Winter Pals

Another Christmas card from me today...I just don't seem to be able to get enough of them at the moment! lol
This one uses a House Mouse image (called 'Winter Pals'), that was sent to me in a RAK ages ago...I think by Kaz...but I could be wrong. I coloured with watercolours, and added some Glossy Accents to the berries, and a touch of glitter to the snow. The papers are from the 'Figgy Pudding' collection by BasicGrey, and I used my Cuttlebug 'Ice Crystals' folder on the gold panel.

Challenges for this card:

• Papertake Weekly - Sketch
• Colour Create - Red, Gold & White/Cream
• Crafty Cardmakers - Clean & Simple
• Sweet Stampin' - Winter Wonderland

I have candy on offer at the moment...if you haven't already entered, you can find all of the details on this post.

You're my cup of tea!

This adorable wee little mouse stamp was a birthday present from my lovely friend Squirrel...he's called 'Teacup Mouse' by High Hopes...I coloured him in weeks ago, but I've only just made him into a card. The papers are from the 'Penny Lane' glitter stack by My Mind's Eye, and a mixture of Prima flowers and paper roses from Wild Orchid Crafts. I used my EK Success 'Diamond Scallop' border punch along the bottom of the image, and made the sentiment on my computer.

Challenges for this card:

• Sketch & Stash - Sketch
• C.E.S. - Floral Frenzy
• Stamp Something - Something Cute
• Totally Stampalicious - Paper Flowers

I have candy on offer at the moment...if you haven't already entered, you can find all of the info on this post.

ABC Christmas Challenge - S is for...

This fortnight's ABC Christmas Challenge is hosted by the lovely Squirrel, and the theme is:

'S is for Santa'

...well you can't have Christmas without him! lol

And the 'optional extra' is...NOT Red!

Our sponsor for this challenge is Simon Says Stamp...who are very generously giving the winner a $15 gift certificate...and they'll pay the shipping too! There's also a guest DT spot up for grabs too!

I've used a 'vintagey' looking Santa stamp by Stamps Happen (sorry, it doesn't have a name on it), which I watercoloured to match the 'Festive Frost' papers by Mind's Eye. I distressed all of the edges with inks, and my distressing tool, before adding some faux stitching to the papers using my CutterBee Bug and a white gel pen. The adhesive pearls are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I'm also going to enter this card into the following challenges:

• Creative Stamp Friends - Distressing
• Pollycraft - Christmas with NO Red or Green
• Stampin' for the Weekend - Shabby or Vintage
• Stamptacular Sunday - Distress It!

For more 'non-red' Santa inspiration, please check out the fabulous creations by the rest of my lovely DT buddies at the ABC Christmas Challenge.

I have candy on offer at the moment...if you haven't already entered, you can find all of the details on this post.

Frosty the Snowman!

Well, actually it's 'Snowy' the snowman (by Penny Black), but a couple of the challenges I'm entering this card into are 'Song' themed, so he's 'Frosty'  today! lol I've used glittery papers from the 'Wonderful Winter' pad by My Mind's Eye, ribbon from Poppicrafts, and snowflakes cut with Cuttlebug dies. I added Glamour Dust to the snowflakes...was a littel bit more restrained than usual...and some glitter glue to 'Frosty's' hat.

Challenges for this card:

• Sunday Sketch & Stamp - Sketch
• Bah! Humbug! - Christmas Carol or Song (Mine's obviously 'Frosty the Snowman' lol)
• Charisma Cardz - Inspired by a Song
• Corrosive - Olive & Red
• Winter Wonderland - Recipe: 4 Papers, 3 Snowflakes & 1 Snowman

Well...I'm off to school now, and I think my blog's going back to bed...it hasn't been up this early in weeks! lol

Butterfly Wishes

Happy Monday everyone! This is my last day of freedom before I have to go back into school :0(
I'm dreading the 6am alarm...but it's not that bad...I only have school tomorrow and Friday this week...the other school I work in doesn't go back 'til Thursday, so I don't start there 'til next week...yay! I do, however still have loads of arrangements to finish...eeek! Better get on to today's card then! lol

I've used another of the images I stamped when I visited my lovely friend Samantha for her wedding in July, this one is called 'Butterfly Wishes' by Penny Black. The papers are by My Mind's Eye - the brown & cream one is from the 'Wild Asparagus' collection, and the purple one is from the 'Penny Lane' glitter stack. The lace is from Hobbycraft, and the chocolate coloured pearls are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Challenges for this card:

• Crafter's Companion - Sketch
• Penny Black Saturday - Purple, Cream & Brown (really wasn't sure about this combo...but I kind of like it)
• Raise the Bar - "URL"ooking Good! (Based on your blog - so I've used butterlfies & spots)
• Simon Says Stamp - Pearls & Lace

I have candy on offer at the moment...if you haven't already entered, you can find all of the info on this post.

Just Cute Bears - Lets Go Dotty!

The theme of our Just Cute Bears Challenge this week is:

'Lets Go Dotty!'

I've made a 'New Home' card for some friends of mine who moved house this weekend, using 'In the shed' by Lili of the Valley. I coloured it with watercolour pencils, adding their new house number to the little sign, to match the spotty papers from the 'Max & Whiskers' pad by BasicGrey. I distressed the edges of the papers, and added some faux stitching using my CutterBee Bug and a white gel pen. The flowers are by Prima, the ribbon & brads are from Poppicrafts, and the sentiment was done on my computer.

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

• Lili of the Valley - Sketch
• Allsorts - New Beginnings
• Crafty Catz - 3 Embellishments, 2 Papers, 1 Image (I've interpreted this as meaning 3 types of embellishment...flower, brads & ribbon)
• Moving Along with the Times - In Stitches
• My Time to Craft - In the Garden
• Paperplay - In Stitches

For more inspiration, visit the Just Cute Bears Challenge blog to see the fabulous cards by the rest of the design team, including Ali who is back after a short break, and our guest designer for September...Lols!

I have candy on offer at the moment...you can read all about it on this post.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Clean & Simple

The theme of this week's Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge is:

'Clean & Simple'

I love this style of card, but usually get carried away with lots of lovely papers and embellishments! lol  I've used an adorable Penny Black image, called 'Nose Kiss', colouring it with watercolour pencils, and coating the heart with Glossy Accents. I used my 'Swiss Dots' and 'Moroccan Screen' Cuttlebug folders to emboss the background (available here at the Secret Crafter), and added some polkadot ribbon around the centre.

For more 'clean & simple' inspiration, visit the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge, to check out the fabulous creations by the rest of the design team, including our newest member Bridget.

I have candy on offer to celebrate my blog's second birthday...click here to see the goodies...

Blogoversary Candy!

My candy is now closed...the winner will be announced tomorrow.

Today is my blog's second birthday...so to celebrate that, and the fact that I've nearly reached 40,000 hits...I've put together some candy:

Contents:

• Lili of the Valley A5 stamp set 'Occasions'
• 100 mixed 2-tone paper roses
• 100 mixed colour paper roses
• 90 3mm white adhesive pearls
• 60 5mm white adhesive pearls

So, if you fancy winning these goodies...here's what you need to do:

• Link my candy on your blog (sidebar is fine), then leave me a link to your blog using the Inlinkz gadget...one entry per person please...mulitple entries will be removed...and please don't enter via the comments, as I will only draw from the names in the Inlinkz collection
• That's it...I'm willing to post worldwide, so this candy is open to everyone...no need to become a follower...but I won't stop you if you like what you see on my blog :0)

My candy will stay open until 10pm (BST) on Friday 17th September, and the winner will be announced the following day.

Monster Birthday!

I'm currently busy preparing for the new term ahead...and arranging music for my classes and ensembles to play...but had a little break from the computer to make a quick card. I've used a fun digi image by Hambo Stamps...called 'Monster Sax'...and papers from a Hallow'een collection by My Mind's Eye called 'Boo to You!'. I've kept it really simple, as it's a guy's card...just distressed all of the edges with inks, and added a couple of sentiments from a little Studio G set.

Of course there are some challenges:

• Midnight Madness - Sketch (I've used the simple one)
• Corrosive - For the Guys
• Crazy Challenge - Monsters & Dragons
• Cupcake - Lets Get Digital
• Sweet Stampin' - Distressed Birthdays

Just a little 'heads up'...it's my second blogoversary tomorrow...and I'll be back with some candy tomorrow to celebrate...

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!

It's another Christmas card today...this one uses the adorable 'Presents for 2' stamp by Lili of the Valley. I created the background using my 'Swiss Dots', 'Snowflakes' and 'Ice Crystals' Cuttlebug folders...and used my new Papermania 'Christmas Borders' folder for the snowflake strip across the bottom. I cut out the image using one of my Nesties, and used my Cuttlebug 'Ice Crystal' die for the snowflake...I cut off the ends before coating it with Galamour Dust.

Challenges for this card:

• A Spoon Full of Sugar - Sketch 
• Double Dutch - The Easy Challenge (choose your favourite challenge...I've chosen #47 - Movie Madness...and the film title...'White Christmas')
• Papertake Weekly - Just the One (I've used just one colour)
• Pink Elephant - Mostly White

Glitter, Glitter Everywhere!

I think I may have gone a little OTT with the glitter on this card...my excuse is that it's for a couple of 'sparkly' challenges...and you can never have too much glitter on Christmas cards! lol
The image is from the 'Christma Critters' set by Penny Black, and the glittery papers are from the 'Wonderful Winter' pad by My Mind's Eye. I cut the snowflakes using Cuttlebug dies, which I coated with a generous helping of Glamour Dust.

I also gave all of the edges a thin border of Glamour Dust...not something I've done before...but I rather like the effect, so I expect you'll be seeing it again! lol 

Challenges for this card:

• Crafty Cardmakers - Glitter & Sparkle
• Paper Sundaes - Christmas in August
• Wild Orchid - Make it Sparkle
• Winter Wonderland - All I want for Christmas

A also had a little play yesterday afternoon, and made some flowers following this tutorial that I found on Joanne's blog...I rather like how they turned out (really easy to make too!)...but I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them! lol

Summer Lovin'

I'm trying to summon back some summery weather with today's card...made yesterday while the winds were blowing the hail and rain against the windows! lol
I've used an image from the 'Hugs' set by Penny Black...and the papers are from the 'Quite Contrary' freebie pad by My Mind's Eye...I distressed all of the edges, and added some faux stitching with my CutterBee bug and a white gel pen. The sentiment stamp is form the CCSR set by Papermania, and the ribbon and flowers are from Poppicrafts.

Challenges for this card:

• Sweet Stop - Sketch
• Crafty Sentiments - Summer Inspiration
• Penny Black Saturday - Summer Lovin'
• Your Next Stamp - Bold, Bright Summery Colours

Pile It On! - Goodbye!

It's time for a new challenge over at Pile It On!, where the theme (rather appropriately for the awful weather we're having this Bank Holiday weekend here in the UK) is:

'Farewell to summer/Goodbye/Missing You'

We are sponsored for this challenge by Digi Doodles...who have also very generously provided the DT with some of their fun images to work with.

I've done something a little different (well for me anyway), and have made a tag to fit over the neck of a wine bottle. The image I used is 'Mr Dodiddle at High Speed'...well I thought he looked like he was going somewhere! lol I coloured him with water colour pencils, and added some Glossy Accents to his shell and eyes. The paper I used is from the 'Penny Lane' glitter stack by My Mind's Eye, the sentiment was done on my computer, and I also added some Craftwork Cards card candy. Here it is being modelled by a bottle of wine:

Here are the challenges I Piled On!:

• Pile It On! - Goodbye!
• Allsorts - Park or Garden Inspiration (Well...you do find snails in the garden! lol)
• C.E.S. - Anything Goes
• Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - Anything, but Christmas
• C.R.A.F.T. -  Milestone Birthdays/Anything Goes
• Craftalicious - Purple & Green
• Digi Doodles - So Distressing (Ok...so I only lightly distressed the edges)
• Totally Papercrafts - Clean & Simple

Please take the time to check out the fabulous projects by the rest of the Pile It On! DT.

Just Cute Bears - Embossing

The theme of this week's Just Cute Bears Challenge is:

'Embossing'

We also have a DT call running on this challenge...so if you fancy joining our friendly little team, you can find all the details here.

I've used several Cuttlebug folders for the embossing on mmy card - 'Swiss Dots', 'Ice Crystals' and 'Snow Dots'. The adorable image is 'Little Star' by Lili of the Valley, the sentiment is also Lili of the Valley (from the A5 Christmas set) and the ribbon is from Poppicrafts. The snowflakes were cut using a Cuttlebug die, and then I coated them with Glamour Dust.

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

• Teddy Stampers - Sketch
• Lili of the Valley - Dotty About Circles
• Totally Gorjuss - Christmas in August

For more inspiration, check out the fabulous creations by my lovely Just Cute Bears DT buddies.

More Awards!

I received two more awards this week...the first one is from my lovely Just Cute Bears DT buddy Kat...thank you!

I'm supposed to pass this on to 7 bloggers...but as I already did that last week...I won't this time.

The second award is from one of my followers...Debs M x...thank you!

I'm supposed to tell you 7 interesting facts about myself, before passing this award on to 7 people...but I can't even think of one right now...so rather than bore you with 7 'uninteresting' facts...or repeat the same ones I always use...I'll skip over that part! lol

So...as it would happen, I have 7 lovely DT buddies over at the Just Cute Bears Challenge...so I'm going to pass this award on to them:

Annie
Becky
Cathy
Jenny
Kat
San
Sarah

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Get Ahead for Christmas

The theme of this week's Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge is:

'Get Ahead for Christmas'

Well...I've been getting ahead for Christmas since Boxing Day last year...I just can't help myself...Christmas cards are my favourite type of card to make! lol 

I've used another of the Lili of the Valley stamps I got for my birthday...it's called 'Carol Singers'...I coloured it using watercolour pencils, and then added a touch of glitter to the snow and fur trims. The paper is from the 'Eskimo Kisses' pad by BasicGrey (available here at the Secret Crafter), and the adhesive pearls are from a selection at the Secret Crafter.

For more festive inspiration, check out the fabulous creations by my lovely Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge teamies.

It's Henry!

I haven't used 'Henry with Cupcake' in ages...so when I saw the fab sketch for this fortnight's Whiff of Joy Challenge...I thought it was about time I inked him up again. I used sparkly paper from the Penny Lane stack by My Mind's Eye, a sentiment from the 'Sending Sunshine' set by Simon Says Stamp, flowers & ribbon from Poppicrafts and a few Papermania buttons.

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

• Create4Fun - Birthday Cards
• Incy Wincy - Buttons & Bows
• Sew Many Challenges - Happy Birthday

Sledge Ride

Yet another Christmas card from me today...I promise I'll have something non-festive for you tomorrow! lol
This one follows the sketch from the Penny Black Saturday Challenge...I rotated it to fit my image...from the 'Holly-Jolly' set. The sparkle papers are from the 'Wonderful Winter' pad by My Mind's Eye...and I matted them on to some shimmery blue card from the Paper Mill Shop. I cut some snowflakes using Cuttlebug dies from the same card, and added a Papermania pearl brad to the cetre of the largest one, and some adhesive pearls (from Wild Orchid Crafts) to the smaller ones. I used Glamour Dust on the snow and furry trim on the image, and a drop of Glossy Accents on the Snowman's nose.

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

• Crazy Challenge - Christmas
• Creative Craft - Transport
• Creative Inspirations (Sundays) - Christmas
• Cupcake Craft - Blue & Green
• Penny Black @ Allsorts - Glitter & Glitz (they are also having a DT call on this challenge...so if you love PB's as much as me...go check it out!)

ABC Christmas Challenge - R is for...

It's the lovely Cathy's turn to host the ABC Christmas Challenge this fortnight, where we've reached the letter R...and the theme is:

'R is for Rudolph'

(Optional Extra to include Brads)

We are sponsored for this challenge by Wild Rose Studio...who are offering the lucky winner their choice of two of the stamps from their Christmas collection.

They provided the DT with some lovely images to work with, and I've used a cute little reindeer digi image on my card, with some glittery papers from the 'Wonderful Winter' stack by My Mind's Eye. I glittered the large brads (from Poppicrafts) using holographic embossing powder, and added a dollop of Glossy Accents to 'Rudolph's' nose...well I just had to! lol

I'm also entering this card into a few other challenges:

• Sketchy Thursday - Sketch
• Stamp Something - Digi Something
• Critter Challenge - Red & Stripes
• Sew Many Challenges - Christmas in August

For more inspiration from my fabulous DT buddies, please stop by the ABC Christmas Challenge.