Kool Kitty Musings

February is the month of....

L-O-V-E....

And with it being the first Friday of the month, you know what Kathy had in mind when she chose this week's colour palette to inspire the Daring Cardmakers!

It's a classy combination of dark slate grey, light cloudy grey, white and cranberry red....

Most stylish!

Here's the card I made:

Paper: Echo Park
Stamps: PTI, WMS
Dies: PTI, MFT
Other: 3D foam, Promarker pen

So I had great plans in my head when sitting down to create this card, but once again the creative part of my brain decided to go on a little holiday... never to mind. I wanted to play with my new Rosie Posie stamps but obviously wasn't channelling the Veldman or other PTI design team ladies who have made such lovely projects with this set and matching dies that they make it look so effortless.

I did want my flowers to zing a little, so I added some accents with a red Promarker pen and the blender pen. And I finally used my MFT Jumbo Fishtail Banner stax dies the way I had intended to when I purchased them - I rather like the look of the greeting at the top hanging down. Will have to do that more in future as it opens up a bit more space on your card. :)

Anyway, don't forget to check out the other lovely creations from the DCM girls!

52 Cards challenge 2013 - Week 1

Good morning everyone! We're on the brink of seeing in a New Year and hopefully another 52 weeks packed full of creativity and inspiration!

It's a bit strange that week 1 kicks off in 2012, but just think of it as one extra creative thinking day!

For those of you new to the 52 Cards challenge, here's a little intro. If you're not new to the challenge, well this year there'll be a little extra creative boost to help you along with your Christmas card pile!

What is it?
A no-stress challenge aimed at getting you to make at least one card a week in 2013.
Each week I will post prompts here on my blog - these will either be:

• 3 prompts randomly picked from the prompt jar
• Photo inspiration from Pinterest, etc. (that you can interpret in any way that you like: colours, layout, design elements, product - it's up to you!)
• Design elements or themes
• An existing card design that you can use as a sketch to create your own interpretation
• A colour challenge

All you need to do is use the prompts as inspiration to create a card - if you can't include all the elements of a prompt, don't worry - there are no rules, the aim is simply to get creating!

Where are the prompts?
All prompts past and present can be found here on my blog or by clicking on the 52-card challenge tag over there on the left.

When are they posted?
The prompts go live every Monday morning at around 8.30 a.m. Due to work hours I schedule the blog post for challenge prompts so it's available at the same time and same place each week. And time permitting I will include a card with my own interpretation of the prompt. :)

Where can I share my cards?
If you're a member of UK Scrappers then you can share your cards via the dedicated threads for this challenge, which are located in the main part of the Card Forum here. If you're not on UK Scrappers, then it'd be lovely if you left a link to your card here on my blog via the comments bit for the relevant prompt. I love seeing how people interpret these prompts as no two cards are ever the same!   

What's new for 2013?
Well, there was a hint that other folks were in the same boat as me in December, when panic set in that we hadn't made enough cards to send to people... I really want to avoid a repeat of that for Christmas 2013! So, as an added push this year those that want to get ahead with their Christmas cards can make an extra card a week by using the prompt to create a Christmas card as well. If that sounds like too much work, no problem! This is meant to be a stress-free challenge. Join in as and how you like, one week you may want to just make a card for the original prompt, another week just a Christmas card, or some weeks you just won't have time to make either! There will be a separate thread in the card forum on UK Scrappers for you to share your (hopefully) 52 Christmas card crackers! So if you are ultra-productive there is a chance you could make at least 104 cards in 2013!

I will be posting any cards I make for the Christmas card crackers separately later in the week unless I happen to be ultra-productive!

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

So onwards we go with the first prompt of the year, it's a new year and so a good way to see in the new is to include it on your card!

Make a card featuring something new!

It could be any of the following:

• New stash
• A new arrival
• An announcement of some wonderful news
• A card for someone new in your life
• A new home

The choice is yours!

I went with new stash, because I've not had any time at all really to play with the lovely goodies I got in Florida or my craft Christmas presents!

Paper: Basic Grey
Rosette: Basic Grey
Stamps: PTI
Border die: MFT
Other: Sewing machine, Glossy Accents, 3D foam

I added Glossy Accents to the "Celebrate" banner on the rosette just to make it pop a bit more.

And since I was well-prepared for once, here's my contribution to this week's Christmas cracker card!

Paper: BoBunny
Stamps: PTI
Die: PTI
Embossing border: Cuttlebug
Seam binding: The Ribbon Reel
Other: 3D foam, Mister Huey mist

Almost every single item on this card is new, even the Mister Huey opaque white mist which was an interesting moment! Managed to spray my keyboard despite it being faaar away from my craft mat... Hm, think I will need to do my future Mister Huey spraying elsewhere! LOL

I am also rather fond of the zig zag border that was included in the full embossing folder set. I'm also rather fond of the rustic white cardstock from PTI that I got round to opening. :)

Last Christmas card of the year?

I wonder....

This week it's our last dare of 2012 over on the DCM blog, and it's also rather sad because it's our last dare with our wonderful teamie Rein. She's stepping down from the DT after 4 years of dedicated service and we will really miss her. Good luck Rein with all your future endeavours!

Sharon has chosen a fantastic dare to send off the year, I am sure it'll be one way to use up any scraps left over from Christmas card production, I know that's what I did. ;o)

We've been challenged to create a card that uses paper piecing - well perfect excuse for me to roll out my new MFT hexagon dies eh?

Paper: Basic Grey, Studio Calico
Stamp: PTI
Dies: MFT, PTI
Other: Button, twine, 3D foam

I think I could get addicted to making similar cards with other scraps!

Now, don't forget that there's still time to enter for your chance to win a fabulous prize from The Ribbon Reel - the DCM girls will be taking a break over the Christmas period, but we'll be back with new challenges and inspiration on the 4th of January 2013!

We all hope you have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas and holiday period.

Thanks for playing along in 2012! We'll see you in 2013!

52 Cards challenge - Week 51

Morning everyone!

It's a short and sweet prompt for you this week...

Use glitter and/or paint on your card

 

I had chance to play with some of my new purchases at the weekend, and here's what I made using some new glitter glam paint from Tattered Angels and Distress glitter:

Paper: Crate
Dies: MFT, PTI
Stamps: PTI
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Other: Glitter paint, Distress glitter

It's hard to tell in the photos, but the front snow drift is coated in Chandelier glitter paint which gives it a very subtle shimmer and glimmer, and the top of the snow drift has Distress glitter glistening on it...

Hope you have fun creating!

Time for a little monkeying around!

Well it is official monkey day today... which is why Samm has set us the challenge of featuring these cheeky creatures on our card projects this week over on the DCM blog. :)

Here's what I came up with:

Paper: Crate
Sticker: Doodlebug
Stamps: My Cute Stamps, PTI, Hero ARts
Die: PTI
Other: White chalk ink and chalk, 3D foam, Promarkers

It's a bit difficult to see in the photos, but I used aqua cardstock for the background and then squished my Versamagic white ink cube around the monkey and branch to create some clouds. I took ages last night looking for a greeting only to realise I still do not have an "It's your birthday..." stamp in my vast collection. Epic fail!

But at least this greeting conveyed the message I hope! ;o)

Don't forget to check out the other fab monkey-cards from the rest of the design team - they really bring a smile to your face!

52 Cards challenge - Week 50

Hello everyone!

Well it's back to December with a bit of a bump after a lovely time in the sun. Alas I have come back rather the worse for wear and in complete stress-head mode over Christmas...

So today's prompt is hopefully a therapeutic one.

I want you to feature colouring on your card in some way.

It can be the the focal point of your entire card, coloured in any medium you choose, or it can be just an accent like mine...

Paper: My Little Shoebox, Echo Park
Dies: Memory Box, MFT, PTI
Stamps: PTI
Other: 3D foam, Stickles, twine, Promarkers

I cut the tree and house border twice. Once from white cardstock to colour in the tree line, then again from patterned paper to do the grass. There are a couple of new purchases on this card. The sun and cloud dies and stamps from PTI, the alpha from PTI, and the layerz fishtail dies from MFT. Also the hemp cord is fantastic, we picked up a reel each at the class we did at the My Favorite Things boutique in Florida and for $3 you got absolutely loads! Anyway, it's supposed to look like a plane is flying the banners... but I don't have a plane stamp/die so you can't see them. ;o)

Happy creating!

So long wet and windy winter...

Hello Florida sun!

This time tomorrow I'll be sat in the airport waiting for our flight to Orlando for the 2012 edition of Kirsty's Florida Crop - where 10 ladies of varying age go on a mad crafting, shopping and generally thoroughly hilarious holiday break in the sun. :D

We're just away for a little over a week, but a lot can happen and be bought in that space of time believe me. ;o)

But first, I leave you with my last little craft project for the time-being.

It's for Lythan's lovely Twinkle, Twinkle dare on the DCM blog, and as you've probably guessed she challenged us all to feature stars of any shape or form on our cards this week.

Here's my festive number:

Paper: Studio Calico, Crate, Basic Grey
Stamps: PTI
Dies: Spellbinders, MFT
Trim: The Ribbon Girl
Other: 3D foam, Distress Stickles

I was really surprised how well PTI's Terracotta Tile cardstock went with the red in the background papers, I always see it as being a very orangey red, but it really matched well on this card. And hurrah, I had time for some Distress Stickles action this week and managed to leave it alone long enough to dry!

Hope you have a creative weekend and I'll catch you next month! :D

52 Cards challenge - Week 47

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to my last prompt before I jet off for a short break in the sun. Now, don't worry, while I'm away I'll schedule a couple of prompts to keep you busy, but in the meantime - here's this week's challenge:

Use at least 3 different designs of paper on your project.

This prompt will definitely help those who are fervently working away on their Christmas cards, or anyone with a stockpile of scraps waiting to be used, plus any folks who have just had a nice delivery of patterned paper and are waiting for the perfect excuse to get cutting! You know who you are. ;o)

Paper and die-cut elements: MME
Stickers: Crate
Die:Magnolia
Stamp: PTI
Other: Stickles, 3D foam

Happy crafting!

Just because...

Well, I'm more or less getting over my cold - really hope my hearing and sense of smell return by next week as I will be jetting off to Florida and I need all my senses in full working order. ;)

But I'm back getting something crafty done and just in time for this week's dare on the DCM blog.

Gez set us the challenge of making a card to send just because...

Well, it makes a nice change from Christmas papers and stamps. :)

Here's what I made:

Paper: MME
Stamps: PTI
Dies: MFT, PTI
Resin flowers: 3D Jean
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Other: felt, 3D foam

I had previously cut and rolled those felt roses for another project but the colours hadn't worked well on it, so the roses made it into my scraps bowl for future use, most handy, as they go perfectly with the colour of those resin flowers.

Have a happy, crafty weekend!

52 Cards challenge - Week 46

Morning everyone!

Hope you had a nice weekend - I've spent most of it trying to get recovered from the awful cold I had last week and meant I went awol from blogland for a bit. :(

Am getting there, but still have the head-in-goldfish-bowl hearing and am ample supply of Sudafed to get me through.

So, getting down to business.

This week's challenge comes courtesy of the prompt jar:

And for my card I also used this week's Waltzing Mouse Sketch as added inspiration to get me started, afraid the light was a bit dodgy in the afternoon by the time I was able to take a pic:

Paper, sticker, button: Crate Paper
Stamp: WMS
Dies: PTI, MFT
Seam binding, twine: The Ribbon Girl
Other: Sewing machine, 3D foam, distresser

The greeting from Holiday Ornaments went really well with the washed out 50s colours of this line.

