You're Having A Giraffe

Hello.

Look at me. I have finished a card for the Freshly Made Sketches challenge AND I've got it in on time.  Yay! Go me :o)

I've rotated the sketch for a landscape card. The leaves border is from a punch that I have had for ages and rarely used. I punched it into green card and then used a little lucky clover distress ink on the edges.

The giraffe is die cut and popped up with foam tape and represents the circle on the sketch. 

Challenge 

Freshly Made Sketches

my favorite things - joyful giraffe
pinkfresh studio - diagonal stitch rectangle
martha stewart - leaves punch

MAKE WAVES

Hello.

When I first started card making - many moons ago - 

I decided I wouldn't use stamps and ink, 

cos they were just too expensive.

Instead, I bought little, card toppers, a few cheap dies and some punches.

I could get by with those, I told myself.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

snort*

I think that lasted about 6 months!

So, it's been a while since I made a card with no stamping at all,

but those clever librarians at The Library Challenge

have pushed me to think outside the box.

The challenge book is To The Lighthouse, but

I don't posses a single lighthouse, sea, beach, or fish stamp,

so I tried to create a deep sea theme 

using a decorative punch in shades of green, to represent the waves.

There's a pretty touch of glitter, for added bling, on the hello sentiment. It just doesn't show up too well on camera.

The Library Challenge

supplies

martha stewart decorative punch

memory box hello die

various shade of textured green card and a sprinkling of glamour dust

Hugs and kisses and get well wishes

My BFF was whisked into hospital on Monday and,
because I now lives miles away, we had to make do with long phone conversations.
She's a 'frequent flyer' when it comes to hospital stays, but I still wish I had been there.
Here's the card I made for her, now she's home.

It was a quick make, so the design is very simple.
I thought I would make it even quicker by filling Wryn's dress with a digi paper and then printing her out - and then I spent an absolute age trying to colour her hair 'just right'  :-)

Challenges.
Papertake - Bingo (Glitter/Free/Gems)
Sentimental Sundays - Get Well
Bunny Zoe - Favourite Colour Combo - At the moment it's 'Lemon and Grey'.
Marker POP - Anything Goes. Wryn's dress and shoes are paper pieced, but the rest of her is coloured with Copics, and a touch of glitter!

• Digi Stamp - Tiddly Inks, Wryn Grow a Little Love
• Digi Papers - Pink Petticoat, Dots and Apples
• Copics and Gold Stickles Glitter
• Martha Stewart Lace Doily Punch
• Sparkly Gems
•  Get Well Soon Stamp - Papermania Scrolls & Sentiments

Born To Shop - Forced To Work

It's Tuesday -  back to work day!!   Hope you all had a lovely Easter break.
My eldest dd, Maria, came home for the weekend and we had fun.
This year we decided to have the Easter Bunny for dinner - literally!!!
We defrosted the little guy and set about jointing him, only to discover - 
to lots of screams and shrieks and giggles - that he had all his insides intact!!! Eeeewww.
I can honestly say - despite the fact that he was delicious - we won't be doing that again!!

Here's the card I made for Maria's birthday - she will be 24 on Friday.
 

I had 2 definite ideas for this card. I knew I wanted to use this Stamping Bella girl and my blue stripe ribbon.
I went through my whole stack of papers trying to find a match to the blue, but couldn't find a thing. 
As a last resort I checked my comp and found this pretty, echo park digi paper. Perfect - especially considering that hexagons are so popular right now.

Challenges.
Totally Gorjuss - Something Blue
Papertake Weekly - Anyting Goes (Kraft is the Optional Extra)
Digi Tuesday - New Crafting Trends. Chevrons are out and Hexagons are IN   :-)
Pretty Little Ribbon - Spring Is In the Air
Sweet Stampin' - Girly
Crafty Ribbons - Anything Goes with Ribbon

•  6 x 6 On the Edge Card Base
• Stamping Bella, Uptown Girl, Posh has a present
• coloured with Copics and Glamour Dust
• Echo Park, Country Drive Digi Paper 
• Martha Stewart Lace Doily Punch 
• Spellbinders Pennant Die
• Sentiment made on my comp.  

 

Heaven Sent

Happy New Year everyone.
Hope you've all had a lovely time over the holidays.
Lots of eating, drinking and merriment went on here and I have the increased waistband to prove it!

Here's my first card of 2013, for someone who is expecting her first baby in a week's time. 

This is my 'go to' design for baby cards - I think it's so cute and very simple to put together.
After attaching my DP to a card blank, I use a circle nestie to cut the legs and neck, and a craft knife to cut the sides.
The edges are then trimmed with pieces from a scalloped circle die and my lace doily punch.
Finally I add some pearls for buttons and a little satin bow.

Challenges.
CASology - New
Papertake - Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments - New
Totally Gorjuss - New

Button it!

Hiya peeps, this is a scheduled post from me today, as I will be on my way to work. I let my daughter loose with my hair yesterday and have gone from being dark blonde to deep red!! So I hope they let me in the doors :-)

It's time for another Totally Papercrafts challenge and our fab host this week, Anne, has chosen the theme 

All Buttoned Up

I made this card for my youngest daughter, Annabel, who has just got a new job in marketing. It's what she did her degree in, so she is thrilled to bits.

Of course, I couldn't find just the right colour buttons to match my papers, so I ended up cutting these off one of hubby's shirts!!! (joking!! but it did cross my mind) ;-)

Grab a cuppa and head over to the challenge blog, where you can check out the fabulous work of my teamies and take a look at this week's great prize from the Ribbon Girl.

Challenges.

Papertake Weekly - A Stitch in Time
Do You Stack Up? - Stripes
Sweet Stampin' - Girly but no Pink

Supplies.

Gorjuss Girl Stamp, coloured with Copics.

DP My Mind's Eye, Wild Asparagus and DoCrafts, Hampstead.

Martha Stewart Lace Doily Punch.

Memery Box Cloud Dies.   Cheery Lynn Picket Fence Die.

Good Luck Sentiment, Wild Rose Studio.

Buttons from my stash.

Winter Wonderland

We have a nice, easy 'Christmas' challenge for you at Totally Papercrafts this week.

The lovely Sarah is our host - pop over to her blog and check out her amazing Christmas Cake. If you leave her a comment she will send you a piece of cake in the post!! 

Ha ha! Okay, I lied, she won't be sending out any cake. Even though I begged!! :-)) 

But I'm sure she'd love a comment :-)

Right, enough chit chat - I have loads of pics to show you, good luck on making it to the end!

 I made an easel card, plus box, for my Mum & Dad.

They don't 'do' cute - so I was really pleased to find these pre-coloured, die cuts from Lili of The Valley.

I stuck some strips around the image that I had border punched, then,  because the corners don't really match, I covered each one with an embellie.

All I added to the image was a liberal sprinkling of Glamour Dust.
Do you see the house with the red door - that's mine! 
I wish :-)

The easel is held in place with a foam backed strip - and the banner is also' popped up'

 I made a simple box, decorated with deep blue ribbon and a little tag.

Did you make it to the end? :-)

Don't forget to head to the main blog and check out the brilliant work of the DT.

We have 2 fab sponsors for you this week, Simon Says Stamp and Digi Stamp Boutique. 

Fab challenges  I am entering...

Lili of the Valley - Anything Goes
Ladybug Crafts Ink - Winter Blues
Top Tip Tuesday - More than 1 Fold - (see the fab tut from Janette on how to make a tri-fold shutter card.)
Party Time Tuesdays - SNOW us what you got!
Crafter's Companion - Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Supplies - 

Lili of the Valley, Snowy Town Die Cut  / DP Anita's Classic Christmas Blue

6 x 6 On the Edge, Card Blank / Glamour Dust / Marianne Snowflake Dies 

White Gems / Martha Stewart Border Punch /  Ribbon from my stash

Xmas Tree Embellies / Snowflake Button / Papermania Scrolls and Sentiments Stamp (for the banner)

Silver Letter Stickers / Craftwork Cards Sentiment 

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Ok - hands up who wants snow this Christmas - everyone, right? :-)
According to the latest report, here in the north, we have a 35% chance of snow. If you're in the UK give santa a shake here, and see what your chances are :-))
So,  it's time for another challenge at the CES Challenge Blog.

Our lovely host this week is Kaylou 
  
and she has chosen the theme **Snowflakes**

This is the first time I've used Pickle with Tipple, isn't he just the cutest? I've kept the colouring really light and sprinkled him with  glamour dust.

Here's a close up of those snowflakes. 

Usually I glitter the snowflakes and keep the leaves plain, but this time I did it the other way round. The leaves and card candi are covered in glamour dust and the snowflakes were die cut from the DP.

I'm looking forward to seeing all your pretty snowflakes this week, and if you need some inspiration check out the challenge blog and the amazing work of my teamies.

The winner gets to spend £10 at Crafty Emma's and if you haven't snagged a bargain yet, get yourself over there whilst the sale is still on.

Challenges -

ABC Challenge - D is for Dazzle

Do You Stack Up? - Dash of Blue

Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Anything Christmas with Pearls

The Paper Shelter - Snowflakes
Winter Wonderland - Awww, what a cutie!

Supplies from Crafty Emma's
6 x 6 On the Edge Card Blank / Glamour Dust / Card Candi / Pearls
Other Supplies
Wild Rose Studio, Pickle with Tipple / DP GCD Ella Blue /
Martha Stewart Leaf Border Punch / Marianne Snowflake Die
Copics/ Ribbon

He's making a list and checking it twice.

We have a fabulous challenge for you at Totally Papercrafts this week -

something you can really get creative with.

The very talented Victoria has chosen the theme

Victorian

I admit - I was stumped when I first saw this theme, but my teamies helped me out and I also browsed the web.
The Victorians had such an eclectic style that there is something there to suit everyone -  so, I can't wait to see your cards.

I went for a distressed, lace and pearls look.

My Santa came from the Graphics Fairy, I just printed him out in sepia tones.

I used a distressing tool on the edges of my DPs and some gold ink.

I sprinkled glamour dust around the image and on the little die-cut snowflakes. I used gold ink on the Catslife Press stamp and added a few pearls in the corner.

I took a deep breath and cut into my favourite, brown, velvet ribbon - added a pearl slider and stuck it on top of some cream lace.

I really had fun making this card - and all the different textures and glitter look way better IRL - cross my heart. :-))

For more inspiration check out the stunning work of my fellow teamies, on the challenge blog.

This week's sponsor is Meljen's Designs with a fabulous prize of 4 digi images.

Challenges -

Crafty Calendar - Winter Wardrobe. 

Do You Stack Up - Song Inspired. The song I'm going for is 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'

Samuel Taylors - Nov. Challenge - Christmas Cards. This month's prize is a super Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch.

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'Bear' ing Gifts

Hello peeps, how are you all?

Have you got your sparklers ready for tomorrow night?

No fireworks for us I'm afraid - apart from the fact that last time we let dh arrange some, he came home with industrial sized bangers that nearly set the whole street on fire - poor Suzie turns into a nervous wreck at the slightest sound.

It's a new callenge at Totally Papercrafts today. 

Our lovely boss lady Cathy  (*grovel *grovel *curtsey *curtsey )

is our host this week and the theme is

Stitch it!!

We'd like to see some real OR faux stitching on your card/project.

We also have 4 new amazing ladies joining us this week.
3 new DT members and  our Spotlight GDT. So please pop over and say hello to them.

I am cracking on with my Christmas cards and I used a LOTV teddy stamp here. He's coloured with Copics and a sprinkling of glamour dust.

I used a zig-zag stitch around my DPs and  I even managed to run some plain, white ribbon through the machine

I bought some Marianne snowflake dies recently and I've been having trouble getting the DP out of them. Someone suggested putting a piece of greaseproof paper between the die and my DP - so I tried it. It worked a treat. It also gave me some  delicate,  greaseproof paper snowflakes, that look really pretty with a dab of glamour dust.

Pop along to the challenge blog to see the amazing work from my teamies and the fab prize from this week's sponsor Die Cut Dreams.

Challenges -

Really Reasonable Ribbons - Christmas

St Lukes Charity Cards - Christmas

Do You Stack Up - Teal

Crafty Ribbons - Bingo (Glitter/Punches or dies/Lace) For the lace I used a Martha Stewart Lace Doily Punch - hope that qualifies.

Supplies.
LOTV Stamp.    Catslife Press Stamp.  DP Prima, North Country.
Martha Stewart Border Punch.  Marianne Snowflake Dies.   Glamour Dust.
White Grosgrain Ribbon.

Vintage Bear

I have fallen in love with TeddyBo & Co images - 

they are just so adorably cute, without being too fluffy and frilly -  if that makes sense!!

AND they are digis - so I can play around with the size of them.

I printed out this Teddy Bea twice, using the second image to decoupage her arms and letter, with foam pads.

She is coloured with Copics and a sprinkling of my favourite Glamour Dust.

Sorry about this fuzzy picture(below),  but you can just make out how 'popped up' her arms are.

I am entering her into the following challenges - 

Sketch & Stash - I just rotated Angie's fabulous sketch and this is my new Teddy Bea image.

Cupcake - Buttons and Bows

Stamptacular - You Choose!

Crafty Cardmakers - Cute with a Dark Twist. I took the 'dark' part literally and used black card and ribbon, as opposed to making it 'halloweenie'. Hope this qualifies!

Make it Monday - Linky Party

Supplies - Digi Stamp Teddy Bea from Teddy Bo & Co. coloured witb Copics and Glamour Dust
DP - Prima Printery / Sentiment Stamp, Whimsy Circle Postmark Collection/
Martha Stewart Border Punch.  Ribbon, pearls and button from my stash.

Instant Human: Just Add Coffee!

I swear, I am in serious danger of ending up in casualty?

How do you get a decent photo in this dark, autumn light?

I have placed my card atop a jenga-style, tower of odd boxes and packages,

hung myself halfway out a 1st floor window,

and  balanced precariously on random pieces of furniture!!

All to no avail - I end up with a photo no better than the one I started with!
At least I have amused the dog!!

Just a quick and simple, girly card here. 

I used my new 'Latte' stamp, that I chose as part of a Quixotic Paperie prize.

I'd like to enter the following challenges - 

My Mum's Craft Shop - Remind You of a Song. I love these challenges. I like to see what songs people have chosen, they are so clever.

When I looked at my card the Billy Joel song, Uptown Girl, popped into my head!

Tuesday Throwdown - Think Pink

Crafter's Companion - Pink & Green to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My mum is a breast cancer survivor, so this is a theme that's close to my heart.

Link Up For Pink - Thanks Yolie, for pointing me in the direction of your fab linky party - supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.

Supplies
Stamp - Elisabeth Bell for SCACD 'Latte', coloured with Copics.
DP - First Edition Bird Song.
Happy Birthday Stamp Personal Impressions.
Martha Steart Border Punch. Ribbon and gems from my stash.

Right, I'm off to practice my photography skills - 

and if you here a CRASH,

that's me falling off the back of the sofa!! ;-)

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Animal Antics

Are you an animal lover?

We hope so, 'cos that's the theme we have for you at Totally Papercrafts this week.

From pets to wildlife, we want to see Animals on your card/project.

What a great excuse for me ink up my brand new stamp -
this is my very first Gorjuss Girl.

Am I the only sad person who gets scared about colouring a stamp for the first time?
I think it's 'cos I really want to do it justice!

Challenges

Papertake -  Anything Goes and 4th Birthday Blog Hop

My Mum's Craft Shop - All Creatures Great and Small

Aud Sentiments - Happy Birthday

The Paper Variety - Forest Friends

Supplies
6 x 6 On the Edge Card (available from Crafty Emma's) / Gorjuss Girls Little Foxes, coloured with Copics.
Whimsy Stamps, Postmark / Martha Stewart Leaf Border Punch
DP, Papermania Heather / Buttons and ribbon from my stash / Gems, coloured with a Copic

Micely Opening Presents

Just a quick post from me today -
I don't know what happened with this photo, I'm really disappointed with how it looks.
IRL it's very glittery and, the greys on the image and the background paper are a much better match.

I made this for the House Mouse Challenge, which is  *Sparkle on your Christmas Creations*.

There's really is lots of sparkle on here - I edged the papers with glamour dust and used silver stickles on the image.

Supplies -
DP - First Edition, Festive Treats.
House Mouse Stamp coloured with Copics and stickles.
Marianne Snowflake die with dew drops
Martha Stewart lace border punch
Glamour Dust / Silver Ribbon / Tiny Bell.

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Mother's Day Blooms

It's Mother's Day on Sunday, so everywhere I look the shops are filled with bouquets of flowers and pretty gifts - all at hugely inflated prices, of course!

It will be my eldest daughter, Maria's, 22nd birthday the following week, so we are planning a big family meal for the this weekend. Lots of good food and plenty of bubbly - can't wait.

Here's the card I made for my Mum.

 This stamp isn't my usual style. I bought it in a sale months ago and was really disappointed with it, so  it ended up at the back of the drawer. The picture on the wood shows all this lovely detail in the middle of the bouquet, that just isn't there when you stamp it.  I gave it another go though - and I'm pleased with the result.  It's coloured with Copics, some stickles glitter and glossy accents, here and there, on the watering can.

Challenges - 

Stampin' for the Weekend - For Mum/Mother's Day

Allsorts - For a Special Lady

Craft Your Days Away - For Mum or A Special Lady

Cupcake Craft - Flowers for Mum

Top Tip Tuesday - Nature Inspired ( check out Paula's 'polished stone' tutorial )

Stamp - Papermania, Henbury Lane Watering Can.

DP - Prima, Moulin Rouge            Crystal brad from Papermania, Hampstead 'sweeties' set.

Stick on letters      Platinum Liquid Pearls.     Blooms, ribbon and heart charm from my stash.

Leaves - Martha Stewart Leaf Border Punch.     Lace border, Marth Stewart Punch

Flash Your Freebie Part 2

Have you been 'flashing your freebies' ???

If you entered the first part of the fun over at

Tales from Pollycraft
you should have this cute tortoise image.

The next part of the challenge is to create something with this image
and to think...   GREEN.

Then leave your work, on the blog, with Inlinkz,
and you will be able to choose ANY Pollycraft digi image,

for FREE!!

How cool is that?

I paper pieced the Tortoise shells
and added a little stickles glitter to his body
and the design paper. 

Digi Stamp - Pollycraft Freebie,  Tortoise Hugs coloured with Copics.

Design Paper - My Mind's Eye, Bloom & Grow

Sentiment and Card Candy - Craftwork Cards
Border Punch - Martha Stewart

Butterfly Punch - XCut

Bloom and adhesive pearls from my stash.