100th Follower Celebration Prizes Awarded

It might be my birthday but some of you guys, ten of you in fact, are the ones who will be getting the gifts!

Now I have to be honest.  I expected a lot more than 28 people to enter to win this draw.  There were some amazing prizes up for grabs.  Of course that means better odds for those who did enter.  I'm not great at math but I believe that is more than one in three odds to win.  So thank you to all the wonderful people who took the time to enter the draw.  Your participation and continued support mean so much to me!

Let's get on to the reason you are all here today.

Drum roll please..........

 One prize of three images AND one prize of two images from Creative Bug Digitals

 

And the winner of three images is...

ZUB MOMI

And the winner of two images is...

CHARLENE

  One prize of three images AND one prize of two images from Digi Darla Designs 

 

And the winner of three images is...

 IKE

And the winner of two images is...

CHRISS A

 One prize of three images from Fresh Brewed Designs

And the winner is...

JENNIFER DUNN

One prize of three images from Limited Runs

And the winner is...

ANNIE

One prize of two images from Scribbles Designs 

And the winner is...

MANDY

I also have three special prizes available:

Win a specially designed phrase or sentiment of your request...
Whether it is a general phrase like 'happy birthday' or 'best wishes on your retirement' or if there is a special quote that you have always wanted to see done up as a sentiment, the choice is yours!  You provide me with the phrase of your choice and I'll come up with the design.  If you can't think of anything specific, then that is okay too, you can just provide me with a 'category' or just be surprised.  It is entirely up to you!

And the winner is...
DEB O-L


Win a paper of your request from a group of offered choices... 
Whether it is stripes, circles, stars, plaids, argyle, dots, floral, arrow...you get the picture; the choice of shape and colours is yours.  I'll provide you with a complete list of designs you can choose from and then make your pick, let me know the colours you'd like it to be and I'll create a special paper based on your request.

And the winner is...
LISA M

Win a specially designed 'Motivational Graphic'...
You choose the tone.  Do you want a quote on happiness, on getting through a difficult time, one about generosity or one about kindness?  The choices are many.  You already might even have a quote in mind that you'd like to use.  It is up to you.  I'll match your choice with an appropriate picture and together we'll create a 'poster'.

 And the winner is...
 NANA CONNIE

There you have it all my lovelies, the celebration is complete. If you have won a prize, please email me (click HERE) with the subject heading "DDDoodles 100th Celebration Winner" and I will be in contact sometime in the coming week to let you know how you can claim your prize.

Once again, thanks to all of you who popped in to celebrate this great milestone with me.

Now if you are looking for other ways to win some fabulous digis, and you haven't already checked it out, please pop by the challenge I have going on right now to promote positivity in our lives. You can find all the details by clicking HERE.

Finally, a reminder that from now until approx. May 2nd, I will be taking some time away from the regular features of my blog, i.e. the Saturday Showcase, the Sunday Spotlight, Wonderful Wednesday (since I was able to give you a double dose this week), etc. I will still be around though, I have DT obligations to fulfill and other stuff that needs taking care off.  Also, please note that while the regular 'Congratulatory Considerations' may be a couple days late coming out this month it will still be coming out.  I can't let a little time off prevent me from celebrating all the wonderful events happening in the lives of my peeps now can I?  If you need to reach me, just send me an email.

Until next time,

Saturday Showcase: April 6, 2013

 If you are here for the San Design blog hop click HERE. 

Today would have been my paternal grandmother's birthday.  It is hard to believe I lost her due to cancer 23 years ago this coming June.  She was a big supporter in everything I did and would have definitely been the first person in line buying cards from me.  I miss her dearly so I am dedicating this showcase in memory of my wonderful grandma--Eleanor Prowse.

I hope those of you who celebrated Easter or just the long weekend all had a wonderful time.  I got to spend a bit of extra time with hubby so that was the best thing about my weekend.  He actually had three days off in a row.  Good thing, since it had been over two weeks since having a day off.   Of course he slept most of his time off but he needed it.  He's been fighting a cold on top of being worn thin so I'm happy he got in some extra rest.

Anyways, it is time for the Saturday Showcase where I highlight other artists' work (whether it be stamps, cards or otherwise), a blog post offering a great technique, or I might even just pick a whole blog to showcase. If you are new to my blog you can find out why I created the showcase HERE.

This week I'm switching it up again.  I'm still showcasing some cards, a few freebies and a few store digis; however, the entire showcase is going to spotlight one blog.  You'll also have the opportunity to win an extra goody so make sure you stick around. 

Today we celebrate

MELIN & THE GANG

From...
MyPaperCrafting.com  

Melin's store, called PaperCraftingWorld.com, can be found HERE

This is a wonderful blog filled with sooooo many different features.  Five days a week, you can find something going on over at MyPaperCrafting.com (PCW).  So whether you are into digis or diecuts this is the place to be!

Each Monday, Melin and the gang spotlight a different Cricut Cartridge including showcasing projects made with the cartridge.

Tuesdays brings the Terrific Tuesday SVG Link Up and Showcase where team members display projects they have created using one of Melin's SVG cutting files from the store.  There is also the opportunity to link up your projects made with any cutting file from PaperCraftingWorld.com. The great thing is that Melin offers you a new free cut file each week and you are welcome to use the free weekly files for your entrant into the challenge.

Wednesdays you have the opportunity to become a "Top Crafty Cutter." Each week the team provides a challenge theme and some inspiration. As long as you stick to the theme, use a Cricut machine in some capacity and follow all the regular rules you find every where else (i.e. new projects, link to post, etc.) you can enter your project into the challenge.

Thursdays are Tag 'n ATC day where team members explore different themes, elements, techniques or embellishments to be used on tags and Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). There is a link up for a monthly challenge and there are no restriction on what tools you use to create these tags or ATCs. It could be a die cut machine, punches, stamps, etc. Pssst. Melin also offers a free vintage graphic this day of the week too.

Fridays, or rather Fridaze, are my favourite day of the week over at PCW. This is the day that projects using digital images are showcased. I've been having a lot of luck since entering challenges each Friday. Since January I've won four times! On Digi Dessert Fridaze we once again get to see some awesome inspiration from the design team using Melin's fabulous digital stamps. The readers have the opportunity to enter the challenge (now monthly). You can enter one card using a digital image from another company and one using a PCW image.  There is also a free digital image available every Friday as well.

Now I had my entire write-up above done but went over to the blog to confirm a few things and found out that starting this month there are some changes regarding the link ups to the challenges.  I think I've fixed all the info above to match the new rules but in case I haven't here is a summary of the new changes that I copied right from the site:

• Beginning this week, All Link Ups and Challenges will be “monthly”
• The designers will continue to post weekly (or bi-weekly for SVG's) but participants will have the entire month to link up.
• Free cut files, vintage graphics, and digital printables will still be offered with each post.
• A prize will be given to one random winner and one Design Team pick winner at the end of the month.
• Additionally, the team will award up to four “Top Picks” from each category and invite the “Top Picks” to be a guest designer in the following month.
• You can read the specific details and view the prize package for April HERE.

Great inspiration, awesome challenges and three free files a week. What more could you ask for from any one blog!

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Free Files Available This Week

This week Melin is offering the following free images to her readers:

This is this week's cut file.  It will be available until this coming Tuesday.  I wish I had the appropriate software to cut files because this one is wonderful.  Okay, who am I kidding, they are all wonderful!

This is this week's free vintage graphic.  It will be available until this coming Thursday.  Isn't she just adorable?  This sweet image could be used for so many different projects.  The possibilities are endless.

This is this week's free digital graphic.  It will be available until this coming Friday.  What a precious little lamb.  The expression on his face is just so sweet and that wool looks fully squishable.

You can get each free file by clicking on the individual images which will take you to the post where they originate.  The files can be found down at the bottom of the post.  Please be sure to leave some love for Melin if you grab one of these freebies.

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Card/Tag Choices

This card was made with one of the recent freebie files so I'm really glad that Larelyn, Melin's DDF Coordinator, chose to make a card with it.  Now I have something to cheat off for proper shadowing.  I just love all the different shades of blue.  We hit a range all the way from pastel to bold and bright blue within the project and Larelyn makes them all coordinate so well together.  Please note that if you are interested in this file, it is available for purchase in the store.

Next up is a card from Melin, using one of the cut files available in the store.  This is such a beautiful and bright card perfect for ushering in spring.  I love the fact that Melin chose to use gingham on the butterflies and those buttons are such creative embellishments.  The choice of DP is very pretty and a nice contrast too.  Additionally, I love how she used flourish type objects to create the feel of movement within the piece.  You can almost see the butterflies flying.  The card is then all wrapped up in a pretty green bow.  Anyone would be luck to receive it.

Another of my favourite Larelyn creations! That bunny is precious and I just love the raining hearts.  I can never colour hearts the way they should look.  Larelyn does a fantastic job of not only colouring the hearts but the whole image.  The umbrella looks like it will pop right off the page.  I also love the contrast of the pinks, blues and yellows within the DP and how Larelyn coloured the pic with this in mind.  Those bows are incredible too.  Such a well thought out, put together piece!

Not only does that cake look yummy, the whole card does too!  First off, I love the card shape.  I've been seeing these shapes a lot lately and am itching to try and put one together.  I love the softness of the colours and how everything matches so well.  That sentiment is also perfectly paired with the image of the cake which is coloured so nicely.  The finishing touches of course are those great balloons which have been cut out and then added to give the piece an even more three dimensional look.  I love how Melin paper pieced them, then added a highlight and also the string.  All in all a card anyone would be proud to receive on their birthday! 


This card was created by Larelyn using one of Melin's pre-coloured vintage images.  These flowers are gorgeous and pre-coloured images are always wonderful for those times when you are...well, running out of time and have to come up with a card quickly.  The paper choices complement each other so well and Larelyn uses another really interesting ribbon and bow to give the card its finishing touch!

The final creation I'm showcasing in this section is Melin's beautiful tag.  She has also used a pre-coloured image.  The other reason these types of digis are great is for those people who don't buy digitals because they have no confidence in their colouring skills.  By buying pre-coloured you get the convenience of a finished image but the versatility to be able to change the image around (i.e. size, orientation, etc.) to suit your individual needs.  I love the way Melin built up the frame to show off the image.  I'm not sure whether the flowers are die-cut or fussy cut but regardless, they work perfectly with the flourishes, image and backdrop she used to create this tag.  The ribbon and the metal brad (?) add that something special to finish off the project.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Finally, that brings me to the...

Not only have I won four challenges, I've also been lucky enough to win during the '25 days of Christmas' and during the recent blog hop.  When I had to pick my stamps for each of these wins, I had an extremely hard time deciding.  The first time I must have spent over an hour and a half just trying to narrow things down.  However, because I've picked my favourites previously, choosing them for the showcase was an easier process.

 I really need to start looking for some more adjectives because adorable just doesn't cut it with this sweetheart.  As soon as I saw it in the store, I knew it was coming home with me.  It is the perfect concept for a few different occasions.  It could be used for a Christmas card but it could also be used for a sympathy card.  It could even be used to say thanks to someone who has been an angel for you, helping you get through a difficult situation or just one where extra help was needed.  You know me, I am all about getting the most bang for my buck even when it is free.

When I laid eyes on Freda 'n Fred, well, I was smitten.  You see my husband who is of French Canadian (northern Ontario born and bred) ancestry, just loves frogs.  People use the term frog to insult French people but he just embraces it whole heartedly and is not ashamed to be a 'frog'.  He also collects them.  A lot of them.  At least this one won't collect dust and I'll be able to use it for many different card occasions.

Now while an image specifically related to birthdays isn't quite as versatile as the ones I try to get, I just had to have this one.  While I can only use it for one occassion, there are always birthday cards to be made so I will still be able to get many different projects created using this fun image.  Perfect for all those people aging around me! 

Clicking on each image will bring you to its location in the store.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

BUT WAIT...

Melin is graciously providing me with the opportunity to hold a draw for one lucky winner to get their hands on two free digi files (singles, not sets) of their choice from the store.  So, if you would like the opportunity to win two of Melins fabulous designs, read and follow the instructions below.

This is what you need to do in order to qualify for the draw... 

