Kool Kitty Musings

While the tree is still up...

I thought I'd best share the Christmas card I made for my niece's first Christmas.

At the rate I was going with sharing projects and other things on my blog in late 2016 it's a case of better late than never!

But anyway, December was soooo busy that I am just thankful I managed to get a card made for little miss before Christmas day arrived. :)

I used a mix of new papers from Crate Paper's 2016 holiday release and some dies I've had since last Christmas but hadn't got round to using properly.

Paper: Crate Paper, Studio Calico
Dies: Simon Says Stamp, Lawn Fawn, PTI
Sticker: Pebbles
Other: Tinsel twine, string, 3D foam tape, 3D glitter paint

I really love the bold pastel shades in the Snow and Cocoa collection from Crate - they include pops of bright pink and teal and they work so well together with the cute snowman from the 2015 winter release from Pebbles. And you know how much I love building a little winter scene on my cards. :) I also found a neat way to transform 1 into 1st by cutting away the rest of the "Christmas" die cut to leave "st".

Anyway, I'm wondering what to feature on next year's card now. ;)

The little festive Matryoshka set featured in the photos above was one of the gifts I left under the tree for my niece - she can't play with it for a good few years, but it was so sweet and I'm hoping to keep to the tradition of giving her a new ornament/decoration each year. I just hope she'll enjoy and like them in later years.

So here were her spoils, in addition to the card and festive tree, Santa and snowman, there was a fab toy dragon who noisily flaps his wings (that went down very well) and of course there had to be a cute outfit. I couldn't resist this little set from M&S with Little Red Riding Hood on it - ma and I snapped up our Christmas gift outfits for her back in late October! :)

Right well, I'd best be off - it's a "school night", back to work in the morning so I'm off for a soak in the bath then to bed!

 

Crate Paper - Snow & Cocoa - 6x6" Paper Pad	Studio Calico Seven Paper - Felix - 007 Paper	Pebbles - Winter Wonderland - Glittered Stickers - Icons	Lil' Inker Designs - Stitched Mats: Circles die set
Simon Says Stamp - HAPPY WINTER AND CHRISTMAS dies	Papertrey Ink - By the numbers die collection (set of 9)	Lawn Fawn - Forest border die	Tim Holtz - Silver tinsel twine
East of India - Twisted String	3M Scotch double-sided foam tape

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2016 card challenge - December card project

Well, I've managed to get another Christmas card made - this time for the main prompt for the 2016 card challenge.

Here's a reminder of the prompt:

{Pinterest pin}

I was inspired by the mix of colours with blush pink, a sage aqua and charcoal.

I also liked the idea of featuring a penguin on my card!

Paper: Crate Paper, MME
Stamp: Lil' Inker Designs
Dies: MFT, Mama Elephant
Sticker: Pebbles Inc
Other: white embossing powder, 3D foam tape

I finally bought myself an EK Success powder tool for better embossing results. It might be the thing that finally makes me did out the heat gun more often! ;) Watch this space. LOL In the meantime this is another card to add to this year's somewhat small pile. I really do hope I'll have enough to go around. :oS

Until next time, happy crafting!

My Mind's Eye - Christmas on Market Street - Holly Boughs Paper	Crate Paper - Peppermint collection kit	Pebbles - Winter Wonderland - Glittered Stickers - Icons	Lil' Inker Designs - All The Christmas You'll Ever Need stamp set
MFT - Die-Namics Stitched Arch STAX	Mama Elephant - Landscape Trio stitched border dies	3M Scotch double-sided foam tape	Tsukineko Versamark ink pad

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December elemental inspiration

Happy Friday!

Up over on the Daring Cardmakers blog today we have our last elemental inspiration dare of 2016.

Here's our inspiration image for December:

And as for the 3 elements I used... well they should be easy to spot:

Paper: Basic Grey
Stamps: PTI
Dies: PTI, Concord & 9th
Other: enamel dots, wink of stella pen, 3D foam tape

Good old low winter sun making it difficult to photo graph from all angles... lol

But anyway, I went for deer, sparkle in the greeting, enamel dots and on the tree, grey tones and a prominent tree in the background. Believe me it looks a lot better in real life than it does here.

Remember to pop on over to the DCM blog to see all the lovely interpretations of the elements!

Happy crafting!

 

Basic Grey - B-Side - Stellar Paper	Neenah Solar White Classic Crest card	Papertrey Ink - Rustic White cardstock	Concord & 9th - Christmas Cottage die set
Papertrey Ink - In the Meadow stamp set	Papertrey Ink - In the Meadow die set	Papertrey Ink - Soft Stone ink cube	Hero Arts - Wet Cement ink pad
Hero Arts - Charcoal mid-tone shadow ink	ZIG - Wink of Stella clear brush pen	3M Scotch double-sided foam tape

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Star of Wonder...

Over on the Daring Cardmakers blog this week, we're back to a card challenge!

And it's one that could assist you if you've still got plenty of Christmas cards to make, because the challenge is to make a card inspired by a favourite carol or song.

Well, Do You Hear What I Hear? is one of my favourite Christmas songs, but a carol that I could pay homage to on a card... it had to be We Three Kings, as I just love the chorus:

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

And so it was most handy that I had a matching stamp sentiment in the Lil' Inker Designs All the Christmas You'll Ever Need stamp set (there are lots of carol/song inspired stamps in that set!).

The Star of wonder sentiment was the one that immediately drew me to the set as I've long been after a festive "star" related greeting. :)

And here's my take:

Paper: Basic Grey
Stamp: Lil' Inker Designs - All the Christmas You'll Ever Need
Dies: Concord & 9th - Christmas Cottage, Lil' Inker Designs - Silly Stitched dies
Ephemera: My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum
Other: glitter paper, 3D foam tape

It's only after the whole card was made that I really, really wish I'd added the circle stitches first before stamping the greeting rather than stamping the greeting first, because I could have moved it over to the left a little to fit in that shiny glittery star from the Sugar Plum ephemera pack. But hey ho!

I also added gold glitter paper behind the windows of the the little house and each layer of the Christmas Cottage die set has some 3D foam tape on it to create a truly dimensional background. Such a fab die set!

Anyway, I think I'll really need to get making more cards inspired by my festive playlist - some good music should make me work faster! ;)

Remember to pop on over to the Daring Cardmakers blog to see the other amazing card interpretations!

Until next time, happy crafting!

 

Papertrey Ink - Rustic White cardstock	Basic Grey - B-Side - Maybe Paper	Basic Grey - Juniper Berry - Workshop Paper	Heidi Swapp - Marquee Love - 8.5" x 8.5" Glitter Paper Pad
My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - Mixed Bag Die Cuts	Lil' Inker Designs - All The Christmas You'll Ever Need stamp set	Lil' Inker Designs - Silly Stitched die set	Concord & 9th - Christmas Cottage die set
Lawn Fawn - Black Licorice ink pad	MISTI precision stamping tool	Lawn Fawn - Stamp shammy cleaner	3M Scotch double-sided foam tape

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Packages tied up with string...

...don't necessarily have to come in brown paper or be large!

This week over on the Daring Cardmakers blog we've got the first in the series of new challenges where we take a step back from the cards.

The focus this week is all on gift bags and gift boxes, a perfect opportunity to prepare for December!

For my offering I went small and compact!

Die: Xcut
Paper: My Mind's Eye
Tag: Basic Grey
Other: string

I used the Pillow Box die from Xcut to make my little box - I really like the contrast of the black background paper with the wood grain and that vibrant and apt tag from Basic Grey. And of course there had to be a little rustic string to tie it all together. :)

Pop on over to the blog to see what the rest of the design team have been making!

Happy crafting!

Xcut Pillow Box die	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Caramel Macchiato Glittered Paper	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Jingle All the Way Paper	Basic Grey - Juniper Berry - Cardstock & Vellum Die-Cuts
East of India - Twisted String

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2016 card challenge - November Christmas card project

Morning!

I'm back with my take on the Christmas prompt for the November card challenge. Here's a reminder of the prompt:

{Pinterest pin}

I was inspired by the grey knits, the woodgrain and white snowy decorations and the dimensional trees - here's what I made:

Paper: Fancy Pants, My Mind's Eye, Elle's Studio
Stamp: Simon Says Stamp
Dies: Lil' Inker Designs, PTI, Mama Elephant
Button: October Afternoon
Other: twine

Well you had to know that as soon as dimensional trees were a possibility then I had to use my favourite die for this technique. Just love it for adding extra pop to flat cards, they fold down nicely and you can get away a regular postage stamp rather than a large postage stamp, which is very welcome at Christmas when there are so many cards to send. Might have to leave off the lumpy button next time though!

Until next time!

Fancy Pants Designs - Oh Deer - Season's Greetings Paper	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Jingle All the Way Paper	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Snowflake Kisses Glittered Paper	Elle's Studio - Joyful - Celebrate Paper
Simon Says Stamp - Gifts of Love stamp set	Lil' Inker Designs - Holly Jolly dies	Papertrey Ink - Tag Sale #10 die set	Mama Elephant - Landscape Trio stitched border dies
October Afternoon - Make It Merry buttons	Hemptique natural hemp cord

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2016 card challenge - November card projects

Well would you believe it?

I've actually had chance to make something for this month's card prompts.

I had fun trying to be creative with the main prompt:

{Pinterest pin}

I wanted to give it a wintry spin so I could use it as a Christmas card (every little helps!). I had a good session going through my ink pad collection to find some colours that would replicate the colours in the illustration. I have a loooot of ink, and every stamper needs a lot of ink for occasions just like this!

Here's the finished result:

Stamps: Concord and 9th (Flourish), PTI (Peaceful Pinecones)
Die: Lil' Inker Designs (Silly Stitched die set)

It's definitely a lovely stamp set and so many possibilities for different colour combos and looks. First up though I conditioned all the stamps with Versamark ink and stamped it off before applying the dye inks. It really makes conditioning stamps so much faster and the results are a lot better for it, even when using the MISTI to stamp some impressions a couple of times to make the results really bold and solid. :) I also used a light grey cardstock for this card and the contrast is even nicer than the starkness of white cardstock.

Finally I found a nice greeting that worked with the images - right size and font, yay!

I'll share my other card for November tomorrow. :)

 

Concord & 9th - Flourish stamp set	Papertrey Ink - Peaceful Pinecones stamp set	Papertrey Ink - Soft Stone cardstock	Tsukineko Versamark ink pad
Lawn Fawn - Black Licorice ink pad	Adirondack dye ink - Meadow	Altenew - Evergreen Crisp Dye Ink	Adirondack dye ink - Juniper
Papertrey Ink - Ocean Tides ink cube	Papertrey Ink - Pinefeather ink cube	Adirondack dye ink - Salmon	Adirondack dye ink - Mountain Rose
Hero Arts - Charcoal mid-tone shadow ink	Lil' Inker Designs - Silly Stitched die set	MISTI precision stamping tool	Lawn Fawn - Stamp shammy cleaner
Tim Holtz Tonic guillotine trimmer

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November elements challenge

Morning!

Well it's the first Friday of a new month, so it's time for a new elemental inspiration challenge over on the Daring Cardmakers blog.

This month's photo has plenty of elements to choose from:

I took a few things from this that might not be obvious when you see my card: the teal, purple, pink colour combo, the Christmas tree, and presents.

Paper: Elle's Studio, Basic Grey
Stamps: WPlus9, Lil' Inker Designs
Dies: PTI, WPlus9, Mama Elephant, Lil' Inker Designs
Other: Promarkers, 2D foam tape

One of my favourite ever stamp and die sets for colouring in, the Holiday Hugs set from WPlus9 is just fab. It's cute and also quick to colour, just love it! I especially like using it for little wintry scenes and just the addition of a tree and some sky and snow makes it a winner for me. I also gave the All the Christmas You'll Ever Need stamp set from Lil' Inker Designs its first outing. I used the sequel version of this set the other day for my Elf card, the first set has lots of greetings that are more traditional but given a lovely fresh spin through the font choices and design elements. I just love this stamp in particular - it's a great size for larger format cards like this one. :)

Also an extra shout out for my most recent ink purchase - I've been needing a black dye ink pad for everyday use but also colouring as my Memento ink pad has got dry after 10 plus years of use... I know, right?

So I heard good things about Lawn Fawn inks being good for colouring but also not staining stamps (the issue I have with Hero Arts inks) and wow, such a nice ink to use:

I would just love it if they released their inks as cubes too as there as so many nice colours but I haven't the space or wallet for the full size inks. :)

Well that's it for now, remember to pop on over to the Daring Cardmakers blog to see the fab examples from the rest of the design team!

Happy crafting!

Elle's Studio - Joyful - Warm and Cozy Paper	Basic Grey - Juniper Berry - Balsam Paper	Basic Grey - Juniper Berry - Workshop Paper	Lil' Inker Designs - All The Christmas You'll Ever Need stamp set
WPlus9 - Holiday Hugs stamps set	WPlus9 - Holiday Hugs dies	Papertrey Ink - Christmas Tree die	Mama Elephant - Landscape Trio stitched border dies
Lil' Inker Designs - Stitched Mats: Circles die set	Lawn Fawn - Stitched scalloped borders	Lawn Fawn - Black Licorice ink pad

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Did someone say Christmas?

Well, now that Halloween is out of the way that means that we're essentially headed full steam ahead for Christmas!

And so that time when I try and eke out some crafting for this year's Christmas cards if any are going to be sent! lol

At the weekend I had a lovely meet up in person with Sharon who I have known for years online in the virtual world, but never met in person and fate intervened and we managed a quick chat over show and tell (which included basically my most recent purchases and some other favourites). 

I was definitely inspired to get crafting with a few of my new show and tell items, especially one stamp set that was going to be fun to use on Christmas cards.

Namely, All the Christmas You'll Ever Need 2 by Lil' Inker Designs.

What was it about this set I couldn't resist? Well references to favourite Christmas movies, aka Home Alone and Elf!

