart!

They're equally talented but quite different in style from each other so our DT display will be even more fabulous that it already is. I can't wait to see what they come up with, keep an eye on this blog!

May's Promotional item: Baby and Blankie

2011-05-01T00:57:00.001+01:00

This cute baby is this month's promotional item, free with any purchase. You can get it here. Don't forget to add it to the cart, otherwise you won't get the download link.

This image was inspired by a request from a customer sometime ago. I wasn't able to get the image done at the time, but got it done now. I don't recall the name of customer, but if it was you, please email me and I'll send the image to you as a thank you.

Challenge #25

2011-04-29T16:10:00.000+01:00

The winner of the 24th Challenge, chosen by random.org, is SemSee with this beautiful card:

Congratulations SemSee, please email me with your image choice.

The challenge for the next two weeks was set by Guest Designer Jo:

"Let's Get Girly"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 12th of May, midday. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Angelic Teen, Girly Girl and Easter Egg Factory), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Here's some inspirations from the fabulous Design Team:

Jo (Dotty Pudding) April's Guest Designer

Jackie

Trinh

Wendy

Angelic Teen {girl}

2011-04-23T23:24:00.000+01:00

Here's my angelic teen - suitable for confirmation and other cards for teens.
Wishing you all a Happy Easter!

Available in the Mami Doodles shop, direct link here.

Sketch challenge at CDAC

2011-04-21T18:00:00.007+01:00

Today it is my turn to set a sketch challenge over at CDAC (Craft Digital Art Center), which means a brand new freebie and a chance to win more Mami Doodles images.

Here's DT member Khalinne take:

DT member Ren-Yi's card is here:

Here's my take:

Please check it there and take part - I am looking forward seeing your creations!

Girly Girl

2011-04-21T15:00:00.013+01:00

Most of little girls I know love to dress up as princesses, and my girl was no exception. Now that she is a bit older, I miss seeing Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty running around the garden. Why oh why didn't I take any photos?

Available in the Mami Doodles shop, direct link here.

I have something to tell you...

2011-04-19T00:32:00.000+01:00

Check my website www.mamidoodles.com!

All my products are there, and it is now much easier to look at them than the blog. If you purchase through the website you will get a download link straight away. I am beta testing this feature, so you might have some teething problem but overall it seems to work fine. If you have any problems, give me a shout and I'll email you the images as I have been doing up to now.

Purchases from the blog will continue as they are for the moment, but eventually I'll change the blog to have only announcements and challenges.

Please notice that I have discontinued the inclusion of PDF files. Give me a shout if you need them.

This is "Easter Egg Factory", free with any purchase until Easter, either here or in the website. Please add the image to the cart if you purchase from the website.

I'd love some feedback, please let me know what you think!

Hugs,

Elisa

Challenge #24

2011-04-15T15:00:00.026+01:00

The winner of the #23 Challenge is Mandy (Made By Mandy) with this adorable piglet:

Mandy, please contact me to get your prize.

The challenge for the next two weeks was suggested by Trinh and is:

Crazy for Kraft

incorporate kraft cardstock into your projects

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 28th of April, midday . The prize will be the last 3 images released (Happy Blooms, Floral Frame and Mama to Be), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

This week we are also saying good bye to Vera, who has resigned from the DT. She has a unique style which I always loved and will miss her dearly. Thank you Vera!

Jackie

Khalinne

Ren-Yi

Trinh

Wendy

Happy Blooms

2011-04-14T14:00:00.002+01:00

It's spring and I am in a mood for more flowers!

Available in the shop, direct link here.

Floral Frame

2011-04-07T10:00:00.005+01:00

A frame, suitable to hold another image or else, a sentiment. The flowers also come on their own.

Available in the shop, direct link here.

Craft your Passion Challenges

2011-04-04T19:55:00.000+01:00

Mami Doodles is sponsoring Craft your passion challenges this week. I am delighted to see some cards using my images, wonderful cards, thank you! Check the fabulous DT entries and take part to win some of my images and other gorgeous prizes from my co-sponsors.

Challenge #23 Use a punch or die-cut

2011-04-03T15:00:00.011+01:00

My apologies for the delay in posting this challenge, I had some technical problems. I hope you are enjoying the weekend!

The winner of the 22th Challenge is Hazel with this beautiful Easter card:

Congratulations Hazel, please email me to get your prize.

