Anything but a card - {Altered Box}

Hellooooooooooooooo! I hope today finds you well! My mum leaves me today to fly back to Canberra, sniff sniff. I've had soooo much fun crafting with her and I hope you have enjoyed seeing our little creations.

Mum just asked me to help her set up her own blog when I go to Canberra mid January!! Woooo hoooooo!! You got her hooked, girls!!

Today I am going to share with you a first for me - I have altered a box. I will be entering this into the challenge over at Anything But A Card.

I purchased a pack of these boxes from Lincraft. 

Very plain and yucky huh?

I started by painting the outside of the box and lid with a white acrylic paint. I ended up doing about 3 coats of paint. Then waited for it to dry......... snore!!

 My next step was to measure up all the surfaces so I could cut out the DP I had selected. Once I had stuck it all on, I decided to add the lace and the flowers (from Inspired by Stamping). The tag is from my Four Frames stamp set and co-ordinating label punch.

Once it was all together, I sprayed it quite liberally with a Gloss Spray Sealer. I will give it another burst when the wind dies down outside, lol.

This was really fun to do and I can't wait to start making all my Christmas boxes like this!!

Thanks so much for looking xx

Technique Tuesday - Faux Tiles

Well, mum and I have been VERY busy today, lol.

I was showing her the challenge over at Technique Tuesday which is to create something using Faux Tiles. Next thing I know, mum is over at the craft desk already starting her card!!!

Mum was very creative with this challenge. She started by embossing a piece of cardstock with the Elegant Lines folder and then using sponge daubers to ink up the pattern. She then cut everything out in odd shapes and stuck it all back together. A few little butterflies from the Beautiful Wings set and she was finished! I love the colours that she used and the end result is just gorgeous.

Here is her card -

Now, my card is something really different for me and I loved creating it for this challenge. I seem to stick to CAS cards these days but this card really needed to have all the extras that I could bring myself to put on it!

Here is my card -

I started making my faux tiles with First Edition DSP. I have used my Spellbinder circle dies for the sponged cardstock and DP. The lace is from Inspired by Stamping. I have also used butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslits. I have added pearls to the large butterfly and around the spare corners of the card. The only stamp I have used for this card is the sentiment which has been die cut with my Framelit labels set and popped up under the lace. Very lah, di, dah for me but I must admit that I really like it!!

Head on over to Technique Tuesday to see the amazing DT creations. They are very, very inspiring!!

I would also like to enter my card into the awesome challenge over at Flutter by Wednesdays - anything goes!!

Thanks 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

CAS - Colours and Sketches

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! Now to bring in the New Year ;)

We have a sketch challenge for you this week over at CAS Colours and Sketches

You may rotate, flip and substitute a shape if needed but you MUST incorporate a stamp and keep it CAS!

Here is my DT card -

I have used Crumbcake cardstock for the base. I have used a piece of vellum for the bottom panel and then layered my pieces of DP to form the sketch. I also used my white gel pen to doodle the border.

Thanks for looking and please don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's projects xx

Time for a giveaway!!!

Are you up for some prizes?? There are prizes for everyone over at

INKSPIRATIONAL

Check it out!! -

Australian Giveaway

Prize includes:

*A $15 gift card to A Day For Daisies

*A $15 AUD gift voucher to an online store TBD

You may link up twice--once if you follow our blog and once if you've Liked us on Facebook.

European Giveaway

Prize includes:

*1 10£ gift voucher to Joanna Sheen

*1 10£ gift voucher for Papermill Direct 

*Cuttlebug embossing folder

*Woodware clear Christmas stamp

*Distress ink pad

You may link up twice--once if you follow our blog and once if you've Liked us on Facebook.

USA/Canadian Giveaway

Prize includes:

*20 sheets of 6"x6" patterned paper

*Assorted decorative chipboard letter

*2 packages paper flowers

*1 package fabric flowers

*3 bottles red velvet flocking

*Vintage seam binding

You may link up twice--once if you follow our blog and once if you've Liked us on Facebook.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? HOP OVER AND LINK UP FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THESE UBER-COOL PRIZES!!!!

Less Is More - Drinks

I have a last minute Christmas Card to share with you today.

I have used a gorgeous Bugaboo digi called JJ Christmas - Cheers especially for the challenge over at Less is More. The theme over there at the moment is "Drinks".

Now this can be interpreted any way you like. I have decided to use an alcoholic image - hic!!

I have coloured JJ with my Touch Twin Markers. The background was coloured with a marker and then I used my Copic colourless blender to create the different textures. The background paper is from my Festival of Prints stack. 

I have used Stampin' Dimensionals to mount the image onto the background paper. I then used foam squares to pop up the whole thing. 

The sentiment is from my Petite Pairs set and placed using my Stamp-a-ma-jig.

She is going to have a hangover, me thinks!!!

My awesome mum is in the kitchen making shortbread using the Stampin' Up Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps. Photos to come!!!!

Thanks for looking and wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS xxxxx

Homemade Christmas Crackers

Good morning everyone! My mum has finally arrived from Canberra to stay over Christmas! YAY!!

Of course, the first morning is spent playing with craft. We are making our own Christmas Crackers together and we would like to enter them into the challenge over at 52CC Throwdown - Crackers!!

Using two pieces of co-ordinating tissue paper we have wrapped it around 3 individual paper rolls. Once secured we tied ribbon around the ends of the middle roll to create the cracker shape.

We have used a heap of different bits and pieces from all sorts of decorations etc. to bling up our crackers :)

We will be filling them with homemade Christmas hats, jokes and small gift.

We are having so much fun and have a few more to make. 

We have also been busy making our centrepiece for our Christmas table.

And some close ups of the bits and pieces

Our Christmas Wreath Centrepiece will be entered into the following challenges -

Creative Moments Challenge #6 - Anything but a card

Decorate to Celebrate - Decorations for a Christmas Party

Thanks so much for looking from Kylie and Maree xx

CAS - Colours and Sketches #4

This week we have a colour challenge for you over at CAS - Colours and Sketches. This colour combination is just wonderful. I really enjoyed working with it.

I used a two step stamp set for this card but firstly I used my Framelit Label dies to cut a window from my cardstock. I then used my stamp-a-ma-jig with my Painted Posies set. I don't have Pool Party, so I used Marina Mist for the main stamp and then Night of Navy for the outline. I used my So Saffron marker on my Petite Pairs stamp for the sentiment. I have mounted that panel with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I have added some pearls to the centre of the flowers.

We hope you can play along this week. With such a lovely colour combination, it will be a breeze!!!

Thanks for looking xx

CASology - Star

Hi everyone! Today I have created a Birthday card using a digi called Make it Snappy - Happy Birthday from Bugaboo.

 I have coloured in the image with my Touch Twin markers and mounted it on double dimensional's to make it really pop.  I really like the black cardstock because it really makes the image come alive.

Here is my card -

You can find the challenge HERE

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATCAS #3

Here we go with our last challenge for 2012!!

Patrice is our host over at ATCAS this week and her code word is

I have created a VERY simple card but I really like how it turned out.

I have used a digital sentiment from Sparkle n Sprinkle which was perfect.

You will be able to see that most the DT have a sweet tooth!!

I have coloured the digi with my Stampin' Write markers and then covered them with glossy accents.

Hop over to the challenge because I am really excited and cannot wait to see what you all come up with!

Thanks for looking!! xx

CAS - Colours and Sketches: Challenge #3

Hi there! We have a great sketch for you to follow this week over at CAS - Colours and Sketches.

I really loved this sketch that our leader, Jacqueline, created. I really liked the whole layout and I know I will be using it again for future cards.

Here is the sketch -

The rules for this challenge are very simple. Follow the sketch as closely as you can. You may substitute shapes if you need to and you can rotate or flip the sketch if you so desire. 

Here is my card -

I used a Penny Black image and coloured her with my Touch Twin Markers. This Betsy Bluebell set is soooo cute. I have created a very CAS card but used bright colours to give it a boost. 

Check out the other samples from the DT - you will love them. Can't wait to see you all join in!

Thanks for looking xx

I also wanted to show you all my little gift boxes that I have finished. I have made 10 - one for each spot at our "feast"ive table this year. They all have a roll of Cadbury chocolates in them. Thanks again to Vicky for the awesome tutorial!!

Inspired by Vicky

I have made this box in about 5 minutes flat thanks to the amazing Vicky and her tutorial HERE

This box is just gorgeous and I am going to make them for my Christmas table this year. Mum and I are also going to make our own Bon Bon's (crackers) so I still need to work out what to put in these ones. Any ideas?

The Festival of Prints stack is just genius for this, Vicky. Great job! I have substituted the Bakers Twine for ribbon as bakers twine and I have a love/hate relationship. Today, we weren't the best of friends. I also haven't added a tag - I think I will make personalised ones for each setting at the table. 

Thanks heaps, Vicky and I'm sure everyone will love them!

Thanks for looking xx

UPDATE!! THE CADBURY CHOCOLATES IN THE ROLLS ARE PERFECT!!!

Make My Monday - White on White

On a very blowy day here in Queensland, it gives me an opportunity to get some craft in. 

I am entering a challenge today that I haven't been able to for some time now. It is a wonderful challenge over at Make My Monday. The DT have some gorgeous inspiration for you. Their challenge this week is to make a White on White Christmas card.

I have used my Holiday Frame embossing folder for the first time. I have tried to use it before but I was never very successful with it. I'm not sure why but this folder really intimidates me. I don't know why, but I always get a few little creases on the cardstock once I have popped it through the Bigshot. I have tried different thicknesses but it always seems to happen :( Any suggestions would be welcome. 

I used my Ornament Keepsake set and stamped this bauble/ornament in Whisper White and then embossed with Clear powder. The ribbon is Whisper White satin. Unfortunately my photo doesn't show the pattern too well on the embossed ornament but it looks lovely in real life. 

This would also be perfect for our current challenge over at Addicted to CAS where the code word is Bauble! I'm going to link it up as a DT contribution.

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATSM Bingo Challenge #5

We have a brand new challenge for you over at Addicted to Stamps and More! 

We know you all like Bingo so check out this week's Bingo card -

I have chosen the line

Pearls / Chalks / DSP (Designer Paper)

Here is my card -

I have stamped my Reason to Smile stamp in Chocolate Chip onto Crumb cake cardstock. Using my pearlescent chalks, I have gently gone over the flowers with yellow and brown. The sentiment is from my Petite Pairs set.

We have an amazing PAMPER PACKAGE for our Top Addict this week!

Check out this amazing prize from Lonvitalite

* 1 x Box of Coconut Milk hydrating and nourishing facial masks (5 per box)

* 1 x Box of Collagen firming & moisturising facial masks (5 per box)

1 x pair of crystal moisturising hand mask - for those busy hands that need attention ;)

Total value - $84 - WOW!!!!

Now, head over and check out the wonderful inspiration from the DT!!

Thanks for looking xx

CAS - Colours and Sketches #2

Hi everyone, it's a brand new week for a challenge over at CAS - Colour and Sketches.

This week Jacqueline has given us a colour challenge which is 

Don't worry if you don't use Stampin' Up! Colours - just use colours that are the closet you can get!

Here is my DT card -

Yep! There's that glimmer paper again. Isn't it unreal?? I have used a stamp from my Jolly Bingo bits set and used a marker to ink it up then placed with my stamp-a-ma-jig.

The sentiment is from Inspired by Stamping. I really love the look of this set. Such gorgeous curls through the words. I have wrapped bakers twine and just tied it up with a simple knot. 

We can't wait to see what you come up with this week. The DT have provided you with some wonderful inspiration!! Thanks for looking xx

ATSM Make your Mark!!!

Well, I am a 'little' late with this one and I am very sorry! Over at ATSM we are back to our Make your Mark Challenge. This means you can create ANYTHING as long as you use markers. Any type of markers are fine!!

Here is my card -

I have used a Santa stamp that I bought while in Hawaii last January. I have coloured him in with my Touch Twin Markers and mounted him on a panel embossed with my Lattice folder. I LOVE this glimmer paper that I have been using lately. Such a great sparkle!! I have also used cherry cobbler bakers twine and a red button to finish off.

Check out the DT and the awesome prize we have up for grabs thanks to

I would also like to enter this as my second card over at Inspired by Stamping

Thanks for looking xx

ATCAS #2 - Bauble

We are up to our second challenge over at ATCAS! This week we have a code word chosen by our very own Marie!

What a terrific code word - what does it mean to you and how CAS can you be?

Here is my card -

I have used Crumb cake cardstock for the base and the panel. The popped up panel has been put through my bigshot with a circle die to create the window. I have used my Holiday Ornaments stamped in Real Red and then finished off with a bow. Very, very CAS and I was happy with the end result.

Pop over and see what the other DT have come up with and I can't wait to see your entries!!

We also have Joanna from Inspired by Stamping as our sponsor again this week.
Up for grabs is a $20 gift voucher from her store

.

Thanks for looking xx

Glittery Christmas Card

Wow! It is HOT HOT HOT here at the moment. Scorching, actually! Nothing more to do than the obligatory housework and then sit in front of a fan and make some cards! I can't wait until the air-con is installed. With 70-80% humidity it is nearly unbearable at times :(

Anyway, enough of my moaning. 

I have made a card today with some red glitter paper that I bought a few weeks ago but hadn't used. It is just so beautiful that I don't think it will last long now that I have unwrapped it! I have kept my card fairly clean and simple so as not to detract from the paper. I have also used some new DP from a pad that I have lost the cover to (already).

The sentiment is from Inspired by Stamping.

I am entering this card into the following challenges

Inspired by Stamping - Inspiration photo

Use Red, White and Green

For Fun Challenges - Christmas with Sparkle

Crafty Sentiments - Use Red, White and Green

Thanks for looking xx

CAS - Colours and Sketches Challenge #1

I am very excited to say that I am now part of the Design Team at a brand new challenge blog!

It is a CAS inspired challenge that incorporates sketches and colours. Our lovely leader, Jacqueline, has come up with an awesome combination to kick it all off!

For this challenge you need to follow the colour chart AND the sketch provided. If you don't have the exact colours (like me), that's OK. Just use the closest shades you have!

PLUS - You must use stamps on your card!

Here is my card -

I have substituted Cherry Cobbler for Real Red. I have used a Hero Arts stamp and die set and created the 3D elements. I have popped the squares up on dimensionals (not so noticeable) and used the matching sentiments from my Petite Pairs set.

Hop over and check out this brand new blog and what the DT have created! You are going to love it and we can't wait to see what you come up with.

I would also like to enter this into the challenge at

Technique Tuesdays  3D Punch Elements (love this!!!)
Flutter By Wednesday #216 - Punch it