Featured Creation by Satu

Hi, everyone!  Mitzi here with a new crafter feature today of an adorable work by Satu Kukkonen.

Here's a gorgeous card featuring Hydrangea Sprite digi, which has been one of the most popular of the Sprite Collection.  Satu's coloring is beautiful, and the embellishments in shades of rose from very light to dark create a lovely atmosphere for the entire project.  Just magical!!  You can read more about this creation by Satu by going to her blog post here.

Hope this beautiful piece gave you an additional inspiration for the current challenge "Sprite Delight" at Aurora Wings Challenge Blog.  You are welcome to use other company's digi that suits the theme, but if and when you use Aurora Wings' digis, you can enter up to 3 pieces in the challenge.  Challenge goes on through August 16th.  Hope to see you there!!  Psst!  There's a Sprite freebie there.  Don't forget to check it out.

"Hydrangea Sprite" is available as a 2100 x 1500 pixels JPG file at 300 dpi resolution, measuring 5" x 7" (or 12.7 x 17.8 cm approximately).  Large enough for a big project like gift bags, but reduces in size well for cards and other small scale projects.  At my Etsy shop here and at AW web shop here.

Till next time, happy coloring, everyone~!!!

New Release: Lily of the Valley Sprite featuring Lorraine

Hi, everyone!  Today is the first day of the new challenge over at our Challenge Blog.  I hope you check it out because the theme this time is a cute and fun one.  Included in the Challenge #5's inspiration creations by DT was a fabulous desk calendar by AW designer,  Lorraine Craig Mackie.  I would like to share with you a spotlight feature of her inspiration piece, since there simply was not enough space on the Challenge Blog to fully show all the awesome details to be found in her calendar.  So here it is!

Here's an angled view of the calendar when closed.

View of the cover.

January with Carnation Sprite

February with Violet Sprite

March with Daffodil Sprite

April with Daisy/Chamomile Sprite

May with the NEW Lily of the Valley Sprite

June with Wild Rose Sprite

July with Lotus Sprite with Froggie

August with Tiger Lily Sprite

September with Morning Glory Sprite

October with Pumpkin Sprite

November with Dahlia Sprite

December with Holly Sprite

Isn't this a gorgeous calendar?  Isn't it such a fun project?  I love her selection of sprites for the 12 months of the year, consistent style, and beautiful paper and embellishments.  The result is a calendar that is totally charming and unforgettable!!  You can read more about Lorraine's fabulous calendar project on her blog here.

The "Lily of the Valley Sprite" digi is available at both AW Etsy shop here and AW digi shop here.  It comes as 1500 x 2100 pixels at 300 dpi JPG file (5" x 7"/ 12.7 x 17.8 cm approx.).  

I hope you enjoyed today's special feature on Sprites desk calendar by Lorraine.  And I hoe you can join us for the AW Challenge #5 "Sprite Delight".  I have made a brand new freebie digi for you so anybody can play in our challenge.  Check the AW Challenge Blog to see where you can pick it up.

The Freebie Digi "Sunflower Sprite"

Till next time, happy coloring!!

New Release: Mer-Baby

Hi, everyone!!  I'm so excited to share with you today, the new addition to the line of sprite-like mermaids.  Here's the third image in my young mermaid series, "Mer-Baby"!  One of my DT designers, Karina Creawitch was so kind to make a colored sample on a short notice for me.  Thank you, Karina!

Isn't this so beautiful?  The coloring on the mer-baby is warm and soft, the sea shell shaped card is opulently embellished with the beautiful objects from both the sea and the land.  So dreamy and sweet!  You just want to take him home and cuddle, don't you??  You can read more about her creation on her blog here.

"Mer-Baby" digi is available as 1800 x 1800 pixels at 300 dpi JPG file, 6" x 6" or 15.2 x 15.2 cm approximately.  Lots of movement is suggested by the baby's hair and the sea anemone's flowy tentacles.  It is a fun image for anyone who loves mermaids, wee little ones, or all things small and precious.  It's also perfect for a baby shower card or a welcome new baby card.

Available at my Etsy shop here and also at AW digi shop here.

There will be more little mer-tots on the way in the weeks ahead.  Watch for announcements at the Stamps by AruroaWings FB group!

Till next time, happy coloring~!!

Special Presentation Showcase: Marie Antoinette

Hi, friends!!  I've got a treat for you!  This is THE showcase event I've been waiting for to bring to you ever so patiently. LOL  Seriously, all kidding aside, many of my AW Challenge Blog's DT ladies have kindly agreed to come up with gorgeous creations for this showcase.  Without further ado, let us begin~!!

Glo

Don't you just LOVE Glo's take on Marie?  A zombie version, complete with an eyeball on her cupcake.  Delightfully wicked!

Janet

A gorgeous classic look with soft coloring on the image by Janet, with awesome dies in bold colors to compliment.  Black accents provide the perfectly sharp contrast.

Debbie

Debbie keeps your eyes moving on the card from gorgeous lacy edges, pretty flowers in bright colors, dragonflies, and a little sentiment.  The coloring on the image is bright, with yellow and green masterfully complimenting the red.

