Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Distressing

Today sees the last ever Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge...after four years of challenges we're closing our doors...and for one last time, it's Wendy...aka the Secret Crafter...who has chosen the theme...which is:

'Distresssing'

We have no sponsor this week...but we hope you'll join us one last time just for fun :0)

I've used some of the stamps from the new Penny Black set...'A Bright Tomorrow'...to make a Christmas gift tag. I started by heat embossing the swirly snowflake in white...then blended 'Stormy Sky', 'Faded Jeans', 'Evergreen Bough' and 'Pine Needles' Distress Inks over the top. I then stamped some of the other snowflakes from the set around the edges in 'Faded Jeans', and added the sentiment. I inked around the edges using 'Brushed Corduroy'...then spritzed 'Soft Gold' Cosmic Shimmer over the top for a little bit of sparkle.

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

• Delightful - Distressed

For more inspriation from my lovely DT buddies, please visit the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Milestone Birthdays

This week at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, we're celebrating:

'Milestone Birthdays'

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

Prize - 3 digis of the winner's choice from the Stamping Boutique!

I used my Hero Arts ''Garden Bouquet' stamp for some resist embossing...stamping it using Versamark, then heat embossing it in white. Then I blended 'Milled Lavender', 'Dusty Concord' and 'Chipped Saphire' Distress Inks over the top. I used my Cuttlebug 'Kassies Brocade' folder for the embossing, my EK Success 'Scalloped Diamonds' punch for the border, and cut the numbers using my Cuttlebug 'Olivia' alphabet.

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

• Allsorts - Purple Passion
• Kaboodles Doodles - Flowers 
• Squiggles & Giggles - Punches & Dies
• Sunday Sketch & Stamp - Sketch

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

PS - I have candy on offer at the moment...click here to find out more.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Back to School

This week it's Linda's turn to choose the theme of the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, which is:

'Back to School'

(Eeeek!)

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

The prize is a $10 voucher to spend in the Digi Doodles store!

I'm a music teacher, so it's back to school for me too...and I've made myself a little notebook to help me keep track of all the pieces that pupils and people in the the various ensembles I teach/conduct have requested, so that I remember to arrange them for them! The image is 'Toot the Flute' by Penny Black, which I cooured using watercolour pencils. The spotty paper is from the 'Festive Frost' by My Mind's Eye, and I made the musical paper by stamping a Hero Arts background stamp in 'Tea Dye' Distress Ink on the reverse of a piece of My Mind's Eye '29th Street Market' paper. I distressed all of the edges, with my distressing tool, and more 'Tea Dye' ink, then added some adhesive pearls, and lettering cut using my Cuttlebug 'Olivia' alphabet.

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

• Crafty Creations - Back to School
• Critter - Back to School
• Incy Wincy - Back to School
• Kaboodles Doodles - Music or Dance
• Little Red Wagon - Back to School
• Love to Create - Back to School
• Simon Says Stamp - Stamp On It!
• Totally Stampalicious - Anything but a Card

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Animal Antics

As this is the first Saturday of the month...this is my second post of the day...please scroll down for my Penny Black Saturday Challenge DT post.

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This week it's Kate's turn to choose the theme of the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, which is:

'Animal Antics'

We have two fabulous sponsors for this challenge:

Prize from Crafter's Companion - £10 gift voucher!

and

Prize from DigiDarla Designs - 5 digis of the winner's choice!

I've used 'Circus Act Dogs' by Penny Black to make a bookmark. I started by cutting the edges off a manilla tag, then rounding the corners to make a bookmark shape. I inked over the tag with 'Stormy Sky' and 'Faded Jeans' Distress Inks, then inked around the edges with 'Tea Dye'. The paw prints are a background stamp from Hobbycraft, and are stamped in 'Tea Dye'. I threaded some string, and seambinding ribbon from the Ribbon Girls through the top.

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

• Creative Fridays - Anything but a Card (Bookmark)

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - White on White

This week it's Janet's turn to set the theme of the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, which is:

'White on White'

(Colour on the image only)

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

The prize is a $15 voucher from Heather's Hobbie Haven!

I've used an adorable Penny Black stamp on my card, called 'Wishes for Kisses', which I coloured using watercolour pencils...adding some sparkle to the snow with some Stickles. For the background, I used by Cuttlebug 'Swiss Dots' and Sizzix 'Snowglobe' embossing folders. The snoeflakes were cut using Marianne Designs and Cuttlebug dies, and the lace is from Hobbycraft.

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

• Anything Goes - Make Your Own Background
• Charisma Cardz - Lace
• Stampavie & More - Animals

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Circle Cards

This week it's Jane's turn to choose the theme for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, which is:

 'Circle Cards'

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

Prize - 3 digis of the winner's choice from the Stamping Boutique!

I've used a stamp set that I got for my birthday on my card, called 'Just for You' by Hobby Art. I stamped the flowers in various colours of Distress Inks (Milled Lavender, Dusty Concord,  Crushed Olive, Forest Moss), and thee dragon flies in black, colouring them in with Dusty Concord. After inking around thee edge with the two greens, I mounted it on to a card cut (using my largest scalloped circle Nestie) from 'Dusty Concord' Core'dinations card.

