MY CRAFTY CARD CREATIONS

Card for Katie

2012-03-03T09:27:00.005Z

Another family birthday, this time my great niece who is 4 today.

I discovered these lovely square doilies just last week, they're so pretty.

Image sent to me by a MSE friend and coloured with Promarkers.
Pink Petticoat papers printed on computer.
Doily from Ebay.
Sentiment from Craftwork Cards layered onto an oval cut with a die from Nellie Snellen ovals set.
Adhesive pearls from stash.

I'd like to enter this card into:
Challenge #96 - People at Robyn's Fetish.
Challenge #24 - Spots and/or Stripes at Divas by Design.
Challenge #9 - Polkadots, Stripes or Both at Polka Doodles
Birthday Challenge at The Poodles Parlour

Family birthdays

2012-02-13T16:57:00.012Z

I have two family birthdays coming up within the next ten days, and as my daughter is visiting later this week I needed to get them finished as they are for her and my grandson.

This one is for Deborah:

House Mouse image coloured with Promarkers, doily and flowers from Joanna Sheen, papers, card and brad from stash, sentiment from Craftwork Cards.

I'd like to enter Deborah's card into the following challenge:
Robyn's Fetish Challenge #94 - Square Cards

And this one is for Jack who will be 9:

Some kind person from MSE sent me the image (I apologise for not remembering who it was) which I've coloured with Promarkers. I used my new ultra fine nibs for the first time and was well impressed! Papers I printed on the computer, buttons salvaged from an old shirt, sentiment from Craftwork Cards.

I'm entering Jack's card into Flying Fresian's "Card For A Male" challenge over at MSE (thanks for the nudge Padster!).

And last week it was the birthday of my dear friend who has been so kind and caring over the last few months and this is the card I made for her:

House Mouse image coloured with Promarkers, ultrafine glitter for the bubbles, papers printed on computer, flowers from Joanna Sheen, brad from stash, sentiment from Craftwork Cards.

I would like to enter this last card into the following challenge:
The Crafty Pad #157 - The Letter "B" and my B is for Beach!

And I've just realised that all three cards are based on the same design! Oh dear, I really need to get my mojo back properly and start using some different layouts.

Birthday cards

2012-02-04T13:03:00.004Z

I was such a lucky lady to receive some lovely hand crafted birthday cards from my card making friends, despite me being absent from the card making (and forum) scene for many months.

These are from (L-R, top-bottom):

Mad Frog; Rainmac; Marg; AliB123

and these are from:

Flying Fresian; Padster; and non-MSE friends Angie and Linda from NZ.

They are all lovely and how Angie has the patience to cut out all that tricky decoupage (no die cut decoupage for her!) I'll never know!

Thank you again everyone, I really appreciate it.

I've just treated myself to some Promarker Fine Nibs just in time to colour an image I'm thinking of for my soon to be 9 year old grandson whose birthday it is later this month. I was wondering how I was going to get into those tricky little places when I discovered them so hopefully they'll work as well as I hope.

Long time no post!

2012-01-29T14:07:00.003Z

Well, I haven't been on here for quite some time! Personal circumstances meant I haven't done any cardmaking for many months but hopefully I'll get back into it now.

First off is a card for d-i-l Tracy's birthday today.

(Looks like I might need to brush up on my photography skills LOL! I've got to do it myself now!)

Tracy's a Tatty Teddy fan and I found this stamp amongst my stash, I think it was a freebie with Creativity magazine some time ago. Image cut out with one of the Nesties Labels, coloured with Promarkers, papers are Pink Petticoat, doily and flowers were from Joanna Sheen, sentiment from Craftwork Cards, ribbon and brad from stash.

I'll come back soon with the lovely birthday cards I received from MSE friends.

Easter Card

2011-04-25T09:46:00.004+01:00

This is an Easter card I made for a dear friend.

The image was a gorgeous freebie sent with a recent order from Craftwork Cards, which I coloured with Promarkers and mounted onto a scalloped circle cut with Nesties from some pearlised card I had in my stash. The paper is from Monti's Dragonfly Scrap Kit. The flowers were from Rainmac who sent me some for my birthday (thank you Sarah). Adhesive pearls from stash.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Delicious Doodles #22 - Anything Goes
Craft Your Days Away #18 - Easter
Little Claire #5 - Animals
Easy Craft Project #36 - Easter
The Corrosive Challenge #113 - Animals
Dream Valley #5 - Easter
Creative Cowgirls Happy Easter/Spring/Mothers Day
Sparkles Forum #10 - Anything goes

Anniversary Card

2011-04-08T14:47:00.003+01:00

Here's a card I've made for my dearest and oldest friend's wedding anniversary next week.

The House Mouse image has been coloured with Promarkers, with pencil used for the leaves. The DP is from Summer Driggs Golden Sunshine collection printed onto my new Centural Pearl Snow White paper. Flowers, brad and Card Candy from stash.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Papertake Weekly Anything Goes with option of Something New (Centura Pearl paper)
DoYouStackUp #14 - Follow That Yellow Brick Road
CharismaCardz #14 - Wedding/Anniversary
PaperPlay #14 - Critters Galore
Shelly's Images Scrappy's Birthday Bash - Use Scrappy's favourite things - I've used flowers and faux stitching (on DP)
Claudia & Co #79 - Monochromatic
Lexi's Creations #37 - Monochromatic

Daniel's birthday card

2011-04-02T16:47:00.005+01:00

It's grandson Daniel's 12th birthday in a few days and he is still mini-car mad, I made his first mini-car card when he was 8 and I really struggled to find a suitable image this time so I went for a cartoon. This is what I came up with:

I found the image on Google Images and matted it onto black card. The DPs are from a freebie set I found some time ago but can't remember from where. The letters for his name were part of the same set.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Creative Card Crew For a Child
One Stop Craft #125 - Spots and Dots
CES (Crafty Emma's) #30 - Children
Card Ideas Spotty Dotty

Great nephew's card

2011-03-07T16:32:00.010Z

Wow, I actually made a card! LOL! No real pressure as this particular birthday is still a few weeks away but I actually decided I wanted to go and make a card!

(If you wish to perfect the art of photographing a card skewiff, please don't hesitate to ask, I'm quite good at it LOL!)

The image was sent to me by Kelly (KMS on MSE) with my birthday card recently. Thanks so much Kelly, I really love this image, it's so cute. I've coloured it with Promarkers, Cool Grey 1 for the bath as it reminded me of the old zinc bath we had to bring into the kitchen every Sunday when I was a child (showing my age there!!). Duck Egg Blue for the line around the bath, Satin for the baby and Ivory on the wings and bubbles plus some glitter.

The papers are all from Pink Petticoat and the small dotty paper has been punched with my MS Scallop Dot edge punch. The Happy Birthday ribbon I found in The Factory Shop last week.

Once I'd finished I realised that Euan will be 4, perhaps this image is a bit too babyish for a 4 year old - never mind, at least it's blue for a boy!

Does it look finished? Not sure if it needs anything in the corners? Maybe a circle with 4 in it or his name? Would love some suggestions.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Charisma Cardz #9 - Four Legged Friends
Meljens Designs #48 - U R Such An Animal
Dutch Dare #102 - Who's Who In The Zoo
Paper Sundaes #59 - Stripes
Lollipop Crafts #29 - Critters
Craft Your Passion #48 - Anything Goes
Alys Sunday Challenge Anything Goes

Anniversary card

2011-03-05T22:51:00.004Z

I've not been in the right frame of mind for making cards for a while but it was my daughter and son-in-law's wedding anniversary recently and I thought I really should make the effort, but I did leave it rather late and ended up doing this in a hurry to get it in the post. Knowing Deborah liked Me to You bears, or Tatty Teddy as they were originally called and how I still think of them, I took the easy option of finding a coloured image on the internet to use as a topper rather than colouring one in myself.

The paper is from Pink Petticoat and I tried to match the blue to the colour of the teddy's nose, it wasn't quite right and I think the ribbon is a closer match. I was lucky enough to have a couple of flowers that were a pretty good match to the bow on the champagne bottle and the blue gem flower in the middle is something I've had in my stash for years!

I'm not sure now that the trellis punch was the right one to use on the orange card, it just doesn't say "romance" does it! And I'm not even sure if I like the colour combo now! I cheated with the sentiment too, rather than print one on the computer I used a peel-off which I coloured with a blue permanent pen, same for the three little flowers which I used as there was quite a lot of space to fill up! I think I should have put a bit of sparkle on the champagne glasses too!

I think it's fair to say I'm not 100% happy with this effort, which you've probably gathered by now!

I've just missed my great niece's 3rd birthday and sent a belated bought one (hangs head in shame!) so I really must get my botty in gear as I have quite a few birthdays coming up including three other great nieces/nephew.

Birthday cards

2011-01-30T15:19:00.000Z

At last I've got around to blogging the lovely cards I had from cyber friends for my birthday last week. Here are the 16 hand made cards I received:

From left to right, top row: Karen Cooke, Flourgirl, KMS26, bottom row: Scatty Jan, Addams and some lovely images from KMS26, thanks so much Kelly:

Top row: Marg, Mad Frog, middle row: CT19720, Padster, bottom row: Jowri, Linda in New Zealand:

Top row: OAP1945, Soma, middle row: Dragonllew, Alib123, bottom row: Rainmac, and some very cute cupcake stamps which Rainmac sent. There were also some beautiful flowers in a box inside her card. Thank you so much Sarah:

I feel so lucky to have received so many lovely cards, thank you all so much.

Penguin Love

2010-12-09T14:32:00.003Z

This card uses the image Penguin Love by Pollycraft, I think it's a lovely image to use for a Christmas card for a couple, and I just had to get this snowy paper from Pink Petticoat after seeing it on a fellow crafter's blog.

Image from Pollycraft, coloured with Promarkers and I've also used Ultra Fine Crystal Glitter.
DP is from the Fairy Lights collection at Pink Petticoat.
White card strip has been embossed with my Cuttlebug using Snowflakes folder and has been glittered with Ultra Fine Crystal Glitter.
Dark blue pearlescent card for mats from stash.
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Pixie Dust Studio #52 - Let It Snow using white and non-traditional colours
Delightful Challenges Embossing - dry or wet
Crafts and Me #19 - Moody Blues

What not to do with glitter and an embossing folder

2010-12-03T10:52:00.005Z

I was having a play with an embossing folder my friend loaned me. She'd made a rather stunning card and I wanted to do my take on it. I found some rather nice pearlised card which had a golden shimmer to it and a scrap of lovely gold glitter card which was just big enough for a mat. I embossed the card, put it to one side and decided to do a second one.

For the second one I didn't have any more of the gold shimmery pearlised card so had to use a slightly different coloured one, embossed it and then realised that I'd turned the embossing folder over and debossed it instead. Not to worry, it still looked fine.

I thought one of the debossed baubles would look nice glittered to make it stand out and then added the same glitter around the edge of the mat as I didn't have any more of the nice gold glitter card. I put the card together then had my doubts as to whether I should have left the glitter off, but not to worry, not my best card but it's not too bad and not everyone wants a cute Christmas card:

Then I turned my attention to the one I'd done the right way round and was embossed. Why not glitter the bauble on that one I thought. WRONG! I used a Quickie Glue Pen to go around the outline of the bauble, sprinkled glitter on, knocked off the excess and what have you? Something that looks like a 3 year old did at playschool! What a waste of my piece of gorgeous gold glitter card and the beautiful pearlised card with the golden shimmer. I don't remember where I got either from and what I've got in my stash isn't nearly such nice colours!

Lesson learned. Don't glitter anything embossed, just stick to glittering debossed stuff! Oh well, I'm sure I can find someone to send it to, or I may just bin it as I couldn't bear to think anyone was saying "A child could do better than this!"

Fat Cat Fred

2010-12-02T11:28:00.003Z

I particularly wanted to blog this card because I have to thank two more lovely cyber friends from MSE who went to a lot of trouble to help me out when my computer skills were sorely tested recently with a page of digi images. I had no idea how to extract the individual images from the page and Margaret (Marg) and Angie (Point of No Return) came to my rescue. Thank you so much girls, I really love these images and wouldn't have been able to use them without your help.

