With heartfelt thanks

Hi all - I hope you've all had a great weekend.  I'm just popping in to share a thank you card I made with some of the gorgeous SugarPea Designs January release goodies.

I love this little dude!  He's from the Foxy Friend stamp set and I also used the SugarCuts Heart Journal Card and SugarCuts Notched Heart Journal Card die sets.  I used Bazzill kraft cardstock for the base and Bazzill Bling black cardstock to give it a little sheen.

I'll be back later in the week with my La-La Land Crafts and Alicia Bel DT posts.  Until then, have a great week!

A beautiful singer

This week over at the La-La Land Crafts blog we're having an anything goes inspiration week - freedom to make whatever we want!  I decided to use the gorgeous Singing Marci with the Berry Flourish and Cherry Blossoms Flower Die...

Copics used:

Face: E000, E00, E21, R20, R22

Hair: Y11, Y13, Y17

Outfit: C01, C03, C05, C07

I love this Marci - she is so beautiful!  I used a Bazzill cardstock with a sheen to it and found some lovely ribbon with a touch of silver running through it.  I also added some glitter glue to her sash and hair band.  I'm going to give this card to my mum - I think she will love it!

Check out more gorgeous DT inspiration over at the blog here.  Have a lovely day and I'll see you again soon!

What, no colouring?! A new challenge over at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!

I nearly had conniptions when I saw this week's Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge #66 - no colouring!

What, really?!!!  So after I took a deep breath and stopped panicking, I came up with this....

Paper piecing - my saviour!!  I chose the three image stamps  and sentiment from the You Are So Sweet Karber clear Stamp set for SCRS and matched them up with these yummy papers from My Minds Eye Happier collection (from Quixotic Paperie here).

Our challenge is open to all players. Each week a random winner will be chosen to win their very own SCRS rubber stamp!  In order to qualify for a prize, you must use a Sparkle Creations image on your creation.  You can see more gorgeous DT inspiration here...

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Alice Wertz

Amy Tsuruta

Corinne Mercado

Kadie Ensley

Kim Yu

Margie Cortina

Mary Johnson (me!)

Piali Biswas

Shaela Odd

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Stephanie Kraft

This month's featured character is Lucy with a 15% off offer!

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

• My Mum's Craft Shop - food and drink
• Southern Girls - stripes and polka dots
• Totally Papercrafts - layer upon layer
• Sir Stampalot - food glorious food

Happy Anniversary cards

Isn't it strange how similar things turn up at the same time?!  A previous boss of mine who is now one of my best friends is reaching his 30th wedding anniversary very soon and there's a big post party this Sunday to celebrate it.  AND then, it's my in-law's 40th anniversary August and we are holding a lunch party for them on the UK Bank Holiday weekend!  Both couples are very traditional - a very difficult style for me as I like cute and sassy!  I ended up using the very same layout for both, just using different papers...

 

 

I'm not sure if I like them!  I think they are ok but feel they need something 'extra' - whatever that is though, I don't know!!  I'm not good with embellishing, always seem to make my cards look messy - any suggestions, please let me know!!!

Okay, before I go, just a reminder that we have a DT call for Make It Monday!  You have up to Sunday to apply by simply sending an email to Michelle at at mgissel70@yahoo.com.au!  We are a lovely bunch and you also get to use freebies from our sponsors!  Now, form an orderly queue....

I am entering my cards into the Crafts and Me challenge to include numbers and Paper Pretties to use die cuts.

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, Websters Pages Hollywood Vogue & Wonderfall paper pack

Stamps: My Favorite Things Textile Rectangle stamp set (from Dies to Die For here), sentiments printed from PC using Embassy PC font

Mediums: Vermark black ink, VersaMagic chalk inks
Accents: Bazzill Bling flowers, stamen from stash, Prima leaves
Tools: My Favorite Things Textile Rectangle die (from Dies to Die For here), Nestabilities label die (inside cards)

Hey cupcake!

Just a quick one from me to post the birthday card for my niece!  I've used this sweet Sonny Honeycloud Cards and Cupcakes along with a sentiment "hey cupcake" from the Sonny Says set.  I chose this because it reminds me of my niece during her first birthday party when she smeared a cupcake all over her face instead of eating it!!  It was hilarious - and I have the photos to prove it!  Anyway, here she is...

 

I think the bunting might look better curved - I'll play around with it to see!  I am entering this into the Pollycraft Monday challenge for either a special birthday or for someone special and also into the Crazy4Challenges for use a die - the banner die (it's soooo cool!).

Lastly, just to let you know that Elaine has some new stock in over at Quixotic Paperie - my current fave paper makers new Echo Park collections - Just for The Record and Springtime kits and Memory Box Brioche and Minuet 6x6 paps.  These are all gorgeous and can't wait to get my hands on ALL of these!  My other fave Kraftin' Kimmies have arrived along with the ever so elegant Stempelglede restocks. 

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill Bling cardstock, Doodlebug Lilywhite cardstock

Stamps: Pollycraft Sonny Honeycloud Cards and Cupcakes and Sonny Says set

Mediums: Copics

Accents: Bazzill floss

Tools: My Favorite Things banner die and stamp set

Hey girl!

It feels so good NOT to make another Xmas card and go back to some sassiness!  I recently found Kenny K digi stamps through Michelle who is on the DT - I just love her funky cards so of course I had to invest in some of that, didn't I?!

This is one cool rock chick!  Sort of like me when I was younger - well, perhaps not!!  But I would have loved to have been but instead I was a sensible, boring lady, lol!!  I've used a Bazzill black bling card base to give it a bit of glamour rock chick and that is kraft stock on the matting - unfortunately the rubbish grey weather in the UK just doesn't help with the photo colour quality!  Hey ho, really must move to a sunnier country...


I am entering this card into the following challenges:

• Kenny K's Krafty Girlz - distressing (inked the DP and I did distress the edges of the DP and kraft cs but a bit too neatly - you can't see it in the photo, lol!!)
• Die Cut Dreams - how girlie can you get
• Paper Sundaes - cut it out (I cut out the image)
• Mad for Markers - anything goes
• Papertake Weekly - anything goes
• Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
• Stampavie and More - red
• 7 Kids College Fund - anything goes
• Paper Pretties - birthday card
• Crafty Ann's - anythng goes
• Prairy Fairy - use kraft cardstock

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill Bling and kraft cardstock, October Afternoon Seaside paper pack
Stamps: Kenny K Rock Chick digi stamp, CC Designs sentiment inside card
Mediums: Copics
Accents: black sisal ribbon, twine
Tools: EK Success border punch, Tim Holtz distressing tool, Nestabilitie label die (inside card)

You're just right!

This is my next card for Quixotic Inspirations and I've used that delicious Kraftin Kimmie's Goldilocks - just look at those eyes!!

Aaahhh!!  And I love that the sentiments come with the images - just makes the process that little bit easier and quicker!  I'm really into my pom poms at the moment - they finish the card off so sweetly!  I found these Fancy Pants ones in the shop reduced here.

I also used the new BasicGrey Marjolaine paper pack. I love this pack as it's so versatile - there are some lovely feminine papers, but others that you can use for those difficult male cards - I'm going to get a lot of mileage out of this one!

Back tomorrow with another card - probably needs to be a Xmas one as it's less then a month away - panic setting in...


Paper/cardstock: Bazzill kraft cardstock, Core'dinations navy cardstock, BasicGrey Marjolaine paper pack (buy here)
Stamps: Kraftin Kimmie's Goldilocks and includes the sentiments (buy here)
Mediums: Copic and ProMarkers
Accents: ribbon from stash, Fancy Pants navy ball trim (buy here - and it's reduced!), Bazzill floss 
Tools: Tim Holtz distressing tool, Nestabilities label die (inside card)

To distress or not to distress?!

So I tried a shabby chic/vintage style card again and I think it's come out ok but I just can't do the style justice!  I think I lack the ability to embellish properly - it scares me to add too much to a card!  Sort of spoils the clean, neat lines, lol!!  Anyhow, here it is...

You can see from the close up that I used Stickles glitter glue to add a bit of shimmer.  I think it saved the card from being so flat and boring!  Anyway, I still adore those Magnolia stamps so I am going to have to keep on trying with this style!!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

• The Sweet Stop challenge - sketch
• A Spoonful of Sugar - distressing
• Magnolia Down Under - shabby chic
• Stampavie and More - monochrome

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock
Stamps: Magnolia Tilda with wedding presents, CC Designs sentiments, Hero Arts script background
Mediums: Promarkers, Stickles glitter glue, Distress Ink in Antique Linen, Elzybells chocolate ink
Accents: lace, pins, button and crochet flower from stash, Bazzill floss
Tools: Martha Stewart heart border punch and Nestabilities label die (inside card)

The very first EVER Totally Ladybug Tuesday challenge!

Oh my, I'm a bit over excited today...yes, it has finally arrived - the FIRST EVER Ladybug Crafts Ink challenge is today!  And not only that - Kerry also has a NEW RELEASE of stamps!  We are celebrating this very special day with a bog hop to show off the 5 new stamps with the chance to win PRIZES!   There are 2 chances to win a prize.  You can either enter the hop OR the challenge - OR enter them both!  Here's how...


First, to join in with the hop, follow these rules:

a) Visit each DT member and leave a comment on each of their blog hop posts.

b) Leave a comment on the challenge post telling us which is your favourite image.

c) Display the blog hop banner (on my side bar) on your blog in a post or on your side bar.

The prize is all 5 images in the new release and the winner will be chosen randomly from all those who follow the rules above.  The hop will close 9am GMT on Monday 8th Nov and the winner will be announced at 9am GMT on Tuesday 9th Nov at the next challenge!

The first stop along the hop is here with me and you then need to hop off to Tams.  If you get lost here is the order...

Mary J (me!)

Tams

Pinky

Hayley

Michele

Sue

Lisa

Caz (this month's guest designer!)

Anita

Kerry

The second chance of winning a prize is by joining in with the challenge - which I am hosting!  It's a sketch with an OPTIONAL twist!  As many of you know, I always try to decorate the inside of my cards and I'd love to see you to do the same! Here is the sketch...


My sketch with optional twist to decorate the inside!

You can do whatever you want with it - as long as the general format can be seen, anything goes!  You can also use any image that you would like, but you will only be entered to win the main prize of one Ladybug Crafts Ink stamp if you have used a Ladybug Crafts Ink image on your card.  BUT, you will still be in with a chance of being in the Top 3 to receive a badge for your blog.

And here is my card - with the inside decorated of course!

Ain't they the sweetest couple?  It is a new Nikki with Ben (uh huh, her boyfriend!!) walking Buttercup and you can buy them here in the Ladybug Crafts Ink shop.  I loved making this card - reminds me of our long walks in the countryside.  Of course, our Yellow Labradors are a lot bigger than Buttercup and they don't trot neatly next to us like that, lol!!!  I am keeping it for my friend's anniversary coming up, it's perfect for them!

I cut around the top half of the image which also included a couple of cute leaves - I cut these out separately, put them on foam pads and stuck them around the sentiment.  I think this finished it off nicely.  I also put loads of foam pads under matting and also under the image.  The depth seems to add to the windy movement in the image.  Well, in real life it does anyway!

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

• Make it Monday - share your creativity!
• Bunny Zoe's Crafts monthly challenge - autumn love (you can't get much more lovey dovey in the autumn than this!)
• Paper Sundaes - a card for a boy/man (not sure if it counts, but it is for a man as well as a woman!)
• Inktegrity Hump Day Inspiration - Anything Goes
• One Stop Craft Challenge - Anything Goes
• Creative Craft Challenges - anniversary card

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill kraft and brown cardstock
Stamp: Ladybug Crafts Ink Nikki and boyfriend stamp, Elzybells sentiment, Woodware sentiment inside card
Mediums: Copics and ProMarkers, Distress Antique Linen Ink
Accents: web ribbon in chocolate (from Bunny Zoe's Crafts here), Bazzill floss

Tools: Tim Holtz distressing tool, Nestabilities rectangle and label dies, EK Success border punch (inside card)

Ladybug Crafts Ink new release celebration blog hop!

Yes, another blog hop for Ladybug Crafts Ink for a chance to win stamps from the new release!  There are 4 new cuties and believe me - they are super super cute!  There is a first prize of the whole Cupcake Cutie release of 4 stamps and then 4 runner up prizes of one stamp each!  I wish I could join in, but I'm not allowed  :(

So here is my card using the cupcake cutie!

Didn't I tell you she was super sweet?!  And that Glamour Dust glitter makes it look so yummy!!!  For a chance to win this cutie or one of the others, here's what you need to do:

1. Display the blog hop banner on your blog
2. Starting from Kerry's blog, leave a sweet comment on each DT blogs in order and then leave final comment on Kerry's blog
3. Along the way collect a letter from each DT blogs and then email Lisa Jane with the word - lisa.coe@btinternet.com

The blog hop ends at midnight on Sunday 10th OCT and the winner will be announced on Kerry's blog on 12th Oct.  Easy peasy!  Here is the order of the hop....

Kerry
Tam
Sue
Lisa Jane
 Michele
Mary J   - me!
Ang (our lovely Guest Designer for October)
Hayley
Gaelle
Anita
then back to Kerry

Don't forget to start at Kerry's blog to begin collecting those letters!  My letter for you is "N".  You will probably have got here from Michele and you now have to hop off to Ang's post!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Make it Monday - anything you want to share!  This is such a cool weekly challenge!

Stamp Something - something to celebrate

Stamptacular Sunday - layer it on (at least 5 layers!)
Paper Sundaes - Something From Your Stash
Pollycraft - Anything Goes

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, DCWV Nana's Kitchen paper collection

Stamps: Ladybug Crafts Ink Cupcake Cutie, Elzybells sentiments

Mediums: Copic markers, Glamour Dust, Glossy Accents (on the cherries), white gel pen for highlights

Accents: Bazzill border die, ribbon from stash

Tools: Nestabilities label die (inside)

Totally sad, but a Totally other Gorjuss challenge!

It's challenge time again at Totally Gorjuss and this is my very last card as Guest Designer. This is my last card as Guest Gorjussette - boy, am I going to be sad not saying that again!  I'm gonna miss the girls there - they are so lovely and that Net is a hilarious!   Thanks girls, I'll miss you!

This week's challenge is "Christmas in September" and it's sponsored by Cupid Clear Stamps. You gotta play to win! (Is that the strapline for the lottery, perhaps I'm not allowed to use it and I'll get fined for copyright!!)

I used the BasicGrey challenge #29 sketch which was lovely to use and I love that Xmas Eskimo Kisses paper pad. I'll be stealing, I mean, casing that sketch a lot!

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill scalloped cardstock, Core'dinations cardstock, BasicGrey Eskimo Kisses

Stamps: Sugar Nellie Miss Clause, CC Designs sentiments

Mediums: Prismacolor pencils with Sansador, Glamour Dust (on the fluffy bits of her coat!)

Accents: Papermania felt snowflake border

Tools: Nestabilities lacey squares die (inside card, from Bunny Zoe's Crafts here), Fiskars apron lace border punch

Sleepy time bear

I adore the new(ish) Meljen's Designs collection at High Hopes - isn't this cutie just adorable?!  I wanted to make a gender neutral card and the Cosmo Cricket Togetherness collection is cute, not too girlie!

Got to get back to work now - roll on 5pm!!!!

Sweet Stampin Challenge - stitching

Papertake Weekly - animal magic

Just Cute Bears - punch it (the punched corner)

Scrapbook Sisters - over the edge (the image is over the edge of the doily - does that count?!!)

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, Cosmo Cricket Togetherness paper pack

Stamps: Meljen Designs at High Hopes, CC Designs sentiment
Mediums: Copic markers, Stardust gen pen, Disress Antique Linen ink
Accents: My Minds Eye square button, BasicGrey buttons, Bazzill pink and white floss, lace (Bunny Zoe's Crafts here)
Tools: Nestabilities label die (inside card), Magnolia doiley die, Fiskars apron lace border punch, cloud Corner Chomper (inside card on matting), tiny heart punch (inside card)

Clean and Simple - or just plain boring?!!!

I thought I'd try my hand again at a CAS card, but I don't think I like it at all!! I just want to keep on adding to it but have held off - it takes nerves of steel! I'll leave it be for a while and see if my hands itch to add some gems or a ribbon, lol! I haven't even done the inside yet in case I decide to take it apart and start again!

I am submitting this card into two challenges, the Quixotic challenge to use black, white and one other colour and the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge to do a clean and simple card....

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock

Stamps: CC Designs Swiss Sweater Birgitta

Mediums: Copic markers

Accents: American Crafts rub on sentiment

Tools: Cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, Nestabilities large scallop rectangle die, corner chomper

Ladybug love!

I created today's card is in hope of winning Lisa Jane's celebration candy for reaching 150 followers! I personally would follow Lisa Jane anywhere cos she makes me laugh in her wake! In my stash I found these little ickle ladybirds in this stamp...

Not major ladybug, but really cute nonetheless! I haven't done the inside yet as I'm running late already today! I am submitting it into Cute Card Thursday's challenge to use materials (my fabric heart!). I bet you wanna win this candy too so go find your ladybug mojo!

Paper/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock
Stamps: High Hopes Toadstool Buggies (you can buy from Bunny Zoe's here), Elzybells sentiment
Mediums: Copic markers
Accents: ribbon and fabric heart from stash
Tools: Cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder

Hangin' around to say hello!

Happy Monday everybody! This is one of the very few times that I love Mondays and that's because it's a Bank Holiday, yay!!! So of course I had some time to make a card this morningand here it is...

I am submitting it into the Cupcake Craft challenge "let's get digital" and NO sketch (yes, really!). Anyway, off to have some Bank Holiday fun and the last of my birthday celebrations so see you all later!

Papers/cardstock: Bazzill cardstock, BasicGrey Sultry paper pack
Mediums: Copic Caios
Stamps: Pollycraft Twiddly Wings Climbing
Accents: American Crafts Purkey rub on alphas
Tools: Nestabilities circle dies, scallop scissors (inside card)