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

• Clearly Inspired - Circles
• Creative Stamp Friends - Make a Scene
• Stamping with the Dragon - Anything but a Square or Rectangle
• Stamptacular Sunday - Shaped Cards 

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Gold, Silver or Bronze

This week it's my turn to choose the theme for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, and inspired by the Olympic Games, I went for:

'Gold, Silver or Bronze'

Our sponsor this week is:

The prize is a $10 voucher to spend in the Digi Doodles store!

With all the success that Team GB have been having, I had to go for gold...and took my inspiration from all of the gold post boxes that have been springing up across the country in honour of the British Olympic Champions, giving this adorable Lili of the Valley puppy (called 'Puppy Post') a golden post box to post his Christmas cards. Not sure if they'll still be gold at Christmas...but you can find out where they are on this website...I've already spotted a couple near where I live...surrounded by people having their photos taken standing next to them! I coloured the image using watercolour pencils, and 'Soft Gold' Cosmic Shimmer pigment for the post box, then added Flowersoft for snow. I kept the rest of the card really simple, using my Cuttlebug 'Snowflakes' and Sizzix 'Snowglobe' folders to emboss some red card, matting everything on gold mirror card. I cut the snowflakes using Marianne Designs and Cuttlebug dies.

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

• Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes
• Do You Stack Up - Four Legged Friends
• Great Impressions - Animals
• My Mum's Craft Shop - Christmas in August
• Simon Says Stamp - Bingo (Die cut - Free - Glitter)
• The Stamp Man - Precious Metals

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Gifts

As this is the first Saturday of the month, this is my second post of the day...please scroll down for my Penny Black Saturday Challenge DT card.

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It's Franz's turn to choose the theme this week at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, and she has chosen:

'Gifts'

Either feature a gift on your project, or make a gift for someone.

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

Prize from Crafter's Companion - £10 gift voucher!

I went with an image featuring a gift on my card...it's called 'Gift Wrapped' by Lili of the Valley...so cute! The papers are from the '72 & Sunny' pad by We R Memory Keepers...think I must still be in 'Bright & Cheerful' mode from last week's challenge! I cut a couple of flowers from the papers using my Tim Holtz 'Tattered Florals' die, and added a sentiment from the 'Critter Party' set by Penny Black.

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

• Do You Stack Up - Polkadots
• Kaboodles Doodles - Birthday
• Scrapbook Sisters - Things with Wings

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Bright & Cheerful

This week it's Francesca's turn to choose the theme for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, which is:

'Bright & Cheerful'

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

The prize is a $15 voucher from Heather's Hobbie Haven!

The stamp I've used is called 'Balloon madness' by Penny Black....so cute! I coloured the balloons to match the bright colours of my We R Memory Keepers spotty papers (a mixture from 'Hippity Hoppity' and '72 & Sunny' pads). I doodled some borders, and added a sentiment from the 'Sending Sunshine' set by Simon Says Stamp.

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

• Crafts & Me - Anything Goes
• Dutch Dare - Colour Combo (I used Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange & Pink)
• Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes 
• Stampavie & More - Birthday 
• The Stamp Man - Anything Goes/Celebrations

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Olympics or Sporty

This week at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, Bridget has chosen the theme, which is:

'Olympics or Sporty'

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

Prize - 3 digis of the winner's choice from the Stamping Boutique!

The image I've used if actually from a Christmas set of stamps...'12 Days of Christmas' by Penny Black...she represents the 'seven swans a-swimming'. The papers and flag are from a freebie paper pack by Papermania ('Portobello Road' that came free with a Docrafts maagazine)...I distressed the edges, and added faux stitching using my CutterBee Bug and a white gel pen.

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

• Incy Wincy - Dust It Off! (Can't remember the last time I used this stamp...probably over a year ago)
• Kaboodles Doodles - Olympics, Sports, Outdoors, Adventure or Hobbies
• My Time to Craft - Make It Wet
• Whimsy Inspires - Punches and Edgers

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Food & Drink

This week it's Andie's turn to set the theme of the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, which is:

'Food & Drink'

Our sponsors for this challenge are:

The prize is a $10 voucher to spend in the Digi Doodles store!

and

The prize is a £10 gift voucher to spend in the Lili of the Valley online store!

I've used a Penny Black stamp on my card, called 'To Cake Moment'...I love the expression on this hedgies face! I coloured it using watercolour pencils, then pierced a few holes in each corner. The papers are from the 'Hopscotch' pad by BasicGrey - I added some faux stitching using my CutterBee Bug and a black gel pen. The sentiment stamp is from the 'Critter Party' set (also by Penny Black), and cut out with one of my labels Nesties. The cupcake ribbon is from the 'Tea Party' collection by Dovecraft, and the pearls are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

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

• Crafts & Me - Stitching (mine's faux)
• Crafty Creations - Free for All
• Friday Sketch - Sketch 

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Pastel Colours

**If you're looking for my Penny Black Saturday Challenge blog hop post, please scroll down**

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This week's Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge theme has been chosen by Wendy...and she'd like to see:

'Pastel Colours'

We have two fabulous sponsors for this challenge:

Prize from Crafter's Companion - £10 gift voucher!

and

Prize from DigiDarla Designs - 5 digis of the winner's choice!

I've used 'Henry Celebrating Mouse'...thought it was about time I gave him an inking. I coloured him using watercolour pencils, then added some sparkle to the cupcake frosting with some Stickles. The pastel coloured papers are from the 'Tea House' pad by Dovecraft, and the co-ordinating cupcake ribbon is also by Dovecraft, but from the 'Tea Party' collection. I added some faux stitching using my CutterBee Bug and a white gel pen...the sentiment stampis from the 'Sending Sunshine' set by Simon Says Stamp.

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

• Critter - Sparkle
• PaperPlay - Happy Birthday

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please visit the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Christmas in June

This week at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge our theme is:

'Christmas in June'

 Well, it's never too early to get making those cards!

We have no sponsor this week, but our lovely Wendy...aka the Secret Crafter...has put together a yummy parcel of crafty goodies for the lucky winner! 

I've used an adorable Lili of the Valley bear on my card...sssh...don't tell on me, but it's one of the pre-coloured die cuts...I did add some Stickles to his tinsel and baubles though! The papers are from the 'I Believe' pad by My Mind's Eye...I distressed all of the edges, then added faux stitching using my CutterBee Bug and a white gel pen. The sparkly red brads are by American Crafts.

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

• Charisma Cardz - Anything Goes
• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Lili's Little Fairies - A Little Bit Distressed
• Little Miss Muffet - Sparkle

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please visit the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

PS - I have candy on offer at the moment...click here to find out more...be quick though - it closes tonight at 9pm BST.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - The Professionals

This week, it's Sonia's turn to set the theme of the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, and she has chosen:

'The Professionals'

(ie. Doctor, Nurse, Fireman, Teacher etc...)

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

The prize is a $15 voucher from Heather's Hobbie Haven!

It took me a while to find a suitable image to use for this challenge...and in the end settled for this Penny Black stamp (called 'Sentiments')...so my pforessional is (in case you can't tell!) is a Postman! The papers are from the 'Whiteout' collection by We R Memory Keepers...I embossed a couple of the plainer ones using my Cuttlebug 'Spots & Dots' and Sizzix 'Plaid' folders...sanding over the raised areas to reveal the white core. I distressed all of the edges, then added faux stitching using my CutterBee Bug and a white gel pen. The sentiment stamp is by Lili of the Valley.

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

• Do You Stack Up - Inspired by a Movie (The Postman Always Rings Twice)
• Stampin' for the Weekend - Show us your Style (I love cute critters, embossing, distressed edges & faux stitching) 
• Totally Papercrafts - Inspiration Photo/Colours

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please visit the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

PS - I have candy on offer at the moment...click here to find out more.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Red, White & Blue

This week it's Linda's turn to set the theme of the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, and she has chosen to celebrate the Queen's official birthday with a colour combination of:

'Red, White & Blue'

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

Prize - 3 digis of the winner's choice from the Stamping Boutique!

I've used a cute Wipper Snapper stamp on my card called 'Party Pup', and created the background using my Cuttlebug 'Stars' and Craft Concepts 'Hexagon Illusion' folders. The sentiment stamp is form the 'Sending Sunshine' set by Hero Arts, and the stars were cut using Nesties.

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

• Charisma Cardz - Male Cards
• Creative Inspirations - Trooping the Colour
• Cupcake Crafts - Red, White & Blue 
• Delightful - For the Boys
• Do You Stack up -Boys/Men
• Forever Friends - Anything Goes 
• Little Red Wagon - Boy's Birthday 
• Totally Papercrafts - It's Raining Cats & Dogs

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please visit the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Happy Father's Day

It's Kate's turn to choose the theme this week at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, and she has chosen:

'Happy Father's Day'

We are sponsored for this challenge by:

The prize is a $10 voucher to spend in the Digi Doodles store!

The image on my card is 'In the Shed' by Lili of the Valley...well, that's where my Dad likes to be! The papers are from the 'Archaic' pad by BasicGrey...I distressed the edges using 'Brushed Corduroy' Distress Ink, and my distressing tool, then I added some faux stitching using my CutterBee Bug and a white gel pen. The sentiment stamp is from the 'Sentiments' set by Hero Arts.

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

• Card Makin' Mamas - Father's Day
• Cards for Men - Father's Day
• Dutch Dare - For Dad
• Forever Friends - One for the Boys
• Kaboodles Doodles - Men
• Lili of the Valley - One for the Boys
• Love to Create - Father's Day
• Ready Teddy Go - One for the Boys
• Shopping Our Stash - Father's Day
• Sweet Stamps - For Dad

For more inspiration from my lovely DT buddies, please visit the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge.