Kool Kitty Musings

DCM - Festive songs and carols

This week's countdown to Christmas challenge over on the Daring Cardmakers blog is inspired by festive tunes, songs, and carols.

In the interest of using up pieces from Christmas card projects on my desk (in this case half a blended sky and one skiing rabbit) I thought it might be good to get the Pinkfresh Studio Skiing By stamps and dies out again:

Stamps: Pinkfresh Studio - Skiing By, Flora & Fauna - Holiday Word Party
Dies: Pinkfresh Studio - Skiing By
Other: Distress Oxides

For my super festive earworm, I found the perfect match for the scene: Let it snow... let it snow... let it snow.

The sentiment is from Flora & Fauna – I am really digging these smaller typewriter style sentiments right now as they just fit nicely in open spaces on my card design without covering anything up.

Also I'm not sure you can tell, but Wink of Stella was a perfect choice for this card - I covered the mountain tops with it and also created snow drift accents on the slopes. Plus I am definitely reaching for my white pen a lot for these projects. It adds just the perfect detail to make elements pop.

Make sure you check out the fab projects from the rest of the design team, and get your festive playlist started for some cardmaking! :D

Happy crafting!

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Flora & Fauna - Holiday Word Party stamps Shop at: EH | SHC	Pinkfresh Studio - Skiing By stamps Shop at: EH | SBC	Pinkfresh Studio - Skiing By dies Shop at: EH | SBC	Distress ink pad - Iced Spruce Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Distress Oxide ink pad - Spun Sugar Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Distress Oxide ink pad - Worn Lipstick Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Gina K Designs - Obsidian Amalgam ink pad Shop at: EH | SSS	Versafine - Onyx Black ink pad Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Bazzill Cardshoppe - Butter Mints Shop at: AZ | EH	Neenah Classic Crest 110 lb smooth Solar White cardstock Shop at: AZ | EH | SSS	Studio Calico - Mister Huey's color mist - Blizzard (r) Shop at: SBC	Studio Calico - Mister Huey's color mist - Opaque White (r) Shop at: SBC
Uniball Signo White pen Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Zig - Wink of Stella glitter brush pen - Clear Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC | SHC	Tonic Studios Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Lawn Fawn - Stamp shammy cleaner Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC | SHC
MISTI stamping tool Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Cosmetic blending brushes Shop at: AZ	Tim Holtz - Stampers Anonymous Splat Box Shop at: AZ | SBC | SHC	Sizzix - Big Shot machine Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Sizzix - Sidekick machine Shop at: AZ | SBC	Thermoweb iCraft - Purple tape for die-cutting - 1 1/2" Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Tim Holtz - Tonic guillotine trimmer (small) Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC

Festive Mr Fox

Morning all!

I've got a project that has been stuck in drafts for ages because I wasn't all that thrilled with the end result. But hey, it's one more Christmas card on the list.

This card is an example of something made using just off-cuts left over from other projects plus a few stickers.

 

Paper and stickers: Pebbles - Winter Wonderland (r)
Stamp: Mama Elephant - Scripty Xmas

That's right, all those paper elements were already die-cut or just needed trimming to size, and I had that sentiment banner left over from another project but the embossing wasn't so great. But because it's on a dark grey background I think it at least has that blackboard/chalky look.

The enamel dots were the last two of that colour on the sheet and well, I don't think I'll ever finish the Winter Wonderland sticker sheet at this rate!

But there are now fewer elements and scraps left in their respective storage pockets, so that's a plus!

Here's to a crafty week all!

x

DCM - Baubles and Bows

Hello all!

It's the next challenge in the Daring Cardmakers count down to Christmas series.

This week the project can be of any type, it doesn't need to be card. :)

But since I'm still adding to my Christmas card series and I'm not sure I've neared my target yet, a Christmas card it is from me!

As the name suggests, whatever you make needs to focus on baubles and bows.

I already had the stamps and die I wanted to use in mind before starting. That always saves time and prevents procrastination...  ;)

Paper: Crate Paper - Falala (r)
Stamps: The Stamp Market - A Little Something For You, The Stamp Market - No Peeking, Flora & Fauna - Holiday Word Party
Die: The Stamp Market - A Little Something For You

I thought it was high time I got my box of Christmas papers out and used one for a background, my paper collection has been rather neglected of late.

So what better background to my "parcel" than the very versatile "Evergreen" paper from the Falala collection by Crate Paper. It's a few years old now, but it probably has some of the most usable designs for cardmaking.

Next I created the gift bow and "ribbon" by stamping and embossing onto pink cardstock.

Finally, I needed a bauble. So I did some bold stamping with the bauble from the No Peeking set in Tropic Teal, finishing off with Flora & Fauna sentiments in Emerald Isle and the ampersand in Party Pink.

I don't have any dies for that stamp set so a little fussy cutting was required, then the Crop-a-dile came out to create a hole for the pink baker's twine, and hey presto my card was assembled! :)

Make sure you check out the fab projects from the rest of the design team and play along if you get the chance!

Happy crafting!

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Flora & Fauna - Holiday Word Party stamps Shop at: EH | SHC	The Stamp Market - A Little Something For You stamps Shop at: EH | MISC | SBC	The Stamp Market - No Peeking stamps Shop at: MISC	The Stamp Market - A Little Something For You die Shop at: MISC | SBC
The Stamp Market - Emerald Isle ink pad Shop at: EH | MISC	The Stamp Market - Party Pink ink pad Shop at: EH | MISC	The Stamp Market - Tropic Teal ink pad Shop at: EH | MISC	Versamark ink pad Shop at: AZ | EH | SHC
Neenah Classic Crest 110 lb smooth Solar White cardstock Shop at: AZ | EH | SSS	PTI - Sweet Blush cardstock Shop at: MISC	Crate Paper - Falala - Evergreen paper (r) Shop at: MISC	Hero Arts - White embossing powder Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC | SHC
Tonic Studios Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	3M Scotch double-sided foam tape Shop at: AZ | EH	EK Success powder tool Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Lawn Fawn - Stamp shammy cleaner Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC | SHC
MISTI stamping tool Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Sizzix - Big Shot machine Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Tim Holtz - Tonic guillotine trimmer (maxi) Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Tim Holtz - Tonic guillotine trimmer (small) Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC

Stitched rainbow birthday wishes

It's time for a short break from the Christmas card makes. :)

I made this card for a very special young lady who celebrated her 16th birthday last week:

Stamp: MFT - Big Birthday Wishes (r)
Dies: The Stamp Market - Dotted Rainbow, Hero Arts - Infinity Nesting Rectangles
Stickers: KI Memories

I started off by stamping the main sentiment so I could line up the rainbow die properly before getting to work with my small collection of embroidery floss and sequins.

I have some vintage stickers on here too, not that much younger than the birthday girl herself - it's KI Memories for the numbers and name!

I found with the stitched dot dies you need to double up your embroidery floss - so use all 6 threads and then double up when threaded through your needle.

I bet that rainbow will look pretty in ombré pink shades too... Might have to try that next time.

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MFT - Big Birthday Wishes stamps (r) Shop at: SHC	Hero Arts - Infinity Nesting Rectangles dies Shop at: EH | SBC | SHC	The Stamp Market - Dotted Rainbow die Shop at: EH | MISC | SBC	Altenew - Jet Black dye ink Shop at: EH
Altenew - Green Fields ink cube set Shop at: EH | SHC	Neenah Classic Crest 110 lb smooth Solar White cardstock Shop at: AZ | EH | SSS	PTI - Raspberry Fizz cardstock Shop at: MISC	Lilac Lane - Bridal sequins Shop at: SBC | SSS
Tonic Studios Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	3M Scotch double-sided foam tape Shop at: AZ | EH	Lawn Fawn - Stamp shammy cleaner Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC | SHC	MISTI stamping tool Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Sizzix - Big Shot machine Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Thermoweb iCraft - Purple tape for die-cutting - 1 1/2" Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Tim Holtz - Tonic guillotine trimmer (small) Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC

Skiing by with Christmas wishes

Happy weekend all!

Today's card is definitely new favourite. As soon as I saw this stamp and die set revealed by Pinkfresh Studio in their recent blog hop, it went straight onto my wish list!

I'm also a big fan of Lizzie Mackay's designs and illustrations, not only for Pinkfresh Studio, but her past seasonal lines for Sainsbury's (I bought a lot of those gift bags and wrapping paper). :D

So here's the first outing for these stamps and dies:

Stamps and dies: Pink Fresh Studio - Skiing By
Other: Distress Oxides

I'd been experimenting with Distress Oxides to make some pink background panels, and this is one I had left over from that inky session. Once again the colours have been toned down by applying white and shimmery mists.

I only used the top of this panel so have the rest of it still available to use on another card. :D

My blending brushes have been put to good use to colour in the mountains with Pumice Stone ink and once again I tried to add highlights to those fun skiers with a white pen.

I still need practice there!

But overall, I love the end result. :D

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Pinkfresh Studio - Skiing By stamps Shop at: EH | SBC	Pinkfresh Studio - Skiing By dies Shop at: EH | SBC	Distress ink pad - Pumice Stone Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Distress Oxide ink pad - Spun Sugar Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Distress Oxide ink pad - Tattered Rose Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Distress Oxide ink pad - Worn Lipstick Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Gina K Designs - Obsidian Amalgam ink pad Shop at: EH | SSS	Versafine - Onyx Black ink pad Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Neenah Classic Crest 110 lb smooth Solar White cardstock Shop at: AZ | EH | SSS	Strathmore Bristol cardstock Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Studio Calico - Mister Huey's color mist - Blizzard (r) Shop at: SBC	Studio Calico - Mister Huey's color mist - Opaque White (r) Shop at: SBC
Uniball Signo White pen Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Tonic Studios Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Lawn Fawn - Stamp shammy cleaner Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC | SHC	MISTI stamping tool Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Cosmetic blending brushes Shop at: AZ	Tim Holtz - Stampers Anonymous Splat Box Shop at: AZ | SBC | SHC	Sizzix - Big Shot machine Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Thermoweb iCraft - Purple tape for die-cutting - 1 1/2" Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Tim Holtz - Tonic guillotine trimmer (maxi) Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Tim Holtz - Tonic guillotine trimmer (small) Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC

DCM - November elemental inspiration

So here we are, the first Friday of a new month means a new elemental inspiration challenge on the Daring Cardmakers blog, and what a lovely one it is to kickstart the countdown to Christmas challenges we have lined up!

I immediately had ideas whirring around in my mind when I saw that image, but you know what won out for me. ;)

 

Stamps: PTI - Sentiment Staples: Christmas
Dies: Simon Says Stamp - Village, Essentials by Ellen - Home & Hearth, Pinkfresh Studio - Skiing By
Other: Distress Oxide inks

I started off blending the background with Tumbled Glass ink, adding a little Broken China to the mix and finally Peacock Feathers around the top. I went back in with Broken China and some Picket Fence Distress Ink to add a white glow like the moon in the village image.

Once I was happy with my blended colours, I used my two "winter-friendly" Mr Huey sprays to add that snowy, frosty finish. They actually dull down the vibrancy of the background which can be great as I sometimes feel the background looks darker than I want, but once the mist goes on that creates the perfect balance. :)

I used a mix of village-style dies to assemble my scene and the stars were perfect to add where there were glows of white ink.

The front layer with the sentiment is popped up on 3D foam tape to add a little extra depth and bring everything nicely together.

So to recap, my elements were the village scene, blue as the predominant colour, and a scripty sentiment.

Make sure you check out the fab projects from the rest of the design team - we hope you enjoy the challenge!

Happy crafting!

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PTI - Sentiment Staples: Christmas stamps Shop at: MISC | SSS	Pinkfresh Studio - Skiing By dies Shop at: EH | SBC	Essentials by Ellen - Home & Hearth dies Shop at: EH	Simon Says Stamp - Village dies Shop at: SSS
Distress ink pad - Picked Raspberry Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Distress Oxide ink pad - Broken China Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Distress Oxide ink pad - Peacock Feathers Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Distress Oxide ink pad - Tumbled Glass Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Lawn Fawn - Hippo ink pad Shop at: EH | SBC | SHC	Versafine - Onyx Black ink pad Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Neenah Classic Crest 110 lb smooth Solar White cardstock Shop at: AZ | EH | SSS	Studio Calico - Mister Huey's color mist - Blizzard (r) Shop at: SBC
Studio Calico - Mister Huey's color mist - Opaque White (r) Shop at: SBC	Tonic Studios Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	3M Scotch double-sided foam tape Shop at: AZ | EH	Lawn Fawn - Stamp shammy cleaner Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC | SHC
MISTI stamping tool Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Cosmetic blending brushes Shop at: AZ	Tim Holtz - Stampers Anonymous Splat Box Shop at: AZ | SBC | SHC	Sizzix - Big Shot machine Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC
Sizzix - Sidekick machine Shop at: AZ | SBC	Tim Holtz - Tonic guillotine trimmer (maxi) Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC	Tim Holtz - Tonic guillotine trimmer (small) Shop at: AZ | EH | SBC