Been shopping ...

... I had a fun time at craft class this morning.  Caught up with everyone's projects and played with promarkers for a while - showing one of the girls how to shade with them! 

After that I went to Hobbycraft where I got some card blanks - nice bright white ones - as I'm actually running out!!  And then onto my local shop - Purple Butterfly where I had a lovely time "window shopping".  I did actually buy some stash too - a new set of nesties - beaded circles, so pretty!!

And that's all for now - I'm off for a nice hot cup of coffee and get ready for the season finale of Silent Witness!  See you tomorrow.

WMS January CASE competition ...

... earlier this month Waltzingmouse Stamps hosted a wonderful waltz around the Design Team's blogs - they were showcasing Spellbinders new Grand Calibur die cutting machine.  They were all very lucky girls to be given the machine to try out (only a little bit of envy here) ;)  They showed us some wonderful projects; these are seriously talented ladies.  Now I know the waltz is over, but it's still worth checking out their projects - you start from here.

Following this party, there is a special challenge over at WMS - they want us to CASE ("means Copy and Share with Everyone... in other words, be inspired by someone's card/project and make your own in similar style... put your own twist on it... and acknowledge from whom the inspiration came") one of the projects from the party waltz.

I've been a bit late coming to this challenge - it took a while to decide whose project to CASE.  I finally settled on this card by Belinda - I love the simplicity of design and beautiful colours. 

For my card I've gone for a bright yellow base onto which I've stamped a lattice of white embossed flowers.  I used Spellbinders Labels 13 to cut out my aperture.  As the card is so bright I decided to make a pretty butterfly using Claire's lovely Earth Angels set.  I stamped the wings in dark purple and coloured the image with Promarkers.  I ran some silver thread up the back of the butterfly and attached it at a jaunty angle!!  Finally, I made the greeting using the fancy tags set and tinted it with distress inks.  A bright and cheerful Spring card!

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Earth Angel Stamp Set, Pic-Nic Patterns
Inks:  Memento - Grape Jelly; Distress - Mustard Seed, Milled Lavender; Versafine - Onyx Black
Promarkers:  Orchid
Spellbinders:  Labels 13 (S4-248) die #6, Fancy Tags (S4-235)
Accessories:  Glamour dust, card and paper from my stash

I had a really enjoyable day yesterday.  First we had fun and games on the Playstation with a pop music quiz.  Sadly I was shown up first by my daughter and then by my husband.  I admit it, I'm rubbish as this sort of quiz - but give me a science quiz - then I'm a whiz!!!  Second, I spent the afternoon playing in my craft room - and I produced the card above.

Today I'm off to craft class - so hopefully, I'll have a card or two to show you later.

CR84FN13 ...

... we have some fabulous colours for you this week, and a bit of a change from the delicate and pretty pastels!  I love these colours, bright and vibrant and such fun.  Thanks to Suzanne for these pictures and selecting the colours!

I just knew that my card was for a guy, but it was only as I started on the card that I realised that the guy in question was likely to be about 6 years old!!  A while ago I purchased a set of stamps "Help for Katie" which you can get from Jak Heath's blog.  This designs in this set were donated by many designers to raise funds for Katie, and Claire from Waltzingmouse Stamps gave some lovely images.   So to my card.

Claire designed a fabulous fire engine (in the style of her Half Pint Heroes set); the image was coloured with Promarkers.  I added glossy accents to the headlights and rear lights.  The base card is bright turquoise onto which I stamped a grid pattern using Versamark to give a tone-on-tone effect.  Claire also created a "nee ... naw ..." greeting and I linked together a series of these images to create the ribbons on the card.  I tinted the paper with distress inks.  I found a piece of paper in my stash that looks like burlap and used that as a sort of road.  I used my nesties to cut out the fire engine and a backing mount in brown.  Finally I added a birthday greeting - stamped in turquoise and tinted to match the ribbons.