Lo and behold yesterday when I finally managed to clear my desk ready for some crafting I saw that the November challenge from Seven Hills Crafts would be perfect!

So I managed to get a photo today, not great, but having to get used to the limited natural light and low sun of winter once more - joy!

Paper: Elle's Studio, American Crafts, Pink Paislee
Stamp: Lil' Inker Designs
Dies: Lil' Inker Designs, Lawn Fawn, Spellbinders
Other: felt, Stickles

I was trying to work out what to pair this sentiment stamp with, I had zero elf-related items in my stash, definitely nothing that shouted Buddy! So I made the iconic green hat by cutting a circle from green felt and then using more circle dies to cut a neat yellow band for it finished off with what hopefully looks like a red feather.

As always there was room for a festive bow and I used my new Put a Bow on It die set from Lawn Fawn to cut the red striped paper that then received the Stickles treatment!

Note to self: never, ever remain optimistic that your Stickles bottle won't suddenly clog up and explode over your almost completed project... Yep, once again, Stickles 1: Nat 0.

Hey ho.

Now I'm wondering which sentiment to tackle next, I really want to use the "Keep the change, you filthy animal!" one on a card containing money/gift vouchers but not sure I'll need one of those this year. But it does make me laugh thinking about it. Love that film, it will never get old!

Right, best get the bath running!

Until next time!

Elle's Studio - Joyful - A Merry Little Christmas Paper	American Crafts - Be Merry - Holiday Cheer paper	Pink Paislee - Merry & Bright - Snow Paper	Lil' Inker Designs - All The Christmas You'll Ever Need 2 stamp set
Lil' Inker Designs - Silly Stitched die set	Lawn Fawn - Put a Bow on It die set	Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Standard circles small	Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Standard circles large
Ranger Stickles - Christmas Red	Lawn Fawn - Black Licorice ink pad	MISTI tool

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Hey Little Magpie project catch-up - October

Well the time has come to share my last projects that I made for the Hey Little Magpie Creative Team a few weeks back.

All the details can be found here on the blog.

I used some choice picks from the lovely Sugar Plum and Comfort and Joy collections by My Mind's Eye:

So many possibilities with these collections, but I sat down first to use the Sugar Plum collection.

Lots of pastel colours, traditional shades, and some vintage gold glitter thrown in for good measure:

Paper, ephemera, enamel dots: MME - Sugar Plum
Dies: Mama Elephant, PTI, Lil' Inker Designs
Stamp: PTI
Other: 3D foam tape

How sweet is the glass dome ornament in the ephemera pack? I have a bit of a weakness for glad dome ornament and little cardboard glittered decorations in real life so it's even nicer to be able to use these on cards too!

Next up the pompom trim came out to play!

Paper, ephemera, enamel dots: MME - Sugar Plum
Dies: MFT
Stamp: Avery Elle
Other: 3D foam tape, pompom trim

I love any excuse to feature mini pompom trim on Christmas cards, it's just so festive, and a great way to separate contrasting paper patterns. I twinned the candy cane ephemera with this lovely greeting from Avery Elle.

Paper, ephemera, enamel dots: MME - Sugar Plum
Die: Lil' Inker Designs
Stamps: Lawn Fawn
Other: 3D foam tape

There's always time for a clean and simple design - just love the geometric pattern in this collection - great shades of red through pink make for a really bold background to white space. I simply added a star from the enamel shapes to one of the ephemera trees and a stamped greeting.

Another thing I have missed using on cards has been seam binding - it adds a little vintage flare!

Paper and ephemera: MME - Sugar Plum 
Other: 3D foam tape, seam binding

For this card I simply added tags from the ephemera pack, including the large Joy tag, and the festive little deer.

There are so many glittered papers in this line, including this lovely snowflake background which is great for wintry scenes:

Paper, ephemera, and enamel dots: MME - Sugar Plum
Stamp: Neat & Tangled
Other: 3D foam tape, Stickles

I stamped a greeting onto this banner from the ephemera set. There had to be more glitz added right? So out came the Frosted Lace Stickles for some sparkling snow on the houses. And for an extra festive pop, I created a tinsel-like background for the greeting.

Paper, ephemera, and enamel dots: MME - Sugar Plum 
Die: Lil' Inker Designs
Other: 3D foam tape

For this card I wanted to use some of the left-over wintry scene paper to create a kind of snow globe look. I added elements from the ephemera pack to bring it all together. 

And now to Comfort and Joy - lots of cosy patterns and stand-out elements in this collection!

I particularly love the tartan plaid designs.

Paper and chipboard: MME - Comfort and Joy
Die: Lil' Inker Designs
Stamp: Lawn Fawn
Other: twine, jingle bells

I totally love the marquee-lighting style elements in the chipboard set for this line. The star really pops against the patterns in the background - even more so with the addition of the stitched circles from the Lil' Inker Designs silly stitched die.

There are also some bolder designs with a black background.

Paper, journaling card: MME - Comfort and Joy
Die: Lil' Inker Designs
Other: 3D foam tape

I found the perfect greeting for this card in the form of one of the journaling cards from this collection. Love the contrast of the tree against the woodgrain.

Next up another wintry scene!

Paper, chipboard: MME - Comfort and Joy
Stamp: PTI
Die: Memory Box
Other: 3D foam tape, Stickles

When I saw this sledge in the chipboard set I knew who would be receiving this card! And of course I had to pair it with the Memory Box Country Landscape border die!

And finally, there are more snow globes to be found in the chipboard set:

Paper, chipboard: MME - Comfort and Joy
Dies: Mama Elephant, Lil' Inker Designs
Other: 3D foam tape, buttons, twine

The Madison frame die from Mama Elephant is the perfect size for 5x7 cards so you can still see the background but also feature some larger embellishments and greetings. I added a final finishing touch with some die-cut holly and festive buttons for berries. :)

 

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My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - 6x6 Glittered Paper Pad	My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - Glisten Glittered Paper	My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - Joy Glittered Paper	My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - Sparkle Glittered Paper
My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - Cheer Paper	My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - Mixed Bag Die Cuts	My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - Enamel Shapes	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Caramel Macchiato Glittered Paper
My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Snowflake Kisses Glittered Paper	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Jingle All the Way Paper	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Sweater Weather Paper	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Evergreen & Holly Glittered Paper
My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Chipboard Elements	My Mind's Eye - Comfort and Joy - Journal Cards	Lil' Inker Designs - Holly Jolly dies	Mama Elephant - Framed Tags - Madison Avenue die set
Papertrey Ink - Double-ended banners dies	Papertrey Ink - Stylish Sentiments: Holiday Stamp Set	MFT - Die-namics Fishtail Flags STAX dies	Avery Elle - Noel stamps
Lawn Fawn - Deck the Halls stamp set	Neat & Tangled - Winter Wishes stamp set	Ranger Stickles - Frosted Lace	Lil' Inker Designs - Stitched Mats: Circles die set
Lil' Inker Designs - Silly Stitched die set	Lawn Fawn - Snow Day stamps	Memory Box - Country Landscape border die	Papertrey Ink - In the Meadow stamp set
October Afternoon - Holiday Style buttons

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Sparkle & Shine

Morning folks!

Well, guess whose turn it is to pick the Daring Cardmakers Dare this week - yours truly!

I've challenged the team and our readers to make a card that sparkles and shines. :) Full details are over on the blog here.

For my sparkly shiny element I was determined to get some of my Tim Holtz silver tinsel trim on a card this year:

Paper: Basic Grey, Crate Paper
Dies: Concord and 9th, Spellbinders
Other: tinsel trim, 3D foam tape

Well I simply can't resist word dies that offer some versatile ways to use them. My new "JOY" die from Concord and 9th is a great example. Here I've used it in the regular way, to simply cut out the letters. But I am also looking forward to using the negative of this die on a future card and perhaps making it a shaker feature. I just need to get some acetate sheets at some point!

In the meantime I was happy to delve into my left-overs of last year's (final) Basic Grey Christmas release - Juniper Berry. Love that polar bear paper and the lovely aqua snow flurries in the background. A great contrast for the white and cream stripes from Crate Paper's last Christmas release before the 2016 one!

If you are looking for more sparkly inspiration then definitely check out the DT makes on the DCM blog - there are some stunning projects!

Happy crafting!

 

Basic Grey - Juniper Berry - Merrily Paper	Basic Grey - Juniper Berry - Workshop Paper	Basic Grey - Juniper Berry - Jolly Bear Paper	Crate Paper - Bundled Up - 6x6 paper pad
Concord & 9th - JOY die	Tim Holtz - Silver tinsel twine

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Tag, you're it!

I am surfacing from the lurgy-related quarantine zone to share my card for this week's Daring Cardmakers dare which is to make a card featuring a tag on it. :)

Now, usually this challenge would not present any obstacles for me - I love tags, I have tag dies galore, tag embellishments aplenty... what I don't have this week is stamina and a fully working creative mind.

So it took a couple of goes to commit paper to a card blank, but I am happy to report I managed to get something made.

Is it innovative, fresh and new?

No.

But it's cute, and it will go in the 2016 Christmas Card stockpile! :)

Paper and tag: Crate Paper - Snow and Cocoa
Stamp: Simon Says Stamp - Gifts of Love
Dies: Lil' Inker Designs, MFT
Other: silver bells, twine, 3D foam, enamel dots

What's a Christmas tag without a couple of silver bells? I couldn't resist trying to cheer that polar bear up with some festive additions. :) So glad to see another Christmas release from Crate Paper, it has been aaaages! But I am also secretly pleased that I have so much of their previous Christmas releases still on my stockpile and I can get playing with them again soon, once I am rid of this bug.

Don't forget to check out the fab creations from my fellow team mates over on the blog!

Happy (hopefully germ-free) crafting!

 

Crate Paper - Snow & Cocoa - 6x6" Paper Pad	Crate Paper - Snow & Cocoa - Rosy Cheeks Paper	Crate Paper - Snow & Cocoa - Ephemera Die Cuts	Simon Says Stamp - Gifts of Love stamp set
Lil' Inker Designs - Silly Stitched die set	MFT - First Place Award Ribbon dies	My Mind's Eye - Christmas on Market Street - Enamel dots	Hemptique natural hemp cord

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True Colours

Morning folks!

Up over on the Daring Cardmakers blog today Svenja has set the dare for us: we're going seriously monochromatic!

I went with a white/dark grey spectrum:

Dies: Concord & 9th - Christmas Cottage dies
Stencil: Simon Says Stamp - Falling Snow
Other: 3D foam tape, embossing paste

Oh man... this die set was definitely worth the investment. I think it's one I will be using a lot on upcoming projects and is up there with the Memory Box Country Landscape die which is a complete staple die!

I first applied texture paste with the Falling Snow stencil to the grey cardstock and set that aside to dry. Then it was just a case of cutting my white cardstock pieces and layering them up on the card. I also added a touch of Frosted Lace Stickles to the roof of the house.

Got to say, this was a pretty fun project to make - love a bit of assembly - so I could see making a few of these cards getting closer to December if I am low on cards.

Remember to go check out the fab cards from the rest of the design team over on the Daring Cardmakers blog.

 

Concord & 9th - Christmas Cottage die set

Simon Says Stamp - FALLING SNOW stencil

Studio 490 - Wendy Vecchi Embossing Paste - White

Ranger Stickles - Frosted Lace

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Hey Little Magpie project catch-up - September

Evening folks!

Well it has been a while since I shared some card projects so what better time to update the blog with my Hey Little Magpie projects from last month using the Birthday Bash collection by Pink Paislee.

As always, the full details can be found here on the Hey Little Magpie blog.

So first up...

Paper and ephemera: Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash
Dies: PTI, Mama Elephant
Other: 3D foam tape, hemp twine

Got to love the giant birthday presents in the die-cuts - fab as the centrepiece on a card. I just added a tiny tag and sentiment plus the Mama Elephant bow!

Paper: Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash
Bow: Crate Paper

This simple card features one of the cut apart journaling cards which has this copper foiling on it.

No birthday is complete without some balloons!

Paper, ephemera, foiled rosette: Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash
Other: sequins, sewing machine, 3D foam tape

I layered up two of the tags from the ephemera pack and sewed them together then added extra bling to complement the rosette.

Paper: Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash
Stamps: Simon Says Stamp, Lawn Fawn
Dies: Lawn Fawn, Pebbles
Other: Nuvo crystal drops, Promarkers, 3D foam tape

One of my favourite papers in this collection was this black spotty paper. Perfect for accenting the dots with Nuvo crystal drops. This was my first time using this product and I was very impressed with the end results.

And finally, a very special OTT bling-filled card for a certain 4-year-old's birthday!

Paper, journaling card cut-outs, rosettes: Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash
Other: glitter paper, alphabet stickers

I made this concertina card to look a bit like a banner. I split the rosettes apart so that the jewels could be used at the top and the rosettes could be used as a background to the number and letters. Happy to report the birthday girl loved it! Phew!

Until next time!

 

Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash - 6x6" Paper Pad	Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash - Speciality Cardstock with Rose Gold Foil	Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash - Paper #06	Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash - Paper #07
Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash - Paper #09	Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash - Paper #10	Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash - Die Cut Ephemera	Pink Paislee - Birthday Bash - Delights Foiled Rosettes
Papertrey Ink - Tiny Tags stamp set	Papertrey Ink - Tiny Tags die	Mama Elephant - Dainty bow die	Hemptique natural hemp cord
Simon Says Clear Stamps - BABY PARTY ANIMALS stamp set	Tonic Studios Nuvo Crystal Drops - Gloss Caribbean Ocean	Lawn Fawn - A birdie told me stamps	Lawn Fawn - A birdie told me dies
Pebbles - Jen Hadfield Cottage Living - Polaroid Die Set

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October elemental inspiration

This week over on the Daring Cardmakers blog, Gez has challenged us to use this lovely image for our new elemental inspiration dare:

For my elements I've used a friendly creature, harvest, leaves, and woodgrain:

Paper: Pebbles, Woodgrain cardstock by American Crafts
Ephemera: Pebbles
Stamp: Dear Lizzy
Dies: MFT, Lil' Inker Designs
Other: 3D foam tape

I went in search of some autumnal papers in my vast stockpile and one of the Simon Says Stamp kits from last year had some perfect elements, including this cute owl. :)

For more autumnal inspiration go check out the fab projects over on the Daring Cardmakers blog!

Happy crafting!

 

Simon Says Stamp Card Kit of the Month November 2015	American Crafts - 12x12" Woodgrain Textured Cardstock - Chestnut	Lil' Inker Designs - Stitched Mats: Circles die set	MFT - Die-namics Jumbo Fishtail Banner STAX
Pebbles Inc. - Harvest die-cut ephemera	American Crafts - Dear Lizzy Serendipity - Clear Acrylic Stamps

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Hey Little Magpie project catch-up - August

Well I am crawling out from under the work-related rock I've been existing in for the past 10 days or so as the light is finally shining at the end of the tunnel for the project I am currently working on! Hooray!

It also means I really need to catch up with sharing my Hey Little Magpie projects from the summer. Where on earth has the time flown to?

So anyway, back in August I had opportunity to craft away with the fantastic Hooray collection from My Mind's Eye. It's a lovely line and packed full of fun colours and designs that work great together and will also nicely integrate into my other stash for future card projects.

The full details can be found here on the Hey Little Magpie blog.

So on with the photos!

Paper and tag: My Mind's Eye - Hooray
Die: Simon Says Stamp

I admit it, I have a real think for stripes, especially rainbow stripes! I am so glad there's a line out there catering to us rainbow stripe addicts. :)

I mean look at the beauty that is that striped diagonal rainbow of lushness, so glad it's included in the 6x6 pad and there are two sheets to use up!

Paper, stickers, and ephemera: My Mind's Eye - Hooray
Dies: Spellbinders
Other: 3D foam tape, sewing machine

The stickers in this line are just the perfect size for stand-out card projects. How cute is this banner?

Another stand-out feature is the rose gold foiling.

Paper and tags: My Mind's Eye - Hooray
Stamp: WPlus9
Other: button, twine

The tags in the tag pack also feature this lovely foiling, plus they are great layered up - just add a button and some twine and you're good to go. :)

Paper, ephemera, and sticker: My Mind's Eye - Hooray
Die: PTI
Other: button, twine, sewing machine, 3D foam tape

There are also bold stripes of colour in the 6x6 pad that I just love paired up with with the dots and "Party!" background. I also couldn't resist adding a fringe of that diagonal stripe paper rather than throw a scrap away...

Paper, ephemera, and stickers: My Mind's Eye - Hooray
Other: 3D foam tape

I used the fab sunburst-style 12x12 paper for this card - so effective! Love it paired up with all the party ephemera. I finished it off with dots of paper from the ephemera pack that I scored so they would pop out more.

Paper, ephemera, stickers, journaling card: My Mind's Eye - Hooray
Die: Mama Elephant, Lil' Inker Designs
Other: twine, 3D foam tape, enamel dots

Well what is there to say about this card, other than it looks like I threw every item imaginable at it! But hey, when it comes to birthdays go large or go home! Also I was definitely channelling Tom and Donna from Parks and Rec! Treat yo' self! :D

Paper, sticker, and journaling card: My Mind's Eye - Hooray
Dies: PTI, Neat and Tangled, Mama Elephant
Other: 3D foam tape

I used a journaling card as the background for my greeting on this card - just love that candle design. And once again my Neat and Tangled die set for scored shapes came in nice and handy for adding a few little finishing touches.

And last but not least...

Paper, stickers, ephemera, and tag: My Mind's Eye - Hooray
Other: 3D foam tape, twine, enamel dot

It's great that this collection also includes some nice elements for sending thank you cards. I went to town with my remaining banner elements from the ephemera pack for this last card.

So all in all, lots of crafting fun to be had. I'll definitely be reaching for this collection again when needing to top up my birthday card stockpile!

My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Paper & Accessory Kit	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - 6x6 Foiled Paper Pad	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - 6x12 Sticker Sheet	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Journal Cards
My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Decorative Tags	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Mixed Bag Die Cuts	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Say Hooray! Paper	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Celebrate Paper
My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Party Time Rose Gold Foiled Paper	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Rosey Dot Rose Gold Foiled Paper	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - You Radiate Rose Gold Foiled Paper	My Mind's Eye - Hooray - Shout For Joy Paper
Simon Says Stamp - Painted Hello die	Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Classic squares large	Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Classic scalloped squares large	WPlus9 - Strictly Sentiments 1 stamps
October Afternoon - Cakewalk buttons	Hemptique natural hemp cord	Papertrey Ink - Pinking Shears border die	Lil' Inker Designs - Stitched Mats: Rectangles die set
Mama Elephant - Dainty bow die	Neat & Tangled - Scored Shapes dies	Papertrey Ink - Large scallop border die

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Over on the Hey Little Magpie blog - September projects

Head on over to the Hey Little Magpie blog today to see my new projects using the Birthday Bash collection from Pink Paislee!

Welcome to the world little miss Heidi

So Monday was a very eventful start to the week. :)

My niece decided it was time to make an appearance around dawn and well, Monday was one big rollercoaster of a day in the best way possible.

As soon as the news came in from my brother and there'd been a hurried exchange of photos between everyone, it was time to get to my craft desk!

The day before I had an inkling things would be happening soon, so I made the last few preparations for some of the gifts I'd bought over the summer:

Here they are ready to be united with their new friend:

Daphne Bunny was accompanied by a little bunny rattle and another pal for little miss Heidi:

By 8 a.m. I think I was stationed at my craft desk working on a very special card:

Paper: Crate Paper
Dies: Mama Elephant, PTI, Lawn Fawn
Thickers: American Crafts
Other: button, twine, typewriter, 3D foam tape

Typewriter II saved the day - it was perfect for adding the date and a fitting greeting to this card. :)

I am so glad I snapped up these papers from Crate Paper's Little You line earlier this year in preparation for the big event, as Heidi's mum is loving the bunny theme.

And speaking of, as soon as I knew the weight and length it was off to Next to purchase a few new outfits I'd had my eye on.

The Bunny dungarees:

The autumnal kitty dungarees:

The full on cat lady kitty outfit:

I also popped next door to get some balloons and all the trimmings - my goodness did I underestimate the size of the balloons once inflated... It was such a windy day! What a sight I must have been trying to corral these 4 huge helium-filled balloons into the back of a 3-door Swift while also trying to get the seats down to fit everything in!

Anyway, visiting hours were 3 - 4 so I made a mad dash home to get everything wrapped and ready to go to my mum and dads so we could all go to the hospital together to meet the new arrival.

Goodness me was it hot in out there and on the ward in the hospital.

But what a sight greeted us, new mum was looking absolutely amazing considering she'd had zero sleep since the day before and had given birth 10 hours earlier!

There were lots of cuddles coming...

My mum enjoyed her new Babcia status:

So proud and content:

My dad showed he hadn't lost his skill at handling a baby:

And Auntie Natty had her first cuddle:

In fact Auntie Natty enjoyed her cuddles so much she hogged baby Heidi for much of the visit. ;)

The new parents were still floating on cloud nine, rightly so!

We looked more tired than they did! lol

My brother and I also demonstrated what must be a genetic trait, our innate ability to lean on any surface like it's a bar...

I didn't manage to get many photos with my camera - too busy enjoying the moment and the cuddles, but I love this one where you can see her fingers:

She slept the whole visit through, even when she did a few starfish manoeuvres while I was holding her. hehe

But before we knew it the hour had passed, so it was time to head home and then back to my mum and dad's for some celebrating to wet the baby's head Polish style.

I'd saved this from the wedding last year for this very occasion. :)

But of course, my mum and dad's recent trip to Poland had brought back with it many new vodka varieties... including a lovely gift from my brother's god father:

A few vodkas later and nutritional relief was required in the form of Tort Wedlowski!

And after a few phone calls with family and friends we were all ready for bed around midnight!

So that's how the week started.

The new little family is back home and settling into their new life.

Little Heidi was on Facetime this evening and was sleeping soundly still.

Here's hoping she has inherited her mum's appreciation for Bake Off and will continue to snooze through the rest of the evening. ;)

And now Auntie Natty needs to go make sure she has everything in place ready to watch Bake Off too!

Already looking forward to my next cuddle.

xx

Crate Paper - Little You - Precious Paper	Crate Paper - Little You - My Sunshine Paper	Crate Paper - Little You - Baby Girl Paper	Mama Elephant - Framed Tags - Madison Avenue die set
Papertrey Ink - Cloud 1 & 2 die collection	October Afternoon - Farmhouse buttons	Hemptique natural hemp cord	American Crafts - Thickers - Lullaby - Blush

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There's still time to play along

The challenges posted this weekend on the Hey Little Magpie Chat & Inspiration FB group are still open for you to join in.

The deadline for all entries is midnight Friday 23rd Sept!

So if you've not joined the group yet or have been waiting for a bit of crafting time, here's the example I made for my Pinspired Projects challenge using this Pinterest pin as a way to kick start the creative thinking process:

{Pinterest pin}

And here's my interpretation of what came to mind:

Paper: Crate Paper
Label: Pebbles
Die: MFT
Other: twine, button, 3D foam tape

I went with the elements of birdies, a tied on tag, doily, and a pop of aqua blue. I simply couldn't bear to cover any more of that Kindred paper from the new Maggie Holmes Gather collection. It is just gorgeous!

And speaking of gorgeous, it's been quite an eventful 24+ hours in our family. I will try post more tomorrow when I have more time but yep, happy, happy times!

Crate Paper - Maggie Holmes Gather - Kindred Paper	Pebbles - Spring Fling - Ephemera Die Cuts	Hemptique natural hemp cord	October Afternoon - Farmhouse buttons
My Favorite Things - Die-namics High Tea Doily die

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"What a Wonderful World"

Over on the Daring Cardmakers blog today, Kathy has challenged us to interpret the lyrics of What a Wonderful World on our cards.

Here's a reminder of how the song goes:

I see trees of green,
red roses too.
I see them bloom,
for me and you.
And I think to myself,
what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue,
And clouds of white.
The bright blessed day,
The dark sacred night.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

The colours of the rainbow,
So pretty in the sky.
Are also on the faces,
Of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands.
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying,
"I love you".

I hear babies cry,
I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more,
Than I'll ever know.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

Yes, I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

Oh yeah.

So, I incorporated a few things that always come to mind when I hear this song, and that includes the colours of the rainbow...

Paper: Pink Paislee
Dies: MFT, PTI, Lawn Fawn, Memory Box (Modern Landscape Die)
Stamp: Lawn Fawn
Other: enamel dots, Wink of Stella pen, 3D foam tape, Promarkers

It's a bit hard to see but I added Wink of Stella to the Hugs die-cut and the hearts for a little shimmer. I also really wish I'd used another shade of green for the rainbow when colouring it in, Lime Green has definitely dried a lot lighter!

Do remember to pop on over to the DCM blog to see the amazing interpretations of the lyrics from the design team and join in! :)

Happy crafting!

Pink Paislee - Hello Sunshine - Puddle Jumper paper	Lawn Fawn - Sophie's sentiments stamps	My Favorite Things - Die-namics rainbow die	Papertrey Ink - Big Hugs die set
Lawn Fawn - Spring showers dies	Lawn Fawn - Hearts dies	ZIG - Wink of Stella clear brush pen

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Hey Little Magpie project catch-up - July

I hadn't realised I'd not shared these card projects on my blog yet, but back in July(!) I was busy crafting away with the lovely Sunny Days collection by Elle's Studio. As always the full details can be found over on the Hey Little Magpie blog.

Right, on with the projects!

Paper, journaling label, and puffy stickers: Elle's Studio - Sunny Days
Stamp: MFT
Die: Spellbinders

I used the new puffy stickers that Elle's Studio now offers to the max on this card! All that was needed was an additional stamped greeting. :)

Paper and puffy stickers: Elle's Studio - Sunny Days
Stamps: PTI
Dies: PTI, Lil' Inker Designs
Other: enamel dot, 3D foam tape

I love the star background paper in the 6x6 paper pack for this line. I couldn't resist adding more stars!

Paper, ephemera, and puffy stickers: Elle's Studio - Sunny Days
Dies: PTI, Spellbinders
Other: 3D foam tape

Lots of rainbow colours in this line too - they are lovely paired up with the ephemera die cuts.

Paper, stickers, and puffy stickers: Elle's Studio - Sunny Days
Dies: Mama Elephant
Stamp: My Cute Stamps
Other: 3D foam tape, Promarkers

The 12x12 wave paper in this line makes for a great backdrop to a pirate card.

Paper, stickers, and puffy stickers: Elle's Studio - Sunny Days
Dies: Mama Elephant
Stamp: My Cute Stamps
Other: 3D foam tape, Promarkers

There's plenty of scope for birthday cards for boys and blokes too - I love the combo of the ephemera star and layered up sequins.

Paper and puffy stickers: Elle's Studio - Sunny Days
Dies: Lil' Inker Designs, PTI, Lawn Fawn
Other: 3D foam tape

And finally, this card is probably my favourite of the lot. :) I used one of the left-over stars I'd cut for an aperture in another card, flipped it over and scored it but attached it to the card this way round so it looks a bit like a marquee light. The Lawn Fawn border die was the perfect greeting to finish it all off. :)

Elle's Studio - Sunny Days - 6x6 Paper Stack	Elle's Studio - Sunny Days - Soak up the Sun Paper	Elle's Studio - Sunny Days - Stars Paper	Elle's Studio - Sunny Days - Adventures Paper
Elle's Studio - Sunny Days - Puffy Stickers	Elle's Studio - Sunny Days - Bits & Pieces Die Cuts	Elle's Studio - Sunny Days - Small Blank Labels	Elle's Studio - Letter & Number Stickers - Pink
My Favorite Things - Just My Type dies and stamps	Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Standard circles small	Lil' Inker Designs - Stitched Mats: Rectangles die set	Papertrey Ink - Seeing Stars die collection (set of 3)
Papertrey Ink - Stylish sentiments: Birthday stamp set	Papertrey Ink - By the numbers die collection (set of 9)	My Cute Stamps - Pirate Boy stamp set	Mama Elephant - Framed Tags - Madison Avenue die set
Paper Smooches - Birthday Words dies	Jillibean Soup - Teal plum sequins	Jillibean Soup - Red Raspberry sequins	Lil' Inker Designs - Instant Camera die
Lawn Fawn - Happy birthday border die

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September elemental inspiration

Morning folks!

Well here we are with a brand new elemental inspiration challenge over on the Daring Cardmakers blog.

This month's photo comes from Svenja and it includes quite a few possibilities for interpretation:

As it's September I'm starting to feel a little panicked about the minimal Christmas card production that I've managed so far this year. It's time to get back on track and start getting those festive cards made!

The elements I went with were trying to mirror the scene in the photo, with the trees, shore, water, and hill in the background.

Paper and stickers: Pebbles Inc
Dies: Lawn Fawn, Mama Elephant
Other: 3D foam tape, glitter paper

Bless that little bundled up penguin by the side of the frozen lake. :) The glitter paper in the Heidi Swapp Marquee pad goes so well with this winter line Pebbles released last year. :)

I'll definitely be using up more bits and bobs from this line in the run up to Christmas.

There are some lovely interpretations of this month's photo over on the blog so do check them out and come play along!

Here's to a happy crafty weekend!

 

Pebbles - Winter Wonderland - 6x6" Paper Pad

Pebbles - Winter Wonderland - Glittered Stickers - Icons

Heidi Swapp - Marquee Love - 8.5" x 8.5" Glitter Paper Pad

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An ode to lime green and raspberry pink!

Over on the Daring Cardmakers blog today Svenja has challenged us to focus on a fab colour combo.

Bright green and raspberry pink as our main colours.

Well, I had something in mind as soon as I heard what this dare was going to be, and I fancied doing a little stamping.

Paper: Crate Paper
Stamps: PTI
Die: Mama Elephant

It's been a while since my supplies list was so short. lol

I used the lovely leafy garland stamps in the Stitched Sentiments set where you can add berries and flowers to the branches that suit your colour combo. I added a strip of black and white paper for contrast, it really makes the stamping stand out more. Oh and this card wouldn't be complete without that little die-cut bow to bring it all together. :)

Remember to check out the fantastic card creations from the rest of the design team over on the blog!

Happy crafting!

Crate Paper - Maggie Holmes Flea Market 6x6 paper pad

Papertrey Inc - Stitched Sentiments stamp set

Papertrey Ink - Stylish sentiments: Birthday stamp set

Mama Elephant - Dainty bow die

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A room with a view

...not only is it one of my favourite films, but it happens to be the theme for this week's Daring Cardmakers challenge set by Dawn.

I was definitely itching to do a wintry take on it and what better excuse to open up the new 6x6 pad from My Mind's Eye's Sugar Plum collection - my first festive purchase of 2016!

Paper: MME - Sugar Plum
Stamps: WPlus9, Avery Elle, Neat & Tangled
Dies: Lil' Inker Designs, WPlus9, Avery Elle, PTI
Other: 3D foam tape, Stickles

I wanted to create a decorative window scene looking out into a winter wonderland, and the 6x6 pad actually has such a scene that you could use in possibly three cards from one sheet. I decked the halls a little on the window using the fab Merry & Bright stamp and die set from WPlus9 which has some great boughs, pine cones, holly and berry accents, then I finished it off with the festive looking bow from the Avery Elle Laurels set. And of course there had to be Stickles to complement the glittered paper.

There are some fantastic views from windows over on the Daring Cardmakers blog from the rest of the design team so definitely go check them out! :)

Happy crafting!

My Mind's Eye - Sugar Plum - 6x6 Glittered Paper Pad	Lil' Inker Designs - Instant Camera die	WPlus9 - Merry & Bright stamps	WPlus9 - Merry & Bright dies
Avery Elle - Laurels stamp set	Avery Elle - Laurels die set	Neat & Tangled - Winter Wishes stamp set	Papertrey Ink - Double-ended banners dies

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DCM August elemental inspiration

Well this post is better late than never!

It has been a very chaotic time of late in my home as I've just had a new boiler and some new radiators fitted - so looking forward to a (hopefully) cosy autumn and winter!

But as my boiler is in my work office/craft room I've been unable to work or craft in there until last Friday. Also this same space is about to have everything moved out as much as possible so that I can gradually get it all repainted if the weather isn't too hot the coming few weeks.

But anyway, the long and the short of it is my crafting time depends on my decorating time. :) But I know what I'd rather spend this time doing... I hate painting!

In the middle of all the chaos it was my turn to pick the elemental inspiration image for August over on the Daring Cardmakers Blog:

Lots of lovely elements that can translate nicely to a card I thought!

The three elements I picked were a tiled background, lots of different patterns, a butterfly, and an injection of aqua.

Paper: Pink Paislee - Fancy Free
Die: Neat & Tangled
Stamp: PTI
Punch: Martha Stewart
Other: enamel dots, sewing machine

I love all the random square/circle patterns you get in the 6x6 pad for the Fancy Free collection as they are perfect for die-cutting and punching little shapes that you can layer up and sew onto cards. The stamped sentiment is also a favourite of mine from PTI, finished off with a couple of aqua enamel dots. :)

There are some fab projects over on the DCM blog interpreting loads of the elements in the image, do check them out!

Happy crafting!

Pink Paislee - Fancy Free - 6x6" Paper Pad	Neat & Tangled - Scored Shapes dies	Papertrey Ink - Fancy Folk Art stamp set	Martha Stewart - Classic butterfly punch
My Mind's Eye - On Trend 2 - Enamel Shapes

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Doodle-i-doo!

Morning folks!

I've managed to play along with the Daring Cardmakers challenge this week and it's rather a fun one! :D

Purvi has challenged us to use doodling on our cards in some way. Whether it's doodling a design from scratch or using doodle-style elements or just adding a bit of something here and there.

Well I had the July Simon Says Stamp card kit on my desk and was flipping through the lovely Pink Fresh Studio Indigo Hills papers when I saw one design that reminded me a little of Scandinavian floral prints and the Sanderson Dandelion print, so I got my trusty black cat pen out and added a few lines here and there:

Paper: Pink Fresh Studio - Indigo Hills
Stamp: Simon Says Stamp
Dies: Neat & Tangled
Other: pearl, vellum

I think the added doodle worked quite well for the border. :) And I really like the grey hybrid ink that was included with the kit, it's dark enough for greetings but not as harsh as some darker greys.

Remember to check out the blog for lots more doodle inspiration here and play along if you get chance.

Happy crafting!

Simon Says Stamp Card Kit of the month July 2016	Pink Fresh Studio - Indigo Hills - 6x6 paper pack	Simon Says Stamp - Handwritten Florals stamp set	Neat & Tangled - Scored Shapes dies
Hey Little Magpie - Black Cat Pen (White Eyes)

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Happy birthday dear friend

Just quickly sharing a card project that I made to celebrate my friend Becky's birthday today.

It uses lovely papers from Pink Fresh Indigo Hills which were in the Simon Says Stamp July kit. :D

Paper: Pink Fresh Studio - Indigo Hills
Stamps: PTI
Other: 3D foam tape

It's so nice to see some blush pink and lilac tones, plus I love the greys in this collection. And there wasn't much else to do other than add a pretty sentiment and a few floral accents.

I also decorated the inside too:

Pretty yet understated. :)

Simon Says Stamp Card Kit of the month July 2016	Pink Fresh Studio - Indigo Hills - 6x6 paper pack	Papertrey Ink - Graceful Greetings stamp set	Papertrey Ink - Graceful Greetings die set
Papertrey Ink - Movers & Shakers sentiment set

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Hey Little Magpie project catch-up - June

Last month over on the Hey Little Magpie blog I got to play with the gorgeous Free Spirit collection by Cocoa Vanilla Studio.

The full details can be found here.

Lots of lush colours and details in this collection including some great ephemera, puffy stickers and cardstock stickers to go with the papers!

So on with the cards...

Paper, puffy stickers, ephemera: Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit
Other: 3D foam tape

Here's one of those puffy stickers in action, really love the brush style font and how the cut-apart journaling paper provides some nice accents and details for cardmaking too.

Paper, puffy stickers, ephemera, cardstock stickers: Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit
Other: 3D foam tape, sequins

You can see what a love collection of colours there are in the range - orange, aqua and hot pink are a favourite combo of mine! And I added a touch of bling with gold sequins.

Paper, puffy stickers, ephemera, cardstock stickers, flowers: Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit
Die: MFT
Other: 3D foam tape, enamel dots

How could I forget to mention the stunning paper flowers also in this collection? The colours are so vibrant! I love the combination of vintage-y doily with puffy stickers and that lovely "Shine Bright" font from the ephemera pack - a perfect colour match for the Kate & Co. enamel dots from My Mind's Eye I still had in the packet.

Paper, puffy stickers, ephemera: Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit
Other: 3D foam tape

Another thing you know I love to use on my cards are frames, lots to choose from in the ephemera pack!

Paper, cardstock stickers, ephemera: Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit
Stamp: PTI
Other: bling, 3D foam tape

For this card, I cut up lots of scraps into strips to create the background and simply stamped a greeting on one of the labels in the journaling sheet and added a few butterflies and crystals.

Paper, cardstock stickers, ephemera: Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit
Die: Paper Smooches
Other: 3D foam tape

Well there was another frame to be used, and I couldn't resist using the pineapples some how! And the Paper Smooches Cheers die works quite well for a tropical-themed birthday! ;)

 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Word Jumble Paper	Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Shabby Chic Paper	Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Wildflowers Paper	Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Dreamy Paper
Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - My Way Paper	Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Eclectic Paper	Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Accessory Stickers	Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Puffy Stickers
Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Ephemera Die Cuts	Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit - Blooms	My Favorite Things - Die-namics High Tea Doily die	Papertrey Ink - Phrase Play #6 stamp set
Paper Smooches - Birthday Words dies	My Mind's Eye - Kate & Co - Cambridge Court - Enamel Dots

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Anniversary wishes

It's hard to believe a year has passed since my brother's wedding!

Goodness me, that really flew by.

And to celebrate of course, there had to be a card. :)

Paper: Pink Paislee - Fancy Free
Stamp: Waltzing Mouse Stamps
Die: Neat & Tangled
Other: enamel dot

I'm still loving these lush colours of the Fancy Free line, you don't need much else when you have such a fancy greeting to go with them either. ;)

In other news, summer has finally arrived up here, so I'm back out into the garden to enjoy an hour or two of a new book.

Until next time!

Pink Paislee - Fancy Free - Paper #07	Pink Paislee - Fancy Free - Paper #11	Pink Paislee - Fancy Free - Paper #10	Waltzing Mouse - Big Day Additions stamps
Neat & Tangled - Scored Shapes dies	Teresa Collins - Family Stories enamel dots

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The summer party is in full swing!

If you hop on over to the Daring Cardmakers blog today!

Miri has challenged us to add essential ingredients to a summer party to our cards, and well... first and foremost it's the sun. I remember many a BBQ starting in the sun and quickly ending up under umbrellas, but really the sun is my top guest to a summer outdoors party!

Then of course you can't have a party without ice cream and ice lollies!

Paper and sticker: Simple Stories - Sunshine & Happiness
Stamp: PTI
Other: enamel dot, 3D foam tape

I'm still loving these rich summer colours and designs in the collection - you can make such simple cards from the 6x6 pad but they're still really bold and vibrant and above all fun!

I also love the fact that with my MISTI I can now stamp straight onto a card front covered with paper and have a greeting that isn't wonky and is stamped nice and clear. What a difference it makes!

Remember to pop on over to the blog to see all the fab cards from the design team - and play along! :D

Happy crafting!

Simple Stories - Sunshine & Happiness - 12x12" Fundamental Stickers

Simple Stories - Sunshine & Happiness - 6x6" Paper Pad

Papertrey Ink - Signature Greetings stamp set

Crate Paper - Wonder - Enamel Dots & Sequins

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A little card catch-up

I can't believe it's over a month since I made the cards I'm about to share!

It shouldn't be so hard to photograph and blog something but apparently it is for me...

So I was in the mood for using some under-loved stash and this was the result!

Paper: Crate Paper
Die: WPlus9
Stamp: Avery Elle
Other: Wink of Stella pen

I won this fab frame die set from WPlus9 a while ago and hadn't yet managed to make something with the whole frame and elements combo. Well I finally did! It might be a bit difficult to tell but the background paper is actually a heart bokeh effect. All that was needed with that dark grey and lighter grey cardstock was a pretty stamped greeting. :)

Next up a little more Crate Paper from my scraps pile got put to good use:

Paper: Crate Paper, American Crafts, MME
Stamps: WPlus9, Papertrey Ink
Dies: WPlus9, Papertrey Ink, MFT, Spellbinders
Other: 3D foam tape

It was also the perfect excuse to use up some of the Fresh Cut Roses stamps I'd prepped earlier - the inks here are PTI inks and I love the contrast between their lighter and darker tones in the same colour profile. :)

Well that's it for now!

I still have my Cocoa Vanilla card projects to share so perhaps another blog update will follow this weekend.

Crate Paper - Maggie Holmes Flea Market - Open Air paper	WPlus9 - Birds & Branches frame die	Avery Elle - Oh Happy Day stamps	ZIG - Wink of Stella clear brush pen
Crate Paper - Craft Market - Stitching Paper	Crate Paper - Little You - Adorable Paper	Papertrey Ink - Stylish sentiments: Birthday stamp set	WPlus9 - Coming Up Roses stamps
WPlus9 - Coming Up Roses dies	Papertrey Ink - Double-ended banners dies	MFT - Die-namics Jumbo Fishtail Banner STAX	Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Standard circles small

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