...and Crazy Cats

Here's my card for this week's sketch challenge at CAS Colours & Sketches.

 I knew straight away that I wanted to use the cats from You Little Furball to make the circles.

I used my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to get the positioning of the cats exactly as I wanted them before adding the lower border.

 The colour choice was determined by the self adhesive ribbons which I used to make the horizontal stripes for the sketch. These have been in my stash for ages and ages, so glad I remembered them as they go perfectly. The sentiment is from Best Dad Ever.

Have Your Cake and Eat it!

Welcome to Thursday and a new post from me for the sketch challenge at CAS Colours & Sketches. I'm playing with new stuff again, this time from Stampin Ups Sale-a-Bration, combined with an older favourite and with the help from a great CAS sketch from our hostess this month, Jane. This is my card...

And it is based on this sketch

  As you can see, I've made the banners and horizontal panel by using stamps, there's no rule that says they have to be cut out! I extended the longer banner by using some richly coloured satin ribbon, on to which I threaded the label, made using the tag top punch. The sentiment is definitely a focal point so I will be entering the new challenge this week at Seize The Birthday

No particular reason I choose these colours, the just liked them together. The little cup cake stamps are magazine freebies, of course you will recognise Gorgeous Grunge on there and the new stamps are from Big Day

My blog post title is a bit tongue in cheek as I've been eating more healthily and loosing weight over the past year and I could count the number of pieces of cake I've had in that time on one hand! Still love cake though, at least I can have it on a card!

Rudolph and Burlap

So here we are, December and just a couple of weeks or so until Christmas. Over at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown we've been crafting for Christmas all year long The DT are going to take a well earned break but are leaving you with one long challenge open until 19th December. we want you to pick any previous 2014 challenge and there are archives on the blog to help you decide on a sketch, a colour combo or a theme. I've gone with a theme which I choose back in June ...Rudolph and/or reindeer

I started with this gorgeous red burlap ribbon and a couple of sheets of DP. Kraft, white and red is my favourite Christmas combo this year. I layered up the two papers, colouring ink the noses on the White and Kraft paper to look like Rudolph. I added a tag which I sponged with white ink and added Dazzling Details for a bit of sparkle. The majestic deer die is from Memory Box.

As you can see from this photo I don't think I'm going to be able to get this one in an envelope, never mind sending it through the post! Family card I think.

A gift of a Sketch

I am quite excited about June as I get to be hostess at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown.
As always we start with a sketch and, although I didn't have it in mind when I designed it, this sketch reminds me of a gift, beautifully wrapped beneath the Christmas tree.

So, this is my card, a gift in pale blue and silver. I've used two ribbons, glitter paper, an antique pearl brad, a tag and some freebie DP. I heat embossed the stamping on the tag to help match the colour on the paper. I have tweaked the sketch a little, which you are welcome to do too. For a start I've used a square, then my shape has slipped down and become a tag, switching places with the bow. Finally, I put my sentiment on the tag after agonising whether or not to put it exactly in accordance with the sketch.

I managed to take the pics outside so the colours are quite true.

I am going to enter my card in the Anything Goes challenge at Completely Christmas, unfortunately I forgot to enter for the last couple of weeks, just too much going on, but it's a great challenge blog for anyone making Christmas cards. I'm also going to enter the Ribbons and Bows challenge at CSAYL, as I think it would fit perfectly, and craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge for June.

Please do visit the challenge blog and see the marvellous creations that my fellow DT members have come up with and please add yours, I can't wait to see them all...Christmas in June....Bring it on!

Chill Out Snowflake

Ooops I'm a bit slow off the mark.  Still need to organise my crafting a bit better I am afraid, but I've got into some other things - beading and needle felting, so my card making is suffering!  Note to self to do better.  Any way this morning at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown we have a recipe challenge, I love these, we get so many variations and it's great to see what everyone does. Here's the recipe

 Whilst I do like my card, I think I could have done better, but as I said at the start of this post, I am finding it hard to get back into the swing of things. The horizontal border is a ribbon,recycled from a gift, and this was my starting point.

