Good Luck ....

.... Good afternoon from a beautifully sunny, but very cold, Northville. I've had a fun morning playing in my craft room. It's St Patrick's Day today and in honour of the day, I've used a very old stamp set called Celtic Heritage to make a Good Luck card:

Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps - Celtic Heritage; Uniko - Simply Said
Inks: Gina K - Jelly Bean Green, Christmas Pine
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU Card - Garden Green; WRMemory Keepers DP - Travel Light; SU Punches

This is a 4 bar size card - so a bit smaller than my usual. I started by stamping a lucky four leaf clover (with a hint of Celtic design) on a white circle and layered it on a scalloped dark green circle. I cut a panel of dark green card onto which I adhered some pretty patterned paper from my stash. I attached the panel to the card and added the clover panel on top. I finished the front by stamping a simple 'good luck' sentiment using words from two different stamp sets. On the inside, I cut a mat layer of the patterned paper and on the white panel added some more Celtic design elements, but left it blank for my own message. I'm submitting this card to CAS-ual Fridays Challenge - CFC#195 where they want to see greens, and also to MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge - MFTWSC#376.

A few weeks ago I sold a load of my old stamps at the annual yard sale at Scrappy Chic. It was both very sad and lots of fun going through my stash. I parted with many old wood mounted stamps that I've had for years and made room for new stuff. In the process, I rediscovered some of my old favourites - this being one! The stamp set came from Waltzingmouse Stamps (sadly now closed) that was owned by Claire Brennan. While Claire doesn't have her own company anymore, you can still get Claire's stamps from Gina K. It was so nice to rediscover some old favourites and you're probably going to see more old sets soon.

As a result of recycling so much of my stash, I have to update my catalogue system and I'm going to take the opportunity to set up an electronic catalogue too. I'm going to use the Evernote system - I've been watching an excellent video about the system by Kat Driggers - as I'll be able to see all my stash on my PC, phone and tablet! It's going to take a while, but I think it'll be worth it.

That's all for now - enjoy your weekend!

Uniko - sponsor CASology ....

... Hello and good morning! Uniko is sponsoring this week's challenge at CASology - CAS#236 where the cue word is ROMANCE. I am so happy to join in this week and have made an anniversary card:

Stamps: Uniko - Always & Forever, Flower Power #3, Flower Power #4, Flower Power #7, A Gift for You
Inks: Stampin' Up! - Smoky Slate, Pretty in Pink, Real Red; Versafine - Onyx Black; Versamark
Dies: Sizzix/Tim Holtz - Scibbles & Splat
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU Card - Real Red; Vellum; Embossing Powder - Clear & Iridescent

I used the sketch from the current Fusion Challenge - FUSION#166 for the layout, and the colours are from CAS-ual Fridays Challenge - CFC#167 to use red, pink and white. I created my own text background with my MISTI. I placed all the sentiments in a line, and alternated grey and pink to stamp the text. I was able to ensure precise stamping using the grid paper which made moving the panel so easy. I adhered the finished panel direct to the card. I die cut the scribble heart from red card and embossed it with iridescent powder - love the subtle shimmer. I created the pink tag from vellum. I lightly inked the reverse with red ink. Once completely dry, I die cut the flag and then stamped the greeting in black and heat embossed with clear powder. I finished the tag by stamped a couple of hearts at the top in red. On the inside I cut a mat layer of red card. I kept the white panel really simple with a stamped heart and greeting.

That's all for now!

Uniko Studio - Flower Power #7 ....

.... Good morning!  You've seen the sneak peaks and now it's time to introduce the first of the new mini-sets from Uniko Studio.  Do you like the Flower Power series, great then you'll love Flower Power #7 - with lots of sentiments that will be very useful.  Here's my card:

Stamps: Uniko Studio - Simply Said Birthday, Flower Power #7
Inks: Stampin' Up! - Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise; Versamark; Memento - Grey Flannel
Accessories: White Lustre Card; SU Card - Basic Black; Wink of Stella - Clear, Orange, Blue; White Embossing Powder

I've used the colours from the current CAS-ual Fridays Challenge - CFC#139 to make this clean, simple card.  I stamped the outline flower several times in black and then inked up the solid in orange and blue and overstamped - they are really easy to line up.  Then I cut them all out.  I covered the bottom third of the card with a black panel on which I stamped the greeting in Versamark and heat embossed with white powder.  I added some more flowers, this time just the outline image, in both orange and turquoise along with some little dots.  I finished the front by adhering the coloured flowers along the top of the black panel.  Oh yes, I also added some clear Wink of Stella to the petals of the plain flowers.  On the inside I cut a mat layer in black and added some more flowers on the white panel.

Do visit the Uniko Studio blog to see what the rest of the team have made with this lovely set.  Here are the details for the rest of the release.

Today and Sunday 10th - The Design Team will be introducing the new sets with some fabulous inspiration projects
Monday 11th - Release Day - You'll get to see both sets in their entirety with more projects from the team.  And we'll also be having a Design Team Blog Hop where there's the chance for one lucky person to win the entire release!

Don't miss out on the fun - from today until 10th May, there will be random winners for mystery prizes - no hints as to the prize or the value, you just have to join the fun!!

Places to join in and possibly win a prize are by commenting along the way on the Uniko Studio Blog, on the DT and Guest Design Team blogs, liking the Uniko Studio Facebook page and by following on Twitter and Pinterest. 

I was so pleased that my stamps finally got to me and that I could make something for the introduction of the set.  But I'm running a bit late with the card as I was out yesterday at the Great Lake Mega Meet - second visit, but this time no shopping just playing and watching demos.  It was such fun.  That's all for now.

Neon bright ....

...  Morning everyone!  The snow's back, so I've a perfect excuse for staying in and playing in my craft room.  Not that I actually need an excuse :)  Today's card is for a couple of challenges:

• CASology - CAS#82 where the cue word is "BOLD"
• Muse - MUSE#54 - our muse this time is Therese Calvird

Stamps: CAS-ual Friday Stamps - Truth Is, Cupid's Arrow, Exclamations
Inks: Hero Arts Neon - Pink, Orange, Green; Memento - Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Stampin' Up! Card - Lucky Limeade; White Lustre Card; Copics Neon

I really like Therese's card with the pretty flowers and lovely green card base.  I decided to keep the colours but make them much bolder!  I made the base from Lucky Limeade and instead of flowers I used the wonderful stylised asterisks from Exclamations.  I stamped the asterisks on a strip of white card to follow the pattern of the flowers.  Before adhering it to the card I stamped the superlots arrow and coloured the feathers with Copic neon markers.  I finished the front with a sentiment above the asterisks.  For the inside I kept it really simple with a white panel onto which I stamped some flowers and coloured them with Copics.

I'm really pleased how this one turned out!  It's going into my stash for the time being.  Now, I'm not doing anymore crafting for a while as I'm off to watch the Men's Free Skate from Sochi - we get to see all the competitors.  Should be a great competition too!  That's all for now - see you tomorrow.

Sympathy in blue ....

.... Good morning!  We all need sympathy cards in our stash and I find it is always much easier to make them before you actually need them.  Here's my card:

Stamps: CAS-ual Friday Stamps - Loving Thoughts; PTI - Think Big Favourites #3
Inks: Distress - Faded Jeans, Stormy Sky, Broken China, Tumbled Glass, Chipped Sapphire, Salty Ocean; Stampin' Up! - Midnight Muse; Versamark
Accessories: White Lustre Card; Silver Embossing Powder; SU Card - Midnight Muse

This card owes just about everything to my Design Team buddy, Nonni.  When I saw her card for our Addicted to Stamps and More! challenge I knew I had to CASE it.  I love the colour blocks and embossed flowers.  I changed it up on my card by using shades of blue, a different flower and silver embossing powder.  To make the base I masked off areas and sponged on the blue inks.  Then I randomly stamped the flower and heat embossed with silver powder.  I finished the front with a panel of white card and the sentiment stamped in blue.  On the inside I cut a mat layer in navy card and simply stamped a single flower.

Michele, over at CAS-ual Friday Stamps - CFS#1 is having a challenge with the theme being "BLUE", and you must use at least one CFS stamp or sentiment.  I have most of Michele's stamps and had to play along.  I got the theme from the current challenge at MUSE - MUSE#53, where Vicki Dutcher is the Muse with a lovely sympathy card.

The thumbnail display at CAS-ual Friday stamps is absolutely lovely and I'm so pleased I got to play along.  Nonni, thanks again for the inspiration.  See you soon.

Colour my world .....

.... Hi!  I've had a busy morning doing household stuff, but after lunch I managed to get a bit of time in my craft room and I've made a simple card for a couple of challenges:

• Less Is More - LIM#157
• Addicted to CAS - ATCAS#31

Stamps: Stamps of Life - Crayons2stamp, Words4crayons; CAS-ual Friday Stamps - Loving Thoughts, Butterbows
Inks: Stampin' Up! - Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point; Distress - Mowed Lawn, Seedless Preserves; Versafine - Onyx Black
Accessories: White Lustre Card

The challenge at Less is More - LIM#157 is a colour challenge and they picked rainbow colours - well, how could I resist?  And they celebrate their 3rd Anniversary this week too!  The cue word at Addicted to CAS is "LOVE", and I think this sentiment conveys that message well.  I stamped the little crayon in rainbow colours, cut them out and adhered them to the card.  I stamped the drawn line directly onto the card.  Finishing the front with the sentiment at the top.  On the inside I stamped a butterfly rainbow and a simple sentiment. 

I made this card for Kathryn - she is such a happy girl and she really does colour our world with love, laughter and joy!  She came home with her school report yesterday, she was so pleased - straight As!  We're so proud of her.

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.

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!

Birthday card .....

.... Good evening everyone - I thought I'd be here a bit earlier today, but my crafting plans got a bit side tracked by cooking, but more of that later.  I did manage to get into my craft room and have made an ultra clean and simple birthday card:

Stamps: CAS-ual Friday Stamps - Shenanigans, Exclamations
Inks: Big 'n' Juicy - Happy Birthday; Versafine - Onyx Black
Dies: Die-namics - High Rise Alphabet Uppercase
Accessories: White Lustre Card; Rainbow Handmade Paper; Stampin' Up! Card - Melon Mambo

I've made this card for the current CAS-ual Fridays challenge - CFC121 where the team would like us to create with 8.  Well, this had me stumped for a while - eight colours, eight stamps, eight patterns - couldn't think of a thing.  So I decided to christen my alphabet set by making a birthday card - and guess what - there are eight letters in birthday - silly me!!!  I cut out the letters, added a sentiment above and below and then adhered the panel to some handmade rainbow paper from my stash (I've had this for years).  I attached the whole lot to the front of my card.  For the inside I made a mat of pink card and stamped a greeting in rainbow colours and added a few star bursts too!

Now, the cooking I mentioned above - I made a Leftover Turkey Soup.  I saw the recipe on Kim's blog a couple of days ago and decided that with all the food I had left over, it would be a good recipe to try.  I made a huge saucepan full of turkey goodness.  Obviously because the recipe includes leftovers from Thanksgiving each batch will be different.  It was a huge success.  I even have a bowl full left for lunch tomorrow.  This recipe is going into my box for future years - thanks Kim!

Before I go, thanks so much for all the lovely comments on my new look blog - I'm really pleased how it's turned out - Thanks again Tiffany!  That's all for now - off to get dinner for us all.  I can't believe it's the end of the long weekend!  Back to normal tomorrow!!

Thankful & blessed ....

.... I think that sums up my feeling about my life!  And it's a wonderful sentiment to have on the front of my Thanksgiving card:

Stamps: CAS-ual Friday Stamps - Amber Waves
Inks: Stampin' Up! - Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: SU Card - Bravo Burgundy, Crushed Curry; White Lustre Card; SU DP - Pumpkin Pie; SU Punch - Label Bracket; Cuttlebug EF - Autumn Type

This week's colours from Colour Q - cQc215 are just perfect for a Thanksgiving card - really warm and rich.  I used the layout from Seize the Sketch - STS#8.  I made the card base from Bravo Burgundy.  I embossed the white panel with Autumn Type - all the words are just great for the season.  I created the horizontal strip by cutting a mat layer in SU DP and making my own DP by stamping with Amber Waves.  I really like the sentiment.  I stamped the small bunch of corn onto white card and punched it out and made the backing mat by cutting a yellow mat in half and attaching to the back of the white panel.  I finished the inside with a white panel on which I stamped the large bunch of corn and a sentiment.

It's another nice morning here in Northville, and quite a bit warmer than recently.  That's all for today - do drop by tomorrow for the new challenges at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown and Waltzingmouse Fanatics!  See you then.