My first attempt using Fat Cat Fred turned out like this and I'm hoping to find time to get around to using some more of them soon:

Card blank is by Papermania. Paul asked me if I'd cut it myself (as if LOL!!!) but I do see his point, considering these are die cut blanks there do seem to be a couple of wobbles on the scallops.
Image is from a sheet of downloadable freebies from Papercraft Essentials which I've coloured with Promarkers and glittered the brandy sauce on the pudding (or custard if that's your preference!). Sentiments also came from the same sheet.
Backing paper is a freebie but not sure where I got that from, I've also glittered the brandy sauce on those puddings.
Gold ribbon from stash and scalloped circles cut with Nesties.

I was going to send this card to my cat loving friend who, by her own admission is a little on the large size. I'm sure she wont take offence at the sentiment but I would probably worry that she would. I might send it to my DS and d-i-l as they both used to cook for us when we had the restaurant so that would be more appropriate!

Bad Blogger!

2010-12-02T11:03:00.005Z

Ooooh, I've been such a bad blogger lately. Some of you will know my personal circumstances and life is a bit difficult here at the moment. I'm going to try and catch up with my blog but to start off with I really must acknowledge two cards which I have recently received from my lovely card making cyber friends on MSE.

Firstly Flourgirl sent me this lovely wallet card full of stamped images "to make me smile":

Thank you so much Karen, you must have remembered I like pink and yes, I did smile. Lots of very cute images which will most certainly be used. Karen makes beautiful cards and very clever crafty makes which you can see on her blog here.

I also received this lovely card from Padster:

Isn't she a cutie? Thank you Debbie. Again Debbie makes lovely cards and gorgeous crafty makes which you can see here.

Many thanks to both of you who took time to make and send me these lovely cards and their good wishes and hugs.

Cuddly and warm

2010-10-27T12:33:00.008+01:00

My second offering for today! After my recent 9 square card I decided to try a 4 square card. I'm not sure I'd make too many of these types of card, lining them up takes a bit of concentration to get them exactly right! I love this little penguin, he looks so warm all cuddled up in his hat and big jumper.

The cute penguin image is from Pink Petticoat's Have An Ice Christmas set, coloured with a lovely pastel green Promarker and chalked. Ultra Fine Crystal glitter used for snow.
Squares cut with Nesties, embossed with Cuttlebug using the Snowflakes and Kars Snowflakes folders.
The embossing has all been glittered with Ultra Fine Crystal glitter but it doesn't show up that well.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Delightful Challenges It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Fussy and Fancy Friday #22 - Winter Wonderland
Totally Gorjuss #53 - Sparkle
Craft Your Passion #29 - Add Glitter, Sparkle or Bling
Gingerloft #4 - Winter
The ABC Challenge G is for Glitter
Wild Orchid #8 - Pastels
Papertake Weekly Sparkly and Bright
Top Tip Tuesday #7 - Anything Goes
Creatalicious #15 - All White

Happy Birthday/Anniversary

2010-10-27T10:33:00.007+01:00

This is a card I made for hubby Paul. It was for the first anniversary of his bone marrow transplant. When they receive their transplants, the hospital tells the patients that date becomes their 'official birthday' as it symbolises a second chance of life. It's a date you don't forget and we're so thankful that he's been given this opportunity by an unknown donor. I could have done this with autumn colours as I also had papers in that colourway, but I chose green to symbolise Spring as I always think of that time of year when life begins again in the garden.

The papers and topper were a Nancy Watt freebie in a recent magazine.
Ribbon from QVC.
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers.
Sentiment printed on computer, cut with Nesties and chalked.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
The Stamp Man #8 - Cards for Men
Totally Papercrafts #39 - Stick a number on it
One Stitch At A Time #36 - Any Celebration
Lexi's Creations #25 - Happy Birthday
Cards For Men #22 - Anything Goes (as long as it's male)
Top Tip Tuesday #7 - Anything Goes
I Did It Creations #26 - Surprise Me

Blog Award

2010-10-08T10:02:00.003+01:00

I have been given this fabulous blog award from the lovely Angie (Pointofnoreturn on MSE). Thank you so much, I'm honoured to display it on my blog.

I'd like to pass it on to

Soma (A Sense of Uma)
Addams
Alee81
Jowri
Jazabelle

Snowy in pink

2010-10-06T11:16:00.007+01:00

Another card made with Penny Black's Snowy, this time she's dressed in pink.

DP is from DCWV Christmas scrapbook pad.
Pink glitter card from stash.
Pink spotty ribbon from stash.
Image is Penny Black's Snowy coloured with Promarkers and glittered with pink Ultra Fine glitter, snow is Ultra Fine Crystal glitter. Oval cut with Nellie Snellen multiframe oval die.
Flowers from stash and glittered with Ultra Fine Crystal glitter.
Pink spotty button is from Papermania.
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers and glittered with Ultra Fine Crystal glitter.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Charisma Cardz #39 - Christmas Crafting
Totally Papercrafts #36 - The Great Outdoors
Stamp 'n Doodle Anything Goes
Sew Many Challenges Anything Goes
Stamp Scrap and Doodle Saturday Open
Paper Sundaes #38 - Something from your stash
Incy Wincy #62 - Sparkly Glitter
Pollycraft Monday #64 - Anything Goes
A Spoon Full of Sugar #124 - Sparkle and Shine
I Love Promarkers #35 - Think Pink

Snowy dressed in blue

2010-09-29T14:40:00.003+01:00

I adore this Penny Black image of Snowy and have dressed him in blue for this card.

Recipe:
DP is one I found saved on my computer and printed it off myself.
Image - Penny Black Snowy coloured with Promarkers and glittered with Ultra Fine Crystal glitter.
Large oval cut with Nellie Snellen's multi-frame oval die, small oval cut with Nesties, edges coloured with Promarker and glittered.
'Snowflakes' rub-on is from Dovecraft's Winter Wonderland range.
Blue pearlescent card from stash, Cuttlebugged with Swiss Dots folder.
Snowflakes cut from white glitter card from stash with a Cuttlebug die.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Sew Many Challenges #28 - Santa's on his way
Christmas Inspirations #7 - Stamps
A Spoonful of Sugar #123 - Spots and Stripes

Molly's Christmas card

2010-09-27T15:44:00.004+01:00

Katie over at MSE recently made a Christmas card where the image was made using Snowpersons font. I love this card and think it's a super idea so I hope she doesn't mind me taking inspiration from it.

I thought it would be nice to make my youngest grandaughter, age 7, a card with her name on so this is how it turned out. I think maybe I should have made the font bigger but will know for next time!

I have used:
DP is from a DCWV Christmas scrapbook pad I bought last year.
Font is Snowpersons and I've coloured it with Promarkers and added Ultra Fine Crystal glitter to the tops of the letters and a bit of sparkle on the letters themselves.
Pink card for mat is from a pack bought at Lidl.
White card for scalloped circle from stash, cut with Nesties and stamped with a Happy Christmas sentiment with pink pigment ink and embossed with Supersparkle embossing powder. The scallops have been edged with Ultra Fine Crystal glitter.
Snowflakes cut with my Cuttlebug from pink and white glitter card from stash, stars from same snowflake die with the pink glitter card.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
ABC Christmas Challenge T is for Tree
Charisma Cardz #38 - Anything Goes
Delightful Sketches Make It Sparkle
Totally Gorjuss #49 - Christmas
The Crafty Pad #90 - Christmas Sparkle
One Stitch At A Time #32 - Anything Goes
The Crazy Challenge No Ribbon or Buttons
Incy Wincy #61 - I Wonder What It Can Be - Anything Goes

Little Penguin

2010-09-25T18:36:00.006+01:00

We've had gorgeous weather today so we spent the morning in the garden. I managed to get a couple of hours cardmaking in this afternoon too. I thought I'd do another couple of Christmas cards and saw a challenge for a white card. I think white cards can be stunning so I set about seeing what I could come up with. I'd seen the idea of using nine squares on a couple of blogs and using two different embossing folders added a bit of interest.

I've used:
Image is from the Have An Ice Christmas set from Pink Petticoat.
Image coloured with Promarkers and chalked around the edges.
White card is embossed with Cuttlebug folders Kars Snowflakes and Snowflakes and squares cut with Nesties.
Glitter glue used on white squares and penguin's hat.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Incy Wincy #60 - All white except for image
I Love Promarkers #33 - White on White
Papertake Weekly Animal Magic
A Spoonful of Sugar #122 - Anything Goes
Digi Doodle Shop's Best #26 - Emboss It
One Stop Craft #99 - Snowflakes in September
Crafty Emma's #5 - Animal Antics
Colour Create #54 - All White with option of Embossing

Little Polar Bear

2010-09-18T15:42:00.004+01:00

This is the second Christmas card I managed to make. I was looking through my rubber stamps and found this long forgotten Anita's polar bear which I bought a few years ago but can only remember using once before. I blame the digi revolution!!! I also unearthed my black pigment ink pad, clear embossing powder and heat gun! This year I'm trying to make more Christmas cards than I usually manage and this was a quick and easy one.

I've used:
DP is from Dovecraft's Winter Wonderland pack.
Rubber stamp is an old Anita's one which I stamped using black ink and clear embossed.
White glitter card for mat cut with Nesties scalloped square.
Snowflakes cut from white glitter card using my snowflake die and Cuttlebug.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Sarah Hurley #8 - Snowflakes
Moving Along With The Times #64 - Christmas
Pixie Dust Studio #40 Fur or Feathers - Use an animal
Sew Many Challenges #27 - Embossing Wet or Dry
Totally Gorjuss #48 - Wild Thing (any animal)
Crafty Calendar #12 - Blue with the option of flowers (I've used snowflakes)

Here comes Santa

2010-09-18T14:24:00.007+01:00

Another week with little time to craft but I managed to steal a couple of hours yesterday and today. I've finished off a couple of half done cards and made two new Christmas cards.

This card ended up as an easel card for the usual reason - I put the paper on the wrong way round! I saw a challenge for a Santa card with an option to not use red and I thought I'd give it a go. The colours were taken from the background paper but somehow I think Santa really ought to be dressed in red don't you?

I've used:
DPs are from Dovecraft's Winter Wonderland pack.
Image was a freebie I downloaded last year but I'm afraid I can't remember from where. Santa is coloured with Promarkers and I've used Ultra Fine blue glitter on the coat and hat trim and belt. Parcels have been coloured with Sakura glitter gel pens.
Blue metallic card and yellow pearlescent card for mats from stash.
Merry Christmas sticky ribbon is from Dovecraft.
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Christmas Card Challenges Week #41 - Christmas Trees
Craft Your Passion #23 - Technique - Easel Card
ABC Christmas S is for Santa (extra Not Red)
Just Inspirational #12 - Christmas Card Time
Secret Crafter #101 - Anything Goes
Polka Doodles #37 - Easel card

Just because!

2010-09-09T14:25:00.008+01:00

I made this card with nothing particular in mind, just because I love this Penny Black stamp and I wanted to use it! And for a change I've used a cream base card and 5" x 7" instead of square.

Recipe:
Image is a Penny Black rubber stamp coloured with Promarkers
DP are all Zoe Pearn
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Stamp Something Something Cute
Crafty Emma's #2 - Floral Frenzy
Stamping Vacation No No - no brads or eyelets
Fab 'n Funky What 'eva
A Spoonful of Sugar #120 - Animal Crackers
Lexi's Creations #22 - Flower Power
A Pocket Full of Posies #6 - Floral Fantasy
365 Cards #191 - All Creatures Great and Small (large: hedgehog, small: snail)
Pile It On #35 - Layers
Gingerloft #1 - Anything Goes

Another Christmas card

2010-09-06T19:17:00.006+01:00

I can't believe a week's gone by since I last made a card. I just don't seem to have had time to craft much lately.

Today I wanted to make a card that fitted some challenges as I haven't got one in any current challenges. I don't really need any more birthday cards at the moment so I decided to do a Christmas card as I never have time to do enough nearer Christmas. I kept it quick and easy so that it might fit a couple of clean and simple challenges too.

I have used just one piece of DP and a digi image mounted onto a scalloped square so I'm hoping this qualifies it for the Clean and Simple challenges. When I first saw this paper I thought it was too busy and couldn't see me using it, but I rather like it now, it gives lots of interest and detail without having to do any matting and layering and the rest of the card can be kept quite simple.

