Swords with Scissors

Keeping it Simple

2012-01-30T16:31:00.000Z

Get on over to Mojo Monday. Sketch no 226 is a real keeper. I had my square card made so quickly that I now want to try a round version (or maybe make a round topper to have for another card).

My card doesn't have a sentiment and please believe me that 'in person' it doesn't need one. It is one for my stash to send a 'thinking of you' message inside. The brown glitter really sparkles - even thought it looks so dull in the photo.

I have had this little birdie image stamped and glittered for years and sitting in front of me for inspiration with two of his brothers with turquoise and brown dots. I will have to search for the stamp set again and do a repeat. I am not usually a 'pastels' fan but I will hold on to this card for as long as possible - yum!

Card Recipe:

Scalloped card blank from stash
Designer paper on top is from a Forever Friends Black & Gold stack
Beige & white swirls paper was purchased at a pick 'n' mix paper stand at a craft fair
Bird stamp I have since 2008 - picked up in Walmart possibly - not 100 percent on that one
Ribbon from stash

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

2012-01-30T16:06:00.000Z

Another of my favourite challenges I love to browse for inspiration, and I love Kath Stewart's work especially (her blog is one of the first I discovered on the 'net'). And again, it's another challenge I don't usually enter even with all the PB stamps I now own - shame on me!!!

For challenge no 186 the theme is floral frenzy - how wonderful. I kept my card fairly simple, a square patch of floral patterned paper and the hedgie is holding a bunch of flowers which I Glossy Accented. To finish off I cut the edges of the striped card with decorative scissors, added a trim punched with a Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch and the branch was cut with my Cricut (Christmas pressie from hubby)

Check out the other Design Team member's samples - they are simply wonderful. Ideal to kick-start lazy mojos!!!

Card Recipe:

Scalloped card blank from stash
Designer paper & striped paper also from stash
PB Hedgie is from one of the Transparent sets
Image coloured with Promarkers

It's Pretty Pink

2012-01-30T15:33:00.001Z

I had the most fun stamping by the fire on Saturday evening. My go-to challenge after work on Saturday is the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge even though I don't enter it. I have no excuse because I now have a few of Claire's stamp sets to my name.

I am always so impressed by the DT's samples each week and this week was no different. I chose to follow in the steps of Kelly Schirmer and create my own designer paper using tiny Waltzingmouse stamps.

I just 'went' for it. I started by distressing the edge of a white square of card with Aged Mahogany Distress Ink. I was a bit heavy-handed first time around so I flipped the card blank over and this was my 'barely distressed' effort. Wow Aged Mahogany hardly needs to touch the card to colour it - this was the effect I got around the edge with a very dry sponge!

I used a tiny 'berry' 'dot' from the WM Festive Foliage set - first time this little 'dot' was inked. I used a strong pink from a Color Box Chalk ink stack stamped it with the fresh coat of ink and stamped it again before i re-inked it the next time around. (If I had time I would have loved to have added Glossy Accents to the 'polka dots' not covered by the topper for an extra effect. Instead I went on to make some more designer sheets in different colourways.) The next tiny stamp I used was the one you see stamped in black - from the WM You're Lovely set. And lastly, the tiny trio of stars that I used is from the WM Christmas Cottage set.

To finish off I kinda followed the sketch with a top scalloped border cut with a Martha Stewart Punch, tied some chiffon ribbon round the top and added a topper stamped from the WM You're Lovely set again. Sentiment to be added later - this card is for my crafty stash.

Card Recipe:

Scalloped square card base from stash
Background card created using Distress Ink and WM stamps
Ribbon from Meiflower

Refreshing Colours ....

2012-01-30T14:04:00.000Z

....for a Spring-like challenge at There She Goes challenge blog. They have provided a fab photo as inspiration using 'put you in a good mood colours' in my opinion. Here is my card:

And to give my card more than one outing in a challenge today I am also entering it into 'A Passion for Papertrey' - inspired by a book challenge - loosely I am basing my card on Cecelia Ahern's 'PS I Love You' book where the main female character gets pieces of mail from her dead husband beginning with a milestone birthday message???!!!!

Card Recipe:

Main image is one of the Friendship jar fillers (being used without the jar) by Papertrey Ink and coloured using only 4 Promarker shades - Antique Pink, Cocktail Pink, Grass and Pine.
I also used one of Papertrey's ric-rac border dies to cut a strip of white card stock to go across the card
The pink background I can't accredit - my apologies, my aunt was having a clear out of crafty stash and she gave me tons of loose 12 x 12 papers.
The green 'print-effect' background paper is one by Stampin' Up
Also in the picture is a music-score embossed card - made using a Cuttlebug folder

A Digi Snowman

2011-12-15T20:07:00.000Z

A very quick card to put together - very little colouring involved. I am going to make a couple more of these. Tonight I have a marathon card-making session ahead of me, eight cards being collected tomorrow all different! All for the same lady for her family and kids - whew I am yawning and it's only 8pm........!

Digital Tuesday Challenge has a 'Winter Wonderland' theme running for a few weeks so I am entering the card in that challenge. And Tiddly Inks has a White Christmas theme as their last challenge for the year - go and drool over the DT samples. Over at the ABC challenge blog their theme is 'F' for Frosty - so another place to enter the card.

Card Recipe

Backing papers are last season's collection by 'Docrafts' I think called Poinsettia???? My apologies for not being exactly clear.
Digi-stamp is by Tiddly Inks
Chiffon ribbon was purchased from Meiflower

A Busy Elf

2011-12-11T20:16:00.001Z

That's my excuse!!! I didn't drop off the face of the earth or anything. I have been working 'round the clock' making cards and because I have been so busy my craft room is a tip and I hate working in a messy room.

When the evenings have been cold I crafted by the fire at a fold up table with craft supplies piled up around me. Hubby cleaned up the kitchen for me this morning while I put my crafty supplies back in 'their room'. He also left me to finish off these four cards because I was delivering them today!

I shamelessly 'cased' a card made by Jean Martin here - it's the one on the front left-hand side of the photo. I had this set of Waltzing Mouse stamps in my stash unopened for many, many months and then I saw Jean's card and 'stole' her Mistletoe element/topper - please forgive me Jean and thank you for a kick up in the Mojo dept.

A Cute Moose Card

2011-10-05T18:12:00.001+01:00

First Holiday card for 2011 - I am determined to create a stash of Christmas cards to have ready for sale - no late nights making cards for me if we get a winter like we did last year!

I was too late to enter last week's Colour Create challenge because blogger was too slow to load for me this afternoon but not to worry the card is made and I have a couple of other challenges I can enter it into. Cute Card Thursday's challenge just finishing is 'Animal Crackers' so I am entering 'Moosey' in that challenge.

Card Recipe:

White base card from stash and the papers are all scraps from my scrap 'boxes'
The pre-coloured digi-stamp is by Sassy Cheryl
The sentiment is computer-generated
The snowflakes were punched using a Tonic punch
I dotted Diamond 'Stickles' here and there in places on the card - not clearly visible from the photo I'm afraid

Thanks for looking xxx

Don't leave it as long as I did!!

2011-09-08T21:38:00.001+01:00

Nearly two months without a blog post how very lazy of me.... I don't even have kids as an excuse not to post over the summer (what summer?) months!!! Got out of the habit and found it very difficult to get back into it. Even my craft room is feeling unloved - it is very, very messy indeed - so messy that I'm turning to the ironing instead of crafting......

Found an 'Anything Goes' challenge to get me back in the mood for card-making and blog-posting this week. It's over at the Papertake Weekly Challenge blog. Here is my card:

Card Recipe:

Backing paper is possibly a freebie, if not, it's from a CD. The sheet has been hanging around for months waiting to be used on a card - apologies to the Designer for me not being able to credit them!!
Baby with blanket is a stamp by Lili of the Valley the Hedgie Baby is from a transparent set by Penny Black
Shapes were cut using 'Nesties' and a Papertrey Ink die (banner)
Sentiments were computer-generated
And the craft card I used is by Papertrey Ink

Mojo Monday - Time for another sketch

2011-07-11T15:22:00.000+01:00

Today I am lucky enough to have a clean house (thanks hubby) so I can spend the day in my card-room. I was waiting for the Mojo sketch 199 to load up so I could get cracking.

Very easy layout so the question was how to decorate. At the moment, the collection of paper stacks I own is quite decent so the worst thing is having to choose from so many lovely papers! I had spent a day last month doing some die-cutting in order to have a stash built up - so handy when time is short. A very quick card to put together and it looks more elegant in person. Hope the lady in question likes it!

Card Recipe:

White card blank from stash
Both papers I used came from a Prima Marketing paper stack called 'Sweet Fairy'
Purple ribbon purchased from Meiflower
Dies by Spellbinders (blossom) and Papertrey Ink (dressform) and Cuttlebug (butterfly)

Gone Fishin' - Caught my Mojo

2011-07-11T00:43:00.000+01:00

Well I hadn't really lost my mojo I have been just soooo busy making invitations over the last two weeks - my poor, poor neglected blog. When I haven't been making cards for a while I always check back with the Mojo Monday sketch blog to get me back in the mood and today was no exception!! Oh yeah..... I also bought a stack of card magazines today {went to buy 1, came back with 4}.

As I was busy making invitations my orders for cards started to build up too so I am playing catch-up yesterday and today. Here is a birthday card I made for a boy using the Mojo Monday sketch no 198 flipped on it's side:

Card Recipe:

White base card from stash
Both backing papers are from the same Prima Marketing paper stack called 'Jack & Jill'
Fish and duck cut from Spellbinders Shapeabilities dies. Part of the fish was embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder
Sentiment was computer-generated

2011-07-02T00:07:00.000+01:00

Anything But a Card

2011-06-30T00:01:00.003+01:00

This is my last entry as Guest Designer for PaperPlay Challenge blog (sob, sob) but I will be entering the weekly challenges there from now on. This week's challenge is to make anything but a card - wow - thinking cap time. Don't forget to check out the other designers' work.

