Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Family ...
... I picked up my Aunt and Uncle (dad's side of the family) from the railway station this afternoon - they're coming to my sister's funeral with me. And we've had a fabulous evening talking about all parts of the family - it's been great. Why is it that so often families only get together at weddings and funerals? Anyway, the good thing to come out of all this is that we're back in touch and intend to stay in touch.
Feel better soon ....
.... that's the message that my mum and I have sent to my uncle (her brother). On Friday he woke with a nose bleed - not normally a problem. But my uncle ended up being taken to hospital in an ambulance in shock! He lost over a litre of blood - and ended up somewhat confused and befuddled! The NHS is a wonderful institutiion - it might have its problems, but when you go in as an emergency - they pull out the stops to sort you out. My uncle was on a drip to replace the fluid, kept in and had the blood vessels cauterised on Saturday. That evening he was sent home - and he tells me that he slept like a log!!
So it's only right and proper that we send him a card with our best wishes for a quick recovery.
This was quick and easy to make. The frame and sentiment is from one of my favourite rodent sets - Frame-it! And I thought the tortoise image was perfect for my uncle - he's not exactly ill, but he needs to rest and recover - he did lose quite a bit of blood. He can't blow his nose for ages :)
Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Frame-It; Woodware - Take it Easy
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black
Promarkers: Lime Zest, Pear Green, Warm Grey 1, Warm Grey 5
I spent a little while in my craft room last night working on a challenge for the Waltz on Thursday. Wednesday is my sister's funeral. Please keep us in your thoughts, it's going to be a tough day for us all
but particularly for my mum. See you Thursday!
So it's only right and proper that we send him a card with our best wishes for a quick recovery.
This was quick and easy to make. The frame and sentiment is from one of my favourite rodent sets - Frame-it! And I thought the tortoise image was perfect for my uncle - he's not exactly ill, but he needs to rest and recover - he did lose quite a bit of blood. He can't blow his nose for ages :)
Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Frame-It; Woodware - Take it Easy
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black
Promarkers: Lime Zest, Pear Green, Warm Grey 1, Warm Grey 5
I spent a little while in my craft room last night working on a challenge for the Waltz on Thursday. Wednesday is my sister's funeral. Please keep us in your thoughts, it's going to be a tough day for us all
but particularly for my mum. See you Thursday!
Monday, 14 March 2011
New stash ....
.... okay I know I don't actually need any new stash, but I decided to get some Stampin' Up! card and ink. Whenever I enter the Colour Q or Just Add Ink challenges I have to try to match the colours they pick - but now I don't have to. Now, I can simply rummage through my lovely card or ink spots and pick out exactly the right colours!!
The quality of the card is excellent - I opted for the 12" × 12" card in the brights, subtles, regals, neutrals and in colours!! I also treated myself to the matching ink spots. Yes, I know - I don't need it - but I wanted it!!! And best of all I also got some free stamps from the sale-a-bration leaflet - some lovely sentiments and super little images. So watch this space!!
The quality of the card is excellent - I opted for the 12" × 12" card in the brights, subtles, regals, neutrals and in colours!! I also treated myself to the matching ink spots. Yes, I know - I don't need it - but I wanted it!!! And best of all I also got some free stamps from the sale-a-bration leaflet - some lovely sentiments and super little images. So watch this space!!
Off the edge ....
.... so the challenge over at Less is More this week is to make a one layer card with the theme that part of the stamp/image should be off the edge of the card. Oh, and there's the additional requirement that we do not use score lines.
Now, one of my all time favourite stamps and one I've used many, many times since I got it, is the beautiful medallion stamp from Stampin' Up! So I decided to use the stamp again - and I made two cards!!
The first card is a thank you card to everyone for all the kind and caring comments left for me and my family following my sister's sudden death recently.
I decided to use green for a fresh, bright and hopeful feel. The base card is slightly textured giving a subtle pattern to the image.
Stamps: Stampin' Up! - Medallion; Waltzingmouse - Rescue Remedies Additions
Inks: Kaleidacolor - Fresh Greens
The second card is slightly smaller, but still square, and is pearly white. And this can be used for any occasion, but I have a friend in mind!! I really like the soft pastel colours on this card.
Stamps: Stampin' Up! - Medallion; Waltzingmouse - Roses in Bloom
Inks: Kaleidacolor - Pastel
And to show you just how much I like the medallion stamp - here are a few of the Christmas cards I made with it in 2009!
I made quite a few more - but I think this is enough to be going on with. Hopefully, I'll be able to get around all the cards on last week's challenge and this week - but as there are so many - it may take a while :) I'm beginning to get back to my craft room, so hopefully I'll have another card to share with you tomorrow! Bye for now.