I've used:
DP is from a DCWV Scrapbook pad bought last Christmas.
Image is a digi I have stored on my computer from last year, sorry I don't know where I got it. (If anyone recognises it please let me know so that I can acknowledge the designer.)
Image is coloured with Promarkers, cut with Nesties and I've used Ultra Fine pink glitter.
Scalloped square is Core'dinations Gemstones card cut with Nesties.
Snowflake cut from pink glitter card.
Brads from stash.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
ABC Christmas R is for Rudolph plus brads
Papertake Weekly Just The One (one DP)
Meljens #23 - Stripes (on DP and scarf)
Stamp Scrap Doodle Christmas
Alys Pretty in Pink
Bee Crafty #37 - Anything Goes
Christmas Card Challenges #40 - Clean and Simple
The Paper Players #14 - Clean and Simple
Pollycraft #60 - Christmas with no red or green
Cowgirl Up Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge - Glitter and Sparkle
CraftFairy Scalloped Square
Your Next Stamp #24 - Anything Goes
Scrapbook Sisters #1 - Challenge Launch - Pink and Black

This wasn't what I intended!

2010-08-30T13:29:00.005+01:00

I went upstairs armed with a list of possible challenges and intended to make a card that fitted a couple of them. I had pink and girlie in mind. Then I decided I wanted to do a teddy bear challenge which also required embossing. So I set to making this card and when I'd finished I realised I hadn't put any embossing anywhere! No matter, it wont go to waste, I thought. Fortunately I've now I've managed to find some challenges it does fit.

For this card I've used:
Card blank made from a pack of coloured card bought recently from either Aldi or Lidl.
Vellum is from a Mattie's Flowers sheet (bought when I used to use Mattie's stencils years ago).
Brown card is from stash and punched with my new Martha Stewart's Arch Lattice deep edge punch, same card used for scalloped circle which has been cut with Nesties die.
Image is from an old set of foam stamps bought when I first started stamping years ago, coloured with Promarkers, cut with Nesties circle die and mounted onto a sunflower which was given to me by a friend.
Orange/yellow ribbon from QVC.
Brads from stash.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Scrap Creations #24 - Recipe - Ribbon, flowers, brads or pearls (I've used ribbon, brads and flowers on vellum, image and the sunflower)
For Fun Challenges Make anything with ribbon or lace
Christmas Stamping All Year Long #62 - Other than Christmas
Allsorts #67 - Inspiration from a garden or park
Crazy4Challenges #C4C52 - Lattice
The Shabby Tea Room #25 - Old Meets New (Old is vellum, brads and rubber stamp, new is card stock and MS punch)

Thank You card

2010-08-28T13:29:00.005+01:00

I've done two similar versions of this card but I can only blog this one, the other is for someone who follows my blog and it wont arrive for a few days so I don't want to spoil it for her!

This one is a Thank You card for my neighbour who has uncomplainingly put up with 5 months of renovation works on our house and now we're subjecting her to our garden makeover! We have a right of way over her tiny garden to get to ours so this week her dog has been unable to get out into their garden and she hasn't been able to put her washing out. Walling bricks, sand, cement, cement mixer, etc., have all been piled up in her little garden and all our apologies have been met with "Don't worry, it's fine". She has her hands full with nursing a very sick husband and baking for two local shops too. She's a lovely neighbour and we wouldn't want to live anywhere else! A very big bunch of flowers will be accompanying this card to show our appreciation for her patience and understanding.

For this card I have used:
5" square pearlescent card blank Cuttlebug embossed with Daisy Pattern and Swiss Dots folders
Image is a gorgeous freebie from Meljen's and coloured with Promarkers
Circles cut with Nesties
Mats are from card in my stash
Ribbon from QVC
Kanban Bling clear adhesive gems

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Fresh Brewed Thank You
Totally Papercrafts #31 - Clean and Simple
Crafty Emma's #1 - Anything Goes

Hidden fairy

2010-08-25T12:40:00.004+01:00

The image I've used on this card is one I chose as a prize for a recent challenge win.

I've used:
Image from The Stamping Boutique, coloured with Promarkers and the fairy's wings have been glittered with Ultra Fine Crystal glitter. Circle cut with Nesties.
Scalloped circle cut with Nellie Snellen's multiframe round die, and mats under blue card all from white glitter card from stash.
Blue card from stash and Cuttlebugged with D'vine Swirls folder.
DP is a freebie from Fred She Said
Large flowers are Prima, small one from Dunelm. The blue ones have been coloured with Promarkers and they're fixed together with a brad and glittered.
Ribbon from stash. Pearl buckle slider was part of a prize from Rainmac, thanks Sarah - I love it!

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Craftalicious #6 - Pearls and Swirls
Creative Card Crew #17 - Sparkle and Shine
Stamp with Fun #73 - Card for a girl
A Pocket Full of Posies #5 - Winged Things
Flutterby Wednesday #119 - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me #11 - Petals and Pearls
Craft Your Days Away #2 - With Wings
Stamp and Create August Challenge - Flowers
Wild Orchid #4 - Make It Sparkle

Anniversary card

2010-08-24T20:03:00.005+01:00

There are a couple of family wedding anniversaries coming up so I'm getting organised now rather than have a mad rush at the time. This one is for my son and d-i-l.

I have used:
DP are MME and were from a freebie pack with a recent magazine
The pink dotty paper has been edged with Martha Stewart's Arch Lattice edge punch
Green card has been Cuttlebugged with Crafts Too Hearts embossing folder
Image is from Create4Fun, coloured with Promarkers and cut out with Nellie Snellen's multiframe oval die
Sentiment has been computer generated
Oval and scalloped oval cut with Nesties

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Pixie Dust Studio #36 - Polka Dots
Aly's Sunday Challenge #23 - Get Dotty
Lexi's Creations #21 - Emboss It
Penny's Paper Crafty #36 - Pink and Green
Your Next Stamp #23 - Bold, bright, summery colours

Purple Christmas!

2010-08-24T19:31:00.008+01:00

I've already made blue, pink and red Christmas cards so I thought it was about time I made a purple one!

For this card I've used:
DP from DCWV Christmas stack
Image is Tilly Bauble 1 from Digital Doodling, coloured with Promarkers and I've added Ultra Fine Crystal glitter
Bow from stash
Scalloped mat cut with Nesties, coloured with Promarkers and edged with same glitter
Snowflakes have been cut on my Cuttlebug from pink and white glitter card from stash

I've printed the image twice and cut Tilly and the bauble hanger from the second image and 3D'd them.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Moving Along With The Times #60 - Glitter
Stamp Something August Digi Day - Use anything digi
Sew Many Challenges Christmas in August
Creative Card Crew Sparkle and Shine
The Crazy Challenge Christmas
The Creative Cottage #21 - Christmas
Craft Your Days Away #2 - Wings
Wild Orchid #4 - Make It Sparkle

Luke's birthday

2010-08-22T20:15:00.011+01:00

Oooh, a whole afternoon of crafting!!! I printed off some images, coloured them, cut them out, picked some papers and they've been put on one side for when I have some time later in the week.

I did manage to complete one card though, I wanted to get this done as it's my lovely grandson Luke's 15th birthday in a couple of weeks' time. They've just had a puppy, sister to ours, and they have an older dog too. I thought this image was perfect, it will certainly give him a laugh!

I managed to put the DP on skewiff so a rescue job was in order. I cut the front off and made an easel card - not the first time I've rescued a card that way!

I've used:
Image is from Penny Black, coloured with Promarkers and cut out with one of Nestie's Label dies, as was the brown mat behind
DP from Monti's Pixel Playground Dog and Cat set
Yellow and brown card for mats from stash
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers
Sentiment computer generated

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
The Stamp Man #3 - Easel card - Anything Goes
Tuesday Throwdown #13 - More Than One Fold
Crafty Cardmakers #27 - Birthday
Digi Doodle Shop's Best #21 - Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments #7 - Monochrome plus a hint of 1 colour
Charisma Cardz #33 - Die Cuts
Create4Fun #34 - Birthdays
Stampin' for the Weekend #45 - Anything Goes
Paper Cutz #55 - Anything Goes
Rosie D's #78 - One for the Boys
Aud Sentiments #9 - Anything Goes

Christmas Card 3

2010-08-18T19:41:00.007+01:00

This is the last card I made today and I think it's my favourite. I am struggling with this pack of blue Christmas papers but I do like this particular design.

DP is Dovecraft's Winter Wonderland
White glitter card is from DCWV Glitter Christmas Stack, scalloped square cut with Nesties and snowflakes with a die I bought with my Cuttlebug
Image from Pink Petticoat's Have An Ice Christmas set, coloured with Promarkers and Ultra Fine Crystal glitter has been used for the snowballs and snow
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
I Did It Creations #17 - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz #45 - Animals
Totally Gorjuss #43 - Aqua
Crafty Ann's #21 - Christmas in August
Passion for Promarkers #65 - Winter Blue
A Spoonful of Sugar #117 - Christmas in August
Sarah Hurley #4 - Animals
The ABC Challenge B is for Blue

Christmas card 2

2010-08-18T19:30:00.007+01:00

This second card used the image that I saw on Scatty Jan's blog. I just fell in love with it and had to buy the set!

DP is from a DCWV Christmas set I bought last year and the burgundy glitter card, edged with Martha Stewart's Scallop Dot edge punch, was from the Glitter Christmas Stack that came in the same set, as was the matching sticky ribbon.
Image has been coloured with Promarkers to match two of the colours on the DP, Ultra Fine Crystal glitter has been used on the penguin's wings, the star and for the snow.
The snowflake and stars have been cut from white glitter card (DCWV Glitter Christmas Stack) with a die bought at the same time as my Cuttlebug last year.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Craft Your Days Away #1 - Favourite Things (one of my favourite things is Christmas, another is pink which is on the DP)
One Stitch At A Time #26 - Pack A Punch
Craft Your Passion #19 - Anything Goes
Creative Card Crew Sparkle and Shine with TDS

Christmas card 1

2010-08-18T18:50:00.005+01:00

Seeing as I'm on continual early shift with the new puppy, getting up at a time I haven't seen for a good few years, DH suggested I spend the whole afternoon card making as I haven't been able to do any for a few days. I didn't need telling twice as this morning I had a delivery of my new Nesties - squares and scalloped squares - and I couldn't wait to use them. I'm going to find them very useful, especially the plain ones as I never seem to be able to cut squares accurately.

After seeing a gorgeous image on Scatty Jan's blog last night, I went straight over to Pink Petticoat and bought the set. Now I have a great reason to make a start on my Christmas cards!

This first card is the only one I've done with traditional Christmas colours.
DP from Monti's Pixel Playground.
Image from Pink Petticoat's Have An Ice Christmas set and coloured with Promarkers.
Ultra Fine Crystal glitter on the hat's bobble, the star and for the snow.
Core'dinations Whitewash card has been Cuttlebugged with Snowflakes folder and sanded.
Green mat is the reverse of the same Whitewash card, cut with Nesties scalloped square.

This is my card for Artydoll's red and green challenge over at MSE.

What a peach!

2010-08-12T19:48:00.004+01:00

It's been a few days again since I've had time to make a card, and I saw these papers I had stored on my computer and it's a colour I've not used before. I made sure I had some Promarkers which complemented the paper then used this lovely Tilda image.

I've used:
DP from Summer Driggs
Black card for mats from stash
Tilda image coloured with Promarkers
Lace is from local shop
Flowers are Prima and some I got from Dunelm, fixed with brad from stash

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Cupcake Crafts #103 - Lace
Penny's Paper Crafty #35 - Anything Goes
Digi Doodle Shops Best #20 - Flowers
Wild Orchid #3 - One for the Girls

I've got a lovely award

2010-08-11T22:23:00.008+01:00

I'm really pleased to receive this super Cherry On Top award from the lovely Rainmac and Gemma over at MSE. Thank you so much both.

I have to do 5 things:

1) Thank the person who passed on the award - thank you again Sarah and Gemma.

2) Post the award on my blog - done!

3) List 3 things I like about myself:
(i) I am friendly and accept people for who and what they are
(ii) I don't panic and can keep calm in most situations
(iii) I accept whatever life throws at me and get on with it

4) Post a picture I love

This is a rare picture of Paul, my lovely hubby of 42 years, goodness knows how he's put up with me all this time! This photo is on my bedside table. It was taken on holiday in November 2007 when we went to Western Australia just 3 months before he was diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of lymphoma. After two years of treatment we are both so grateful he is in remission and doing well.

I have to pass the award on to 5 people and they are:

Toni
Trish
Jo
Angie
Mad-Frog

Sketch card

2010-08-08T17:29:00.003+01:00

I've had a little break from puppy duties today as Paul was chief puppy watcher for a couple of hours this afternoon while I had a play, well it has been a week since I made a card so I thought it was time before I forgot how to do it!

This Sugar Nellie Daisy image is right at the top of my favourites list and I followed a sketch for the challenge at The Sugar Bowl.

The blue and floral papers are from Zoe Pearn
Pink paper used for mat and decorative strip are from Pink Petticoat
Decorative strip cut with Martha Stewart Garden Trellis punch
Green card for scalloped circle (cut with Nesties scalloped circle) is from DCWV Brights stack
Image is Sugar Nellie's Daisy, coloured with Promarkers
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
The Sugar Bowl #40 - Do It Yourself - I have chosen Sketch 38
Crafty Ann's #20 - Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer
Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge - Punches (Martha Stewart Garden Trellis punch for decorative strip)
ABC Challenge A is for August
Creative Card Crew Cute and Girlie

My swap card from Dragonllew

2010-08-02T19:58:00.004+01:00

Not made any cards due to puppy commitments but I just had to share this beautiful card I received today from Jenny for the texture swap on Crafty Place. Isn't it gorgeous!!! Sorry for the funny angle, it's my non-existent photographic skills, definitely not the card!

Jenny, I love this card, the colours are gorgeous, the image is one of my favourites and the flowers are beautiful. Thank you so much.

Tilda again

2010-07-30T13:26:00.005+01:00

Another Tilda card today and I've used the freebie MME papers again.

I followed this sketch at The Pixie Cottage

and here she is:

I've used:
Plain pink paper is from Pink Petticoat
DP is from the freebie MME papers with magazine
Stamped image is Tilda and she is overstamped onto the fence, coloured with Promarkers
Flowers and brads from stash

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
The Pixie Cottage #28 - Sketch with option to double up and use 2 stamps
PaperPlay Week 30 - Anything Goes
Stamp n Doodle Anything Goes
Dutch Dare #83 - Anything Goes
The Stamp Man #2 - Take 2 colours

Pink Christmas

2010-07-29T18:40:00.007+01:00

After my blue Christmas card yesterday, it's time for a pink one!

I have used:
Pink trees DP is from DCWV
Pink dotty DP and plain pink for mats are Pink Petticoat and bottom edges cut with Martha Stewart Scallop Dot edge punch
Pink spotty ribbon from Papermania Capsule Collection
Stamped image is Penny Black's Snowy coloured with Promarkers and her hat has been glittered with Ultra Fine Crystal and Pink glitter
Snowflakes and stars cut from pink glitter card with Cuttlebug Snowflake die

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Penny Black Saturday Challenge #111 - Christmas in July
Cupcake Craft Challenge #101 - Pastel Christmas
Kah Wink E Dink Anything Goes as long as it's cool!
PaperPlay #30 - Anything Goes

Christmas in July

2010-07-28T21:17:00.008+01:00

I wanted to try something different from the traditional Christmas colours and I finally got around to making the blue Christmas card I intended to make the other day! My next one is going to be pink!

I have used:
DP is from Dovecraft's Winter Wonderland pack
Dark blue pearlescent card for mats from stash
Light blue pearlescent card is from stash and has been Cuttlebugged with Snowflakes embossing folder
Image is Snowflake Tree from The Stamping Boutique, coloured with Promarkers and I have added Ultra Fine Crystal glitter to the snowflakes
Scalloped circles cut with Nellie Snellen multiframe round die

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Use a Digi Image
2 Sisters 2nd Challenge - Christmas in July
Stampacular Sunday #69 - Christmas in July
Tuesday Taggers Christmas in July
I Love Promarkers #25 - Christmas in July

Teddy with bouquet

2010-07-28T20:11:00.005+01:00

I seem to be quite organised this week for a change and I've made time in the afternoons to do a little crafting.

Today I made a card using this sketch from Papertake Weekly

The lovely Karen sent me some stamped images and this teddy one is adorable, and for the first time I've used the freebie MME papers from the recent Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine.

Recipe:
DP My Minds Eye freebie papers with magazine
Core'dinations Whitewash card Cuttlebugged with Jules Jewells folder and sanded
Stamped image courtesy of Karen is Lili of the Valley's Teddy With Bouquet and coloured with Promarkers
Charm from The Works
Bow from stash

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:
Teddy Stampers #16 - As You Wish
Just Cute Bears #27 - Bear Necessities (clean and simple)
Craftalicious #4 - Birthdays
The Crazy Challenge All About Birthdays
Papertake Weekly Sketch #45

MSE Texture swap card

2010-07-28T11:15:00.006+01:00

I have made another card using feathers and a pearl spray, this time for the Crafty Place Texture Swap. This month my card was for Choccy and it should have arrived today. Adding the embellishments didn't quite go according to plan but I think I've just about pulled it off so I hope it arrived in one piece Choccy!

I have used:
DP from Pink Petticoat
The beautiful LOTV New Hat image is courtesy of the lovely Flourgirl on MSE (thanks Karen!) which has been coloured with Promarkers
MS Doily Lace edge punch
Feather and pearl spray from stash
Ribbon from stash

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Daring Cardmakers Layer It Up who are being sponsored this week by Teri's Delicious Doodles
Cowgirl's Sunday Challenge Anything Goes
The Corrosive Challenge #74 Pink and Blue
The Creative Cottage #19 - Touchy Feely
Simon Says Dotty

Tilda card

2010-07-27T21:14:00.009+01:00

I found this lovely sketch at Friday Sketchers and thought it was about time to use one of my Tilda images

and here is my card:

I've used:
1) 6" x 6" card blank
2) Green/blue striped paper from stash used as main DP and for strip cut with
3) MS Doily Lace Trim deep edge punch
4) Green spotty paper from stash
5) Blue card for mats from stash
6) Tilda stamped image coloured with
7) Promarkers
8) Flowers from stash
9) Kanban Bling adhesive stones from Joanna Sheen

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Digi Doodle Shop's Best #17 - Anything Goes
Friday Sketchers #112 - Sketch
Practical Scrappers Use 7 or more items (I used 9)
Create4Fun #30 - Use flowers
Stamp Something Something flowery
Passion for Promarkers #62 - Main colour green (green stripes in paper, green spotty paper, Tilda's dress and socks are green, green adhesive stones)
Creative Inspirations #39 - Anything Goes
Donna's Den #4 - Main colour green (green stripes in paper, green spotty paper, Tilda's dress and socks are green, green adhesive stones)

It's Christmas!

2010-07-24T19:01:00.013+01:00

There are quite a few Christmas in July challenges about at the moment, and even QVC has had Christmas in July on today, so I thought I'd get into the mood and make a Christmas card. As I haven't made an easel card for a while I decided it was also time for one of those. I started off getting out all my blue papers so I'm not really sure how it ended up red and green!!!

I have used:
Digi image is First Snow from Nina Jay May, coloured with Promarkers
Check DP from DCWV Christmas scrapbook pad
Red snowflake DP saved to computer (source unknown)
White pearlescent card with gold shimmer from stash (bought about 5 years ago) has been Cuttlebug embossed with Snowflakes folder
Red pearlescent card for scalloped circle old stash
Gold snowflake embellishment also old stash
Sentiment is from Daisy & Dandelion paper pack A Winter's Tale

I'd like to enter this card into the following:
Practical Scrappers Use stash older than 1 year (pearlescent card, snowflake embellishment and digi paper)
The Cuttlebug Spot Christmas in July
Ooh La La Creations #58 - Christmas in July
Meljens DT #17 - Easel card
2 Sisters #2 - Christmas in July
Polka Doodle #29 - Christmas in July
Your Next Stamp #21 - Easel card

Yummy Cupcakes

2010-07-24T16:05:00.004+01:00

I also put the finishing touches to this card this morning. It's a similar style to one I made a few weeks ago but I've used a different digi image and a different layout.

Recipe:
5" x 7" card blank for a change
DP from Summer Driggs Sweet Cakes collection
Digi image is a freebie but I can't remember where from, sorry, and I've coloured it with Promarkers
Blue card for mats from stash
Paper clip from stash
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:
One Stitch At A Time #22 - Use a Digi
Digital Tuesday #68 - Happy Birthday
Pollycraft #53 - Happy Birthday
Crafty Creations #77 - Happy or Sweet
Shelly's Images TTT Challenge Happy Birthday

Lazin' on a sunny afternoon

2010-07-24T15:37:00.008+01:00

Well, I'm not sure where this week has gone, it's whizzed by and I don't seem to have done anything! I did manage to finish off a couple of cards this morning and this one makes me wish the sun would come back here - out of two weeks we've only had two days with sunny spells and it's gone AWOL again today.

I've used:
Image is House Mouse, coloured with Promarkers
Pink and blue papers from Pink Petticoat
Multicoloured spotty paper from MMC
Green card for mats are from DCWV Brights stack
Yellow spotty ribbon from stash
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:
The Secret Crafter #92 - Summer Holidays
Sir Stampalot July Challenge - Lazy Hazy Days of Summer
Crafty Ann #19 - Cliff Richard song - Summer Holiday
Crafty Catz #42 - Summer Time
Catch The Bug Sweet Summertime

Snuggled in a sunflower

2010-07-19T22:01:00.005+01:00

Here we have .......... another rubbish photo from Susan. I'm really trying (as my OH would say) but I'll have to admit defeat, I just can't take a decent photo. I tried this one with a white background instead of my usual black but it's no better. Oh well, you get the general idea.

This gorgeous House Mouse has found himself a lovely sunflower to snuggle into and seems to be happily dreaming away, probably of cheese!

I debossed the green panel, mainly because last time I embossed pearlescent card it split the pearlescent layer and I ended up sanding it. This design didn't lend itself to sanding and I'm actually quite pleased with the way it looks.

I've followed Heidi's sketch at Moving Along With The Times:

and here's my interpretation:

Recipe:
DP is from K & Co's Daisy pad
Green pearlescent card from stash, Cuttlebug embossed with Jules Jewells folder
Image is House Mouse and coloured with Promarkers
Yellow and green pearlescent card for mats from stash
Ribbon from stash
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Moving Along With The Times #55 Sketch and Animals
Stamp Scrap Doodle Animals

A plethora of pink!

2010-07-19T20:11:00.009+01:00

It's no secret that pink is just about my favourite colour so I really enjoyed making this card. It was made for a couple of challenges, one of which was to make a 4" x 9.25" card. This just about makes it size-wise but the challenge for me here was getting the papers cut properly. I'm sure there was an easier way, probably something mathematical but my brain doesn't think like that! I got there in the end but will ask OH the easiest way next time I decide to do papers like this!

I used a die cut decoupage pyramid stacker thingy for the first time, not sure if I'm into it, it's very cute and the perfect colour but not really my thing. Good job I only bought one sheet! Still, it's always good to try something new.

Recipe:
Both DPs printed on my computer:
Plaid paper from Monti's Pixel Playground
Spotty paper from Summer Driggs
Die cut decoupage is a Paws-Fur-A-Moment one, sentiment was included on the sheet
White card for mats from stash
Kanban Bling pink adhesive gems from Joanna Sheen

I'd like to enter this card into the following:
Meljens Design DT #16 - Long or Tall
Charisma Cardz #28 - Pink
Shellys Images TTT Challenge Lots of layers
The Crafty Pad #80 - Photo Inspiration - inspired me to use pink
Stampacular Sunday #68 - Ice Cream colours (strawberry of course!)

Twirling Fairy

2010-07-17T01:15:00.002+01:00

As part of a prize I won as challenge winner recently over at Craftalicious Challenges I chose this adorable image of Twirling Fairy from The Stamping Boutique. I love her and decided she should be dressed in pink!

Recipe:
DPs printed on my computer and they are from Monti's Pixel Playground
Burgundy swirly card from a DCWV Christmas stack
Cream glitter card from stash and coloured with Promarkers
Image from The Stamping Boutique and coloured with Promarkers, branch coloured with pencils
Scalloped circle cut with Nesties
Ribbon from stash
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Flutterby Wednesday #113 - Use 3 or more layers
Stamp Something Go Digital
Rosie D's #75 - Burgundy/Pink/Cream (I've used cream glitter card and the fairy's wings are cream)
Mami Doodles #7 - Anything Goes
and last but not least is
The Town Scrapper Anything Goes - Their last post until after Labour Day in the US but they'll be back on 10 September.

ATTEN...SHUN!

2010-07-14T23:58:00.005+01:00

This is something I rarely do, male cards! But as this was for a young lad who, when asked what his latest interest is answered "Army", then I decided to give it a go. It couldn't be too fussy so this is more my old style of card. Sorry about the rubbish picture.

Recipe:
Card stock from stash
Camouflage paper printed on my computer
Sentiment printed on computer
The little soldier and other bits and pieces were in a set from a local shop

It fits the challenge at One Stitch At A Time where the theme for their Challenge #21 is Military.

I was one of the winners at OSAAT with this card.

How does your garden grow?

2010-07-14T21:59:00.006+01:00

I love sunflowers and this year I've planted some lovely dwarf ones in my garden. There are quite a few in flower at the moment and there's still lots of buds so they should look good for a while yet.

Every time I look out of the kitchen window they remind me that it's summer (and we certainly needed reminding today!) and today they inspired me to use this image from The Stamping Boutique which I chose recently as a prize for being a challenge winner. I loosely followed a sketch I'd seen for a recent challenge but never got around to entering, probably because I forgot where it was LOL!!!

Goodies:
DP printed on my computer are from Zoe Pearn
Image from The Stamping Boutique and coloured with Promarkers
Red card for mats from stash
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Polka Doodles #27 - Summer
Papertake Weekly In the garden

Lazing on a sunny afternoon!

2010-07-14T20:52:00.011+01:00

Well, it's not exactly been a sunny afternoon here, more like weather for ducks with torrential rain so it should suit this little chap very well!

A little bit different for me, certainly the colours, but I was itching to use this gorgeous House Mouse image, I think it's called Relaxing Ride. Wish I could get all snuggled up like that, they seem to be having a wonderful snooze!

For this card I've used:
6" x 6" card base
Yellow paper from K & Co's Daisy pad which I've had for far too long without using
Blue flowery paper is from Daisy & Dandelion Some Bunny Loves You pad
Blue pearlescent card has been Cuttlebug embossed with D'vine Swirls folder and sanded
Image has been coloured with Promarkers although I've used pencils on the grasses as I'm hopeless at colouring anything so slim with PMs
Yellow and blue pearlescent card for mats from stash
Ribbon from QVC

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Totally Gorjuss #38 - Water
Ann's Creative Nook #96 - Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes #26 - Lots of layers
ABC Challenge Y is for You and Me
Practical Scrappers Embossing
Scrap It With A Song #13 - So Happy Together
Passion for Promarkers #60 - Animals
Bunny Zoes #2 - Summer Days

Oh so girly!

2010-07-11T14:01:00.004+01:00

The lovely Trish sent me this image, isn't it gorgeous and such fun! The feather boa reminded me that I had a box full of feathers bought years ago and not touched for probably four or five years so out they came. Whilst rummaging in the cupboard I also found these pearl sprays, bought round about the same time, and so this rather girly card evolved! I adore this backing paper so pink became the theme, which is fine by me as it's my favourite colour along with lilac/purple.

For this card I've used:
6" x 6" card base
DP from Monti's Pixel Playground
Image sent to me by Trish and coloured with Promarkers and cut with Nesties Circle Die
Black card for mat from stash and cut with Nesties Scallop Circle Die
Pink card behind ribbon is the reverse of Gemstones Core'dinations pink Whitewash card
Ribbon from stash
Pink and white feathers and pearl spray are very old stash

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Crafty Angels Circles/Squares
CraftsandMe #8 - Black/Pink/White
Digi Doodle Shop #15 - Texture
Creative Card Crew Use die cuts
Creative Inspirations #38 - Use the oldest thing in your craft stash - feathers and pearl spray

Stan is 65!

2010-07-11T12:44:00.008+01:00

As Mr Sun has craftily avoided our part of the UK the last couple of days while everyone else was basking in a mini heatwave, I've caught up with the ironing (ooh, wash my mouth out!) and made a couple of cards.

My friend's OH, Stan, hasn't worked for a long time now, due to two hip replacements and a bionic ankle, so he's not exactly retiring as such. However, he does officially become a pensioner in a few day's time. I'm not big on age cards (and requested none for my milestone birthday a couple of years ago!) but as they're having a family celebration for him I decided he'd not be unhappy with an age card. I'm not good with men's themed cards but I think this Penny Black image fits the bill.

Goodies:
6" x 6" card base from stash
DP are from Monti's Pixel Playground and Zoe Pearn
Image is Penny Black (I think it's called Dog Puddle, or maybe that's my interpretation!) and coloured with Promarkers
Mats are a dark brown with gold shimmer card I bought from CraftLlandudno
Martha Stewart Scallop Dot edge punch and the little circle punchie waste has been used for imitation brads
Sentiment and number are computer generated

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Passion for Promarkers #59 - Give Us A Laugh
Paperplay 27 - Your Number's Up
The Town Scrapper Friday Challenge - Monochrome
2SistersChallenge #1 - Anything Goes
Ellephantastic #2 - Birthday
One Stop Craft #88 - Monochromatic

This card was chosen for Top 3 at Ellephantastic.

Yummy cakes!

2010-07-09T13:22:00.003+01:00

My fourth post today! The weather hasn't been too kind where I live so as I can't get out much into the garden I've heard my craft desk calling! It's either that or the ironing!

This super image was sent to me by the lovely Sarah (aka Rainmac) and as I had some cupcake paper it seems they were made for each other. I found a cupcake challenge for it too!

Recipe:
6" x 6" card base
Circles paper is from Spring Fling Blog Train by Monti's Pixel Playground
Cupcake paper is from a set called Feeling Sweet but I can't find where I got it from, sorry
Purple and pink card for mats from stash, punched with Martha Stewart Scallop Dot edge punch
Circles cut with Nesties
Image coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Meljen's Design DT #15 - Circles
C.R.A.F.T. #58 - Cakes/Ice Cream

Happy House Mouse!

2010-07-09T12:47:00.005+01:00

I love this House Mouse image, he looks so happy! I'm not sure if that flower is supposed to be a dandelion but whatever it is I wanted it pink! Next time I will do it as a dandelion! (Jennie - did you send me this, if so thank you!)

This card fits into the following challenges:
The Crazy Challenge - Up In The Air (I resisted the temptation to use balloons or wings!)
Your Next Stamp #20 - Flower Power
Aud Sentiments #6 - No Sentiment

Recipe:
6" x 6" card base
DP are from Zoe Pearn
Image is House Mouse and coloured with Promarkers
Scalloped circle cut with Nesties
Ribbon from QVC
Flowers from stash
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers

Teddy hugs!

2010-07-09T12:04:00.010+01:00

The image I've used for this card is one of Meljen's which I chose as part of a challenge prize. Like all her images I love it and I found the perfect challenge for it, and even found a couple more it fitted too.

I followed this sketch but when I'd finished I realised I missed the sentiment and the bottom element off and put Card Candy on instead, so if my card's not acceptable I'll understand.

Recipe:
6" x 6" card blank
Flowery paper given to me by a friend so I don't know which collection it's from
Brown card is from DCWV Latte stack and Cuttlebug embossed with Daisy Pattern folder and sanded
Pink spotty paper from the Daisy & Dandelion "Some Bunny Loves You" pack
Image is Meljen's Little Girl Bear Hugs and coloured with Promarkers
Papermania adhesive shimmer dots
Card candy coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:
Wee Memories #13 - Free for all
Pollycraft #51 - Sketch by Marit (if it's acceptable)
The Shabby Tea Rooms #17 - Let's Make An Impression - Embossing
Teddy Stampers #15 - Love My Teddy
2 Sisters #1 - Anything Goes

New technique for me

2010-07-09T11:40:00.006+01:00

Over at MSE the lovely Claire has set a new challenge - try something new. I've been wanting to try a stepper card and I bought a Hougie board recently which came with instructions for just that! This is my first effort, not perfect in some ways (but being a perfectionist nothing I ever do is perfect!) but I've learned a lot. I used 250gsm uncoated card, which I thought would be good enough but although it stands up well I do think a thicker card would have been better. I was a bit stumped as to how to decorate the steps but luckily had a set of co-ordinating papers and although not very elaborate it all goes together. Would I do another one? Yes but I'd want to iron out some of the little niggles I have with this card and I think I'll search for some inspiration. (Another of my rubbish photos, it's really not as wishy-washy as this in real life!)

The image is recycled from an old Christmas card, matted onto dark blue pearlescent card then gold shimmer card.
Papers and sticky ribbon are Dovecraft's Winter Wonderland.
Snowballs are white pom poms which were in my stash.
Trees cut from one of the papers and mounted onto gold shimmer card.
Holographic borders and glittery peel-off sentiment from stash.

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
ABC Christmas Challenge N for Noel
Fussy and Fancy #14 - Christmas in July

Peek-a-boo!

2010-07-04T19:26:00.010+01:00

It's been a foul day here weather-wise. I got up this morning to torrential rain and howling winds and it continued until about 4pm. Back to the good old British summer!!

I spent some time in my crafty place this afternoon with the intention of making a card to fit a couple of challenges,

one of them being this sketch at Create4Fun

and here it is:

I have had this cute digi image saved on my computer for a long time, it's called Bunny Frame but that may be just what I've called it. Unfortunately I haven't got a note of where I got it from so I'm afraid I can't acknowledge whoever it is.

I used:

6" x 6" card blank
DP are from Joy's Soft Collection of Papers, a HOTP book of scrapbook papers I've had for yonks and decided to give it an airing!
Image is coloured with Promarkers
Green pearlescent card used for mats from stash
Martha Stewart Scallop Dot edge punch
Pink ribbon printed with butterflies from stash
Prima flowers from stash, larger one coloured with Promarkers
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarker

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp - Check It Out
Your Next Stamp #19 - Printed Ribbon
Create4Fun #27 - Sketch
Ellephantastic #01 - It's up to you
The Crafty Pad #78 - Animal Fun
One Stitch at a Time #20 - Ribbon, Lace or Bow
Craftalicious #3 - Cute

Anyone for cake?

2010-07-01T23:25:00.010+01:00

It's been a really horrible day weather-wise here, rain lashing down and so windy it knocked over my tub of runner beans. So different from the last few days of gorgeous hot, sunny weather. I was thinking of the lovely ice cream (whippy 99 cone - yum!) that I had on Monday when we went to Anglesey for the day so I thought I'd make a nice cheery card with ice creams on.

While we were at Anglesey we called in at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, well you can't go there and not visit can you, it would be rude! Can't say we were impressed though. But we did learn that Llanfairpwll or LlanfairPG (as it's known on the island) actually means "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave". If you want to impress your friends you can learn how to pronounce it here.

So, here's my card. Actually, I thought they were ice creams but apparently they're cupcakes!

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:
I love Promarkers #21 - Stripes
Crafty Creations # 74 - Ice cream and cakes
Lexi's Creations # 17 - Layers/3D

For this card I've used:
Cream coloured 5" x 7" card base
Stripey and sprinkles DP are from Summer Driggs Sweet Cakes set
Digi image is Meljen's freebie Triple Treat Cupcake, printed twice so that I could layer up the cupcakes, coloured with Promarkers and the red hearts coloured with a Sakura glaze pen
Sentiment is a freebie but I can't remember where from, sorry
Blue mat and blue scalloped frame are from DCWV Brights stack and the frame has been cut with Nellie Snellen's rectangle multiframe die
Glitter from stash

I'm in pink and girly mood

2010-06-30T15:02:00.009+01:00

Once upon a time most of my cards were pink, I challenged myself to try and use other colours and some of them I've loved. Today I just seem to be in pink mode again so as Paul is away all day at a hospital appointment a couple of hundred miles away and wont be back until tonight I've got the whole day to play!!!

Here's the card I made today:

I'm not sure why my photos always seem paler on the screen than IRL. Maybe it's just my monitor and on yours it looks closer to the real colour (shruggy shoulders here!).

The lovely Sarah (aka Rainmac) sent me this image and I think it's so sweet. Thank you Sarah. I've also got to play with my new Cuttlebug embossing folder Jules Jewells which arrived this morning.

I've used:

6" x 6" card base
Pink spotty paper I printed on my computer and is from Monti's Pixel Playground
Mats are white card I've coloured pastel blue with Promarkers to match Tilda's jumper
Embossed panel is Jules Jewells Cuttlebug folder used on Core'dinations Whitewash card and sanded
Sentiment printed on computer and layered onto the reverse of the same Whitewash card
Adhesive stones on butterfly are Kanban
Butterfly charm from The Works

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:
Crafty Anne's #17 - Embossing
The Crafty Pad #77 - Embossing
Paper Sundaes #24 - Birthdays
Allsorts #58 - Embossing
Crafts and Me #7 - Birthdays
The Creative Cottage #17 - Summer Surprise
Delightful Sketches It's all about summer
Digi Doodle Shop's Best #14 - Circles and Dots (on DP)
A Pocket full of Posies #1 - One for the girls (hopefully one flower counts!)
Ooh La La Creations #57 - Simply Summer

Bee Bear

2010-06-29T21:58:00.007+01:00

I have had this lovely bee bear image from Bugagoo for some time and the perfect opportunity arose to use it - a bee challenge!

For this card I've used:

6" x 6" card blank
Bee Bear image from Bugaboo Stamps coloured with Promarkers. The wings and antennae have been glittered.
DP are from Funky Hand
Pink card for scalloped circle and mats are from DCWV Bright stack
Flower ribbon is Anita's Sticky Ribbon which I coloured with Promarkers
Flowers are from stash and fixed with a brad

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Crafty Creations #73 - Shine - I've used glitter (on wings and antennae)
Dutch Dare #80 - Bee Happy
Crafty Calendar #9 - Bugs and Beasties
Incy Wincy Designs #48 - Things With Wings
Magical Crafts #18 - Flower Power

Woo hoo! I made Top 3 at Incy Wincy with this card!

Naughty dog!

2010-06-25T22:44:00.010+01:00

I went upstairs to do a girly card and somehow ended up doing this one, not sure how that happened! I'm in two minds about this card. I don't think the flowers are right but I didn't have anything else to put there. But the naughty dog has dug up some flowers in the image so I suppose they sort of go. Then again, I really meant it as a man's card because of the colours but you don't really put flowers on a man's card do you!

I again followed a sketch (from The Pixie Cottage again) as I can't find my thinking head at the moment so nothing creative is coming into my brain!

I've used:

6" x 6" card blank
Image is Diggin' a Hole, a freebie from Meljen's and coloured with Promarkers
All three DPs are from Monti's Pixel Playground Cat & Dog set
Card used for mats is a beautiful brown with a gold shimmer bought from Craft Llandudno
Ribbon from QVC
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers
Flowers and adhesive stones from stash

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

The Pixie Cottage #24 - Sketch (with added option of Inside Out - I chose the sketch alone)
Truly Scrumptious #35 - Sketch (with added option of Strawberries & Cream, I chose the sketch alone)
Shellys Images - Use 3 of at least one element (3 DPs, 3 flowers, 3 gems)
Digi Doodle Shops Best #13 Anything Goes
Craftalicious #2 - Monotone
Sew Many Challenges #19 - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz #38 - Let's Go Digital
Penny's Paper Crafty #32 - Something with a dog

Daisy, Daisy

2010-06-22T21:59:00.004+01:00

I haven't made any cards for a few days but needed to cheer myself up after a bit of a traumatic weekend. I saw a couple of challenges that got me thinking, one of which was a sketch at The Pixie Cottage and sketches always make things a little bit easier when you're struggling with designing a card. So here's my creation:

The photograph was taken this evening as the light was fading so it looks a bit washed out, the card is quite a bit brighter in daylight.

I have used:

6" x 6" card blank
Pink spotty and the flowery DPs are from the Zoe Pearn So Sweet collection
Blue card for mats from stash
Image was sent to me by Sarah (Rainmac on MSE), it is gorgeous, thank you Sarah, and I've coloured it with Promarkers
Flowers are from stash and fastened to card with a brad
Ribbon from QVC
Flower charm (my newest purchase and I love them) from The Works

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

The Pixie Cottage #23 - Sketch
Totally Gorjuss #35 - Sugar and Spice
The Crazy Challenge - All Things Spotty
Bunny Zoe's #1 - Nice and Girly
Stamp Something - Something Summer
Practical Scrappers - Flowers

June card swap

2010-06-16T22:27:00.008+01:00

My swap partner for the Crafty Place card swap is Mad Frog - if you're reading this before Thursday please go away lol!!! Come back when your card's arrived!

This month's theme is animals and I've had this rubber stamp for years and think it's such fun. I don't have much opportunity to use it so the animal theme was perfect.

I hope you like it Claire.

I've used a 6" x 6" card base
DP is from an old writing pad bought on holiday a few years ago
Image is rubber stamped (sorry, stamp is so old I can't remember name/make) and coloured with Promarkers
Googly eyes from stash
All circles cut with Nesties
Purple and tan coloured cardstock from stash
Flowers are Prima and brad in centre is from stash
Coloured adhesive gems were from Joanna Sheen

If Claire doesn't mind I'd like to enter the card into the following challenges:

Totally Papercrafts #20 - Animal Magic
Kaboodle Doodles #3 - Anything Goes with a Dash of Purple
Lexi's Creations #16 - Something Old - Decorative paper and rubber stamp
A Spoonfull of Sugar #108 Enjoying the Sunshine

WOW! This card was picked for Top 3 at Kaboodle Doodles

Potted rabbits!

2010-06-10T11:45:00.008+01:00

This gorgeous Penny Black image I thought was so suited to an anniversary card and with a couple coming up soon it will be put to good use.

I have used:

6" x 6" card base from stash
DP is Zoe Pearn's "My Little Sunshine" collection which I printed on my computer
Blue cardstock for mats and label is Core'dinations Gemstones
Scalloped circle cut with Nellie Snellen multiframe round die
Martha Stewart Scallop Dot edge punch used on mat
Ribbon bought locally
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers

I'd like to enter this card into the following:
Stampacular Sunday Challenge #62 - I Do - Wedding or anniversary
Stampavie and More #98 - Dots

Jessica's birthday

2010-06-10T10:57:00.005+01:00

After a lot of coughing and spluttering our very poorly computer managed to come on this morning, possibly for the last time. Well, it is very old and we've probably done well to have got so many years out of it. The new one arrived yesterday and we're just waiting for Computer Guy to come and fetch them both, transfer everything over and get us up and running. Should only take 24 hours once he's collected all the bits and bobs so fingers crossed this old gal keeps going in the meantime.

So a quick couple of cards for challenges while I can.

This card is for my oldest grandaughter Jessica's birthday, she will be 15 at the weekend (oh my! where has the time gone!). She has a lot of interests, one of them being dance which she takes as a subject at school and has lessons out of school. When I asked her mom for an idea of what she'd like on a card the answer came quickly "a ballerina" - well I just happened to have this Tilda image which fits the bill very nicely.

I have used:
6" x 6" card base from stash
DP printed on computer - the hearts paper is from Monti's Pixel Playground "Love is like a butterfly" collection but unfortunately I can't remember where I downloaded the other one from
Purple card for mat from stash and punched with Martha Stewart Doily Lace edge punch
Image coloured with Promarkers and matted onto pink glitter card from stash
Flowers and buttons are Papermania
Card Candy coloured with Promarkers

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Passion for Promarkers #55 - Pink Birthday
The Creative Cottage #14 - Going Pink
For Fun Challenges - Birthday card for a special person
Crafts and me #6 Friends and family
clearlyistamp #14 Sponsored by Clear Dollar Stamps - Birthday
Simon Says - Recipe - 1 image, 2 patterned papers (the pale pink paper does have a subtle pattern, it's not plain), 3 embellishments (flowers, buttons, Card Candy)

Lavender fairy

2010-06-08T20:59:00.011+01:00

I was having a good old root through my box(es) of rubber stamps, oops, I didn't realise I had quite so many and they've been mainly unused for a very long time now, particularly since I discovered digi stamps. I rediscovered this Lavender Fairy stamp and remember buying this from QVC many years ago, along with a scented lavender ink pad (which I was disappointed with, the scent was very faint and the ink faded!).

I had a little play and came up with this, pity there's no fairy or wings challenges at the moment but I did find a couple it fits into.

Recipe:
6" x 6" card base from stash
DP - both were printed on my computer
Purple card for mats from stash
Martha Stewart Doily Lace edge punch
Lavender Fairy wood mounted rubber stamp by Inca (I think)
Image coloured with Promarkers and wings have been glittered.
Sparkly adhesive stones from Papermania
Lace from local shop

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Cupcake Crafts #94 - Dazzle Us - Glitter on wings, sparkly stones
Pollycraft #47 - Ribbon and Bling (I hope the lace can be counted as ribbon, if not just ignore me!)
Ooh La La Creations #55 - Use colours of their blog
PaperPlay #22 - Flowers and sparkle
Ann's Creative Nook #91 - Butterfly (it's on the stamped image's lower flower)
And I managed to find one for Wings at Totally Gorjuss #32
And thanks to Emma for pointing me in the direction of Mami Doodles Up In The Air

Cute Kitty

2010-06-08T20:33:00.010+01:00

With my computer on it's last legs and playing up so much and driving me mad, I'm spending as little time on it as possible until the new one arrives at the end of the week so I've had time to make a couple of cards.

OH said my cards were very "samey" so I wanted to do something different and looked for a sketch. I found this one for the current challenge on Sketch Saturday and thought it would make a nice change.

I also thought it would make a great Thank You card so it fits into the challenge at Creative Card Crew.

Goodies:
6" x 6" card blank from stash
DP was from Rainmac as part of my card swap prize (thanks Sarah, it's gorgeous!)
Thomas with bunch of flowers image also part of card swap prize (thanks again, I love him)
Green card for mats from stash
Plain pink paper printed on computer
Image coloured with Promarkers
Large scalloped circle cut with Nellie Snellen multiframe round die, small one with Nesties
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers
Ribbon from QVC

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Sketch Saturday Week 106 - Paula's sketch
Creative Card Crew #52 - Thank You
A Spoonful of Sugar #107 - Floral Delight

Well, it's different!

2010-06-06T12:41:00.010+01:00

What more can I say? Definitely out of my comfort zone as far as colour and pattern are concerned. I had this digi image which was a freebie, I've seen it as lovely cards by others on MSE and I just had to use it. It made me think of poppies but for some reason I didn't want to do red, then I found this paper and was delighted the shape of the flowers were a virtual match, so that set the colour theme. The spotty and stripey papers were part of the same set and I decided to use them to tone it down a bit. Then, in my stash I found the perfect ribbon but I still wasn't happy. Something was missing and it was all down to the colour. Just in time the postie brought my MSE card swap prize from the lovely Sarah - what gorgeous goodies there were, and lo and behold a blue flower which I thought was perfect to lift this card. Then some Card Candy coloured with my turqoise Promarker, some peel off spots got the same treatment and were stuck around the edge of the scalloped circle and I'm still not sure. Maybe it needs a sentiment, I'll have a think! Maybe I should stick within my comfort zone but it's good to do something different from time to time.

These colours fit into the theme for the challenge at Cute Card Thursday so I'd like to enter it into the following:

Cute Card Thursday Challenge #115 - Colour Combo - Black, Orange, Blue
Charisma Cardz Challenge #22 - Flowers

Recipe:
6" x 6" card base from stash
DP from Summertime Designs Dreamsicle (freebie set)
Digi image was a freebie from Sketching Stamper, coloured with Promarkers
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards coloured with Promarkers
Flowers from Sarah
Ribbon from QVC

Tilda on her swing

2010-06-02T17:53:00.013+01:00

Summer's here and Tilda has gone out to play on her swing.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:

Easy Craft Project Challenge #13 - Buttons - ends 3 June
Stamping with the Dragon Challenge #2 - Summer Anything Goes
Cupcake Craft Challenge #93 - Summer Delights
The Crazy Challenge #17 Black, White and Pink
Papertake Weekly Fun, Fun, Fun
A Spoonful of Sugar Challenge #105 - Celebration
I Love Promarkers Challenge #17 - Recipe - 2 papers, 3 buttons, 1 ribbon
Your Next Stamp Challenge #17 - Use border punch

The Tilda image has been coloured with Promarkers/
The papers I've printed on my computer and are from Monti's Pixel Playground
The ribbon is from QVC.
The buttons are Papermania Capsule Collection.
Border punch used is a Martha Stewart.
Happy Birthday sentiment printed on computer.

I'm really chuffed to say that this card was chosen for the Top 3 at Stamping with the Dragon

Gone fishin'

2010-05-31T13:55:00.010+01:00

I absolutely love this freebie image from Meljens. It's called Tom Cat Goes Fishing, doesn't he look pleased with himself!