Stamps:  Jak Heath - Help for Katie Set;  Waltzingmouse Stamps - Half Pint Heroes, Off Beat Backgrounds
Inks:  Memento - Rich Cocoa, Bahama Blue; Distress - Vintage Photo
Promarkers:  Poppy, Aegean, Cool Grey 2, 4 & 5, Terracotta, Cool Aqua, Satin, Blush
Spellbinders:  Classic Rectangles Lg (S4-132) die #5; Classic Scalloped Rectangles Lg (S4-133) die #5; Labels 14 (S4-290) die #2
Accessories:  Paper from stash

For more inspiration, go visit the rest of the Design Team - they have some wonderful cards to show you:

Sue

Meredith

Andrea

Stephanie

Suzanne

Heather

Mona
Lisa

That's all for today.  I've got lots to do - catching up with housework type stuff!!  Mustn't let the dust fairies get too big :)  Do drop by tomorrow, as hopefully once I've caught up with house stuff, I'll be able to spend some time in my craft room.

Get well ...

.... soon - that's the sentiment on this card.  I've made a card for this week's Clean & Simple - FTL125 challenge.  I really like this sketch and think it's going to very useful.  And I know I'm going to make a couple more cards for this challenge.

Now, I have taken a bit of a liberty with the sketch and turned it on its side.  My card was really quick to make and I cheated a bit too!  For the backing I have used a paint sample strip in shades of deep blue onto which I have mounted a paper-pieced flower - an aquilegia.  Finally, I added a very simple greeting - feel better soon!

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps - Frame-It; Aquilegia - borrowed this stamp from a friend
Accessories:  Paint strip, card from stash

That's all for this evening.  But don't forget to pop by tomorrow for the start of this week's CR84FN challenge - do join us!  See you later.

Top Mouse ...

... my blue chrysanthemum card for WMSC31 was selected as one of the Top Mouse awards this week.  I am thrilled and delighted to have been given this award.  Thank you very much - it's made my day and I haven't stopped smiling all day!! :)

I am so pleased to be in the company of Geri and Beate - both very talented ladies.

Purple rose ...

.... that's the inspiration photo, and it's totally gorgeous.  This week's colour challenge from The Play Date Cafe - PDCC66 - is to use a splash of colour - PURPLE!!!  Love it.  I am combining this with the challenge from Just Us Girls - JUGS69 - which is to make a 3D flower.

Now I'm not great at making 3D anything.  However, I have attempted a decoupaged rose.  I cut out the petals and layered them up - only three layers mind!!  (see picture below for detail)  I've kept this card really clean and simple, and decided that the black, grey, silver and purple would make an excellent sympathy card.  It's never easy making a sympathy card, but it's useful to have one in your collection - just in case.

Anyway, I used a soft grey backing paper onto which I sprayed some silver Cosmic Shimmer - first time out of the bottle!!  And I love the soft shimmer that it gives the paper - I'll definitely be using it again.  I used the small rose from my Waltzingmouse Roses in Bloom set, stamped the image three times and coloured them with Promarkers.  I used my new Octagon nesties to cut out the base layer but turned it to stand on a point!  I made a backing layer in black gloss card by drawing around the die and cutting out the shape.  I found two shades and widths of purple/lilac ribbon, stuck them together and attached them to the card.  I finished off with a simple greeting which has also been sprayed with some Cosmic Shimmer silver.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps - Roses in Bloom

Inks:  Memento - Tuxedo Black

Promarkers:  Amethyst, Orchid, Lavender, Apricot, Amber

Spellbinders:  Large Octagon (S4-185) die #5

Papermania:  Inspirations - Black and White Colossal Paper Pack

Accessories:  Craftwork Cards - Sympathy Greeting; Ribbons from stash; Cosmic Shimmer silver spray

Detail - to show 3D effect on rose

Despite not being great at 3D things - I'm quite pleased with the subtle effect!  I think I may have another go at 3D flowers later this week.

Now, a quick film review - Tangled - a really fun film.  It's the story of Rapunzel - but updated a bit.  She's a feisty girl who wants to explore the world and gets involved with a rogue called Flynn Rider!!  It's a great way to spend some time with the children and the story is not too soppy.  We saw the 2D version, but there is a scene where the couple are in a boat on a lake and the sky is full of Chinese lanterns - I should think in 3D this is magical.  There is the usual happy ending, but not without a tear (well I shed one or two) along the way.  Kathryn and I had a great time :)

That's all for now.  I have another card to share with you later this evening.  And then tomorrow is the latest CR84FN challenge - do check back for that - the colours are fabulous!!!

Just because ...

... these cards aren't for any particular challenge, I just felt like making something with these pretty tea cups.  I really like this image, it's so sweet.  It's by Pink Petticoat - but I think it's a discontinued image - so I'm lucky to have it.

The first card is bright and cheerful, and I'll probably keep this one in my stash for those occasions when someone's a bit low or having some problems - and invite them around for a chat and cuppa!  It's a non-standard size of 6" x 2¾".

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps - Sewing Box - Hugs. Frame-It; Cuppa Image - Pink Petticoat

Promarkers:  Magenta, Pastel Pink, Azure, Bright Green, Tan

Inks:  Memento - Tuxedo Black, Bahama Blue

Spellbinders:  Labels Eight (S5-019) die #2

Accessories:  Ribbon is from Stampin' Up! - don't know the name of the colour!

Another really clean and simple card, this is 4" x 4" - a nice size.  I decided this one would have a clean, cool look, so I opted for blues and silver.  This is the first time I've played with my new octagon nesties - I like them a lot!!

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps - Frame-It
Inks:  Memento - London Fog
Promarkers:  Satin, Blue Pearl, Cobalt Blue, Meadow Green, Tan
Spellbinders:  Large Octagon (S4-185) die #3
Accessories:  Blue paper and silver pen from stash

I'm off to the cinema later this morning.  Kathryn and I are going to see Tangled - the new Disney movie.  The reviews are good and it will be a fun way to spend the morning.  Some good old fashioned girl-time!!  That's all for now - I'll be back later this evening with some challenge posts.

Old friends ....

... are precious, and sometimes I don't keep in touch as much as I should.  So I decided to make a card for a friend of mine whom I haven't seen for several years.  We do phone from time to time, but everyday stuff sometimes stops us meeting.  The challenges used to make this card are this week's colours from Colour Q and the sketch from the current Clean and Simple Sunday Challenge over at Stamping with Brenda.

 

I've flipped the sketch onto its side for my card and taken just a tiny bit of a liberty with the placment of the sentiment.  It just worked better to the right of the image!  The Colour Q inspiration uses Stampin' Up! colours, and I've matched them to the best of my ability. 

I've kept the card really clean and simple, focusing on the image and the greeting (which in real-life is a bit brighter than on the picture).  It's a digi-image from Pink Petticoat and is coloured with a mixture of promarkers and memento inks.  I've distress the beaded oval a little, as stark white was too harsh.  And that's it!  Really simple!

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps - Sewing Box - Hugs; Pink Petticoat - Hearttree

Inks:  Memento - Lilac Posies (Rich Razzleberry); Distress - Fired Brick (Cajun Craze); Brilliance - Moonlight White

Promarkers:  Pumpkin (Peach Parfait), Burnt Orange (Cajun Craze), Sandstone (Kraft),Lush Green, Forest Green, Walnut

Spellbinders:  Beaded Ovals (S4-294) die #4

Accessories:  Ribbons from stash

It's been a busy morning preparing for Scouts tonight, but I finished a bit quicker than expected and I was able to spend an hour in my craft room - hence this card!!  Really pleased how it's turned out and I'll get it in the post tomorrow.  That's it for now - I should be back later.

Our girl ...

... I didn't get back into my craft room yesterday evening, instead I had a nice coffee and watched a TV detective show - it was fun!!  But of course that means I still have lots of challenges to work on, and today is Scout preparation day.  I have to go shopping as the Scouts are cooking this evening - it's one of their favourite activities.  I'll tell you about it tonight when I get in.

In the meantime, I thought I show you a lovely picture of Kathryn.  In December the competition at Jonathan's camera club was to merge images.  One of his ideas was based on the three wise monkeys; see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.  Kathryn was a willing model and this is the end result.

I think it's a fun picture - and may end up in a frame on Kathryn's wall! 

I'll be back later today, hopefully with a card to show you.

Butterfly wings ...

... texture and shades of white - all make up this very special card.  It's a combination of three challenges:  Mojo Monday - MOJO175 (sketch); Cooking It Up with Katie - sketch me a textured punch and Flutter by Wednesday - FBW139 white on white.

When I saw the challenge from Flutter by Wednesday I knew just what I wanted to make - an anniversary card for my husband.  We celebrate 10 years of marriage in April - yes, I know it a few months away, but I like to be prepared!!  I found the perfect layout at Mojo Monday, and over at Katie's place - the recipe is to use a sketch from another challenge, add some texture and finish with a punch.

I started off with a plain A5 pearly white blank, and added the first layer - some wonderful Stampin' Up! designer paper called Bride (sadly now discontinued) which has a gorgeous flourish pattern on it.  I found a lovely Cuttlebug folder called Floral Fantasy and embossed some matching pearly white card.  I mounted this piece on some white glitter paper from my stash.  The main topper was made from some white holographic card, which I cut with the Spellbinders Lotus pendant.  The butterfly has been stamped with London Fog and coloured with Promarkers, I cut it out using Spellbinders plain circles - I distressed the edge slightly with Antique Linen. 

I stamped the butterfly onto some vellum, coloured it on the back and added some glamour dust to the front.  To complete the butterfly I added some clear gems (see picture below for a detailed view).  The flower is made from a pretty hand crocheted rose (from Sue Walsh - A Consuming Passion), a couple of white feathers and a fabric flower from my stash.  I added a satin ribbon - not quite white, but the only one I have!!  Finally, the greeting comes from Waltzingmouse Stamps - Sweethearts); stamped in London Fog and cut out with Spellbinders dies. 

Stamps:  Creative Expressions - Small Giant Butterfly (HH283E);  Waltzingmouse Stamps - Sweethearts
Cuttlebug:  Floral Fantasy Embossing Folder
Spellbinders:  Lotus Pendant (S4-269), Standard Circles Lg (S4-114) die #6, Mega Ovals Lg (S5-023) die #2, Mega Classic Scalloped Ovals Lg (S5-024) die #2
Inks:  Memento - London Fog, Tuxedo Black; Distress - Antique Linen
Promarkers: Ice Grey 1, Ice Grey 3, Orchid, Bluebell, Royal Blue
Paper:  Stampin' Up! - Designer Paper Bride (discontinued)
Accessories:  Ribbon, gems, flowers and card from stash

I am absolutely delighted with this card - it turned out even better than I was hoping.  Now I have to put it away safely (and remember where I put it) until April. 

That's all for now.  I've had a great time playing this afternoon, but think that I'll have a glass of wine and read for a bit now!!  See you tomorrow.

Stylish Blogger ...

... that's the award that Chrissie from Simply One of a Kind has sent me.  I am thrilled to receive this from her; she makes the most wonderful cards and I find her totally inspirational.

To accept this award I need to:

1. Thank and link back to the person giving me this award - So many thanks to Chrissie - I'm thrilled!
2. Share 8 things about myself.
3. Pass the award to 8 bloggers you've recently discovered.
4. Tell them about it!

Now eight things about me - trying not to repeat myself:

1. My favourite food is Indian.
2. I'm trying to get to grips with using Photoshop.
3. I love classical music - Tchaikovsky is one of my favourite composers.
4. I hate wearing shoes!
5. I have 6 fountain pens!
6. I can't text!  Maybe that should be won't text :)
7. I love to walk along a beach.
8. And I love my family - yes, I know that I'm repeating this one - but it can be repeated often!!

Now the hardest part is to select only 8 inspirational bloggers - but here goes:

1. ET - VIBGYBOR Krats 
2. Amy - Devlinwhite Designs 
3. Jinny Newlin - Soaring 
4. Michelle - Pigment of my Imagination 
5. Joanne - Creative Stamping Ideas 
6. Debby - Limedoodle
7. Jeannie - Jeannie's Happy World
8. Joan - Paperlicious

Now I've been visiting some of these ladies for a while, and some are new discoveries - but they all share one thing - amazing designs and inspiration - do go for a visit.

Finally, I need to tell you that Chrissie and her friend Mandi are starting a new challenge soon - Less is More - and I can't wait to play!  And on the subject of playing - I'm off to my craft room for a couple of hours - I've seen several challenges this morning and I've a few ideas I want to put on paper!  Take care - have a great day.

I've been picked ...

... as a winner in last week's Clean and Simple Sunday challenge over at Stamping with Brenda .  Brenda started this challenge towards the end of last year and I like to play, so I joined in the fun.  The card that won is this one

Winner of CAS Challenge #4 - Stamping with Brenda

All the details can be found in my original post.  I am so pleased to have won - and this link takes you to Brenda's latest challenge. 

Fun with flowers ....

.... that's exactly what I've been having in my craft room this morning.  I've been making and colouring flowers for the two cards that I made this morning. 

The first card is for three challenges:  Just Add Ink - JAI52 (sketch); Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - SSC95 where we have to use 3 papers, flowers, ribbons, etc; and Crafty Cardmakers - CC38 where we have to use flowers. 

JAI52 - Sketch

Edited:  Darn - I've just uploaded the page and discovered that the Just Add Ink has closed - shame, but never mind.  The link was open when I checked this morning!!  I wasn't quick enough.
I've used a lovely set of 6" x 6" papers from My Mind's Eye called Quite Contrary; I got this pack free with Cardmaking & Papercraft last year.  It has the most lovely colours.  I selected three sheets, used the green to cover the card base and then used my Spellbinders dies to cut out two layers.  I put some lovely green satin ribbon around the smallest layer.  To cut the flowers I used my Woodware flower punches.  I then made the flowers by layering up from biggest to smallest flower.  I added some lovely pink gems to the centre of each flower and finally, I added a greeting.  This card is going to my Mum - just because!!

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Spring Baskets
Papers:  My Mind's Eye - Quite Contrary
Spellbinders:  Labels 8 (S5-019) - dies #6 and #4
Woodware:  Flower punches
Accessories:  Ribbon and gems from my stash

The second card I made is also for three challenges:  Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - WMSC31 (sketch); Little Red Wagon - LRW65 to add some lace to your card, and finally for Splitcoaststampers Clean and Simple Challenge where we were to use flourishes.

This card also features flowers - I think I'm trying to get in the mood for Spring!  My starting point on this card was the backing paper - it has some sweet cherry blossom like flowers and pretty flourishes on it.  I cut this to the shape in the sketch and attached it to the card.  I added a length of lace which I'd tinted blue with my inks.  I stamped the big flower and coloured it using Promarkers.  I added some faux stitching to the curve in the paper.  The greeting is made up of two stamps - sadly I can't remember the name of the company who made these stamps.  The glitter flourishes (which hardly show in the photo, but which are gorgeous in real-life) were drawn by hand.  Actually the whole card has a beautiful sparkle!!

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Big Blooms - Chrysanthemums
Paper:  Papermania - Creative Tones - Venetian Skies
Promarkers:  Midnight Blue, Denim Blue, Pastel Blue
Inks:  Memento - London Fog, Summer Sky, Paris Dusk
Accessories:  Glitter, lace and gem from stash

I noticed just now that I've two new followers - so I'd like to say Hi and Welcome to Natalie and Queenie Jeannie.  Kathryn starts at a new drama/singing/dance club tonight - she's so excited, but it's a late finish, so I'm not sure whether I'm going to be able to play in my craft room again later.  So this is likely to be all for today.  Do drop by again tomorrow.

No cards today ...

... but I have had a wonderful day.   I was up early and out to town - did a bit of food shopping, but also had time to visit my local craft shop.  Not to buy mind, just look :)))   I came home with a couple of new nestie sets - the large octagons and beaded ovals - can't wait to play with them.  Then my hairdresser came to the house and I spent the morning having my hair done.  So pleased with the result - nice cut and soft, subtle blond highlights.

Then this afternoon was parents' evening at Kathryn's school.  Jonathan and I went over to meet Kathryn's teachers and see her work.  Kathryn proudly showed off her books and pictures on the wall, and it was a great chat with the teachers.  So proud of our girl!!

And tonight we had a family games night - playing Brain Academy on the Wii.  I am seriously rubbish at this game ;(  But it was such fun.  Hence, no cards today.

I will be in my craft room tomorrow - Wednesday see lots of new challenges posted - so do check back tomorrow and I hope to have a few to share with you.

Ice Fairy ...

... that's what Kathryn said when she saw this card!  I've made it for the challenge over at Flutter by Wednesday.  There's no particular theme this time, but as always the card must feature an angel, fairy or butterfly.  I think I've just about got in on time.  Don't quite know where the time has gone this week :)

I've kept my card really simple.  Sometime last year, in one of the many magzines I purchase, was a super set of papers featuring fairies.  I have given the papers to Kathryn for her to play with, but not before I cut out one of the fairies for me to play with!  These images were printed on vellum and came in several sizes, I opted for blue and big.  The backing paper is printed vellum from my stash which was white; I added colour to the back using Prismacolour pencils and Sanador oil.  I decided that this would be a birthday card, so added a sweet greeting which I tinted blue with shimmer chalks.  Finally, I added a ribbon, a few peel offs and some glitter - you have to have glitter with a fairy!!

Image:  Printed vellum fairy free with one of the magazines
Paper:  Papermania Exquisite Vellum Collection
Pencils:  Prismacolour - shades of blue and Sanador oil
Accessories:  Greeting - Craftwork Cards; Ribbon, peel offs, Martha Stewart glitter from stash

Overall I'm quite pleased with this card.  I wish I'd place the fairy marginally higher on the card, but I couldn't move her as she was stuck down!  In real-life this card is very pretty and has lots of sparkle.
Hopefully, I'll be back later this evening with a card (or two) to show you.  I'm playing catch up on a few challenges this week.

No time ....

.... to reply individually to all my comments for which I apologise.  I really do try to get back to everyone!  So this is a global thanks for all your kind comments on my recent cards - I've been having lots of fun! 

I'd also like to say Hi and Welcome to Ros, who recently joined my band of Followers.  Hope you enjoy the ride!  I'll try to get back again later, otherwise I'll see you tomorrow.

Cute and green ...

... and some brads - this is the recipe for this week's challenge over at Cooking It Up With Katie.  I'm also entering this card into the challenge over at Little Red Wagon - they want a one layer wonder!

Stamps:  Pink Petticoat - Dog in the Chair;  Waltzingmouse Stamps - Frame-It
Inks:  Memento - Cottage Ivy, Lady Bug
Promarkers:  Meadow Green, Apple, Emerald, Apricot, Ginger, Lipstick Red, Cool Grey 1
Accessories:  Green gems

I only realised when I'd scanned the card that I slipped slightly with the greeting - darn!!  I don't have time at the moment to fix this, so I'll sort it out tomorrow.  I sort of cheated a bit with the green brads bit - I don't like the tails on the inside of the card, so I used some tiny gems instead.  This is a cute little card - it's only 3" x 3" - perfect when you need a little pick-me-up!!

I've been very busy in my craft room today working on a project - but you'll have to check back next week to see that one :))  See you tomorrow.

CR84FN12 ....

... and what wonderful colours we are bringing to you this week.  Gentle shades of pink, lavender and kraft make up the palette for CR84FN12!  So suitable for a little girl, and before my daughter decided that she's now a Goth Princess (at 9!), she would have loved this colour combination!

The inspiration pictures are by Lesley from A Creative Mint - I adore those roses!  You can almost smell them :)

So that's what I've made with these colours - a card fit for a Princess (even my small Goth one!).  I bought a set of 12" x 12" papers last year in pretty pastel shades and featuring stars, castles, fairies, etc.  I found this lovely diagonal striped paper in the pack - shades of pink and lilac covered with stars, and a sprinkling of glitter too and decided it would make a great backing paper.  I used kraft card for the base and decided to round the corners, so did the same to the backing paper.  I used my nesties to cut two circles - one with inverted scallops in kraft card and a plain one in the backing paper.  The cupcake was stamped, cut out and stuck to the circles.  I used dimensional tape to mount the topper.  The birthday greeting was coloured with Marvy le Plume pens - to match!  And finally a crown with tiny gem.  The result - Kathryn saw the card and said "I would love a card like that!!".  So much for a Goth Princess! :)  

Stamps:  Hero Arts - Cupcake;  Dovecraft - Princess (DCRS96);  Hobbyarts - Happy Birthday
Paper:  Best Creations Inc - Once Upon a Dream
Spellbinders:  Classic Circles Lg (S4-114) die #5,  Classic Inverted Scalloped Circles Lg (S4-194) die #5
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black
Pens:  Promarkers - Blossom, Orchid; Marvy le Plume - Bubblegum Pink, Wisteria
Accessories:  Chalks, ribbon and gems from stash

For more inspiration, don't forget to visit the rest of the Design Team:

Sue

Meredith

Andrea

Stephanie

Suzanne

Heather

Mona
Lisa

We had an amazing 84 entries to last week's challenge - thanks for joining in.  We'd love to see your creations again this week.  If you post to an on-line gallery don't forget to use the keyword CR84FN12. 

That's all for today - Kathryn and I are going to be playing in my our craft room!!  See you tomorrow.

Old and new ....

.... and shades of orange and green.  That sums up this card; it's been made for three challenges.   The first is for Sketch 'n' Stash SSC53 - I used their sketch for the card design, then on Crafty Cardmakers their challenge is to use only pencils for colouring - no inks, paints, etc and finally the colours are from this week's challenge at The Play Date Cafe - PDCC65.  I am getting better at mixing and matching challenges!! 

This is a large 7" x 7" card and I've made the backing with silver-grey fibre paper, it has a metallic shimmer through it.  The orange paper comes from Papermania (new stash) and I've punched the border with a Martha Stewart deep-edge border punch.  The central tulip comes from a stamp set that I got from QVC.  I've coloured it using Prismacolour pencils - and this is my "old" stash.  I've had these pencils for ages, but I'm not very good at colouring with them, so they tend to stay in their tin box!!  And the Crafty Cardmakers challenge was perfect - it made me dig them out and have a go!  I've actually used two shades of orange (although it's hard to tell) and blended them with sansodor.  I edged the tulip with a very light grey pencil and pulled that out to create a halo effect.  My trusty Spellbinders dies were used to cut the plain and scalloped circles.  I made the pale green flowers from a sheet of vellum which has a subtle silver flourish on it; I coloured the back of the vellum with a few shades of green prismacolour pencil and blended.  When dry I used Woodware flower punches in three sizes and made up some flowers, with gems at the centre!

Stamps: Large tulip from QVC

Spellbinders:  Large Circles (S4-114) die #7, Classic Scalloped Lg Circles (S4-124) die #6

Papermania: Capsule Collection - Sunshine

Accessories:  Martha Stewart - deep edge punch; Woodware punches; Ribbon, gems and vellum from stash

I've had such fun today catching up on challenges.  And we still found time to go out this morning - got some books and craft magazines.  Jonathan has been working on some photos he took in Chester in December and Kathryn decided that the card making session could wait until tomorrow!  She's been playing on PC games instead!! The joys of technology!

That's all for this evening.  Don't forget to check in tomorrow for the new CR84FN challenge - more lovely colours and cards to see from the team.