Lest we Forget

Hi everyone, how are you?

We have a brand new sketch challenge for you at CAS - Colours and Sketches. As soon as I saw this sketch I knew exactly what I wanted to do. But first, a little about today in Australia.

Today is ANZAC day. Anzac stands for Australia & New Zealand Army Corps.

Originally, on the 25th April every year we honoured the men and woman who fought at Gallipoli during World War I.

 These days we commemorate ALL those who have served and died in military operations for their country. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

Anzac Day is a national public holiday and is considered by many Australians to be one of the most solemn days of the year. Marches by veterans from all past wars, as well as current serving members of the Australian Defence Force and Reserves, with allied veterans as well as the Australian Defence Force Cadets and Australian Air League and supported by members of Scouts Australia, Guides Australia, and other uniformed service groups, are held in cities and towns nationwide. The Anzac Day March from each state capital is televised live with commentary. These events are generally followed by social gatherings of veterans, hosted either in a public house or in an RSL club, often including a traditional Australian gambling game called two-up, which was an extremely popular pastime with ANZAC soldiers. The importance of this tradition is demonstrated by the fact that though most Australian states have laws forbidding gambling outside of designated licensed venues, on Anzac Day it is legal to play "two-up".

Here is the sketch that we have for you to follow -

To me, this was the perfect sketch for a card that I had in mind for a very good friend of mine who recently lost her nephew who was serving Australia in Afghanistan. It is such a sad time. His wife gave birth to their first child not long after his death. 

So, here is my card that I have made -

(Note: For our challenge at CAS - Colours and Sketches you must use a stamp on your card. After I have done everything, I realised that I haven't! I hope Jacqueline will forgive me this time. This card does mean quite a lot to me so I hope you will all forgive me too)

Everywhere you go, there are stalls where you can buy commemorative pins, poppies etc. I found this pin that is especially for the diggers (our soldiers) who either fought or died in Afghanistan.

I made my own poppy using my ornament punch (just snipped off the top), crushed up the paper and secured everything with a brad. I decided to add the commemorative pin to the front of the card.

I would also like to add the Ode of Rememberance -

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

LEST WE FORGET

Thanks so much for looking xx

A bit of Birthday Banter

Hi there and happy Wednesday.

I have made a quick clean and simple card tonight that I would like to share with you.

The inspiration for my card came from the following challenges -

Cuttlebug Mania - Purple & Green

Cutie Pie Challenge - Clean and Simple

Celebrate the Occasion - Clean and Simple

And here is my card using the retired Birthday Banter set from Stampin' Up -

Now, doesn't Mrs Frog look a tad (no pun intended) upset? I need to give her a name I think. Perhaps she didn't appreciate the purple stickles that I put on her eyelids?

I have used spellbinder dies to cut my panels. 

I think the frog and sentiment should give you a giggle :)

Thanks so much for looking xx

Baby Quilt for ATSM Challenge #42 - Make your Mark

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is having a lovely day.

Today I am going to share with you a little baby card that I have made PLUS a little extra something that is a newish hobby of mine.

Firstly, the challenge over at ATSM this week is to 'Make your Mark'

This means you can create ANYTHING, you just have to use your markers on your project one way or another.

Here is my DT card -

I have used my Natural White cardstock for a base and then cut little 3 x 3 inch squares onto another base that I had prepared. Once I had arranged them how I like them, I took that panel to the sewing machine and stitched along the joins of my squares. 

The sentiment is an old retired SU one from a set called For a Friend. I think it is still a lovely and relevant set. And this is where my markers came into play. I used 4 different markers directly onto the stamp so I could achieve all the colours.

Obviously I was going for a quilt look - and here is why.

My sister is due to have her third baby in June (and yes, it's a girl!!). So, I am to become an Aunty for the 10th time!! I tried my hand at making a quilt a couple of years ago but failed miserably and everything has been sitting in a huge bag for all this time. I got some advice from my neighbour who quilts, and I realised that I just didn't have the right tools. Now, I am set! So, I dug everything out and finished off my little lap quilt. Then in my divine wisdom, I decided I would try and make a quilt for the new baby. The thing that was most appealing about this is that it would be SMALL lol. 

Anyway, I gave it a go, made some mistakes and it is certainly far from perfect. Here it is -

So, I have now rolled up the quilt, tied it with a pretty ribbon and made a matching card. Now I just can't wait for the baby to come along!! 

 Now, I would love to see you over at Addicted to Stamps and More. I can't wait to see what you create. We also have a wonderful prize from our sponsor up for grabs. Check out the blog for details.

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

My time to Craft - Stitches
Sugar Creek Hollow - Baby Face

Cupcake Inspirations - Photo

Thanks so much for looking xx

Inkspirational Challenge #16 - CASE

Hi there! This is my End of Week Encouragement post to inspire to join in the current challenge over at Inkspirational!

We have a CASE for you to play with today -

Isn't just gorgeous!!

Now here is my DT card -

I have flipped the CASE inspiration.

Created with Very Vanilla and Crumb cake cardstock, this card is for the man in your life.

I have embossed the bottom panel with my Lattice folder. I have used stamps from the Open Sea set to create the smaller background panel. Then I have used the anchor for the focal point. I have used hemp twine in an attempt to tie a rope that would make any sailor proud lol.

Hopefully you will join in on the fun over at Inkspirational as we have a wonderful sponsor for the month of April - Rubber Stamp Tapestry

Thanks so much for looking xx



ATSM ANYTHING GOES!

Hi everyone, I am so happy to see you all.

We have a new challenge starting today over at Addicted to Stamps and More! 

ANYTHING GOES!!!

That's right, you can create anything you like - the sky is the limit.

My DT card is something new for me but I've always loved them when I have seen them around blog land. 

A few years back I was heavily involved as a volunteer for a local Rugby League club. We had a player with us for the first year who was all the way from the UK. I believe he plays for the Sheffield Eagles (Dom Brambini) and some of my UK friends who follow the sport may have heard of him.

Anyway, he and his lovely girlfriend have been back in the UK for a while now, so I made this card for them to celebrate the birth of their little girl.

Here is my card -

There are even different names for these around the globe - we call them 'Rompers' here in Australia. They were also referred to as 'Onesies'. I'm sure there are others?

I found a template on the internet (which I am yet to draw up to keep in my book of templates) and used Natural White cardstock as the base. Once I had attached the edging (made from scallop circle dies), I ran the whole thing through my Retro Swirls embossing folder.

It made for such a perfect new baby card that I will try and make more and would love to start making alterations with different coloured paper etc.

Anyway! I hope that you join us over at ATSM for our Anything Goes Challenge. There is a wonderful prize up for grabs from

We also are into our last week for the DT call so if you would like to join the team, check out the requirements on the challenge blog.

Thanks so much for looking xx

PS - For those of you who may be interested...

I have just received my computer back (which died) from being upgraded. New whiz bang RAM, motherboard etc. One thing I decided to do was to go with a new operating system. I'm not usually into 'bagging' a company (well not online anyway lol) but I was pretty much over Windows and the issues I always seem to have with it. So, instead of getting Windows I decided to get the technician to install Linux (Linux Mint actually). WOW! I am impressed. It is FREE and yes, hasn't been worked on by the likes of the Microsoft crew but it has virtually all the features that Windows has. It's interface even looks like Windows. No more internet explorer - whoop whoop. It runs well, is user friendly and already does not have all the complications that Windows has. Do you know, I do not even need a virus protector!!

I guess what I am trying to say is that most of us believe that we have to use Windows to operate our computers. Well, we don't and I am glad I am off the Microsoft roundabout. Of course, there may be some programs that rely on Microsoft (Office etc) but there are office programs already installed that are perfect. I, for one, am willing to give it a go. Food for thought....

My 1st Anniversary blogging!

Well, I am a little excited because I realised last night that I have just celebrated a full year blogging.

So, Happy Anniversary to me!! LOL. Has anyone else had their anniversary and then go back to your first few posts and check out what you made? I did, and..... let's move on.

I have made a card for a couple of challenges. Firstly I drew inspiraiton from the awesome sketch over at CAS(E) this Sketch. When I looked at the sketch, I decided that I wanted to try a technique that Mynnette had made her very first video for - Bubble Wrap Stamping

Here is my card -

I have rotated the sketch - 90 degrees to the right

The colours have been inspired by - The Play Date Cafe

and the Bubble Wrap makes a cool circle design so I will also be entering over at Paper Creator's for their All About Spots challenge.

The colours I have used are Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush and Poppy Parade. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches.

Thanks so much for looking! xx



You're Special

Hi everyone! I hope you are all well.

I have been able to make a card today for three challenges that I love to play along with but never seem to have the time. Well, I MADE time today!! Yay.

The colours are inspired by the challenge at

Less is More - Lime and Black

The butterfly is for the challenge over at Flutterby Wednesdays.

Last, but not least, the challenge over at CAS-ual Fridays is to use glitter.

Here is my card -

I have used Certainly Celery and Basic Black ink for sponging on a white panel of cardstock. The butterfly is two die cuts from Memory Box which I cut onto a double sided sticky sheet. I used black glitter on the bottom piece and a light green glitter on the top. The colours aren't the best in the photo but they look rather nice IRL.

The sentiment is from Paper Smooches and inked with Basic Black.

Thanks so much for looking xx



CC&S - Sketch week

Hi everyone! We have a wonderful, clean and simple sketch for you to try over at CAS - Colours and Sketches.

Here is my DT card -

I have simply inked my Delicate Doilies and Mixed Bunch sets with Wisteria Wonder and stamped all over a square piece of Whisper White cardstock. Then I cut that piece into three sections and used Basic Black cardstock as a base. The sentiment is from my Petite Pairs set and inked with Concord Crush then die cut with a circle die and place in the middle. Very simple!!

I hope that you join us over at CAS - Colours and Sketches



Inkspirational Photo Challenge #15

Hi there everyone! Yep another post for me today but this one is for the new challenge happening over at Inkspirational.

We have a photo for you this week -

And here is my DT card -

I taken inspiration from the pink colours and the flowers.

I have inked my flowers in Pretty in Pink, which are from my Elements of Style set, and stamped straight onto my Whisper White panel. I have added the sentiment which is from my Birthday Greetings set from Inspired by Stamping. The ribbon is also from Inspired by Stamping and I have added an Antique Brad to finish off the bow.

Hop on over to the Inkspirational Challenge blog and check out the rest of the DT's creations. Plus, we have a sponsor for the month of April which is -

Rubber Stamp Tapestry


They have a $15 voucher to give away!

Thanks so much for looking xx



ATSM Challenge #40 - Photo Inspiration

Hi there!! How are we all today?

We have a new, exciting challenge over at ATSM and it's a photo inspiration!

The thing I love about Photo Inspiration's is that you can really take inspiration from ANY element of the photo and make it your own.

For me, it was the whole 'tropical' feel about this photo.

Here is my DT card -

I have used an image from Meljen Designs called Beach Sandals.

Here in Australia we call them......... wait for it................ thongs......

Now while you all are laughing, I will explain my card ;)

I have paper pieced the thongs with paper that I got from a scrapbook kit while on a cruise in Hawaii. Can't get more tropical than that!! The paper also has cocktail glasses throughout. I have added a big blob of Glossy Accents on the middle flowers on top of the thongs. I have also paper pieced the little flowers around the thongs.

Then I made a mask of the thongs so I could sponge my tropical island sunset. I have used Daffodil Delight, Rose Red and Pumpkin Pie.

The sentiment is also from Meljen Designs and I have just gone over the text with Stampin Write markers and then coloured in the shells.

Now, I hope I have said the word 'thongs' enough.... ;)

We have the wonderful Heather Ellis back again with us as a sponsor this week -

Now it is your turn to interpret the photo inspiration so pop on over to the challenge blog to see what the other ladies have come up with.

We also have a DT call going at the moment, so if you feel like having the chance to join the best DT going around, check out what you need to do over at the challenge.

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATCAS #10 - Friend

Hello!! How are you? I hope you are having a great start to your weekend.

Over at Addicted to CAS we have a brand new challenge for you. This challenge is hosted by Natasha who has chosen this code word for you -

I was helped with my card by using the sketch over at Keep it Simple and I was also inspired by the challenge over at CAS-ual Fridays.

Here is my DT card for ATCAS -

I really struggled to get a nice photo of this. Must be because it is overcast today (not because of my skills).

The cardstock is actually Very Vanilla but it really doesn't look it, does it? This is the sketch that I followed over at Keep it Simple -

and the challenge at CAS-ual Fridays is

I was also going to enter this in the challenge at Less is More (Scallops) but I was too late. My scallop is my interpretation of a flower. I have inked around my Crumbcake cardstock with Whisper White ink.

The chevron paper is from my Festival of Prints stack. My sentiment is from my Friendly Phrases set (how appropriate for our 'Friend' challenge).

Well, I hope to see you over at the challenge blog because we are sponsored by

Thanks so much for looking xx

CC&S - Colour Challenge

Hi there and welcome!

Today I have my DT card to share with you for the latest challenge over at CAS - Colours and Sketches.

We have a colour challenge for you to play along with this week -

We have used Stampin' Up colours to inspire you, but all you have to do is use the colours you have in your stash that are the closest to ours. For example, I don't have Raspberry Ripple in my collection so I substituted it for Rich Razzleberry.

Here is my DT card -

I've just realised this is a little blurry, sorry.

I decided that I wanted to create another card using my Partial Die Cutting technique that I first learnt when I subscribed to Online Card Classes.

If you are interested in how to create this card, I have a tutorial that includes a link for you to add your creations so we can all see them. Check it out by clicking the link below - it really is sooo easy!

Partial Die Cutting Tutorial

So, using this technique, I tried a few different dies and stamps but I just wasn't happy with the end result. I need to keep working on it. I ended up going back to my 'old faithful' Hero Arts butterfly stamps and matching dies. Using the colours as inspiration, I have simply coloured the butterflies and then outlined them with a cool grey marker.

The sentiment is from Inspired by Stamping - isn't just beautiful??

Now it is time to head on over the the challenge blog and check out what the rest of the DT have come up with for your inspiration.

Edited to add challenges I would like to enter -
As this was a scheduled post, I forgot to add some challenges that I knew I would like to join. Then, last night we had a wicked storm and I had trouble with the internet. I couldn't do it from my phone, blah blah.....

Anyhoo - I would love to add this card into the following challenges -

Make My Monday - One Layer CAS Card
OLW - Challenge 134 is to use threes (I have used three colours)
Casology - Up (I feel my butterflies are flying UP off the page)
The Outlawz - CAS - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATSM - Challenge #39

Hi everyone, we have a new challenge to share with you over at Addicted to Stamps and More!

It is a CAS challenge, so you can make anything you like as long as you keep it CAS (Clean and Simple)

and we are so please to announce a new sponsor -

Heather Ellis

Here is my DT card -

I have used one of our sponsor's images which is from the Pure Innocence range. Isn't she cute!

I have mucked this up a little with her skin colouring but hopefully you wont look too close.

I have printed the image directly onto blender paper and coloured her in with my Touch Twin Markers. The sentiment was inked with Poppy Parade and is from Paper Smooches.

This was a very easy one layer CAS card.

I hope to see you joining in over at the challenge blog!

Thanks so much for looking xx