Now, one of my all time favourite stamps and one I've used many, many times since I got it, is the beautiful medallion stamp from Stampin' Up! So I decided to use the stamp again - and I made two cards!!
The first card is a thank you card to everyone for all the kind and caring comments left for me and my family following my sister's sudden death recently.
I decided to use green for a fresh, bright and hopeful feel. The base card is slightly textured giving a subtle pattern to the image.
Stamps: Stampin' Up! - Medallion; Waltzingmouse - Rescue Remedies Additions
Inks: Kaleidacolor - Fresh Greens
The second card is slightly smaller, but still square, and is pearly white. And this can be used for any occasion, but I have a friend in mind!! I really like the soft pastel colours on this card.
Stamps: Stampin' Up! - Medallion; Waltzingmouse - Roses in Bloom
Inks: Kaleidacolor - Pastel
And to show you just how much I like the medallion stamp - here are a few of the Christmas cards I made with it in 2009!
 |
| Medallion stamp (SU) - Snowmen and greeting - Elusive Images |
 |
| Medallion (SU) - Acetate stripe (not sure where I got this one) |
 |
| Medallion (SU) on to which I layered a Kanban topper |
I made quite a few more - but I think this is enough to be going on with. Hopefully, I'll be able to get around all the cards on last week's challenge and this week - but as there are so many - it may take a while :) I'm beginning to get back to my craft room, so hopefully I'll have another card to share with you tomorrow! Bye for now.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
CR84FN19 ....
... we have some wonderful colours for you this week at CR84FN. Beautiful shades of aqua, blue and grey - the inspiration photos are stunning!! The photos are from Crate & Barrel.
Lisa celebrates her birthday this week, and so my card has been made especially for her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Lisa, have a good one! Hopefully, it will reach Lisa in time, but it went off a bit late as I've had a few family issues this last week.
I love the colours we have for you this week. I started off with a silver (grey) A5 card for the base. I sprayed a piece of plain white card with Cosmic Shimmer Mist in silver and over that I stamped in two shades of aqua, this gorgeous blanket background stamp which is from one of Claire's new sets over at Waltzingmouse Stamps. I used my Labels 14 nesties to cut out two shapes - one in a textured silver grey card for the background, and one from a piece of white card which had also been sprayed with Cosmic Shimmer Mist - this time in Aqua Lagoon!. On the smaller piece I added a simple birthday greeting and some lovely flourishes. Both were stamped in Danube Blue and Versamark and heat embossed with clear powder. I decided to make some lovely blue roses with my Roses in Bloom set from Waltzing mouse; I used the both the large and small rose, plus a couple of rose buds. They were all coloured with Promarkers. I added a lovely white satin ribbon behind the flowers and labels.
Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Rose in Bloom, Way out West, Holiday Labels No 14; Kanban set from QVC
Inks: Versamark; Memento - Tuxedo Black, Danube Blue; Kaleidacolour - Blue Breeze
Spellbinders: Labels 14 (S4-290) dies #4 and #5
Promarkers: Midnight Blue, China Blue, Blue Pearl, Meadow Green, Apple, Mandarin, Soft Peach
Accessories: Card, ribbon, embossing power and paper from stash
For more inspiration using these wonderful colours do check out the Design team's blogs - they have some wonderful cards to share with you.
Our Guest Designer - Deb Hickman - also has some wonderful inspiration for you. I look forward to seeing your cards.
That's all from me for today. I hope to have a card to share with you tomorrow - I have a few challenges that I need to catch up with!!
Lisa celebrates her birthday this week, and so my card has been made especially for her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Lisa, have a good one! Hopefully, it will reach Lisa in time, but it went off a bit late as I've had a few family issues this last week.
I love the colours we have for you this week. I started off with a silver (grey) A5 card for the base. I sprayed a piece of plain white card with Cosmic Shimmer Mist in silver and over that I stamped in two shades of aqua, this gorgeous blanket background stamp which is from one of Claire's new sets over at Waltzingmouse Stamps. I used my Labels 14 nesties to cut out two shapes - one in a textured silver grey card for the background, and one from a piece of white card which had also been sprayed with Cosmic Shimmer Mist - this time in Aqua Lagoon!. On the smaller piece I added a simple birthday greeting and some lovely flourishes. Both were stamped in Danube Blue and Versamark and heat embossed with clear powder. I decided to make some lovely blue roses with my Roses in Bloom set from Waltzing mouse; I used the both the large and small rose, plus a couple of rose buds. They were all coloured with Promarkers. I added a lovely white satin ribbon behind the flowers and labels.
Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Rose in Bloom, Way out West, Holiday Labels No 14; Kanban set from QVC
Inks: Versamark; Memento - Tuxedo Black, Danube Blue; Kaleidacolour - Blue Breeze
Spellbinders: Labels 14 (S4-290) dies #4 and #5
Promarkers: Midnight Blue, China Blue, Blue Pearl, Meadow Green, Apple, Mandarin, Soft Peach
Accessories: Card, ribbon, embossing power and paper from stash
For more inspiration using these wonderful colours do check out the Design team's blogs - they have some wonderful cards to share with you.
Our Guest Designer - Deb Hickman - also has some wonderful inspiration for you. I look forward to seeing your cards.
That's all from me for today. I hope to have a card to share with you tomorrow - I have a few challenges that I need to catch up with!!
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Feeling so tired ...
... and very sad. It's been a tough week. Mum arrived on Sunday to stay with me - so lovely to have her company. We spend a lot of time talking about Tracey - remembering her when she was young and sharing stories about her. But I haven't felt much like making any cards - I thought I would, I thought I'd find it therapeutic. But instead, I've enjoyed being with Mum and Kathryn.
Today, my brother-in-law rang to say that the funeral is set for next week - we still don't have a cause of death - we're waiting to hear from the coroner's office. But at least we'll be able to say goodbye to Tracey.
Thank you to all those who left such lovely comments here and on my email - I really appreciate your support and kind thoughts. That's all for now - take care, hugs your family - tell them that you love them - you never know what's around the corner.
Today, my brother-in-law rang to say that the funeral is set for next week - we still don't have a cause of death - we're waiting to hear from the coroner's office. But at least we'll be able to say goodbye to Tracey.
Thank you to all those who left such lovely comments here and on my email - I really appreciate your support and kind thoughts. That's all for now - take care, hugs your family - tell them that you love them - you never know what's around the corner.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
CR84FN18 ...
.... our colours this week are so warm and pretty - and the inspiration photos are truly lovely.
The pictures are by Adam from embrace life photography - I spent quite a while looking at the stunning photos on his website. Weddings, portraits, engagement pictures - just fab! And the dresses - mmmm!! It's well worth a visit.
Now this is one of the hardest cards I've ever made - but also one of the most special and, strangely, happy cards. I told you yesterday that my sister died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday night, so my card for CR84FN18 is the one I made in memory of her for my brother-in-law. Tracey was always so happy and friendly and these colours made me think of her.
The photo of Tracey was taken at my wedding in 2001 - she looks so beautiful - with bright reddish orange hair!! I've no idea what her real colour was! I found the backing paper in my stash and it was perfect. I've kept the card quite clean and simple. The sentiments were computer generated, one cut out with my Spellbinders die and inked to match the beaded circle, the Loving Memory sentiment was simply cut out and then I made the border with one of my Martha Stewart dies. I added some pretty flowers as the final touch. I found a wonderful verse on the Internet and added that to the inside with a message for my brother-in-law. I gave him the card on Friday - he loves it and was so pleased. Still hard to believe that someone so young has gone.
Spellbinders: Fancy Tags (S4-235), Beaded Circles (S4-292) die #4, Large Classic Circles die #5
Inks: Distress - Mustard Seed
Accessories: Backing paper - Papermania; Card from stash; Sentiments computer generated; Woodware flower punches
For more inspiration using these wonderful colours do check out the Design team's blogs - they have some wonderful cards to share with you.
Finally, before I go - we have a new Guest Designer for the month of March - Deb Hickman - do check out her blog.
That's all for today - do drop by tomorrow - I hope to have a card to share with you. Take care - tell your family you love them!!
The pictures are by Adam from embrace life photography - I spent quite a while looking at the stunning photos on his website. Weddings, portraits, engagement pictures - just fab! And the dresses - mmmm!! It's well worth a visit.
Now this is one of the hardest cards I've ever made - but also one of the most special and, strangely, happy cards. I told you yesterday that my sister died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday night, so my card for CR84FN18 is the one I made in memory of her for my brother-in-law. Tracey was always so happy and friendly and these colours made me think of her.
The photo of Tracey was taken at my wedding in 2001 - she looks so beautiful - with bright reddish orange hair!! I've no idea what her real colour was! I found the backing paper in my stash and it was perfect. I've kept the card quite clean and simple. The sentiments were computer generated, one cut out with my Spellbinders die and inked to match the beaded circle, the Loving Memory sentiment was simply cut out and then I made the border with one of my Martha Stewart dies. I added some pretty flowers as the final touch. I found a wonderful verse on the Internet and added that to the inside with a message for my brother-in-law. I gave him the card on Friday - he loves it and was so pleased. Still hard to believe that someone so young has gone.
Spellbinders: Fancy Tags (S4-235), Beaded Circles (S4-292) die #4, Large Classic Circles die #5
Inks: Distress - Mustard Seed
Accessories: Backing paper - Papermania; Card from stash; Sentiments computer generated; Woodware flower punches
For more inspiration using these wonderful colours do check out the Design team's blogs - they have some wonderful cards to share with you.
Finally, before I go - we have a new Guest Designer for the month of March - Deb Hickman - do check out her blog.
That's all for today - do drop by tomorrow - I hope to have a card to share with you. Take care - tell your family you love them!!
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Back home...
... I've been away for a couple of days visiting my brother-in-law, niece and nephews. Sadly, and very suddenly, my sister Tracey died at 11.25pm on Wednesday 2nd March. It was totally unexpected and a complete shock to us all. And she was far too young - my little sister! We didn't always see eye to eye, but I love her dearly and miss her. I will be about, making cards is great therapy and I want to make something special for my Mum. Anyhow, that's all for now.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Less is More 4 - revisited ...
.... it's taken me a bit longer than initially planned to get back to this challenge. Over at Less is More the recipe for this week is to use three squares on your clean and simple card. I saw the challenge on Saturday when it was posted and got my cards up quite quickly. I made two versions of the card - one had no border and the other had an inked border - and I asked for feedback. Thank you - I got 51 comments (up to now) with great feedback. The most popular of the two cards was the first version shown below.
My preference was, and remains, the second version. When I made the card I had planned on making a thin border of the same backing, but sadly there just wasn't enough paper left! So I inked in the border, and it got a bit scruffy. There were several comments from people who also felt that little extra was required, but perhaps a bit neater!!! :) Yes, I agree - much neater!! I've finally manged to grab some time in my craft room this morning and have made "Unforgettable - V3".
I didn't have any of the blue paper left, so I decided to go for a piece of bright red mirri card to go behind the punched squares. I carefully trimmed the card to leave a very small border, and added the greeting in a coordinating red ink. And I'm delighted with the card. The sharper, geometric lines echo the border on each punched square and satisfy my desire for just that bit more!! I think part of the problem with the first version is that the two white pieces of card are just slightly different colours - not terribly easy to see on the photo - but quite obvious in real-life. On the red version - I made sure to use the same card for the base and the topper! Makes a huge difference.
Stamps: Hero Arts - Letter "U" (alphabet set, large capital letter and various images/sentiments to match)
Inks: Memento - Lady Bug
Accessories: Card & paper from stash; Papermania square punch (can't remember name of design)
This is a close up of the punched square to show just how gorgeous the red mirri card is! I find when photographing mirri card that you don't always get to see just how lovely the colour is - also it's nice to see the crisp design on the punched square.
I've tried hard to get to see everyone's cards on the challenge, but real-life has intervened and I'm behind on CR84FN commenting, making challenge cards and visiting the cards samples for Claire's new launches. On Saturday I mentioned the book I was reading - yes, well I finished it!! I'm now on Book 4 - and it's not small book - and I think that might be why I'm a tad behind!!! :) Loving it though!
That's all for now - thanks for taking the time to drop by and leave some comments - much appreciated.
My preference was, and remains, the second version. When I made the card I had planned on making a thin border of the same backing, but sadly there just wasn't enough paper left! So I inked in the border, and it got a bit scruffy. There were several comments from people who also felt that little extra was required, but perhaps a bit neater!!! :) Yes, I agree - much neater!! I've finally manged to grab some time in my craft room this morning and have made "Unforgettable - V3".
I didn't have any of the blue paper left, so I decided to go for a piece of bright red mirri card to go behind the punched squares. I carefully trimmed the card to leave a very small border, and added the greeting in a coordinating red ink. And I'm delighted with the card. The sharper, geometric lines echo the border on each punched square and satisfy my desire for just that bit more!! I think part of the problem with the first version is that the two white pieces of card are just slightly different colours - not terribly easy to see on the photo - but quite obvious in real-life. On the red version - I made sure to use the same card for the base and the topper! Makes a huge difference.
Stamps: Hero Arts - Letter "U" (alphabet set, large capital letter and various images/sentiments to match)
Inks: Memento - Lady Bug
Accessories: Card & paper from stash; Papermania square punch (can't remember name of design)
I've tried hard to get to see everyone's cards on the challenge, but real-life has intervened and I'm behind on CR84FN commenting, making challenge cards and visiting the cards samples for Claire's new launches. On Saturday I mentioned the book I was reading - yes, well I finished it!! I'm now on Book 4 - and it's not small book - and I think that might be why I'm a tad behind!!! :) Loving it though!
That's all for now - thanks for taking the time to drop by and leave some comments - much appreciated.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
St David's Day ....
... Dydd Gwŷl Dewi Sant hapus
to all my Blogland friends. I have to admit up front that although I am part Welsh, I don't speak the language and found the greeting off the Internet - brilliant invention!!! It means "Happy St David's Day"!
And I have to admit that this is an old card - made for the teachers at Kathryn's school in 2007. I'm afraid that we made the most of the last day's holiday and I completely forgot to make a card. So I thought I'd show off one of my earlier cards. Have a great day one and all, and I'll be back later with some cards - promise!!
to all my Blogland friends. I have to admit up front that although I am part Welsh, I don't speak the language and found the greeting off the Internet - brilliant invention!!! It means "Happy St David's Day"!
And I have to admit that this is an old card - made for the teachers at Kathryn's school in 2007. I'm afraid that we made the most of the last day's holiday and I completely forgot to make a card. So I thought I'd show off one of my earlier cards. Have a great day one and all, and I'll be back later with some cards - promise!!
Monday, 28 February 2011
OLW42 - music ....
... it's Jennifer's turn to host the One Layer Wednesday challenge this week - and I'm running late with my cards, as the deadline for entry is tomorrow!! What Jennifer would like us to make is a one layer card with a musical theme - now she's not being strict - it can be musical notes, birds, anything so long as it relates to music! There are some fabulous cards already entered - do have a look.
Anyhow, I wanted to make a sort of grungy, teen type card - I love the Stampin' Up! guitar player (but can't get it in the UK - yet!) - so I decided to see what I could come up with. And I'm quite pleased - I've done two versions of "You Rock!" and a small "note" card!!
Both started off as white A6 card blanks. On the blue version above, I stamped the guitar and sentiment with versamark and then heat embossed with black gloss powder. I over stamped these images with some musical staves from Waltzingmouse. I coloured the body of the guitar and the stars on the sentiment with a blue Sakura stardust pen. Finally, I sprayed Cosmic Shimmer Mist over the whole card. The result is a very grungy, but sparkly card!
Stamps: Inkadinkadoo - Rockstar; Waltzingmouse - Muscial Backgrounds
Inks: Versamark; Memento - London Fog
Accessories: Embossing powder - black gloss; Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Silver
In the card above, I stamped the guitar and sentiment in Brilliance Graphite Black and then heat embossed with clear gloss. This time I added colour with twinkling H2Os - selecting a bright red. Finally, I sprayed with Cosmic Shimmer Mist - but a much lighter application. Resulting in a cleaner, less grungy card.
Stamps: Inkadinkadoo - Rockstar;
Inks: Brilliance - Graphite Black
Accessories: Embossing powder - Detail Clear; Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Ancient Copper; Twinkling H2Os
The next card is just a small one - a little 3" × 3" card from Papermania. I made a square mask from a post-it note. I stamped the WM musical background into the square, but did it at any angle. I added a single musical note in the centre of the stamped music and a simple sentiment. Really like this one! Please note, this is a white card - on a blue backing sheet so that you can see the scalloped border on the car.
Stamps: Inkadinkadoo - Rockstar; Waltzingmouse - Musical Backgrounds, Say it with Style
Inks: Memento - London Fog; Versafine - Onyx Black
Accessories: Card from stash
I didn't get into my craft room yesterday, and I didn't get to craft class this morning. I found out late yesterday that Kathryn wasn't back to school this morning. She's back tomorrow!!! The teachers are having a training day today. So my plans for a crafty day today have been a bit curtailed!! Instead, Kathryn and I went to have our Visa photos taken (they're awful), we bought some new school shoes and had a nice lunch out! Actually, it's been fun! Kathryn's been having a music session on the Wii and I managed to get the cards above made.
Before I go, I must say Hello and welcome to two new followers - Deb and Carol - so nice of you to join me!
Hopefully, I'll get back on track with challenges from tomorrow!! See you then.
Anyhow, I wanted to make a sort of grungy, teen type card - I love the Stampin' Up! guitar player (but can't get it in the UK - yet!) - so I decided to see what I could come up with. And I'm quite pleased - I've done two versions of "You Rock!" and a small "note" card!!
Both started off as white A6 card blanks. On the blue version above, I stamped the guitar and sentiment with versamark and then heat embossed with black gloss powder. I over stamped these images with some musical staves from Waltzingmouse. I coloured the body of the guitar and the stars on the sentiment with a blue Sakura stardust pen. Finally, I sprayed Cosmic Shimmer Mist over the whole card. The result is a very grungy, but sparkly card!
