Pile It On! Challenge - All About 'S'

I hope you're all having a Happy Easter...and that you've not eaten all your Easter eggs already! lol

We have a brand new challenge starting today over at Pile It On!...the theme is:

'All About 'S''

We want to see things beginning with 'S' on your projects

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

The prize is a $15 voucher to spend in the wonderful Simon Says Stamp store!

I've decorated another Easter treat bag...you'll be pleased to know that this is the last one you'll be seeing from me this year! I've used a Pollycraft image that I won a few weeks ago for being chosen as a 'favourite' over at the Pollycraft Challenge...he's called 'Fluffy Wabbit'...love his sock 'ears'! I coloured him using watercolour pencils to match the bright colours of the '72 & Sunny' We R Memory Keepers papers. I doodled some borders around the edges using a black gel pen, and added some patterned ribbon from my stash to tie the bag closed.

Here are the challenges I've Piled On!:

• Pile It On! - All About 'S' (Spots, Stripes, Scallops & Socks)
• Anything Goes - Anything Goes
• Card Makin' Mamas - Easter
• C.R.A.F.T. - Easter/Spring
• Craft Your Days Away - Easter
• Craft Your Passion - Dots & Stripes
• Crafty Calendar (April) - Easter
• Creative Stamp Friends - Easter Package
• Cute Card Thursday - I want Candy!
• Di's Digi Designs - Easter
• Digi Doodles - Something New (The image is new - I won it a couple of weeks ago)
• Do You Stack Up - Friendly Critters
• Everybody Art - Easter
• Fairy Fun Fridays - Anything Goes
• Here Come the Boys - Anything but a Card
• Hooked on Crafts - Easter
• My Mum's Craft Shop - Easter
• Papercraft Star - Anything Goes
• Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
• Sweet Stampin' - Dies & Doodles
• Top Tip Tuesday - Easter and/or Animals

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Pile It On! Challenge.

ABC Christmas Challenge - H is for...

Welcome back to another ABC Christmas Challenge, where this week we have a fabby technique themed challenge for you all:

'H is for Hotspot'

Our sponsor for this challenge is Simon Says Stamp, and the prize is a $ 15 shopping Voucher to spend in their shop!

And...if that's not enough to tempt you...we are having a Guest Designer call on this challenge, so if you fancy joining us ABC Christmas girls next month, make sure you join in.

I've never tried the 'Hotspot' technique before...and if it's new to you too, my lovely DT member Dorte has made a fabulous step-by-step tutorial to guide you through it. I've used a Penny Black stamp from the 'Jolly Friends' set. I coloured the 'Hotspot' with watercolour pencils, then cut it out using on of my Nesties, and mounted it on the uncoloured version using 3D foam. The papers are from the '29th Street Market' collection by My Mind's Eye...and I distressed all of the edges using my distressing tool. I used my Cuttlebug 'Snowflakes' folder to emboss the reverse of one of the papers, then sanded over the raised areas to reveal the white core.

Here's a close-up of the 'Hotspot':

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

• Crafty Catz - Embossing
• Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - Circles
• Sketchy Thursday - Sketch
• The Stamp Man - Embossing

My DT buddies have really excelled themselves this week, so please stop by the ABC Christmas Challenge for more inspiration.

ABC Challenge - S is for...

Our challenge for you this fortnight at the ABC Challenge is:

'S is for Sparkle'

We'd like to see you using plenty of bling on your projects...so go mad with the glitter and gems! lol

Our sponsor for this challenge is the lovely Wendy from the Secret Crafter...who has very generously donated 2 of the new manga stamp exclusive to the Secret Crafter shop:

To view the whole range of stamps...and see all of the other lovely goodies Wendy has in store...click the banner below:

I got a bit glitter happy with my card...using My Mind's Eye 'Wonderful Winter' glitter papers, and some Hero Arts 'Cupcakes' stamp...watercolouring them, then adding a generous coating of Glamour Dust to the frosting, and a touch of sparkle to the cherry with a Sukura Stardust pen. I made some sparkly brads by coating them with Versamark ink, then embossing with holographic powder, and finally added some adhesive gems to the scallops around my image.