• Be or become a follower of this blog either through Friends Connect or BlogLovin.
• Link your name to the linky list below.
• Go to one of the following posts from this week over at My Paper Crafting.com,
• Monday:  Cartridge Showcase
• Tuesday:  SVG Cut File, Link-up & Freebie
• Wednesday:  Cartridge Challenge
• Thursday:  Tag 'n ATC, Link-up & Freebie
• Friday:   Digi Desserts Fridaze

• find your favourite project from the post of your choice.
• leave a comment on that post.
• come back and tell me which post you went to, and the designer of your favourite project.

You are up to a bit of a challenge right?  I can't make this too easy on you.  If the instructions are at all unclear, just leave a comment or email me.

However, PLEASE only become a follower if you truly plan to stick around.  It would make me rather sad knowing that you became a follower solely for the purpose of this draw.  The draw will be open until next week's Saturday Showcase (April 13th) goes live.  I will announce the winners in that post.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Now you have even more of a reason to go check out My Paper Crafting.com.  I must take a moment to personally thank Melin and Larelyn for allowing me to showcase their beautiful cards and Melin's digital designs and for donating two images to be offered up in a draw for one lucky reader.  PCW is such an incredible site and all the designers are extremely talented and warm-hearted individuals.  I hope that you take the opportunity to go and introduce yourself.  Please also consider adding PCW to the list of challenge blogs you frequent.  Let the peeps over there know that you learned about them from my showcase.

Until next time,

Note:  

*Thanks to Nikki from Limited Runs Stamps for creating my Saturday Showcase badge.

100 Followers! Come Celebrate with Me!

Happy 100 Followers Decosse's Dynamite Doodles!

Yup!  Today I celebrate me!

In less than five months I have reached the 100 follower mark through Google Friends Connect!

This may seem like small potatoes to some people but it is an incredibly big deal to me.  In my wildest dreams I never expected to reach this milestone so soon.  It is fitting that we celebrate this today.  After all, Thursdays are for giving thanks over here!  So on that note, thanks to all my wonderful readers who have made this new experience of blogging such an incredibly fulfilling one.  I have grown as an individual and am focusing on the 'what is possible' more and more these days.  As many of you know, I have certain physical limitations and medical conditions that greatly affect what it is I can and can't do.   It also greatly reduces the number of people that I come in contact with in my physical world.  However, through the creation of this blog and my foray into card making and digital design, I have been warmly welcomed into a whole different kind of world and not only am I able feel once again like a contributing member of society but have also developed some true friendships along the way.  What started out as a place to post cards has developed into something so much more.  My goal has always been for my blog to become a place of inspiration on many different levels and through your acceptance, I believe that I am well on my way to achieving it.

I am so honored and humbled to have friends and followers like all of you.  It is amazing how we all can communicate and support one another in this creative world of ours.  Thanks to everyone who follows, reads, checks-in, comments, visits, etc.  I appreciate it more than you will ever be able to understand.  Hopefully both this blog and I will continue to grow together.  As always, it is my hope that my writings will inspire you to see the joy, the possibility and wonder that life has to offer by providing you with a perspective that you may not have thought about before.  I also hope that you will continue to walk with me as I journey down the road of card making becoming better at the craft as I learn and grow, taking inspiration from all of you.  Finally, I hope that you will continue to enjoy the creations that I freely offer up as thanks for making this new route I'm travelling, such an incredible road to be on.

So, it is time to party and what is a party without  party favours????!!!!!

First off, I have some freebies to share with all of you.  Several of the sentiments that I have used over the past couple of weeks have been so well received that I have decided to make them available to all of my readers!  Additionally, how about a couple new papers to help you get ready for spring?  But first, let's start off with some words to get us in the mood!

 Let the freebie parade begin!

Words to get you in the mood:

 Font:  Trash Barusa

  Font:  Nocker

  Font:  Nocker

Sentiments for cards or other projects:

I've offered the first line in two different formats, choose the one you'd like. 
  Fonts:  Grutch Shaded & Prism

Offered in two different formats, choose the one you'd like. 
 Fonts:  Jenna Sue & Impact Label

  Fonts: Easter Bunny  &  Vanessa* 

  Fonts: Bunnywunny  &  Mountains of- Christmas 

Font: Arizonia  (this one is new and will be on a card posted tomorrow)

Popping Papers:

That is TEN, count'em TEN FREEBIES, for any one of you popping by.  One for every ten people that signed up to follow me.

