ATSM #57 - Make your Mark

Hi everyone! Back again as today is the start of another challenge over at Addicted to Stamps and More!

We have one of your favourite challenges this week - Make your Mark.

You must use Markers, Pencils, Chalks, Crayons etc on your project.

I had to whip up something for my step-sister to congratulate her on the birth of her baby boy. I had made something ages ago but left it back in Queensland. I will be seeing her and the new baby (who is less than a week old) tomorrow.

The last few challenges of Make your Mark, I had used my SU markers directly onto my stamps. This time I really wanted to 'colour in' (who doesn't?) and keep practicing with my Spectrums. 

I found a really cute digi from Meljen Designs. Hope you like!

Here is my DT card (which is a little blurry, sorry) -

This little critter is simply called "Little Baby Dragon".

I decided to go with a few spots for added texture but not too many as he is just a baby!

Here are the colours I used from the Spectrum Noir range -

Dragon - CG2, DG1, DG2, DG3, DG4

GB8, GB9, GB10, EB3

Hearts and Swirls - TB1, TB2

I have no idea if the dots are 'right' but I didn't mind the end result which looks a bit nicer IRL. 

The papers are from SU and the sentiments is from the 'Express Yourself' set (SU).

Mum wanted to make something for this challenge too! Here is her card -

Mum saw me colouring with my Spectrum Noirs and asked if she could 'have a go'. Hasn't she done SO well on these roses for someone who has never used alcohol markers before? Onya Mum!!

Mum used two stamps from the Elegant Flowers set by Inspired by Stamping. She used some DP in her stash to create a strip of pretty paper to offset the flowers. Some stickles added to the roses for sparkle and a little bow to finish it off. Isn't she clever! LOVE my mum!

We have a fabulous prize thanks to the wonderful Flo Flo this week. Check out these gorgeous sheets from Nicecrane Designs!

I'm going to have to go and buy these because they are so adorable! 

Well, that's it for me. You really should go check out the challenge blog and the rest of the amazing inspiration from the DT. 

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

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

ATSM CAS

Hi everyone! I know I haven't been around with my usual daily posts but things have been a little hectic. Not bad hectic but good hectic, make sense?

I have some bad news where my phone died on me. My phone is seriously my siamese twin and don't I feel a little lost without it! I have another coming but it will be another week or so before it arrives. Hopefully the tablet (the electronic kind, not the swallowing kind) I have ordered will arrive tomorrow and take away some of the pain....

ANYHOOOOO....

Onto the current challenge that starts RIGHT NOW over at Addicted to Stamps.

It's CAS week and here is my DT card -

 

I'm really annoyed with my photography lately but this will have to do for today.

Very, very basic. 

Whisper White cardstock, DSP, a sentiment and some gems. Voila. How easy is that?

Too easy if you ask me!

Our sponsor this week is -

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I have decided that with each post I am going to tell you a little bit of fact/trivia from where I come from. We all get to know each other in blog land but sometimes there are just things that you wouldn't even think to ask so I am hoping we can have a little fun with this.

KYLIE'S AUSTRALIAN FACTS ROUND #1

Australia is the world's largest inhabited island and the smallest continent 

The Great Barrier Reef is the longest coral reef in the world, extending over 2,012.5 kilometres. 

The Australian coastline totals 36,735 kilometres. 

Australia is the largest continent occupied by one nation and is the least populated. 

So, there you go! You may have known all of these little tidbits of information or maybe you have learnt something new about where I come from.

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATSM Challenge #48

Goodmorning! 

Over at ATSM we have a colour challenge for you this week.

You don't have to use these exact colours - just the closest that you have.

Here is my DT card -

I have so many mixed emotions about this card. My conclusion is - I don't like it lol

Anyway, this is how I made it.

I used a memory box die that I hadn't used before for the trees and grass. This was cut onto striped DSP. The clouds are a memory box die and popped up on dimensionals.

I created the sun out of a circle die and a pennant die. I saw this technique by someone else in blog land and now I can't find it again! If it was you, please tell me so I can give you the credit!!

We have a wonderful sponsor for you this week -

http://disdigidownloads.blogspot.com.au/

Prize $10 voucher

I can't wait to see you over at ATSM this week to see what you come up with!

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATSM Challenge #45 Photo Inspiration

Hi!!

We have a wonderful photo inspiration for you to try this week over at ATSM

Here it is -

I love this photo and there were so many ways that I could have interpreted it. I decided to take the wood, colours and flowers as my inspiration.

Here is my DT card -

I used Crumb cake cardstock and embossed a panel with my woodgrain folder (Tim Holtz). The yellow cardstock was scrap so I have no idea where it came from! I stamped two daisies from my Mixed Bunch set (SU). I then used my Blossom Punch (SU) to punch them out but then fussy cut around them. I popped on an Antique Brad (SU) through each flower and used Glossy Accents to adhere them to the panel. I also used my scoring stylus to shape them a little.