Make sure you go and check out the 'sparkly' cards by the rest of the ABC Challenge DT.

ABC Challenge - R is for...

We have a nice easy colour challenge for this fortnight's ABC Challenge...

'R is for Red'

Our sponsor for this challenge is Stretch N' Bubbles, who are very generously donating 4 digi images of the winner's choice for the prize...you can see a couple of the images on offer in their store on some of the DT cards...including mine...

I've used a cute toadstool image...perfect for the 'Red' theme!...and combined it with this gorgeous paper (from the 'Cupcakes' pad by BasicGrey)...it's so lovely, I didn't want to cover it up...so I just added a simple layered flower, and a few pieces of card candy. I used my distressing tool around all of the edges, and added some faux stitching with my Cutter Bee Bug and a white gel pen.

Don't forget to check out the cards by the rest of the DT's cards...and see who's made it into the 'Top 5' for the last challenge over on the ABC Challenge.

ABC Challenge - Q is for...

Our challenge for you this fortnight at the ABC Challenge, is:

'Q is for Quotation'

We'd like to see you use a quotation in a prominent place on your projects.

Our sponsor for this challenge is Cute Daisy May Digi Stamps, who are offering 5 sheets of digi stamps from their store for the lucky winner.

I took one the 'Kid's Quotes' stamps by Inkadinkado for the inspiration for my card...and watercoloured 'Splashing Maggie' (by Sugar Nellie) in an assortment of rainbow colours to go with it...I thought her happy expression was the perfect match. I decided to make a side-step card in order to be able to display the quote alongside the image, and added a rainbow that I doodled on the 'step' behind the quote. For the background, I embossed some plain blue card using my 'Tiny Bubbles' Cuttlebug folder, to look like droplets of rain. I matted the image and quote with card in rainbow colours, and added a bow in rainbow ribbon (which I think came form Hobbycraft) along the bottom.

I've made a tutorial (my first ever!) of how I made this card which can be seen on the ABC Challenge Tutorial blog...and for more inspiration for this challenge, don't forget to check out the fab cards by the rest of the ABC Challenge DT, including our lovely new member Sandie! :0)

Side-step Card Tutorial

For my card for this fortnight's ABC Challenge, I decided to make a 'Side-step' card...here's a quick tutorial of how I made it.

1. Using an A4 piece of card for the base of my card, I marked out the following measurements (click on the photo for a larger view):

2. I then cut along the red line (using a craft knife & a steel ruler), mountain folded along the blue lines, and valley folded along the green lines (creasing the folds with my bone folder to get a crisp fold). My base card then looked like this:


Here's a view from the front, so that you can see the 'steps':


3. My next step was to cut the card to decorate the front of the card, and each of the 'steps'. I also added a strip of ribbon at the bottom at this stage, so that I'd be able to tie a bow around it once I'd assembled the card.


4. I then attached the panels to the card using DST. There's no need to decorate the parts I've left white, as these will not be seen when the card is assembled.


Here's a view with the card standing up, so you can see how it's beginning to take shape:


5. I then coloured the images I was going to use, stamped my sentiment, and matted all of them, ready to put on the card.


6. Finally, I added the images and sentiment to my base card using foam pads, and tied a bow around the ribbon strip I added earlier.


For information on the products used on this card, please see the post above.

I had lots of fun making this card....it really was very simple...just a bit of careful measuring and cutting at the start...and a great way to display multiple images, or create a scene. The instructions can easily be adapted to fit different images, and of course you can 'flip' it to have the 'steps' on the other side.

This tutorial will also be posted on the ABC Challenge Tutorial blog, where there is a challenge using this technique running alongside the current ABC Challenge.

I really hope that some of you will have a go at this...please let me know if you do...I'd love to come and take a peek! :0)

ABC Challenge - P is for...

Our challenge for this fortnight at the ABC Challenge is:

'P is for Paper Piecing'

I dusted off my 'Lola with Bird' Sugar Nellie stamp, and paper pieced Lola's hat and coat, as well as the little bird, with some checked paper from the 'Lemonade' pad by BasicGrey. I used some of the same paper on the card, as well as a couple of others form the same pad. The sentiment stamp is by Cuddly Buddly, and the flowers are by Prima.

Make sure you stop by the ABC Challenge to check out the fab cards by the rest of the design team...and for details of the prize on offer.

ABC Challenge - O is for...

Our challenge for you this fortnight on the ABC Challenge is:

'O is for One Paper'

Now, for a paper addict like me...this was tough...but the paper I used (My Mind's Eye 'Penny Lane') is double sided...which made it a little easier! lol
I coloured the Gorjuss Girl image ('Poppy Fields' by Sugar Nellie) with watercolour pencils, to match the lovely 'spring' colours of the paper. The sentiment is by Cuddly Buddly, and the flower (just seen behind the sentiment) and ribbon are from Poppicrafts. I distressed the edges, and added the faux stitching using a Cutterbee Bug and white gel pen.

Don't forget to check out the cards by the rest of the ABC Challenge DT.

ABC Challenge - N is for...

Our challenge this fortnight on the ABC Challenge is:

'N is for New'

We'd like to see you use some of that new stash you've been saving...or try out a new technique on your projects...maybe even follow Vicky's tutorial for 'Cracked Glass' effect for this month's challenge on the brand new ABC Challenge Tutorial blog.

For my card, I've used one of the images from our lovely sponsor for this challenge, Lauretta's Digital Stamps, called 'Epagneul Cocker'...which is one of my 'New' things. The paper I've used (from the My Mind's Eye 'Wonderful Winter' stack) is also new, and I thought I'd try a new style of card...which is an A6 card blank, with the image placed overlapping the fold at the top, so overall it kind of makes a square...not sure what you'd call it though! lol
The sentiment stamp is by Pollycrafts, and the ribbon is from Poppicrafts.

The rest of the DT have created some stunning cards for this challenge...so make sure you stop by the ABC Challenge blog to check them out.

New ABC Challenge Tutorial Blog

The ABC Challenge Tutorial blog launched today with it's first monthly challenge!


There will be a new technique tutorial by one of the ABC Challenge DT members each month...with a challenge to run alongside the ABC Challenges...and fabby prizes up for grabs!
Click the banner to check out Vicky's fab 'Cracked Glass' tutorial...and check out the gorgeous prize on offer for this month's challenge!

Please scroll down for today's card.

ABC Challenge - M is for...

Wow!!! How much did you all enjoy our 'L is for Layers' challenge...we had a record 402 entries...it's a wonder Mr Linky didn't go into meltdown! lol
I do hope that some of you will join us for our new ABC Challenge...which is:

'M is for Masking'

We'd like to see you using the masking technique with your stamps. If you're not sure what that is...or want some hints and tips...our lovely DT member Vicky has a tutorial here on her blog. I'd never tried masking before...and I will admit that I was a little bit scared...but it's really rather easy once you try! :0)

I started my card by stamping 'Snowy' (by Penny Black) on to a piece of card, and then again on to post-it note. I then cut out the image on the post-it note...keeping as close to the outline as I dare. I covered the image on the card with the cut out post-it note image, and then stamped the Hero Arts 'Swirl Tree' so that it overlapped Snowy...and would appear as if he was standing in front of it when the post-it note was removed. I then used a thin black marker to extend the line of snow underneath the tree. I coloured the image with watercolour pencils, and added some Stickles to the baubles on the tree, and the fur on Snowy's hat. As the image is rather large, I've kept the rest of the card very simple...allowing it to be the main feature. The papers are from the 'Colourful Christmas' collection by My Mind's Eye.

The Design Team have created some stunning masked creations this week...so make sure you stop by the ABC Challenge for some more inspiration.

ABC Challenge - L is for...

Our challenge for you this week over on the ABC Challenge blog is:

'L is for Layers'

We are being sponsored by the lovely Lacey of Stamp & Create, who will be sending a special prize to her chosen winner.

I've made a gift box, and decorated the lid with layers of BasicGrey 'Eskimo Kisses' paper, and a Whiff of Joy image ('Wee with Reindeer') that I've decoupaged.


Here's a view from the side, showing you the layered image:


I've used this box to send my ABC Christmas Challenge blog hop candy to my winner in...hence the Christmassy feel...I just hope it survives the post! Our first challenge is under way...so if you've resolved to get organised next Christmas...make sure you pay the ABC Christmas Challenge a visit.

There's plenty more inspiration from the rest of the design team...including our lovely new family member Lorraine...and Cathy, who I'm pleased to say, has rejoined us...over at the ABC Challenge.

ABC Challenge - K is for...

The theme for this week's ABC Challenge is:

'K is for Kissing'

So grab your mistletoe...and get crafting! lol

This week we are being sponsored by the lovely Wendy from the Secret Crafter, who has very kindly donated a £10 gift voucher for her shop as a prize...not only that, but she's joining us as a guest designer...and has created a beautiful card.

I decided to use this adorable 'Mistletoe & Mice' image (by Gillian Roberts)....watercolouring them to match the mistletoe paper by BasicGrey (from the 'Eskimo Kisses' pad), to make a gift tag.

The design team have created some gorgeous projects this week...so make sure you pay the ABC Challenge a visit.

I hope you're all prepared for the big day...I'm nearly there....just a couple of things to finish off...but if not, and you'd like to try to be more organised next year...you may like to check out the new sister blog to the ABC Challenge...the ABC Christmas Challenge! There's a blog hop tomorrow to celebrate the launch of the new blog...with lots of fabby candies on offer...it all starts at 8am.

ABC Challenge - J is for...

Our theme for this week's ABC Challenge is:

'J is for Jigsaw'

And we have a very special sponsor:

Lacey Stephens from Wags'n'Whiskers is offering two of the stamps from their new release, as a prize for the winner of this challenge. Not only that, but she's supplied the design team with some of the new release of stamps, so that we could use them on our cards...and give you a 'sneak peek' of the new designs...thanks Lacey!


To celebrate the release of the new stamps, there will be a blog hop on Friday.

I received the new Wags'n'Whiskers stamp 'Ryan's Chocolate Trouble'...he does look like he enjoyed himself though! ;0)
I watercoloured Ryan to match these BasicGrey 'Archaic' papers...perfect for a boy's card. I covered a couple of jigsaw pieces with some of the papers, and inked all of the edges with brown ink...to look like chocolate smudges! The buttons & brads are from Poppicrafts, and the sentiment is handwritten.



I do hope that you'll be able to join in this week...and as always, don't forget to visit the ABC Challenge blog, for more inspiration from the rest of the design team.

ABC Challenge - I is for...

We have another colour challenge for you this week at the ABC Challenge:

'I is for Indigo Blue'

Blue is my favourite colour, so I loved this challenge! :0)

I've used 'Musing Melinda' (by Whiff of Joy) for my card...I always think she looks kind of blue! lol
I coloured to match these gorgeous papers from the 'Boxer' pad by BasicGrey...one of which I embossed using my 'Textile' Cuttlebug folder. The sentiment stamp is by Studio G, and the flowers are a mixture of Poppicrafts and Hobbycraft...it doesn't show very well in the photo, but they've been spritzed with 'Baby's Breath' Shimmerz. I distressed all of the edges, and added a few pieces of card candy to finish.

As always, don't forget to check out the rest of the design teams fab cards over on the ABC Challenge blog.

ABC Challenge - H is for...

The theme for this fortnight's challenge on the ABC Challenge blog is:

H is for 'Hidden'

We'd like to see a hidden message or element on your cards and projects...the design team have come up with some ingenious designs this week...so do make sure you go and take a look.

I decided to make a 'Joy fold' card...concealing my message in a flap secured with ribbon on the front of the card. The cute kitty is from the 'Christmas Critters' set by Penny Black...and to go with the holly on his head, I just had to use this gorgeous holly patterned paper from the 'Eskimo Kisses' pad by BasicGrey.

Here's a view of my hidden sentiment (a Paper Make-Up stamp) on more of the BG paper: