Phoenix Crafts

Ladybug & Friends DT Card

2010-11-07T08:00:00.010Z

It's my turn today to present a design team project using the amazing products from Ladybug & Friends.

I've made yet another hexagon easel card, I just love these!

The paper is from the "For Someone You Love" collection, this has been overstamped with a flourish stamp and coffee bean by Brilliance. The edges have been inked with tea dye and vintage photo distress inks.

The rose image is also by Ladybug & Friends from their vintage collection.

I've used the coffee bean ink pad and a script stamp to stamp onto a label cut with Nestabilities no. 11. This has also had a rose lightly stamped onto it.

Finally, I've added a gardenia from Ladybug & Friends and some pearls from my stash.

Sweet Pea Stampers DT Card

2010-10-22T09:00:00.009+01:00

This weeks theme over at the Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge is to make an easel card.

I've used the Sweet Pea stamp The Moth which comes with the text stamp. This has been coloured with Copic markers and I've also used distress inks. The hexagons have been cut using the Accents Essentials cartridge for the Cricut. The butterfly is a die by Marianne Designs.
This card also fits the first challenge over at the Crafty Purple Frog

CES Challenge - Male Birthday Card

2010-10-16T08:00:00.001+01:00

This week's theme over at the CES Challenge is to make a male birthday card.
I've used a Lili of the Valley stamp which has been inked with Memento and coloured with Copic markers. The papers are from CES and I've overstamped them with some text stamps.
Sorry for such a quick post but I'm off up another mountain this weekend :D

Ladybug & Friends DT Card

2010-10-08T11:00:00.000+01:00

It's my turn to present another project for the Ladybug & Friends blog. These crafty goods really are a pleasure to work with :)
I've made a hexagonal Christmas card using papers from the Julefryd collection. The stamp is also from Ladybug & Friends, this has been coloured with Copic markers. I've also used Antique Linen and Tea Dye distress inks.
The poinsettias have been die cut with a Quickutz die using cardstock from Ladybug & Friends and gems from my stash.

Sweet Pea Stampers DT Card

2010-10-08T09:00:00.001+01:00

This weeks theme over at the Sweet Pea Stampers challenge is "Brads and/or Bows".
I've used the Sweet Pea stamp "Holly Night" by Ching Chou Kuik, this has been coloured with Copic markers and Derwent pastel pencils.
The papers are a mixture of scraps from my Christmas stash.
I've also used a "punch around the page" set of punches from the Martha Stewart range.
The brads and ribbon are also from my incredibly massive stash :D

Ladybug & Friends Sketch Challenge

2010-10-07T08:00:00.001+01:00

It's time again for a sketch challenge over at the Ladybug & Friends Blog and this time we would like you to use the colour lilac.
Here's a list of all the wonderful products I've used to create this card:

Stamps - Ladybug & Friends For Someone Special
Ladybug & Friends Follow Your Heart
Papers - Ladybug & Friends Light A Candle
Flowers - Ladybug & Friends Mini Gardenias
Punch - Martha Stewart Frond Leaf
Mediums - Copic Markers & Distress Ink

I hope you can find the time to join in with the challenge and are inspired by this wonderful sketch by my teamie Inge.
I'm rushing to get out on the hills as the sun is shining and I simply NEED to get out with my camera lol!
Bye for now :)
xxx

CES Challenge - Get Ahead, Get A Hat!

2010-10-02T08:00:00.000+01:00

This week's challenge over at CES is "Get Ahead, Get a Hat". Now this might seem a bit daunting at first but have a good rummage through all your stamps and you'll be amazed how many actually feature hats!
The image I've chose for this theme is Little Witch Cat by Elaine Cox for Sweet Pea stamps. I've coloured this with Copic markers and inked the edges with distress ink. The moon has been sprinkled with glamour dust.
The papers are from the Prima Fairy Flora 6x6 range available at Crafty Emma's Store.
I've also used a Martha Stewart border punch and some clear Halloween stamps from Hero Arts.

CES Challenge - Baby Bonanza!

2010-09-18T08:00:00.001+01:00

This week's challenge over at the CES Challenge is "Baby Bonanza".
I really enjoyed making my hexagon easel card last week so decided to make another one for this challenge.
The image is from Lili of the Valley, this has been watercoloured. The gorgeous papers are from Prima's Fairy Flora 6x6 collection. These plus the Tim Holtz Adage tickets are available from Crafty Emma's Store.
I've also used distress inks - tattered rose and brushed corduroy.
All the shapes were cut on my Cricut using the Accents Essentials cartridge.

Encaustic Landscape

2010-09-14T14:07:00.002+01:00

I've just created this landscape using my encaustic art iron and just a few basic colour waxes. This is one of my favourite mediums to use so I really enjoyed making this piece which will be framed and given as a surprise present (John, if you're reading my blog again, shut your eyes quick lol!).

Crafty Purple Frog DT Call!

2010-09-13T15:52:00.010+01:00

Just a few lines today to let you all know that Amy at the Crafty Purple Frog is now recruiting a design team to work with her amazing decoupage and pyramage Sweet Pea downloads. You can find full details he re, the call finishes on 7th October.

CES Challenge - Easel Christmas Card

2010-09-11T08:00:00.003+01:00

This week's challenge over at Crafty Emma's Store Challenge is to make an Easel Christmas card. I've used my Cricut to cut out the hexagon and then used it as a template to make the easel card.
The paper is called Love Potion by Pink Paislee and the cute little image is Milton with Stocking by Wild Rose Studios.
I've over stamped the paler side of the paper with a flourish stamp using Coffee Bean by Brilliance and then inked the edges with Brushed Corduroy distress ink. I've used a Sizzix die "brackets" by Tim Holtz and added some red Dew Drops.

Sweet Pea Stampers DT Card

2010-09-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

The Sweet Pea Stampers challenge has now moved to Friday every fortnight.
The theme this time is a wonderful sketch by Pascale.
I've used the Sweet Pea stamp Purple Woods, which has been coloured with Copic markers. The papers are all from the Papermania Capsule collection as are the flowers. The sentiment is from Fiskars 8x8 clear stamps.

Ladybug & Friends DT Card

2010-09-04T10:00:00.000+01:00

Wow, two cards in one day!
This one is for the Ladybug & Friends blog. I've used the stamp "Soccer Boy" by Elisabeth Bell for Ladybug & Friends Fall 2010 collection, this has been coloured with Copic markers and inked with Black Soot distress ink.
The papers are from the Julefryd and For Someone You Love collections by Ladybug & Friends.
The sentiment is a free stamp from this months Craft Stamper magazine which I've combined with a rosette cut out on the Cricut using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge.

CES Challenge - Floral Frenzy!

2010-09-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

This weeks theme over at the CES Challenge is Floral Frenzy.
The image is Me and My Cat by Lili of the Valley, this has been coloured with Copic markers. The paper is Bulleye from Pink Paislee which is available to buy at Crafty Emma's Store along with lots of other gorgeous products.
This card is also for the challenge at Lili of the Valley this week, where they have a wonderful sk.etch to follow.

First Challenge at CES!

2010-08-28T08:00:00.003+01:00

Today sees the launch of a new challenge over at Crafty Emma's Store. I'm so pleased to be joining this wonderful design team. The challenges will be weekly but with two teams. Both teams are joining in for the launch and I hope you can find time to join in too.
The theme is very simple to start with as "Anything Goes"!
This cute little image is Milton with Stocking by Wild Rose Studios, this has been coloured with Copic markers. The gorgeous papers are Bow & Arrow from the Cupid collection by Pink Paislee.
All these products including the charm, ribbon and dew drop are available to buy at Crafty Emma's Store.
Please take time to check out this week's challenge where you could win a 12x12 paper pad from My Minds Eye.

Sweet Pea Stampers DT Card

2010-08-23T09:00:00.001+01:00

This weeks theme at the Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge is "Lace and Pearls".
I've used the Sweet Pea stamp "Red Hearts", this has been coloured with Copic markers and a little bit of pastels on the moon. The edges have been inked with Tea Dye distress ink.
All the papers are from the K&Co Maison 12x12 pad, I've also used a Tim Holtz Sizzix brackets die . The lace is from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Sweet Pea Stampers DT Card

2010-08-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

This week's theme over at the Sweetpea Stampers challenge is Swirls and Flourishes.
I've used the stamp Misty Reflections, this has been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers and pastel pencils. I've created the paper by stamping onto an old paper from Brenda Pinnick with a foam backed flourish stamp. I've used various dies including ones from Cuttlebug, Marianne Designs and Nellie Snellen.

Ladybug & Friends Sketch Challenge

2010-08-15T13:28:00.001+01:00

There is a challenge over at the Ladybug & Friends blog this week. Just follow the sketch to be in with a chance of winning!
For my card I've used the stamp "Wonderful Christmas" from the Fall 2010 collection by Ladybug. This has been coloured with Copic markers. The papers are from the Julefryd collection.I've used a Quickutz die to make the poinsettias along with a X cut scallop border punch and a Sizzix bookplate die.

New Challenge and Candy!

2010-08-15T10:36:00.004+01:00

Hi everyone,
Just thought I'd share my good news with you today. I've been accepted onto the design team for the new challenge over at Crafty Emma's Store!
I'm really pleased to be on such a talented team and really look forward to the launch of the challenge on Saturday, 28th August.

Now if you're interested in winning some amazing launch candy including Promarkers, pop along to the challenge blog for more details and don't forget to check out the first challenge in a couple of weeks.

Ladybug & Friends DT Card

2010-08-11T09:00:00.000+01:00

I absolutely love the new release of stamps over at Ladybug & Friends. The heart and sentiment is from the Follow Your Heart set of stamps, I've also used Cherub stamps from the same Fall 2010 collection. These have been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers.
The papers are all from the Julefryd collection by Ladybug & Friends, I've inked the edges with tea dye distress ink.
I've embellished the card with punched hearts, tied up raffia, lace and finally a beautiful gardenia flower from Ladybug.

Sweet Pea Stampers DT Card

2010-08-02T09:00:00.004+01:00

This week's challenge over at the Sweet Pea Stampers is a sketch by Pascale. I've altered it slightly in order to accommodate my latest Sweet Pea stamps. This image is called The Moth and also comes with the sentiment. I've coloured the image with Copic markers and added some gems to the flowers. The sentiment has been inked with a mixture of Mustard Seed and Fired Brick distress inks. All the papers are from DCWV. I've used a butterfly punch and an infinity loops border punch both from Martha Stewart and a Cuttlebug flourish die.
This card also fits in with the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday - Texting Crazy

Flutterby Wednesday - Open Challenge

The Sugar Bowl

2010-07-30T16:00:00.004+01:00

This week's challenge over at The Sugar Bowl is Do It Yourself. You can choose any of their past sketches and the theme is open, just remember to use a Sugar Nellie stamp. This one is Daisy, I've stamped it in Memento and coloured it with Copic markers following sketch #38. I've inked the edges with Peeled Paint distress ink. The papers are all from My Minds Eye. I've used a heart lace punch from Martha Stewart and added some roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.
This also fits in with the following challenges:

The Stampman - Take 2 Colours

On Your Wedding Day

2010-07-28T16:32:00.003+01:00

I've just completed this wedding card following the sketch over at the Papertake Weekly Challenge.
The stamp is from Lili of the Valley and I've added a splash of colour to it with my Copic markers. All the papers are from the Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby paper stack and I've inked the edges with Black Soot distress ink. The flowers, lace and pin are all from Wild Orchid Crafts. I've also used a Martha Stewart frond leaf punch.
This card is also for the following challenges:

Pollycraft Monday Challenge - Love & Marriage
Wild Orchid Crafts - Lovely Lace
Anything Goes Challenge - Punches

Sweet Pea Stampers DT Card

2010-07-26T09:00:00.000+01:00

This week over at the Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge "anything goes" so you can create absolutely anything with your gorgeous Sweet Pea stamps.
I have used the sketch over at Cute Card Thursday along with one of my newer stamps from Sweet Pea, this one is called Seeing Through. I have stamped it with Memento and coloured it with Copic markers. The edges have been inked with Broken China and Peeled Paint distress inks. The papers are all from the Aqua Capsule Collection by Papermania. The flowers are a mixture of ones from the same range and some punched with the papers. I've also used a Sizzix decorative strip die for the branches and a Spellbinders die for the sentiment which is from Inkadinkado.
Please join in with us at Sweet Pea Stampers this week where we have two beautiful stamps up for grabs.

Passing Your Driving Test!

2010-07-25T12:01:00.006+01:00

I've just finished this card using the sketch over at Friday Sketchers this week.
The stamp is called "Pride and Joy" from Lili of the Valley, this has been coloured with Copic markers. I've used a sentiment stamp from See D's to create the "congratulations" paper which has been inked with Broken China distress ink. I've also used Fired Brick distress ink on some edges. The ticket sentiment is from Autumn Leaves and the spotted paper is from the Hampton collection from Crate Paper. Finally, I've embellished it with a handmade "L" plate.
This card also fits in at the Alphabet Challenge where they would like you to make a male card.

Lili of the Valley Challenge

2010-07-24T16:16:00.005+01:00

This week's challenge over at Lili of the Valley is a wonderful sketch, so I just had to take part. I've used one of my latest stamps from Lili of the Valley from the new A5 "occasions" set. These sets are only £12 for 4 stamps and lots of sentiments.
I've used the new baby stamps which have been coloured with Copic markers.
The papers are from the Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby collection and I've inked the edges with Broken China distress ink.
The flowers and pin are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I've used a Doily Lace edge punch and a frond leaf punch both from Martha Stewart.
This card also fits the following challenges:

Stamp Something - Something Flowery
Allsorts Challenge - Baby/Child

Creative Card Crew DT - Challenge 55

2010-07-20T09:00:00.005+01:00

This week's challenge over at the Creative Card Crew is a sketch by Sandie.
I've made a card with the sketch and then made a coordinating recipe book. The book has been bound using "The Cinch" by We R Memory Keepers.
The image is Baking with Nana by Belles 'n Whistles, this stamp range is now available at Jazzlins. If you are in the Essex area please pop by and say hello to my good friend Linda and check out her ever increasing stock range (Jazzlin Designs, Baytree Garden Centre, A120/Coggeshall Road, Stisted, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8AE).
Other supplies used for this project include papers from My Minds Eye, Brackets Sizzix Die from Tim Holtz and Prima flowers.
This gift set also fits in with the One Stop Craft Challenge this week where they have a colour theme "pink, blue, green and a hint of red".

WOJ GDT Call & 4 Challenges

2010-07-19T15:56:00.006+01:00

I've made another card for the Whiff of Joy guest designer call and this one matches the "Summer" theme in a more obvious way.
I've used the WOJ stamp Willow with Strawberry Basket. This has been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers. The edges have been inked with Peeled Paint distress ink and the circle was cut using a Nellie Snellen die. The papers are from the Papermania Henbury Lane collection. I've embellished the card with gorgeous flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and pearls from my stash. The sentiment is from Autumn Leaves and the corner die is a Sizzlit.
This card is also for the following challenges:

Sketch Saturday - Sketch
Allsorts Challenge - Summer Days
Wild Orchid Challenge - Say It With Flowers
Pollycraft Monday Challenge - Happy Birthday

Sweet Pea Stampers DT Card

2010-07-19T09:00:00.008+01:00

The theme this week at the Sweet Pea Stampers is "black, white and one other colour". I've chosen brown to go with one of my latest stamps from Sweet Pea "Brown Hat Spring Fairy", I just love this cute little owl. This has been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers and the edges have been inked with brushed corduroy distress ink. The papers are from DCWV. I've used a Martha Stewart border punch and a flourish die from Cuttlebug. The pearls and flowers are from my stash.
Check out the challenge this week where we have a wonderful prize of a Sweet Pea stamp and also keep an eye open for news of a fabulous prize from Lynette at Sweet Pea ;)
I am entering this card for the first challenge over at The Stamp Man where "anything goes" and also The Pink Elephant challenge where this week the theme is "brown". I also have to thank Julie for pointing out that it fits in with the colour/picture inspiration for The Play Date Cafe Challenge.

Whiff of Joy GDT Call

2010-07-18T19:45:00.006+01:00

This project has been made for the Whiff of Joy guest design team call.
I've used the WOJ image "Willow Writing Recipes" to make this notebook and card. These have been coloured with Copic markers and the edges have been inked with distress ink. The papers are mainly from Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby collection. I've used a Cuttlebug die and "brackets" by Tim Holtz for Sizzix. The flowers are from Papermania and the pearls are from my stash. The book has been bound using my new toy The Cinch from We R Memory Keepers.

Ladybug & Friends - Christmas in July!

2010-07-15T09:00:00.003+01:00

Today over at the Ladybug & Friends Design Team blog we are celebrating Christmas in July! The girls on the dt have made stunning Christmas creations using the gorgeous stamps, papers and flowers from Ladybug & Friends.
As you can see, my Bind It All has been very busy again. I'm just loving making these notebooks with coordinating cards at the moment.
I've used stamps "A Hug From Santa" and "O Jul med din glede" from the Ladybug Christmas '09 collection. These have been coloured with Copic markers, I've also used distress inks on the edges.
The gorgeous papers are Englesang and Forventninger from the Julefryd collection.
The stunning handmade gardenia flowers are from Ladybug. These ones are vintage olive and dark pink and I can't stress how beautiful they are in real life. I've added a few die cut leaves.
The word "believe" has been made with foam and an alphabet die set. The Christmas sentiment is from my stash.
Please pop over and check out the rest of the Christmas in July creations from the Ladybug & Friends design team.

First project for Ladybug Design Team!

2010-07-14T12:14:00.001+01:00

I'm so happy to present my first project for the Ladybug and Friends Design Team! There are so many wonderfully talented ladies on the team and such a friendly bunch, it's a dream come true for me.
Anyway, on to my gift set. I have used the stamp Birthday Surprise by Elisabeth Bell for Ladybug, this has been coloured with Copic markers and cut with a Spellbinder die, the edges have been inked with distress ink. I've used lots of dies including some from Cuttlebug and Sizzix along with the Amstersdam font alphabet by Go Kreate. The gorgeous papers are all from the Ladybug Spring Has Sprung collection and I've also used some flowers from their pretty daisies set which are perfect for inking.
I've bound the notebook with my Bind It All.

Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-07-12T09:00:00.003+01:00

This week's challenge over at the Sweet Pea Stampers is a recipe and quite a challenging one, which I really enjoyed.

2 Sweet Pea Images
no patterned paper
3 embellishments
1 butterfly

I've used the Sweet Pea stamp "Midnight Waiting", this has been coloured with Copic markers. I've created the background paper by using various alcohol inks and blasting it with compressed air. The small flowers have also been punched from a scrap of the brightly coloured paper. I've used a Cuttlebug die and a butterfly punch. The pearls are from my stash.
I hope you can join in with us at the Sweet Pea Stampers with this rather unusual but fun challenge this week.
This also fits the following challenge:

Flutter By Wednes day - Open theme

Creative Card Crew - Challenge 54 & DT Call!

2010-07-06T09:00:00.001+01:00

This week's theme over at the Creative Card Crew has been chosen by me and is "To Die For". I seem to use some kind of die on most of my cards nowadays so this was the natural choice for me.
I've made an easel card. The papers are mainly from the Papermania Chatsworth collection. I've used a Tim Holtz Sizzix die for the bird & cage. The florish is a Cuttlebug die and the rectange is from Nellie Snellen. Finally I've added some flowers and pearls from my stash and leaves cut with a die from Marianne Designs.
This week we are once again sponsored by Simon Says Stamp who have a massive range of craft goodies and are offering a $20 voucher to spend at their online shop with free p&p to one very lucky winner.

Also this week at the Creative Card Crew is the launch of our design team call. Please pop by and check it out, you have until 19th July to apply and the winners will be announced on Friday 23rd July. Good luck!

Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-07-05T09:00:00.007+01:00

This week's theme over at the Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge is "red, white and blue".
I've been very brave and tackled using my Bind it All again lol! I have to remember to move my fingers out of the way duh!
The image is Cheshire Cat Illusion by Sweet Pea, this has been stamped in Memento and coloured with Copic markers. The paper is from the Papermania Capsule Aqua collection. I've die cut the word "adventures" using the Amsterdam font by Go Kreate and some red foam. The white flowers are from my stash and the flourish is by Cuttlebug.
I've made the whole thing into a book with lots of fresh pages waiting for an exciting adventure to unfold.
This also fits the following challenges:

Cutie Sunday - Fairytale
Craftalicious Challenges - Cute
Raise the Bar - Colours of your Flag
Stamp Something - Colours of your Flag
A Pocket Full of Posies - One For The Girls

Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-06-28T09:00:00.008+01:00

This week's theme at the Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge is "Earth, Wind or Fire".

I've chosen the theme "wind" which I think matches this Sweet Pea stamp perfectly. The clipboard has been painted with green and blue acrylic paints. I've added some paper from Basic Grey. The main panel is a piece of semi gloss card which has been stamped with various stamps from the Winnefred Street set by Heidi Grace. I've stamped some with Versamark and added clear embossing powder. I've inked over this with Broken China, Peeled Paint and Mustard Seed distress inks. The image is "Fly Dandelions", this has been stamped in Memento and coloured with Copic markers and pastel pencils. I've added some glitter to the sun.
This also fits in with the challenge over at Magical Crafts, where the theme is "flower power".
This project is another sample for my good friend Linda's shop "Jazzlins" where you will be able to see it displayed very soon. Linda has a very good range of Sweet Pea stamps available to buy (Jazzlins Designs, Baytree Garden Centre, A120/Coggeshall Road, Stisted, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8AE) or contact Linda directly for more information.

Recipe Book

2010-06-27T16:04:00.002+01:00

I've just finished making this recipe book using sketch 108 over at Friday Sketchers. It's taken a lot longer than usual as I completely forgot how to use my Bind It All and made lots of mistakes lol!
The image is Henry Celebrating Mouse from WOJ, this has been stamped onto a Nestability panel and coloured with Copic markers. The papers are all from the Henbury Lane collection. I've cut the word "recipes" out of pale pink foam using an alphabet die set from Go Kreate.
The "baked with love" stamp is from a clear set from Stampendous - From the Kitchen.
Other materials used include: a Martha Stewart Heart Lace punch, Nellie Snellen rectangle die, Prima flowers and pearls from my stash.
This also fits in with the challenge over at the City Crafter Challenge this week where the theme is Pink, Purple and Pearls.

Creative Card Crew - Challenge 53

2010-06-22T09:00:00.006+01:00

This week's challenge over at the Creative Card Crew is to make an easel card. We are sponsored this week by Whimsy Stamps and have a fab prize up for grabs:

I've used the Whimsy image "Summer Day Emma", which has been coloured with Copic markers. The corners have been shaped with a "cloud" corner chomper from We R Memory Keepers. The papers are from Henbury Lane by Papermania. I've used doily lace border punch and a butterfly, both from Martha Stewart.
This is also for the following challenges:

Friday Sketchers - Sketch 107

Whimsy Stamps Challenge - Summer/Bugs
Stamp Something - Summer
Cutie Sunday - Summer

Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge

2010-06-21T09:00:00.001+01:00

This week's challenge over at the Sweet Pea Stampers is "stitching - faux or real".
I've used an Avec stencil to emboss and stitch the pale pink pearlescent card. I've added beads from My Mind's Eye. The Sweet Pea image is Dance of the Butterfly, this has been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers. The moon has been glittered with glamour dust and I've used pastel pencils in the background. I've used a butterfly punch from Martha Stewart and the paper is from K & Co.
This card also fits in with the challenge over at Crafty Creations where they would also like to see some stitching this week.

Jazzlins Designs - new shop!

2010-06-20T11:33:00.007+01:00

My dear friend Linda has opened a new shop in Braintree, Essex. Please pop by and have a browse around if you are in the area -
Jazzlin Designs, Baytree Garden Centre, A120/Coggeshall Road, Stisted, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8AE.
Linda asked me to make samples of altered art to display in her shop and I jumped at the chance, I just love to play with all the different techniques and mediums. This is the first sample, which is now hanging in the shop - there will be many more to come over the next few months.
The plain wooden heart is one that is available to buy from Jazzlins. I've sealed it, sprayed it with a strong glue and attached some gorgeous paper from the DCWV Old World stack. The edges have then been sanded and inked with vintage photo distress ink. The flowers have been sprayed with heirloom gold Perfect Pearls mixed with water. The vintage image is from Crafty Individuals and I've popped it into a K & Co frame. I've used a Sizzlit die for the heart which has had crackle paint applied to it. The wonderful pearlescent card is also available at Jazzlins and is a brilliant quality.
This project fits in with the following challenges:

Crazy 4 Challenges - Paper flowers
Alphabet Challenge Blog - Hearts
By The Cute And Girly - Something Old, Something New

Christmas in June!

2010-06-15T16:59:00.006+01:00

I've made my second Christmas card of the year using the sketch over at the Sketch & Stash Challenge where you also have to use unused stash.
The stamps are from Magnolia and this is the first time I've used the Tilda which has been stamped in Memento and coloured with Copic markers. The edges have been inked with tea dye distress ink. Most of the papers are from a kit by Cosmo Cricket which I only received yesterday. The poinsettia embellishments have been made with a Quickutz die which I've had for years but never used. I've also used a Martha Stewart border punch and a Nellie Snellen circle.
This is also fits the challenge over at Fab's Big Christmas Cards Challenge this week where you cannot use brads or ribbon with the option of adding a bird and the Christmas Card Challenge.

Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge - Good News!

2010-06-14T09:00:00.005+01:00

This is my first card for the Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge as a full time member of their design team. I'm so pleased that Pascale asked me to join as I love these stamps so much!
This week's challenge is Anne's Sketch.
I've used the stamp "Full Moon" which I received last week from one of my best friends. This has been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers and cut out. The background has been created using encaustic art and I've added a glittered circle for the moon.
The paper is from the Vintage Shabby collection from Tim Holtz. I've also used a Nellie Snellen oval die. The pearls, lace and flowers are from my stash.
This card also fits in with the "free for all" theme at the Sweet Pea Customer challenge this month.

