Lasting Memories Layout Challenge #74 -- We're Going Digital AND Digi Darla Blog Hop!! :)

Welcome to our first hop of 2012 at Lasting Memories!! If you've come from Denise then you're on the right track! If not, just click HERE to start at Lasting Memories and you'll also find all the details of the hop there! Please be sure to read through because this week we have a lot going on! We're being sponsored by Digi Darla which is PERFECT since this weeks challenge is "DIGITAL"!! 

For my layout today, I used Digi Darla's "Birdhouse Flowerpot"...

I made this layout to give to my mom for some of her BEAUTIFUL garden pictures that she'll take this spring...  We've had such a mild winter, and she's been a little worried about her flowers coming up early...  But I just know she'll have an award-worthy garden again this year!!

When I saw this digi stamp, I knew I wanted to feature it on a garden layout -- So I made it the focus of the page (until my mom adds those fantastic pictures at least!!).  I used my Stampin Up! Watercolor Pencils and a new-to-me (thanks, Christi!) blender pen...  To get the blended color on the birdhouse, I used brown, gold, and a touch of orange.  To get the dimension on the flower pot, I colored around the outside edge only and gently pulled the color to the center with the blender pen until I had the desired effect.  Since the stamp has a pot of daisies, I cut daisy layers (found on the Walk in my Garden Cricut Cartridge) at 2", stacked them in threes, and added the yellow centers -- I also cut some green vines (found on the Elegant Edges Cricut Cartridges and modified with my Gypsy) to use behind the daisies...

My layout title features the base and shadow font from the Calligraphy Collection Cricut Cartridge (welded with my Gypsy) and both font layers from the Cindy Loo Cricut Cartridge.  The font on Cindy Loo is one of my favorites because it's so versatile -- From little girl layouts to garden layouts and more, it's a beautiful font to have in your collection!! :)

One of the things I simply LOVE about "Digi Stamps" is that you can resize them to fit your needs!!  For my layout, I printed the digi stamp LARGE, but I also wanted to show you how easy it is to adjust the digi stamps for ANY project...

I created a fun "Thank You" card using the same "Birdhouse Flowerpot" image...  This time, I printed the image out at about 3.75".  I again colored the image with my watercolor pencils and blender pen.  I embossed the evergreen background cardstock with the "Daisies" embossing folder from Sizzix and added a strip of cranberry and deep blue cardstock (scraps from my layout above!! YAY!!)...

I added three red Kaiser Craft rhinestones to the top corner of my card (gotta have my BLING!!) and stamped the "Thanks" sentiment (found on the "Winter Wishes" Stamp Set from K Andrew Designs) three times (inside says "...a LOT!!") before punching them out with my new SU! Word Window Punch...  I'm super excited about my new punch (a wonderful GIFT from my Uber-bestie, Christi), especially since using it on this card means I can enter it in the challenge over at Celebrate The Occasion (have you visited THERE yet???  If not, consider yourself invited to check it out!!)...

Thanks, thanks, thanks a LOT for stopping by to see my layout and "Thank You" card!!  I hope you'll become a follower and visit often!!  :)  I'd love for you to leave a comment with YOUR blog address so that I can visit (and follow) you as well...

Now it's time to hop onto Kim for more inspiration!! Oh and one more thing!! We're also including our friends from Digi Darla's DT in our blog hop and we'll finish up at Digi Darla's Designs where you can view her newest releases and more!! Once you've had a look around, leave Digi Darla a comment and let her know which image is your fav for your chance to win 5 of her images!!!

Be sure to join us and show us your digital creations for a chance to win Karen's giveaway! All the details can be found at Lasting Memories .. Here's your master list in case you get lost (clicking on the links below will take to you directly to each participants post for the hop)... happy hopping!!!

Start HERE:  Lasting Memories Layout Challenges

LASTING MEMORIES DT

Michele

Elizabeth

Stacia

Suzanne

Karen

Michelle

Denise

Amy You are HERE!! :)

Kimberly Go here NEXT!!

Marie

Jennasa

DIGI DARLA'S DT

And Our Friends from Digi Darla's are doing ANYTHING digital - doesn't have to be a layout!!

Beckie

Lisa

Dawn

Not part of the hop, but a few of my Lasting Memories Design Team Sisters who have a Digital Post to share:
Julie
Tina

Thank you for hopping with us and be sure to come back and play a long with us!!! Here's a sketch from Heather at Scrappy Sketches for inspiration as well - REMINDER: sketch is OPTIONAL - only layouts following our challenge are eligible for giveaways.

Until next time,