I don't know about you but I am always stuffing things into my diary, bills, receipts, payslips, card orders, etc, etc, you get the idea??? So, I thought I would add a pocket to the inside of my diary to keep everything organised - why didn't I think of this in January when I started to use my new diary?

This is not just any old pocket, oh no.... It was engineered using my Hougie Board (scoreboard) and a fab piece of music-themed card. It came together quite quickly once I had thought it out. White base, black mat with a part of a circle punched out , music sheet also with a part of a circle punched out of it stuck to front, assembled with double sided tape - if it falls apart it will be my own fault for not using wet glue to stick it!!!

Card (Pocket) Recipe:

3 pieces of card from stash
Scored using a Hougie scoreboard
Scrap card punched with a 'Stampin Up' sprial punch

PaperPlay Challenges - Stars and Stripes

2011-06-23T09:00:00.007+01:00

This card is so cute in person and the photo shows the card in a yellowy light (not good). Love the 'stars & stripes' theme for this week and I can't wait to see what the design team come up with. Check out the PaperPlay Challenges blog here.

Very quick card to make once I had chosen my papers. It's without a sentiment for the moment so it's going in my 'all occasions' box - until I need to use the card.

Card Recipe:

White scalloped card blank from stash
My 'stripes' are three pieces of card/paper in red white and blue. The red and blue papers are from a Prima Marketing paper stack called 'Reflections'
I die cut two white stars using Papertrey Ink dies.
The Forever Friends bear is actually a picture cut from a piece of wrapping paper.

Thanks for looking x x x

PaperPlay Challenges - At the Beach

2011-06-16T09:00:00.003+01:00

(Edited to add: I'm such a fool..... I had a little bit written about the card last night and scheduled the post for 9am this morning......and forgot to add a picture of the card!!!!!)

It's Beach weather here at the moment - but it's not due to last - boo hoo...

The card I made this week for PaperPlay Challenges' theme 'At the Beach' is aimed at adults relaxing at the beach in 'grown-up' deck-chairs. The texture of the glitter on the cards is so 'like' sand that I had to use them to make a CAS card.

I will have this card ready in my 'all occasion' stash and can add a sentiment when I need to use it: Relax, It's your Birthday, or Thinking of You, or a Retirement card - very versatile.

Card Recipe:

White card blank from stash
Both papers are from the same paper stack by First Edition Paper called 'Desert Blooms' - aptly named
Deckchair stamp is by Lockhart Stamp Co

PaperPlay Challenges - Fa\ther's Day/Man's Card

2011-06-09T09:00:00.001+01:00

First stepper card I've cut using a scoreboard and not one wrong cut or fold. I have had these digi images for a while now - strong man is by JustInklined and the tool bench is by DigiSparkle. The card is for this week's PaperPlay challenge, create a card for a man or Father's Day. Check out the fab DT samples (I'm Guest Designer for June).

Card Recipe:

White base card from stash, folded to make a side-stepper card
Backing papers are scraps from stash
Digi images by JustInklined and DigiSparkle(shop now closed for business)
Letters cut from a Tim Holtz Sizzix alpha die called 'Vintage Market'

Mojo Monday - On Ice

2011-06-06T23:52:00.001+01:00

Another fab sketch at Mojo Monday this week - Sketch # 194 and it's also a contest week because it's the first week of the month. Originally I was going to make a man's card because of the colours I chose but I reached for a Papertrey Ink set called 'On Ice' that had never seen light of day or ink!!! Very happy with the result.

I am also entering the card into the fortnightly challenge over at 'A Passion for Papertrey' challenge blog. They have a recipe for 3 colours plus a neutral, a ribbon (I used a strand of wool) and two buttons.

Card Recipe:

Card blank and scraps from stash
Main image is a Papertrey Ink die and stamp to match called 'On Ice' - sentiment is from the same set
Circle cut from a Nestabilities die
Scallop border is cut using the Tonic punch border system

Sunshine on Paper

2011-06-02T09:08:00.002+01:00

Are there still funny things going on with Blogger? This photo looks stretched width-ways and I cannot stand the look of stretched pics!!!

To continue..... I was Guest Designer on PaperPlay Challenges for the month of May (yay!) and the lovely Sandie asked me to continue for the month of June (double yay!!) - Sandie it's an honour, thank you. This is week 22 over at PaperPlay Challenges and it's a colour challenge - Summer Citrus Splash.

On to the card details: made using scraps and an image and sentiment that I had stamped and coloured a couple of months ago and hadn't used. The only thing I had to do was trim the scraps into shape and cut the white border and the card was ready. I felt that the card didn't need my usual ribbon bow and I am very happy with the result!!

Card Recipe:

Card made from white 300gsm card stock in stash
White 'banner effect' cut using the Tonic border cutting system
Image is a Heather Ellis download from her Pure Innocence range
Circle sentiment is a Lili of the Valley clear stamp

A Thank You Card

2011-05-30T16:59:00.001+01:00

This was a quick card to make and I have pieces left over to create another base with the offcuts. I followed this week's Mojo Monday sketch and the recipe on the Shabby Tea Room blog to create the card. For a change, I started with my scrap-box rather than cutting into new DP sheets and got creative with the elements I had to add. At first I wasn't going to colour the picture (out of laziness, not creativity) but since I had my box of copics to hand.....

I am entering the card into Penny Black Saturday challenge - Week 153 'One for the Girlies', Mojo Monday Week 193, and the 'Recipe' challenge over at the Shabby Tea Room.

Card Recipe:

Scalloped card blank by Buzzcraft
DP papers, gems, button brads and gold chiffon ribbon from stash
Stamp is a Penny Black clear stamp (T for Transparent) from the 'Party Time' set
Sentiment is a Waltzingmouse stamp from the 'Frame It' set

Thanks for looking

WMS Challenge # 48

2011-05-27T17:27:00.000+01:00

If my cupcakes look messy it's because they are. I have just applied 'Stickles' glitter glue to them and I had to take the photo of the card straightaway because the deadline for the Waltzing Mouse Sketch challenge is 45 minutes away and closing!!!

The card is for my MIL and SIL for giving me lovely 40th birthday gifts - I have tons more of these to make as 'thank yous' - it's going to be a busy weekend for me... I am using new backing papers that I bought this week and I am loving the paper stack because there are 4 sheets of every design in it.

Card Recipe:

Scalloped 5" x 5" card is from a pack of 50 by Buzzcraft
Backing paper is from a paper stack by First Edition Paper called 'Desert Blooms' by Mindy Terasawa available at Cottage Crafts, Craanford - my local craft shop
Frame, cupcakes and sentiment are all from the same WMS 'Frame It' stamp set

Ancient Mariner

2011-05-27T00:35:00.000+01:00

This week's Card Pattern's sketch 116 is good fun to work with - a brilliant 'go to' sketch to have. I made mine a masculine birthday card - always good to have one on standby!

Card Recipe:

Ancient Map backing paper is a download - can't give the credit right now as I printed the sheet weeks ago - my apologies to the graphic artist
PTI kraft cardstock was cut using a Nestabilities circle die and embossed with a Cuttlebug die
Images and sentiments are from a Cats Pajamas stamp set

Winter Wonderland - Give Us a P

2011-05-26T14:53:00.001+01:00

Very cool and very simple.... I had an A4 card covered and I decided that I didn't like the paper I had used on it so I cut it in half to make 2 smaller cards and recovered the front of one of them for this challenge. The card was ready in minutes as I had chosen a Cats Pajamas set with the Polar Bear, sentiment, and dotty swirl all from the same set and in the middle of a tidy up I found this die-cut cloud I had cut ages ago.

The card is ready to be entered into this week's Winter Wonderland challenge - just before the deadline closes - phew!!

Card Recipe:

Card and striped paper from stash
Image, sentiment, swirl all Cats Pajamas
Cloud cut using a Papertrey Ink die

PaperPlay Challenge: Blossoms & Blooms

2011-05-26T10:10:00.002+01:00

I love a challenge that has plenty of scope to be creative. Who doesn't have plenty of flowers in their stash, or tutorials to make your own fabric, ribbon or paper flowers?? Not to mention dies, embossing folders etc....

Don't forget to check out the Design Team's samples for divine inspiration, yummy!!!! Here is my card for this week's PaperPlay Challenge: Blossoms & Blooms:

I am entering the card into Daring Cardmakers Challenge 'Chasing Cars' theme. Samm is asking that you use the song as inspiration, so my card fits with these lines:

"Show me a garden
That's bursting into life"

Card Recipe:

I made a DL shape card using white card from my stash. Cut a rectangle of lime green card and embossed it using a Sizzix floral embossing folder.
The pre-coloured digi-image was purchased from Whiff of Joy - I cut around the image, layered her on the biggest Nestabilities egg-shape die, added pink ribbon and the butterflies were cut using a Martha Stewart border punch
Added blooms from my stash - sentiment is computer-generated

Thanks for looking XXX

Starring in my own crafty disaster movie

2011-05-19T09:00:00.052+01:00

I of course was not organised before going on hols and didn't get to email Sandie my card for this weeks PaperPlay challenge - Sparkle Galore.

What happened was that I was 'up to my tonsils' in card orders before I left for my Cruise that I only snapped a pic of my card and brought my iPad with me and code for email posting to my blog when I am away thinking I would have plenty of time to sort everything out!!! Who was I kidding....

Couldn't do it and neither could my husband who doesn't like to admit defeat with techie stuff! He took a photo of the card directly from my iPad screen and got it as far as my Facebook page. A friend in work copied the photo from there and emailed it to Sandie for me. I won't be a bit surprised if the photo can't be used!!!

(Edited to add: even the scheduled post from the ship didn't work for me!!!!) Home at last, here are the photos:

This card was a special commission before I left for my holidays. It is in the form of a book and the inside contains embarrassing baby photos, first day of school, First Communion photos, of the girl getting married - you get the picture????

Card Recipe:

Deep purple card from stash
Lovely, glittery backing paper - DCWV 'Pocket Full of Posies' 12 x 12 paper stack (years in my possession
Stamp is by Penny Black, called 'Chicky Night', coloured with Promarkers and sprayed with an iridescent glitter spray by Crafter's Companion
Sentiment is computer-generated
Ribbon by Meiflower

PaperPlay Challenges - Celebrating Summer

2011-05-12T07:44:00.000+01:00

This card is for this week's PaperPlay challenge - Celebrate Summer. I played it safe with the layout on this card because the colours are FAB!!! Originally, I had gone over the top with too many butterflies - I removed them before I took the photo above - so I am much happier with how the card turned out.

I am celebrating summer this evening from 5pm because I'm on hols for 25 days - yippee!!!! There is a gang of us from work going out for a meal tonight to celebrate 3 milestone birthdays, me 40, two other girls 30. We start at morning break with chocolate cake from a local bakery to get us in the mood.

I have 6 cards left to make and 2 more projects using my Bind-It-All machine before I can think of packing bags for my hols and cleaning the house. Phew!

Card Recipe and links: (After the chocolate cake break)

Backing paper is from a Docrafts paper pad I bought last year and never used until this year ( I'm afraid of using yellows and oranges on cards - trying to change all this)
Image by Meljen's Designs
Letters spelling S-U-M-M-E-R were cut using a new Tim Holtz alpha die by Sizzix called 'Vintage Market'

My Home for a Week

2011-05-11T11:45:00.002+01:00

Looking forward to 6 days aboard Royal Caribbean's 'Voyager of the Seas' ship next week. I am so going to need the rest after the week I am having - I have orders for cards coming out of my ears - tons of First Communions in my local area.

Back to the grindstone - I have 2 out of 17 cards made (not fully finished at that either!!). Deirdre and Sandie, it's a pity ye live so far away from me - I could do with a dig-out!!!

It's in the Post

2011-05-09T00:39:00.000+01:00

I promise!!! Or rather - it's in the mail... This card is for a very busy lady, I'm not saying much at the moment, but it's a milestone birthday for her later this month...

I have wanted to join in the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge for ages, I can do it now that I have a few stamp sets of theirs. I'm entering the card into this week's Sentimental Sunday's challenge too - 'Anything Goes' is their theme. Fab DT samples on both those blogs - go take a look.

Card Recipe:

5 x 5 scalloped card from stash
Made this card using scraps - bottom background is from DCWV 'Nana's Nursery paper stack
Lacey banner cut using a Nestabilities die
Sentiment is by Waltzingmouse Stamps 'Frame It' set
Tiny stamped banner is from the Waltzingmouse Stamps 'Bitty Banners' set

Always Trying Something New

2011-05-05T08:18:00.003+01:00

This week I am Guest Designer - I am absolutely thrilled that Sandie invited me - over at PaperPlay Challenge blog. The theme is 'Show us your Style'. Since I am always trying something new I don't know if my style has fully developed yet. More than likely you will always see me use a piece of ribbon somewhere or other and I have started to add paper flowers to my projects.

The card has two loose leaf pages as well as a polka-dot piece adhered to the card base. All three layers have the same Mo Manning digi stamp printed on them. Let me tell you it was 'fun' getting the top piece of vellum to stay in the right place!!!

The girls' names - card for a set of twins - were stuck on a separate page each. I didn't have to colour the image as the effect of the vellum works with the pink layer beneath showing through.

Card Recipe: (To follow)

White card from stash
Polka-dot paper is a download from Pink Petticoat
Tiny pink feet layer is by Buzzcraft - purchased at a stand at the NEC Mar 2011
Vellum is by Docrafts - available from various Docrafts suppliers
Digi image is by Mo Manning from her digi store
Tabs were cut using a Stampin Up punch
Letters were die cut using the 'Smart Guy' alpha set by Sizzix

You Rock!

2011-05-04T20:31:00.002+01:00

Last minute entry to PaperPlay Challenges Week 17 'use an object not intended for crafting' challenge. I have been hoarding this piece of paper for months now - waiting for the right time to use it. I'm talking about the paper on the left-hand side of my card. It's the inside of an envelope that carried a bill or an insurance renewal or some other kind of reminder, whatever!! Well it was just too gorgeous to go straight into the recycle bin and not be admired!!

So technically it wasn't intended for crafting...... Papertake Weekly Challenge blog has an 'Anything Goes' theme this week - count me in there too!!!

Card Recipe:

Envelope rescued from the recycle bin
Music background sheet from stash - more than 2 years in stash - sorry I can't credit the supplier
Image was purchased from Tiddly Inks and coloured with Promarkers
Guitars were cut from a Papertrey Ink die that arrived in the post this morning. The sentiment is from a set that co-ordinates with the guitar die also in this morning's post.

Wedding Day

2011-05-02T15:15:00.000+01:00

Please ignore the speck of dust on the top left of the picture, I have flicked it off (didn't notice it until the photo was uploaded - camera never lies huh?). Another fab sketch to work with this week at the Mojo Monday blog. I got stuck in straightaway and I'm usually one of the last few in before the deadline!!!!!

Lucky for me I can enter the card into another Monday challenge at the Pollycraft blog. Their theme this week is 'Anything Goes'.

Card Recipe:

White card base from stash
Both papers I used are digi downloads. The gingham is by Pink Petticoat. The script background is by GinaK Designs.
White border cut using the Tonic border system
Wedding cake stamp is by Magnolia. Sentiment is a Lili of the Valley clear stamp.
Banner and circles were cut using Nestabilities dies

Mellow Yellow

2011-05-01T20:18:00.002+01:00

It was such a pleasure working with this week's Mojo Monday sketch # 188 that I completed the card below and I have a second yellow one on standby - waiting for an image and two bases in pink waiting for some girly occasions to use them for!!!

The card is for a little girl for her First Holy Communion in two weeks time. I will add her name to it later. Head over to the Mojo Monday blog for plenty of inspiration.

I am also entering the card into this week's Paper Sundaes challenge 'Favourite hair colour combinations'. I can just about manage a tiny bit of shading on the face using two colours and at the moment for hair-colouring I play it safe with 'Caramel' and 'Tan' in the Promarkers range and 'Shale' if i want to go darker. On this image I used the 'Tan' marker solo.

Card Recipe:

White card base from stash.
Papers, ribbon, yellow buttons and flowers were all from a 'Docrafts' goody bag called 'Lemon Sorbet'
Silver buttons were cut using a Cats Pajamas buttons die - a birthday present from my husband along with tons of other crafty goodies that arrived in the post this week!!!!
'Dusk' digi stamp is by Crafts and Me

First Communion Boy

2011-04-29T21:13:00.001+01:00

I have been putting off making Communion cards for boys until I absolutely needed them and now I have orders for 4 boys cards!! One request was for a 'not too religious' First Communion card - I think the little boy will be quite happy with this one.

I am entering this card into the current challenge at the Cards for Men blog - challenge no 9 'Circles'. While you are there check out the fab DT creations as well as the fab entries so far.

Card Recipe:

Polka dot backing paper is a Pink Petticoat download, striped card used on base was purchased from a stand at this year's NEC show - Kathy's Crafts - I think??
Train border is a Martha Stewart punch
Soccer player image is by Lili of the Valley
Soccer balls stamped using a Stampin' Up stamp from the 2-piece 'Goal' set
Sentiment is computer-generated

Happy Easter - Before it's Over ! ! !

2011-04-25T14:08:00.001+01:00

This is not a very big card but in person it's a very cute card!! I'm going to drop it off to my Ma's house very shortly - before the Easter weekend finishes...

It fits a few card challenges:

Paperplay Challenges - Week 16: Easter Time

One Stop Craft Challenge - Week 128: Chocolate Inspired

Sentimental Sundays - Challenge # 52: Let's Get Punchy

Card Recipe:

White card stock from stash
Easter egg shape cut using the largest Nestabilities egg die
Papers used to make the egg shape are from two different Prima Marketing 6x6 paper stacks called 'Sweet Fairy' and 'Reflections'
Stamped sentiment circle is from Lili of the Valley
Flower place name box & 'just for you' are from the same Stampin' Up set
Letters die cut using the Sizzix 'Smart Guy' alpha set
I used the Martha Stewart 'Doily Lace' punch twice - 'cos I love it!!

Nana's Birthday

2011-04-22T23:35:00.001+01:00

This card contains a technique demonstrated on this week's Papertrey Ink - Make it Monday challenge - embossing using dies. I used one of their gorgeous flower shapes in all three sizes to create a square panel and then added the Papertrey bunting/pennant diecut shapes and stuck the word 'Nana' on top of the bunting.

In the photo the card looks unfinished but when I look at the card in my hand, I don't want to clutter it up any more.

Card Recipe:

Papertrey Ink products used: Beautiful Blooms II #1flower die and Banner Builder Collection
Papers DCVW 'Nana's Nursery & Prima Marketing 6x6 paper stack called 'Madeline'

Christmas Stocking

2011-04-20T23:50:00.001+01:00

More new toys in the post today to play with - first ever stamp order from Waltzingmouse Stamps in Northern Ireland. I had to break out the 'Frame It' stamp set first - it's so fab!!!

This card is being entered for this week's Bah Humbug challenge - Christmas Stockings. The longest part of making this card was uploading the photo to my blog!!

Card Recipe:

Backing paper from an 8 x 8 DCWV paper stack called 'Nana's Nursery'
Stamp is by Penny Black called 'Christmas Knit'
Frame and Christmas text are both from the 'Frame It' set by Waltzingmouse Stamps

'Cuteness - just hatched'

2011-04-19T22:29:00.003+01:00

Who could resist this cute pair of twins? I used a Mo Manning digi baby image, copied her and flipped her in the opposite direction to create the pair of twins image. I need to cover Mo's digi copyright signature on the right-hand side because its a mirror image of the left-hand side except its backwards!!!

I am entering this card into four challenges. The first is a colour challenge over at 'The Pink Elephant' - TPE 98 pink, white, lime green and grey. I have used all of the colours if you count the silver 'mat' underneath the 'twins' image as 'grey'. The second challenge is over at 'The Shabby Tea Room' - 'How Egg-cellent photo inspiration'. You are asked to create a card based on the photo inspiration and use PASTELS and STRIPES. The third challenge is over at the 'Digital Tuesday' challenge blog - 'Pretty Punches' challenge - or in my case 'dies'. The fourth challenge is over at Wee Memories blog - fab place for inspiration - challenge #52 'All things Adorable'.

Card Recipe:

Backing papers are from a new paper stack by Prima Marketing called 'Sweet Fairy' - they arrived in the post this morning from Cork Art Supplies - excellent delivery service!!!
The banner was cut using a banner die from Papertrey Ink - I would highly recommend this die set!!
The letters spelling 'twins' were cut using a Sizzix alpha die set called 'Smart Guy'

Goth Girl Birthday

2011-04-17T14:32:00.000+01:00

Ok so this card might stay in my stash for quite a while.... love the Mojo Monday sketch 186 this week and the inspiration photo at Paper Play Challenges.

I had terrible trouble with smudging on the face, so much so that I had to reprint the image twice and colour the face until I was happy, cut it out and then stick it over the smudgy one. I'm much happier now 'cos it ruined the whole look of the card.

Card Recipe:

Both b&w backing papers are Pink Petticoat downloads
Ribbon and wool from stash
Image was purchased from Tiddly Inks
Sentiment stamp from Lili of the Valley

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Mammy's Girl

2011-04-16T17:09:00.002+01:00

As promised - the second card for this week's Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge #97. This time it's a card for a friend's mother. I think the card in the previous post turned out better.

I am also entering this card into 'A Passion for Papertrey' blog - Spring challenge.

Card Recipe:

Floral backing paper from a Prima Marketing paper stack called 'Madeline' purchased from Cottage Crafts, Craanford
Dotty, embossed backing paper is from a DCWV paper stack called 'Nana's Nursery Baby Girl'
Dress form is cut using a Papertrey Ink metal die - love it!!!
Circles, sentiments and die-cuts as in previous post

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - One for the Boys

2011-04-16T16:44:00.000+01:00

Finally a man's card that I am happy with!! I had to have a major tidy up of my ~~pigsty~~ card room - putting tools away, dies back in their packs, scraps in to a box/recycle bin - so that I could have a space to work in again and also so that I could find things!!!

It's fantastic to have everything sorted (for a day) and time to make some cards, enter a few challenges, post on my sadly neglected blog........

I have actually made two cards for the one challenge over at 'Sweet Sketch Wednesday' and I will post the second card immediately after this one. At first I thought the sketch was complicated - it turns out that I am just out of practice!!! Fabulous DT samples for the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge #97.

Card Recipe:

Brown backing papers from a Prima Marketing paper stack called 'Reflections' purchased only last week from Cottage Crafts Craanford - thanks for picking them up for me Aideen xxx
Turquoise backing paper from a pick 'n' mix pack at last year's shopping trip to the NEC in Birmingham.
Tree is from a Penny Black clear stamp set called 'Enjoy Life' purchased from J & C Creations
Circles cut using Nestabilities Dies
Round sentiment stamp was purchased from Lili of the Valley
Letters were die-cut using the Sizzix 'Smart Guy' alpha set

Happy Mother's Day

2011-03-28T00:37:00.003+01:00

This is my first Mother's Day card that I have made so far......plenty more to come.

The colours and papers all came together really well for me. Lucky for me I already had the Penny Black image coloured in and just had to choose my papers and embellishments. I am entering the card into ~~two~~ ~~three~~ four challenges - this week's challenge 'For a Special Lady' over at the Allsorts Challenge blog, the Cute & Cuddly challenge over at Sentimental Sunday's blog, and 'Anything Goes' challenge at Wee Memories blog. The fourth challenge is on the Stampin' for the Weekend challenge blog - For Mum is the challenge theme.

Card Recipe:

White card base from stash
Pale green backing paper/card purchased from Kathy's Crafts (they had a stand at the Hobbycrafts show at the NEC this week in Birmingham)
Mother's Day sentiment stamp is part of a set by Lili of the Valley - cut using a Nestabilities round die
Butterflies were made from a Martha Stewart punch
Chiffon ribbon was purchased from Meiflower

Bah Humbug Challenge 12 - Christmas Trees

2011-03-27T10:11:00.000+01:00

I love when a card comes together quickly like this one did. I was playing with new stash - cutting and stamping, while looking up current challenges on crafty blogs and found this week's Bah Humbug Christmas Trees challenge.

Card Recipe:

Lime green base card from stash
Dotty paper is from a Forever Friends paper pad
Tag cut with Go Kreate tag die
Silver buckle cut with a Nestabilities die
Sentiment is a Penny Black stamp
Christmas tree was cut freehand
Copper 'Stickles' added for embellishment

Retail Therapy at the NEC

2011-03-26T12:54:00.005Z

I was in Birmingham for the last three days purely for shopping - very few blog posts in the lead up to this trip because I was catching up on card orders!!!

The photo below shows most of the stamp sets I bought, mainly from: J & C Creations, Lily of the Valley, and Fiskars @ The Art of Craft stand. J and C Creations ran a free workshop and then you got a voucher to spend on their stand so I got a brill deal on Penny~Black transparent stamp sheets. The show offer was 3 sheets of PB stamps for £25 (they were marked £12 ea), I bought 6 sheets for £50 and using my voucher they only cost me £42.50 for the 6 sets of PB stamps ** grin :) **

This would be my ideal Christmas morning to wake up to!!! Like a spoiled child who gets too many toys and doesn't know what to play with next. Well I do know that I want to play with my Go Kreate tag dies next - I have already played with my circular sentiment stamps from Lily of the Valley and the pawprint die by The Scrapping Cottage. I bought a good few dies and so did my Aunt, only 2 embossing folders, 4 Martha Stewart punches, gems, Promarkers, Stickles, Memento ink pads, basics like DST, foam pads, envelopes......

Last pic....jealous yet??? Only teasing.... This is a once-a-year-trip I make to the NEC with my Aunt and cousin to stock up on supplies, see what's new, get ideas. We come home tired, broke, but extremely happy. This is the first year I have actually laid out all my goodies and taken photos. I only have to find a home for everything now and then get cracking on some Mother's Day cards for next weekend.

Mojo Monday 181

2011-03-07T19:47:00.001Z

Wow this week's sketch over at the Mojo Monday blog - just have a go!!! It took me a little while to put together but boy was it worth it!!! I pulled out stash that I was saving, stamped, glued, punched, sizzixed (if that's not a word, it should be) to my heart's content. Here is the result:

Card Recipe: (Details tomorrow - I'm heading out dancing ;)

My Very First Blog Award: 7 Things About Me

2011-03-02T20:48:00.003Z

Thank you Deirdre for passing this award onto me, I am quite in shock as your blog is where I turn to most when I get a mental block!!!

This is what I must do now:

1.Thank the person/persons that shared this award with me and link it back to their blog/blogs. Take a look at Deirdre's blog, I promise you won't be disappointed!

2. Share 7 things about myself! ...

It's just me and my lovely husband.
For my 40th birthday this year I have booked a week-long Med Cruise.
Don't tell my husband, but I will be shoe-shopping at the 4 Italian stops on the Cruise!
I love writing lists (but not the weekly grocery shopping list)!
On my computer I have 6 folders of favourite card-making blogs I love to visit. That's 203 blogs and counting.....
I am a chocoholic but wouldn't touch chocolate ice cream.
I am left-handed but cut paper using a scissors in my right hand.

3. Pass this award onto seven other bloggers that I have recently discovered. Please take the time to visit these blogs they inspire me at every visit:

Dotty Pudding's Place

Bosenberries - made by Robin

JR Creations

Diaries of a Craftaholic and Demented Housewife

Clare's Creations

The Crafty Side of Me

Handmade by Fiona McCarthy

4. Leave a comment so they can pass along the recognition!

Don't rush your visits to these blogs, relax, enjoy.........

Fussy and Fancy

2011-02-20T19:34:00.001Z

I'm not totally in love with this card I made for the Papertrey Ink 'Make it Monday' challenge - Vellum Sentiment Strip:

For starters, it's not my usual style - I had a totally different card in mind when I began to put it together.

Ok, so the challenge over at Capture the Moment was to use a vellum sentiment strip - mine is probably the 'shortest' sentiment strip!!! I used a pretty tag stamp and then stamped a PTI sentiment from the 'On my Couch' stamp set by Lisa Johnson for PTI. I had no vellum so I had to raid my baking press for greaseproof paper - boy was this difficult to work with cos it's so flimsy!!

The 'let's chat' background was created using a square of baking parchment scrunched up, straightened out and distressed using Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. Then I stamped the sentiment lots of times in different directions. I finished off with four stamped flowers coloured with Stormy Sky Distress Ink, a ring of tiny black punched flowers, a couple of punched borders and a gold ribbon.

