Non crafty stuff and reading ....

.... Evening everyone!  I had planned on playing along with a few challenges this week, but I've been reading instead :)  I started re-reading the Pern stories (by Anne McCaffrey) when we went back to the UK at Christmas.  I got totally wrapped up in the story and am now book 13 - Dragonsinger.  It's not actually the 13th book that she wrote, but it in chronological order of the stories.  At the moment I wish that I had a Gold Dragon all my own :)

The Worlds of Anne McCaffrey

Sadly, Anne McCaffrey died on 11 November 2011, but the stories of Pern are being kept alive by her son, Todd McCaffrey.  I highly recommend the series.

The other thing I've been doing this week is going through photos.  I attended, along with Jonathan, several photo shoots last year and I've only just started to edit them, which is really bad!  I'll be putting them up on my Flickr account in the next couple of weeks.  You should be warned though, that some of the shoots were with nude models.  I will only post safe pictures on here, you'll need a Flickr account if you want to see all the photos!  In the meantime, I've put up a few photos and links under the Non-Crafty Photos tab!  Enjoy!

That's all for now - I'm going to play in my craft room this evening and see if I can get a card or two made for some challenges!  Wherever you are, keep warm and keep safe!

ASM - Photo Inspriation ....

.... Hello!!!  It's so bloomin' cold here, that the only thing to do with my time is stay indoors and play in my craft room - well, apart from when I'm out clearing the snow off the drive and paths!!!!

Here at Addicted to Stamps and More! it's time for our last challenge of January and this week we have photo inspiration.  Our Guest Designer this week is Karen (May by Meadie) and our sponsor is Deedee Digis.  I've used one of Deedee's lovely images on my card:

Stamps: Deedee's Digis - Gingerbread Holidays; Waltzingmouse - Frame-It; CAS-ual Friday Stamps - Shenanigans
Inks: Kaleidacolor - Pastel
Accessories: White Lustre Card; Stampin' Up! DP - Chocolate Chip; Copics; Glitter

I've used the sketch layout from this week's Less is More challenge - LIM#156.  Don't you love the inspiration photo?  I used Deedee's cute gingerbread house, but made it into more of a Candy House by using more pastel colours like in the photo.  I added a touch of glitter to suggest sugar frosting (although it could just as easily be snow)!  To make the sentiment panel I coloured some scrap card with a brown copic to match the house and then the top panel is coloured to match the house.  I stamped the fun sentiment in Kaleidacolor pastel to match the sweets!  For the inside I cut a mat layer in brown DP and on the white panel stamped a bold sentiment.  I finished off the inside with a few little cupcakes, with the icing rainbow colours to match the sentiment.

I also took a close up of the cute little house so that you can see the details.  It's a really sweet image.

For more ideas based on the inspiration photo, check out the cards from our Guest Designer, Karen and also the rest of the team.  I'm really looking forward to seeing your creations.  See you soon.

All you need is love ....

....  and now that you're all humming along with the song, here's the card I made:

Dies: Memory Box - Musicality Collage
Accessories: White Lustre Card; Black Card; Kanban - Apple Beat

Last week I was browsing at Stampeddlar - they stock a HUGE selection of Memory Box and other dies - and I came across this wonderful music die.  I don't have many music stamps/images/dies, so I thought it would go nicely in my stash.  The current theme at The Male Room - TMR#2:14 is to make a masculine card with a music theme.  Yea!!! 

This is about as clean and simple as it gets!  I cut the music collage out of black card and then carefully attached it to the card base (took a while) and finished with a simple sentiment from some Kanban stash that I've had for ages.  I think one is for my wonderful husband, Jonathan.  I've left the inside blank!

It's silly cold here - I was out this morning clearing the snow (so, so glad that we got the snow blower) - and the rest of the day I'm staying in!  That's all for now.

One for the stash ...

.....  Morning all!  Just a quick post showing a card that I made with the left over bits from my Waltzingmouse Fanatics post.

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Big Day - Today
Inks: Versafine - Onyx Black
Dies: Memory Box - Chloe Stem
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU - Basic Black; WMS Digital Paper - Celtic Lunettes

I had a sheet of grey digital paper left after I'd made my WMSFC cards.  I adhered the paper to some scrap white card and then die cut the flower.  I attached the grey layer to a mat of black card, cut another flower in black and then in-laid the black flower.  I finished the front with an elegant, but simple sentiment.  On the inside I cut a mat layer in black and adhered the grey flower to the white panel.  I left the inside blank.  This one is for my stash.

