Thanks!

Hi everyone, I hope you are having a great weekend. I have popped into my craft room this afternoon to create a card for the Surgeon who operated on my mum back on the 21st of October.

Mum was diagnosed with possible ovarian cancer due to an enormous cyst on her left ovary. Long story short, the cyst was removed (it was approx twice the size of a shoebox..), as was both mum's ovaries, her bowel was disected off the cyst as it had wrapped itself around it. Mum was having trouble with her appetitie - well, her stomach had been pushed up into her lung cavity. 

So! A HUGE thank you to Dr Robyn Sayer (and her team) from the Lifehouse Cancer Hospital in Sydney AND the amazing nursing staff. This card is going to them :)

I started by sprinkling turquoise brusho on my craft mat, then spritzed it with a bit of water. I smooshed my card into the brusho. I also used some gold mica powder mixed with water picked up with a paintbrush to flick it over the card. This created my background. 

I then smooshed another panel but also heated some embossing enamel for a bit of texture. I die cut my buttrflies twice - once with the smooshed panel and also using black card. I popped up the smooshed butterflies using a little foam tape.

My mum is now home recovering well. Thanks to everyone in the crafting community who has been sending their best wishes :)

I would like to enter my card over at the following challenges -

The Crafters Cafe Challenge Blog (Insects/Butterflies), Mix it Up Challenge Blog (Anything Goes + Watercolour), Cut it Up (Thankful theme + Smooshing Technique and Die Cuts), Watercooler Wednesday Challenge (Anything Goes)

Thanks for popping in today :)

Inkspirational #178

Hello again! Time for a brand new challenge over at Inkspirational. Our lovely Anila has chosen an awesome challenge for us - Use Kraft

Kraft card stock is really fun to colour in on! I just used my watercolour pencils after embossing my NEW images (from Paper Artsy), and sentiment (from HLS). The background was created with a white gel pen.

I hope to see you over at the challenge!

I would also like to enter my card into the following challenges -

Little Red Wagon - Thanks

Cardz 4 Galz - New Year, New Stash

Crazy for CAS - Animal

Thanks for popping in xx

ATSM - Clean and Simple Week

Hi there! It's time for a new weekly challenge over at Addicted to Stamps and More and this week we want to see Clean and Simple creations.

I used the HLS Simply Said for this card. The heart was embossed with silver powder then coloured with Zig Watercolours. Once again, I coated it with clear Wink of Stella when it was dry.

I used my MISTI so I could get a nice, crisp result.

These are great guidelines for when you are creating CAS cards. 

I hope to see you playing along this week! 

Thanks!

Hello! Just a quick post from me today. I have created a card using only a die cut and a fussy cut heart. I tend to do this often without even realising it.

I made a thanks card for all of you wonderful people! Thanks for my birthday wishes and amazing cards that I have received. 

Here it is -

I stamped my heart on watercolour cardstock and embossed with silver powder. I coloured it with my Zigs then fussy cut it out. Both the heart and die cut sentiment (from STAMPlorations) have been covered with WOS.

My favourite card making style is CAS and I love EXTREMELY CAS cards too. Having the pop of colour just takes it to another level.

I used the following prodcuts from HLS

       

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

Dies R Us - Die Cut Sentiment as the Focus

Double D Challenge - Black and White with a pop of colour

Crafty Sentiments - CAS or Fussy (I obviously went with CAS)

STAMPlorations Summer CAS Card Challenge

I was even about to enter this over at Less Is More when I realised that my heart was a stamp that I fussy cut out!! Whoops, the girls would have slapped me for that one! Back to the drawing board.

Thanks for popping in today and stay safe xx

Stamping and Colouring on Black Cardstock (Black Magic Technique)

Hi everyone!

I was having fun creating a couple of cards using the Black Magic Technique. This is new to me so I decided to create a video tutorial.

I love this technique. It is really fun to see the colours come 'alive' from the black background.

I would like to enter my card into these challenges

Time Out

Easter and/or Spring with the optional technique twist of masking

My Time to Craft

Flowers

HLS Doodled Flowers and HLS Enamel Dots

    

Thanks for swinging by :)

STAMPlorations Sketch Challenge #3

Hi everyone. Here we are with our first bi-weekly challenge for 2014 at STAMPlorations.

Each fortnight, Shery provides us will a cool sketch to work with. Don't forget we also have our monthly challenge that you can join in on as well. Perhaps you would like to combine this sketch with the monthly theme of 'Stamps and Feathers' to enter into both challenges?

Here is a great reason to join in all our challenges for the month -

Each month, we host 3 challenges: 1 monthly challenge that starts on the 1st Friday and 2 bi-weekly sketch challenges that start on the 1st and 3rd Monday. Those who participate in all 3 challenges for the month will be in the running to receive a prize package from our sister shop, All About Scrapping. We'll randomly pick one winner and announce who that is the following month before the next monthly challenge starts. Remember, you must participate in all 3 challenges that month for a chance to win a prize.

Here is the sketch -

Here is my DT card -

The main emphasis on my card today is the amazing digital papers that you can purchase from the STAMPlorations Etsy Shop. These ones are called Splash of Grunge. I have printed off two colours - one for the base of my card and one for the butterflies. 

I have cut out panels of Whisper White cardstock and embossed them with my Square Lattice Folder. I then sponged around the edges with Wisteria Wonder ink.

The butterflies are from the Beautiful Wings embosslit (SU).

The sentiment is from the gorgeous STAMPlorations set called Trendy Feathers. This set is VERY versatile!

I even used a bit of the cut-off from the digital paper and an extra butterfly to decorate the inside of my card.

All you need to do now is to pop on over to the STAMPlorations challenge blog and check out the awesome inspiration from the rest of the DT. 

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks so much for looking xx

CCS - Sketch Week

Hi there everyone! I hope your week has been treating you well so far.

I have a card to share with you that was inspired by something I saw at Kim Badelt's house while there last weekend making cards and giggling and making cards and laughing...

Kim had a card displayed with some hand made flowers. She has shared the link for the tutorial with me so I gave it a go.

Firstly, this is actually a card for the current challenge over at CAS - Colours and Sketches. I am your hostess there for the whole month of August. It's been great seeing what everyone has come up with for the previous challenges. This week I have a sketch for you -

Just remember that you must make a card that is CAS and has stamping on it.

Here is my DT card -

Isn't this handmade rose so pretty? If you are interested in having a go, please visit Tania Gould for step by step instructions.

The rose has been made but using my Fancy Flower Punch (SU). I have inked the edges with Whisper White (SU) and spritzed the end result (which really can't be seen in the photo). The leaves are from a new die that I purchased at the Craft Show and is called ..... whoops, I can't find the packet but I think it is called 'Leafy Vine'. I sponged Old Olive (SU) on the edges.

I have stamped the sentiment (from the Express Yourself set - SU) with Versamark and heat embossed with white powder. 

Geez, the photo is a bit harsh on the eyes. Once again, it's a bit blurry so sorry about that.

This card isn't exactly 'mailable' either so if you were going to make these roses, you would have to hand deliver or package them up.

I hope you like this sketch and would like to join in this week.

Over at the challenge blog, you can find heaps of beautiful inspiration from the DT.

Thanks so much for looking xx

Inkspirational Colour Challenge

Hi everyone, I hope you are well.

We have a colour challenge for you over at Inkspirational this week.

The colours I have used in my stash are Stampin' Up colours - Perfect Plum, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango.

Here is my DT card

I have created a very CAS card which I love. The photo isn't the best, I'm sorry.

Our new sponsor for this month is 

Tammy from Creatively Me!

With this fabulous prize ~

Inkspirational Sketch Challenge

Hi there and welcome to the newest challenge over at Inkspirational.

 

We have a sketch for you this week -

 

 

 

And here is my DT card for this sketch -

 

 

 

I have used a new set called Mixed Bunch and stamped with Soft Suede and Old Olive. The banner with the sentiment is has been cut with my Hearts a Flutter Framelits . The sentiment is from my Petite Pairs set. I used my Blossom punch so I could pop up one of the flowers in the centre panel.

 

I have named my new bow tying contraption my - Bow-a-ma-jig which I used to create the bow from the Victorian Lace.

 

We are sponsored by

 

 

Eclectic Anthology

 

We can't wait to see what you come up with this week. Don't forget it is the final week that you will need to play to be eligible for a prize. Full details are on the challenge blog.

 

Thanks for looking xx

 



Addicted to STAMPS!!!!

Hi everyone! We have a great challenge over at Addicted to Stamps and More! today. You may create anything you like as long as you use STAMPS!

 

We have an amazing sponsor again this week - we welcome the return of

 

 

Now onto my card -

 

 

I decided that when you have a challenge to use your stamps, what do you do? You make your own DP of course!

 

I have stamped my flower onto two separate pieces of cardstock. One with Certainly Celery and then one with Pretty in Pink. I have then stamped another flower and cut it out and inked around the edges.

 

The triple bow is courtesy of a tutorial provided by our sponsor, Joanna at Inspired by Stamping. As soon as I saw the video I dragged my dad to garage to put together my own contraption. If you have a look, you will see what I mean ;) I decided to be creative and use TWO ribbons at the same time. THANK YOU, Joanna (and dad), you are my hero(es)!!

