Fun with flowers ....

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

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

JAI52 - Sketch

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

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

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

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

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

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

Combined challenges ...

.... I've made this card for my friend Annette - it was her birthday on 16th January - and I missed it!!  How could I possibly miss her birthday?  Well, I did, so it's time for a belated card.  And it just so happens that I've used the themes from two challenges to make this card.  The first challenge is from Crafty Cardmakers and is to use a die and the colour red, the second is the Splitcoaststamper Clean and Simple Challenge - where the inspiration is a great card by Cindy.

I've taken the layout of Cindy's card and turned it on its side.  This is one of the quickest and easiest cards I've made, but I really like it.  Using my trusty Waltzingmouse stamps - I stamped one of the frames from Very Vintage Labels No 10 - one with lots of pretty flourishes - in Versamark.  I added plain red embossing powder and heated - voila - a beautiful red frame.  I then cut this out using Spellbinders Labels 10.  The greeting is plain and simple and comes from Waltzingmouse (of course) - Fancy Phrases.  I added a satin ribbon, tied a big bow and added two small black pearls.  Job done!!  Really pleased with this card.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Fancy Phrases, Very Vintage Labels No 10
Spellbinders:  Labels 10 (S5-0220 die # 3
Inks: Versamark
Accessories:  Red embossing powder, red satin ribbon and black pearl gems

I'm going to be spoilt this morning, but will be back later today.