That's all for now folks!  See you later!

WMSFC - Sketch .....

.... Hello again!  It's time for our new challenge at Waltzingmouse Fanatics.  This time we have a sketch for you to play with - I liked it so much that I actually made three cards!!!!  Here they are:

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Folk Art Medallion, Frame It, Say It Loud; Uniko Studio - All Occasion Sentiments #3
Inks: Versamark; Versafine - Onyx Black; Memento - Grey Flannel
Dies: Memory Box - Forget Me Knot Stem, Prim Poppy, Chloe Stem; Die-namics - Fishtail Flags Stax # 3 & 4
Accessories: WMS Digital Papers - Celtic Lunettes; White Lustre Card; Stampin' Up! Card - Basic Black; White Embossing Powder

I think this sketch is lots of fun and I decided to focus on WMS digital papers.  I printed several sheets of the Celtic Lunettes pattern in grey, blue and pink, sized just a bit bigger than the card base.  I also printed off several copies of the sketch to use as a template.  I trimmed all the papers to size and then used temporary adhesive to stick the sketch pattern over the top of the design paper and cut the panels.  Using this method to cut the panels means that the lunette patterns line up.  Ask me how I know this?  Well the first card was a mess with misaligned patterns all over the place!!!  I used  dies to cut out the flowers and banners.  I inked up the sentiments in Versamark and heat embossed with white powder.  I turned the last card to make it horizontal - that's because I needed to cover up the point which was a bit messy on this card!  Here are photos of the inside of each card.

For more inspiration with this sketch - check out Tara's card.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what you create with this sketch.  As always, you can make a card, scrapbook page, or 3D project, but whatever you make must include at least one Waltzingmouse image or sentiment.  You've got plenty of time to play along, the deadline for submission is Thursday 6th February 5.00pm GMT (that's Noon EDT for those of us in the States).   That's all for now, see you soon.

52CCT - Technique challenge ...

.... Good morning everyone, can you believe it's already the last challenge of January!  Where has the time gone?  This week at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown we have a technique for you.  Mynnette would like to see double embossing on our cards - you know, both dry embossing and heat embossing.  Here's my take:

Stamps: My Favourite Things - Seasonal Sentiments; Trio of Hanging Ornaments (don't have the name of the company)
Inks: Versamark; Distress - Squeezed Lemonade, Shaded Lilac, Peacock Feathers; Stampin' Up! - Bermuda Bay, Wild Wisteria; Memento - London Fog
Dies: Spellbinders - Labels 10 (S5-022) #4
Accessories: White Lustre Card; Core'dinations Black Magic; SU Card - Wild Wisteria; Cuttlebug EF - Christmas Countdown; Black Embossing Powder; Lakeland - Metallic Banner

I'm surrounded by so much snow here that my initial thought was to make a card featuring snowflakes, but I decided enough!  I embossed some core'dination card with the Christmas Countdown folder and sanded back to reveal the lilac core.  I cut a mat of lilac card for the embossed layer and adhered to the card base.  I stamped the ornaments (sadly I don't know what company made this one) in Versamark and heat embossed with black powder.  I added colour to the image by sponging on distress inks.  I finsished the front with a simple metallic sentiment banner.  On the inside I cut a mat layer of lilac card and on the white panel stamped a bold Christmas sentiment and finished by adding some of those snowflakes!!

I have to say that I really enjoyed the monochromatic cards you made for last week's challenge - it's going to be tough to pick a winner!  I hope you have fun with this week's technique and don't forget to check out the blog to see inspiration cards from the rest of the team.  See you soon.

Colour blocks .....

....  Morning everyone!  The arctic blast is back in full force, so much so that Kathryn has a snow day.  No actual snow, but wind chills down to -19°C (-2°F) and that's with a very light breeze.  We're expecting gusts up to 30 mph, so the wind chills are going down!!!  So my card this morning is looking towards spring and warmer weather:

Stamps: Stampin' Up! - Bloomin' Marvellous
Inks: Versafine - Onyx Black; SU - Daffodil Delight, Garden Green
Dies: Memory Box - Toulouse Background
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU DP - Daffodil Delight, Garden Green; SU Card - Marina Mist

I used the sketch from this week's CAS Colour & Sketch - CASC&S#58 turning through 90°, and the theme of colour blocks from CAS-ual Fridays - CFC#126.  I picked the background colours to suggest ground, sky and sun and placed the die cut over the top.  It's a new die and it cuts like a dream!  I added a simple sentiment in the corner.  On the inside I cut a mat layer in blue and stamped a couple of flowers at the corners, but left a big space for me to write a message.

I don't think Kathryn or I will be venturing outside today - so I have the perfect excuse to play in my craft room - all day!!  That's all for now, see you soon.

Floral birthday ...

... Good morning everyone!  Winter is back in full force here in North America.  We've been very lucky in Northville, while it is extremely cold, we don't have any snow, just lots of blue skies and sunshine, and I'm happy to take that!  I hope all my US buddies who are in snowy areas are taking lots of care.  I'm so fed up of snow that I decided to make a floral birthday card. 

Stamps: Hero Arts - Large Flower Background CG403; CAS-ual Friday Stamps - Casual Elegance, Bold Wishes
Inks: Versafine - Onyx Black; Stampin' Up! - Pool Party, Pink Pirouette; Memento - Tuxedo Black
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU Card - Basic Black; Copics - G0000, RV000; Clear and Black Embossing Powder; Vellum; Gems

I used the soft, subtle colours from this week's Dynamic Duos - DD#86, and the layout is based on the sketch from Clean & Simple Stamping - FTL276.  

I stamped the image onto white card in pale aqua and then again in black Versafine which I heat embossed with clear powder.  I coloured the flowers and stems using Copic markers.  Then I spent quite some time cutting out the coloured flowers and stems and adhering them to the aqua image.  I love the way this gives a soft subtle background with the coloured images being more defined.  I cut a mat layer of black card and attached the flower panel.  I decided to stamp the sentiment on vellum as I didn't want to cover the pretty flowers.  I finished the front with some gems scattered about.  For the inside I cut mat layer in black and on the white panel stamped some flowers and vines, and a very bold sentiment.

Before I go, I have some new followers who I would like to welcome.  Join me in say Hello and Welcome to Gemma and Asha - thank you ladies for joining me!  I always appreciate the fact that so many people have decided to follow me and see my cards and read my ramblings, and all your comments are a delight - I do like to read them.  Thanks to you all!  That's all for now - I really do have to get the ironing done - I've been putting it off for a while now!

ASM - Addicted to CAS ....

......  Hello everyone.  It's time for our new challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More!  This week it's Addicted to CAS - that means "white" space, clean lines, minimal embellishments.  Oh yes, the "white" doesn't actually have to be white, it can be a plain colour.  Here's my take:

Stamps: Kaisercraft - Tea Break
Inks: Stampin' Up! - Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Crumb Cake
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU Card - Crumb Cake; Kaisercraft DP - Violet Crush; SU Marker - Crumb Cake

I've used a couple of challenges in the making of this one - the colours are from CAS - Colours and Sketches - CASC&S#57 and the layout is this week's sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch! - CTS#60.  I used some new papers and stamps from Kaisercraft.  It came together really quickly.  I cut a mat layer in kraft and adhered this pretty patterned paper over the top.  I inked up the sentiment with three colours and stamped onto white card, I added some lines to for the border and layered on to kraft card.  I adhered the panel with dimensional tape.  For the inside I made a mat of the patterned paper and stamped a large, inspirational sentiment in the middle.

Have you ever typed a report or document on Word and then lost the lot?  Well, that's what happened to Kathryn on Monday.  She'd spent the weekend typing a report for school, but when she opened it she found she'd over typed the essay.  Kathryn was so upset.  When I saw the sentiments in this set, I thought there were just right for an "It's OK" type of support card. 

For more inspiration check out the cards from the Design Team.  This week we are joined by a new Guest Designer, you will have seen her work on our blog and she's is also on our Wall of Fame.  Please check out Karen's card too! That's all for now - see you soon.

Caught a bug .....

....  Good afternoon everyone!  This is a very quick post showing a get well card made using a few challenges:

• Colour Throwdown - CTD#275
• The Male Room - TMR#01-14 - masculine Get Well Card
• CAS(E) this Sketch! - CTS#60

Stamps: Paper Smooches - Healthy Vibes
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black; Stampin' Up! - Wild Wisteria; Versafine - Onyx Black
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU Card - Crumb Cake; Copics - various

I've had this card in my mind for a while, but this is the first time this weekend that I've been able to get in my craft room to play.  The Male Room challenge is for a masculine style get well card and I think these graphic "germs" are just perfect.  I stamped them onto scrap white card and coloured them with Copic markers, cut them out and then attached the eyes!  I ran them through my Xyron to make them self-adhesive.  I used the sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch and the colours are from the Colour Throwdown; they seem just right for "germs" that make you feel rough!  On the tissue box there's the question and on the inside I've put the answer, to get well soon.

Today is Martin Luthur King Day in the US which has meant that our family has had a three day weekend with both Jonathan's office and Kathryn's school being closed.  We've had a fun time together, doing some shopping on Saturday, going to a photo shoot yesterday and generally relaxing today.  However, it's all back to normal tomorrow, just in time for the next blast of arctic air to arrive!  That's all - take care!

52CCT - A recipe ...

...  Good morning everyone!  Welcome to 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown,  Mynnette has provided us with a recipe to follow this week:

Monochromatic, CAS, ribbon and a rhinestone

Stamps: Chocolate Baroque - Christmas Flourish; Waltzingmouse - Festive Foliage; Stampin' Up! - Sassy Salutations, More Merry Messages
Inks: Kaleidacolor - Fresh Greens; Versafine - Onyx Black
Dies: WMS - Holly Die; Die-namics - Fishtail Flags Layers Stax #3
Accessories: Green Hammered Card; White Lustre Card; Vellum; Clear Embossing Powder; Ribbons; Gems

I love monochromatic cards, it's fun to pick a colour and play; I've gone for greens on my card.  For the layout I used this week's Freshly Made Sketches - FMS#119 challenge.  I made the base from some dark green hammered card stock that I've had in my stash forever for a while!  The background holly flourish and holly spring were stamped in Kaleidacolor Fresh Greens.  I cut a strip of vellum for the sentiment as I didn't want to hide the pretty background stamp.  I stamped the sentiment in Versafine and then heat embossed with clear powder.  To adhere the vellum I used Invisi Dots over most of the length, but left the end unstuck.  I found some ribbons in my stash, cut fishtails in each, attached to the card and then used dimensional gel to adhere the holly spring.  I cheated a bit with the rhinestones, Mynnette's recipe is for a single stone, but it would have looked strange to have a single stone, so I went with three green gems.  For the inside I cut a panel of white card and used the flourish stamp to create a border all the way round the card, finishing with a Christmas greeting in the middle.

Do you remember that we had a Design Team call last year, well from this week we are being joined by our new teamies.  Do make them welcome!  I must also give a shout out to Mynnette - you might notice that some of us have swanky new 52CCT logos for our cards - all designed by Mynnette!

I have to say that I'm really getting fed up with winter, we've got even more snow here today.  I know that we don't have as much as some, but I'm over it.  I'm so glad that our new snow blower arrived last week.  I assembled it on Thursday and it's already cleared the drive a couple of times.  So much quicker than doing it manually!  Well, that's all for now - I'm really looking forward to seeing your creations with the recipe!

My heart ...

.... Afternoon everyone!  Hope you're having a good day.  I was out this morning at the hairdresser, and wouldn't you know it, it started snowing just as I was ready to leave!!  Hey ho!  I've got a card to share with you made with a few challenges in mind:

• Less is More - LIM#154 - to make a one layer card with hearts
• Colour Q - cQc#224
• CASology - CAS#78 - cue word "DOT"

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Sweethearts
Inks: Stampin' Up! - Poppy Parade, Pool Party; Memento - Grey Flannel
Dies: Cheery Lynn - Hearts 'n' Gears
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU Card - Pool Party, Island Indigo; SU DP - Island Indigo

I popped into Stampeddlar after I'd had my hair cut and found this wonderful heart die!  Love the mix of hearts and steampunk and it's just perfect for this week's Less is More challenge.  I cut the heart out of the base card and again in a scrap of aqua card.  I attached a scrap of design paper on the inside of the card and then inlaid the aqua die cut heart.  Love the way you can see the little dots on the paper!  I finished the front with a simple sentiment stamped in grey and red.  The inside has a mat of Island Indigo and on the white panel I stamped a dotty heart, and over stamped the sentiment.  I think this one is for Jonathan, it's not his Valentine card, it's just because!

That's all for now - I think I'm going to attempt a walk round the block.  While it is still snowing, it's not too heavy and I need some fresh air!!  See you soon.