I used my Hearts a Flutter Framelits (SU) to cut out a banner and stamped a sentiment from my Petite Pairs set (SU). 

I really like this colour combination :)

We have a great sponsor for you this week. We are joined again by

who is offering 2 x sheets of digis (8 images in total) to our Top Addict.

I hope you will join us over at ATSM - Check out the inspiration from our DT - you wont be disappointed.

I would like to add my card into these wonderful challenges -

JAI#165 - Just Add...Woodgrain

and

Thanks so much for looking xx

Are you a CAS Addict? I am!!

Hi there everyone! I hope you are well.

I have a 'cute' but CAS DT card to share for you today. CAS because that is the challenge going on right now over at Addicted to Stamps and More!

Here is my card -

This card has been especially made for a very good friend of mine. Her daughter had a baby boy on Monday so this is the card I am going to send.

This baby pram is soooo easy to create. Here is how I did it -

For the base of the pram - use a circle die and chop it in half. I have embossed it with my Swiss Dots folder.

For the top of the pram, I have used a scallop circle die and then only used a quarter of it by chopping it up too. I then scored from the center outwards and folded it all up. I used glossy accents to adhere it to another slightly smaller quarter circle. I then taped the base and the top together on the wrong side of the card stock.

The wheels are simply smaller circles. I have popped the 'hub caps' up on dimensionals and then just used a marker to roughly draw the spokes. 

A little bit of lace finished it off!

Then I adhered it to a panel with double sided tape and popped that up on dimensionals too.

The sentiment is from my Friendly Phrases set.

I hope you can join us over at ATSM and show off your CAS creations. We have a wonderful sponsor again this week -

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATSM Challenge #43 - Addicted to Colours

Hi there and welcome to my blog.

I have a DT card to share with you today that has been created using the colour inspiration for our current challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More.

For reference, we have used Stampin' Up colours but you can use whatever you have in your stash. You also may use any neutrals that you like!

Here is my DT card -

This card is a little different for me but I was inspired to buy this brick wall embossing folder when I saw it on Loll's blog. I don't have a lot of ink pads so I used my Sahara Sand marker to colour one side of the embossing folder to give it that extra brick look. 

The base card, embossed panel and window (die) have all been created by using my Natural White cardstock. I have used lace for curtains. The flowers were created by stamping and punching out heaps of flowers from my Itty Bitty set. The sentiment is from my Petite Pairs set. 

The only thing I don't like about this card is the Very Vanilla cardstock that I have used behind the window. Actually it's not that I used Very Vanilla but it just looks so... blah.... I wanted to create the panel to look like a blind that had been pulled down. Perhaps I needed to score it or give it some texture (aha!!). Why didn't I think of that before???

The main thing I wanted to create was the look of flowers climbing the stone wall. I hope I pulled it off. 

Anyway, we have a wonderful sponsor for you this week -

I hope you will join us this week - check out the other ladies from the DT for their amazing inspiration!!

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

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....

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

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



ATSM - Challenge #37 - Make your Mark!!

Hi there! There are some awesome things going on over at the Addicted to Stamps Challenge blog! I hope you pop over to check it all out and participate in our latest challenge.

This challenge is called 'Make your Mark' which means you can create anything you choose as long as you use markers - this means alcohol markers, watercolour markers etc.

I received a little present in the mail yesterday from my wonderful friend, Loll. We had been discussing different watercolour paper and Loll gave me some wonderful tips as I had been having trouble with mine. Loll explained some differences and then proceeded to send some of hers to me!! Thank you so much Loll, I hope I have done it justice ;) I have certainly had some fun practising.

Here is my DT card -

I have used a Penny Black stamp for this birthday card.

When using my Stampin' Write markers for watercolour, I squiggle some of the ink onto a white bread plate and then pick it up with my Aqua painter to give the image a light wash of colour.

Once dry, with the same colour I use the marker directly onto the image and use my blender pen to blend the colours. Depending on the shade I want to achieve, I will go one colour darker and keep blending.

I did a fair bit of layering for this card which is unusual for me but I actually intended to create a 'busy' card.

The flowers are from Inspired by Stamping. The butterfly are two dies from Memory Box which I have glittered up using double sided sticky paper.

Now it is your turn to show us how you use your markers. Pop on over to the challenge blog and check out the rest of the DT's beautiful projects!

This card will also be entered into the following challenges -

The Outlawz - Monday Greeting Cards - Layers
Crafty Sentiments - Flowers Galore
Creative Creations - The Letter B (Balloons, Butterfly, Blue)

Thanks so much for looking xx



CAS at ATSM

Phew! What a week we had over at ATSM! A huge amount of entries made it so very exciting and now the daunting task of choosing favourites!

