Side tracked ....

... again!!  I've been reading the latest book in Jean Auel's series - The Land of Painted Caves.  It's absolutely brilliant and because I've spent all day reading my book - I've not made any cards.  I have, however, made a note of several challenges that I will get to tomorrow!!

And first among them is our new challenge for St Luke's Hospice - we hope to help raise much needed funds by making and donating (if you can spare your creation) cards to St Luke's.  Check out the blog for all the details - we already have quite a number of followers and Chrissie & Mandi have kindly mentioned the launch date too!  Our challenges are monthly and will normally be on the 1st of each month - but for obvious reasons, this time we are starting on 2nd April!!  So come back then to check out what the challenge is and to see our inspiration cards.

Other challenges for me to play are this week's Colour Q - fab colours, OLW - Jennifer has a sketch for us, and I want to play again on LIM and WMSC.  And, of course, there's this week's card for CR84FN - we have something special for you!!  So lots to look forward to.

And for those who asked - Kathryn got away on time this morning.  The bus was full of very excited children and the weather has been kind too - the sun has come out this afternoon, so hopefully the pond dipping will have gone well!

She's off to play ...

....  Kathryn is!!  Today Kathryn and the rest of her year 4 and most of year 3 friends are off on a school adventure.  They go away to an outward bound type place for three days and have fun.  Last year, on her first trip away, Kathryn says they did things like canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, fishing and midnight feasts.  And she's very keen to do more of the same.  She will be in a dormitory of 6 girls, so it'll be interesting to hear whether they get much sleep.  We've been having wonderful weather in the last couple of weeks, but this morning I woke to see that it had been raining, and the forecast is for more of the same.  I don't suppose the children will mind.

So what am I going to do with myself - Kathryn away with her school friends and Jonathan working in India - well I'm not on my own, Mum is here with me.  But it means that we can both do pretty much what we want - for me that'll be reading and  making cards and tidying my craft room (as I didn't do it last night).  For Mum it'll be reading and possibly some gardening.

That's all for now - I'm off to get Kathryn's breakfast and make sure she has everything she needs for the next few days.  I'll be back later with some cards to share.

Quiz winner ....

.... the challenge for this week over at Waltzingmouse Sketch is a real fun one - they've given us a pennant as the basis of our design.  At first I was going to be quite literal and simply make a banner, but I ended up making a card.

As you know, I am Scout Leader for our local Group.  Well, last week there was a district quiz competition, but we didn't manage to get a team together, and I was feeling a bit rough so I didn't go down for the evening.  So you can imagine my surprise and shock when there was a knock at my door last Thursday to see Katie and Lena (her mum) standing there holding a Prize Shield.  Katie was beaming from ear to ear and delighted in telling me that we had won the Quiz competition!! ???  Katie went along to the competition on her own and represented the Group - and she won - all on her own!!  So the card I've made is especially for her - she's a winner!

I was lucky to get my new lacey pennant dies last week, so I was delighted be able to use them on this card.  The colours are from this week's CR84FN challenge - cream, garnet and chartreuse - wonderful colours, and I'm so pleased to use them again - check it out!!

I stamped the lovely swirly banner from the new Waltzingmouse Vintage Banner set in Versamark and then embossed it with Cosmic Shimmer Lava Red Aurora.  The embossed pennant was cut out with the matching Spellbinders Lacey Pennant, and then tinted with shabby shutters distress ink.  I decided that I'd have some smaller banners hanging behind the main pennant, so used the coordinating swirly pennant from Bitty Banners.  I stamped two rows - one in shabby shutters and one in aged mahogany.  The sentiment comes from another Waltzingmouse set - Back in the Saddle, but seemed to be totally appropriate for this card.  Finally, I added two ribbons to the main pennant - they started off as white ribbon, but were dyed with aged mahogany!  You should see my fingers ;)))

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Vintage Banners, Bitty Banners, Back in the Saddle
Inks:  Distress - Shabby Shutters, Aged Mahogany; Memento - Tuxedo Black
Spellbinders:  Nested Lacey Pennants (S5-029) die #4
Accessories:  Cosmic Shimmer Lava Red Aurora embossing powder; Card from stash; Ribbon from stash

I don't quite know how I've managed to get another card done so quickly.  Actually I do, I was all ready to pack Kathryn's bags for her, but she'd done it!!  So all I had to do was check to make sure that she has everything she's going to need for the next few days.  She's so grown up, so independent and so excited!!  And that really is all for today.  I want to spend some time this evening catching up on blogs, tidying my desk (which looks like a bomb site) and reading my new book.  The last part of the Jean Auel series :)

Another get well ...