 

Inspired by Stamping sets used -

Elegant Flowers

Halloween Tags - good all year round!!

Fancy Sentiments

 

I really love these colours together - very feminine.

 

I hope you can make it over to the challenge at ATSM! We would love to see you there. Hop over and check out the amazing DT and their creations.

 

Thanks for looking xx

 

 

FBW #225 - Anything Goes

I was so happy to make a card today. I sat down to make one with a particular couple of people in mind. They have been so kind to me and my family since my Grandad passed away that I felt I needed to thank them. I also wanted to participate in the latest challenge over at Flutterby Wednesdays where it is Anything Goes.

This card is filled with wonderful new goodies. The embossing folder is called Retro Swirls (new), the ribbon is Seam Binding in Pear Pizzazz (new) and the little strip of DSP is from the Flirtatious set (new). I have added a butterfly from my Beautiful Wings Embosslits. The sentiment is from my Petite Pairs set and stamped in Old Olive and then added a row of pearls either side.

I also would like everyone to know that I have received a number of sympathy cards from my new blog family. Isn't this place just amazing! I have never met you but you are certainly part of my family and I treasure each and every one of you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your ongoing support and prayers xx

Thanks for looking xx



So Grateful - Easel Card

Hi there everyone.

I would like to express my appreciation for all your kind words of support for my Grandfather.

I needed a bit of 'therapy' this afternoon once home from the hospital and I really wanted to make some thank you cards for the staff there.

This card, in particular, has been made for the Palliative care nurse that has been just amazing with her support and the way she explains things to my family. She really is a lovely lady.

I decided I wanted to try my hand at another Easel Card as I thought it would be perfect for her desk if she felt she would like to display it.

I was very happy with how this turned out. It was one of those cards that was not planned , it just happened and it came together beautifully. LOVE those cards, lol.

I have used Crumbcake cardstock for the base. The printed paper is actually tissue paper - isn't it lovely? It was given to me in a bag of bits and pieces and I've never used it. I think it is really pretty.

I have coloured my Apothecary stamp with Garden Green and So Saffron markers. I have used my Framelit Label dies and have embossed the larger one with my Lattice folder.

My butterflies are from the Beautiful Wings embosslit.

The beautiful flowers are from Inspired by Stamping.

The bottom panel has been raised up on foam pads so the card can 'stand up'. The pearls were the final touch.

I am going to enter this card at 

Make my Monday - dry embossing

Flutterby Wednesdays - Use something new (my tissue paper)

Thanks so much for looking xx

Triple Time Stamping Technique

Hi everyone. Mum and I did a little crafting today and I wanted to show her how to create a Triple Stamping card. We decided to make a Thank you card for my neighbour who was very generous and took us out on his Catamaran yesterday. We all got waaaaay too much sun but we had an amazing time pumping for yabbies, fishing, swimming and walking through the sand. 

We chose The Open Sea set as it was most appropriate lol.

This is my card -

I decided to go with the Triple Stamping Technique. I have used Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla cardstock for my layers. The sentiment is from my Sassy Salutations set. I fussy cut the anchor and tied it on with Baker's twine.

I am entering my card into the following challenges -

Sweet Stamping Challenge - SEEING DOUBLE (I have used the world stamp twice)

MAWTT - Thank you creations

Sassy Studio Designs - Thank you card

Here is my mum's card -

Mum has used blues for her card which looks so lovely! I love how she has torn the paper too. The hemp twine was used to 'hold up' her anchor. The sentiment is from my Fun in the Sun set. 

I am also going to enter my mum's card in these challenges -

MAWTT - Thank you creations

Sassy Studio Designs - Thank you card

Thank you so much for looking xx

Casology Week 19 - Thanks

Hi again! I decided I wanted to try and join a few more challenges today.

Over at Casology, the cue word is

I have an embossing folder that I have never used and really wanted to get it out and see how it looks. It was perfect to create a clean and simple card!

Here is my card -

I have used Stampin' Dimensionals to pop it up. I love the look of white on white.

Thanks so much for looking xx



Addicted to Stamps and More - Flowers

Wednesday morning and another challenge over at Addicted to Stamps & More!

The challenge this week is to be Addicted to {Flowers}

So create anything you like as long as it has to do with flowers. I decided to leave mine until the last minute of course. Then I wanted to try and make a flower from fabric (says she who has trouble threading a needle). Why? Who bloody knows!!! I trawled the internet for some inspiration and I finally found something that was pretty close to what I was looking for. I was ultimately trying to find something very, very easy but of course I found something that required actual stitching. What was I thinking?? Anyway, I grabbed some fabric squares that had long been forgotten (and under the bed in a huge bag) which I had bought to try my hand at quilting. That didn't get very far....

