Gecko Galz Free Digital Stamp for August

Hello friends. Have you been enjoying your summer? I have been so busy shuttling kids to and from activities the time flew right by. I do have to apologise to you though. I messed up. In an effort to be the super efficient Mom that can juggle her blog while sitting with her kids at a splash pad.....well, I did not notice that the blogger app inverts the month/date for posts when it send them. So I am sitting in the shade under a lovely tree enjoying the breeze and watching the kiddies puddle under the spouts, feeling rather proud of having set my blog post to run on July 8th. Little did I know it was all messed up. So in case you were not able to get the July stamp due to my faux pas I thought I would post a link to it here and you can go back and grab it. In fact I feel so bad for the mix up that I will go back and put a link to each of the free stamps donated by the amazing Leanne Seed of Gecko Galz. Be sure to go check out all the other digital yummies in their Etsy shop. Gecko Galz Etsy Shop

First though, here is the adorable stamp for August.

I love this stamp. I have had it in my own collection for some time and was so happy when I received the email that it would be available to all of you this month. I had so much fun colouring in all the tiny details.

I had intended to make a bookmark for myself out of the image but my daughter fell in love with it and convinced me that she needed it more than me. I promised to colour another on for her, but to no avail....her power of persuasion was just to much. Colouring another one for myself will have to go on my project list. Though I am excited to have a reason to colour another one.

Here are the links to the past freebies:

July's Free Stamp
June's Free Stamp
May's Free Stamp
April's Free Stamp
March's Free Stamp
February Free Stamp
January's Free Stamp

Be sure to let your friends know that they can help themselves to these adorable images. In fact, feel free to share this post on your favourite social media. Just click the button and boom, you will be the most popular crafter in your group.

It's hard to believe my first year on the Gecko Galz design team is half over. I am still so excited about all the great things that are coming. Insider tip: expect a chance to bounce around in October as Gecko Galz hosts a super fun blog hop. I will keep you posted...no pun intended...of the dates and details.




Before I sign off I wanted to share my....ok my daughter's new bookmark. I think it turned out so cute. Sorry the pictures are off. I am trying to learn how to use a new camera.

Gecko Galz July Free Stamp

Whoosh...we are in July already. In case I did not glance at the calendar the temperature would have tipped me off anyway.

The cute image from Gecko Galz brings to mind all things beachy and summer. I had a blast using it on my summer themed art journal page.

Download your free copy and let the summer creativity begin.

Art Journaling

This is the first layout in my new art journal. It is my July submission for the Gecko Galz Design Team theme "Sun, Moon, Stars".

I had allot of fun playing with markets, stamps, stencils and texture paste.

Teacher Appreciation Gifts: Painted Canvas

When giving gifts for the end of the school year, be sure not to overlook the school's office staff. These folks are the ones dealing with sick kids, kids with attitude waiting for the principal, irate parents, injured sports stars and everything else.

This piece is for Mrs Ward. She works in the office at my children's school. I feel like she is one of my closest friends as I have spoken to her so often over the last few years its disturbing. Her sense of humour and calm demeanor has maneuvered our family through many mini crisis. We appreciate everything you do!

How To Make The Canvas:

1. I used a 5x7 white canvas as the base of this project.
2. Print off a silhouette image of your choosing. I used this cute bunny from a Gecko Galz digital stamp set.
3. Spray the entire image with Tattered Angels glimmer mist. I chose a dark blue as I was doing a night scene. Once it is dry apply mod podge lightly with a fine paint brush and sprinkle mica powder where you want to highlight the image. I used a sparkly teal and an opal colour to give it a shimmery moonlit look.
4. I covered the entire image with glossy accents and allowed it to dry.
5. Using a black alcohol marker I retraced the original image to make it pop from the background.
6. Carefully I removed the canvas from the wood base and placed it in an altered frame I had painted blue.