... card - only this time not for a challenge.  My cousin had quite a bad accident at the weekend - he fell off a ladder.  He's an exceedingly lucky man.  He sustained a broken rib, a gash (which needed lots of stitches) on his head and concussion.  It could have been so much worse.  The ambulance team got to him really quickly and he was taken to hospital where he was treated immediately - CT scans - the works.  I think I've said quite recently, that the NHS is a wonderful institution.  Thanks to them, and to the fact that he was very, very lucky - my cousin went home yesterday evening.  He does have to take it easy for the next few weeks.  And this is the card I've sent him.

I've kept it quite simple.  I stamped the bed on to some plain white card and used one of my lovely new lacey squares to cut out the shape.  The image was tinted with antique linen distress ink and then coloured with Promarkers.   I decided to add some colour to the base card as well, and used antique linen distress ink.  The image was attached to the card using dimensional tape.  Finally, I added a very simple sentiment.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Frame-It;  Woodware - Take It Easy
Inks:  Memento - Tuxedo Black; Distress - Antique Linen
Spellbinders:  Lacey Squares (S4-295) die #3
Promarkers:  Cyan, Ivory, Gold

And the reason he fell off a ladder - he was trying to clean the windows in the roof of his conservatory!!  Don't do it - get the professionals in!

That's all for now - my daughter is off on a school trip tomorrow, so I've got to get her bags packed.  Kathryn's away for three days where she'll be doing all sorts of outdoor activities.  I'll be back again tomorrow.

Less is More 8 .....

.... I've finally managed to finish my card for the Less is More challenge.  This week Chrissie and Mandi have given us a sketch to follow - a DL card - one of my favourites as I think it's an elegant shape and size.  One of my resolutions this year is to make a Christmas card each week.  I've not managed to do that for most of March, but I've used the theme from this week's Jingle Belles challenge which is based on the tune "The Holly and the Ivy" and is to feature some festive foliage on your card.  So I've done it this week!

At the time of typing this post, there are already 131 entries for this week's LIM challenge, and I would have been quicker, but I had to take my Mum out yesterday.  It was a day of treats and indulgence for her - she had a full body massage and a facial.  I think Mum had a good day yesterday, but it meant that I didn't get into my craft room until quite late.  I finished the card about 11.30pm last night, so I saved it for this morning's post!

Now I took the Jingle Belles theme quite literally and decided to feature some holly on my card.  First I stamped some festive text on to the bottom of the card and then attached a lovely punched border, given to me by one of my craft class friends.  On some plain white card I stamped the holly image with Versamark and Cottage Ivy, then embossed with Kaleidoscope embossing powder - which gives the most gorgeous sparkle - sadly not easily seen on the photo!  I used a circle punch to cut out the holly leaves and coloured the berries with red Sakura Stardust pen.  This was then mounted, using dimensional pads, onto a bright red mat!  I think my card also owes some of its inspiration from Chrissie's cards, particularly the text - thanks!!

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Text-It, Around Christmastime
Inks:  Versamark; Memento - Cottage Ivy
Accessories:  Punched border from friend (don't know which company makes this pattern); Kaleidscope embossing powder; Woodware Scalloped Circle Punch; Stampin' Up! Circle Punch

I have at least two more cards in the making and will post them later today, so do drop by to see them.

CR84FN21 ....

... I can't believe how quickly the year is going by; it's almost the end of March already.  But the plus side does mean that it's time for another challenge with CR84FN.  Once again our inspiration photos come from Adam at embrace life photography - and they are so, so luscious!!  You can't help but be inspired.  Isn't that cake to die for? 

My card has been made for my son's aunty who lives in the US and she is celebrating her birthday on 1st April, so I thought these colours would make a bright and beautiful card.

I started off with a pale cream pearl card base, over which I laid a leaf mask and I sprayed this with Cosmic Shimmer mist in Golden Mint.  It is actually a bit brighter in real life and has a wonderful shimmer.  I stamped the spotty frame from Waltzingmouse's Labels 18 set onto plain white card; using Versamark and Memento Rhubarb Stalk - and then heat embossed with clear powder to give a lovely shine.  I cut the shape out with Labels 18 nestie (which I got this week as a present from my Mum, did I mention that she's wonderful?) and colour tinted it with antique linen distress ink.  I addded a clean and simple birthday greeting with some flourishes above and below.  The roses are from another Waltzingmouse set that I adore and are coloured with Promarkers.  I coloured each petal with crismon all over, then used the blender pen to remove some of the colour and finally went over with lime zest.  The centre of the rose was also coloured with lime zest.  The rose bud and bloom are both raised with dimensional pads. 

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Very Vintage Labels No 18, Roses in Bloom, Fancy Phrases
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black, Rhubarb Stalk; Distress - Antique Linen
Spellbinders:  Labels 18 (S4-310) die #4
Promarkers: Crimson, Bright Green, Lime Zest, Blender Pen
Accessories:  Creative Expressions - Leaves Mica Mask; Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Golden Mint,

Don't forget to check the inspiration cards from the rest of the design team and our Guest Designer, Deb Hickman.  Edited to add, that it's Deb's last week as our Guest Designer - thanks for sharing your wonderful creations with us. 

Sue

Meredith

Andrea

Stephanie

Suzanne

Heather

Mona
Lisa

Deb Hickman - Guest Designer 

Full details of the challenge can be found here - don't forget, if you're posting in an on-line gallery to use the keyword CR84FN.  That's all for today.  I plan to spend a few hours in my craft room today - I have to do quite a bit of tidying and putting away my lovely new nesties - Labels 18 - 21 as well as the lovely pennants - which I hope to show you later this week.  I look forward to seeing your cards - have fun!!

Just a quick one ...

... I was going to make some cards today - honest!!  But I took my Mum and daughter shopping this morning and we didn't get back until quite late.  Both Mum and Kathryn got new dresses for my aunt and uncle's Wedding Reaffirmation ceremony next Saturday - they're going to look fabulous.  I got some wonderful tops and trousers for my holiday to India - can't wait to get there.  And I got a couple of new Stephen King books - so I might be a bit sidetracked again.  Just started on The Green Mile - if you've not seen the film or read the book - it's worth your time!!

I've also had a good time catching up with everyone's blogs - so many lovely cards to see, and some great ideas for me too.  I have already asked to "borrow" a couple of ideas that I've seen - will post them when they're done.  I've seen the challenges for LIM and Waltzingmouse - both great sketches, and I'll have to have a bit of a think.

And I've another new follower - so hello and welcome to Jenny.  Finally, don't forget tomorrow sees the new colour challenge at CR84FN - we've got something really special this week - so do drop by and join us.

Ness Gardens ...

... just a quick post with some photos that I took yesterday at Ness Gardens.  It was so lovely - the weather was perfect - warm with hazy sunshine - great for pictures.  And spring is so here!!  The birds were singing their hearts out.  My Mum and I had a wonderful time walking round looking at the beautiful flowers, enjoying the sounds of the birds, the buzzing of bees and sounds of gardeners in the grounds.  A lovely way to spend the morning.



  

I love the sweet smell of magnolia tress - and this is a truly magnificent tree.  And here's my Mum - relaxing in the sunshine - she's a wonderful person, and I love her dearly.

Hellebores or Christmas Roses - such a lovely sight in early Spring gardens - there are a lot of them around Ness Gardens - in all sorts of colours.  This is a fabulous deep pink one - there are also pale creamy white ones.  And I was really lucky, as my Mum bought me a couple for my garden.  And I know just where they're going to go.







When I was a little girl - I think one of the first signs of spring was the appearance of primroses.  We used to live in a little village in Devon - and I have memories of walking along hedgerow paths and see these tiny, pale yellow flowers lining the edges of the path.  And they still bring back great memories.  So it was lovely to see this super patch of primroses at Ness - they have them in pink too!!

A single magnolia bloom - which is the most perfect dark pink, with a heavenly scent - just wish photos could give you the smell too!!  And a catkin handing from a silver birch tree - it was so lovely!!

The picture above is called "Under the Microscope" and is based on Chris Beardshaw's Gold medal winning garden "Ness Botanische" at Tatton in 2009.  It's amazing and will look spectacular once the planting has time to fill out.  It leads to the potting sheds and the wonderful magnolia trees behind!!  Such a great day out!

Now, I'm waiting for some of today's challenges to go live - particularly Less is More and Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge, so I'm off for breakfast.  I'll be back later today with some cards to share.

Easter eggs ....

... another challenge card completed, and another towards this year's selection of Easter cards.  I used the colours from the challenge over at The Play Date Cafe - PDCC74 - blue and purple and white - who could resist?  Not me!!  And the other challenge is the one set for us by Susan over at Simplicity for the OLW challenge - to make a one layer card that feature an egg or eggs, and it must also have some sparkle.

My card is really clean and simple.  I turned to my favourite frame set from Waltzingmouse and, using my stamp-a-ma-jig, stamped the square frame directly on the card.  I used the stamp-a-ma-jig to correctly position the Easter eggs inside the frame.  The eggs were stamped using Stazon as I wanted to colour the ribbons with Stardust inks and my aquapen.  I then, very, very carefully coloured the rest of the eggs with an ivory Promarker.  I added a shaded edge to the eggs with a Crayola pencil.  Finally, I added a simple Easter greeting.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Frame It, Spring Baskets;  Hobbycraft - Four Eggs
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black; Stazon - Jet Black
Pens:  Promarkers - Ivory; Sakura Stardust - Purple (#724), Marine (#738)
Accessories:  Card from stash

It feels good to be back and crafting again, and so pleased to be able to share my cards with you all.  As I write this post, I've noticed that I've another new follower - so Hello and Welcome to Susie - thanks for joining me.  I hope to have another card to share with you later today - but if the weather holds up, I plan to take my Mum to visit Ness Gardens.  The magnolias should be out and they are one of  her favourites - I may even manage a photo or two.  That's all for now, stop by later. 

Three in one ....

.... at last I've made a challenge card!!!  Well, as I said in the title - it's really a three challenges in one card - card!!  The colours are from Colour Q - totally my colours, the layout is from Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge and the theme is from Simplicity for this week's OLW card - to feature an egg(s).

 

I love this week's layout from Waltzingmouse - but I've been having a hard time coming up with an idea for my card.   Well, that was until I saw Susan's challenge at Simplicity - a one layer card featuring an egg or eggs.  Then when I saw the wonderful colours at Colour Q - it was easy - a basket of eggs for Easter!

I love the Colour Q challenge and I've got my new ink spots in all the current Stampin' Up! colours - but sadly the challenge is using a lot of the old SU colours!!  Never mind, I've matched the colours I don't have as best I can.  I stamped the basket full of eggs and the pennant images first, masked them and then over stamped with the quilt image.  Then I coloured the pennant and eggs with my inks and aqua pen.  I added a very clean and simple greeting and to finish I sprayed a light covering of Cosmic Shimmer mist in pearl.  In real-life the card has a lovely shimmer.

Stamps:  Waltzmingmouse - Spring Baskets; Molly Blooms stamp free with Simply Homemade

Inks:  Distress - Antique Linen, Crushed Olive (Kiwi Kiss), Dusty Concord (Concord Grape), Broken China (Bermuda Bay); Stampin' Up! - Bashful Blue; Memento - Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Pearl; card from stash

It's feels so good to have completed some card challenges!  After the last few weeks - which have been rather stressful, it feels good to start getting back to normal - or what passes for "normal" in my house!!  I've even done all my ironing!!  And it feels like Spring has really arrived - it's been absolutely beautiful here today - the sky was bright blue, white fluffy clouds and unseasonably warm!!  It's been fab!  Do drop by again tomorrow - I will have another card to share with you - I've still got a few Easter cards to make!!

Before I go - I'm delighted to report that Ben did his fun run last weekend in just over 11 minutes - much faster than he was expecting - so pleased for him.  And I'd also like to welcome another new follower - Ciara.  See you tomorrow.

Finished ....

.... reading The Stand - it was totally awesome!!!  Finally put the book down about half an hour ago - even though I've read the book (including this time) five times - it is still fresh.  I love reading about the characters, really getting involved in the story.  At the heart of it, it's simply a story of good vs evil.  And while good appears to win - there's always that little bit of doubt about how long it will last before the evil comes back.  If you haven't read it yet - I highly recommend it.  Be warned, though, you could lose your week :)

And now that I finished the book - I can start to make cards again.  And I suppose I'd better finish the ironing:)  Bye for now - off to find out which new challenges I want to play in, and find out which ones I've missed!

Less is More 7 .....

.... the theme for this weeks' challenge over at Less is More is for a masculine card.  At the time of writing this post, there are already an amazing 167 entries on the blog!!!  Chrissie and Mandi certainly found a gap in the challenge market :)  I've only managed to get around some of the entries so far, but I shall certainly try to get to them all before the end of the week. 

I've had to give this one a bit (a lot) of thought!  I couldn't decide what to do for the card - cute, funny, risque - so I thought some more.  And then, this evening, just as I was about to go to bed I remembered that I bought super Kanban set from QVC a couple of years ago that was entirely designed for men.  Lots of wonderful photos of all types of activities.  So I had a rummage - and this is the card I came up with.

Obviously, I kept it clean and simple :)  I found this wonderful image of a boy skater doing an aeriel stunt and for the background I turned to my "go to guy set" from Waltzingmouse - Free Spirit Boy, and used this clean, simple graphic; I stamped it in red to go with the boy's red cap.  Then I couldn't decide on a greeting, I did consider it for a birthday, but decided it would be a congratulations card.  I think I'm going to send it to my son, Ben, he took part in a 2 mile fun run last weekend - and he deserves some congratulations.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Free Spirit - Boy,  Free Spirit - Sentiments
Image:  Kanban (Male set from QVC)
Inks:  Brilliance - Rocket Red

You saw from my post yesterday evening, that I didn't manage to play much yesterday as I was busy reading.  I'll try to get to play a bit tomorrow, I've almost finished my book now - about 300 pages to go - so I might get there later.  Take care.

Side tracked ...

... today - I did plan on visiting my craft room and making a few cards for several challenges that are in my note book.  But I spent the day reading instead.  You may have noticed on the sidebar a somewhat sinister looking clown - from It by Stephen King; it's a fun challenge to read Stephen King's books - for me a joy!!

I did plan to start my reading in January, but got side tracked by the Clan of the Cave bear books and when I reached the end of the last book, I decided to start on The Stand by Stephen King.  A brilliant story - a big thick book - but it does mean that I've not been in my craft room much!!  So, if you did pop back to see a card - then I apologise!  I've nearly finished the book and should be able to get back and make a card or three sometime tomorrow!!

Exciting news and a challenge that gives ....

... some of you will already know Tara from her blog Craftilicious, or from via Less is More.  Well, last week I received an email from Tara telling me about a new Challenge Blog that she was developing.  A blog with a difference, a blog set up in order to raise much needed funds for St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield.  The Blog is called St Luke's Charity Cards Challenge - and Tara asked me to join the Design Team.  And I said yes.

It's a monthly challenge and goes live on 2nd April - it will normally be the 1st of each month - but we obviously couldn't start on 1st April!!  It would be great if you could join in each month making a card based on the chosen theme, post it on your blog and link to both the challenge and charity blogs.  And, if you can spare the card(s) you made, you could also send them to the Hospice (using the Freepost address or a stamp) so they can be sold to raise funds.  Do drop by and visit the St Luke's Charity Card Challenge - bookmark the page, and visit my fellow DT members: 

• Lynne Atkinson
• Tara Cardwell (owner)
• Anne Forrest
• Ciara Jennings

Don't forget - the challenge goes live on 2nd April - come and visit, find out the theme and let your creative juices flow!!!  I can't wait to see your creations and visit your blogs.

Now before I go, I've been a bit slow acknowledging all the wonderful, supportive and helpful comments on my blog recently - so THANK YOU all - I love to read your comments, they are very much appreciated.  And finally, for now, a big HELLO and WELCOME to my new followers - Tara, Agea and CarolCel!  Thanks for joining me.

I must come to a close for now as I've got several baskets of ironing to do - as you may know by now - this is my least favourite job, but has to be done.  So I'm off to get that sorted and then I intend to play in my craft room, complete some challenges and share some cards with you.  Take care.

OLW45 - hex ...

... the challenge this week is being hosted by Jennifer over at Styles Ink.  Jennifer recently took a short holiday and went to Lancaster County, PA - an area that I've discovered is Pennsylvania Dutch Country - it's full of history and hex signs - and that's Jennifer's challenge this week - we have to make a one layer card inspired by a hex design.  Jennifer was kind enough to provide several links in her post explaining what hex signs are, and giving lots of examples. 

I did some reading around the subject and decided to base my card on this design . 

In the information that Jennifer provided, there was a site that gave meanings to the various symbols and colours used in hex designs, and oak leaves symbolise long life, strength and endurance.   And this is my take on the above design, similar, but I included hearts which symbolise true love, lasting love and love for others.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Blessed by You, Sweethearts
Inks:  Stampin' Up! - Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Early Expresso; Distress - Crushed Olive (Kiwi Kiss)

I've used the colours from last week's Colour Q challenge - they are just yummy.  Sadly I missed the deadline to link to the challenge, but the colours are perfect for the hex.  And I was able to use my lovely new Stampin' Up! ink spots.  I think Kiwi Kiss must be an old SU colour as it wasn't in my new inks, so I matched it to Crushed Olive.  According to the information I've read the colours mean the following;

  

• Brown - mother earth, also can mean friendship and strength
• Green - growth, fertility, success in things and ideas that grow
• Yellow - health in body & mind, love of man & the sun, connection to the God form

I have thoroughly enjoyed this challenge and learnt quite a bit about Dutch Country - someday I must pay a visit. 

That's all for now - I'm off to craft class this morning, and I'm going to have another go at making a OLW hex card.  So drop by again this evening to see what I come up with.

CR84FN20 ....

..... have we got something special this week?  You bet we have!!  All my favourite colours in one challenge - plum, lavender and green - my idea of heaven!!  So please join us and play along with the CR84FN challenge this week.

These fabulous photos are courtesy of Adam from embrace life photography and once again I've lost a significant part of an evening just browsing his site - those wedding photos are magnificent. 

My card this week is for a Wedding!!!  I made it for my nephew, Paul, and his partner, Leona.  They are getting married on Wednesday 23rd March.  It's going to be a wonderful day for them as they marry, but it will be particularly tough for Paul as his mum, Tracey, won't be there to help them celebrate.  But Tracey will be there in spirit, she wouldn't want them to dwell on the past - but to focus on their future together.  So here it is.

I've kept it quite clean and simple.  The backing paper is by Pink Petticoat and is layered onto a lovely green mirri card (not easily seen in this photo, but you can see the colour in the detail shot below).  I wanted a fun image and remembered this "love bug" by Pink Petticoat.  I printed it onto smooth white card and then coloured it with Promarkers.  I couldn't make up my mind which die set to use, but finally settled on Labels 4 - an elegant shape.  While in the die I shaded the image with Distress ink.  For a bit of sparkle I traced over the string and words with a green Sakura Stardust pen.  And that's it! 

You can see the beautiful green mirri card here - love this colour!!

Image & Paper:  Pink Petticoat - Happily Ever After, Blooming Doodles - Lavender
Spellbinders:  Labels 4 (S4-190) die # 5
Inks: Distress - Pine Needles
Promarkers:  Plum, Orchid, Cool Aqua, Cool Grey 1, Cool Grey 4
Accessories:  Card and mirri card from stash;  Sakura Stardust pen #729

Our design team have got more inspiration for you - do check out their blogs using the links below or in the side bar.

Sue

Meredith

Andrea

Stephanie

Suzanne

Heather

Mona
Lisa

Deb Hickman - Guest Designer 

Before I go, sorry I wasn't able to get to get around to all those who entered the challenge last week - you may know from my earlier posts that it's been a tough couple of weeks.  However, I will get around to see all the entries this week - after all - they will be using my favourite colours!!   That's all for today, but do come back tomorrow as I will have a card or three to share!

Come Waltz with me ....

... it's that time of the month - when all the Waltzingmouse Friends come out to play - and the theme this month is, of course, St Patrick's Day.  For all the details about the Waltz - check out Claire's blog - here.

Now I'm sure that I'm not the only one to make a card with Claire's lovely St Patrick's Day freebie!  It's just a super image.  I printed it onto some medium weight smooth white card and then went to my craft room to play.

Claire drew the image for the Spellbinders Labels 5 set - and it cut out beautifully.  And as the theme is St Patrick's Day - I could only use - GREEN - one of my favourite colours!!  I coloured the image with Promarkers, water colour paint and distress inks.  I started off by using a white wax crayon to cover the cross-hatch background, then I painted over this with the green watercolour paint.  The wax acted as a resist leaving patches of white on the background.  Next I coloured with the Promarkers - filling in a dark green border and colouring the shamrocks.  I shaded the edge of the shape with distress ink.  The base card started off plain white.  I distressed it - a lot - with the gorgeous Shabby Shutters and then added some shamrocks from the Celtic Heritage set in the same colour.  The dark green scroll and shamrock were the finishing touch.  To complete the card I attached the image with dimensional tape.  I'm really pleased how this turned out.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Celtic Heritage set, St Patrick's Day digi-image
Spellbinders:  Labels 5 (S4-229) die #5
Inks:  Memento - Cottage Ivy; Distress - Shabby Shutters
Promarkers:  Emerald, Apple

Accessories:  Watercolour paint, wax crayon and card from stash

I decided to make a matching envelope for the card, and added a smaller version of the image on the back flap of the envelope.

Now, I'm going to check out the rest of the cards on the Waltz.  Have fun!!  See you soon.