Autumn has arrived ...

... it's now official - and the weather has certainly changed.  The clear blue skies and sunshine have vanished.  It's rained almost constantly for the last two days - it's been warm though.  I don't mind autumn when it's cold, crisp and dry.  But I do so hate those warm, muggy, grey days.  Still autumn does have it's own beauty.  I love to see the trees change colours and hear the wind as it blows through the trees.  And there's nothing nicer than walking through piles of crisp fallen leaves - being careful, of course, not to disturb any wildlife that might be hiding there.

Earlier this year, Ben asked me to make a card for his Dad's birthday.  Ben wanted the card to fun.  I used a super set called Party Animal.  I liked the image of a guy celebrating with a glass of champagne - something that Kim is apt to do :)   It also gave me the chance to try out my, at the time, new promarkers.  I got them for my birthday in June.  I fell in love with them immediately - I think the finish is lovely.  It's a fairly quick card.  The background paper coordinates with the stamp set and I added the balloons and champagne bottle for extra detail.  Ben was very pleased with the card, as was I.  Ben used to make his own cards, but I suppose it's one of those things that happen as boys become teenagers - he doesn't do crafty bits anymore.

The other card was made for friends who had a new baby earlier in the year.  They already have a lovely little boy, and were delighted that the new arrival was a girl.  It gave me the opportunity to make a baby card!  And all soft pinks.  I used a lovely Forever Friends teddy which I decoupaged.  This is not a technique I do often, but it really worked for this image.  I coloured the bear with Prisma pencils and then stamped the image again on some lovely pink checked paper and cut out the blanket.  I used Spellbinders nesties circles and pinking circles to mount the image.  The backing paper with swirls is a Pink Petticoat pattern - can't remember which one.  But they always have lovely new designs and kits - you can download the images or get them on DVD.  I added personalised greetings which I did on the computer - it took a while to match the pink text to the background but it was worth the effort.  To finish it all off, I added a lovely pink organza ribbon. 

Bye for now.  I may not get chance to post over the weekend - lots of family plans.  So I'll be back on Monday.  Wishing you all a good weekend.