The snowflake die is another of my stocking fillers from my hubby- it's from Memory Box. I've glittered the edges of my scalloped square, added a large rhinestone to the centre and a bit of a contempo sentiment, which is a magazine freebie (again!).
My fellow DTers have come up with other ideas so do check out the blog and I hope to see your creations soon.
I will enter my card over at Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge Extra- the monthly challenge for any Christmas card.

Christmas 2014 is up and running!

Hey! I'm back! Admittedly it's a little late, but I've been enjoying some quality family time, and my daughter only returned to Uni last night, so until then I put away my crafting stuff. It's all out again now and the first thing I had to do was make a few Christmas cards (!!) for the challenge at the whole-new-look 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown. Here's the challenge- a sketch which lets your sentiment take centre stage

and here's what I did with it, this time keeping quite close to the original idea, with the faux stitching around the edge

My top band is a ribbon, the wider one a strip of DP. The sentiment stamp is an old Stampin' Up one from Season Of Joy, I think and I found the perfect coordinating button in my stash- love how it adds dimension to the card. Traditional red and green colour combo, as I'm experimenting with more unusual colours for cards for challenges later this month (no more spoilers!)
Do have a look at the blog to see the fab work from my fellow DT friends. I hope 2014 is a very crafty year for all of you!

Halloween Tag

Well, I've really got into Halloween this year - it must be all the challenges and amazing inspirational projects from fellow crafters on the blogs. This time I've made a tag (yes, still avoiding the cards!) and it's for this week's challenge at Make My Monday. It's not really scary at all...take a look

I made the little ghosties using the Owl Punch and some googly eyes. I printed the background by adding inks to my craft sheet, spritzing and then dragging the tag through. Once dry I could add the black ink, sponged around the edges, and the other embellishments. Finally, I replaced the string with black and white ribbons, it looks a bit spidery, doesn't it? I thought it would be fun added to a goodie bag.

Ribbons and Bows

I chose this challenge so you would think it would be easy for me, but to be honest, even though I have lots of ribbons I just couldn't decide what to do.  In the end I let the twill ribbon with the Christmas greeting be the focal point and started from there.  If you wonder what I'm talking about it is this week's challenge from 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown.

...make a Christmas card featuring ribbons and bows.

The two DPs are both from Stampin' UP and I've used three 'ribbons' a twill, a silky green and a red and white twine. There are some small gems on there too, but the ribbons are the main feature. The green ribbon was tied into a bow using the 'fork method' and small 'tails' added under the central panel. The twine was a late addition. I am also going to pop my card into Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge where the theme this morning is three - well, I've used three ribbons so I hope that counts.  It's also always worth popping a card into Hazels other challenge blog Crafty Hazelnuts Extra Christmas Challenge for March, when any Christmas project is welcome.
Do have a look at the creations from the other members of the DT, they have lovely cards to share with you and give you some great inspiration.

"I shall wear purple"

This week's sketch from Jacqueline, our lovely team leader at CAS Colours and Sketches, is fab, don't you think? I loved it so much I wanted to make my card as soon as possible and so I made this one whilst borrowing the Vintage Vogue stamp set (now retired), even though I know you've seen a couple of cards made with this set all ready.  I hope you won't mind!

I chose purple as it's one of my favourite colours, this started in my teens when I had a dark purple bedroom and continues to this day 'When I am old, I shall wear purple' and I say why wait 'till you're old!
Anyway, I used ribbon for the three banners, and tied a double bow using the 'fork method' as an embellishment. The flower panel was stamped using a mask on the large flower and then silver gems added to the centres.  The large F is a single stamp and I've used the sentiment from the same set.  Thanks to Viji for the loan of the stamps!

Christmas Sparkle

This was one challenge I didn't want to miss- Sparkle!  I can't resist sparkle of any kind, from diamond to glitter it all does it for me!  so here's my card for the challenge this week at Casolgy;

I actually used a sketch from the Merry Monday Challenge and as this week the challenge allows you to use any of their past sketches I have entered the challenge over there too.  This is the sketch I used, although I have rotated it.

I used Naturals White card stock to make a card base and matted some deep red pearlised card onto it Then I cut a shape from gold embossed vellum and added a piece of ribbon with a sentiment on it, cream and gold to match the colours.  I cut out two Christmas tree shapes and topped them with tiny gold star beads. I still felt it needed more sparkle so I've added three die cut glitter card snowflakes.  i'm just lovin' all that bling! Still CAS though I think, well, CAS enough for me.  Hope you've got all your Christmas cards made now.  I've still got one or two more to show you over the next week, then I think I'll put all my Christmas stuff away...for about two weeks that is!!

Autumn Fruit Birthday

Earlier this week I went to a workshop where we made 'tiles' to use as toppers on cards or scrapbook layouts.  We stamped an image onto scraps of mount-board, which we'd cut into shapes with various dies, then coloured and sponged them before adding several layers of clear embossing powder. the effect is rather like a glazed tile. I had an idea when I got home for the Make My Monday challenge, which is still using the theme of Autumn but this week they want to see ribbons and bows too. Here's my card

The tile is the focal point and I used the pear from Faith in Nature and some distress inks before embossing.  I cut out a dark brown cardstock shape and spritzed it with gold mica powder. I added two little buttons from Sweet Buttons, a die set, and some ribbon from my stash.  I also used one of my special pearlised card blanks which my husband brought me back from one of his business trips to the Netherlands.  Finally a simple sentiment from Happiest Birthday Wishes. It would probably have photographed better in natural light but I'm too impatient!

Life's a jar of Cherries

It was my birthday yesterday and I found a little time to craft so I made this card, especially for the simply Stamping sketch challenge.

 I really wish that I had a large oval die or punch as I think it would have been better, but sometimes you have to just make do and this was one of those times. I used my new stamp set again, this time stamping the jar in white onto acetate, I cut out two and stamped a spare on to act as a mask. Choosing the DSP was easy, all from SU's range Festival of Prints and I used some organza ribbon to add some detail. I stamped the cherries stamp through the mask to get the shape of the jar and then stuck the acetate over the top, then the bow and then a second layer of acetate adds dimension

The greeting is held on with two little brads and everything is layered onto a card made from Naturals White CS.
I didn't have time to post it yesterday as we all went out for lunch at a local pub and then had birthday cake and family movies for the rest of the day.  With one or two presents and cards thrown in it was a lovely day! Oh and even better, I'm having a crafting party on Thursday evening. The week just gets better!

Glitter Bird

The Glitter Bird was created as my interpretation of a photo inspiration challenge for a DT call.  A new challenge blog called Inkspirational will be starting in 2013 and there are 4 challenges to enter if you would like to be considered. You can find them here and it's open until the end of November so you still have lots of time if you want to be considered.
Here's the photo -Isn't he cute?

The glitter bird is a die cut, which I have slightly altered and the branches are from the Two step bird punch from Stampin' Up. The red berries and the frosty feel of the photograph are also there in the silver heat embossed edging and the use of glitter card.  I used a dark grey card stock and the silver edge made me think of night time so I am also entering this card in this week's challenge at casology.  I just found a new challenge blog at The Cupboard Trilogy Challenge, where there are three challenges on the same theme each month - a card, a scrapbook layout and anything goes.  I loved the DTs inspirations so much I wanted to enter and as the theme is anything that flies, I think my glitter bird will be OK. Please think about having a look at their blog too!
Ooops, nearly forgot to show you my card! ...

Finally, I added a little red bow, and as it goes over the edge of the card, I will also enter in the cas-ual Fridays Challenge.

An Elegant Christmas Tree

The colour challenge which the DT at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown have for you this week definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Nothing difficult about it - Green, brown, cream and metallic gold but for me it's a combination which I don't often use, although don't those golden acorns look gorgeous?

I am sure that lots of you will be able to create something fabulous with these.  My card features Lovely As A Tree, stamped and embossed in gold and then stamped again in green onto cream card stock.  I have constructed a double frame around the stamped image with some retired DSP Christmas Wishes, I think and added some stars and large green pearls at the corners.  The finishing touch is a double bow with some wide organza gold star dotted ribbon, topped with a smaller bow from Chocolate Chip scalloped edge ribbon.

A Couple of Lovebirds

At last I found a little time to enter this month's challenge at St Luke's Charity Card Blog.  I do like to do this challenge as it's for such a good cause. Well, with one day to go here is my card featuring a couple of lovebirds. I first sponged the edge of my card with Lucky Limeade and then I stamped the little lovebird image and coloured them with my Promarkers.  I masked off the birds and stamped the cage from Nature Walk behind them. I doodled on the lines and added a green organza ribbon.  Finally I lined the inside of the card. The tiny sentiment is from SU's Outlined Occasion set and says 'Be Mine'

Piles of Presents

The gifts of the season , or, as it is known in my house, piles of presents!

I must admit I have made a card similar to this one before, only it wasn't a Christmas card but when I saw the theme on 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown was gifts this week it immediately came to mind, especially as I remembered some beautiful DSP  from Stamping Up - Holly Berry Bouquet.  You only need small 'scraps' for this card too, which is a bonus!

I have used various 'ties' on my gifts; organza ribbon, bakers twine and some satin ribbon that I brought back from Turkey (what a bargain less than £1 for 10 metres and such fun hunting down the haberdashers in a foreign country!) and I used a gate fold card blank and peeloffs for the greeting banners.  I am also entering my card in The Christmas Cards All Year Round Challenge where September's challenge is to feature Christmas presents.
A quick, simple and, hopefully, effective Christmas card -It had to be quick as my daughter is off to University tomorrow in Loughborough, which is about two hours away from where we live. It's been a stressful September, trying to sort out accommodation, finance and do all the shopping for the things Ellie needs 'for the start of my new life' as she puts it! A few tears will also be shed, rest assured. Can't wait 'till Christmas now, because she'll be home again!

Coffee and Cream Birthday card

I needed to make a card for one of the ladies at our craft club, who is celebrating a rather special birthday later this month, and when I saw the challenge at One Stop Craft Challenge was Coffee and Cream I started planning this one.  It is a tent fold card made from kraft cardstock and I've used some Papermania matching papers, buttons, ribbons and giant die cut flowers to set off the sentiment.  The brad in the centre of the flower was made by cutting a circle out of the paper and colouring in the flower with promarkers.  I have also used my markers to colour the acetate heart shape coffee colour. I shall give it to her when we have coffee (and may be some birthday cake!) at our next meeting.

Flowerpot Bunnies

I am trying a new style today...cute! I just love this Bunny stamp. We have a pet rabbit, called Teggs, who belongs to my youngest son. I have coloured these little fluffy bunnies just like him, although Teggs, who is so soft and cuddly, has floppy ears,being a dwarf lop.  Anyway, I heat embossed the outlines and used Promarkers to colour the image (my children call this 'Mom's advanced colouring technique') but then it has sat in my 'to finish' pile for the last six months! When I saw the theme on both St Lukes Charity Cards Challenge  and the Craft Room Challenge this month was our Furry Friends I thought that I should try and use these cute little rabbits. I've used a lime green and blue colour scheme and found some matching  stripey ribbon and a birthday banner. If you look closely you will see one of the little bunnies 'pops out' using some 3D foam pads - it's probably Teggs!

Gold Christmas Tree

Just spent a lovely day at the village Jubilee celebrations and it's left me in a bit of a traditional mood, so here is my take on Jacqueline's fantastic sketch  on 52 {Christmas} card throwdown challenge. I have used a red card blank and white and red card stock.  I embossed the tree on gold card and have used the deboss side.  I layered it onto some gold stamped vellum and have cut the corners off with a circle punch.  Red bling and a gold bow finish off the tree.  The ribbon is fabulous - white with gold stars, it was given to me by a friend who thought I 'might be able to use it for something' -sure I can!!

The team, well, Mynette, Jaqueline and Ruth, have a DT call this month for this challenge. I absolutely love making Christmas cards and always start early (although may be not in January as yet!) and my daughter said I should give it a go so I have added my name...wish me luck!

Sketch Challenge

From one card another is born! The pink green and white theme from my previous post spilled over into this card Which I have made for the sketch challenge on Simply Stamping this week.This is the first time I've tried to follow a sketch, so I hope I have not deviated too far! This is a simple, one layer card. I stamped this little flower stamp from Easy Events, and then, masking the flowers, stamped the green square over the top just using the spots. I made the border using the scalloped spotty ribbon, and finished off with a little pink gem on each corner. I even had time to make the matching envelope!