 

We do have a new challenge over there right now!

 

We are Addicted to CAS this week and can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

Here is my DT card -

 

 

 

I think this is as CAS as I have ever made any card! I simply cut three different strips of paper and placed them on the card and popped a sentiment on the middle strip.

The two dotty papers are from my Frightful Sight set and the middle strip is Natural White cardstock. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches and inked with Old Olive.

 

Easy peasy!!

 

I hope to see you over at ATSM!

 

Thanks so much 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

 

 

ATSM - Vintage!

Good morning. We have a new challenge over at Addicted to Stamps and More! and the theme is

VINTAGE

We are so lucky to be sponsored this week by Inspired by Stamping. Joanna has generously provided a $20 gift voucher for our Top Addict to use at her store!

Now, Vintage, is something I don't really 'do' but that's what these challenges are all about!

Here is my DT card and you can decide :)

The hardest thing for me to do with cardmaking is layers. I am pretty much more CAS-inclined. I really enjoyed making this though - it pushed me to think of 'what else can I add to this card'?

In a nutshell - I have stamped a new stamp called Vintage Love with Versamark ink and clear embossed. The music sheet is also a new stamp and it is inked with Vintage Photo. The DP is from a pad that uses all vintage type styles.

The sentiment is from Inspired by Stamping (our sponsor) and is from the Fancy Sentiments set. The little charm is from Stampin Up. Now, the green 'flower' that you see is my first attempt at trying to make my own flower out of ribbon. This entailed using a running stitch and with the loose ends, pull the ribbon together and manipulate it into the shape you like. This one didn't 'quite' work but I couldn't bring myself not to use it for something. I have popped an antique brad in the centre. Considering I don't sew, I wasn't too unhappy with it ;)

So, that's about it! I hope it is Vintage enough for your liking and will inspire you to play along :)

Hope on over to Addicted to Stamps and More! and check out what the DT have in store for you.

ATSM - BINGO!!!

Time for our Bingo Challenge over at Addicted to Stamps and More!

There are some really cool options on this week's card! Check it out!

I have chosen the line Digi / Glitter / Paper piece for my DT card this week.

I have used a digi from our sponsor over at 

These digi sets are awesome as there is so much for so little $$. In this particular pack, you get all different digs (coloured and non-coloured), matching paper and super cool sentiments.

This one is called 'Tiny Dinos' and you can find him HERE

So, I have made this little fella quite bright with the paper piecing. I have glittered up his scales and added the googly eyes for a really fun card. He's soooo cute!

Now head on over and join in the BINGO FUN at Addicted to Stamps and More!

Thanks for looking! xx

ATSM - Sketch Challenge

I was unable to have my card ready for when the challenge went live, so this is an encouragement post for you all to get over to Addicted to Stamps and More! and be inspired by the wonderful DT.

This is the sketch we have for you this week -



Now, over the past couple of days, I have seen a couple of blog friends posting that they are participating in  Online Card Classes. I decided to have a look for myself. I thought that I might give these lessons a go.





It gives you heaps of ideas on how to use your dies.

So from my lesson, I tried the Window die card to correspond with our sketch.

This is a birthday card that I have made for my niece. I loved doing this technique. I have tried it before but this really added the dimension I was hoping to achieve previously. 

I have emobssed that back panel with a new folder called Retro Swirls. The butterflies are from Hero Arts and have their matching dies. The ribbon is Primrose Petals. The sentiment is from my Petite Pairs set.

The pink cardstock has been popped up with one layer of foam squares. On top of that, the white cardstock has been popped up with a double layer of foam squares. I must admit that it make the front of the card quite 'heavy' but I loved the look of it. I'm sure with more practice I can 'master' this technique ;)

So, how about it?? Are you ready to join in the fun?

We have a serious prize to give away thanks to Bugaboo Stamps. They are offering 7 digis for our Top Addict. What are you waiting for?? Head over to ADDICTED TO STAMPS AND MORE!



Addicted to Stamps and More - CAS!!

Well, my post is only a couple of days late!!! Whoops.

I have been so busy with organising everything since the death of my grandad, I just haven't been thinking straight. Thanks so much to everyone for their continued support. 

Now onto my DT card for our latest challenge -

I had ordered some bits and pieces from the Clearance Rack at Stampin' Up and one of those items were the bevelled window panes. I decided to use the window to highlight a butterfly stamps from Hero Arts.

I have stamped the butterfly with Poppy Parade. The back panel is embossed with my Vintage Wallpaper folder. 

Very Clean and Simple! That is exactly what we are looking for over at ATSM so please make sure you keep it CAS to be in the running for our awesome prize from the fabulous

You could be the Top Addict and receive 7 digis!!!

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