I think the card is 'growing on me' the more I look at it. Can't wait to see what tomorrow's Make it Monday challenge will be!!

Bah Humbug Buttons and Bows

2011-02-09T22:51:00.002Z

And PTI 'Use Buttons' Challenge

Loving these two challenges, it's just a pity my photo isn't up to scratch. I have plenty of Christmas scraps and embossed pieces close at hand (not put away that is!!) so this card came together in 10 mins flat for the Bah Humbug challenge!!!

I have a habit of buying new 'stash' and putting it away and then not using it so both of these challenges allowed me to make use of some button brads I bought a few months back in my local TK Maxx store. I was so delighted to be able to enter the card into the Papertrey Ink challenge over at Nicole's blog here.

A Lot More Lovin'

2011-02-06T22:31:00.002Z

This card was a new departure for me as I normally rely on backing papers for any cards that I create. The theme at 'The Shabby Tea Room' this week was 'Get Creative' - no backing papers allowed eek!!! The other challenge I am entering the card into is at 'Lets Ink It Up' - no digi stamps allowed!

Knew it was time I opened some of my Stampin' Up cases to get some of those stamps inky. Tried the large Bella Toile background stamp in Versamark but got stuck then with what else to do. So I made up a floral frame using a stamp from 'Vintage Vogue' - I think, I can be corrected on this one. I stuck a black scalloped circle and a white one on top - the white one was embossed with a Sizzix floral embossing folder - I used the debossed side. Finished off with a flower stamp from Docrafts Oriental stamp set and cut out the letters to spell 'Love'.

The rest of the embellishments were made with the Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch and the scalloped edge in red card was created with a Tonic edger punch - pulled together with black ribbon tied in a bow. Whew!!

Card Recipe:

Kraft card stock is from Papertrey Ink
Stamps by Stampin' Up and Docrafts
Black pearls and ribbon from stash

Love is in the Air

2011-02-06T21:38:00.003Z

I made this card with two challenges in mind. On a Monday I always check out the weekly challenge over at the Mojo Monday challenge blog and keep the sketch in mind during the week. Last night I started with the sketch by first choosing my backing papers, tearing them into shape, adhering them to backing card and then sticking little silver hearts to ~~my fingers~~ the card.

I left everything to dry overnight because I was stumped as to how I was going to finish the card. Back to today, I needed to tidy my workspace in order to continue to craft and unearthed some mini envelopes and rosebuds and a 'sizzix' swirl that has been getting caught up in everything on my desk. Lo and behold - a finished card!!!

The next challenge I wait for all week is the Sentimental Sundays one and this week's theme is 'Happy Valentine's Day' - yummy.

Card Recipe:

Blank white and silver holographic card from stash
Both backing papers are Pink Petticoat downloads
Tiny silver metallic hearts and red metallic hearts were purchased at a local supermarket from their 'Valentines' section - a snip at €1.40 for the pack.
Sentiment was originally a freebie at Raindrop Echo Designs or at the Sentimental Sundays blog - Ann please feel free to correct me!!

Bah Humbug 'Oldie' Challenge

2011-02-01T21:37:00.003Z

'An Oldie but a Goldie' is this week's challenge over at the Bah Humbug blog. Nice one girls. I used Navy cardstock that is 'years' old - I bought it on the stationery floor of Galleries Lafayette in Paris. The stamp is a Penny Black stamp that I bought on a trip to London 2 years ago. The white and silver backing paper by Pink Petticoat was new to me this January.

This card is also suitable for the Pollycraft Monday challenge 'Baby - It's Cold Outside'

Happy Valentine's Day Fluffybum

2011-01-31T19:21:00.000Z

This is 'not' my petname for my husband let me assure y'all but it is the name his co-workers gave him when we were courting...

I am entering this card into the first challenge over at Forgotten Scraps - managed to snag some fab freebies - thanks Barbara.

January CCC

2011-01-26T22:14:00.000Z

I just love this monthly challenge over at Deborah's blog - everybody wins because you receive a card in the post/mail from somewhere else in the world. Watch out this Friday for the sign-up for the February CCC.

I received this fabulous card from Karin in the Netherlands for January's CCC:

Bah Humbug - Crackers

2011-01-24T23:05:00.001Z

The 'crackers' challenge over at Bah Humbug did drive me crackers last night!!! I have no stamps - rubber or digi - with Christmas Crackers on them so I had a go at making half a cracker to stick on my card. The second attempt kinda worked??!!?@~?? It actually photographed quite well - I am surprised!!

More Black & White & Red

2011-01-24T22:49:00.000Z

Found this challenge blog quite by chance when I was making a regular Monday stop at another blog. I used up some black & white scraps that I had close to hand, kept the image black & white also with just some distressing around the edge of it.

I spent the afternoon dog-sitting and cutting shape & embossing on my Wizard and you wouldn't see the amount of shapes in the bottom of the lunchbox for the 3 hours work!!!

Black & White & One Other Colour

2011-01-24T22:02:00.001Z

This card is for the Pollycraft challenge no 77. I had the image already coloured from over the Christmas holidays other than that I would have used a Pollycraft image - check out their store here.

(Don't know what's going on with 'Blogger' - can't select my usual font, do bullet points for my card recipe, select text to highlight in colour...)

Birthday Love & Cupcakes

2011-01-20T22:58:00.000Z

This is a fab image that can be used for lots of different occasions. The next time I use it I think it will be on a Mother's Day card. Just thinking ahead. In the meantime, here is a birthday card that I made for the challenge just ending over at the Delightful Inspiration blog:

Card Recipe:

Blank white card from stash
Newspaper print backing paper is from Stampin' Up
Cupcake digi can be purchased here
Sentiment is computer-generated

Thanks for looking XXX

White & Bright Blue

2011-01-17T17:59:00.000Z

I don't think I've ever entered the Shabby Tea Room's weekly challenge - but that hasn't stopped me admiring all the beautiful samples over the weeks. The challenge there this week is 'White & Bright' so I thought I would have a go and also incorporate this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

Card Recipe:

Blank white card from stash
Both backing papers used are downloads from Pink Petticoat
Image is a Penny Black stamp and coloured with Copics & Promarkers
Sentiments are computer-generated

Thanks for looking XXX

2011-01-13T23:52:00.000Z

This is a wonderful image to use for a quick and easy lovey-dovey card... I am gradually building up my stash of cards for Valentine's day. Get on over to the Designed2Delight digi store and get this image for yourself.

I am entering the card in the current challenge over at Faith's Delightful Inspiration challenge blog. Check out the other samples using the same image.

Card Recipe:

Blank white card from stash
Black and white polka dot paper also from stash
Large flower was cut from a Sizzix 'Bigz' die, added a red punched heart which is nearly completely hidden by the paper flower on top!
Image was a freebie from Faith for entering last week's challenge, but you can buy it here

Thanks for looking xxx

Something Blue

2011-01-10T23:16:00.000Z

This was a quick make for me this evening before I went out Line Dancing, yee haw! I checked out what was needed last night and left everything on my desk ready. Pre-coloured images are such a life-saver. I made this card for this challenge over at Sassy Cheryl's blog.

Card Recipe:

Small white card and blue & white patterned card from stash
Pre-coloured image purchased from Sassy Cheryl's store
Sentiment is computer-generated

Fairy Bridesmaid

2011-01-09T23:06:00.000Z

..... by Michelle Perkett. This week's challenge over at Michelle's blog is 'Anything Goes' (using a Michelle Perkett image). Had a look through my box of coloured images and found this lovely lady coloured in lilac tones. My scrap box was next and then my stash of printed sentiments - had the card put together in no time. Though, when I see it in the photo, I think I might like to add a die-cut swirl down the top right-hand side and some small flower accents.

Card Recipe:

Blank white card from stash
Backing paper is a download from Fred She Said
Image from Michelle Perkett and coloured with Copics and Promarkers
Sentiments are computer-generated and cut with a Stampin' Up punch

Bah Humbug!

2011-01-09T21:44:00.000Z

No it's not me! It's the first challenge of the year over at Bah Humbug - the girls are back!! Want to get organised for next Christmas? Hop on over to the Bah Humbug blog for weekly Christmas themed challenges and you will be!

I made this card again using up a smaller size card than I usually would - but because the image extends above the card edge I will have to make an envelope for the card at a later stage.

Card Recipe:

White base card from stash
Green 'Merry Christmas' backing paper from a paper pad I've torn the cover off - apologies, but it was new for Christmas 2010 - possibly a Papermania pad
Image is from Tiddly Inks and coloured with Promarkers
Sentiment is computer-generated

Mojo Monday 172 - Contest

2011-01-09T20:35:00.003Z

Lovin the current Mojo Monday sketch!! I was shopping in Dublin today with hubby - spending a gift voucher all on crafty stash and because we got home nice and early from the city I was able to use some of my new stamps for this sketch.

I think the photo turned out quite well - for a change! I used a smaller card than I usually do and still had space to include everything I needed. This is my first birthday card for my stash for 2011.

Card Recipe:

White and lilac base cards from stash (using up odd sizes)
Lilac polka dot backing paper is a download from Pink Petticoat
Embossed heart background using a 'Crafts Too' embossing folder
Cupcake and sentiment stamps were freebies on the current 'Creativity' magazine

Cupcake Cutie

2011-01-07T00:00:00.000Z

Check out this cute digi stamp at the Designed2Delight store. It's the image that was being used for last week's challenge at the Delightful Inspiration blog. Cupcakes will never go out of date for a birthday card and this one is yummy scrumptious!!!

I made this card tonight in record time. I was at my monthly crafty get-together and trying to travel light I threw only a small amount of crafty 'stuff' into my bag to bring with me. I knew I wanted to use this digi to make a card for the challenge and luckily I brought all the co-ordinating items I needed with me (for a change!!) to pull it all together.

Card Recipe:

Backing paper - a real find!!! It's part of a sheet of wrapping paper I purchased in the Marks & Spencer Outlet shop in Antrim last November
Pink card from craft stash
White lacy border was created with a Martha Stewart 'Doily Lace' border punch
Image is available to purchase from Designed2Delight store
Sentiments are computer-generated

Thanks for looking - xxx

Happy New Year and a Challenge

2010-12-30T21:12:00.000Z

I love how this card turned out - and it actually doesn't photograph too badly either!!! Bought a lot of new digi stamps over the last few days and one of the companies I supported was the Designed2Delight site. Faith gives you a freebie the every week you join in one of her challenges on her blog, if you miss the monthly freebie why not buy the current weekly stamp and join in the fun.....

Card Recipe:

Red card stock and black gems from stash
Cream and black 'newspaper print' is from the current Stampin' Up catalogue
Image was purchased from the Designed2Delight store
Sentiments are computer generated

Congratulations

2010-12-27T22:19:00.006Z

Lovely family news over Christmas - my first cousin got engaged on Christmas Day! I made him a card with a cute digi image on it but I haven't put his name on it yet or his Fiancee's so as not to embarass them both on the World Wide Web - I will leave that up to his big Sis!

I am entering the card into four challenges:
Allsorts week 83 - Free and Easy - Anything Goes challenge
Moving Along With The Times - Anything Goes (No Christmas Cards allowed!!)

Digital Tuesday Challenge - Let's Celebrate

Mojo Monday Sketch - No 171 Round or Square

Card Recipe:

Blank white card from stash
Backing paper is a download from Pink Petticoat
Image is a digi stamp by Tiddly Inks
Sentiment is computer-generated and punched out with a Stampin' Up punch

First Card for Next Christmas!!

2010-12-27T17:54:00.003Z

If I can make life easier for 2011 - I will - that's my goal!!! Starting with building up my stash of cards for: Birthdays, Babies, Weddings, and Christmas. I think I am just in by the skin of my teeth for Michelle Perkett's Let it Snow challenge!

I am in plenty of time for the deadlines over at:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes challenge

Stampin for the Weekend - Christmas challenge

Card Recipe:

Blank white card from stash
Snowflake backing paper in Crimson by Pink Petticoat
Image from Michelle Perkett
Sentiment is computer-generated

In Love at Christmas

2010-12-20T20:51:00.001Z

I sincerely recommend retail therapy from the comfort of your computer desk & chair. I am surfing thro' all the designs of my favourite digi stamp companies and making a list to spoil myself with over the Christmas holidays. Hubby will be studying towards exams he has coming up in March so he needn't worry - I won't disturb him. I will be making a list of crafty projects I want to make over the holidays.

Here is another sample I made over the weekend with one of my new digis (note - I bought the image pre-coloured, sooooo handy!!!! As handy as a pocket in a shirt!!!!) from Sassy Cheryl's store:

Just about enough time to enter the card into Sassy Cheryl's challenge this week: Challenge 42: Snowmen

Card Recipe:

Red card blank from stash
Stripe of green backing paper from Dovecraft's 'Let It Snow' paper pad
Image from Sassy Cheryl's store - Christmas Sale now on - go grab some digis!!!
Ribbon from Meiflower
Sentiment is computer generated

Christmas Bling

2010-12-20T20:22:00.002Z

I was really on a roll at the weekend when I managed to make 6 cards yesterday - had the house to myself, dinner cooked for me, no disturbances! This card is for a teenage girl so I added plenty of bling around the image and Happy Christmas sentiment. Although the card appears flat I did raise the image and 'magic' sentiment up using Pinflair glue.

I am entering this card into two challenges:

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Sparkling Christmas
Sentimental Sundays: Inspired by Song

Card Recipe:

White base card from stash covered with 2 background papers from the Papermania Henbury Lane 'Poinsettia' paper pack
Image is pre-coloured and is available to purchase from Sassy Cheryl's store - hurry on over for the Christmas Sale is now on!!!!
Ribbon is from a red chiffon roll purchased from Meiflower
Both sentiments are computer-generated

Oops...I was just reading one of my comments....and I need to clarify that this is a pre-coloured image by Sassy Cheryl so I cannot claim the credit for the colouring....!!!

HO HO HO - Ready for Christmas

2010-12-20T18:11:00.001Z

I sat down over the weekend to treat myself to some new digis and took some time to put some cards together with them. I have a number of freebies collected from Tiddly Inks and thought it was about time I 'purchased' some of their other designs as a 'Thank You'. This card is for a teenager so hopefully he won't think it too cute - fingers crossed.

I am very slow at colouring and take ages to select the colours as I'm not very confident in my choices. The colour of the coat is actually a light denim blue and not grey as it looks in the photo - but I may actually colour this image in grey another time as I like the look of it in the photo.

I am just in time to enter this week's Tiddly Inks challenge - Let It Snow. And it also qualifies for the Cut It Out challenge this week at Paper Sundae's.

Card Recipe:

Wine coloured base card from stash
Penguin backing paper is from a Dovecraft Christmas paper pad called 'Let It Snow'
Image was purchased from Tiddly Inks and coloured with Promarkers and Copics
A couple of punched snowflakes were added as well as part of a Stampin Up stamp, ie, the Santa Post postmark stamped onto Kraft.
Text is computer-generated

Michelle Perkett Challenge - Make your own Background Paper

2010-12-05T23:17:00.001Z

Loved the challenge this week because I have the background saved to use again sometime. I created a text background from a freebie provided by Michelle months ago:

The picture was taken at night in very bad light and I had to hold it in one hand under the spotlights that I work with. I wanted to be able to show the embossing detail of the snowmen. I used Michelle's sentiment nine times to create a background and then I created a border of text on all four sides.

Card Recipe:

Background paper created using a free digi stamp created my Michelle Perkett. Thanks Michelle. I stuck the paper to a navy-coloured base card.
I matted an embossed snowman scene onto silver card and attached it to the front of the card with foam pads.
The Christmas Tree is a die by Marianne Design - a recent purchase at a craft show in Belfast.
The sentiment is computer generated and cut out using a Stampin Up punch.

Back to Blogging with a Christmas Card

2010-11-23T14:00:00.001Z

I have been neglecting my blog for over a month now and my only excuse is lack of Mojo - but I have been gathering inspiration and hopefully am back in action. Nothing like a couple of challenges to get started!!

So while my Mojo was on holidays I was busy colouring digi stamps, embossing card, tying bows, all in readiness for its return. I am entering this card into two challenges: 2 Sketches 4 You Laura's Sketch 66 and also Michelle Perkett's Happy Holidays Challenge this week.

I just love this fairy by Michelle Perkett so I have given her the 'Holiday' treatment by colouring her in traditional red and green and then adding glitter spray (not very obvious in the photo I'm afraid).

Card Recipe:

Backing paper is from Papermania Henbury Lane 'Poinsettia' and is available from Papermania stockists.
Image can be purchased from Michelle Perkett here.
White chiffon ribbon was purchased from Meiflower.

October CCC

2010-10-26T21:01:00.000+01:00

This is the card I sent to Deirdre in Cork, Ireland for this month's CCC organised by Deborah Nolan here. I loosely followed the sketch, used some of the suggested colours and chose the 'Friendship' theme. I received a beautiful card from Anette in Denmark - wait until you see it in Deborah's reveal next week.

Card Recipe:

Cream & black card from stash
Fancy border is actually from a box of Thornton's chocolates
The flowers, leaves, and butterfly were created using various punches
Ticket and sentiment are by Papertrey Ink
Card candy is from Craftwork Cards

Donegal Wedding

2010-10-17T23:49:00.001+01:00

Here are some photos of a wedding card I made over the weekend - it was only ordered from 3000 miles away!!!!

Getting Into the Christmas Spirit Early

2010-10-11T11:51:00.001+01:00

Time to get back into 'blog-posting'. How about this for one card, three challenges? I have just taken a run through some of my favourite places for inspiration - other challenge blogs and decided to have a go at Sassy Cheryl's - Paper Piecing, Digital Tuesday's - Ribbons, Buttons, Bling and finally, Papertake Weekly Challenge - Pick any challenge from the last 3 years:I chose a card recipe from Monday 1st December 2008 - 1 ribbon, 2 rectangles, 3 small round embellishments.

Card Recipe:

Navy card purchased from Payper Box
Image from Sassy Cheryl's store
Turquoise & yellow polka dot paper used on snowman from Joanna Sheen's 'Precious Petals' CD
Button brads were a 'bargain find' at my local TK Max store
Sentiment is computer generated
Snowflake was made using a new snowflake die (haven't got the name to hand soorrry...)

Custom Signature - I Looove It ! ! !

2010-10-03T14:18:00.003+01:00

This is part of my prize - a custom signature design - from the very generous Ann Vento and her challenge blog Sentimental Sundays:

The rest of the prize was 4 of Ann's gorgeous sentiment sets (available at Whimsy Stamps)of my choice and a custom watermark for my photos - have to try to add the watermark next.

With Sympathy

2010-09-30T23:32:00.000+01:00

Hours left until the deadline for last Friday's Designed2Delight challenge - seems I'm always on the run lately!!! Looking at my card in the photo it seems to me to be lacking something - it's a bit bare-looking - needs a bit of tweaking before I send it.

