Gotta ... stop ... buying crafting things! ... well, maybe

Okay, since Cody moved out last month, I have been buying things here and there.  I think it's an empty nest thing that is causing me to become a shopaholic.  No, really, I DO!  I know I have a problem, and that is the first step, right?! :)

Well, my coupon clipping and savings of $60+ this month at Target makes me feel a little better about this, but ... my crafting budget is a little out of control.  Hubby just gives me a frown when he brings another package downstairs to my office while I am working (as the mail carrier makes it a point to blow the horn - hence reminding him there is a package out here on the porch).  *sigh* Love ya, Joann, but shhhh girl!!  You're tellin on me.  lol

So, anyway ... I think this will be my last purchase for a while (well if Becca doesn't tempt me with another luscious card - 'ohh, another Spellbinders die I don't have').  hee hee not really her fault her that her cards are SO dreamy!

I just purchased 2 more digis (cost was under $10 so that's not too bad, right?).  I found this great artist, Krista Smith from http://saturatedcanary.blogspot.com, and her images are A-DOR-Able!  :)  I fell for Ellie's birthday on Hazel's blog.  Check it out!  Krista's digis can be purchased on Etsy - HERE - if your crafting budget (unlike mine) is still in the black this month :)  lol

I did get a little crafting time in before I pack for Atlanta, so I used the Ellie's Birthday image first.  The paper is June Bug from BasicGrey.  I used Copics to color and shade, pale plum and perfect plum from SU for the cs.  Copics used were the following:  E00, E000, E02, E21, R20 for the skin; V06 V15, BV01 and BV02 for the balloons; B00, B02, B14, B18 and B29 for the blues in her outfit and hat; Y13, 21 and 23 for her hair; C1, 3 and 5 for shading.

Here is the closeup of Ellie.  I was going to make this brighter in PhotoShop, but I think it just washes out the color and you lose the details if I do that, so I apologize if it looks a bit dark.  :)  I also added a dab of liquid applique after the photo was taken and couldn't get a good shot of it, but I think that was a great accent.  Who doesn't love fun party hats?!  :)

This little sweetie is waiting for me to color her in when I return ...

Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Stampin!! :)
Hugs,

P.S. - I am also entering this into Krista's Birthday Challenge going on over at her Saturated Canary Challenge blog.  Stop by and see all of the great creations by her Design Team! :)