Julie's Inkspot

Two Card - Rose Creations

2012-02-05T10:42:00.001Z

Two cards to show you today, using more or less the same basic supplies. First up is my card for our latest Card Caravan Challenge which is to use ribbon. I've used the kind of ribbon you buy to pretty up your gift wrapping. I tried to make it curl shiny side up but it didn't want to. Used last week's Color Room card sketch for my layout, Rose creations dies for the flowers, lots of other Spellbinders' dies plus swirl by Marianne Designs and leaves by Crealies. Papers on both cards are from the Bohemian Rhapsody paper pack by Quirky Twerp at the Digichick. Sentiments by Stampendous and Kaisercraft. The flower on the second card is also made using the Spellbinders' rose creation dies. I love how many different looks you can get this set of dies.

It was lovely to see so many of you on the last Card Caravan challenge, hope you'll join us this time too.

Punches and Dies

2012-01-22T21:01:00.001Z

We've a new challenge up on the Card Caravan at The Hybrid Chick and it's another easy one. We want you to get out those dies and punches and see if you can use them in an innovative way. For my card I used my MS deep edge punch along with a Cheery Lynn doily die. The paper I used to make the flower was also die cut using my indispensible circle Nestabilties, then stamped using a Kaisercraft script stamp and painted with Twinkling H2os.The patterned papers are available from The Digichick - Read all Over by Elise’s Pieces and On This Day by Quirky Twerp. I look forward to visiting to see your entries.

Altered Jar

2012-01-08T15:24:00.004Z

It's my turn to host the Card Caravan challenge over at The Hybrid Chick and I decided to keep it simple - all you have to do to play along is add some sparkle.

For my project I tried my hand at altering a jar. It was my first attempt and I am pleased with how it turned out. PS You can see lots of gorgeous examples of altered bottles and jars on Pinterest. Well that's all folks, hope to see you on the Card Caravan.

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T15:35:00.001Z

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you've all had a great Christmas and a bit of a break. I've been back at work for a couple of weeks now and my card making mojo seems to have completely disappeared :( which is why I've had nothing to show you. Anyhow I got asked to make some packaged sweets and took a few photos of the boxes. The papers are from The Sweet Shoppe and the pillow box cut file from the Digichick.

Card Caravan Challenge No 8

2011-12-11T09:12:00.001Z

It's time for a new challenge on the Card Caravan at The Hybrid Chick, and this time the challenge is “two”. Melissa, our host, says "I was inspired to have this be our challenge as today is my mom and brother’s birthdays! You could intrepret this to be a card for a second birthday, two buttons, two ribbons, two layers, or even two cards."

Well my interpratation was to make two Christmas tree ornaments using the Artisan Labels Set 1 cut file and papers from the Vision of Sugarplums digikit all available from The Digichick Shop. However you decide to interpret the challenge we would love to have you join us.

I had hoped to provide a link to the instructions for making the round ornament below (which was the inspiration for my ornaments) but they seem to have been deleted. I'm not wanting to claim credit for someone else's idea but will try to post some instructions when I get a moment.

ETA I've found a very similar tutorial here

Oval Christmas Card

2011-12-05T14:19:00.001Z

Not too much to say about this one, card is cut with a Spellbinders mega oval die and embellished with gold stickles, gold sparkle embossing powder and gold pearls. A gold and white card! Flower is the Spellbinders layered poinsettia. tfl

Shabby Tea Room - Winter Picnic

2011-12-01T15:47:00.001Z

An inspriational photo along with the requirement to use cream, white and silver plus glitter is the challenge at The Shabby Tea Room this week. I've made a star shaped Christmas decoration using a cut file from SVG Cuts. It's quite dimensional although I couldn't get that to show in the photo. If you wanted you could decorate the back in a similar fashion to the front. This was my second attempt at it and I'm quite pleased with how it turned out, I want to make another one using patterned paper. The rosette is a cut file from The Digichick and the doily is a cut file I created myself. Sentiment is by Woodware, I'm hoping the bit of bling in the centre will count as glitter. Hope you like it, thanks for visiting.

Card Caravan Challenge #7 - Glitter

2011-11-28T12:12:00.001Z

The very talented Sylvia is our host for this week's challenge and she wants to see glitter or something sparkly on your creations. Can't get much easier than that so why don't you play along with us at The Hybrid Chick. I took my photos in poor light but I hope you can see how sparkly they are. The papers and trees are from a kit called Vision of Sugarplums by Danielle Engebretson at The Digichick. My first Christmas cards of the year YEA!

Christmas Tag

2011-11-23T14:21:00.001Z

Can't quite get into Christmas yet but was inspired by the Colour Create Challenge to make this pink, white and gold tag. The poinsettia is made with the Spellbinders layered poinsettia dies, the gold pearl is from Panduro. Am also entering this to the Papertake Christmas Cracker and Simon Says Stamp Tag You're It challenges.

Would also like to thank you all for your sweet comments and good wishes following my last post. Take care.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-18T16:00:00.001Z

Some of you will know that I've not been feeling so well the last couple of months. Well a week in hospital has revealed the reason, I have clots in both my lungs. I've been out of hospital a little more than a week now and although it will be a while before I am completely well I feel that I have lots of reasons to be thankful. Firstly I'm thankful to God for my life, I never dreamed I was walking around with something so life threatening. Secondly I'm grateful to my doctor for correctly diagnosing my symptoms and sending me to A&E. I'm thankful for all the doctors and nurses who looked after me in hospital and last but not least for all my friends and family who were so caring and supportive while I was in hospital and since I've been out.

The sentiment on my card is from Verve Stamps and the flowers were made with my new toy, the Spellbinders Spiral Blossom 1. I think I need a bit of practice to perfect making flowers with it but am still very pleased with my card.

I'm off work for a couple of weeks so hopefully I'll find the time in between all the hospital appointments to catch up with all your crafting and do a bit more myself. Thanks for visiting and have a good weekend.

Missing Mojo

2011-10-23T11:38:00.000+01:00

I've not been feeling very creative lately, in the last month these are the only cards I've made. The top one was made with one of my few purchases at Ally Pally - some Go Create dies and the second two were made for various Card Caravan Challenges at the Hybrid Chick. There's still time for you to enter our latest Hybrid Chick challenge - just make a card using the specified colours.

Well here's hoping my mojo returns soon cos it's 23 October and I've not made one Christmas card yet!

Autumn Colours

2011-09-25T09:27:00.001+01:00

Have done no crafting over the last week or so as I've not been well, but here's a commissioned card I made a couple of weeks ago. I love the colours, I used tea dye distress ink for all the inking. Two different styles of roses, the large ones made using rose creations dies and the smaller using the Paper Roses cut file from the Digichick. The photo below is of the inside of the card. The hearts are Marianne dies. I'm off to Ally Pally now. Happy Sunday.

Hybrid Chick Card Caravan Challenge - buttons

2011-09-18T09:32:00.000+01:00

Happy Sunday! It's time for our second challenge at the Hybrid Chick. Another super easy challenge - all we ask is that you use a button on your creation. My button is from a metallic coloured selection I got from Panduro - just cut the shank off. The bright and cheerful papers are from Sunshiny Day by Karen Lewis at the Digichick and the label shapes and rosette are cut files also available at the Digichick.