Lorraine

Classic Rococo elegance by Lorraine!  Opulent and ornate, every touch is so luxurious.  This project is kept airy and feminine by the use of high-key colors. 

Aletha

Rich in the jewel tones of ruby, amethyst, garnet, and emerald, that are the hallmark of Aletha's work.  There's something delightfully old-world about this piece, brought on by the ornate metallic accents.

Karina

Karina's Marie is bright and cheerful.  The colors she used remind us of the marvelous sweet confections enjoyed in the court of Louis XVI.  Just like the sweets, this card is so pretty, fun, and irresistible!

Donna

An iconic Rococo decor color scheme of light blue and white takes center stage in Donna's beautiful creation that cleverly takes the shape of a fan made from hand mirror cuts.  So charming!

Sandra 

Nostalgic beauty of the bygone era is magically captured in soft pink and brown hues on this delicately feminine creation by Sandra.  Perfume bottle, roses, pearls, and lace.  What more could a girl want?


Marie Antoinette digi is available at my Etsy shop here and at the AW digi shop here.
1500 x 2100 pixels at 300 dpi JPG, 5" x 7" or 12.7 x 17.8 cm.
She has been one of the most popular digis in my shops.

Well, I hope you enjoyed seeing this special presentation by the ladies of AW Challenge Blog DT!  I know I have!  Please be so kind and visit everyone's blog (clicking on each lady's name will get you to her blog) if you enjoyed what you saw here today, and leave them lots of love for treating us to such a visual feast!  Don't you just love seeing different takes on a single image?   Yes, we do! *nod nod*

Till next time, happy coloring!

*** Reminder ***
We are down to the final week of our Challenge #4 at the AuroraWings Challenge Blog.  There's still time to create.  Hope you can join us!

Weekend Joint Event with Kit and Clowder

Hi, everyone!  Today is a special day as we have 2 new releases from my new collection of mer-children.  Well, they're basically mermaid with my sprites' faces. :D  For those of us in Northern Hemisphere, it's perfectly seasonal with 'under the sea' theme to cool you off even for a bit.  And if you happen to be in Southern Hemisphere, where temperature is low, who can say no to cute mermaids?  Am I right? :D

Alyce has colored a sample of the new release today "The Gift" for us.

Isn't it cute??   A mer-boy is giving a gift of pearl to a mer-girl, who seems to be delighted.  This is a wonderful image for anyone who love mermaids, but I also think this would make a wonderful engagement card or anniversary card for a couple, don't you agree?

The digi is available at my Etsy shop here.  And also at AW digi shop here.  This digi comes at 1800 x 1500 pixels at 300 dpi, 6" x 5" or 15.2 x 12.7 cm approximately.

Lots of color combinations are possible on these cute mer-kids!  (Might drive you nuts trying to decide.  Haha.)

And if you want a little less challenge (Let's face it.  Two figures mean double the chance of something going wrong.  I know what I'm talking about. LOL), a mermaid-only version of the digi is also available.

"Happy Little Mermaid" is the title of the girl-only version, available here on Etsy, and here at the AW digi shop.  This one comes at 1500 x 2100 pixels at 300 dpi JPG, 5" x 7" or 12.7 x 17.8 cm approximately.

And here's the good part!  They can be purchased at 15% off now through July 20, 2014 (11:59 pm EDT) with a discount code "STUDENTDISC" at both shop locations.  Not only that, the 15% off is good for as many digis you want to buy.  You can get the discount when you buy just one or as many as your wallet allows! :D

Already got the digis?  Well, then, check out a coloring competition that's going on at Kit and Clowder.  You can enter with either one of these two new releases from today.  Have fun coloring.  We'll be selecting 2 winners for $20 AW GC each for even more fun!!   Competition runs through next Sunday, July 20, 2014, so you have plenty of time to enter. :D

But wait!  That's not all!  (Wait a minute...  I'm starting to sound like these people on info-mercials!!)  There's more.  A lot more.

Fun digi giveaways will be continuing at the AW Facebook Group.  Be sure to stop by and play.  Many of these contests run for hours so people in different parts of the world can all have a chance to play.

Here's an awesome giveaway sponsored by Kit and Clowder.

First *join* Stamps by AuroraWings and Kit and Clowder Facebook Groups, then come to AW's Facebook group wall and find this banner pinned at the top of the AW group wall this coming week and comment!!  That's it!  You're entered in a giveaway drawing for a chance to win the Snow Queen Project Craft Class!  How awesome is that?

Alyce also has a new Hair and Skin class available at the website.  Check it out!

Open Call for Designers for AW Showcase Blog

UPDATE (JULY 29, 2014)

*** CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS ***

Designer positions have been filled.  Thank you for your interest.

Hi, everyone!  This is Mitzi here.  I've decided to have an open call for designers for this blog, whose job will be a little different from the DT on the Challenge Blog.  Here's what I need your help with.

• Design a card or other paper product sample for my new release on a relatively short notice (1 to 2 weeks) but no more than 2 times per month
• Time coordinate your own blog (or other social media postings) with the new release of the particular digi
• Spread the word about the digi on any social media you use

My ideal candidate will have the following qualities.

• A fan of AuroraWings digital stamps and love playing with them
• Not involved in too many DT obligations so you have time to create for me and with me
• Not a regular DT member of any digi companies'/artists' showcase/challenge blogs (DT work with private challenge blogs is fine.) except for companies/entities that AW has affiliations with ('Sweet Pea Stamps' and 'Kit & Clowder')
• Love entering challenges and blogging about your craft projects using AW digis
• May not be an advanced crafter/colorist, but creates with passion and joy
• Good at written communications in English (via e-mail, Facebook PM, etc.)
• Experience with designing for blogs (showcase or challenge) helpful, but not required
• Be able to stay with us for a period of 6 months (with option to renew) unless some RL circumstance makes it impossible

Here's what a showcase blog designer, if chosen for the position, will get.

• Your blog badge as a designer for AW Showcase Blog
• Opportunity to play with new release digis BEFORE they are available to the public
• Access to a small, designers-only FB group, where most communications will take place
• Having your sample work featured on AW's Etsy listings with your blog links
• Access to AW digis on demand for personal projects separate from your sample work
• Opportunity to GDT for our Challenge Blog
• First consideration will be given to Showcase Blog Designers when a Challenge Blog DT opening becomes available 

If this is something you'd be interested, please send your e-mail to aurorawingsshowcase(at)aol(dot)com with subject line "Designer Position Application".   Please include the following questions and your answers in your e-mail (copy and paste the following questions and fill out with your answers).  I look forward to hearing from you.  Thank you!!  

*** Questions for the AW Showcase Designer Candidates ***

1. Your name, please.

2. Your blog URL, if you have one.  As for those of you who don't have a blog, please list (with links) where you share your creations.

3.  Are you a member of AuroraWings Facebook Group?

4.  Approximately, how long have you been coloring/crafting with AuroraWings digis?

5.  Please list your current DT obligations, if any.

6.  Please list your past DT obligations, if applicable.

7.  Approximately how many craft projects, on average, do you make in a month?

8.  Any additional information you might want to add about yourself, please feel free to mention here.

Featured Creation by Kitty FitKitty

Hi, everyone!  Thanks for stopping by AW Showcase Blog today!  Today's feature is an adorable kitty card by Kitty FitKitty with a digi called "Kitten in a Teacup".

Isn't it precious?  Isn't it fun?  I love how she colored the roses turquoise blue!  Blue is one color spectrum that roses do not come in naturally, but rose lovers often try creating blue roses by coloring the water with blue ink. :D  The teacup motif is further accented with a tiny teapot charm right by the kitty-inspired sentiment.  Adorable fun all the way around!  You can read more about her creation on her blog here.

"Kitten in a Teacup" digi can be found at my Etsy shop here and at the AW digi shop here.  This digi comes in 2100 x 1500 pixels (7" x 5"/ 17.8 x 12.7 cm) at 300 dpi JPG.  Remember to check out other kitty digi's at my shops, too.  I'm a cat lady and I have many. LOL

Till next time, happy coloring and crafting!!

New Release: Corpse Flower Sprite

Today, I have a very unique new release for you.  This is the Sprites Collection's very first DARK & CREEPY member, Corpse Flower Sprite!

Gloria "Glo" Palmer-Steiger sent me a suggestion for this sprite when a plant at Michigan State University was blooming.  For those of you who are not familiar with "Corpse Flower", this is a plant that grows in the rain forest of Sumatra.  The plant can reach 10 feet/ 3 meters in height.  The Latin name of the plant is amorphophallus titanum (Anyone care to translate to English? *giggles*)  It is also called Giant Arum or Titan Arum.  The unique shape is most interesting, but the plant also features an odor often described as 'that of decomposing flesh', thus the common name "Corpse Flower".  Nice, eh? LOL  Certainly one of a kind, unique, and unforgettable. ^_^

Credit: US Botanic Garden

These plants are said to require an average of 7 to 10 years of vegetative growth before blooming for the first time.  Most flowers begin to wilt within 12 hours of opening, but some have been known to last 24 to 48 hours.

Now for the best part.  Glo has made a BEAUTIFUL sample for the release of this digi for us.  Check it  out!  *drum roll*

Isn't he awesome all colored up?  Love the beautiful red and green combo!  The gorgeous paper with torn edges and the beautiful die cut perfectly compliment the unique shape of this sprite.  You can check out Glo's blog post on this beautiful creation here.

The Corpse Flower Sprite digi is available with or without the flies and stink lines to suit your taste.  The digi is 1500 x 2100 pixels at 300 dpi JPG (5" x 7"/ 12.7 x 17.8 cm).  Available at both  AW Etsy and AW web site.

Corpse Flower Sprite with Flies (original version) at Etsy here and AW digi shop here.

Corpse Flower Sprite without Flies at Etsy here and AW digi shop here.

Thank you for checking out the newest release today!  Till next time, happy coloring~!!