CR84FN69 - Celebrate ....

... well, that's Christmas over for another year!! It's time for our new challenge at CR84FN.  Our colours for CR84FN69 are Raspberry, Lavender and a Neutral - warm, rich colours and I had such fun with them.  Aren't the photos super?  They are courtesy of Martha Stewart.  I love the glass lamps!  And Scott has come up with a wonderful quote.

I knew that I'd make a New Year card with these colours - I imagined a New Year's Eve firework display - here's my card:

Stamps:  CAS-ual Friday Stamps - Countdown; Dawn Bibby - Flower Patch; Waltzingmouse - Holiday Labels 14
Inks: Stampin' Up! - Raspberry Ripple, Wisteria Wonder; Versafine - Onyx Black; Memento - Tuxedo Black
Dies: Spellbinders - Labels 14 (S4-290) #3 & 4
Accessories: SU Card - Raspberry Ripple, Wisteria Wonder; SU - Diamond Dazzles Glitter; White Lustre card - Stampeddlar

I made the card base from SU Raspberry Ripple card with a mat of Wisteria Wonder.  Michelle Gross from CAS-ual Friday Stamps made the perfect set of stamps for a New Year's card.  The countdown from ten to one is just perfect!  I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to make sure that I positioned both the countdown and New Year sentiment centrally.  Next I stamped the "fireworks" - actually they're flowers - but I think they work.  I added a touch of sparkle to the fireworks, but you can't really see it in the photos.  I made the Celebrate label by stamped the bottom layer in Raspberry Ripple and embossing with clear powder (the new SU inks are juicy enough to emboss if you're quick!).  I thought the starburst stamp was the perfect background for the Celebrate sentiment!

I carried on the celebratory theme on the inside - stamping a row of fireworks at the top and bottom of white card.  I also stamped a large "firework" in the centre - it's the second impression, so a bit softer in colour.  I added a couple more sentiments from the Countdown set.

For more inspirational cards with our wonderful colours either click on the links in the side bar, got to the CR84FN blog or click below:

Mona Pendleton, Andrea Mathews,  Heather Jensen, Helen Berry, Joanne Basile, Jody Morrow, Lisa Henke, Mackie Robertson, Pauline Pollington, Shannon White, Sue Lelli  and Vickie Zimmer.

Now I should say that this is a scheduled post!  We've been in the UK for Christmas and today we fly back to the States - so hopefully, it goes up as planned!  See you soon.

New challenge ....

.....  today my card is for a couple of challenges.  One oldish and one new.  Well, it's not exactly a new challenge, but for some reason I totally missed it!!  Since moving to the States I've been finding "new" stamps companies and getting new stash.  One of the companies (and I've seen their stamps and dies before) new to me is My Favourite Things - and I think it will be!!!!  They have a sketch challenge every Wednesday - they're up to number 90, so I've very late joining in :)

Stamps: Die-namics - Bookmark Duo
Inks:  Distress - Shaded Lilac, Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean; Stampin' Up! - Basic Grey
Spellbinders: Rectangles Lg (S4-132) #4, Rectangles Sm (S4-130) #4
Accessories:  PTI - Bookprint Impression Plate; Dawn Bibby paper; Promarkers - Ice Grey 1, Canary; Card and gems from stash

I used two challenges to make this card:

• My Favourite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge - MFTWSC90
• Runway Inspired Challenge - RIC20 

One of my passions is reading, and when I saw this bookmark set on MFT I just had to have it.  I used one of my most favourite quotes as the focal point for the card and used the colours from the current RIC challenge - so bright, so fresh.     I made the base layer with the bookprint impression plate from PTI - an ideal match!  I used the open book to make the two panels across the card, echoing the bright colours in the RIC image.  I found some super grey striped paper in my stash to echo the runway in the image.  I stamped the sentiment and coloured the letters with just a touch of yellow, and mounted it onto a pale grey panel.  The little circle was stamped in pale lilac to pick up the lilac in the runway.  I finished off with some square gems in black.

That's all for now - I'm off to do school lunch cover today and then off to get my shiny new Michigan Driving Licence.  See you soon.

CR84FN63 - Hello ....

... Good morning - time for my second card with our fabulous CR84FN63 colours of denim, tan and brown.  Last time I went with a very masculine card, this time I've made a card for one of my UK buddies.  I like to send home notes - I know it's easier to send emails, but there's nothing nicer than getting something in the post, something to keep!

Stamps: Hero Arts - Layered Flowers (CL496); Dawn Bibby - Flower Patch; Waltzingmouse - Compact Sentiments II
Inks: Memento - Rich Cocoa; Distress - Walnut Stain, Faded Jeans
Accessories:  Waltzingmouse - Lace; Papermania - Portobello Road DP 6" x 6"; Marianne Die - LR0133; Stampin' Up! - Crumb Cake card

I enjoyed making last week's card with the distressing, etc, so I had another go.  I started off with some old style newspaper print paper from the Portobello collection, cut it to size and then distressed the edges, crumbled it up and then lightly rubbed over some colour.  I cut the dotty paper to size, distressed the edges and added this lovely cream lace.  I made the layered flower by stamping the image three times; twice onto some postage style paper and once on the dotty paper.  On the bottom layer of the flower I sponged on some blue ink.  I stamped a couple of flowers directly onto the card, and then used my stamp-a-ma-jig to position the sentiment.  I finished off by adding some leaves.

Here's the graphic for this week's colours - photos courtesy of Magnolia Rouge.

For more inspiration cards from the DT check out the CR84FN blog or click on the links in my sidebar.  Don't forget, we are having an Open Design Call - we want to add some new designers to the team.  The six month term will begin on 4th November 2012.  Do make sure to use our colours and add "DT" after your name so that we know you want to be considered.

See you soon.

One layer with a flourish ....

.... Hi again - I'm popping in with a card for this week's Less is More - LIM71 challenge.  Chrissie and Mandi would like us to make a one layer card using some flourishes.  I've used this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge - PDCC136 for the colour inspiration.

This is a really simple design and quite quick to make.  I stamped the main flower in purple, used a mask, stamped a couple more flowers which again were masked, and then I stamped some background flowers and the flourishes.  I finished off by using this really fun sentiment!  There is white space on the card, although I suspect not enough to satisfy the clean, clear lines that the Diva Ladies like :) but I'm still submitting it to the challenge :))))

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Fancy Flourishes Scallops & Dots, Compact Sentiments II; Dawn Bibby - Flower Patch
Inks:  Memento - Elderberry, Teal Zeal, Nautical Blue
Accessories:  Card from stash

That's all for now - hope you're all having a fabulous day.  It's been a super day here - so bright and sunny and not too humid, which is always good.  See you soon.

Birthday wishes ....

.... in a one for two card!  This card is for my sister-in-law, Charlotte, who will be celebrating her birthday next Monday.  I've used two challenges to come up with a design for Charlotte's card:

• Play Date Cafe Challenge - PDCC128 - such bright, vibrant colours
• CAS-ual Fridays - CFC49 - super layout

I turned the sketch layout on its side and adapted it a little.  While I've made a start on unpacking my crafting stash, I still haven't got much out of the boxes.  One of the flower stamps in my Dawn Bibby set fits the layout of the blocks, so I used that on the card.  I stamped and embossed the image directly onto the card base and then stamped it again onto pink and orange paper.  I really like to paper piece stamps and this image is so easy.  I added a simple, but bold, birthday sentiment in pink and orange.  One of the things I really like about the States is having a mailbox in front of your house, this card is in the box and waiting to be collected to start its journey to the UK.

Stamps:  Dawn Bibby - Butterflies & Sentiments; Waltzingmouse - Say It Loud, Make Your Mark (on the card reverse)
Inks:  Stampin' Up! - Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango; Memento - Tuxedo Black; Versamark
Accessories:  Stampin' Up! Designer Paper - Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango; Clear embossing paper; Card from stash

Here are a couple of photos of my new craft room - it's a large, bright room and there's even a shelf that was "made" for my Martha Stewart punches :)  I don't have as much storage space as I did in Wales, but I'll be as creative as I can be.  I still have lots of unpacking to do!!!

That's all for now.  I really should have been sorting out our bedrooms this morning, but this was much more fun!  See you soon.

Cutting it fine ....

... sometimes technology doesn't like to play!!  This is a quick post and I'll amend all the details later, but I want to get this card uploaded and entered into this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge - WMSC92.

Back later with full details.

Made it with a minute to spare!!!  Note to self - don't leave things so late :))

The sketch this week is really super and very versatile.  I used the colours from this week's Colour Q - cQc132 challenge - very retro!  I started off by stamping the houndstooth pattern background (always feels very 70s to me) and then stamped some bold flowers on the panel.  I kept it simple by adding some string and sentiment.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Heirloom Patterns, Compact Sentiments; Dawn Bibby - Flower Patch; Studio G - Mixed stamps
Inks:  Stampin' Up! - Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie; Memento - Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  String and card from stash

My container still hasn't arrived at the house, so I don't have all my inks, so I've had to adapt the colours as best I can.

I'm so pleased that I finally managed to make a card - I thought my mojo had completely deserted me!!  Kathryn has been on Spring break this week, so we've spent a lot of time together - doing some girly stuff - watching the Twilight films (which were better than I expected), and working through some homework.  That's been a shock to Kathryn, as the school in Wales didn't give homework, it's something she's going to have to get used to.

That's all for now.  Hopefully, I'll have a card to share with you tomorrow.

Mono thanks ....

.... Another in my scheduled posts while without Internet access!!  I made this thank you card for another of my Craft Class friends, Kath.  I'm going to miss them all so much - but at least with Internet access it's a bit easier to keep in touch!

Kath is a very elegant lady and she loves black and white and bling.  Sadly, I didn't have any bling in my "emergency" stash, so this card is just black and white.  I used the beautiful lace doily to create the background, added some ribbon around the centre of the card and attached the label.  The black flowers were stamped a couple of weeks ago and ended up in the "scrap" box .  I inked up the thanks sentiment, cut it out and glued it to the label and flowers.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Say It Loud, Dainty Doilies 2; Dawn Bibby - Flower Patch
Inks:  Stampin' Up! - Basic Black
Spellbinders: Label 18
Accessories:  Ribbon, white embossing powder and card from stash

Bye for now - see you soon.

Don't Scrap it - Less is More 56 .....

.... I managed to get into my craft room first thing this morning.  I know I'm not going to get to play with many challenges - but I'm determined to do at least one or two this week.  So my first card is for this week's challenge at Less Is More - LIM56.  The ladies Chrissie and Mandi want us to use some of the scrap stash the we all have.  I have lots of big huge stash piles which never get smaller!!

I took some photos of the various piles and in the picture above you can see some scraps left over from my St Luke's Card - I really like the pretty papers.  The die cut shape was going to be used on last week's LIM card, but I went with a different idea.  So I thought I'd have a go at using up some of this stash.

I know that the rules say areas of white space and there's no white space on my card at all.  There is, however, a lot of turquoise space and the design is really clean and simple.  I used up the turquoise paper at the bottom of the photo, attached the pretty pink die cut and then found this lovely verse in the papers.  I cut it out using a circular paper punch.  I was going to leave the card like that, but I found this sweet little flower in my scrap box.  It was stamped onto plain white card and heat embossed, so I simply added a touch of colour with my distress inks.

Stamps:  Dawn Bibby - Flower Patch
Inks:  Versafine - Onyx Black; Distress - Evergreen Bough
Spellbinders:  Ironworks Motifs (S5-059)
Accessories:  Kaisercraft Gypsy Sisters Papers free with Simply Homemade; clear embossing powder

The photo below shows some of the drawers in my storage unit - all this is scrap paper - and I think that I'll be passing a lot of it to my local school and/or Scout group for them to use.  I don't think I can take it all to the States with me ;(  But they'll make good use of it all.

It's been a busy weekend.  On Saturday Kathryn and her friends were up surprisingly early!  So we went out to Staples - it was great all the girls love stationery and pens and pencils - I got them all a new notebook.  Then we went window shopping in Toys 'R' Us - the girls immediately headed to the Monster High section to see what new dolls were out.  To be fair to them, they didn't ask for anything at all, they simply came away with a wish list that was huge!!  And then we went to the cinema to see "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" in 3D.  It was a fun film - not outstanding, but a good way to spend a morning with the children.  Then we had lunch out and got home for about 3.00pm.  In time for me to watch the rugby - Wales V England.  It was a tough match to watch - but Wales eventually won!!


I had big plans for Sunday - tidying, sorting and cleaning, and then in my craft room to make some DT cards.  Unfortunately, I woke up feeling rather rough and I ended up spending the day just relaxing.  My head was thumping - I think it's stress.  So I simply watched some TV, read a book and chilled with Kathryn.  It was lovely!


That's all for now - should be back soon.

A birthday card ....

.... I managed to get an hour in my craft room this evening and I've made a card for three challenges:

• Mojo Monday - MOJO225 - sketch
• Colour Q - cQc121 - lovely warm colours
• Flutter by Wednesdays - FBW187 - challenge to use any kind of embossing, plus an angel, fairy or butterfly

I turned the Mojo Monday around to make a portrait style card.  I cut out the little mats in plain white card and then stamped  the flowers - first I stamped in the colour ink and then in Versamark, both have been heat embossed with clear powder.  I sponged colour over the Versamark images to bring out white flowers.  I stamped the sentiment on to the centre panel and added leaf images in Versamark mark, heat embossed with clear powder and then sponged on some green ink.  To finish off I've added a tiny vellum butterfly - on its way to visit those lovely flowers.

Stamps:  Dawn Bibby - Flower Patch
Inks:  Stampin' Up! - Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, More Mustard; Versamark
Accessories:  Clear embossing powder, vellum and kraft card from stash

I've had fun trying to get a decent photo of the card - I'm so looking forward to the long, light evenings of Spring and Summer.  The photo above was taken without flash and I think really shows the warm tones of these lovely colours, however, it's not quite sharp!!  So I used my flash - see right - it's sharper, but has washed out the colours a bit.  But you can really see the shine from the embossing!  Swings and roundabouts I think!!

I've had a busy couple of days - I did get all my ironing finished - and for a whole 24 hours, my washing baskets were stacked and empty!!  Sadly, the bit of washing I've done today means more ironing.  I have started to do the ironing while watching programmes that I've recorded - it does make it go a bit quicker.  

That's all for now - I'm going to nip downstairs and catch up on some episodes of Criminal Minds that I recorded earlier today and have a nice cup of coffee!  See you tomorrow.

Birthday rosette .....

... I've had a really fun morning playing in my craft room.  And here's one of the cards I made (you'll have to wait to see the other).  I've made this card for my sister-in-law.  She will be celebrating one of those special birthdays - her 40th - early in January.  The current Ribbon Reel - RR18 challenge has a super inspiration photo - of a party!  The instructions are to use white, cream, grey (silver) and black, and a ribbon or lace.  They would also like us to use a New Year theme - I missed that bit!!! Still never mind - the colours make for a very elegant birthday card!!

I made a mat of black gloss card, a sheet of Dawn Bibby designer paper and some cream lace ribbon, which I attached to a square cream card.  Next I used my nesties to cut out a couple of different shapes - a lotus pendant in holographic silver card and a star circle in coordinating black designer paper.  I stamped one of my favourite large doilies onto cream vellum and heat embossed with silver powder, then I spent a while cutting it out!!  I stamped the birthday greeting onto white card, cut it out and added a touch of colour while still in the die.  I added some silver ribbon to the back of the rosette and attached it all to the card.  A special birthday card for a very special lady.  And while not quite meeting the requirements for the RR challenge, I'm still submitting it.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Dainty Doilies Large, Eat Cake
Inks:  Versamark; Memento - Tuxedo Black; Distress - Black Soot
Spellbinders:  Lotus Pendant (S4-269), Star Circles (S4-335) #4, Big Scalloped Circles Lg (S4-249) #2
Accessories:  Dawn Bibby swirl paper (black and white); Ribbon, lace, silver embossing powder and card from stash

And now it's time to get some lunch for Kathryn and me.  Then I plan to spend the afternoon doing my least favourite job - IRONING!!!  Ugh!  Still, I'll be doing it in front of the TV, so it won't be all bad.  And there's a definite plus - I'll be warm.  It's not very nice here today - more cold wet weather.

My next post will be on New Year's day with the return of CR84FN - so do drop by then.  Before I go, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all

A Happy, Healthy and Creative New Year!!

Enjoy!!

See you soon.

CR84FN44 - birthday greetings ....

... this is the last of my scheduled posts.  It's time for the new CR84FN colour challenge - CR84FN44 - and Mona's picked the most gorgeous colours - light, bright and so pretty.  The photos are courtesy of Lesley from A Creative Mint.  The challenge runs for one week and will be our last one before our Christmas break.  We'll be back again in the New Year with more colour challenges!

I've made a birthday card for my friend Cheryl - at the time of writing this post, we have arranged to meet, probably in Jackson, Michigan, for lunch.  I met Cheryl when we were 11 years old - a while ago!! :)  We have corresponded for years and the last time we actually met face to face was about 10 years ago - so it'll be a special treat to see her.  Cheryl's birthday is just before Christmas and I'll get to give this to her at our lunch.

I've made a really pretty, feminine card.  I started with a plain white card base onto which I sprayed a very, very light spritz of Cosmic Shimmer Aqua Lagoon and then stamped some lovely flourishes in pale pink.  I started off by stamping some text in Versamark and heat embossing with clear powder onto white card, I used the largest Labels 20 die to cut out the shape and removed it from the die.  Then I added pink and coral inks to the card, blending the colours carefully.  I used my nesties to cut out the lotus pendent in aqua, cut it in half and attached each half to the back of the large label.  I stamped the lovely flowers on white card, embossed with silver and then used the out-of-the-box technique to cut out the image.  I added a touch of colour to the edge of the stamped image.  I stamped the image twice more and used my aqua pen to paint the flowers and leaves.  To get the thin aqua mat, I used the same die as the one that cut out the flower image, attached it to some card and used my scalpel to cut around the outside of the die.  It is a really good way of getting a small mat.  Finally, I cut out the flowers and leaves and decoupaged them onto the image.  I do hope that Cheryl likes her card.

Stamps: Personal Impressions - Dawn Bibby Daisy DB196; Stampin' Up! - En Francais; Waltzingmouse - Flourishes - Scallops & Dots
Inks:  Stampin' Up! - Calypso Coral, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery
Spellbinders:  Lotus Pendant (S4-269), Labels Twenty (S5-026) # 3 & 5
Accessories:  Silver embossing powder; Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Aqua Lagoon; Card from stash

For more inspiration check out the cards from our Guest Designer, Mackie and the Design Team:

Sue

Andrea

Stephanie

Suzanne

Heather

Mona
Lisa

That's all for now.  I'll be back soon.

Less is more 36 .....

... this week the challenge at Less is More - LIM36 - is a one layer card challenge and the theme is

"The ♥ can be singular, multiple, any colour, but, MUST be a one layer card, with no additional layers stuck on, apart from the odd embellishment or ribbon!" - those are our instructions from Chrissie and Mandi.  This week's challenge is already proving to be quite popular with nearly 150 submissions already!

I think my card is about as clean and simple as you can get.  I used a stamp that came free with one of the magazines (can't remember which one) but it's actually rather sweet.  I got some of the inspiration for my card from Vicky's lovely card. 

I did a test run on some scrap paper and used my stamp-a-ma-jig to position the heart.  I coloured the image with Promarkers.  I stamped a single leaf and then drew the stem by hand.  I added a large gem to the centre of the flower.

Stamps:  Dawn Bibby - Love Always; Love stamp free with a magazine
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black
Promarkers: Magenta, Cerise, Baby Pink
Accessories:  Gem and card from stash

And that's all for today.  My day started really early and I'm beginning to feel the effects!  See you tomorrow!

Colour Q - birthday flowers ....

.... my Mum asked me to make a special card for my step-father's aunt - she's well into her 90s and I wanted to make something really nice!!  I decided to use the colours from this week's Colour Q challenge - lovely warm summer colours.

I used a Dawn Bibby flower stamp for the main image - it's a nice, clean, graphic image and super to colour.  I cut out the flower with my nestie and cut a couple of backing layers in peach parfait and pear pizzazz (as I don't have the inks).  I kept the flower image in the die and added some small flourishes around the edge to match the flourishes on the card base.  I used promarkers to colour the leaves and Stampin' Up! ink to do the flowers.  Mum's really pleased with the card.

Stamps:  Dawn Bibby - Flower stamp; Waltzingmouse -  Fancy Phrases, Flourishes - Scallops & Dots
Inks:  Memento - Tuxedo Black; Stampin' Up! - Marina Mist, Real Red
Spellbinders:  Labels 17 (S5-025) dies 5 & 6, Fancy Tags (S4-235)
Accessories: Stampin' Up! card - Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz; Promarkers - Pear Green; Card from stash

Sorry not to have been about for a couple of days - just got busy with Scouts stuff and school bits.  And spending time with my Mum.  We had to run to town for her regular blood test this morning - and then we did a little shopping - always fun.  This afternoon, I was working in my craft room on this card and heard the news reporting bombs in Mumbai.  As you can imagine, I was rather concerned.  However, I've spoken to Jonathan and he's okay - so I'm feeling much better.

And that's all for now.  I must get round to commenting on lots of wonderful cards on the CR84FN Blog - this evening.  See you tomorrow!

Gosh - my brain really is fried!!  I posted this without the picture of my card!!! Doh!

CR84FN31, Part II ....

... I realised after I'd scheduled last week's post, that I'd forgotten to mention something important!  Silly me!!  Starting with CR84FN31 - last Sunday - the CR84FN Design Team is taking things a bit slower.  For the duration of the summer hols, we're doing the challenges on a fortnightly basis, and we'll return to normal weekly challenges from Sunday 4th September. 

However, that doesn't mean I can't share another card with you that I've made using the CR84FN31 colours - the pink, green and neutral scheme is just yummy!  My card features flowers - like last time - but this time the feel is totally different!  And where my dominant colour last time was green - this time I've gone girly with lots of hot pink!!

I used a mask to make the background - I simply laid it over the card base and sprayed my Cosmic Shimmer Mist all over building up the depth of colour gradually.  After removing the mask, I dried the card base to make sure I didn't smudge it!  Next I cut out some backing mat using my nesties.  On a bit of the green paper I also stamped some leaves.  I stamped the flowers using Versamark and Rose Bud and quickly poured on clear embossing powder and heat set it.  In real life the flowers have a lovely shine!  I sprayed them with the Cosmic Shimmer to match the background.  The small mat was sprayed with a green Cosmic Shimmer mist.  Finally, I added a large brad onto which I burnished a greeting!   Kathryn loves this card!!

Stamps:  Dawn Bibby - Daisies
Inks:  Memento - Tuxedo Black, Rose Bud
Spellbinders:  Lacey Squares (S4-295) die # 4,  Classic Squares Sm (S4-128) die #5
Accessories:  Cosmic Shimmer Mists - Candy Pink and Meadow Lush; Cosmo Cricket Paper - De Lovely; Creative Expressions Mica Mask - Floral Lace; Hot of the Press - Large Brad and transfer; Card from stash

I know that some of  the DT have made another card this week - so do check out the CR84FN blog to see CR84FN Part II - a bit like a film sequel :)  Participation may vary - depending on who is away on holiday at the time!  You've got plenty of time to play along with the challenge - what are you waiting for?  These colours are just so gorgeous!!  Our inspiration pictures are courtesy of Steve Steinhardt.

I had planned to make some cards yesterday and get them posted.  Instead I ended up tidying my craft room - it was looking like a bomb had hit it!  Now it's looking quite good - I can see the floor again - and find stuff too.  So I plan to spend some time playing today - and I hope to post a card or two later this afternoon.  Hope you're all having a fabulous weekend.  Bye for now.