Happy crafting!

A card for another little lady...

Well, technically this card was made at the request of my very good friend and partner-in-almost-every-crime Becky who is now a very proud aunty to the new arrival - it has been months in the planning and I had been on call the past couple of weeks for baby Amira Rose to make her way into the world!

And she finally did last Friday, so it was all action stations this weekend - here's the card I made for Becky to give to the happy new parents:

Paper: Studio Calico, MME
Stamps: PTI
Dies: PTI, Spellbinders
Trim: The Ribbon Girl
Pearls: Prima
Rose: Wild Orchid Crafts
Thickers: AC
Other: sewing machine, Distress Stickles, doily, 3D foam, vellum

And as for the 52 cards challenge prompt for this week, the theme is the same, as it the Distress Stickles on the pink Thickers.

Anyway, I hope the happy parents like it. :D

It's colour challenge time...

...over on the DCM blog, it's the first Friday of the month so we have a lovely new colour palette to play with courtesy of Zuz this time:

Now, when I first saw this pic on another computer screen the second shoe looked like it was charcoal black rather than navy blue... So my card is slightly off kilter, but hey, all the elements are basically there. ;o)

Paper: BG, Studio Calico
Stamps: PTI
Dies: PTI, MFT
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Other: Stickles, sewing machine, corner chomper, 3D foam

So it's a bit hard to see in the photos, but there definitely is a snowy snowman on that card next to the Christmas tree! ;o)

Don't forget to check by the blogs of my DCM teamies, and of course our lovely DCM friend Miri, who is joining us as Guest Designer. :D

Happy crafting!

Does that mean the Christmas countdown begins?

It's the first of November and I have been seeing lots of Christmas countdown mentions and status updates on Facebook.

Crikey, not only have I got lots of Christmas cards still to make (it could be a trip to Paperchase on the cards - no pun intended - this year by the looks of things!), but I have lots of exciting things to plan and think about for my little scrappy jaunt to Florida at the end of the month. It'll be soooo nice to see everyone again, loiter by the paper aisles of many a craft establishment, and could it be that the highlight we are all talking about is eating at Sweet Tomatoes again God knows how many times! LOL

But before any of that can happen, there's still stuff to do here in the UK.

At least this is one more card made...

Paper: Crate Paper
Stamp: Rusty Pickle
Dies: Memory Box, MFT
Other: 3D foam

Nice and simple, but I think that needs to be the overall plan! LOL

To aid in the lifting of winter blues I have been enjoying my new Vivaldi Four Seasons Recomposed CD by Max Richter.

Great music, whether loud or low in the background.

I just love the Spring 0 intro and Spring 1 - enjoy:

Another festive number...

Here's another card I made at last week's crop - not that it was a productive evening on my part, but it was a most enjoyable one, even with rather bizarre dash home in the snow. October is way too early for snow to be settling!

But I suppose it fit with the theme...

Paper: MME
Stamps: PTI, WMS
Dies: Spellbinders, PTI
Pompom trim: The Ribbon Girl
Other: 3D foam

Can you believe this is the first time I've stamped with the dove from this set. Have used to corresponding die, but not actually used the two together. I think it's time to make up for it!

Well, best go and rustle something up for my tea. ;o)

52 Cards challenge - Week 44

Hi everyone - and welcome to the first prompt of the proper countdown to Christmas!

Well, in my book when the clocks change back from British summer time, I know I really need to get a move on with my Christmas card production, such that it is!

So, this week I have a Pinterest inspired post to share. We're looking to folk-art, Nordic and rustic-inspired Christmas styles for this week's card.

If you're not making anything Christmas related, that's fine. :o) But try and feature something that ties in with this week's theme some how... say wooden embellishments, twine, felt or even the colours and patterns typically used in these styles.

Here are some pins to get you thinking:

Source: sweetmissdaisy.typepad.com via Karen on Pinterest

 

Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Beth on Pinterest

 

Source: livingathome.de via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Source: ashleeproffittdesign.blogspot.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Source: housetohome.co.uk via Margaret on Pinterest

 

Source: Uploaded by user via EDMC73 on Pinterest

 

Source: aleggup.blogspot.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Source: etsy.com via Honour on Pinterest

 

Source: etsy.com via Mary K on Pinterest

 

Source: folksy.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Source: allsorts.typepad.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

And if you need a little more to get you started, here's the really simple card I made. I want to keep the colour palette neutral so the only pop of colour was the red felt I cut with my faithful Marianne die:

Paper: Basic Grey
Dies: Marianne, MFT
Stamp: PTI
Other: 3D foam

In fact I was rather inspired by the look of some lovely red felt coasters I bought last Christmas... it's always interesting just what can inspire a card eh?

Happy crafting!

Been at the Christmas stash again!

Well, it seemed appropriate yesterday considering the snow that had come down Friday night and settled overnight...

And the perfect excuse to try my hand at this week's Waltzing Mouse sketch challenge. :o)

Stamps: WMS, PTI
Paper: Crate Paper, Studio Calico
Dies: PTI
Pompom trim: The Ribbon Girl
Pearl: Kaiserckraft
Other: Distress Stickles, thread

All the stamps are Waltzing Mouse apart from the little tag border and button card border. I was happy to find that the PTI button card die is just the perfect size for this jar - rather like the combo together. And yes, Distress Stickles were left to dry overnight! LOL That way there is no temptation to go prodding with a finger to check if they've dried yet. ;o)

Well, I managed to make quite a few cards yesterday but think I will post them later in the week, let's just say I need to buy some more mini pompom trim! Managed to deplete my stocks a little.

Also had a very early start this morning despite the clocks going back and ready this cover to cover at 6 a.m. (old time!):

A really lovely Sunday read, now the dilemma is which book to start next! Or should I just get back to making some cards while getting my James Bond fix - it was Quantum of Solace yesterday, thinking Casino Royale needs a revisit today - so looking forward to seeing Skyfall when it gets a bit calmer at the cinema after opening weekend. :)

I mean Daniel and I are due some quality time together - big screen style!

Let there be light - of the twinkly variety!

This week's dare on the DCM blog has been set by Kathy - and it's all in the hope of lighting up these dark and dreary autumnal days.

So basically you need to feature anything from candles and lanterns to fairy lights on your card.

The perfect excuse for some more Christmas card making eh?

Here's what I made using more of my Crate stash from last year:

Paper, sticker, chipboard: Crate Paper
Stamp: PTI
Die: Memory Box
Other: Stickles, pearls, pattern wheel

I couldn't resist a Stickles explosion on this one - any excuse for glitter on a Christmas card. It would be rude not to! ;o)

Hope you have a crafty weekend!

52 Cards challenge - Week 43

Morning everyone!

This week's dare could be right up the street of any Christmas card makers out there.

Use the lyrics of a song on your card in some way.

I'm thinking Christmas carols could be just perfect here. ;o)

Here's the card I made:

Paper: American Crafts
Stamps: PTI
Dies: MFT, Sizzix
Other: Stickles, 3D foam

I went to work glittering the berries and star for extra glam. Can't be helped when you're in Christmas mode!

Hope you have fun playing along!

Don't worry, be happy...

Words to live by I think - especially considering how pear-shaped my week turned out. ;o)

It was all lovely at the beginning - as I got to dog-sit the lovely Lola on Sunday night through to Tuesday evening. When not out for a good few walkies in my local area (who knew there were so many places to discover around here - and only discovered with the aid of a nosey Jack Russell terrier) Lola spent a lot of time awake like this:

Or in mode number 2 - asleep like this under the covers:

It was really lovely to have her stay, not least because we had great fun traipsing about the place - three outings a day and god knows how many miles.

Really wish I could have a Lola-dog of my own. :o)

But anyway, back on topic and today's happiness comes to you in the form of this week's DCM dare set by Keilly who wants you to make a card with a happy theme.

Well in my relentless efforts to get started with the Christmas cardmaking I went in search of some happy festive stash to fit this theme:

Papers, sticker, rub-on: Crate Paper
Other: 3D foam, Stickles

I thought the colours were rather jolly!

Here's hoping Friday ends on a happier note for me and the weekend is a nice one! :)

52 Cards challenge - Week 42

Morning everyone!

This week's prompt is all about winter friends....

Vague?

Hm, maybe a little...

What I mean is animals or "people" you associate with winter.

So:

• Penguins
• Snowmen
• Father Christmas
• Reindeer
• Robins
• Elves

...and anything else you care to add to that list!

Here's the card I made:

Paper: MME
Stamps: PTI
Die: Memory Box
Rub-on: Crate Paper
Chipboard: MME
Other: Distress glitter

I love that border die from Memory Box, it's just perfect for creating a nice wintry background to any card project. :)

It's difficult to get in the Christmas mood...

When the sun coming through the craft room window is rather blinding - but needs must. ;o)

I had a bit of a cardmaking session late yesterday afternoon and one of the cards I made was for this week's WMS sketch.

I tried to stick rigidly to the design, and even made a "tall card" - which I hardly ever do! But well, I think I should have possibly made a wider and shorter card so you could see more of the WMS Nordic stamping....

Paper: Echo Park
Stamps: WMS, PTI
Dies: Marianne, PTI
Other: buttons, thread, sewing machine, 3D foam, glitter cardstock

I rather like this colour combo at the moment and wish I had more aqua and red papers in my arsenal!

Well, suppose I'd best get back to things. Had a mammoth cleaning session this today and have prepped my tea ready for the oven this evening and veg salad to go with it. Now the question is do I watch some stuff on Lovefilm Instant while it's still available or tuck into my current read... because once that's read I can start....

I picked it up from the library the other day and it is all new and shiny and unread. Love it when you're the first person to read a book from the library - especially a hardback! Sad eh?

The curse of dark evenings...

Well, it looks like it's official now - the evenings are now too dark for me to get decent pics of any craft projects. My craft lamp can only do so much!

This week's DCM dare was to feature spiders on your card. So after panicked phone calls to a Halloween-stash-buddy I ended up going with plan B and making my own feltie spider from scratch. No mean feat for somebody with zero hand-sewing skills!

Here's the pic I managed to get in daylight conditions - much better! And although you can't quite make out the detail on Mr spider, he is a plush feltie filled with cotton wool no less. I made the body from two Spellbinders ovals and the legs are from a mini MFT flag pole die. Very handy I must say!

Paper: Doodlebug
Alpha buttons: Doodlebug
Thickers: American Crafts
Dies: Spellbinders, MFT, Sizzix
Glitter stickers: Doodlebug, KI Memories
Other: Felt, thread, goggly eyes, 3D foam, corner chomper

It was a bit of a battle to fit all the letters on there! And Mr spider also is only attached by the thread so he can swish about a bit.

Hope the birthday girl likes it, must say it is most handy to have someone who has a birthday on Halloween and loves all things Halloween-y!

Well, if I do manage any crafting this weekend then I shall definitely have to get my cards photographed this weekend!

Will miss my weekly CPS sketch fix

I was sad to read the other day that the Card Positioning Systems blog would be closing at the end of this month.

It has always been my go-to blog for sketches and there has been a huge array to choose from over the years, not to mention the wonderful samples from the designers.

I can only say a big thank you to the entire team for their work as their efforts have often been called upon in my hour of need! :)

So here's my card for sketch 102 - I look forward to playing along with the other sketches that will be posted this week as part of the fond farewell:

Paper, chipboard: Basic Grey
Stamp and die: PTI
Seam binding: The Ribbon Reel
Other: 3d foam and Glossy Accents

A lot of this card owes its design to that well placed robin on the background paper. This card was looking a lot less snowman-filled before I spotted that paper in the pile... ;o)

52 Cards challenge - Week 41

Morning everyone!

I think it's been a while since we had a sketch-driven prompt to work on, and I know if you are busy creating your Christmas cards now then sometimes you need a bit of added inspiration to get you started on that next card.

So, this week rather than provide you with one sketch, I want you to seek out a sketch online and use it as inspiration for your card. And to aid your fellow crafters why not link us up to the sketch you've used?

My card is based on a sketch I found this weekend when hopping around the various blogs celebrating World Cardmaking Day.

I really liked this sketch on the Hero Arts Blog:

A nice and simple one for a simple Christmas card:

Paper: MME
Dies: PTI, Marianne, MFT
Other: glitter paper, button, felt, twine, 3D foam, corner chomper

I really like how this turned out and could see it being quite therapeutic to make a small batch of these. :o)

If you've never used sketch blogs before, then some of my favourite places can be found on the left-hand side of this page.

Happy crafting!

Sketching time again...

I had a lovely surprise yesterday when I logged onto the WMS sketch challenge blog to check out this week's sketch, only to see my card load in Google Reader and make me do a double take. Because much to my surprise my card from last week's WMS challenge got picked as a Top Mouse entry. How cool! :D

So after the shock wore off I got down to creating a birthday card I needed to make based on this week's sketch:

Here's what I made:

Paper: Crate Paper
Stamps: WMS
Dies: PTI, MFT
Stickers: Crate Paper
Other: Distress Stickles, 3D foam, Distress Ink

I used one of the big greetings from Say It Loud. Hope the birthday boy likes it. :)

Autumn shades...

...are all en vogue on the DCM blog this week. The lovely Sharon has chosen this colour palette for us to play with:

Well, I set about sorting through my boxes of paper looking for the right shades and combinations but nothing was working for me... I even got my Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg paper pack out from last week, then put it away again and carried on trying to find something different that would work...

No such luck, nothing worked quite like those Cosmo Cricket papers for me... so yep, the retro paper from last week returns for a more autumnal outing. ;o)

Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Stamp, cardstock, felt: PTI
Dies: Spellbinders, MFT
Other: Distress ink, 3D foam, Prima chalk inks, Corner Chomper

I think this must be one of the very few times when Terracotta Tile cardstock and felt has been perfect for one of my projects. Nice to get using it on something. :)

Also I was looking for inspiration to get me kick-started when I made this card earlier this week and I looked up the current sketch on the CPS blog and sketch #285 was the perfect answer. A lovely sketch and I think I will use it again for my Christmas card production!

Have a happy Friday!

52 Cards challenge - Week 40

Morning everyone!

Welcome to October! :oO

As we are now out of September I felt it was about time I dragged out my Christmas stash and started thinking about Christmas cards since I won't have much free time at all come November and December to get anything made.

This week is a double-themed prompt.

I know some folks don't make Christmas cards so don't want any to feel left out.

So either:

• Make a Christmas card of your choice
• Make a card that sets the scene (so any kind of imagery that invokes the theme of your card - landscapes, gardens, party tables, etc.)
• Or for extra gold stars - a Christmas card that sets the scene

Here's my little card to get me started on this year's Christmas card season:

Paper: Crate
Dies: Spellbinders, MFT, Memory Box
Stamps: Paper Salon, PTI
Other: 3D foam, Stickles

Happy (festive) crafting for those embarking on the Christmas theme!

OK, so Christmas...

...has started a little earlier than I had originally planned.

I did some blog surfing looking for sketch inspiration and after dragging out all my Christmas stamps yesterday (which included a 30 second panic when I couldn't remember the "safe" place I'd stored my WMS stamps in) I decided to visit the WMS blog to see what this week's sketch was.

The cards from the Mischief Makers are truly lovely. Here's the sketch:

And here's what I made:

Paper: Crate Paper
Stamps: WMS, Rusty Pickle
Dies: Spellbinders, MFT
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Other: red button twine, felt, sewing machine, 3D foam

I went for a Nordic theme with the colours and of course the Nordic Winter set added the perfect accents - they fit perfectly into the MFT nested banner dies - bit too big for the Spellbinders ones. The card really pops in real life and I think this combo would be fine for a male recipient who doesn't appreciate glitter quite as much as other folks... In fact I had to restrain myself from Distress Stickling this card in some way as I'd never have gotten a photo in daylight since Distress Stickles take hours and hours and hours to dry! Not good for the impatient crafter.

Anyway, looks like I may be staying in Christmas card mode for a while now... ;o)

One project down...

So it took became a bit more of a laborious project than I first thought dew to trying to colour match and get everything aligned where I wanted it to be, but after a night of Distress Stickles drying the card to welcome little baby Anja is ready to send out:

Paper and stickers: MME
Stamps: PTI
Dies: PTI, MFT
Punches: Martha Stewart
Thickers: American Crafts
Felt: PTI
Other: Thread, 3D foam, Distress Stickles

The original pink of the Thickers was too purple-pink against the rest of the card so Distress Stickles came to the rescue. :)

I also managed to get the card for tomorrow's 52 Cards challenge made... but no hints until tomorrow morning! ;o)

Chevrons.... who doesn't like them?

Well... I am sure there are quite a few folks who are fed up of seeing them on projects in the craft world...

I'm afraid I'm not one of them, in fact I was just contemplating a little paper spree to purchase some new chevron papers the other day...

And well, my Chevron fixation has spilled over on the Daring Cardmakers blog this week as it was my turn to set the dare and I challenged the design team and our lovely visitors to make a card featuring chevrons, zigzags or a herringbone pattern. :)

Here's what I made for my dad's birthday:

Paper: Cosmo Cricket, American Crafts
Stamps and die: MFT
Rub-ons: Making Memories (blast from the past stash or what?)
Other: Distress ink, 3D foam, corner chomper

I hope you have time to play along and share your chevron appreciation. ;o)

52 Cards challenge - Week 39

Morning everyone!

This week's prompt is inspired by my recent die purchase.

I have long admired rolled flowers on cards and handmade items, and well... I've made them from scratch a number of times, but dies just make life easier!

So, I invested in some rolled roses, a rolled retro flower and a rolled loopy flower die from MFT to go with my existing rolled flower die from Memory Box Dies.

So you've probably guessed that this week's challenge is to make a card featuring at least one rolled flower.

Now if this is a completely new technique to you, there are plenty of tutorials on Youtube to help you out.

And for a little pictorial inspiration here are a few examples of rolled flowers...

Paper flowers where you just cut a spiral from a circle of paper:

Source: faithandhome.blogspot.com via Cortney on Pinterest

 

Some fancy edging on paper flowers:

Source: afieldjournal.blogspot.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Rolled flowers made from fabric strips:

Source: ourbestbites.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

A rolled pompom flower made from felt (I now have a die to make this) but doing it from scratch is fun too!:

Source: craftinessisnotoptional.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

And finally try making rolled flowers from ribbon:

Source: inspirationaltechniquesandtutorials.blogspot.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

The possibilities are endless!

Here's the card I made:

Paper: Pink Paisleee
Dies: MFT, PTI, Sizzix, Cheery Lynn
Stamp: PTI
Pearls: Prima
Other: 3D foam, pattern wheel

Hope you have fun playing and creating your rolled flowers! :o)

TGIF

It's a most apt title to this post, as this week's Dare on the DCM blog comes from the lovely Zuz.

She has challenged us to make a "thank you" card... so if there's someone you need to say thank you to here's your chance.

Personally I am just thankful that its almost the weekend. ;o) I am sure I will soon find a few more things to be thankful for, no worries!

Here's my card for this week - I really like these dinky 4x4 card blanks I bought:

Paper and cardstock embellishments: MME
Stamp: WMS
Dies: PTI, MFT
Other: Stickles, 3D foam

The addition of some Stickles on this card really gave it that extra pop in real life without making things too cluttered in such a small space.

Don't forget to check out the lovely cards from the rest of the design team!

Happy Friday folks!

52 Cards challenge - Week 38

Morning everyone!

Well, it's been a while since the prompt jar offered up some inspiration for our card challenge. This week our three elements are:

Quite handy for me, I needed to rustle up and engagement card and it was quite nice to keep things nice and simple for a change. :)

Here's what I made:

Paper: MME
Stamp: WMS
Other: button, 3D foam

Hope the happy couple like it. :o)

Happy creating with this week's prompt!

Get rifling in the stash cupboard...

Vellum is back!

And for one week only it's the star attraction of the Daring Cardmakers blog thanks to Sharon's fab dare. ;o)

Well, I may be using it for more than just one week... I've undergone a bit of a rediscovery this summer and have found new uses for vellum on my cards. Good job too as I have quite a lot of plain vellum - not to mention a good few sheets of coloured vellum - that could do with being put to creative use.

My favourite thing is creating sleeves around cards and die-cutting the stuff. It looks so crisp and neat with die-cut edges.

So here's an example of what I mean:

Paper: American Crafts
Stamp: WMS
Dies: Memory Box, PTI, Cuttlebug
Felt: PTI
Other: Vellum, sewing machine

I'm rather fond of using apertures on card fronts to showcase the greeting too - oh and this colour combo I have done before with this American Crafts paper, but I just really love how it looks together. I did the Versamark trick for the stamped greeting as my VersaMagic Pink Grapefruit tear-drop pad isn't quite as inky as it once was. But the stamped image here is really nice and crisp and much more vivid than I remember this ink being.

Don't forget to stop by the other Design Team blogs and see their gorgeous cards! :o)

Happy crafting!

52 Cards challenge - Week 37

Morning everyone!

Well the weather this weekend was marvellous in these parts, so needless to say I wasn't in the mood to start my Christmas cards. ;o)

Instead I had another project that needed doing - a card for my cousin for his upcoming name day.

And since we've not done cards specifically for male recipients, I thought it was time we gave it a go. :o)

So there's your challenge - I look forward to seeing what you create.

Here's the name day card I made, keeping it fresh and hopefully sufficiently manly:

Paper: Crate Paper
Stamp: PTI
Stickers: Crate Paper
Other: Glossy Accents, 3D foam, button, twine

I wanted to keep it simple and relatively flat for posting to Poland, but give it a bit of pop in addition to the colours. The aperture around the greeting should do the job, also the stickers match the blue paper but were a bit flat and uninteresting - some nice Glossy Accents sorted that out. :o)

Have fun!

Mellow shades...

What more could you ask for on a Friday? :)

This week sees the return of our monthly colour challenge on the DCM blog and we have had some very subtle and mellow shades to play with thanks to Lythan's pick:

There's also a great photo these colours were picked from that you can see on the DCM blog.

But here's what I came up with - and note the Stickles were still drying when I took these photos... Big mistake, huge.... to quote Julia Roberts!

Paper: Pink Paislee, MME
Dies: PTI, Sizzix
Stamp: Banana Frog
Other: vellum, sewing machine, Distress Stickles, Distress Ink

And the only bit that got Stickled was the centre of the rosette. :) It just needed a little extra something and it's nice that Tattered Rose Stickles match the shade of that MME spotty paper almost exactly. ;o)

So yes, somewhere in this card we have shades of blue with the map and butterfly, pinks in the roses and rosette, some greeny tints, and of course grey and black.

Have a creative weekend!

52 Cards challenge - Week 36

Morning everyone!

We've had some lovely weather here in the north this weekend soooo.... needless to say it wasn't the weekend to get started on my Christmas cards. ;o)

Instead this week's theme is....

Cake!!

Basically, you just need to make a card featuring any type of cake:

Fancy cakes:

Source: tastypastries.tumblr.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Bold cakes:

Source: thecakeblog.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Birthday cakes:

Source: sweetapolita.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Christmas cakes:

Source: karaspartyideas.blogspot.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Wedding cakes:

Source: cutestfood.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

Cupcakes:

Source: lulussweetsecrets.blogspot.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

You can go all out and make a cake-shaped card or even a pop up cake card, or just feature a cake element somewhere on your project.

Here's what I came up with:

Paper: October Afternoon, MME
Chipboard: Provocraft
Dies: PTI, MFT
Stamp: MFT
Other: Sewing machine, 3D foam

I went for the retro look with this one - combining some paper from OA with that fab cake chipboard accent I have had in my stash for years now... The greeting is a lovely one too - and makes a nice change from the usual "Happy Birthday!". :)

Happy creating!

Flowers galore

Well despite best intentions I didn't quite manage to create a separate card for this week's 52-card challenge using these colours as inspiration:

Source: gracioushome.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

But I did use them as a springboard to my card for today's dare on the DCM blog which has been set by the very lovely Rein.

This week's focus is on flowers... but the flowers have to be the main event on your card.

I went for a full on floral background - any more flowers on this card and you'd need to stick it in the greenhouse:

Paper: Crate Paper
Stamp: PTI
Die: MFT
Other: satin ribbon, flower button, pearl, twine, sewing machine

I've loved the bold print of this paper ever since I got it - but it's one of those papers that just doesn't work so well on cards unless you chop it up small or use it to its full bold glory. I thought it was time to do just that! ;)

I had a bit of a job trying to get a small bow out of this lovely satin ribbon, so in the end I cheated a bit and didn't tie an actual bow just made a DIY one. I tied it on with twine and that little flower button keeps it all nicely held together, there was a dent in the button perfect for a teeny pearl and there you have it...

Have a lovely crafty weekend!

52 Cards challenge - Week 35

Morning folks!

This week's prompt sees the return of a colour-themed challenge.

I saw this lovely photo and knew one day it would make for a very nice colour palette on a card:

Source: gracioushome.com via Natalia on Pinterest

 

But it's up to you which of the colours you use on your project - it could be a mix of the salmon and mink shades only, or you could include the blue and white... just make a card inspired by these colours. :)

I hope to have a sample to share later this week, but in the meantime happy creating! ;)

ETA: Here's the card I made later in the week:

Paper: Crate Paper
Stamp: PTI
Die: MFT
Other: satin ribbon, flower button, pearl, twine, sewing machine

The salmon and mink shades were a springboard to the rest of this card - but I thought they worked rather well with the background paper. :)

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, beside the sea...

We have a wonderful dare this week on the DCM blog courtesy of the lovely Gez - she has set us the challenge of creating a card with a seaside theme.

And well... I was struggling for a few moments with what to do for mine, so I went a bit off-piste and tried a beach-inspired look and feel approach:

Paper: MME, Crate Paper
Chipboard: Crate Paper
Stamps: Just Rite, Technique Tuesday
Stickers: Crate Paper
Dies: Spellbinders, Memory Box, PTI
Pearl: Kaisercraft
Other: String, sewing machine, chalk ink

So there's a bit of a sea-weathered look to the wood, and sewing, and string, and the pennants blowing in the breeze... or at least that's what I saw. ;)

Don't forget to check out the cards from my wonderfully talented fellow teamies!

52 Cards challenge - Week 34

Hello everyone!

Well I am back from my hols and see from the thread on UK Scrappers that you've managed to play along while I was gone and have created some lovely cards indeed. :)

This week's theme is all things....

Postal

There are so many elements you can include:

• Postage stamps
• Postmarks
• Envelopes
• Postcards
• Air mail
• Postal wording (Handle with care, Fragile, First Class, etc.)

Here's my contribution this week:

Paper: Simple Stories, MME
Stamps: KI Memories, Personal Impressions
Dies: PTI
Punch: Martha Stewart
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Seam binding: The Ribbon Girl
Other: Embroidery thread

I used a postage stamp die for the main greeting since it fit so well with this little stamp from KI Memories. :)

I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with!

Last ditch creativity

Well, for the next few weeks!

This week on the DCM blog Kathy has set us a challenge on the theme of "The House that Jack Built" - so anything homely!

I grabbed some of my favourite Banana Frog stamps from my stash and put them to use on this:

Paper: MME
Stamps: Banana Frog
Dies: PTI, Spellbinders
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Other: Sewing machine, corner chomper, copics, stickles

Don't forget to check out the wonderful projects from the rest of the design team!

Happy crafting!

52 Cards challenge - Week 30

Morning everyone!

This is my last prompt before I go on holiday so I am hoping the typepad scheduling function will work OK while I am away. ;o)

I'm afraid I've not had time to get cards made in advance for all my time away, but the prompts should still be posted every Monday morning until I get back.

So without further ado, let's get on with this week's prompt.

Make a card featuring:

Numbers

Ideas include:

• Birthdays or anniversaries
• Number collages/backgrounds
• Clocks
• Ephemera featuring numbers
• A special date
• Text speak

Here's the card I made for my friend's very special birthday:

Paper: Crate Paper
Stickers: Crate Paper
Chipboard: Crate Paper, Basic Grey
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Other: Sewing machine, Stickles, Glossy Accents, acrylic paint

The big numbers were originally plain chipboard - I painted them pink, then applied a layer of Stickles, and finally Glossy Accents.

Happy crafting!

An iconic day....

Today's dare on the DCM blog comes from Zuz who wants us to use pictograms or icons on our cards this week.

I knew I had some stash somewhere that would fit this bill - and yes out it came from near retirement. ;)

Paper: American Crafts
Badges: American Crafts

I had originally set this paper and the badges aside for a mini travel album that never got finished - one day... but in the meantime it fit the bill perfectly for this project. For a change I have created something a bit more manly - well it's definitely not my usual soft shades and stitched layers and pearls! lol

Don't forget to check out the rest of the design team's cards on the DCM blog. :D

52 Cards challenge - Week 29

Morning everyone!

Here we are with another prompt and this week it's the turn of prompt jar to supply us with three random elements:

I know that felt isn't necessarily something that everyone has in their stash - so any textured fabric such as velvet (in ribbon form too), corduroy, burlap, etc. is fine. :)

Here's my card:

Paper: MME
Label: MME
Dies: Magnolia, PTI
Brad: Crate Paper
Alpha: American Crafts
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Other: 3D foam, sewing machine, Stickles

I used Stickles on the dots on the label to bring them out more and the velvet letter is from a set of Thickers by American Crafts. Using those up one at a time now that there are only odd letters left on the sheet!

Hope you have fun playing along and I look forward to seeing how you combine these elements. :oD

 

Not quite arsenic and old lace...

But pearls and lace are the order of the day on the DCM blog this week, as Keilly has set us the challenge of using these much-loved elements on our cards.

Here's the rather simple number I made.

I was going to fuss it up a bit more, but found nothing that went with that lovely patterned paper without totally hiding the rays in the design.

Paper: Pink Paislee, Simple stories
Lace: The Ribbon Girl
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Stamp: PTI
Other: Distress Sticles, sewing machine

I just love the coral colour of that paper combined with aqua - yummy, yummy. I added Picket Fence Distress Stickles to accent the white bits of the paper design - they're not that easy to see here, but they aren't overly glam, just subtly glittery now. :)

52 Cards challenge - Week 28

Hi everyone!

For this week's prompt our theme is....

Extravagance!

I'll be interested to see how you interpret this, but here are some ideas:

• Extra large card format
• Bling and pearls galore
• Layer upon layer
• Combining loads of textures and dimension
• Pop-up and intricate designs
• Showing off various techniques
• Really going to town with the design - make it fussy and elaborate!

With those points in mind, here's what I made. :)

Paper: Pink Paislee
Stamps: Waltzing Mouse Stamps, PTI
Dies: PTI, Magnolia, MFT, MSE (alpha)
Flowers: MM, Wild Orchid Crafts, Prima
Die-cut elements: Crate Paper
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Bling: Prima
Felt: PTI
Other: Heart doily, vellum, sewing machine, seam binding, embroidery thread

So just a few elements on this card. ;)

There are quite a few layers here that required a bit of planning with the sewing machine to make sure they all came together ok.

I made a vellum sleeve that is pinked at the top and bottom then has the matching plain oval die cut out of it to reveal the fancy oval greeting below. Quite like how subtle this turned out and how it contrasts with the busy collection of items tucked into the pocket made by the grey spotty paper. The card was bigger than I usually make too: 5.25 in. x 7.75 in.

And I hope the happy couple liked it! We received a hand-made invitation, and I tried to follow the original colour palette and pearly design chosen by them. :)

July colour challenge on the DCM blog

We have a lovely set of colours to play with this month that Rein has chosen:

Lovely aqua and grey tones with a hint of green.

I ended up making my card whilst watching Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy so it took a bit longer to create than you'd think just by looking at it. ;)

I kept things very simple indeed:

Paper: MME, Pink Paislee
Stamp: WMS
Die: Sizzix (leaves)
Brad: SEI
Other: old sheet music, Distress Stickles, sewing machine

The flower is a DIY job, rather than plain hand-cut wobbly circles I folded into quarters and then rounded the edges to create poppy-like petals. Rather like how it turned out, just a shame the Distress Stickles don't look quite so delicately and perfectly applied as others seem to manage!

Don't forget to check out the DCM blog and see the lovely cards from the rest of the design team. :)

52 Cards challenge - Week 27

Happy Monday everyone - hope you had a nice weekend. :)

I thought that it was about time we had a colour challenge this week for our prompt... it's been a while since the last one. ;)

So, here's our colour palette for this week:

Source: yummycupcakes.com.au via Natalia on Pinterest

 

We're working with pale blue, ivory/white, and grey.

Here's the card I came up with:

Paper: MME, Pink Paislee
Ephemera: Pink Paislee
Dies: Spellbinders, MFT, PTI
Stamps: Fontwerks, PTI
Pearl brad: SEI
Flowers: MM
Other: Sewing machine, 3D foam, pearl, Distress Stickles, seam binding, string

For the greeting I used a lovely stamp from Fontwerks designed by Karen Russell which is years old and unused I think - oops... but it's a lovely effect in the Worn Jeans chalk ink from Prima. Not quite grey, not quite blue. In fact there is quite a bit of old stash on this card - including the Making Memories flowers and that ancient brad from SEI!

Hope you have fun playing along - I look forward to seeing how you use these colours. :)

You can never have enough patterned paper....

But it can be a bit difficult to actually cut it up and use it on a project!

Well, do not fear... the right inspiration is here in the form of this week's DCM dare set by the patterned-paper-snipping queen herself, Leo.

The mission she has set, is to make a card using at least 6 different designs of patterned paper...

I managed 7! ;oP

Paper and stickers: Crate Paper
Dies: PTI, Spellbinders
Stamp: PTI
Button: Crate Paper
Other: Glassine envelope, corner chomper

I have actually managed to use a good chunk of all the papers in the Story Teller collection now - just need to get using more of the stickers. ;)

Anyway, here's hoping it's a dry and happy weekend - hoping to get some crafting done so I am ready for my hols, but would love to wave bye-bye to the torrential rain and storms. :)