I hope you will take the time to play along with us. The rules are posted below.

Create a new card/project using this week's challenge theme - no back-linking
You can use any stamps/papers/supplies/etc. – you do not have to use something from the Digichick to enter.
You may combine our challenges with as many other challenges as you want
All skill levels are welcome.
You can enter as many times as you like
Link directly to The Hybrid Chick in your blog post
If posting to an online gallery, please use the keyword THCCC2
Each challenge will close at 11:59PM EST the Friday before the next challenge starts – winners will be announced with the next challenge post.

Home Made Embossing Plate

2011-09-14T19:34:00.000+01:00

Been seriously lacking in mojo lately but I was inspired to have a go at some homemade embossing. You can find all the details here and here at Mel Stampz. For the most part my embossing is a bit lumpy not sure if that's because I didn't follow the instructions or because of the quality of my greyboard. The circles seem to be much crisper and they're cut from some purchased greyboard (chipboard) rather than the back of a 'do not bend envelope' which is what I used for the rest of it. Have die cut some more shapes to have another go, probably at the weekend so watch this space. If you have a go come leave me a comment cos I'd love to see how it works out for you.

Crumpled Lace

2011-09-07T18:23:00.000+01:00

Not too much to say about this card except that I don't really like it - not really happy with how the flower came out. Oh well next time.

Hybrid Chic Card Caravan - A New Challenge

2011-09-05T08:32:00.003+01:00

We're starting up a new challenge at the Hybrid Chick called the Card Caravan and would love for us to join us. The rules are pretty simple

•Entries must use the challenge item to be considered for the winners badge or any prizes that are offered. •Entries must be a newly created card/project for our challenge – no back-linking
•You can use any stamps/papers/supplies/etc. – you do not have to use something from the Digichick to enter.
•We will accept cards and paper craft projects in our challenges
•You may combine our challenges with as many other challenges as you want
•All skill levels are welcome.
•You can enter as many times as you like
• Create a card/project, upload it to your blog and/or gallery of your choice and then come back here and link it on inlinkz so that everyone else can see it too.
•Each challenge will close at 11:59PM EST the Friday before the next challenge starts – winners will be announced with the next challenge post.

Our first challenge is hosted by LuAnn and she wants to see twine on your project. The prize is An Ultimate Sampler Pack from the Twinery. Look forward to seeing your entries!

Watch the birdie

2011-08-31T18:55:00.000+01:00

Two cards to show you this evening. The first is a birthday card I created using some new Nestability dies - Fleur de Lys I think. The stamp is by Personal Impressions and is coloured with pencils. What do you think of the colour scheme, does it make you think halloween? (It's not supposed to I just wondered.)

My second card is an adaptation of the framed art I did a while back but in pink. All the shapes except the oval I used for the tree come in the "In the Birdhouse" cut file from The Digichick. Hope you like, have a good evening.

Sweet Days of Summer

2011-08-26T19:24:00.000+01:00

It's an inspirational photo along with the theme Sweet Days of Summer at The Shabby Tea Room this week and I decided to play along though there's not much sign of summer here. I've also used one of the August Viva la Verve Challenge. Have a good weekend all.

Card and Cake Box

2011-08-24T08:52:00.000+01:00

Still playing with my Spellbinders' Rose Creations dies, this time trying out a different style of rose. Quite pleased with how they came out but they're quite bulky, not sure how easy it'll be to get the card into an envelope. I coloured the rose with retired SU inks Pale Plum and Lavendar Lace. The papers are from the Pink Petticoat Vintage Rose collection and the template and cut file for the cake box are by The Cutting Files at the Digichick. The photo below shows the box from a different angle so you can get a better look at the rose. That's all for now, thanks for visiting and for any comments you care to leave.

Pink Gem Designs - Digi Papers

2011-08-21T21:32:00.000+01:00

I so am not ready to think about Christmas yet even though I know I need to get started. I've been spurred into action by Janet of Pink Gem Designs kindly sending me some of her digi papers to use. I've made a pillow box and tag which will be useful for turning a little gift into something that bit more special. I added lots of stickles to both the box and the tag so they're very sparkly. The papers I've used are from a set of soft pastel coloured papers called Pretty Snowflakes. There are 5 other Winter/Christmas design sets available so why not visit Pink Gem Designs and have a look.

Just a Tag

2011-08-17T08:25:00.002+01:00

Morning all. Just a tag to show you today, made completely with dies - what would I do without them. Bracket shapes by Go Kreate; oval, large leaf, and rose dies by Spellbinders; small leaves by Crealies; embossing folder by Provocraft; inking on roses, Almost Amethyst and Lavendar Lace by SU.

ETA I'm entering this to the Crafting for All Seasons Challenge which is to make a tag (thanks Jan).

Shabby Tea Room GDT Card

2011-08-15T08:46:00.000+01:00

My post today is my guest designer entry to the Shabby Tea Room challenge. The challenge was to use polka dots and although we didn't need to use the colours in the inspirational photo I decided I would stick with green and cream. The papers I've used are from Pink Petticoat, the doily is a Cheery Lynn die which got from Dies to Die For (really speedy service). Used my rose creations dies for the flower, leaves are also a Spellbinders die. As you can see I'm really liking the crumpled paper look at the moment. Anyway hope you like and that you will join us at the Shabby Tea Room this week.

I must apologise for the lack of posting lately, just haven't had the energy to do much crafting. Enjoy your week.

Some Shabby and Some Practical

2011-07-26T18:30:00.000+01:00

First up the Shabby. Just playing around with some very pretty digi papers I bought on Etsy. Only problem was they turned out to be PDFs with 4 US sized papers on them - quite a bit smaller than I would have liked. Managed to work with it though and am pleased with the end result. I just bought some Crackle accents which I've used on the heart - I feel a crackle everything phase coming on ;).

Next up is the practical which is a little notebook I created for my Hybrid Chick post. Excuse the side way's on photo it was just the easiest way of showing what the inside was like. Think these would make great stocking fillers if you're ready to get started on the dreaded Christmas crafting. Details of everything I used and a step by step photo tutorial can be found here.

Smile Often

2011-07-24T13:47:00.000+01:00

Art Journalling has been around for ages but has never really tempted me because a lot of the creations I see are way too "messy" or "grungy" for my tastes. However this week while browsing the Journalling boards on Pinterest (my newest online time waster :o - loads of crafty inspiration) I discovered this artist and her fresh, clean style inspired me to have a go. As my drawing and lettering skills are not too hot, I created stencils to do the flowers and wording then painted with watercolour crayons. I added some gems and used my fineliner and some stardust pens to add the doodling. I'm quite pleased with end result and will probably be doing some other bits from time to time. Any how that's all for today, enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Friendship Cards

2011-07-17T14:05:00.000+01:00

A couple of cards to show you today, the first one was supposed to be for the Shabby Tea Room challenge but for some reason, despite my using a standard go to layout, the card wouldn't come together in a way I was happy with. I finally finished it this morning and am reasonably pleased with it. The sentiment is by Kaisercraft and the leaves are Spellbinders' dies. BTW have you seen the new Spellbinders releases? I hope it's not too long before they hit the UK cos they've got a new rolled rose die that's really high on my want list ;)

My second card uses the Flower Fashion Tea Party Kit released at the Digichick this week. It has some really lovely precoloured elements, which is what I've used on my card, but if you want to do the colouring yourself, they're also available as digistamps. The sentiment comes from the digistamp set. That's all for now, hope you're enjoying your weekend.

A Different Sort of Project

2011-07-07T19:58:00.000+01:00

About two years ago I took a needle felting by machine (embellisher) course and fired up with enthusiasm from the course I actually bought an embellisher. I played around with it the week I got it home and then packed it away in it's box. It's been sat there all that while saying you spent out good money on me why don't you actually use me, so last weekend I thought I'd see if I could make something and this handbag is the result. It's made using felt, wool tops and synthetic organza. It's not perfect because I think I overworked the fabric but now that I've made something I'm really keen to experiment and have another go. I've even lined it, though not as neatly as I would have liked. It was a bit experimental as I didn't have a pattern but I now know what I'll do differently next time. Here are a few closer photos.

I didn't totally abandon my paper crafting bits and bobs though, I used brads from the Hobby House to attach the flowers. For the flowers themselves I used my Spellbinders' Rose Creations dies to cut some cereal box templates. I then used the templates to cut the fabric with a soldering iron, finally shaping them by holding close to a candle. (Only got a couple of very minor burns in the process grin.) Here's a close up of the flowers.

Overall I'm reasonably pleased with the end result and hope to have another go this weekend so watch this space.

My Favourite Things - Altered Notebook

2011-06-30T21:18:00.000+01:00

The challenge at The Shabby Tea Room this week is to use your favourite papers and embellishments, couldn't be easier really. So here my list of favourites, white on white, embossing and home made flowers all brought together on an altered note book. I'll be using the notebook to prepare for the Bible class I teach at church so as it will be used weekly I wanted to do a fabric flower that wouldn't be so easily damaged through wear and tear. I followed this Wired Ribbon Flower tutorial to make it, but I cheated and glued it together rather than stitched. It was very easy to do, the only thing I'd say is don't pull the wire too hard when you're gathering the ribbon cos it might break and then you'll have a job to try and retrieve the end - don't ask me how I know! I'll leave you with a close up of the flower, have a good evening.

Butterfly Tags and a Card

2011-06-27T20:30:00.000+01:00

Evening all, hope you're enjoying the lovely summer weather if you're here in the UK. Today's post features some tags and a card I made recently. I kept them relatively simple because I think these papers are just so gorgeous I couldn't bear to cover them up. They're from a couple of kits Spring Love and Spring Love Add On by Viva Artistry at the Digichick. For details of other products used and step by step instructions, please check out this post at the Hybrid Chick.

Just a Note

2011-06-22T21:45:00.001+01:00

I do like simple sketches, this one is this week's Mojo Monday's. The papers I've used are from a Kit call Paradise Found at the Digichick. The sentiment is also from the Digichick, a very versatile set called Card Sentiments 2 by Artsy Pants designs. I'm also entering this card to the Shabby Tea Room Challenge which this week in an inspirational one with the requirement to use polka dots or gingham.

Lastly I was very gratified to be the Shabby Tea Room Winner, with my Rose Creations box and card which means I get to be a Shabby Tea Room Guest Designer some time in August. Whoo Hoo!, Have to get my thinking cap on to come up with something suitable shabby :)

Spellbinders' Rose Creations

2011-06-09T13:10:00.000+01:00

All the while I was making the boxes for the Hybrid Chick Wedding Cake I kept thinking how cool it would be to make a decorated box in my favourite white on white. So here's the result. The template for the box came from the Digichick. I've added the pattern with a Sizzix embossing folder and my trusty pearl maker pen. The roses are made using the Spellbinders' Rose Creations die. The set comprises six dies which means you can make four different sizes of this style of flower. I've used the smaller ones on the matching card and the next size up for the ones on the box. Really pleased with how this came out, hope you like it too. I'm entering this to the Shabby Tea Room challenge which is embossing.

The Card

The Box

The Lid

Take Care of Yourself

2011-06-06T21:12:00.000+01:00

While queueing up in the post office last week I noticed a card with an oversized bear on it. I thought it would be fun to try so I've used Coco from the Digistamp Boutique to make my own version. I've used K&CO papers, a Kaisercraft sentiment and Coco is coloured with pencils. Then I had the idea of giving him some rolled paper roses for his bouquet. So tell me does it work? Does he look like he's holding a bunch of roses or are you wondering why he's got a load of rolled up paper over his tummy?

Tatty Ted

2011-06-01T18:25:00.000+01:00

Just a quick and easy card made with the freebie stamp that came with the DoCrafts Creativity Magazine. I stamped with Sepia Versafine and coloured with Coloursoft Pencils. The layout is inspired by the Mojo Monday sketch. tfl

BTW for those of you who asked the embossing folder used on the butterfly card below is by Crafts Too.

A Few CAS Cards

2011-05-30T17:34:00.000+01:00

The first one is my entry to the Less Is More Pick a Square challenge. I inked it with Spun Sugar Distress Ink. Sentiment by Kaisercrafts. The second card started with me wanting to use my Joy Crafts corner die and kind of evolved from there. I'm not sure really works. Last up is what would have been my entry to last weeks LIM challenge if I'd managed to get it made in time.

Hope those of you in the UK are enjoying the bank holiday weekend, pretty dull all day here in London but still it's a day off work.

Weddings and Showers at the Hybrid Chick

2011-05-28T22:25:00.002+01:00

This month we've featuring weddings at the Hybrid Chick so if you're looking for papercrafting ideas for your wedding, engagement of anniversary party why not pay us a visit. My contribution is this wedding cake which you could use as a decorative centrepiece or fill with treats for your guests or even use as storage for gift cards. You'll find the instructions for creating it here.

Couple of Simple Cards

2011-05-18T18:08:00.002+01:00

First is one I made for the Less is More challenge from a couple of weeks ago but never had the time to post. It could almost have qualified for last week's white on white challenge too but I've just realised it will work for this week's which is wet or dry embossing. Dry embossing is always a favourite with me - don't know what I'd do without my embossing folders :) I've also used a Pink Petticoat image coloured with Sakura pens and finished with glossy accents. The second card is a Sympathy one that I needed. I added stickles to the flowers so the black and white image wasn't quite so stark. The sentiment is by Stampendous.

Oops edited to say my card isn't eligible for the LIM challenge as I forgot about the one layer bit!

Less Is More - White on White

2011-05-11T18:14:00.000+01:00

Here's my entry to this week's Less is More challenge which is for a white on white card. I'm not all that happy with it, firstly because although it was quite quick and easy to do it's not truly a CAS card and secondly because I feel it's crying out for some additional colour. Although I quite often make white on white cards it's very rare for me not to add some inking however the LIM ladies seem to be purists so I thought I'd better not bend the rules. I am happy with my flower which I made with my new toy, the Spellbinders Rose Creations die.

From time to time I get asked what card or paper I use to make my flowers. Generally I use the same card to make the flower as I use for the card itself. All the paper elements of this card are Creative Smooth White card which I buy in large uncut sheets from Craft Creations. It's 240gsm and is a lovely warm white. I use it whenever I'm not using digital scrapbook papers.

Lastly I would like to say I was very gratified to make the LIM showcase with my previous entry to the challenge.

Baxter

2011-05-07T21:51:00.000+01:00

I don't know why but I've not been much in the mood for colouring lately, too caught up in making flowers I suppose. Anyway Ruth asked me to make some cards using her digi stamps so my pencils got to see the light of day. I chose her Baxter images as they're cute and quite good, I think, for those pesky masculine cards. Also because I was thinking "male" I've kept my cards very simple in terms of embellishments. The papers I've used are by Misty Cato at the Sweet Shoppe and you can, of course, get the stamps from Ruth at A Passion for Stamps. That's all for now, hope you're all having a great weekend.

Keepsake Box

2011-04-30T22:25:00.000+01:00

I was given a Christmas present in this box a couple of years ago and I thought the box itself was so lovely I would keep it (I am a bit of a hoarder). Recently I had to make a keepsake box for someone and it turned out to be just what I needed. All I did was add some words and a few handmade flowers to the top.

It's hard to see from the photos but the lid is a pale aqua colour. My flowers were coloured with blends of SU inks and have a lovely silk painted feel to them which is also hard to see from the photo. I had another go at making the roses from the StampARTic blog and was really pleased with the outcome.

I very much enjoy making these roses but do feel they're a bit bulky for cards and am a bit stumped as to what else I can do with them. If you have any ideas do please share.

In the Birdhouse Framed Art

2011-04-26T21:34:00.000+01:00

I made this at the end of March and I've been dying to show it to you cos I'm so pleased with how it turned out. More white on white but this time with lots of inking and distressing. It's made using this cut file from the Digichick but you don't need a digital cutter to be able to make it. The full instructions can be found in this Hybrid Chick post. My frame is from Ikea and I've included an inkpad in the photo so you can get an idea of how big it is. Let me know what you think.

The White Collection

2011-04-25T09:13:00.001+01:00

Made another card, gift box and tag set, this time very clean, very simple and very quick. I'm thinking it could maybe work for a wedding or engagement type occasion. I've again used the the top heavy pillow box from the Digichick, it's a favourite at the moment. The flowers were also made with a Digichick cut file. The font is called Angel Baby and is by Darcy Baldwin at the Sweet Shoppe. As it seems to fit, I'm entering this to this week's Less is More Challenge. TFL and if you are in the UK enjoy your holiday weekend.

Wishing You Strength And Hope

2011-04-20T21:29:00.000+01:00

I don't know what it is but I don't seem to be able to see a new make your own rose tutorial without having a go. The instructions for this one are here on the StampARTic blog. Mine hasn't turned out quite as nicely as theirs, I think because my centre's not as neat. Still I was pleased enough to use it on this card and I'll definitely be experimenting and trying to perfect it. I think I could have done with using a quicker drying glue than Glossy Accents - really must get me a hot glue gun. The flower is made with the EK Success retro flower punch. The leaves are various Crealies and Marianne Design dies. The decorative corners are done with a Nellie Snedden die. Sentiment is from a sympathy set by Stampendous. Thanks for visiting.

Soft Shabby Ensemble

2011-04-13T08:41:00.000+01:00

Here's a little set I've been working on - it's taken a while but I'm quite pleased with how it turned out in the end. Papers are from the lovely Pink Petticoat Vintage Rose collection which I had for ages and barely used. The sentiment on the card is by The Angel Company and Waltzing Mouse on the tag. The cut files for the pillow box and the roses are from the Digichick. The leaves are Marriane Design dies. I used a pearl maker pen for the pearls, I love it - so easy to use, I really must get some more colours. Hopefully I'll be along to see what you've all be creating later today. TFL

Pretty in Purple

2011-04-07T13:06:00.000+01:00

Or maybe it's lilac, not really sure what to call these colours lol. A very simple card using products new today at The Digichick. Not had much crafting time lately so simple is good. Anyway the papers are from a kit called Douceur and the flowers are made using these cut files by Stacy Molter.

Sadly I recently learned that Make the Cut are no longer making their software compatible with the Cricut but if you have almost any other kind of digital cutter you will be able to use these cutting files.

That's all from me today, I've got another card half made which I'll hopefully be able to share with you soon. Enjoy your day.

Spring is in the Air

2011-03-31T11:29:00.000+01:00

Here are a few cards I've made with some of today's newly released products at The Digichick. The papers on all three cards are from Amanda Heiman's Spring Fling and the digistamp and sentiment on the first card are by Paper Garden Projects. I got my Copics out to do the colouring and I'm a bit out of practice so don't look too closely ;)

On my mind

2011-03-28T12:08:00.000+01:00

While my sewing machine was still out, I thought I do another card using the Digichick Girlfriend papers. No sketch this time but I was inspired by a card I saw on SCS. The layout or sketch is nearly always the first thing I decide on when I'm making a card. Where do you start?

Here's a close up of the flower.

Here's the bits I used to make it.

Mistake? What Mistake?

2011-03-25T17:44:00.000Z

So I'm happily creating when OOOPS! stamp's upside down. What to do? Hmmm maybe it kinda works upside down. Yep I'm gonna go with it. Good job I stamped before stitching my stems!.

I've used an adapted version of last week's sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping and the papers are from a Digichick kit called Girlfriend which can be found here . That's it, y'all have a good weekend.

Distress Inks

2011-03-23T09:37:00.003Z

Well it looks like being a lovely day today and I've got a few days off work WHOO HOO!

So when I first got into stamping I used to stamp everything on my cards, including all my background papers. I've been watching a few distress ink tutorials on YouTube and thought I'd revisit my stamping roots with some totally stamped cards. I've used some of the newer, less grundgy distress inks. On both cards once I had coloured my background paper I overstamped with water before stamping again with the inks. I really like the effect. Don't you just love coming up with something this colourful when all you started with was white card and a few inkpads?

The script stamp and sentiment are by Kaisercraft, swirl stamps by Inkadinkado. For my flowers, on the larger card I used the Marianne Poinsettia die, on the smaller, my EK Success Retro Flower punches. That's it! Enjoy your day.

Shaped Mother's Day Card

2011-03-18T12:37:00.001Z

I've new project up today on the Hybrid Chick blog.

In preparation for Mother's Day I've made this pink and very feminine (I think) card. The card itself and the roses are cut on the Cricut using cut files available from The Digichick. It's very heavily decorated with Liquid Pearls which I've not had much experience with. I have to say I'm not that happy with the results, I've got a Pearl Maker pen and it's much easier to get uniform results with it, just didn't have a pink one. Anyway you can find a step by step photo tutorial and details of all the other products used here. Hope you like :) Have a good weekend.

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge

2011-03-11T17:30:00.000Z

A little late in the day, here's my entry to the Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge. The papers and cut file for the flowers are from the Digichick. One of the things I like about cut files is that you can have your flowers pretty much any size you want them. Well that's all from me have a good weekend.

Easing myself back into crafting

2011-03-09T13:07:00.000Z

Well I've been back from my hols a week now and I thought I'd ease myself back into crafting with a very simple card. The cat stamp is from the new Papermania Pampered Pets range - isn't she fab? I've coloured her with pencils and added a computer generated sentiment.

Framed Art for the Hybrid Chick

2011-02-23T03:40:00.000Z

My first posting for the Hybrid Chick :)
You can find full details of the materials used along with step by step instructions on the Hybrid Chick blog.

Valentine's Card

2011-02-14T08:00:00.001Z

My apologies at the lack of posts recently. I've booked a very short notice holiday and have been busy trying to fulfil my commitments before I go. This was the only card I had time to make last week and as it was commissioned for someone who might visit my blog I couldn't show it until today. It's my first attempt at a circular easel card. I could really have done with it being a little bigger but that's the size of the dies I had. I've used SU vanilla cardstock and blush blossom ink. (Tried it first in kraft but ended up not liking it.) Pleased with the delicate colouring on this one though. Marianne Designs poinsettia die for the flower and lots of texture with various embossing folders.

I've got one post scheduled for the 25th, other than that see you in around two weeks' time.

Mojo Monday Mini Card and Treat Bag

2011-02-02T18:18:00.000Z

Seen some fab cards using this week's Mojo Monday sketch so thought I'd play along. The very pretty paper is from a kit called Always and Forever by Mari Koegelenberg at the Digichick and the cute little treatbag uses a cutting file by Kelleigh Ratzlaff also at the Digichick. (I've been invited to be one of their Hybrid Chicks so you'll be seeing me use more Digichick products.) Again I've used my Joy Crafts dies for the flowers, just the two smaller ones this time. Sentiment by SU - I do love this set. Well that's all for today, tfl and enjoy your evening.

My First Card Making Workshop

2011-01-31T20:04:00.004Z

I tried my hand at running a card making workshop at church this weekend and these are the projects I organised. I had wanted to take some photos of what we made but I forgot to take my camera with me. Not that I'd have had the time to take any photos if I had remembered because, even though I only had seven participants, I was completely run off my feet from the time we started. Maybe those of you who are more experienced at the workshop thing than I am can tell me if this is typical or if I was just badly organised. I did have some complete non crafters. I had thought that the cards were pretty simple and that we would easily be able to complete them in a couple of hours but it took much nearer three. Anyway everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and several people are hoping I'll run another one.

I'm entering this last white card to the Shabby Tea Room challenge which is stamping only and no patterned paper and hand made embellies. Stamp is by Verve Stamps. Thanks for visiting, especially to those of you who leave comments.

Never More Than A Thought Away

2011-01-28T12:00:00.000Z

Finally got the chance to make a card this week. I've used some papers from Quirky Twerp at the Digichick, an SU stamp and my new Joy Crafts dies for the flowers. I'm entering this to the Colour Create lemon, green and white challenge. (My white is a bit shabby but I hope it still counts.) Have a good weekend all.

A Bunch of Wild Sprouts

2011-01-22T21:20:00.000Z

Not had too much time for crafting lately, it's taken me more than a week to create this little ensemble. It's a birthday gift for my goddaughter. I made four cards all with the same layout and a box to put them in. After I had taken a photo of the box I decided it was too plain so added a square of patterned paper. All the papers are from a kit by Danni Mogstad at The Sweet Shoppe. The little take away box is a template from My Time Made Easy which I cut on the Cricut and filled with some bath goodies. I added some handmade flowers to everything. Well I hope everyone's having a great weekend. I'm off to catch up with what you've all been creating. Thanks for your visit.

Papertake - Cold and Frosty Morning

2011-01-14T00:10:00.001Z

I found it really difficult to take a decent photo of this card the weather's been so dark and dismal lately. Anyway as you can see there's not an awful lot to it because I think this Michelle Perkett image is so lovely it can stand by itself. I added a few snow flakes as she's a snow goddess. (Not sure how comfy I'd be with all that holly next to my skin but she seems pretty serene.)

After I took the first photo I added the word Princess with rub-ons, they're not too straight but I'm sure the recipient will never notice. I'm giving it to a young friend who thinks she's a bit of a princess and who has conned her goddaughter into calling her princess aunty :-). ttfn.

Entered to the Papertake Weekly Challenge

Friends Boxed Set

2011-01-10T18:47:00.000Z

I made another set of cards using some Sweet Shoppe papers and some Angel Company sentiment stamps I've had for ever, one of which had never seen ink. I think this set would be perfect to give to a friend who needs a little lift. The heart that I've stamped over the sentiment was a TAC freebie and the stamps used on the box are from Waltzing Mouse.

80th Birthday Card

2011-01-06T23:16:00.001Z

A friend asked me to make an 80th birthday card for her mum. The only thing that she said was that it should be pretty and sparkly so hopefully this fits the bill. I went for an easel card with a Crafts Too embossing folder, MS doily lace punch. I also used Make the Cut and my Cricut to cut the flowers, letters and numbers (Curlz font). Everything is inked with SU Pretty in Pink and of course I added lots and lots of stickles. TFL as always and for any comments you care to leave. Apologies for the poor photos but it's been dull, dull, dull all day today.

Verve Plain Jane Stamps

2011-01-03T12:16:00.000Z

I mentioned in my last post that I like creating sets of cards. Just before Christmas I ordered some Scripture stamps from Verve Stamps and I've used them to create a little boxed gift set. The papers are from the Sweet Shoppe and the sentiment on the box is by Stampin Up. I gave a similar set to my Aunt for Christmas and she was very pleased with them.

Favourite Makes of 2010

2010-12-31T11:18:00.000Z

I thought I'd join in the fun by posting my favourite makes of 2010. I couldn't narrow it down to 10 so in no particular order there are 11 in my list.

First is my suspended snowflake, lots of work by very pleased with the end result.

I love this image by Mo Manning and think she's so pretty in pink.

On this one I love the strong colours and patterns, the papers were magazine freebies from Funky Hand, plus I was really pleased with my handmade flower.

Not a card next but a 40cm x 40cm framed piece. I just love all the texture.

Love the layout on this card, plus I was very happy with my handmade roses.

A commissioned Valentine's card next, love it's shabby chic feel.

This one was a bit diffent for me with the shape, the cut out image and little created scene. Then again there's the flowers and all the texture.

Not too much in evidence this year but I love to create sets of cards. These minis took only 3 sheets of A4 including the box.

White on white, shabby chic style, handmade flower and lots of texture - what's not to love? lol

Hmm more white on white seems to be a bit of a theme going here.

Clean and simple with a splash of colour.

I hope you've enjoyed my year in review - I think it's an interesting way of stepping back and seeing your personal trends and styles. Now all that's left is for me to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Last Christmas Card of 2010

2010-12-27T11:50:00.000Z

Hope you all had a fab Christmas. This was a commissioned card which is why I couldn't really show it till now. I've used Pollycraft images, cute aren't they? The inside is decorated in a similar style to the front. DoCrafts embossing folder, SU ink and lots of stickles. I created the snowflake square in Make the Cut and cut it on the Cricut along with the snowflakes. My card was very much inspired by one in this post.

Giftcard Envelope

2010-12-22T13:54:00.000Z

I really only stamped up this Kanban Urban Belle because I wanted to practice colouring things red. I always seem to end up with pink rather than a true red when I use pencils. Despite that, I was quite happy with how she turned out so I started to turn her into a tag with some of the K&CO papers I won in Tara's candy. Then I found an envelope I'd made ages ago and it went perfectly so there you have it an envelope for the gift card I'm giving my Goddaughter.