Long story short ("too late"), I gave this flower a go. Now that I have finished it, I can see where I can make improvements for the next one. Practice makes perfect, right??? Right? LOL.

Here is my card -

I found the perfect button in my stash to add to the centre. I have used Crumb Cake as a base card, First Edition Prints (the print on this paper talks about Cherry Blossoms) and Rich Razzleberry.

 I have used my white gel pen to create the faux stitching.

The sentiment is from my Sassy Salutations set and inked with a Rich Razzleberry marker.

Check out the amazing array of cards over at the blog created by the DT. There is tonnes of inspiration to be had.

Last but not least, just a quiet "mwah" to Victoria, Marie and Karen. I will miss you over there at Addicted to Stamps and More! Victoria, stay safe and keep well. Marie and Karen - see you on the flip side at Addicted to CAS xx

Thanks for looking xx

JAI #133 - So Grateful

Hi there, how are you all?? I have made a card today that is to enter into the challenge at Just Add Ink. They would like you to add mustard and metal.

I have embossed two of my panels - one with Swiss Dots and one with Lattice. I have used my So Mustard Stampin' Write marker to create my faux stiching. A doily die was used with my DSP.

The sentiment is from my Apothecary Set and is set behind a metal frame. The butterfly was from my Embosslit folder. A couple of flowers and a couple of pearls and done!

Thanks for looking xx



Addicted to Stamps - It's CAS time!!!!

Hey there! Hope today finds you well!

The new challenge at Addicted to Stamps this week is

CAS!!

I actually really like doing CAS although I find that they seem to take longer than a card that has been chocked full of embellishments etc. I guess it's hard to stop and you have to keep slapping your hand away from where you keep your ribbon, brads, flowers, pearls etc etc.

Anyway, here is my card for this week's challenge

As usual I have embossed something lol. Very simply though, I have put a large ribbon around that embossed panel and added a couple of lacey ovals. Easy peasy.

Check out the delicious cards over at Addicted to Stamps to get your creative juices going!!!

Thanks for looking!

IBSIC Challenge #22 - Sketch

Hi there! I just wanted to quickly share a card with you that I made today.

The sketch I've used has come from the wonderful ladies over at Inspired By Stamping.

Again, I had trouble with the colours I wanted to use. Does anyone really know what colours they will be using straight away?? Well, I don't. I can't even explain most the time how I come about choosing my colours lol.

Anyway, here is my card -

The brown rectangular panel was stamped with my Elements of Style set with Whisper White ink. I then used clear powder to emboss. I got a bit carried away with my Versamarker and coloured all the card in between - whoops. Once I started I just couldn't stop ;)

The rest of the card is basically embossed with the lattice folder, mini silver brads, and pearls. The shapes below the sentiment are made using my Framelit Dies by Stampin Up and a Lacy Oval die by Spellbinders. I have also used my new hemp twine from SU.

Here is the sketch. Click on the image to join in the fun.

Thanks for looking xx

So Grateful...

I am soooo ready for bed. This card, to be honest, was a marathon for me LOL! You may look at it and think 'What is she talking about?' but with my limited patience, I really had to use all my concentration for this one. I'm also sure that I watch a whole movie at the same time.... perhaps I shouldn't have lol.

Now, where to start?

First of all I followed the colours provided by Simply Stampin Colour Challenge. Then the Mojo Monday sketch was posted so I decided to put them together. Why do I do this to myself after 9pm at night? I really need my beauty sleep, but I'm sure noone in craft land cares ;)

Here is my card and then I will break it down a little..

This is the colour inspiration provided by Simply Stampin'

This is the sketch from Mojo Monday

I have used Very Vanilla cardstock for the card. Embossed the Soft Suede with the Lattice folder and the Crumb Cake with the Swiss Dots folder. I had to hand cut the circles (yes, I know I have to buy some circle dies) and the sentiment was stamped with Rose Red (stamp from the Apothecary Set). I stamped my Triple Treat flower three times - twice with Rose Red and once with Crumb Cake. I used the co-ordinating punches to layer the flower. The smaller circle has been embossed again with my Lattice folder.

I struggled with the colours as I have never used most of these before. Once it all started to come together, I really liked the combination.

Thanks for looking xx

Also, to all my blog friends. I have been a bit slack with visiting you all. I promise I will pop over in the next couple of days to have a look at your awesome creations.