LOTV Sketch

2010-06-11T14:20:00.002+01:00

I've just made this card using the sketch over at the Lili of the Valley challenge and also following the recipe over at the Simon Says Challenge.
The image is "Fairy on Tiptoes" by Lili of the Valley, this has been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers.
All the papers are from Basic Grey and the layering card is from DCWV. I've used a Nellie Snellen square die and a leaf die from Marianne. The sentiment is from Papermania stamps and this has been stamped onto the smallest of the rectangle dies also from Nellie Snellen. The flowers are from Prima.
This card also fits the Pollycraft Monday Challenge where this week they would like you to use ribbon and bling.

100% Boy

2010-06-08T15:48:00.002+01:00

I've just made this card following the sketch over at Lili of the Valley, this cute stamp is one of their new releases. It has been stamped in Memento and coloured with Copic markers. The oval is a die from Nellie Snellen. The papers are all from Basic Grey. The sentiment is from a clear set of stamps from Recollections called Label Me Tough. This has been stamped onto circles cut with Fiskars squeeze punches. I've used a Tim Holtz Sizzix bracket die and some brads from Queen & Co.
This card is also for the following challenges:

Simon Says Challenge - Father's Day/Male Card
Sir Stampalot Challenge - Punch It
Stampin For the Weekend - Summer/Travel

Creative Card Crew - Challenge 52

2010-06-08T09:00:00.004+01:00

Over at the Creative Card Crew we would like you to make something to say "Thank You".

I've made this wall hanging for a dear friend and hopefully it will have arrived to her by now.
The square chipboard has been shaped with a deco corner chomper.
I've used alcohol inks in the background, these have just been splashed onto gloss paper and I've used compressed air to blast some of the ink around.
The floral stamp is from Penny Black and the sentiments are mainly from Autumn Leaves.
I've used a Marianne butterfly die and some Prima "say it with crystals".
Distress inks used include Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy and Vintage Photo.
This project is also for the following challenges:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Swirls
Create 4 Fun - Recipe
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Floral Delights
Everybody Art Challenge - Things with Wings
The Crafty Pad - Pearls and Swirls

Sweet Pea Stampers GDT

2010-06-07T09:00:00.002+01:00

As I won the Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge last week, it means I get to be guest designer this week! This week is a colour challenge - aqua & brown.
I've used the sketch from Sketch Saturday. The stamp is called Soft Goth Night and this has been coloured with Copic markers. I've added glamour dust to the moon and chalk for the sky.
The papers are from DCWV and Papermania. I've used a Nellie Snellen die for the circles and a corner chomper on the corners.
This also fits in with the Cupcake Craft Challenge this week, where the theme is "dazzle us".

Sketch Saturday/House Mouse Monday

2010-05-31T16:05:00.002+01:00

I've just made this card using this week's sketch over at the Sketch Saturday challenge. This is also for the House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge where they would like you to make a Goodbye/Farewell card.
I've used the stamp "Berried", which has been stamped in Memento and coloured with Prisma pencils and Copic markers. The papers are mainly from Basic Grey. I've used an Autumn Leaves sentiment stamp. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I've used punches from Martha Stewart and X cut.

Sunday Sketch & Stamp/Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-05-30T16:24:00.002+01:00

I've just completed this card using the sketch over at Sunday Sketch & Stamp challenge and the recipe at the Sweet Pea Stampers challenge.
I've used the Sweet Pea stamp "Purple Woods" but in my case it's Pink Woods lol! This has been stamped in Memento and coloured with Copic markers. The papers are from the Papermania Chatsworth collection and one from Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby collection. The flowers, ribbon and button are from my stash. I've used a Cuttlebug die for the flourish and a X cut scallop edge punch.

Friday Sketchers/Stamp Something

2010-05-29T12:59:00.005+01:00

We've had a power cut all night and it's only just come back but luckily I'd made a note of some challenges that I could be getting on with.
I've used the sketch from Friday Sketchers this week, this has been combined with the recipe over at Stamp Something (designer paper, ribbon, bow and tag).
I've used Magnolia stamps which have been coloured with Copic markers. The oval is a Nellie Snellen die. Most of the papers are from the Papermania Capsule Collection. I've used the free shell stamp that comes with the latest issue of Craft Stamper magazine, this has just been stamped with Stazon and edged with Broken China distress ink. All the ribbons are from my stash and I've used my Bind It All to punch the edge of the card. I've used a Fiskars squeeze punch for the tag as I didn't have any electricity for my Cricut lol!
This card also fits into the current challenge at The Crafty Pad where they would like you to go "Over the Edge".

Just Magnolia GDT Card

2010-05-28T08:00:00.002+01:00

Here's my last card as guest designer over at the Just Magnolia challenge. I've really enjoyed my stay with all the wonderfully talented ladies on the design team.
This week's challenge is "hot and spicy" and we would like to see lots of bright, summery colours on your cards.
We are sponsored this week by Quixotic Paperie who are offering a £10 voucher to spend at their online store.
I just had to use the brightest pinks that I could find! I've used the sketch from the Sunday Sketch & Stamp challenge this week. The papers are from the Henbury Lane collection. I've stamped a frame from the Papermania Chatsworth clear stamps around Tilda which was masked. These images have been coloured with Copic markers. I've used a Cuttlebug embossing folder on the bright pink panel. All the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the leaf has been cut with a X cut botanical punch.
This card also fits in with the recipe at the Fussy & Fancy Challenge this week and the embossing challenge over at Quixotic Challenge.

You Are The Bestest!

2010-05-25T17:35:00.002+01:00

That is the name of this gorgeous Penny Black stamp that arrived on my doormat this morning along with a beautiful card from Janneke. I couldn't wait to ink it up and play lol!
I've stamped it in Stazon and watercoloured it. The sentiment stamp is by Autumn Leaves, I've had these for years but forgot about them. Most of the papers are from Cosmo Cricket. Now you know me, I can't resist punching so I've used a Martha Stewart doily lace punch and two different corner chompers.

This card is for the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Sketch
Create 4 Fun - Vintage
Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Lots of Dots

Creative Card Crew - Challenge 51

2010-05-25T09:00:00.008+01:00

The challenge theme this time at the Creative Card Crew is "pink and green". This just happens to be one of my favourite colour combinations so I really enjoyed making this card.
This week we are once again sponsored by Crafty Add icts, who are offering some wonderful flowers to one lucky winner.I've used a WOJ image (Henry Celebrating Mouse) which I'm sure you are already familiar with, it is so cute! This has been coloured with Copic markers and Prisma pencils, I've then added some Beadazzles to the cupcake.
All the papers are from Basic Grey and I've inked some of the edges with Tattered Rose and Peeled Paint distress inks.
The gorgeous flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, these have been sprayed with Perfect Pearls mixed with water.
The leaves have been punched with a X cut botanical punch and I've also used a Martha Stewart doily lace punch.
The oval has been cut with a Nellie Snellen die and I've used it as a stencil to cut the inner oval with a craft knife, this has been distressed with a Tonic Studio paper distresser
I hope you can join in with the challenge this week and don't forget to check out the stunning creations from the rest of the design team.

This is also for the following challenges:

Friday Sketchers - Sketch
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Birthday/Celebration
Basic Grey - Punch It
Stampin For The Weekend - Make Someone Smile
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Celebration

Sketch Saturday/WOJ

2010-05-23T11:56:00.002+01:00

Wow! What a glorious sunny weekend we're having here in the UK! My cats are very busy sunbathing lol!
I started this card yesterday using the sketch over at the Sketch Saturday challenge and also the colour combination required for the Whiff of Joy challenge - brown, yellow and one colour of your own choice.
I've used the stamp Willow Dancing which has been coloured with Copic markers. Most of the papers are from Basic Grey. I've used a corner chomper with a cloud cut to shape the edges and I've also used my rotary trimmer for the scallops. The music notes have been cut with a small Sizzix die.
I'm off to join my cats, enjoy your weekend.

Just Magnolia GDT Card

2010-05-21T08:00:00.008+01:00

This week at the Just Magnolia challenge there is a wonderful sketch to follow plus we are sponsored by Dies To Die For who are offering a prize of £10 to one lucky winner.

I've used Midsummer Tilda from the Fairy Tale collection, this has been coloured with Copic markers and I've added glamour dust to her dress.
The oval has been cut with a Nellie Snellen die and I've also used a Martha Stewart valentine lace border punch. If you look really closely, you will also notice that I've used a bracket die from the Tim Holtz Sizzix range. The papers are from the Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby pad and Henbury Lane. I've inked some edges with Broken China distress ink.
All the pearls and gems are from my stash.
This card also fits in with the challenge over at A Spoon Full of Sugar this week where the theme is Cute and Girly.

Whiff of Joy GDT Call

2010-05-18T15:45:00.004+01:00

I've made this card using the sketch over at the Simon Says Challenge. This is for the Whiff of Joy guest design team call for which you have to use the colour combination of red and orange and another colour of your choice. The call ends on 23rd May.
I've used my favourite WOJ stamp which has been coloured with Copic markers. The papers are mainly from Basic Grey. I've used a MS valentine lace punch, a deco corner chomper and a Quickutz die for the hinges. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the leaves have been cut with a X cut punch. I've inked all the edges with Brushed Corduroy distress ink.
This card also fits in with the Papertake Weekly Challenge where they would like you to "say it with flowers" this week.

Poppy Love

2010-05-17T11:00:00.000+01:00

I've made this card using the sketch over at Friday Sketchers. The image is "Poppy Love" from Sweet Pea stamps. This has been paper pieced and coloured with Copic markers, I've also used pastel pencils for the background. The papers are all from the Henbury Lane collection and some pink glitter paper from my stash.
The flower has been made using a die from Marianne Designs, this has had ribbon threaded through it and a gem added.
This card also fits in with the following challenges:

Sweet Pea Stampers - Paper Piecing
Quixotic Challenge - Use DIY Flowers

The Sugar Bowl Sketch

2010-05-16T16:56:00.005+01:00

I've just completed this card following the sketch over at The Sugar Bowl where the theme is also to recycle. The die cut yellow circle is made from recycled paper.
The image is one of my favourite ever Sugar Nellie stamps and has been coloured with Copic markers.
The papers are from DCWV and the Henbury Lane collection.
I've used three flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and three button brads.
This card is also for the following challenges:

A Spoon Full of Sugar - 3 papers and 3 buttons
The Crafty Calendar Challenge - The Great Outdoors
Totally Gorjuss - Round and Round

Just Magnolia GDT Card

2010-05-14T08:00:00.003+01:00

This is my second week as guest designer over at the Just Magnolia challenge. The theme for this week is "one for the girls", so it's a great excuse for me to use my new Tim Holtz paper pad.
I've used the sketch from the challenge over at Sketch Saturday this week.
All the papers are from the Vintage Shabby pad and I've used some pink glitter card from my stash.
The Magnolia image has been masked and I've stamped a frame around her. This has been coloured with Copic markers.
I've stamped the Fiskars sentiment directly onto the TH paper. The stars were cut with a Sizzix die and I've also used a X cut scallop border punch and some pink gems.
This card also fits in with the Cute Card Thursday challenge this week where the theme is "Someone Special".

Friendship Card

2010-05-13T17:18:00.005+01:00

Here's a really quick card for today.
I've used only one backing paper which has had the corners shaped with a Corner Chomper.
The hanging sign die by Tim Holtz has been inked with distress inks and stamped with a sentiment from the Fiskars "friendship" stamps.
The butterfly is a gorgeous die from Marianne Designs, this has been cut with plain blue card and blue glitter card. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the leaves are a X cut botanical punch.
I don't think that I've ever used so many dies and so few papers and stamps on a card!

This is for the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Shiny, Sparkly & Special
Tuesday Taggers - Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Sir Stampalot Challenge - Butterflies and Blossoms

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?

2010-05-12T11:48:00.009+01:00

On my workdesk today is my new leaf punch! I've been so impressed with the new X cut punches that I have tried so I decided to go for one of their botanical leaf punches which also embosses. It is a bit weird to use at first as you need a bit more strength than an ordinary punch but it works brilliantly and has a lifetime guarantee.
Also on my desk is some work in progress but as it's for a design team, I'm afraid it's top secret!
I received a post card from a friend this morning, she was in Gibraltar but is heading for Rome now. I'm not jealous, I have a new bookcase to fill with crafty stuff so I've been having a bit of a much needed sort out. I've put the things that I use the most on the shelves as it's just behind me. (and it's not really new, my son Tim was just about to throw it in the garage before I claimed it. I wonder what he's done with all his books?)
Anyway, must get on with things. Lot's of nosing around at other people's desks to be done every Wednesday over at WOYWW

Creative Card Crew - Challenge 50

2010-05-11T09:00:00.007+01:00

This week over at the Creative Card Crew we have a sketch for you to follow. We are sponsored this time by Simon Says Stamp and Heidi has kindly donated a $20 voucher.For my card I've used a Happy Hopper stamp "Relaxing Bubbles", this has been watercoloured. The circle has been cut with a Nellie Snellen die and distressed with Tattered Rose distress ink.
My papers are from Basic Grey and the new Tim Holtz paper pad Vintage Shabby.
I've added some gorgeous flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and some pearls from my stash.
This card also fits in with the House Mouse Monday Challenge and the fortnightly challenge over at Lorraine's Lof t.
Now for news on the broken punch. I contacted the online shop where I'd purchased it and they were very helpful. They are replacing it and refunding my postage costs. Hopefully the new one will last more than a couple of months! I think I need a back up leaf punch just in case lol!

Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge

2010-05-10T14:11:00.004+01:00

I've just made this card for the Sweet Pea Stampers challenge where they would like you to use the colours pink, green and brown this week, following the sketch over at Sketch and Stash.
Last week I received some gorgeous stamps from Sweet Pea stamps this one is called Fly Butterfly. It has been coloured with Copic markers. I've paper pieced her dress and added glamour dust to the edges and the moons. I've coloured the background with pastel pencils. All the papers are from Basic Grey.
I've used a Corner Chomper with a cloud cut for the corners and the sentiment has been stamped onto the smallest of the Nellie Snellen oval set of dies.
This card also fits in with the following challenges:

Die Cut Dreams - Shabby Chic
The Crafty Pad - Punch
Sweet Pea May Customers Challenge - May Showers Bring Spring Flowers

Now for a rant. I was trying to cut out some leaves for this card with my Leone Em punch and the punch stuck completely. Despite me trying to persuade it to become unstuck with the aid of a hammer, I've had to throw it away! The paper I was trying to punch was quite thin and should not have been a problem for any paper punch.
Can anyone recommend a leaf punch that actually does what it is suppose to?
Thanks.

Sunday Stamper

2010-05-09T15:43:00.002+01:00

The challenge over at Sunday Stamper is "We Are Golden". You can make anything you like and just add some gold. Now the first thing that popped into my head was to raid my stash of recycled tomato puree tubes. Can I just clear something up before I continue? I do not work for Napolina lol!
I decided to make one of my technique tags, I have loads of these hanging around to remind me of techniques that I like the most.
First of all I punched and stamped the rose and then assembled it. It has been sprayed with gold perfect pearls mixed with water. The leaves are made from tomato puree tubes and have been embossed. The script stamp is from Stampendous and the medieval couple is from Tanda stamps. I have used distress inks in Old Paper, Antique Linen and Tea Dye. The ribbons are from my stash.

Golfing Hedgehog

2010-05-08T17:17:00.004+01:00

This card has been made using the sketch over at the Penny Black Saturday Challenge where they are celebrating the 100th week of the challenge! They are having a Blog Hop and there are lots of prizes up for grabs. Talking of blog hops, they are also having one at the Simon Says Stamp challenge this week where the theme is Birthdays/Celebration. Stamp Something also have the birthday theme. This card also fits in with the Colour Create Challenge where the colours this week are cream, aqua, brown and khaki. I am also entering this for the Stampin for the Weekend challenge where they would like to see male cards this week.

For my card, I've coloured the Penny Black image with pastel pencils, I find these much more effective for animal or nature stamps, the edges have been inked with tea dye distress ink. I've used some dies by Nellie Snellen, a X Cut scallop border punch and some Fiskars squeeze punches for the circles. The papers are from the Hampton Collection by Crate Paper.

Bye for now.

Just Magnolia GDT Card

2010-05-07T08:00:00.004+01:00

I'm very pleased to present my first card as Guest Designer over at the Just Magnolia Ch alleng e.
This week is the Special Monthly Challenge and the theme is "It Takes Two" and we would like you to use at least two Magnolia images on your card not including sentiments.
I couldn't resist sitting these cute little Tilda images on a Magnolia bench. These have been coloured with Copic markers and I've added a touch of glamour dust on the wings.
The sentiment is from a set of 8x8 stamps from Fiskars.
The papers are mainly from the Papermania Chatsworth collection and a tiny bit from my new Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby paper pad (it is so gorgeous).
Finally, I've embellished the card with a Cuttlebug border die and some pink pearls.
I hope you can join in at the Just Magnolia Challenge where this week we are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp!.This card also fits in with the Stamp With Fun challenge this week, where the theme is "Friends".

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday - 48

2010-05-05T13:13:00.004+01:00

Omg! Where has the week gone? Here we are again at Wednesday and this is my workspace. I've been quite busy recently with lots of birthdays looming so I'm afraid it's too messy even for Phoenix. She decided not to pose today as she is busy sleeping off a tin of tuna. The other cats (Trinity and Domino) did get some but Phoenix likes her tuna and shares begrudgingly.
I had a lot of questions last week about the tubes of gems. They were a One Time Only deal at QVC recently. I leave them out in front of me as I love the colours especially when the sun hits them. Plus, knowing me, if I put them away they would be forgotten about and never used!
Talking of the sun, we had an amazingly sunny Bank Holiday here in North Wales - it was just perfect. It's not so good today, quite cold and very gloomy. Nevermind, I have some new Sweet Pea stamps to play with not to mention the amazing big box of flowers that arrived yesterday. I must remember to tell my friend Paula about them lol!
Have a good Wednesday and I'll see you next week for WOYWW.

Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge

2010-05-04T17:46:00.002+01:00

I've just made this card for the Sweet Pea Stampers Challenge where this week there is a wonderful sketch to follow.
The image has been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers. I've added some gems and glamour dust glitter.
This morning I received my wonderful prize from the Just Magnolia challenge last week - a box crammed full with wonderful flowers, pins and lace from Wild Orchid Crafts! If you've been hiding on another planet recently and haven't heard of them or their gorgeous flowers - get over there now and prepare to be amazed!
I've sprayed the flowers with perfect pearls and then added some glamour dust for even more sparkle. The leaves have been cut with a Leone Em punch.
The papers are from DCWV Old World paper pad and Anna Griffin. I've also used a Cuttlebug border die.

Cute Bear Card

2010-05-03T15:04:00.005+01:00

I've just made this card for the Just Cute Bears Challenge following the sketch over at the Stamp Something Challenge this week.
The image was stamped with Stazon and watercoloured with pencils. I've used punches from Martha Stewart and X Cut which tie in with the Penny Black Saturday Challenge this week - Let's Get Punchy.
All the papers are from Basic Grey. The buttons, ribbon and flowers are from my stash.

Here Comes Summer!

2010-05-02T14:45:00.004+01:00

The theme for the challenge over at Lili of the Valley is Here Comes Summer.
I had to make a birthday card for a very special little boy who is no longer that little but he's still a little scamps so this image just about sums him up!
The image is Hanging Around by Lili of the Valley. This has been stamped with Memento and coloured with Copic markers, I've added a bit of blue chalk for the sky. It has been die cut with a Nellie Snellen rectangle die, the sentiment has been stamped onto the smallest of the dies.
Most of the papers are from Basic Grey. I've also used a Tim Holtz Sizzix die "brackets".
The colours used on my image also fit in with the Copic Colour Challenge this week.

Cute Card Thursday/Tuesday Taggers

2010-05-01T14:49:00.006+01:00

I've just made this card using the free cat stamp from this month's Craft Stamper magazine. Most of the other stamps are from a clear set by Heidi Grace called Wild Daisy Road. The background paper has been stamped with one of the smaller stamps from the set and a Brilliance ink pad in pearlescent ivy. I've used distress inks in Broken China, Peeled Paint and Mustard Seed.

This card is for the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday - Make Your Own
Tuesday Taggers - Memories

Shaped Easel Card and some very good news!

2010-04-30T17:56:00.007+01:00

Now I've been thinking of trying to do one of these shaped easel cards for a while but didn't know how. Today I decided to just have a go and see what happens.
I used my Plantin Schoolbook Cricut cartridge to cut out an apple. I've inked the leaf with distress ink. The stamp is MacKenzie from Sugar Nellie, this has been inked with Memento and coloured with Copic markers. The corners have been shaped with a Cloud corner chomper from We R Memory Keepers.
The papers are from Basic Grey and DCWV. The ribbons are from Cosmo Cricket.
The flowers, gems and buttons are from my stash.
This card is for the following challenges:

Daring Cardmakers - Easel Card
C.R.A.F.T Challenge - Shaped Card
A Spoonful Of Sugar - 3D Something
Papertake Challenge - Do Something Different

Now on to my very good news! I have won last week's challenge over at the Just Magnolia blog and will be joining them as guest designer for the month of May - I'm so excited!

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?

2010-04-28T11:07:00.004+01:00

Now, I've been meaning to join in with this fun challenge for a while now but I didn't really want to reveal the mess that is my workspace!
Oh well, here goes -

As you can see in the top left of the photo, I have a little helper. Let me introduce you to my cat Phoenix. She is a little sneak thief and runs off with all manner of things and hides them - it's her way of keeping me on my toes lol! Anyway, today she has decided to pose for the camera and act all innocent whilst probably eyeing up which bit of stash to steal next! Don't think I didn't notice the spare piece of card that she's nonchalantly pretending not to be chewing.
My workspace is actually very tidy (for me) today as I'm in between projects. I tend to keep all my ink pads in a locked box at the side of the table and my Copics get tidied away everyday too just in case Phoenix decides they taste good.
At the top of the picture you can not see my Sizzix Big Kick which is, as always covered in bits of paper and card.
Join in at What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday if you dare lol!

ABC Challenge - T is for.....

2010-04-28T07:00:00.002+01:00

.... Thank You!

This week we have reached the letter T over at the ABC Challenge and would like to see all your ideas for a Thank You card.
I've used a stamp from the Magnolia spring kit which has been coloured with Copic markers. The word "Thanks" has been cut on my Cricut using the Opposites Attract cartridge.
The papers are from DCWV. I've used a Doily Lace punch from Martha Stewart and some flower ribbon from my stash. The butterflies have also been cut with a Martha Stewart punch and some pink glitter card.
This week the ABC Challenge is being sponsored by Whimsy Stamps who are very kindly offering a $15 voucher to spend at their online store.

I am also entering this card for the Daring Cardmakers Challenge this week where they have the theme Die Cutting.

Creative Card Crew - Challenge 49

2010-04-27T09:00:00.002+01:00

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

I'm so happy to present my first card for the Creative Card Crew since joining their design team.

I've used an Anya stamp which has been paper pieced and coloured with Copic markers. The oval is a frame die by Nellie, this has been distressed on the edges with Tea Dye distress ink. All the papers are from Basic Grey and I've used a Martha Stewart Valentine Lace border punch. The flowers, button and gems are from my stash.I hope you can join in the challenge where this fortnight we are sponsored by Crafty Addicts.You have the chance of winning this stamp by Rachelle Ann Miller called Bundle of Joy
I am also entering this for the challenge over at Our Creative Corner this week which has the theme Blooming Blossoms.

Sunday Stamper/Colour Create

2010-04-26T14:09:00.003+01:00

I've been having a play with alcohol inks today! The metal is a used tomato puree tube which has been cut open, washed thoroughly and then flattened with a brayer. This has been die cut with a Sizzix Bigz die called Bird with Leaves and Flowers. I very recently came across my Pergamano tools and thought they might come in handy with metal so I used a triangle perforating tool on the branch and a star embossing tool around the outside of the bird. I've used lots of different alcohol inks including raspberry, sunshine yellow, lettuce and denim. The flower petals have been shaped slightly by hand and I've added the biggest gem I could find lol!
The tag was cut out on my Cricut using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge and some gloss white card. This has been stamped with a brick stamp from The Artistic Stamper, a face and music stamp from Clear Art Stamps and a script stamp from Inkadinkdo using an Impress ink pad in Jet Black.
I've used Distress Inks in Fired Brick and Mustard Seed. I found dabbing these on with the applicator easier with the gloss card rather than the usual way of distressing.
Finally I've added a black pearl for the bird's eye and a black organza ribbon.
This project is for the Sunday Stamper Challenge where the theme is Free As A Bird, you can make anything and add a bird if you wish and also the Colour Create challenge where the colours are burnt orange, black and cream this week.
I hope you like it, I really had fun making this tag.

Sketch Saturday/Sweet Pea Stampers

2010-04-24T19:15:00.003+01:00

I've made another card today! This one is for the Sweet Pea Stampers challenge where the theme this week is Wonderland, using the sketch over at Sketch Saturday. The image is a Sweet Pea stamp by Elaine Cox, this has been coloured with Copic markers. I've used paper from DCWV.

Cute Card Thursday/Just Magnolia

2010-04-24T15:41:00.003+01:00

I've just made this card using the sketch over at the Cute Card Thursday challenge this week. I've used stamps from the Magnolia club kit, these have been coloured with Copic markers. The papers are from Basic Grey. The die cut branches are from a Sizzix decorative strip and the flowers are from my stash. This card also fits in with the Just Magnolia challenge this week which has the theme Anything Goes.

Dragons, Dragons Everywhere!

2010-04-20T18:30:00.006+01:00

I've just found a challenge called Tuesday Taggers and the theme for this week's challenge is Dragons, Dragons, Everywhere. They are being sponsored by Tanda Stamps so I thought it would be a very good idea to use one of my favourite dragon stamps which happen to be from Tanda Stamps! Please go and check them out if, like me, you love dragons!
I've also used a Sweet Pea stamp for this card which has been coloured with Copic markers. The papers and gems are from my stash. I've used a circle die from Nellie, a Martha Stewart border punch and a deco corner chomper.

Creative Card Crew - Challenge 48

2010-04-19T12:16:00.004+01:00

I've made this card for the Creative Card Crew challenge which has the theme "Happy Birthday".
The stamps used are Kitchen Tilda and Cupcake from Magnolia, these have been coloured with Copic markers. I've used a die cut oval by Nellie and a Martha Stewart doily lace border punch. The papers are from Cosmo Cricket. The sentiment is from Hero Arts.

Spring Lamb

2010-04-17T17:07:00.008+01:00

Hi, I hope you're all enjoying the wonderful weather we have in the UK at the moment.
I've just made this card inspired by a photo I took earlier today:

The image is from the Hoppy Easter Collection by Magnolia, this has been coloured with Copic markers. I've used a doily which has been distressed with Tattered Rose ink. The paper is from Basic Grey. The sun shape is from the circles set of dies by Nellie's. All the flowers are from my stash. I've also used a scallop corner chomper by We R Memory Keepers.
This card is for the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Cutie Pie
Cute Card Thursday - Touchy Feely

Exciting News!

2010-04-15T16:49:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post to announce my very exciting news.
I have been asked to join the Creative Card Crew design team! I'm so pleased to be working alongside such a talented bunch of ladies and would like to thank Paula for thinking of me.

ABC Challenge - S is for.....

2010-04-14T07:34:00.005+01:00

.......Sparkle!

The new Magnolia spring collection is now shipping and mine arrived yesterday! The stamps are all gorgeous and this is my favourite collection so far.
I've used a Tilda stamp, the frog and sentiment which have been coloured with Copic markers and Sakura pens.
The paper is from Basic Grey and the glitter paper has been punched with a Martha Stewart double hoop punch. I've also added some flowers and gems from my stash.

This week over at the ABC Challenge we are sponsored by The Secret Crafter and Wendy is offering some wonderful Manga stamps to one lucky person. This range of stamps is exclusive to the Secret Crafter and the choice is amazing - please go and check them out and don't forget p&p is free for all orders over £5!

ABC Challenge - R is for.....

2010-03-31T07:00:00.001+01:00

.......Red!

This week over at the ABC Challenge the theme is "Red". The first thing that springs to my mind when it comes to this colour is Christmas, so I thought it would be a very good idea to get an early start with this years cards.
Last year I only made two Christmas cards for following reason. I really wanted Christmas Magnolia stamps for my cards and I didn't have any at all so I ordered the Winter Collection and waited for delivery. I was getting a bit anxious as it got nearer and nearer to December and there was still no sign of the stamps. Eventually, there it was on my doormat in the first week of December, my precious delivery from Sweden. I was really keen to get a move on with my Christmas cards by now as I normally make about 40 and I was cutting it fine with postal deadlines looming. Can you imagine my shock when I looked at the Winter collection and there wasn't even one Christmas stamp! Anyway I ended up using my trusty Tim Holtz stamps for the only two cards that I eventually made.
I've recently purchased some gorgeous Magnolia Christmas stamps from a very nice blogger and couldn't wait to get them inked up.
Tilda has been stamped with Memento ink and then masked. I've then stamped the tree over this using Ivy and Coffee Bean Brilliance ink pads. Tilda has been coloured with Copic markers and I've added glossy accents to the baubles. The wooden star and red gems are from my stash.
The papers are from Anna Griffin and I love these muted vintage tones.
The holly and heart have also been coloured with Copics and I've added crackle glaze to the heart.
You may also notice (and how could you possibly miss it?) the debut of my Martha Stewart deep edge Daisy punch. I was very impressed with how easily it cut through the very thick card.
Anyway, one down, only another 39 to go!
I hope you can join in at the challenge and enjoy using all your red stash, I certainly did.

My First Easel Card

2010-03-30T16:19:00.005+01:00

I needed to make a very special birthday card for a friend who is celebrating a big birthday next month. I also wanted to use this beautiful Whiff of Joy stamp that I recently won in a blog candy (thank you Paula). The stamp has been inked with Memento and coloured with Copic markers and a silver Sakura pen. The sentiment is from a very old K&Co kit but I think it was made for this image. The stamp used on the base of the card is from HOTP.
The papers are from Anna Griffin and Basic Grey.
The shaped panels have been cut on my Cricut using the Accent Essentials cartridge.
I was also sent these gorgeous flowers which I've sprayed with perfect pearls and water.
The ribbons, pins and gems are all from my stash.
This card is for the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge this week where the theme is Flower Power.

Spring Tag

2010-03-20T15:21:00.003Z

I've just found a new challenge based on one of my favourite ever stamp collections so just had to join in at Stampotique Designers Challenge where this week the theme is "Spring".
I cut the tag on my cricut using the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge. I've then stamped flowers from the Winnefred Street stamp set from Heidi Grace using Versamark and clear embossing power and black Stazon.
The Stampotique stamp that I've used is called Girl with Heart Purse by Daniel Torrente. Other stamps used include a small bird from the Clear Art Stamps set Altered Art and a spring stamp from Stampendous.
After all the stamping and embossing was finished, I've inked the tag with mustard seed, peeled paint, fired brick and broken china distress inks.
Finally, I've added some green and pink raffia and an acetate dragonfly from my stash.
I'm also entering this in the Stamp Something Challenge for this week which has the theme "Distress Something"

ABC Challenge - Q is for.....

2010-03-17T07:00:00.007Z

.......Quotation!

We have reached the letter Q over at the ABC Challenge and chose the theme "Quotation".
I decided to make a wall hanging as I've not done one for a while.
The base is a piece of very thick black card, this has been stamped with Versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder. I've then painted over the entire thing with a mixture of acrylic paints. You are supposed to wipe some of the paint off while it's still tacky but here's what I did... I decided to phone a very good friend for a quick chat whilst the paint dried a bit. I had to ring off before we had caught up properly because the delivery man was at the door with my new Melting Pot. I was so excited, I quickly unwrapped it and set it up on my craft mat. I got to work straight away and melted a small amount of gold UTEE. I used this to edge the birdcage image and then poured some into a mould I had made that morning using a flower charm and some Mold n Pour (love that stuff) ....I then remembered my acrylic paint which was completely dry! Not sure whether to cry or start again, I decided to attack it with a wet scourer from the kitchen - that will teach it to mess with me! Anyway, disaster averted, the scourer worked really well and took the paint off nicely to reveal the images underneath. PHEW!
I've used the gold UTEE flower in the middle of the large flowers, two of which have been cut out of wallpaper and sprayed with perfect pearls and water.
The chipboard letters are from a very old kit from Brenda Pinnick, I've inked and covered them with black soot distress embossing powder.
I've cut the puzzle piece out of an old book using a Quickutz die and attached some charms with a jump ring.
The bookplate was sent to me recently by my aforementioned friend and coincidentally matches the gromlets I've used from my stash.

Distress inks used include broken china and milled lavender.

I've used lots of stamps and really had fun with this project, I hope you like it and join in with challenge. Please stop by and say hello to Sandie, the newest member of the ABC design Team.

Shabby Magnolia

2010-03-07T16:29:00.004Z

I've just made this card in between watching football matches lol!
The sketch is from the Create 4 Fun Challenge for this week.
I've used a Tilda stamp, this has been masked and stamped over with a frame from the Papermania Chatsworth collection. They have been coloured with Copic markers, distress ink and Sakura gel pens.
I've made one of the background papers with a damask stamp again from the Chatsworth collection.
The square has been punched with a Martha Stewart around the page punch which are so easy to line up. I've also used a valentine lace punch.
Distress inks used include tattered rose, antique linen and tea dye.
This card is also for the Stamp Something Challenge and the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge this week

ABC Challenge - P is for.....

2010-03-03T07:00:00.003Z

......Paper Piecing!

This week over at the ABC Challenge we have the theme of paper piecing, which I love to do. Normally I would reach for a character stamp for this but I thought I would try something different and chose a bird from the Flora and Fauna set of stamps by Kaiser Crafts. All the papers are from Basic Grey and as you can see I've used the stripey paper from the background on the bird's wing and tail.
The sentiment is from the Butterfly Angel stamps by Non Sequitur.
I've used a Quickutz die for the keyhole and the key is from Sizzix, these have been embossed with Vintage Photo distress embossing powder - I really love the effect this gives. I've also used a Sizzlit die for the heart which has been coloured and then covered in crackle glaze. The tag has been inked and then had perfect pearls brushed over the edges.
The stamp in the background is "Ledger" by Stampers Anonymous.
Distress inks used include Vintage Photo, Tea Dye and Mustard Seed.
As you can see I have been very influenced by Tim Holtz recent visit to the UK!

Spring is in the Air!

2010-03-02T14:44:00.002Z

Spring is definitely in the air here, we've had two days of sunshine even if it is still a bit cold. To celebrate the end of winter (am I tempting fate here?) I've created this card using a sentiment and image from the Live Out Loud set of stamps by Elusive Images.
The image has been stamped and embossed with black sparkle embossing powder. I've coloured it with distress inks (tattered rose, broken china, peeled paint and tea dye), I've then added perfect pearls - gold on the birds and white on the sun.
The paper is from Basic Grey and I've used a borderline mask from Tim Holtz to stencil the border along the bottom of the card.
The flowers are from a blog candy that I recently won (thank you Tracy) and the leaves have been made with a Leone Em punch.
This card is for the following challenges:

Creative Card Crew - Celebrations
By The Cute and Girly - Spring is in the Air

ABC Challenge - O is for.....

2010-02-17T07:00:00.002Z

...... One Paper!

This week's challenge over at the ABC Challenge Blog is to only use one backing paper on your card.
You might recognize the stamp that I've used here as it comes with the current issue of Craft Stamper magazine. I absolutely adore this stamp and just had to ink it up in every colour of ink pad that I have before deciding on these four colours!
The backing paper is from Brenda Pinnick and I've stamped the sentiment directly onto it.
I hope you can join in the challenge, this week we are sponsored by Wendy from The Secret Crafter.

Stamping with Luna Lights

2010-02-06T16:50:00.009Z

Today I've been playing with Luna Lights paints for the first time and I really like the effect. I put random drops of purple and pink onto my heat proof mat then pressed die cut hearts into it. I then dried them with my heat gun and stamped into them using a swirl and script stamp and Stazon ink.
I've created the background paper by using a crackle effect stamp and the swirl stamp again.
The main image is from Sweet Pea stamps, this has been coloured with Copic markers and a small amount of chalk for the background.
This card is for the following challenges:

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Sketch
Stamp Something - Love Somethings
Fussy & Fancy Friday Challenge - Hearts
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Valentine or Love
Creative Card Crew - Valentines
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Love Actually
Quixotic Challenge - I Believe In Fairies
Flutter By Wednesdays - Butterflies, Fairies or Angels
Charisma Cardz Challenge - I Love You
Lili of the Valley - Valentines
By the Cute and Girly - Love
Stampin For The Weekend - Valentines
Crazy 4 Challenges - Be My Valentine
La-La Land Wednesday Challenge - Hearts
Tanda Teaser - For A Loved One
Lexi's Creations - Valentines
Double Dutch - Be My Valentine

Medieval Wedding Card

2010-02-04T20:47:00.004Z

I was asked to make a medieval wedding card for someone and was planning to put this on my blog tomorrow but they are taking it home with them today so I have to apologize for the quickly taken photo.
The main image is from Tanda stamps and I've just stamped this out with black Stazon. The papers are mainly from the Robert Adam's Medieval CD rom. I've stamped onto script paper from the cd with sealing wax and another gorgeous Tanda stamp.
I made the three roses this afternoon and finished the card off with some leaves cut on the Cricut and a Cuttlebug border die.

Please pop along to my very good friend Helen's blog to hear about her very exciting news!

ABC Challenge - N is for.....

2010-02-03T07:00:00.003Z

......New!

This week at the ABC Challenge we have the theme "new", this could be interpretated in various ways - new techniques, new stamps etc.
I've used an image that I've not used before from Whiff of Joy stamps called Willow Sitting Bride, this has been coloured with Copic markers. Also used for the first time is the heart and ribbon stamp from the Magnolia winter collection.
The papers are all from the Maison collection by K&Co. Some have been die cut using my Cricut and the Accent Essentials cartridge. I've stamped onto the scalloped square with a See D's Lil stamp, this has been distressed with Antique Linen and Vintage Photo inks. I've also used my favourite edge punch from Martha Stewart, Heart Lace and the "waste" hearts have been glued randomly to the card as confetti.
I hope you can join in this challenge where there is a chance to win a choice of digital images by Lauretta's Digital Images

Happy Weekend!

2010-01-30T17:02:00.003Z

I've just completed this card using the sketch over at the Create 4 Fun Challenge. The image is one of my all time favourites from Whiff of Joy, this has been coloured with Copics and paper pieced with K & Co papers to fit in with this week's challenge over at C.R.A.F.T.
The panels have been embossed with a Swiss Dot Cuttlebug folder. The sentiment is from K & Co and the papers are mainly from Basic Grey. I've added an acetate butterfly which fits in with this week's Quixotic Challenge.
I hope you are enjoying your weekend, we still have a thin covering of snow here in North Wales.

Valentine Card

2010-01-24T16:04:00.004Z

I've just created this Valentine card using the sketch from this week's challenge over at the Create 4 Fun blog, I've also combined this with the theme at the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge which this week is "Red". It also fits in quite nicely with the theme at the Allsorts Challenge this week - "hearts and flowers".
The image is a stamp by Ladybug and Friends which I've coloured with watercolour pencils and a Sakura gel pen for the wings.
The paper is from Anna Griffin. I've used a Cuttlebug embossing folder "birds and swirls" and some gloss white card for the panel.
I've used a Martha Stewart edge punch and some pearlescent red card for the strips.
The flower is made up of several punched and die cuts and a Prima flower. The handmade paper hearts are from my stash.
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend, thanks for looking.

One Card - Four Challenges!

2010-01-21T16:19:00.003Z

I don't normally combine challenges but I thought it would be fun to combine the following:

Lily of the Valley Thursday Challenge #45 - Sketch
Quixotic Challenge #10 - Ink Up An Old Stamp
Creative Card Crew #43 - Punch It
Charisma Cardz Challenge #3 - Fruity Colours

'
I've used an old Penny Black clear stamp from the Bubbly set, this has been lightly coloured with Copic markers. The punches used include a Fiskars squeeze punch for the circle and corner rounder punches from Woodware. I've also used my Cricut and the Assent Essentials cartridge to cut the flower shape on which the image is sitting. The papers are all from DCWV and I think you'll agree they are very fruity.
Anyway, I've really enjoyed combining these challenges and will definitely try this out again soon.

ABC Challenge - M is for.....

2010-01-20T07:00:00.002Z

......Masking!

This week over at the ABC Challenge we have the theme "Masking" and there is an amazing tutorial by our very talented Vicky which can be found here.

I've used stamps from the Magnolia winter club collection which I received last month. These have been coloured with Copic markers. The sentiment has been cut with a Sizzix decorative strip and some funky foam which I've coloured with distress ink. I've made the rose out of layers of punched out flowers. Most of the papers are from Anna Griffin.

I hope you can join in with the challenge this week, I look forward to checking out your creations.

I'm back!

2010-01-15T16:08:00.005Z

Hi everyone, I'm so sorry to have taken such a long break from crafting and blogging but I won't bore you with the details. It has been great going through all my stamps and crafty goodies again and I have started with a rather simple card.
I was asked to make a birthday card for a man who loves pandas with their favourite colours being red and black. I immediately went for my one and only panda stamp by Inkadinkado and an Artstamp which says "love" in Chinese. The trellis has been cut using a Cuttlebug die from the 2x6 floral and scrolling set and some gloss black card. I've used a small amount of gold mirri card for layering and some red card from my stash.
I was going to add a Chinese charm but decided not to as it made the card look more feminine.
Anyway, I hope you like it :)

ABC Challenge - F is for.....

2009-10-14T07:00:00.001+01:00

......Flying!

We have reached the letter F on the ABC Challenge and although I first thought about butterflies or birds, I decided to choose a flying witch instead!
The background has been created using some stamps from Hero Arts and encaustic art. I've then torn a page out of an old book, inked it and glued it to the corner.
The characters are three stamps from Stampotique by Daniel Torrente, these have been coloured with Lyra aquacolours. I've cut some hats out of the remaining part of the book page and added some black pearls.
Finally I've added a spider's web and sentiment also from the Hero Arts "Happy Halloween" set.

ABC Challenge - E is for....

2009-09-30T07:00:00.000+01:00

......Embossing!

This week we have reached the letter E at the ABC Challenge.

The main image has been created using a stamp from the "Life is Beautiful" set by Magenta. I've stamped it into three layers of gold embossing powder onto gold mirri card, I've then trimmed the edges to expose the card. I've also stamped it onto white card just using a Versamark ink pad and embossing powder.
The gold embossed card is from my stash, I think it was from a QVC kit a few years ago.
The sentiment is a stamp by See D's and the ribbon is from my stash.

Please check out the ABC challenge this week, it's very exciting as we are announcing the winners of our design team call!