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:

SophistiCat Challenge #32 - Splish Splash
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge 52 - Blue and green
Papertake Weekly #41 - Sketch
Charisma Cardz Challenge #21 - Going round in circles (on backing paper, pool on image)
Pixie Dust Studio Challenge 24 - Going round and round (circles on backing paper, spots on ribbon)
Passion for Promarkers Week #53 - Anniverysary week - Anything Goes

For this card I have used:
6" x 6" card base
Backing papers by Summertime Designs and printed on computer
Image by Meljens Designs and coloured with ProMarkers
Metallic blue card for mats from stash
Ribbon from QVC
Label cut with Nellie Snellen Multiframe Rectangle Die
Peel-off sentiment coloured with ProMarkers

Furry friends

2010-05-24T21:17:00.016+01:00

We've had such lovely weather here the last few days that I couldn't bring myself to shut myself away in the loft card making and not enjoy the sunshine. So I've done a bit of gardening and this afternoon a bit of this:

I've followed this sketch at Stamp Scrap Doodle and would like to enter it in their challenge for Week #41.

I'd also like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Penny Black Saturday Challenge Week #102 - Lots of Dots
One Stitch at a Time Challenge #14 - Furry Friends
Meljens Design DT Blog Challenge #8 - Seeing Spots
Stamp Something 2 of something (2 animals, 2 different spotty papers)
Sew Many Challenges Week #15 - Anything Goes
Charisma Cardz Challenge #20 - 3D (image is raised on foam pads, as is card candy)
The Shabby Tea Room Week #11 - Polka Dots

Goodies:
Image - Penny Black, coloured with Promarkers
All papers are Zoe Pearn and printed on computer
Blue card for mats are DCWV Brights cardstock
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards
Ribbon from stash

May card swap

2010-05-24T21:10:00.002+01:00

The theme for the May card swap over at Crafty Place was Here Comes The Sun. My swap partner this month is Trish (Craftygranny). This is the card I sent her which should have arrived today.

I hope you like it Trish.

Walking in sunshine!

2010-05-15T22:32:00.011+01:00

This image is Sunday Afternoon from Paper Cupcakes. For me it conjures up images of long hot summers, walks in the sunshine and a time when life was simple.

I have followed this sketch at Create4fun

I have made a 6" x 6" easel card with cardstock from stash
Backing papers are all Zoe Pearn
Image from Paper Cupcakes and coloured with Promarkers
Circles cut with Nesties
Flowers and spotty buttons are Papermania
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards
Sentiment printed on computer

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:

Create4fun Week 20 - Sketch
Sew Many Challenges Challenge #14 - Easel card
The Creative Cottage Challenge #10 - Fancy folds
Shelly's Images Anything Goes (ends 19 May)
Stamp Something Celebrate something

Pretty flowers

2010-05-15T13:53:00.018+01:00

This is really sad - I've used the last piece of this backing paper I love so much, the sort you have to just look at and admire and can't bear to use! I can't replace it as I've had it years and can't remember where it came from! I did manage to get four cards out of it as it was a 12" x 12" sheet. It's going out on a high as I've used it with a gorgeous image from the fabulous Meljen Designs.

For this card I have used:

6" x 6" card base
Image from Meljen Designs coloured with Promarkers
Flowered DP - unknown
Pink spotted paper - Zoe Pearn So Sweet collection
Blue card for mats from stash
Circles cut with Nesties
Martha Stewart Doily Lace edge punch
Blue ribbon from QVC
Buttons from stash

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges:

Meljen's Design Challenge #7 - Flowers and Blooms
Catch the Bug Flower Power
Totally Gorjuss Challenge #30 - Round and round
Creative Inspirations Challenge #34 - Punches or Die Cuts
Cupcake Crafts Challenge #90 - Buttons
Easy Craft Projects Challenge #12 - Spring
Clearly iStamp Challenge #13 April Showers Bring May Flowers
One Stop Craft Challenge Challenge #80 - Summer Breeze

Sketch challenge card

2010-05-11T20:54:00.008+01:00

I fancied doing a sketch challenge and found this one at Stampacular Sunday:

The only rules are to follow the sketch and use a stamp.

This is my card:

Recipe:
6" x 6" card blank from stash
Background papers - all printed on my computer - hearts and striped paper from Monti's Pixel Playground, dotty lilac one was on my computer but I can't remember where it was from originally
Pink card is Core'dinations Gemstones, I've used the reverse as the colour matched better
Scalloped circle cut with Nellie Snellen multiframe round die
Image coloured with Promarkers
Flowers from stash

I would like to enter this card into the following:
Stampacular Sunday Challenge #58 - sketch
A lota Rubber Stamps Challenge #34 - Flowers
Crafty Angels Week 34 - One for the girls

Easel card to the rescue!

2010-05-09T21:32:00.017+01:00

This is the second time I've not concentrated properly and made a card with everything facing the spine! Not to worry, it gives me the perfect reason to cut the front off and change it into an easel card.

This is the adorable Too Sweet Kitty from Meljen Designs which I've coloured with Promarkers and matted onto a pink scalloped circle cut with my Nesties. The 6" x 6" card blank has been covered with a pale pink paper with tiny white flowers from the Spring Dayz kit from Monti's Pixel Playground. The flowery paper is from Zoe Pearn and the striped paper from Monti's Pixel Playground. All of the papers I printed on my computer. I've used Martha Stewart's scallop dot edge punch. The spotty ribbon is from QVC. The green flower is a Prima one, the purple flower and spotty button are Papermania Capsule Collection. Card Candy from Craftwork Cards coloured with Promarkers.

I'd like to enter this card into the following:
Creative Craft World Challenge #5 - Easel cards
Pile it on Challenge #18 - Cute and Cuddly
Totally Gorjuss Challenge #29 - Pink and Green
Crafty Ann Challenge #14 - Anything Goes
The Crafty Pad Challenge #70 - Use any punch

Birthday Hugs

2010-05-07T13:07:00.008+01:00

I've had this lovely image for a while and thought it was about time I did something with it. I noticed a challenge for Furry Friends so thought it would be perfect.

I've used a 6" x 6" card blank and covered it with some pink bubbles paper which I saved onto my computer a long time ago but can't remember where it was from. The striped paper and flower paper are from Monti's Pixel Playground Dragonfly kit. The image is "Cat Hug" from My Grafico which I've coloured with Promarkers and matted onto raspberry pearlescent card cut with Nellie Snellen's multiframe round die. Card candy by Craftwork Cards and a computer printed sentiment finish it off.

I'd like to enter this card into the following:
A Spoonful of Sugar Challenge #102 - Furry Friends
Dare You To Digi Stamp Challenge #37 - Anything Goes
The Secret Crafter Challenge 81 - Friendship
Stamp Something - Birthday Somethings
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge 49 - Wedding or Birthday

Padster's 3Bs challenge

2010-05-07T00:15:00.005+01:00

The lovely Paddingtondoo on MSE set a challenge to use 3 Bs on a card, plus more if you can think of them. There have been some fabulous entries, most with far more Bs than I can possibly think of. Here's my effort:

My Bs are:
Brown backing paper
Beehive backing paper
Bears
Bees
Blue card for mats
Bloom
Button

I'm actually amazed that I came up with 7!

I'd also like to enter it into the following:

Crafty Calendar Challenge #8 - The Great Outdoors

Card for Rusty

2010-05-05T17:45:00.009+01:00

Poor Rusty is in hospital at the moment in a lot of pain. The lovely Rainmac has suggested a challenge to make a card for Rusty to try and put the smile back on her face. Here is mine:

The image, called Elenor, is from SJs Little Musings, a recent freebie which I found yesterday so just in time for this card! I've coloured it with Promarkers.

This is the insert:

The image on the insert was part of the freebie set, this is the happy Elenor and was already coloured.

Get well soon Rusty, I hope all your cards cheer you up.

This card fits nicely into the following challenges:

Fab & Funky Challenge #22 - Show us your funky edge
Delightful Sketches Pull out your punches

Recipe:
6" x 6" card base
BP from stash
Lilac pearlescent card from stash, edged with Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch
Core'dinations Whitewash pink card edged with Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch and cuttlebugged with swiss dots
Core'dinations Gemstones pink card cut with Nesties Labels 2
Image from SJs Little Musings (link above), printed onto Digital Ultra Smooth Premium Cardstock from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers and cut with Nesties Labels 2
Flowers are all Prima
Card candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers

Happy, happy cat!

2010-05-04T20:36:00.006+01:00

I've made this card as a thank you for my bestest and loveliest friend Jean and her OH.

I've known Jean for almost 50 years and she's so kind and caring. She's kept in constant touch while OH has been ill, through his chemo and his stem cell transplant. They've had their own problems with her OH's elderly father who passed away aged 101 earlier this year but she's still found time for us.

They came to visit on Bank Holiday Sunday and stayed for most of the day. They live about 100 miles away so quite a jaunt. We had the loveliest day, we never stopped talking and by the time she went home I was hoarse! They put our families to shame, not one visit from either side yet they live roughly in the same area as my dear friend.

It's not my normal type of card but I know they will love the image as they are both cat lovers.

Euan's 3rd birthday

2010-05-03T16:35:00.010+01:00

It's all happening this week. It's another family birthday, this time my great-nephew Euan will be 3.

I have used a Jiggy dragon design. The lovely Jenny from MSE (Dragonllew) pointed us girls in the direction of Stamping Dragon Designs where the delightful Jiggy can be found.

I have used a 6" x 6" card base and covered it with MMC's green lattice paper which I printed on my computer. The green spotty paper is also from MMC and is layered onto some lilac card which I have punched with Martha Stewart's arch lattice edge punch. Then there's a strip of Core-dinations Whitewash purple card which has been cuttlebugged with Swiss Dots and sanded. Jiggy has been coloured using Promarkers and his wings glittered, and the green and lilac circles behind have been cut with my Nellie Snellen multiframe round die. The number 3 was printed on the computer using the font Ribbon Happy and this is layered onto green and lilac scallop circles cut with my Nesties. Three pieces of green card candy finish it off.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Allsorts Week 50 - Animals
One Stitch At A Time - Children's themed challenge
Lexi's Creations Challenge #13 - Animals
The Creative Cottage Challenge #8 - Circles
Oh, Alice! Chapter#11 - Little People
Craftsandme Challenge #3 - Sparkle (dragon's wings are glittered)

Amy's 4th birthday

2010-05-03T14:59:00.013+01:00

My great-neice Amy will be four later this week. I haven't seen her since she was a baby but this is how I picture her now:

It was lovely to make such a girly card, any excuse to use pink, especially if there's also spots!

I would like to enter this card into the following challenge:
Sketch Saturday Week 101 - Maya's DT week

This is Maya's sketch:

I have used a 6" x 6" card base and covered it with some heart patterned paper I printed off myself. There are three strips of pink glitter card and the strip of spotty paper is from Monti's Pixel Playground pink and black scrap kit, layered onto some raspberry metallic card. The Tilda image has been coloured with Promarkers with a little bit of bling on her tiara and dress provided by a Sakura Stardust pen. The ovals were cut with Nesties and the scalloped oval is the same raspberry metallic card as before.

I would also like to enter it into the following:

Incy Wincy Designs Challenge 40 - Anything Goes
Whoopsi Daisy As You Like It

Girl with flower

2010-04-30T15:54:00.010+01:00

I'm back in purple mode today and have used this image of a cute girl with a flower.

I have used a 6" x 6" card blank and covered it with some paper I found hiding in my stash. The card used for the large mat was something I saved from an old birthday card I received, it was so pretty I just couldn't throw it away! The smaller rectangle going across the card is Core'dinations Whitewash which has been Cuttlebugged with Swiss Dots. The image has been coloured using ProMarkers and matted onto some purple card, same for the computer printed sentiment. The flowers are Papermania Capsule Collection, as are the spotty buttons.

I followed the sketch on Moving Along with the Times latest challenge and I'd like to enter it in the following challenges:
Moving Along with the Times Challenge #44 - Heidi's Sketch
Charisma Cards Challenge #17 - Girly card with flowers
The Pixie Cottage Challenge #16 - Lots of Flowers
Crafty Catz Challenge #30 - Spots (on buttons, girl's bloomers and on mat behind flowers)
Your Next Stamp Challenge #15 - Going Dotty (buttons, bloomers, mat behind flowers)
Digi Doodles Challenge #5 - Anything Goes

April Swap Card

2010-04-29T15:21:00.003+01:00

The April swap theme over at Crafty Place was green and/or lilac. My swap partner was Alison (Alijj, or cjcockroft on MSE) and today I have received this lovely card from her.

