CC&S - Sketch Week

Wow, it's that time again! How are you all today?

Firstly, Happy Birthday to my step-mother Jenny! Have a great day!!

Also, tomorrow I am driving all the way from QLD to Canberra. That's a 1,200km (745 miles) road trip. It will be the first time that I have seen my son since he moved back in January. That's over 7 months! I miss him and can't wait to see him and the rest of my family.

Ready for a new sketch over at CAS - Colours and Sketches? Here it is -

And here is my DT card -

I created the background by sponging Concord Crush and Poppy Parade (SU). I then stamped the Paper Smooches sentiment over the top. I decided to use ribbon for the side which is also Poppy Parade (SU).

I popped up the front panel to give it a bit of dimension.

Now, it's your turn! I can't wait to see what you create! Check out the challenge blog for more inspiration from the DT.

Thanks so much for looking xx

Inkspirational Challenge #30

Happy Wednesday everyone! Yep another post from me today.

We have a sketch this week for you over at Inkspirational.

And here is my DT card -

These banners are a bit of a sneak peek (SU) at the Hostess sets for when the new catalogue arrives. They are called Banner Greetings. I have used different SU markers to colour directly onto the stamp and then just cut them out. The DSP is the beautiful one called Birds of a Feather (SU) which is retired. The ribbon is Whisper White satin (SU).

Our monthly sponsor is -

Thanks so much for looking xx

It's Curtain time!

Hi everyone! Happy Sunday to you all. 

I wanted to join in the first ever challenge over at Curtain Call. It's a new blog that has just started up and it all looks very exciting.

Here is the theme for this challenge -

Here is my card -

I love using red and blue for a nautical theme. Usually I would have used my Open Sea set but this time I went more for a card that would suit the younger generation.

The stamp is from Clearly Digi Stamps but it is a clear stamp set called Sails, Subs and Tugs. I have coloured it with my Spectrum Noir pens. The DSP is from SU, as is the strip of stamped washi tape (called Tape It and inked with Smoky Slate) and the sentiment is from my Itty Bitty Banners set with co-ordinating dies. 

The pennants are from Inspired by Stamping from a set called Whimsical Banners and I have used Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine (SU) behind them.

Thanks so much for looking xx

Feel Better

Hello again! Another post for me today! That's because Joanna over at Inspired by Stamping gave us a sneak peek of the upcoming July Blog Hop and the sketches we could use. I've had my card prepared for about a week now.

There are two sketches to use -

I decided to go with Sketch #2.

My step-father's mum had a fall a little while ago and had to have sugery to have her hip replaced. I wanted to create a Vintage looking card using the sketch.

Here is my card -

I have used a couple of different DP's on this card. One is from SU and the other I'm not sure about. I have stamped this rose from the Inspired by Stamping range, called Elegant Flowers, onto watercolour paper and used my SU markers and a blender pen. I have sponged around the flower with Chocolate Chip. The edges of the papers are sponged with Vintage Photo distress ink.

I have used my Sassy Salutations stamped in Chocolate Chip. 

Check out that lace! I went into Lincraft a couple of weeks ago and decided to have a look at the millions of rolls of lace that they have. This lace was so different but I really liked it. 

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATCAS #18

Woo hoo, it's Saturday which means we have a brand new challenge over at ATCAS. 

This challenge is being hosted by Shana and she has chosen this code word for you -

ooooooooo, the dreaded glitter. I LOVE glitter but I HATE that it gets everywhere. Luckily I have used a technique for my cards that didn't cause me to have glitter in my hair, eyes, on my clothes, in my food... you get the drift.

I have two DT cards for you this challenge. 

Here is my first one -

I have used one of our sponsors images. Unfortunately I am not sure what it is called... I firstly printed this image onto blender paper so I could colour in the image with my Spectrum Noir pens (who doesn't love colouring in?). I then used my Lacy Oval die to cut it out and popped it up on dimensionals. Easy peasy. I added some Diamond Stickles to the pink flowers for that sparkle I needed. Stickles are great because it's the kind of glitter that doesn't get everywhere!

Here is my next card -

These are my favourite butterfly dies. They are from Memory Box and are called Pippi and Isabella. I first adhered some double sided paper to a piece of cardstock and ran the dies through the Big Shot. 

For the base butterfly, I peeled back one side of the tape and sprinkled Martha Stewart glitter all over it. The colour I used for this was Azurite. The trick to not getting the glitter everywhere is to use a transparency sheet folder in half. I open up the sheet and then start adding the glitter to my die. I then fold the sheet back over and use my bone scorer to 'burnish' the glitter so it really sticks and there isn't any glitter falling off. It's an easy way to contain the glitter. 

The top die is a little more intricate and I wanted two colours of glitter on this one. So I peeled back the sheet just a little and added the first colour. Then I peeled it back a little more and added the second colour. I kept going like this until I had the colours alternated on the die. The glitter colours I used for this butterfly are White Gold and Blue Topaz.

I decided that Black and Blue would be great colours for a base and I have embossed my blue panel using the Square Lattice folder. 

The sentiment is from my Itty Bitty Banners set with co-ordinating dies.

Well, that's it for me! 

We have a great sponsor for you this week who is offering 4 images to our CAS Perfectionist -

So, pop on over to the challenge blog and check out the inspiration! It is GLITTER-IFIC!!

Thanks so much for looking xx

CC&S - Colour Week

Hello!! I am hoping to find you all well. 

We have a lovely colour combo for you over at CAS - Colours and Sketches this week.

We have used SU colours as a reference. If you don't have them, don't panic! Just use whatever you have in your stash that is the closest.

Here is my DT card -

I have used Chocolate Chip and Crumbcake cardstock (SU). The larger panel is Very Vanilla and has been embossed with my bubblewrap folder.

The sentiment is from the 'Feeling Sentimental' set (SU).

Check out the challenge blog for more inspiration!!!

Thanks so much for looking xx

Inkspirational Challenge #29

Howdy!!! 

Firstly I have to wish my beautiful niece, Allira, a very Happy Birthday!!!!

Are you ready for a new challenge over at Inkspirational? We have a CASE for you this week.

This card was originally made by the lovely Ellen and you can find the post HERE

Of course, I wanted to take the elements of the butterfly and flower for my card. I also loved the lace trim.

Here is my DT card -

I have incorporated some of the yellow from the colour of Ellens card. 

This DSP from SU is retired but it is sooo gorgeous. It is called Birds of a Feather.

I have used the following products from Inspired by Stamping -

*Fancy Labels 2 + co-ordinating dies (these dies are probably the best I have used as far as placing them on your cardstock. They match exactly but still give you are border. They are a dream!)

* Butterfly Wings stamp set

*Floral Love stamp set

*Lace tape

*Flower

I haven't actually photographed this very well. The label is popped up on dimensionals. I'm not really that happy with this photo but I must say that IRL, I really love this card.

I would love to see what you come up with for this challenge. Pop on over and have a look at all the amazing inspiration from the DT.

Our monthly sponsor is -

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATSM Challenge #54 - CAS

Goodmorning all! Are you well? I really do hope so.

This week we have a CAS challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More! Easy peasy for some but so hard for others. If you find that CAS challenges you, please give it a go and join in with us. 

Here is my DT card -

Look at that amazing Sunflower. It is part of a set from Loll's Card Candy which was sent to me by Loll for my birthday. They are so beautiful, thanks Loll xx

I used a honeycomb embossing folder for the first time which really makes a good impression in the paper. Now that I look at this finished card, I reckon it needed something else. A bee perhaps?

So, now you need to pop on over to the challenge blog and check out the inspiration from the rest of the DT. You will LOVE it!!

Hope to see you there.

Thanks so much for looking xx

Practice makes Perfect...

Hi everyone! I hope you are well. 

I was very excited today as I received some goodies in the mail.

I found a brand new blog that has inspired me to keep trying to use my Alcohol markers. It is specifically for the Spectrum Noir pen range. I didn't have any Spectrum pens but after a quick online shopping spree, I now own some!

The blog is Spectrum Noir and I have spent so much time checking out the tutorials that I felt that I would give it a go and enter my first challenge over there.

I actually had some crappy alcohol markers... I wont mention which ones. I have always been amazed by what people can do with colouring and blending. That's actually what sparked me to start up the Addicted to Stamps and More challenge blog. The very first challenge that we had was called 'Make your Mark' and is dedicated to using your markers. 

So, back to my story... I ordered a few sets of the markers and now realise that I just have to keep saving to purchase some more. They are actually very reasonably priced.

Here is my card that I have made using my markers for the first time -

I had a few practice runs and I have made mistakes on this one but as they say - Practice makes perfect. I had the most trouble with her skin tones. I ordered the Skin Tone set of markers but will need to order the Pale Hue set (I think) to compliment the range.

The stamp is from Penny Black called Betsy Bluebell.

Here she is uncoloured -

I even wrote down the colours as I was using them! 

Skin - FS2, FS3, FS6, TN2

Hair - TN2, TN7, TN8

Blue Balloon - TB1, TB2, TB3

Red Balloon - DR1, DR3, DR5

Pink Balloon - PP1, PP3, PP5

Dress - PL1. BP2, BP6

Grass - DG2

Now, I'm not sure if I have used the right shades together (especially for her skin and dress) but I could only make do with what I had. Once I add to my collection, I will be able to follow some of the tutorials using the colours they specify.

One thing that was a bummer is my BP2 pen is basically dry. None of the other pens had any trouble. I am going to have to contact the people I bought it from and see what to do.

The current challenge running over at Spectrum Noir that I would like to enter is 

FRIENDSHIP

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

Tuesday Throwdown - ANYTHING GOES

Created with Love - ANYTHING GOES

Make it Monday - ANYTHING GOES

Cutie Pie Challenge - Cute and Cuddly

Lexi's Creations - For a Friend

Thanks so much for looking xx

CC&S Sketch Week

Back to Thursday again!! Wow, that went quick.

We have a wonderful sketch for you to try this week over at CAS - Colours and Sketches.

I love this sketch!! It didn't take me long to figure what I was going to do, either!

Here is my DT card -

Yep, there is that Basic Black cardstock again. I love using it as a base to make all those beautiful colours just pop!

After adhering all my panels together, I popped them up on dimensionals. The DSP I have used is from SU and called Polka Dot Parade. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches. It was inked with Wisteria Wonder (SU).

I hope I have inspired you to join in. There is plenty more inspiration to be had over at CAS - Colours and Sketches from the wonderful DT team.

Thanks so much for looking xx

Inkspirational Challenge #28

Hi! I hope you are all well!!

Ready for a brand new challenge at Inkspirational? We have a photo inspiration for you this week that I know you will love.

Aren't those ladybugs just so cute?

I decided to use a sponsor image for this card which was perfect for this challenge. This card is going to be for my neice who has a birthday this month.

Here is my DT card -

This cute image is called 'Lady Bug Hello' and I have coloured it with my SU markers.

I was so excited to use a new stamp set called Itty Bitty Banners. I also purchased the co-ordinating dies (love co-ordinating dies). I am really 'into' banners right now. Can't get enough of them.

Well, I hope to see you join in the fun this week at Inkspirational.

You may take any element you like from the photo as inspiration.

Our monthly sponsor is

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

Totally Gorjuss - Anything Goes with Circles

613 Avenue Create (see table below. I have chosen Column 1 with Image/Patterned Paper/Sentiment)

Thanks so much for looking xx

Happy Engagement

Hi there! It has been raining since the early hours of this morning so I decided to put together a card for the new challenge over at House of Cards. 

They have a monthly colour palette for you and then each week showcases a different styles of card making using the colours they provide. This week they are asking us to create CAS cards.

I decided to go with two shades of blue and the red.

Here is my card -

Using the colours I had in mind, I decided it would make for a fresh and modern engagement card for my godson. He is only 19 and has decided that he and the love of his life are to be married. She said yes, of course!! He is such a wonderful young man and has been through a lot in his short life. At the age of 12, he lost his dad (my best friend) in a motorcycle accident. He has 3 younger brothers and sisters. My godson really had to step up in the family and his mother is so proud of him, as am I. I wish him all the happiness that he deserves.

For this card, I have used the Polka Dot Parade (Real Red sheet) from SU. The stamps I have used are from my new Love and Laughter set that has never been inked (SU). I have fussy cut the hearts and popped them up on dimensionals.

I embossed only some of the base card with my Retro Swirls folder.

'

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

Our Daily Bread Designs - Love, Wedding or Anniversary 

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Old, New, Borrowed or Blue (I have used new stamps, blue paper and old ribbon from my stash)

Make it Monday - ANYTHING GOES

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATSM - Addicted to Colours

Hi! Happy Wednesday everyone. This means that there is a brand new challenge starting right now over at 

ADDICTED TO STAMPS AND MORE

We have a colour challenge for you this week -

We have used Stampin' Up colours as a reference. Just use whatever you have in your stash that is closest. 

Here is my DT card -

I have used the new Simply Sketched stamp set. Using my markers, I have coloured directly onto the stamp. I have fussy cut out the leaves and have only adhered the bottom to the card. That way the leaves were 'off' the card. 

The bottom of the Wild Wasabi panel was embossed with one of the Textured Impression folders. The white panel has been popped up on dimensionals. 

These colours are perfect for all sorts of cards/projects.

I hope you can play along this week. The DT have offered amazing inspiration for you. We also have a wonderful sponsor -

Pop on over to the challenge blog and check it all out.

Thanks so much for looking xx

WHW #18 - Creating Frames

Good morning everyone. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. 

I'm still recovering from the birthday celebrations. I seem to have a headache for no reason... that's what they all say, lol.

Anyway, I wanted to create something for the latest Woo Hoo Wednesday over at Inspired by Stamping. Joanna has put together a tutorial for us on how to use her Nestie dies to create a label. I have done this once before but I am so glad to use this technique again.

Here is my card -

The DSP's are from SU. 

I have used the Birthday Greetings stamp set, Victorian Lace, Fancy Labels 2 and flower from Inspired by Stamping. I have created my label using the 2nd and 3rd dies from the pack. 

The rhinestones are from SU.

I also used another technique that was showcased on IBS where you thread your ribbon through the lace. It gives it such a lovely look.

Thank so much for looking xx

ATCAS #17

A lateish post for me. I was too busy enjoying my birthday that I forgot to schedule my post, whoops!! Thanks to all you lovely ladies who have sent me cards. They were all amazing!!!

We have a new challenge just begun over at Addicted to CAS. Our wonderful host for this challenge is Loll and she has chosen this code word for you -

This is a great code word that has endless possibilities!!

I wanted to create a birthday card for my 4 year old nephew who celebrated his birthday the day before mine.

Here is my DT card -



This stamp is from a set that I had purchased from our sponsor. It is called Sails, Subs and Tugs.

I have used chalks to colour in the image. I thought he would like a bright orange based card instead of boring old white :)

Our wonderful sponsor this fortnight is





and they are offering a $15 gift voucher to their store!!

Pop on over to the challenge blog and check out the amazing inspiration from the DT.

Thanks so much for looking xx

JAI #172 & CASE this Sketch #35

Hi there everyone and happy Friday!

I am so happy that I have been able to make a card that is not related to my DT duties. It is just so nice to grab inspiration from other blogs and create something in your own time.

I have some great friends coming up my way tomorrow to take me out for my birthday. I am really, really excited. Living in a remote area can cause a bit of cabin fever at times but that's why I craft! It is my own little happy place. We are off to see a movie and then dinner. Cannot wait!!!!!

One of my friends has just become a first time Aunty. I know! Another baby!!! So, I decided to use inspiration from two challenge blogs to make her a card.

I have used the photo inspiration over at Just Add Ink which is the front of the new Stampin Up catalogue.

I then combined this with the sketch at CASE this Sketch

Here is my card -

Excuse the poor photography. I don't usually take my photos at night.

These new stamps of mine have been giving me their money worth! I love them so much.

I mainly drew inspiration from the colours in the photo that JAI provided. I embossed the small panel with my Lattice folder which was inspiration taken from the wood frame the girl is holding.

I have used my Banner Greetings (SU), Itty Bitty Banners (SU) and French Foliage (SU) stamp sets.

Well, I hope my friend likes this card (I'm sure she will).  I also loved this sketch!

Thanks so much for looking xx

CC&S - Colour Week

How are we all today? Ready to get crafting?

Over at CAS - Colours and Sketches, we have a great combo of colours for you this week!

As you can see, we have used SU colours but you don't have to! Just use the closet you have in your stash.

And here is my DT card -

These stamps from the SU Patterned Occasions set are just PERFECT for CAS cards. I love them!

I'm not a coffee drinker but this stamp is adorable. This is the first time I have inked it. 

I used my Retro Swirls embossing folder on half the card and added the ribbon to help add the definition. I love these colours paired with the black cardstock. 

Now, it's over to YOU! What will you come up with this week? Check out the challenge blog for more inspiration from the DT.

Thanks so much for looking xx

Inkspirational Challenge #27

Hi everyone! Are you ready for another challenge at Inkspirational?? I am!! 

We have a colour challenge for you this week -

Beautiful colours!!! I went and grabbed one of my favouite stamp sets for this one.

Here is my DT card -

Yep, the Apothecary set from SU. I stamped the image and coloured it with SU markers. I stamped the image a second time so I could stamp the sentiment (using my stamp-a-ma-jig) and then cut it out so I could pop it up. The DSP is from the Flirtatious set. LOVE the colours together!

Now it is your turn to head on over to Inkspirational to show us what you come up with!!

Our new monthly sponsor for July is

Thanks so much for looking xx