Well I probably won't be back before Christmas so I'll take the opportunity to wish you all a very peaceful and happy Christmas. Enjoy.

Celebrate the Season

2010-12-13T20:40:00.000Z

I don't actually need any more Christmas cards but I keep being inspired when I'm browsing through blogland. Today's card is my entry to two challenges on Splitcoast Stampers. The snowflake stamp is an old Anita's one. One of my very few wood mounted stamps. Spellbinders snowflake dies covered with Glamour Dust. Everything inked with SU Bashful Blue ink. Quite a quick and easy card.

Would also like to say that I was very pleasantly surprised to be selected as one of the top mice in last week's Waltzing Mouse Sketch challenge. I really didn't think my card was anything special but lots of you liked it.:-)

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge

2010-12-07T22:46:00.000Z

Hi all, I've not been feeling too creative lately so this is a simple card I've made to hopefully get me back in the crafting mood. I've used the Waltzing Mouse Sketch. Papers are from the Sweet Shoppe, Marianne dies for the card, swirl and flower (poinsettia), Martha Stewart punch and circle nesties. Sentiment by Sunday International.

More Roses

2010-11-30T17:42:00.001Z

I needed a card for some friends at church who are emigrating and this is what a came up with. It's pretty much based on last week's Color Room card sketch. The roses were cut on the Cricut and inked with Orchid Versacolour ink. The swirl and leaves are mostly Marriane Designs with a few Crealies. They are inked with SU Old Olive. The sentiment is computer generated. I was pleased with how this turned out. To me there's something very satisfying about creating something pretty from plain white card. Hope you're nice and cosy and enjoying your evening.

Edited to say - no Cricut cartridge I'm afraid. Roses were cut using a cut file purchased from the Digichick. You will need to use third party software such as Sure Cuts Alot or Make the Cut to cut on the Cricut. Good news is the file comes in different formats so if you own a Silhouette or Craft Robo you should still be able to use it.

Anyone for Anya? - Sketch

2010-11-28T13:33:00.001Z

Have you seen the new look Anyone for Anya Blog? Looks fab doesn't it? If you've been along to the blog you will also have seen that I've decided to step down from the DT team. I've had fun since I started in January but feel that I need to take a break. I'd like to thank Dawny P for giving me the opportunity and Yvonne who's done such a fab job of running the challenge since Dawny stepped down. Anyway this presents an opportunity for anyone who's looking for the chance to join the team as there is a DT call for four new members. POP along to the Anyone for Anya blog to check out the commitment and see what you need to do to enter.

So onto this week's card. We've a great sketch to follow so I hope you will join us. My card uses a CC Designs image and some Sweet Shoppe digi papers. We are sponsored by Harlekino and you can win a cute stamp.

I was a bit experimental and used a black pencil to do most of my shading, do you think it's worked?

Papertake - Cut it Out

2010-11-24T15:27:00.000Z

Well we've been asked to use our punches or die cuts for this week's Papertake challenge so here goes.

Card base - Marianne die
Two sizes of Nestabilities labels 9
Flowers - Cricut cut file purchased at the Digichick
Leaves - Marianne Poinsettia die (thanks Julie) and a Crealies die

Everything has been inked with SU Almost Amethyst ink. That just leaves the sentiment which is some word art by Tina Chambers. I'm thinking this would make a nice sympathy card. My card was very much inspired by this one. Hope you like, thanks for looking.

Marianne Creatables - Poinsettia

2010-11-18T14:23:00.000Z

Seem to be in a bit of a creative lull at the moment - nothing at all created this week. I'm hoping motivation will reappear soon. In the meantime I thought I'd show you a card I made using the Marianne Poinsettia die I bought recently. I'm loving the flower and think it will be good for year round use without the embossing.

An Award

2010-11-18T14:15:00.000Z

Just want to say thanks to Sally - A Card for all Reasons for passing this award to me.
I'm supposed to tell you three things about myself so here goes.

I love crime dramas on TV and my fav at the mo is NCIS.
I've been a Christian all my life.
When I first started making cards I refused to buy any rubber stamps because I didn't think they were that versatile and thought all my cards would turn out the same.

Now I'm going to pass this award on to Kristel and Nic whose cards always inspire me and to Caroline who inspires me to get cooking with the delicious looking cakes and sweets she keeps posting.

Anyone for Anya? - Vintage White

2010-11-14T09:57:00.001Z

Vintage white is the challenge on Anyone for Anya this week. I've made a little treat box and tag. The box is a top heavy pillow box cut file purchased from the Digichick and cut on my Cricut. I inked the tag and box with Antique Linen distress ink to give them their vintage look. My Twinkle Tot is coloured with pencils and the sentiment is by the Angel Company. This was a great challenge for me as I love white on white creations.

I hope you will join the challenge this week. We are sponsored by Jacobi and you can win a great prize.

I actually made a few treat packages so I thought I'd show you them all while I'm on the subject. I've used various stamps for the tags, from Stampin Up, Waltzing Mouse, TAC and MSE. They are filled with homemade white chocolate fudge. Yummy.

ETA no photo of the fudge I'm afraid, was in too much of a rush but here's a link to the recipe. Very quick and easy - I've made it several times and never had it go wrong. I use vanilla extract and don't add any nuts but I'm sure it would be lovely with nuts too.

Sparkle Minis

2010-11-09T12:57:00.000Z

I suppose apart from the sentiment these are not particularly Christmassy, a more contemporary card perhaps? I had originally intended to make them all like the last one but doing the stickles was quite fiddly and while I was waiting for it to dry I thought it looked a bit messy so tried to see what else I could come with. The others were very quick and easy although I did get Glamour Dust everywhere! Not too sure about the first one, I don't want to add a snowflake but think it needs something else so any suggestions gratefully received. And what do you know the one with the stickles did turn out to be my favourite after all.

Anyone for Anya? - Kraft

2010-11-07T10:00:00.006Z

The challenge at Anyone for Anya this week is use kraft card or paper. I've used Kerry (Pickle) as my muse and made a clean and simple card that I think is in her style. Not too clean though as I couldn't resist inking the edges of my papers.

I hope you will join the challenge this week. We are sponsored by HobbyStempels and you could win a cute Greeting Farm sentiment set. TFL and enjoy your weekend.

Poinsettias

2010-11-05T09:00:00.001Z

Two simple cards using Poinsettias from an Aimee Asher kit. Sentiment is by Paper Inspirations.

Pink Gem Designs - Ellie with Gift

2010-11-03T18:58:00.000Z

I seem to be using these colours a lot lately, but I just love these Zoe Pearn papers and as I used them for my last Ellie card, I wanted to make a matching one. You can find this sweet stamp here at Pink Gem Designs.

Tag You're It - Waltzing Mouse Challenge

2010-11-01T14:33:00.000Z

This is my entry to the Waltzing Mouse Tag You're It Challenge. Claire wants to see beauty and elegance on a Christmas tag and hopefully mine fits the bill. I went a little mad with the stickles and glitter embossing powders. There's also some pleated vellum at the bottom which turned out a bit bulkier than I envisaged. Will have to rethink the spacing of my pleats if I try that again. Anyway the prize is £100 in gorgeous Waltzing Mouse stamps so well worth having a go! I've already spent it in head lol!

Kanban Urban Belles

2010-10-29T17:27:00.000+01:00

Fell in love with this stamp set when I saw it at Ally Pally but I was very good and stuck to my list so it has only this week been added to my collection. Had to stamp one up as soon as I got them :). Only trouble is they're quite tall and I don't make big cards so ended up having to use her cut out. I think it's worked. The sentiment is from Stampin Bella, but I'm not sure I like it for this card so would really appreciate if you would tell me what you think she might say. Take care and have a good weekend.

Sentiment Cards

2010-10-22T17:48:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post to show you some non image cards I've made. All the sentiments are from a couple of sets of Christmas sentiments by CC Designs which I got from Dies to Die For. (Very impressed with the service). I'm really liking sanded embossing on patterned paper at the moment and I've used it on two of these cards, as well as the tags in my last post. That's it! Have a great weekend.

Angel Chloe - Christmas Gift Tags

2010-10-19T23:22:00.000+01:00

Thought I'd make some tags using this very sweet stamp from Pink Gem Designs. I only made four as I don't have too much tolerance for repeating myself. I think they're quite cute. I've not used my Copics for much more than colouring gems and ribbon lately but I've seen a few people combine them with coloured pencil to good effect so that's what I've tried here. The sentiment is from a set by Amy R for CC Designs.

Thanks for looking I always appreciate any comments you care to leave.

Anyone for Anya - Anything But A Card

2010-10-17T10:41:00.001+01:00

I've been meaning to try making some little treat boxes for a while now as I've been thinking about homemade goodies for Christmas pressies and also because we're having a major fundraising drive at church for some renovations we need to make. This week's challenge at Anyone for Anya provided the perfect opportunity. The Top Heavy Pillow Box cut file that I used was purchased from The Digichick and cut on the Cricut. I've also used Sweet Shoppe papers and Wild Sprout Charlotte. All very easy to do. And what did I put in my treat box? Some scrummy yummy homemade cherry and ginger fudge. You can find the recipe on the Carnation website. They even have a very useful fudge making video.
ETA I'm entering this to the Stamptacular Sunday No Cards Allowed Challenge.

A close up of the tag. Charlotte is coloured with a mix of Copics and pencil. The sentiment is by Waltzing Mouse.

I hope you will join us in this week's challenge. We are sponsored by Whiff of Joy and you can win a very cute stamp.

Something a little more complex

2010-10-13T17:14:00.000+01:00

As a bit of a change from the quick and easy Christmas cards I've been doing I thought I have a go at something a bit more complex. Didn't take that long to do, (mostly just waiting for the Stickles to dry) but it was kind of fiddly. Not one for mass production but maybe a special card for that special someone.

I've used Coredinations whitewash card, square and scalloped square nestabilities and the create a flake spellbinders dies. The back of the snowflake is layered up and glittered like the front. I think it would make a lovely Christmas Tree Ornament. Crystal Stickles and dew drops to finish and voila!

Anyone for Anya? - Colour Challenge

2010-10-10T13:32:00.000+01:00

We've a colour challenge for you on Anyone for Anya? this week. Purple, White, grey or silver. Carisa, one of the DT is our sponsor and you can win an Ippity stamp set and some October Afternoon papers.

On my card the background snowflake stamp is from Waltzing Mouse. It's been embossed in white, the paper was inked with Almost Amethyst and Lavender Lace inks then sprayed with pearl Glimmer Mist. Miss Anya Snow has been coloured with pencils and stardust pens and the sentiment is by Amy R for CC Designs. The photos don't really show all the shimmer and sparkle. Do join us in the challenge this week.

Mum's Birthday Card

2010-10-08T17:19:00.000+01:00

It's my mum's 70th birthday next week and I've made her an easel card. It's kind of busy I know, but I've tried to make the kind of card I know she'll like. I used two embossing folders although in the end only one is visible lol same with my MS border punch. The flowers are cut using the large scallop nestabilities and the leaves are a Crealise die. The letters and numbers are cut on the Cricut using fonts on my computer, Harrington for the numbers and Kendric for the letters. (Kendric was not a good choice as the curly bits on the letters were so thin they could not be removed from the mat without tearing. If I weren't so stubborn I'd have given up!). Anyway I was quite pleased with the end result and I'm sure mum'll like it.

Now this will make you laugh. I got myself in such a tizz thinking about how to package this up so that it would make it's journey to Jamaica without getting flattened that I actually posted it without writing anything in it! How's that for DOH?

Pink Gem Designs - Postbox Ellie

2010-10-07T18:28:00.000+01:00

This is Postbox Ellie from Pink Gem Designs, isn't she a sweetie? She's teamed up with some Sweet Shoppe Digi papers and coloured with Colorsoft pencils. Not too much in the way of embellies for a relatively quick card.

More Mini Christmas Cards

2010-10-06T09:00:00.006+01:00

A few more mini Christmas cards. These use Pink Petticoat papers printed really small and Woodware stamped sentiments and images. Seems to me these little cards take just as long to make as big ones, but I guess it's still cost effective because you use less materials.

Winter Wonderland - A Male Christmas Card

2010-10-04T14:29:00.000+01:00

I've made a couple of scrap style cards inspired by some I saw in Creative Cardmaking Magazine. I'm entering them to the Winter Wonderland challenge as I think they'd both be quite suitable for a man being non cute and plain and simple. Can't quite put my finger on why but I'm not too happy with the second one. Maybe the papers I've used for the trees aren't bold enough. Anyway thanks for looking and any comments you care to leave.

Papertake Weekly - Bold or Pastel

2010-10-01T14:05:00.000+01:00

In the spirit of getting more Christmas cards done I've made two cards using the sketch from Papertake Weekly. I've used two Lily of the Valley stamps that I treated myself to at Ally Pally. I thought it would be interesting to see how different I could make them using the same sketch and I had to say I'm pleased with both cards and would be hard pressed to say which I like best. (The pastel one might just be ahead by a whisker.) Feel free to let me know which one you like best. Have a good weekend.

First up the bold version.
Paper - Holiday Cheer by Zoe Pearn at the Sweet Shoppe
Sentiment - Woodware
Flowers - Cut on the Cricut from an SVG file I created

Next, the pastel version.
Paper - Little Joys by Zoe Pearn at the Sweet Shoppe
Sentiment - Computer generated
Flower - EK Success retro flower punches, Little Claire die
Pearl brad - The Hobby House
Swirl Die - Marianne Designs
Pearls from stash

Candy Coloured Christmas

2010-09-29T21:20:00.000+01:00

A few more mini Christmas cards to add to the pile. These are 8 x 10cm and the images, papers and sentiments come from various Pink Petticoat kits. Wish now that I'd used Stickles instead of Glossy Accents on the baubles, oh well.

Anyone for Anya - Sketch

2010-09-26T10:00:00.003+01:00

We have a nice easy sketch to follow on Anyone for Anya this week. For my card I've used a sweet CC Designs image and some very pretty papers by Zoe Pearn from the Sweet Shoppe. I hope you will join us, we are very generously sponsored by Harlekino Hobby.

By the time you read this I will hopefully be on my to Alexandra Palace to get lots of inspiration and add to my stash. If you're there too and you see me, do say hi. Have a good week.

Batch Christmas Cards

2010-09-23T21:11:00.001+01:00

Been adding to my Christmas card pile with these quick and easy cards. The images are from Pink Petticoat. I tend to make mostly small Christmas cards to keep the costs down. These are 10cm square. Although I did these over a couple of evenings, you could easily make all eight in one evening.

Think I like the blue ones better than the purple. What do you think?

Anyone for Anya - Monochromatic

2010-09-19T15:22:00.002+01:00

An easy challenge for me this week on Anyone for Anya? as alot of my work tends to be monochromatic. I decided to go for black and white and shades of grey this time. I hope you will take the time to join us. We are sponsored by Crafty Sentiments and you can win a really cute snowman digi image. Please remember to use a Greeting Farm or CC Designs image if you want to be in with a chance of winning.

As my card is quite wintery I'm also entering it to the Winter Wonderland monochromatic Christmas card challenge.

These are a few of my favourite things

2010-09-16T21:06:00.003+01:00

Quite a while back I bought a frame from Tesco that had a little bit of a gap between the mount and the glass. I thought it would be good for a paper crafted project but I found the size a bit daunting (it's 40cm square) so it has just sat in my room waiting for me to decide what to do with it. Well inspiration struck this weekend and it's been quite a labour of love. I really don't feel that my photos do it justice. It includes all my favourite paper crafting techniques - white on white (well ivory on ivory), lots of texture from my embossing folders and handmade flowers. I probably shouldn't say this about my own work but I really, really love it. I've got ideas in my head for other versions too, maybe inked and distressed, maybe coloured flowers, maybe patterned paper. Watch this space.

I've taken most of the photos without the frame because I don't know how to photograph glass without getting lots of reflection - you can see me with the camera in the last photo. Anyway let me know what you think and also if you have any photography tips.

If you want to have a go at making the flowers you can find out how here.

Winter Wonderland - One Layer Card

2010-09-15T22:36:00.003+01:00

Two cards to show you this evening. The first is my entry to the Winter Wonderland One Layer Card challenge. I've used Christmas Teddy from Pink Gem Designs. As he's a digi I printed him directly onto my card and then coloured him in. Fits my definition of a one layer card and a really easy one too. Looking at some of the other entries to the challenge the "one layer" bit has been interpreted rather loosely :)

My second card is definitely one that worked better in my head than on paper. The design seems very unbalanced to me even after adding the gems to the left hand side. I've used Santa Kaya again from Pink Gem Designs. The coloured strip at the bottom of card was done by inking my embossing folder. The sentiment is from CC Designs.
Please excuse the poor photography, I wanted to get these posted this evening.

Cards for No Reason

2010-09-09T18:17:00.004+01:00

Sometimes I feel like the only cards I get time to make are my DT ones and that there's no time just to play. These two cards were made just to play with making some oversized flowers. I saw a really fab flower when I was browsing through the entries of last week's Shabby Tea Room challenge and tried to recreate it. I haven't really succeeded so I have an excuse to keep on playing.

The first card, which for some reason I don't like too much, uses Papermania paper on SU vanilla card stock. The largest and smallest flowers were cut using the Woodware punches and the inbetween ones were cut on the Cricut. They're not quite inbetween enough which is perhaps why I don't like it. The second card, which I love, uses Pink Petticoat Vintage Rose papers. The flower is cut on the Cricut and is also made using SU vanilla card stock. I actually made the flower for the first card but as it turned out peachy it didn't go. Both cards were made somewhat shabby by distressing and inking the edges. Hope you like.

Gem of a Challenge

2010-09-08T08:00:00.004+01:00

It's time for a new sketch on A Gem of a Challenge with the added option of lots of sparkle. I've rotated the sketch and used Meg in Hat and Scarf along with some freebie papers from a previous issue of Simply Cards and Papercrafts. Lots of stickles and gemstone brads for my sparkle. You can win some yummy Pink Gem products so do come and join us.

Anyone for Anya - Back to School

2010-09-05T09:34:00.006+01:00

Back to school is the theme this week on Anyone for Anya, something I associate with the shorter, cooler days of autumn, so I've made my card in autumn colours. The image is by CC Designs, papers - MME Bloom and Grow, flower -Marriane Design die, leaves - Crealise die. I hope you will join us this week, we are sponsored by Stampeezee and you can win £10 to spend in store. To be eligible for the prize just make an item on the theme using a Greeting Farm or CC Designs image. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Pink Gem - Robin with Mistletoe

2010-09-01T18:34:00.005+01:00

Isn't he a tweetie? I'm slowly adding to my collection of Christmas cards, not making as much progress as I'd like. This cute image certainly helps though - who could resist him and he's a freebie Janet of Pink Gem Designs is giving away to followers of her blog. How generous is that? It's a very simple card with lots of sparkle. Robin is coloured with pencils, the holly leaves are cut freehand and I've used some blinged up sparkly buttons for the berries. Still deciding whether to add a sentiment. Thanks for looking and for any comments you care to leave.

Anyone for Anya - Sketch 13

2010-08-28T22:43:00.006+01:00

Thanks to everyone who joined in the Anyone for Anya Birthday blog hop last week, I hope you all had fun. Thanks too to everyone who entered for my candy, however there can only be one winner and that's Annette. Annette please email me so I can get the flowers in the post to you.

Now onto this week's challenge which is a fab sketch from Dawny P. We are sponsored by Squiggle Stamps and you could win a £15 voucher to spend in store. My card features Wild Sprout Audrey - a digi from The Greeting Farm. I've used some freebie papers that came with Simply Cards and Paper Crafts Magazine. I hardly ever use freebie papers but I loved the colour combo and bold pattern on these. I had made my flower earlier when I was trying out a couple of new Versacolor inkpads, so I was really chuffed to find that it went so well with the card. Well that's it, thanks for looking and I do hope you will join in the challenge this week.

YouTube Flower Tutorials

2010-08-27T17:20:00.004+01:00

I've been watching flower making tutorials on YouTube and thought I'd try my hand at these jewelled flowers. I'm really quite pleased with how they turned out although they were quite time consuming what with all the stamping and embossing. I mostly blinged up some buttons for my "jewels". The flowers are kind of oversized and I think are great for making a statement with a very simple card like mine. With regard to the card does it look OK as it is or should I have carried the gems down to the bottom?

If you have a go at the flowers let me know so I can come have a look. Have a great weekend.

Would also like to say thanks to all the people who've given me awards lately, will hopefully get round to responding soon.

Hot Foiling Mixed Results

2010-08-25T17:30:00.004+01:00

I've been playing about with the Papermania bonding powder and have been finding it quite hard to get consistent results. I've come to the conclusion that bold stamps work better than detailed ones and with text you probably want a plain, fine stamp. I've used TAC stamps on all three cards. On the top card the sentment is by Technique Tuesday. It's a clear stamp and some of the detail was lost, I'm thinking that rubber works better. I ended up using Tonertex foil as I couldn't get a clean image with the Papermania foil.

Not really sure why I made the next one up into a card, except that I probably didn't realise quite how messy it looked. If anyone else has had a go with foiling with stamps I'd be interested to hear how you got on.
Quite pleased with how this one came out. I lost some of the detail on the text but the foiling was quite neat.