Now some goodies for ALL my followers.

  Email me with "DDD-100th follower" in the subject line and I will email you a special treat.  This way all of my followers get an extra bonus from today's celebration!

And now for some extra special goodies for my wonderful followers! 

If you are one of my followers (i.e. your picture/name is listed over in the side bar as part of Google Friends Connect) or sign up now to become a new follower, you will be eligible for the special draw that I am about to announce.  However, PLEASE only become a follower if you truly plan to stick around.  It would make me rather sad knowing that you became a follower solely for the purpose of this draw.  Due to the large number of prizes being offered, the draw will remain open until 12:00 pm EST on my birthday which is a little over a month from now.  I want as many of you as possible to have the time to see this post and sign up for the draw.  Even though it will be my birthday, you might be the lucky one to get a special gift.  I will announce all of the winners in a special post that will appear later that day.  I will put a sticky note up to let people know about the draw in case they miss this post.

Throughout my journey these past few months, I have made some extra special friends and five special ladies have generously offered to sponsor my special celebration.  The following prizes are up for grabs.  In alphabetical order of the sponsor, here is what you have to look forward to in this draw.

 One prize of three images AND one prize of two images from Creative Bug Digitals

 

  One prize of three images AND one prize of two images from
Digi Darla Designs 

 

 One prize of three images from Fresh Brewed Designs

One prize of three images from Limited Runs

One prize of two images from Scribbles Designs

I also have three special prizes available:

Win a specially designed phrase or sentiment of your request...
Whether it is a general phrase like 'happy birthday' or 'best wishes on your retirement' or if there is a special quote that you have always wanted to see done up as a sentiment, the choice is yours!  You provide me with the phrase of your choice and I'll come up with the design.  If you can't think of anything specific, then that is okay too, you can just provide me with a 'category' or just be surprised.  It is entirely up to you!

Win a paper of your request from a group of offered choices... 
Whether it is stripes, circles, stars, plaids, argyle, dots, floral, arrow...you get the picture; the choice of shape and colours is yours.  I'll provide you with a complete list of designs you can choose from and then make your pick, let me know the colours you'd like it to be and I'll create a special paper based on your request.

Win a specially designed 'Motivational Graphic'...
You choose the tone.  Do you want a quote on happiness, on getting through a difficult time, one about generosity or one about kindness?  The choices are many.  You already might even have a quote in mind that you'd like to use.  It is up to you.  I'll match your choice with an appropriate picture and together we'll create a 'poster'.

THAT IS TEN SEPARATE PRIZES FOR THE DRAW!
For a total of 32 goodies being offered up in this celebration!

Instructions for Entering Draw

Remember, in order to win you must be signed up with Google Friends connect as a Follower.  The only other thing you have to do is add your name to the linky list at the bottom of this page.  Easy Peasy!

Thank you so much to Naomi, Kim and Karen, Heather, Nikki and Sandy for their incredible generosity.  Without all of them, this celebration would not be possible!  Please show these ladies some love and visit each of their stores!

Image Details:

• Please note that some of these sentiments may not look exactly the same as the originals.  When I originally did them, some had fonts that were PUO only.  I always try to provide you with sentiments that you can use on cards that you hand make and sell.  
• If anyone would prefer the original, drop me a line and I'll send it you with the understanding that it will be for PUO.
• *The Vanessa font is considered free but with no additional license info.  Therefore I'd use caution if selling something with this font on it.
• The same font size was used in each grouping.  I'm hoping that it only looks different here.  Sentiments are also larger than they appear. 
• Papers were created in Photoshop Elements using templates I picked up at Pixel Scrapper.  Each is 3600 x 3600 pixels and 300 dpi.

  
Good luck everyone!

p.s. if you've made it this far, the banner at the the top of the page is also up for grabs but is PUO.  The background is a freebie from Sweetly Scrapped.

LINK UP HERE: