Less is More #438 - Baby

 Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you are well! We have a fun theme for you over at Less is More starting now -

For most of you, Spring is coming but here in Australia it is Autumn. We are finally getting a little relief from the heat.

Both my cards have used Lawn Fawn goodies.

Card #1

The Critters Down Under set has adorable images including this mama kangaroo and her joey.

I created the sky using the 'Cloudy Stencil' and distress ink. I die cut the grass using the 'Grassy Border' die from green card stock and then added distress ink for more interest. I coloured the kangaroo with polychromos then die cut it out.

Card #2

This is one of my favourite sets at the moment, 'Den Sweet Den'. It's very versatile and can be combined with many other sets. For this one, I have mama bear reading to baby bear. All the images were coloured with polychromos then die cut out. I've popped them up with foam tape.

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

Card #1 - Watercooler Wednesdays (All Occasions), Creative Crafting Uncles (Wildlife), Girlz Creative Challenge (Use an Animal)

Card #2 - Crafty Catz (Die Cuts and/or Punches), Seize the Birthday (Anything Goes), Timeout Challenges (Birthday)

Thank you for popping in today - I hope you will join in at the challenge blog :)

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

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

ATSM Challenge #52 - Make your Mark

Goodmorning and happy Wednesday to you all. Wednesday means a brand new challenge over at Addicted to Stamps and More! 

We have a brand new sponsor for the month of July!

who is offering a prize of a bundle of your choice!!

And what does Make your Mark mean? It means, pretty much, that Anything Goes BUT you must use markers, pencils, crayons, chalks for example on your project. Don't forget to tell us what you have used.

Here is my DT card -

I have used a very cool set that is a sneak peek of the hostess set that will be available when the newest SU catalogue comes out. It is called Banner Greetings (the large banners in blue). I LOVE this set! I have used my markers directly onto the stamps which gives it a little of a 'washed out' look. Or even like your favourite pair of jeans would look like!!

The other banners are from my new Itty Bitty Banner set with co-ordinating dies.  I have also used a new embossing folder called Textured Impressions. This set of 3 folders are mainly for embossing the edges of your cards. They are awesome.

The DSP is retired but I like it - it's called Birds of a Feather. A little Whisper White Bakers twine to hang the banners from was the finishing touch.

I hope you will join us over at the challenge blog and show us how you Make your Mark!

Thanks so much for looking xx

PS - This card is for my step-sister who is due to have her baby boy in a few weeks. Yep!! Another baby!!! Soon, I will post some pics of all the quilts I have been making. I even made a tote bag which actually looks like a tote bag!!! ;)

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....

ATS - Bingo Challenge #2

Good morning everyone! How are you all?

I am recovering from a visit to the dentist so I am blaming that experience on the card that I have made lol. I haven't even photographed it very well, I'm sorry.

It's BINGO time at Addicted to Stamps. I know you all like playing Bingo so our next challenge should be right up your alley.

I chose the line with Flowers/Emboss/Ribbon

The funny thing was that as I was making my card, I realised I was using different elements from different lines so I had to step back and re-evaluate.

Perhaps with half my face being numb, that also contributes to anything that may be wonky on the card... So don't be toooooo critical xxx

I had decided that I would be using Flowers no matter what because I wanted to use a new stamp and punch set (Itty Bitty Bits). Stamped with Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery & Pretty in Pink (with help from my colour coach) and then punched. I have used dimensionals to give some of the little tikes a bit of a lift. Of course, I had to emboss the the Pink Panel with my Swiss Dots folder. The ribbon is Whisper White Satin and Blushing Bride Pleated.

Thanks for looking and head over to

ADDICTED TO STAMPS CHALLENGE BLOG

and have a look at the DT's cards. They are amazing and will inspire you to run to your craft room. We love to see you all join in!!

ATS - 'Bingo Addict' Challenge #1

Phew, our first week's challenge is done and dusted. Doesn't time fly when you are crafting and having fun?? I was overwhelmed with the magnificent entries that we had at Addicted to Stamps for our first challenge 'Make your Mark'. What inspirational creations there were - it was a feast for our eyes!

Our next challenge at Addicted to Stamps is

'Bingo Addict' Challenge #1.

You can find the challenge HERE

Now, who doesn't love Bingo (or at least secretly)?? The aim of this challenge is to use the Bingo card provided as inspiration.

I chose - Stamp/Emboss/Blue. I pretty much had a card for a new baby in mind. The sentiment from Stampin' Up's Whimsical Words says it all - 'Small Wonder' - how true that is.

Here is my card -

Thanks for looking and I hope you join us at ADDICTED TO STAMPS!!