How cute is that bunny in his green jumper and lilac scarf! There's green gems and gorgeous pale lilac organza ribbon by the spine and the most gorgeous green/lilac/cream spotty paper. Perfect - spotty is my thing! Everything is beautifully co-ordinated. Thank you so much Alison.

Milly and Lily

2010-04-26T22:47:00.014+01:00

Here is a card I made today with the lovely digi freebie Milly and Lily from Pink Gem Janet's blog. Janet's also doing Promarker tutorials on her blog which are really useful for me as a newcomer to PMs.

The image is coloured with Promarkers. The papers I have used are from Monti's Pixel Playground Dragonfly Scrapkit. The pink scalloped circle was cut with Nellie Snellen's Multiframe round die, and I've used Martha Stewart lace doily edge punch for the two layers below the pink spotty ribbon (Papermania Red Hot Capsule Collection). The flowers are a mixture of Prima and Papermania, and the spotty button is again from the Red Hot Capsule Collection.

I'd like to enter this card in the following:
One Stitch At A Time Challenge #10 - Flowers
Aly's Sunday Challenge #16 - Animal Hugs
Sew Many Challenges #12 - Anything Goes
Our Creative Corner - Blooming Blossoms
Dare you to digi stamp #36 - Flowers
A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge #101 - 3D (the flower plus the image is raised on foam pads)
Sophisticat Challenge #30 - Card for a child
Incy Wincy Designs - One Of My Favourites (as pink and spotty are my all time favourites, it has to be the pink spotty ribbon!)

My crafty bargain!

2010-04-26T22:30:00.006+01:00

We went to Wrexham yesterday to stock up with food and see if we could find some bedside rugs for the loft bedroom (no luck there!), and as we were walking down the high street I noticed a new shop had opened. It's called Jotters and is basically a stationery type shop but I noticed a few craft items in the window so just had to go and check it out - as you do!

For a small shop there was a fair sized craft section, a few bargain rubber stamps, some 12 x 12 papers sold singly, some K & Co stuff, stickers, peel offs, etc. There was also a revolving stand with a sign "Build your own card" and everything on it was just 99p. Here's what I brought home:

From the 99p stand I got four packs of daisy type flowers on stems (12 in each), two packs of roses (heads only, 28 in each), three packs of ribbon - each pack has 5 x 1 metre of different ribbons in similar colours. These ribbons are almost the same as the Papermania ones in the Capsule Collection. There are also two packs of buttons - one pink/lilac and one red/pink. Each pack had four small boxes, one heart shapes, one flower shapes and two round shapes. I also bought a divided box for £1.99 as my Card Candy collection is growing and it's perfect for separating the colours.

We didn't get everything we wanted but it was nice to go home with some craft stash I wasn't even contemplating buying!

Sheltering from the rain

2010-04-22T23:09:00.012+01:00

In anticipation of some April showers this little bear is sheltering from the rain. I expect we'll all be doing that soon after two weeks of sunshine here, but let's hope we're in for a good summer this year.

Truly Scrumtious has a challenge with the following sketch:

and here is my entry:

Truly Scrumtious Challenge #30 - April Showers which requires the card to follow the sketch provided and the theme of showers was optional.

I would also like to enter it into the following:
The Creative Cottage Challenge #7 - "Going Green" which can be the colour green or recycling something. I have gone for the colour green.
Fab 'n' Funky Challenge #20 "Get it all out" which requires the use of neglected stash.
Creative Inspirations Challenge #31 - Recipe Challenge: 3 Flowers, 2 Design Papers, 1 Ribbon

The striped and spotty papers have been languishing in my stash for far too long (scrapbook papers from QVC a few years ago) plus the blue pearlescent card for the mats were also from old stash. The ribbon is from QVC and is laid onto Core'dinations Whitewash card in green. The flowers were from my stash (some were coloured with ProMarkers) and in the middle of the flowers are Card Candy from Craftwork Cards. The digi image was coloured with ProMarkers.

Two new cards

2010-04-21T20:47:00.007+01:00

I have a couple of new cards to blog today.

This first one is the one I sent to Alijj (cjcockroft on MSE) for the April card swap on Crafty Place, the theme of which was "green". Hopefully I haven't spoiled the surprise as she should have received it by now. I have covered the card blank with Core'dinations Whitewash card in yellow, cuttlebugged with Swiss Dots and sanded. A mat of green pearlescent card, overlaid with more Whitewash card but green this time, which I punched with my Fiskars leaf edge punch then put some ribbon on. The digi image is a freebie which I coloured with watercolour pencils but didn't use water, just coloured with the pencils, then chalked around the edges and matted on the same pearlescent green card. Finished off with green card candy.

This next card I made today and was inspired by a sketch I saw while browsing through a sketch challenge blog, it was an old challenge so I couldn't enter the card as it was some time ago. The papers are Zoe Pearn freebies "So Sweet". This is the first time I've printed off this paper and the colours are lovely. I've coloured the image with Promarkers, chalked the edge and matted onto blue Core'dinations Gemstones card. I've used my Martha Stewart Doily Lace edge punch and some blue spotty ribbon.

Hello Cupcake

2010-04-19T16:12:00.013+01:00

I have followed the recipe on There's Magic In The Air with Paper Cupcakes for this card and I would like to enter it into their Magical Monday - Recipe Challenge.

The recipe is:
- any Paper Cupcake image
- a 4x4 size card base
- 1 ribbon
- 1 single type of embellishment (e.g., brads, buttons, clips, etc.) in ANY quantity (but only 1 type!)
- 1 stamped/printed sentiment
- NO patterned papers

I have used:
Free digi image "Hello Cupcake" from There's Magic In The Air, coloured with Promarkers.
A pale creamy pearlescent 4" x 4" card embossed with Cuttlebug folders Daisy Pattern and Swiss Dots.
Ribbon from QVC.
6 green self adhesive gems.
Sentiment printed on my computer.
Circles and scalloped circles were cut with Nesties.

I would also like to enter it into the following:
The Crazy Challenge Cupcake Challenge
Stamp with Fun Challenge #55 - Animals
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Anything goes
Paper Sundae 14th Challenge - No people
Create4fun Challenge 16 - Circles

Childhood memories

2010-04-18T17:50:00.012+01:00

Spotty and pink, two of my favourite things.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Cupcake Craft Challenges #86 - Childhood Memories
Magical Crafts Fortnightly Challenges #13 - Something for the Girls
Charisma Cardz Challenges Week 15 - Monochromatic cards
Cute Card Thursday Challenge 108 - Touchy Feely
Stampin' for the weekend Challenge 36 - Ribbons and Bows
The Crazy Challenge Don't call me flat
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - Anything goes

(This image brings back memories of my beloved teddy bear which my mother threw in the dustbin whilst I was on honeymoon, yes he was old and tatty but he didn't deserve that!)

All card stock from stash
Martha Stewart punch
Digi image from Marjies Malarkies and coloured with Promarkers
Flowers and spotty button from Papermania
Card Candy from Craftwork Cards and coloured with Promarkers
Ribbon from stash

Molly's card

2010-04-17T18:05:00.011+01:00

Yay ... I can get back to my desk now Paul has finished laying the carpet tiles in the loft bedroom!

Molly is 7 years old soon and she is passionate about pigs at the moment. I had a set of pig themed papers and this digi image so here's hoping she's still into pigs by the time her birthday comes round!

I'd like to enter this card into the Pollycraft Monday Challenge #39, the theme of which is "Pink and Brown plus choose Yellow or Green".

6" x 6" card blank and brown card mats from stash
All papers from the pig scrap kit at Monti's Pixel Playground
Digi image is Hamilton from Digi Stamp Boutique
and coloured with Promarkers

I'd also like to enter it into:
Creative Card Crew - Challenge #48 - Happy Birthday
Stamp Something - Something Layered
Papertake Weekly - Cutie Pie
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - Anything goes
Polka Doodles Week 15 - Animal Magic

Dog and bone

2010-04-14T13:09:00.006+01:00

I'm very frustrated at the moment, I can't get to my craft desk as carpet tiles are being laid in that room and I really want to go and play as I've got some images and papers printed off ready to make a couple of cards.

Instead I thought I'd blog this card, made with no-one in particular in mind but it's another dog image I found when I was looking for a labradoodle and I couldn't resist it.

I used the same papers that I printed off for Neil's card as there were some left over. I used my new Martha Stewart Scallop Dot edge punch I bought from Craftology and the ribbon slider label is the smallest of the Nellie Snellen multiframe rectangle dies which I've threaded with black ribbon and just put a peel off sentiment on. I've glittered the centre bone on the circle in the top right hand corner of the card.

It's not really skewiff, I don't always take the best photos!!!

I would like to enter this card into the following challenge:

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - Anything goes

Neil's birthday card

2010-04-10T17:30:00.017+01:00

It's son Neil's birthday on 16 April and I rarely make adult male cards. He has a labradoodle and I saw this picture which is the image of her so I decided this year he could have one of mom's creations!

All the papers I have used were downloaded from Monti's Pixel Playground Cat & Dog scrap kit.
Nesties were used for all the circles and ovals including the bone "buttons".
Image was found on Google images.
Cardstock, buttons and fibres from stash.

I would like to enter this card in my first ever challenge, Moving Along With The Times Challenge #41 - Easel card.

I would also like to enter it in the following challenges
C.R.A.F.T. - Buttons challenge
Pile It On - Easel card
One Stitch at a Time - Challenge #7 - Anything Goes
Cute Card Thursday - Challenge #107 - Mono Mania
Pollycraft - Challenge #38 - Anything Goes
Paper Cutz - Challenge 36 - 3 patterned papers
Stamp Scrap and Doodle Saturdays - Week 35 - Birthdays

MSE challenge

2010-04-08T16:15:00.004+01:00

The lovely OAP set us a challenge to make a card using 3 papers - 1 x plain, 1 x patterned and 1 x textured, plus either 3 buttons or 3 bows. A bit last minute but I've just about made it!

The plain and patterned papers were FSS and MMC freebies which I printed off, the textured is Core'dinations Whitewash Cuttlebugged with Swiss Dots. This is my first attempt with my new ProMarkers and also my first time embellishing with buttons.

Ruby Wedding Anniversary

2010-04-05T12:59:00.007+01:00

With Jean & Brian's 40th wedding anniversary fast approaching and a card partly made and abandoned because I changed my mind, I had a rethink as this card needed to be special. Jean's a very special friend I've known for almost 50 years (ooh, that makes us sound old!) and here is what I eventually came up with:

The backing paper is from a pack of wedding/romance scrapbook papers bought at the $2 store when we were in Oz a few years ago. The stamp is an old Anita's one bought a long time ago. I stamped with grey pigment ink and embossed with clear powder. The man's suit has been chalked with grey and the bride's veil has been chalked with an ivory pearlised eye shadow. I went round the swirls with a Quickie glue pen and glittered with an ultra fine crystal glitter which is quite hard to see on this picture.

The image has been matted onto some Gemstones Core'dinations cardstock and the mat behind is the co-ordinating Gemstones Whitewash cardstock run through the Cuttlebug with Divine Swirls folder and sanded.

The lace has been threaded with a ruby coloured organza ribbon and the circle behind the sentiment has been chalked. The flowers and leaf are old stash.

Daniel's birthday card

2010-03-30T22:22:00.010+01:00

I'm not very good at male cards and only do them for the grandchildren. It's Daniel's 11th birthday next week and he is mini mad. I'm fast running out of ideas for cards with minis on so I googled for images and this is what I've come up with.

The paper I printed off on the computer, it was a freebie from Simply Shaz. The poster I found on Google, printed it twice so that I could decoupage the mini in the centre. Paul suggested looking for an image of tyre tracks which again I found on Google, also the steering wheel. The sentiment I printed myself and used the font Jarman Dotted. I'm hoping he has another interest next year!

Lyndach's Easter Challenge

2010-03-22T14:41:00.009Z

The lovely Lyndach over at MSE set a challenge to make a card using one of two layouts and it had to have some form of Easter eggs on it.

I chose layout A:

and here is my card:

I used a 5" x 7" card blank and Easter themed paper and image which were downloaded from Papercraft Inspirations. The matching blue card stock for the mats and the purple card stock for the scalloped circle were from my stash. The spotty ribbon is another from the set I bought from QVC.

This actually looks better in real life, the colours are brighter. I couldn't get a decent photograph.

Thanks for a great challenge Lyndach. I think following sketches is my favourite, saves me spending an hour pondering over how to lay out a card, I can get on and spend a couple of hours on choosing papers and an image instead!