The challenge for the next two weeks was set by Jackie:

Use a Punch or Die Cut

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday the 14th of April, midday. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Mama-to-be, Shopaholic and Little Chicks), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

This month's Guest Designer is the talented Jo, she's got an eye to combine colours and papers and colours beautifully. Go and check her blog!

Ren-Yi

Challenge postponed

2011-04-01T19:23:00.000+01:00

Challenge #23 postponed until Sunday 3rd of April.

Have a nice weekend, and if it is the case, Happy Mother's Day!

Mama-to-be

2011-03-31T10:00:00.007+01:00

Available in the shop, direct link here.

Shopaholic

2011-03-25T22:04:00.001Z

Available in the shop, direct link here.

Monday's card

2011-03-21T10:00:00.000Z

I do a happy dance everytime I get to see a card with a Mami Doodles image. This time it is Ems' gorgeous Paddy's Day card. Notice how she embossed and used glitter in the card - great idea Ems, thank you for sharing!

Challenge #22 Celebrate Spring

2011-03-18T15:00:00.024Z

The winner of the 21th Challenge, chosen by random.org is Jackie Rakoski with this cute mermaid card:

Jackie, please email me to get your prize!

The next challenge was set by Ren-Yi and will go for the next two week:

"Celebrate Spring"

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until Thursday 31st of May, midday. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Rainy Day, Little Chicks and Shamrock Fairy), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Here's the work of the best DT on the whole wide world!

Ren-Yi

Vera's foster Dad passed away this week, pass by her blog and give her a little love, I am sure she'll appreciate it.

Rainy Day

2011-03-17T22:01:00.001Z

My kids love a bit of rain, because it is an excuse to wear their wellies and raincoats and jump on puddles! This little girl is the same.

Available in the shop, direct link here.

Little Chicks

2011-03-17T21:34:00.001Z

I love the sight of daffodils - only then I believe it is finally spring!

Available in the shop, direct link here.

Some beautiful cards

2011-03-14T20:54:00.000Z

Christina Hicks made this beautiful card using one of my freebies, Rosie. Don't you love how she placed Rosie in a swing?

Donna, February Guest Designer, made some cards for her family to give to her niece. Her niece is mad about pink, but you might have guessed it already, hehehe.

They're all beautiful, I particularly love the first one, and I think I recognised the Happy Birthday circle too. ;-) It's by a DT member, whose name starts with W....

Challenge extended!

2011-03-10T10:05:00.000Z

I've extended our challenge by another week, so there's still plenty of time to take part!

We'll have an exciting brand new challenge next week!

Freebie for St Patrick's Day

2011-03-01T10:00:00.011Z

Since I live in Ireland, I can't help celebrating St Patrick's Day. I still have to actually attend a parade, but we always enjoy watching it on TV and the children dress up for parties and school.

DT member Jackie suggested a shamrock covered frame and that's what I came up with.

I think it could be used in other occasions as well, if you make them as flowers instead of leaves. Download it here.

Enjoy and don't forget to show me how you used "Paddy's Frame"!

Challenge #21

2011-02-25T15:00:00.029Z

How are you all? I can't believe that's almost the end of February!

The winner of the 20th Challenge is Debra with this oh so sweet card:

Debra, please contact me regarding your prize.

The next challenge was set by Guest Designer Donna:

Make it Monochromatic Green

and add a bit of Irish ( optional )

Please link your card/layout/project at the end of this blog. This challenge will run until the Thursday 10th of March. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Shamrock Fairy,Gardener and Bird Tree), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw.

Guest Designer Donna

Claire

Jackie

The shamrock frame has not been release yet... Keep an eye here... ;-)

Ren-Yi

Trinh

Wendy

Jackie Schachter's cards

2011-02-21T10:00:00.004Z

When I saw Jackie Schachter's card in the CDAC gallery, it reminded me how effective paper piecing is - the beautiful choice of papers makes these cards really special!

New DT members!

2011-02-18T22:58:00.000Z

I am delighted to announce that we have two new additions to our DT:

Claire and Ren-Yi !

If you want something to brighten up your weekend, just check their blog. They're completely different, unique, and trully talented in their own way. I can't wait to see their creations!

Please leave a welcome message in the weekend and I'll do a draw next for my latest image.