Card Recipe:

Backing paper is a download from Pink Petticoat
Image and sentiment are from Designed2Delight - thanks Faith for the freebies
Coloured with Promarkers - the flower is coloured with Denim
Ribbon is from stash - purchased from Meiflower

September Papertrey Blog Hop

2010-09-25T08:40:00.002+01:00

Posting my photo first:

My favourite learned skill: adding ribbons. I watch the Master at adding ribbon: Bekka Feeken on her blog Amazing Paper Grace. I am amazed at all the ways she ties her bows and so neatly as well - my cards could never come close!!!!!

I am a new customer to Papertrey Ink having received my first order only three weeks ago but I do have all the Papertrey Ink designers on my 'favourites tab' for surfing the net so I am a constant visitor to all their blogs.

The card I made was for a non-traditional wedding. The couple were having a civil ceremony not a church wedding so I wasn't even sure if the bride was going to be wearing a wedding dress. I am so delighted the way the card turned out - it looks so much better than the photo can do it justice for. The 'just the ticket' die is 'TO DIE FOR' and it's the main reason I made up a decent order - I haven't played with the rest of the goodies yet.......

Card Recipe:

Backing paper is a download from Pink Petticoat
Tickets created with the Papertrey Ink 'Just the Ticket' die and stamp set
Other sentiments on card are computer generated

Scaredy Cat Bookmark

2010-09-23T21:58:00.000+01:00

Thanks for the freebie Faith. I needed a bookmark to take away on hols with me for the Halloween Bank Holiday weekend so this week's picture is perfect timing for me - to get organised in advance!! The backing paper is a freebie from Squigglefly. On the whole I had all the elements quite close to hand and ready to assemble so the simple book mark came together in 5 mins flat!!!

I chose to use the debossed side of the sheet of card I embossed with a halloween cuttlebug folder and I'm impressed with how well the detail shows up.

Card Recipe

White pearlescent card from stash
Pawprint backing paper was a free download from Squigglefly
'Scaredy cat' image can be purchased from Faith's store here.

September CCC

2010-09-20T21:19:00.000+01:00

If you haven't come across Deborah Nolan's monthly Card Chain Challenge you don't know what you are missing!!! Seriously!!! Imagine getting a card sent to you by snail mail once a month from a different country/state - I just love it!!! Luckily my husband is a postman so when my card arrives in the sorting office he sends it on to my workplace for me so I don't have to wait until I go home to open it.

And this card will also fit as a late entry for Sassy Cheryl's 'Use a Spellbinders Die' Challenge.

Card Recipe:

Both backing papers are from the Sunshine pad by Papermania
Image is a pre-coloured one I purchased from Sassy Cheryl's store
Apples were created using a Spellbinder's die
Sentiments are computer-generated
Frilly borders were created using a Martha Stewart border punch

Late Night......Lazy Post

2010-09-16T22:19:00.001+01:00

Going to do this post really quickly and come back tomorrow evening and flesh it out and give credits. This card is being entered into two challenges: Delightful Inspiration and Colour Create Challenge:

All Fall Down

2010-09-09T20:42:00.002+01:00

......I'm waiting....... For the apples on my apple trees to fully ripen. We are having a bumper year for fruit because of the half-decent summer we had this year so I was in the mood to create an autumn card for ~~two~~ ~~three~~ four challenges. The first challenge is just coming to an end this evening over at Delightful Inspiration so I am just in time to enter. The second is for the recipe given over at the Sentimental Sundays challenge blog, the third is to use the image again for the Double Delight challenge found here, the fourth (thanks for the heads up Deirdre) is at Paper Play Challenges - 'Autumn is a Comin'.

Card Recipe:

Both backing papers were freebies from a kit called World Traveller by Sande Krieger on the Two Peas in a Bucket site
The gorgeous image is this month's freebie on the Delightful Inspiration blog - coloured with Promarkers and the creamy yellow card stock behind the image was cut out with one of the scalloped Nestabilities circle dies
The pieces of fruit are all Nestabilities dies as well - I was busy on my Wizard for this card!!
The sentiment is computer-generated so too is the wording in the centre of the wreath

Need a Magnifying Glass???

2010-08-30T20:49:00.000+01:00

To see my dots for the current Sassy Cheryl's challenge, that is!!! You can find the Polka Dots challenge here. I made this card in double quick time this evening because I found a pre-coloured Sassy Cheryl's image that had polka dots on the characters' clothes!!! I wanted to keep the background of the card simple so I chose a backing paper from Pink Petticoat that only had two colours and a simple flower image and to finish off I added a butterfly that was punched from a Martha Stewart punch. The border on top of the card is created with another of Martha Stewart's punches - a border punch this time. Thanks for looking.

Card Recipe:

Pre-coloured image from Sassy Cheryl's
Navy backing paper is a download purchased from Pink Petticoat
Sentiment is computer-generated
Butterfly made using a Martha Stewart punch

Before the Link Closes.....

2010-08-30T17:24:00.000+01:00

I need to get my act together and start putting more embellishments on my cards - I see lovely creations in blogland so it's not as if I'm not inspired or anything!!! This card was so quick to put together as I had the patterned card already stuck to the square card and the image I coloured a couple of weeks ago ..... just in case! The card is for the current Michelle Perkett Challenge - Back to School:

Card Recipe:

White card blank & red floral card from stash
Lacy border in red created with a Martha Stewart border punch
Image was a freebie from Michelle Perkett on her Paper Craft Planet group
Red chiffon ribbon from stash
Text & 'abc' are both computer-generated

Congratulations on Passing your Leaving Cert Exam

2010-08-21T10:05:00.000+01:00

It's that time of year again when the exam results are posted and students await places in college.... I was caught on the hop as I hadn't even one made in advance. So when I was checking out this weeks various challenges I saw a lovely card using an owl on Meljen's DT blog here. I bought eight digi stamps because ~~I needed them~~ they were 25% off. I am entering the card into this week's 2S4Y Kazan's Sketch 59 Challenge.

Card Recipe:

Both patterned papers are downloads from Pink Petticoat
Image by Mejen's Designs was purchased from Whimsy Stamps
Sentiments are computer-generated

August CCC

2010-08-20T02:54:00.001+01:00

I so enjoy taking part in this monthly challenge organised by Deborah Nolan here. It's a chance to increase traffic to your blog, make new friends, and receive a card in the mail to boot!!! Here is the card I posted to Betty Keefe last week, it arrived safe and sound so I can show it on my blog now:

I 'kinda' used the sketch that Deborah posted, most of the colours/shades, and the 'friendship' theme. My photo is pretty dull - apologies for that!!

Card Recipe:

I used scraps from my scraps box for the background
The image can be purchased at Digital Pencil Too
I used two different Martha Stewart border punches at either side of the card
Fabric flowers are from a selection I purchased a while ago from Joanna Sheen

Back to School

2010-08-17T20:52:00.002+01:00

I thought it was about time to get some of these cards ready!! I spent 3 hours on Sunday afternoon colouring in images for cards - it was very healthy as I didn't get sunburned ha ha. Didn't feel one bit guilty about doing it because I got my walk in earlier that morning.

The next time I coloured the image I changed the colours around so that Mommy Rabbit was dressed in denim colours but I'm saving the image for another time. This card is being entered into the challenge over at Stampin for the Weekend blog.

Card Recipe:

'Gingham Apple' backing paper was a download purchased from Kay Miller
Digi image was purchased from Digital Pencil Too
Sentiments are computer-generated

Ribbon or Lace

2010-08-17T20:12:00.001+01:00

I wanted to try a different way of using ribbon on a card and I must have seen this on someone else's blog - apologies for not crediting the person..... It's a lovely way to add a bit of interest and dimension to a card - if you have time for the glue to properly set overnight. I am entering the card into this weeks Sentimental Sundays Challenge # 16: Ribbon or Lace.

Card Recipe:

Animals backing paper is a sheet from DCWV Nana's Nursery pad
The yellow dotty paper was purchased from a stand at a craft fair
Image was purchased from Phindy's Place
Sentiment is one Ann Vento provided on the Sentimental Sundays blog a while ago - thanks Ann

Delightful Teddy Challenge

2010-08-12T22:23:00.000+01:00

I have been meaning to enter one of these challenges for ages now and have only just gotten my act together. Thanks to the monthly freebie over at the Delightful Inspiration Blog I am just managing to enter this card before the deadline expires in a few hours:

Card Recipe:

Brown card from stash
Tan & green borders created with two Martha Stewart border punches
Owl backing paper was a 'freebie' download at My Grafico online store
Both digi images were freebies from Delightful Inspirations Blog

Christmas Planner - My First Altered Item

2010-08-03T22:34:00.000+01:00

Maybe I should say 'first decorated notebook' rather than 'altered item' ???? When I think of an 'altered item' I think empty matchstick boxes put to another use or empty coffee jars decorated so I am delighted to enter challenge # 23 over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog - Altered Notebooks!

Card Recipe

Cheap and cheerful jotter purchased at my local Tesco store for 49c
Red foiled & embossed card from stash
Ribbon purchased at a Michaels store in Vermont when I was there on hols in 2008 (Walmart and Michaels had me drooling over craft items - does anyone in the USA want to adopt me please??)
And last, but not least - the gorgeous pre-coloured image is from Sassy Cheryl's store

July CCC

2010-08-02T18:44:00.001+01:00

I am just show-casing the card I received from Anette. It is absolutely gorgeous. The background of the card has a lovely faint shimmery effect and the image itself is stamped onto fabric that has been inked!! Two lovely punched borders and some pearls finish off the card to perfection - a big "THANK YOU ANETTE" - I love the card:

And now for the card I sent to Isha - I am going through a bit of a butterfly stage at the moment. For the June CCC there were butterflies on that card as well!! To join in the August CCC challenge sign up here. It's not too late yet.