Stamps: Inkadinkadoo - Rockstar; Waltzingmouse - Muscial Backgrounds
Inks: Versamark; Memento - London Fog
Accessories: Embossing powder - black gloss; Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Silver
In the card above, I stamped the guitar and sentiment in Brilliance Graphite Black and then heat embossed with clear gloss. This time I added colour with twinkling H2Os - selecting a bright red. Finally, I sprayed with Cosmic Shimmer Mist - but a much lighter application. Resulting in a cleaner, less grungy card.
Stamps: Inkadinkadoo - Rockstar;
Inks: Brilliance - Graphite Black
Accessories: Embossing powder - Detail Clear; Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Ancient Copper; Twinkling H2Os
The next card is just a small one - a little 3" × 3" card from Papermania. I made a square mask from a post-it note. I stamped the WM musical background into the square, but did it at any angle. I added a single musical note in the centre of the stamped music and a simple sentiment. Really like this one! Please note, this is a white card - on a blue backing sheet so that you can see the scalloped border on the car.
Stamps: Inkadinkadoo - Rockstar; Waltzingmouse - Musical Backgrounds, Say it with Style
Inks: Memento - London Fog; Versafine - Onyx Black
Accessories: Card from stash
I didn't get into my craft room yesterday, and I didn't get to craft class this morning. I found out late yesterday that Kathryn wasn't back to school this morning. She's back tomorrow!!! The teachers are having a training day today. So my plans for a crafty day today have been a bit curtailed!! Instead, Kathryn and I went to have our Visa photos taken (they're awful), we bought some new school shoes and had a nice lunch out! Actually, it's been fun! Kathryn's been having a music session on the Wii and I managed to get the cards above made.
Before I go, I must say Hello and welcome to two new followers - Deb and Carol - so nice of you to join me!
Hopefully, I'll get back on track with challenges from tomorrow!! See you then.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
CR84FN17 ...
... this week really has gone by quickly - I realised on Friday that I hadn't made my card for this week's challenge - so I had to be quick!! To be fair I do have mitigating circumstances - it's half-term and I've been ever so busy with the family.
Our colours this week are just so luscious and, I think, feminine - pale pink, bright pink and the most gorgeous chartreuse!!! And the quote this week is wonderful. The inspiration pictures are by Leslie from A Creative Mint - she does take the most fabulous pictures - I love her story boards!
I adore these colours and decided that I'd make a card for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day. For the layout I used the sketch FTL128 from last week's Clean & Simple challenge - it just seemed perfect.
And so to my card - I kept really close to the layout above, even down to using Spellbinders labels 10 - almost exactly the shape in the sketch!!
I stamped the background with En Francais in pale pink, then misted with Cosmic Shimmer in Golden Mint. In my collection of backing papers I found two sheets that were perfect for the challenge - both from different companies. I used Marvy le Plume pens to apply different colours to the agapanthus image and stamped on plain white card. This was cut out using die #3 from the Labels 10 set; keeping the cut out in the die, I sponged pale pink onto the card. I attached the green and pink papers to the card, and then decided to add a layer of vellum over the pink - slightly softening the colour. I stamped En Francais in green onto the vellum before layering it over the pink! It's very subtle, but looks great in real-life. The sentiment was going to be something to do with Mother's Day, but it ended up being "1 of a kind"!!! So I still have a card to make!
Stamps: Stampendous - Agapanthus Trio; Stampin' Up! - En Francais
Inks: Distress - Spun Sugar; Memento - Pear Tart
Spellbinders: Labels 10 (S5-022) die #3
Pens: Marvy le Plume - Light Green, Pink
Papers: Cosmo Cricket - De Lovely (pink); Papermania - Inspirations Cool Tones (Green)
Accessories: Card and vellum from stash; Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Golden Mint
Full details of the challenge can be found over at CR84FN. The rest of the Design Team have also been very busy and have some fabulous cards to share with you - so don't forget to visit, either via the side bar, or follow the links below:
We'd also like to say a big thank you to Stella Schenkel for being our Guest Designer for February and for sharing her inspiration with us. Don't forget that once a month, the design team chooses a lucky designer to join our team as a Guest Designer for one month! So make sure you play along, and it could be you!!
That's all from me for today. It's a busy day - taking Ben to the airport so that he can get home to his Dad; sorting out Kathryn's bits and pieces for school and, hopefully, getting into my craft room to catch up with some challenges. See you tomorrow.
Our colours this week are just so luscious and, I think, feminine - pale pink, bright pink and the most gorgeous chartreuse!!! And the quote this week is wonderful. The inspiration pictures are by Leslie from A Creative Mint - she does take the most fabulous pictures - I love her story boards!
I adore these colours and decided that I'd make a card for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day. For the layout I used the sketch FTL128 from last week's Clean & Simple challenge - it just seemed perfect.
And so to my card - I kept really close to the layout above, even down to using Spellbinders labels 10 - almost exactly the shape in the sketch!!
I stamped the background with En Francais in pale pink, then misted with Cosmic Shimmer in Golden Mint. In my collection of backing papers I found two sheets that were perfect for the challenge - both from different companies. I used Marvy le Plume pens to apply different colours to the agapanthus image and stamped on plain white card. This was cut out using die #3 from the Labels 10 set; keeping the cut out in the die, I sponged pale pink onto the card. I attached the green and pink papers to the card, and then decided to add a layer of vellum over the pink - slightly softening the colour. I stamped En Francais in green onto the vellum before layering it over the pink! It's very subtle, but looks great in real-life. The sentiment was going to be something to do with Mother's Day, but it ended up being "1 of a kind"!!! So I still have a card to make!
Stamps: Stampendous - Agapanthus Trio; Stampin' Up! - En Francais
Inks: Distress - Spun Sugar; Memento - Pear Tart
Spellbinders: Labels 10 (S5-022) die #3
Pens: Marvy le Plume - Light Green, Pink
Papers: Cosmo Cricket - De Lovely (pink); Papermania - Inspirations Cool Tones (Green)
Accessories: Card and vellum from stash; Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Golden Mint
Full details of the challenge can be found over at CR84FN. The rest of the Design Team have also been very busy and have some fabulous cards to share with you - so don't forget to visit, either via the side bar, or follow the links below:
We'd also like to say a big thank you to Stella Schenkel for being our Guest Designer for February and for sharing her inspiration with us. Don't forget that once a month, the design team chooses a lucky designer to join our team as a Guest Designer for one month! So make sure you play along, and it could be you!!
That's all from me for today. It's a busy day - taking Ben to the airport so that he can get home to his Dad; sorting out Kathryn's bits and pieces for school and, hopefully, getting into my craft room to catch up with some challenges. See you tomorrow.
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Less is more 4 ...
... it's hard to believe that this blog is only on its fourth challenge. Chrissie and Mandi have built up a large and growing following. Their aim is to "promote the making of classic Clean and Simple cards" which they do with a series of different challenges and some fabulous tutorials. And what's really nice with the people taking part and leaving comments, is that we get "real" feedback and helpful criticism. I've been trying to get around all the entries to see what people come up with and to leave comments - but they had nearly 200 entries last week and I didn't get to see them all!!
This week the Less is More challenge is a recipe - "to use three squares" on your card. Mandi and Chrissie have come up with great inspirational cards - both totally different looks. And in the spirit of learning and development, I've made two cards - there's really only one difference between them - and I'd like to hear thoughts.
On version two - I made the stripe in exactly the same way as above, but this time I emphasised the edge of the stripe with matching ink. Then added the sentiment to finish in line with the stripe.
Stamps: Hero Arts - Letter "U" (alphabet set, large capital letter and various images/sentiments to match)
Inks: Memento - Danube Blue
Accessories: Card & paper from stash; Papermania square punch (can't remember name of design)
We had a great time out at Whiz Kids this morning - the girls were absolutely shattered when we came back. They've been playing quietly (I've had to check to make sure they hadn't fallen asleep) in Kathryn's bedroom. Ben is making the most of the nice weather - really, the sun is shining - by going out to see some of his friends.
While we were out this morning I finished reading The Valley of Horses - book 2 in the Earth's Children series by Jean Auel. I read this series of books when they first came out (too many years ago) and the final instalment about Ayla and her journey is coming out in March. So I've been re-reading the stories. If you've not read them - the story (very, very briefly) is about Ayla (Cro-Magnon) who is found and rescued by a Neanderthal clan and her journey as she begins to grow and mature, her natural tendencies emerge, putting her in the middle of a brutal and dangerous power struggle. They're wonderful stories and I highly recomment them!! This might be another reason why I've not made many cards this week :)
That's all for now. Back later.
Edit: I've had 14 comments so far (26/02 @ 7.00pm) and most people seem to prefer the first version. I've found this very interesting, as when I made the card I immediately felt it needed something, which is why I made version two. I showed hubby (via Skype) and he went for V2. I think my preference is for V2, but I would probably make the edging a bit neater ;)
This week the Less is More challenge is a recipe - "to use three squares" on your card. Mandi and Chrissie have come up with great inspirational cards - both totally different looks. And in the spirit of learning and development, I've made two cards - there's really only one difference between them - and I'd like to hear thoughts.
Both are plain white A6 cards. I've used a punch to make the square and mounted the stripes onto some blue swirly paper that I found in my stash. On the card above, I mounted this directly to the card and added a greeting underneath the stripe, making sure that the greeting finished at the edge of the stripe.
Stamps: Hero Arts - Letter "U" (alphabet set, large capital letter and various images/sentiments to match)
Inks: Memento - Danube Blue
Accessories: Card & paper from stash; Papermania square punch (can't remember name of design)
We had a great time out at Whiz Kids this morning - the girls were absolutely shattered when we came back. They've been playing quietly (I've had to check to make sure they hadn't fallen asleep) in Kathryn's bedroom. Ben is making the most of the nice weather - really, the sun is shining - by going out to see some of his friends.
While we were out this morning I finished reading The Valley of Horses - book 2 in the Earth's Children series by Jean Auel. I read this series of books when they first came out (too many years ago) and the final instalment about Ayla and her journey is coming out in March. So I've been re-reading the stories. If you've not read them - the story (very, very briefly) is about Ayla (Cro-Magnon) who is found and rescued by a Neanderthal clan and her journey as she begins to grow and mature, her natural tendencies emerge, putting her in the middle of a brutal and dangerous power struggle. They're wonderful stories and I highly recomment them!! This might be another reason why I've not made many cards this week :)
That's all for now. Back later.
Edit: I've had 14 comments so far (26/02 @ 7.00pm) and most people seem to prefer the first version. I've found this very interesting, as when I made the card I immediately felt it needed something, which is why I made version two. I showed hubby (via Skype) and he went for V2. I think my preference is for V2, but I would probably make the edging a bit neater ;)
Friday, 25 February 2011
Missing ...
... hi all - sorry but I've not made any cards today!! Kathryn had her last day at the Dragon Sports activity event today - she loved it!! Ben, being a typical teenager, didn't even get up until this afternoon - but he's been great to be with. And he went out to see some of his friends today - why do they always leave arrangements to the last minute??
Kathryn's last treat of the half-term holiday is a sleepover. She and her friend have been having such fun - computer games, dolls, singing, dressing up - all the girlie stuff!! I turned off their light about ½hour ago - but they're still chatting. It may be a while before they get to sleep. In the morning I'm taking them both to a local play centre - lots of running around and screaming - I'll take a good book!!
I won't be posting first thing in the morning - see above. But I do hope to get to a challenge or two tomorrow evening - so check back then. Take care.
Kathryn's last treat of the half-term holiday is a sleepover. She and her friend have been having such fun - computer games, dolls, singing, dressing up - all the girlie stuff!! I turned off their light about ½hour ago - but they're still chatting. It may be a while before they get to sleep. In the morning I'm taking them both to a local play centre - lots of running around and screaming - I'll take a good book!!
I won't be posting first thing in the morning - see above. But I do hope to get to a challenge or two tomorrow evening - so check back then. Take care.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Hey Dude ...
... finally made it into my craft room today - albeit for a short while. I've made a card for two challenges - the first is this week's sketch from Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge, and the second is the colour challenge from ColourQ.
I couldn't decide what to do with the sketch this week - and then these wonderful colours were posted, and it was a light bulb moment!! I just knew what I wanted to do. And here's the card.
I just felt that the colours would be perfect for a card for my son Ben - they're not pastel, but bold, bright, confident colours. So I found my Free Spirit set from Waltzingmouse Stamps and set to work. I used one of the graffiti images and stamped in a gird in green, then over stamped in blue. The large circle collage was stamped in pink - and die cut into a star. Finally I used the inverted scallop die to make the circle, added a greeting and inked the edges. I layered the star onto some holographic card, and edged the whole card with the same pink ink to bring it all together. The colour matches are as follows: Pear Pizzazz - Bamboo Leaves, Brilliant Blue - Danube Blue, Rich Razzleberry - Lilac Posies, and Brocade Blue - some blue card from my stash.
Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Free Spirit - Boy, Free Spirit - Sentiments
Inks: Memento - Danube Blue, Lilac Posies, Bamboo Leaves
Spellbinders: Lg Classic Inverted Scalloped Circles (S4-194) die #2, Stars (S4-092) die # 5
Accessories: Card from stash
The card hasn't turned out quite how I planned it, but it's okay - not perfect by any means.
We've had another busy day - and I've done my good turn - been and given blood. It's been nearly six years since I last went - but better late than never. Anyway, that's all for now - I'm off to read Kathryn a bed-time story, have a glass of wine and read a book!! See you tomorrow.
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