Card Recipe:

Both backing papers are from a Forever Friends paper stack
The die-cut owl and 'With Love' sentiment are both from a sheet of toppers by Kanban
I used two Martha Stewart punches - one for the border and one for the butterflies

Switch It Up

2010-08-02T16:15:00.000+01:00

That's the theme this week over at Sentimental Sunday's Challenge blog. Time to step out of your comfort zone and try something different. So for me this week it's adding an acetate wrap to the front of my card. I wanted to include one of the freebie sentiments that Ann provided on the Sentimental Sunday's blog a while ago:

This is a card for my stash - to have on standby for when the occasions arises. Don't forget to check out both of Ann Vento's blogs and nab this week's freebie - thanks for being so generous Ann. Ann's other blog is Raindrop Echo Designs.

Card Recipe:

Printed backing paper and coloured papers from stash
Sentiment from Sentimental Sundays Challenge blog
The butterflies are a Hero Arts pre-coloured digi stamp available for purchase at Two Peas in a Bucket
Flower border created with a Martha Stewart border punch

Keeping it Local

2010-07-26T20:55:00.001+01:00

I made this card to join in the fortnightly challenge Under the Sea at My Partner in Crafting Crime challenge blog. We don't know one another but I think I live within 20 miles of the girls that run this challenge??? Anyway, this was my first time to be able to submit a card and what do you know - I used a take on the Mojo Monday 149 sketch for my layout. So, one card, two challenges - I'm so happy about that.

Card Recipe:

Patterned backing paper is from a DCWV stack that I've had for over 3 years.
The mermaid image was a freebie from Pollycraft Designs. Check out the shop and challenges here.
I used a peel-off for the sentiment.
The 'pearls' were created with 'Pearly Stuff' by Woodware. I found this in my stash during a tidy up and I can't even remember buying it!! It's fabulous 'stuff' and look at the effect in a few short dabs on the card!!!

I Did It ! ! !

2010-07-26T13:16:00.002+01:00

What - you might say??? Something I seriously have an aversion to - cutting out. But thanks to this freebie image from Sassy Cheryl's and this week's Sassy Cheryl's challenge no 21 Cut It Out, I have another card for my stash!! And another thing, I used backing paper that is 3 years old!!! Sorry, but I do love using exclamation marks. This is also being entered in this week's 2S4Y - Laura's Sketch No 57 - I have turned the sketch on its side for the challenge and my colours qualify this as an entry into A Pocket Full of Posies Challenge no 3 this week too. Wow, one card, three challenges. Yipee!!!

OK, so the card looks a bit bare..... But I promise you, in my hand it sparkles when I turn it. The backing paper is from a DCWV glitter stack and it also has tiny areas of clear embossing so I didn't want to hide it with too many embellishments. Maybe when it comes to being used I might add some punched-out daisies.

Card Recipe:

Sassy Cheryl's freebie image - thank you Cheryl. Check out the store here
Backing paper, as mentioned above, is at least 3 years in my craft stash and is by DCWV
White 'bubbles' created using a Cuttlebug embossing folder on white pearlescent card

Sweet and Simple

2010-07-21T22:05:00.000+01:00

I made this card for a baby's blessing ceremony and was originally inspired by a challenge on Michelle Perkett's Challenge blog where you had to use white on white with one of her images coloured - I didn't enter that challenge because I couldn't make white on white work for me, I had to add a silver mat around the image I just couldn't help myself!!!! It just so happens that the card can now be used for this week's challenge - if you use a magnifying glass to find all the colours for the Colour Challenge no 39.

Card Recipe:

Embossed background was created using a Cuttlebug embossing folder
Michelle Perkett image can be purchased here - coloured with Promarkers
Sentiment is computer-generated
Tiny butterflies were made using a punch I picked up at Tesco last summer

Christmas in July at Sassy Cheryl's

2010-07-19T20:39:00.001+01:00

Isn't it a great idea to start working on Christmas cards early??? I have even been watching Christmas movies over the past week!!! What could be easier than using an already coloured image from Sassy Cheryl's store to get a head start?

Card Recipe:

Pre-coloured image from Sassy Cheryl's
Silver holographic card, white pearlescent card, and red chiffon ribbon all from craft stash
Text is computer-generated and lined up beside the Sassy Cheryl image for printing off together so no extra trimming and mounting involved - wonderful time-saver for batch card-making.

Last Minute Leilani

2010-07-19T20:14:00.001+01:00

This is me all over...... wanting to enter the challenge and rushing with the card!!! This image was a freebie from Michelle Perkett Studio and its the first chance I have had to colour her and include her in one of Michelle's challenges:

This week was a colour combo and a sketch as well. The colours to be used were: cream, turquoise, sand and chocolate, yummy.

Card Recipe:

Michelle Perkett image: Leilani
Coloured with Copics
Backing papers from stash
Flowers purchased from Joanna Sheen

Close to the Sketch...

2010-07-16T21:25:00.000+01:00

... but not quite!!! This weeks Mojo Monday sketch 147 is a really clever one and so easy to put together - you should head over and check out the Design Team's samples - really inspirational. I chose to take a leaf out of Mary Fish's book and round two of the corners on each square - that doesn't sound mathematically correct does it??? You will see some of the elements in my card:

Card Recipe:

Backing paper is from the 'Confetti' pack by Papermania
Red border created by using a Martha Stewart border punch
3 of the stamps are part of a Wedding set by Hero Arts, coloured with Promarkers and sprayed with Crafters Companion glitter spray. The 'Love' stamp was picked up in a bargain bin at a craft fair.
Sentiment is computer-generated.

Two Birds......One Stone

2010-07-14T21:29:00.000+01:00

Or rather, I needed a wedding card 'pronto' and the sketch challenge over at Digital Tuesday helped me get my skates on and get the card done in double-quick time:

I wanted to try a yellow and black combo and don't know if I am totally happy with the outcome as 'yellow' is not normally a colour I work well with. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained as the saying goes.

Card Recipe:

Black card from stash
Music background card was purchased from K and K cards at the NEC show in Birmingham last March - and of course I didn't buy half enough of it!!!
Text was a freebie - thank you Paulette - over at Create with TLC
Image was purchased from Sassy Studio Designs

Sassy Cheryl's Sketch Challenge

2010-07-12T12:17:00.001+01:00

I wanted to play along with this sketch challenge # 19 at Sassy Cheryl's because the layout is a very useful one for creating a very quick card. It is an excellent way to use up waste 'scraps' of paper.

This card will also fit the red, white and blue theme over at Digital Tuesday challenge # 66 this week.

Card Recipe:

Gingham backing paper from craft stash
Image from Sassy Cheryl's
Heart stickers from Paperchase store in London
White flowers were made with a large Woodware Craft punch

Paris Greetings

2010-07-11T17:41:00.000+01:00

I made this stylish card to have in my stash (getting better at building it up) for an occasion like a birthday or an invitation for a friend to get together. I had the first challenge at A Pocket Full of Posies in mind while I was putting this card together. The theme is 'One for the Girls' and the romantic Paris theme I chose is ideal for a girl's card.

Card Recipe:

Text backing paper is a free download from 'Creative Cardmaking' magazine
Vintage Paris photo is also a free download this time from Tammy Tutterow
Red gingham paper from craft stash
Yellow flowers were punched using a very small daisy punch by Dovecraft
Black heart stickers from a sheet purchased from 'Paperchase' in London
The strip on the top of the card was originally white and has been distressed using 'Scattered Straw' and 'Vintage Photo' distress inks and then punched with a Martha Stewart border punch

A Summer Wedding - Exploding Box Card

2010-07-08T20:42:00.000+01:00

I just can't believe that my Mojo has deserted me!!!! Trying desperately to get it back again and it's only taking me hours of blog-hopping every evening after work to find it...... Here is a card for a lovely young couple getting married next week. I use three wedding verses for the inside, add the details of the wedding to the middle of the card and the outside flap I usually leave space for a special hand-written message. I tend to make 'girly' wedding cards and this one is no exception - with no less than 3 purple ribbons used inside and out. This week's Sentimental Sunday's Challenge theme is: Celebrations!

So the picture above is the outside of the card, white base, silver lid and tied together with a sheer organza ribbon and tag with the couple's names. All the fuss and excitement happens on the inside of the card here:

The actual cutting out of the shape takes hardly any time at all, it is all the cutting and sticking and colouring of all the inside pieces that takes most of the time. I set up my DVD of 'Pride & Prejudice' on my computer while making this card last night, had the house to myself and spent the whole evening making the card and watch the movie - what a thoroughly enjoyable way to pass an evening - bliss!!!!

Card Recipe:

Two A4 sheets of white card stock for the base and one half an A4 sheet in another colour to make the lid
Two Hero Arts stamps were used for the inside flaps and were coloured using Promarkers
The sentiments are computer generated and were found on various websites that compile verses for card-makers to use on cards.

I Like Mondays

2010-06-28T21:07:00.000+01:00

When I get a Monday as my day off from work it is a great day to craft, especially after chillin' out on Sunday. I am on my fifth card of the day but I'm not posting all of them in photos as three of the wedding cards are repeats of what I have previously posted on the blog. This is my second post of the day because I got this card ready in no time at all thanks to the Mojo Monday 145 sketch today.

So to my eye this card looks unfinished - what I might do with it is give it to one of the girls in the office - she's not a morning person - and we might use it to store the office handover notes for the girls taking over after each shift??? In my mind I can see a small typed message "office handover notes" attached to the front with a paperclip, maybe.

Card Recipe

Backing card from a pick 'n mix selection by Payper Box
Image purchased from Paulette at Create with TLC
Sentiment is a recent freebie provided by Paulette on her blog
Navy fabric from a selection purchased from Joanna Sheen
Flower centre was created using two different flower punches