Aqualeiga's Escape

Taking a break

2012-01-18T21:25:00.000Z

As you may have noticed, I've not posted in a while.
I've decided I need to take a break from things for a while...life's getting the better of me at the moment, and I need to get some important things sorted.
I WILL be back, but have resigned/taken a break from my DT spots and will be spending a while focussing on my home and my family.
Huge thanks to all my followers, I do hope you'll stick around til I get back.

New Beginnings

2011-12-28T11:49:00.000Z

Well folks, it's all over barr the shouting! Just kidding, it's been lovely spending time with our extended family, especially for the children, who love the company of their cousins...there are 12 of them and they range from 5yr to 18yr. it's great, as they all get on fantastically, including 2 who have autism and another 2 with special needs...we are truely blessed.

This week at FOR FUN CHALLENGES we have the fab Bugaboo sponsoring us, for our TWO WEEK challenge where we want to see your creations with the theme of...

** NEW **

That can be anything from new babies, to the new year, or a new home to a new pet! One lucky winner will receive 7 images of choice from Jodie at Bugaboo, so get creating, that's a prize I wouldn't want to miss out on the chance of winning!

I made a set of notecards in a folder, with a New Beginnings theme.

The folder template is from my very talented friend Debbie Lauder at CRAFTYSTASH. I used the beautiful butterfly image from Bugaboo and altered the colour in my graphics program to create the set of A6 sized notecards.

The folder was made by printing the butterfly DP onto one side of the card, and the folder template outline onto the other. After it had been cut out, scored and assembled, the notecards were placed inside.

Finally, I secured it closed using a wire-edged organza ribbon.

Don't forget to go and see what the rest of the DT have created...you'll be glad you did, the array of creations is spectacular!

Many thanks for everyone for joining us at FOR FUN during 2011, we hope to see you plenty more in the coming year.

I'll end my post by wishing you all a wonderful NEW YEAR with all good things to come your way in 2012.

All Christmassed Out...?!?!?!

2011-12-18T16:58:00.000Z

I am sure some of us have had more than our fill of making Christmas cards, and as this is our last challenge for 2011, we at THE CRAFTY PAD have decided to be kind to you, and our theme is

ANYTHING BUT CHRISTMAS

TCP DT have all used their own choice of Crafty Pad image, please take a moment to visit them and take a look. I have used Molly Cat & Birdhouse to make my card...here it is:

Isn't she cute! I coloured the image with Promarkers and teamed it up with some digital papers, a lilac ribbon, computer-generated sentiment and some punched B&W flowers.

Our sponsor this time is the lovely Joanna Sheen with a £10 voucher for her shop.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and peaceful christmas with your loved ones, and to thank you for taking the time to visit my blog...I really appreciate it.

Anything Goes At Christmas!

2011-12-14T18:30:00.000Z

Happy Wednesday and welcome to our next challenge over at FOR FUN. With Christmas just around the corner, we are having an

ANYTHING CHRISTMAS

challenge, which will run for 2 WEEKS.

The wonderful MelJen's are very generously sponsoring us once again, with a prize of 4 images of choice for one lucky winner!

We at FOR FUN would like to respectfully remind you that we DO have a few challenge rules, and to make it fair for everyone who joins in with us, you MUST adhere to them or your entry will not be eligible for the prize. Full details of our rules can be found on our CHALLENGE SITE.

Here's my offering this week:

It's a gift pouch filled with choccies! I made the pouch using a heavyweight Dovecraft DP and coloured the adorable MelJen's image with Promarkers. I then highlighted with Glamour Dust and edged with Dark Green ink.

Here's a closer look at the empty pouch...

As this is our last post before Christmas, may I take this opportunity to wish all FOR FUN followers a very Happy Holiday, and say a big thank you for your support this year. We will be back on Dec 28th with our final challenge for 2011.

Send Someone a Smile with The Crafty Pad

2011-12-11T21:07:00.005Z

Good Evening everyone,

it's Sunday, and it's time to

SEND SOMEONE A SMILE

with The Crafty Pad! So, NO Christmas or Birthday cards, but something made 'just because'....to make someone smile. Here's my card:

I used the adorable Roshell Duck with Brolly, which is, as always, available from The Crafty Pad Designs. she is coloured with Promarkers and has a little gold Stickles here and there. It is cut and layered onto mats created with my labels nesties using Dovecraft DPs and a gorgeous dark brown pearlescent cardstock.

I added a MS border and a wide chocolate satin ribbon, along with a cute sentiment 'Showers of Warm Wishes.' I finished off with a few card candy dots.

I do hope you will be able to join us, we all need to take 5 and do a little something for ourselves during the hectic build-up to Christmas.

Whoops! I forgot to tell you who we have sponsoring us this week! It's the wonderful Creative Craft World with £5 to spend in-store.

Christmas Sparkle at For Fun

2011-12-07T13:17:00.000Z

Happy Hump-Day everyone, and welcome to another challenge at FOR FUN. We have the wonderful Di's Digis as our sponsor this week, with a slightly different prize to usual; one lucky winner will receive a $10 voucher.

Our theme this week is:

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE

I have used one of Di's adorable images, he's called Christmas Party Penguin. Here's my card:

I used some Dovecraft DPs I've had for years, some red sparkly ric rac and some red tiny-tinsel to add thge sparkle. I coloured the image with Promarkers and added a little Stickles to the feet and beak, and some Glamour Dust to the pom-pom and fur-trim on his hat.

I do hope you will join us this week...thanks for popping in.

Punch it Out at THE CRAFTY PAD !!

2011-12-04T21:13:00.000Z

Good Evening everyone,

welcome to my blog, and another great challenge at THE CRAFTY PAD. This week we want to see you use

AT LEAST 3 PUNCHED SHAPES.

The DT have all worked with the same image from THE CRAFTY PAD DESIGNS, Rodney Reindeer & Robin, available as a digi stamp and in a pre-coloured version too. I have used the pre-coloured version for my card this week.

I made this fun little rocker card! The trees are my punched shapes, the holly leaves are handcut using decorative scissors, and the little holly berries are tiny red bells! I added some Glamour Dust to give it sparkle, and set the image inside a lacey circle nestie die cut. The red organza ribbon completes my card.

Our fabby sponsor this week is CRAFTY EMMA'S STORE with £10.00 to spend in the store.

I was amazed by the diversity of the DT creations, all the same image, all so different! Please take the time to go and see them, and show them some love!

I will enter my card into the following challenges:

Allsorts #132 - Going Round in Circles.

Crafty Stash Gettin' 'Sketchy!'

2011-12-01T13:00:00.000Z

Good friends are the best, they forgive you whatever and are always there for you...I am very honoured to have made some such friends via my cardmaking, one of whom has her own website where she sells her wonderful designs. Debbie Lauder owner of CRAFTY STASH is her name, and today I am here to share the card I have made for the competition she has going on, which is a SKETCH challenge at Crafty Stash. Here's the sketch...

...and here's my card!

I made it for someone I know who's going through a difficult time...we all know how that feels right? I hope it helps to lift her spirits, its an adorable image, I couldn't resist using it! My papers are digi freebies, and I've added some punched flowers, an organza ribbon and some hand-drawn 'stitching' in red. I also added the 'Thinking of You' sentiment to the heart teddy is holding on the computer. The colour combo came when I found a paper to match the little 'patch' on the heart...the paper I used on the 'base' is really similar to the patch, and the stripy one was part of the same set...it's not something I would usually put together, but I think it really works!

Don't forget to pop over to CRAFTY STASH and see what treasures you can find, there are loads of freebies hidden amongst them too...and none of us can resist a freebie, especially when they are as great as the ones Debbie creates!

Feeling Festive at FOR FUN

2011-11-30T13:28:00.002Z

Good Morning all

apologies for the lateness of my card, but we have had some incredibly distressing news to deal with. I won't go into details, as further tests have to be carried out before we know what we are dealing with, but please extend your thoughts and prayers to my little sister, who is so special to me and has always been an inspiration in the way she deals with whatever life throws at her.

Onto this week's challenge at FOR FUN; we have one of our favourite sponsors this week, it's MICHELLE PERKETT (I adore her work!)

As always, when there is a 5th Wednesday in the month, we have a CHRISTMAS theme, which should mean LOTS of entries this week! I kept my creation simple...here it is:

I made a tall slim card this week, with the 'NOEL' created on the computer. I added some glittering Glamour Dust to the snow-caps...

...and two of Michelle's fabulous Christmas images, one either side, which I left uncoloured so you can really see all the detail. Here is PEACE ANGEL...

...And here is Michelle's LATEST creation, the Peppermint Tulle Fairy, isn't she adorable! You can get hold of these in Michelle's ETSY SHOP.

This is mounted onto red card. The card blank is pale green, and I have covered it with a piece of holly vellum and some gold lattice-ribbon; these are held in place by the clusters of 3 brads in each corner (to represent the holly berries.)

The lucky winner of our challenge this week will receive 5 of the images used by the DT this week.

I look forward to visiting your blog and seeing your fab creations.

Recipe of 3s at THE CRAFTY PAD

2011-11-28T19:32:00.001Z

Happy Monday everyone,

sorry I'm a day late with this post, but I have had a wonderful weekend with my DH and am still playing catch-up! We went to Cardiff to see Will Young (he was FAB!) AND had an overnight stay in a spa hotel, the first without the little ones for almost 9 years!! I even treated myself to a back, neck and shoulder massage before we came home! Aaaaahhhhhh!!

Anyway, I digress! My post is to share details of the latest challenge over at THE CRAFTY PAD, which is a

Recipe of 3s

3 papers, 3 ribbons, 3 buttons or brads etc...you get it, right!?

Here's my card:

After last weeks traditional colours challenge, I went for something different...lilacs and pinks! I also had fun making a DL card for a change. The 'Santa Ho Ho Ho' image is of course from THE CRAFTY PAD DESIGNS, and is perfect for this challenge! I have 3 panels of DP behind the image, 3 ribbons across the diagonal, and 3s of snowflake brads, snowflake die-cuts, spotty brads and card candy!!

There is a fair sprinkling of Glamour Dust too, although that's tricky to see in these pics.

Our sponsor this week is CRAFTY SENTIMENTS with a prize of 3 digis of choice for the winner!

I hope to be back soon to list some challenges I'd like to enter!

We are THANKFUL at For Fun

2011-11-23T11:05:00.001Z

This week at FOR FUN CHALLENGES we have a THANK YOU theme. As today is Thanksgiving in the USA we felt it was fitting to create thank yous as our theme this week.

We have the fabulous Paper Shelter as our sponsors, and my card has been created using one of their adorable images.

I embossed a piece of white card with a snowflakes design, and matted/layered it with navy cardstock...I love using dark colours to make everything 'pop' out at you. The main image is attached using foam tape for a 3D effect. I tied some navy funky fibres down the side, added a few tiny blue gems, a couple of die cut snowflakes (Quickutz) and a computer generated sentiment (using 'Almonte Snow' font) to complete. Inside the card the sentiment continues....'Snow' Much!

I know how busy this time of year is for everyone, but I am confident that time spent on a 'thank you' card will be time well spent, as we ALL have something/someone in our lives we are thankful for, and now is a perfect time to let them know :D

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Going Grey with Scrap Creations - THANK YOU!
Ladybug Crafts Ink #47 - Winter Blues.
The Stamping Boutique #20 - Thanksgiving...(I hope my 'thank you' card qualifies...?)
Get Hippity with Ippity - Embossing.
Heart Song Inspirations #25 - Circle OR Thank You (I went with thank you.)
Kaboodle Doodles #94 - Baby, it's Cold Outside!
The Corrosive Challenge #137 - Give Thanks.
Creative Inspirations Paint - Thanks.
Catch the Bug - Give Thanks.
One Stop Craft #158 - Blue.
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle - Embossing.
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days #21 - Texture (embossing & fibres.)
Card Makin Mamas #33 - Be Thankful.
Jellypark Friends - Give Thanks.

Hope to see you over at FOR FUN CHALLENGES!

Festive Cheer at The Crafty Pad

2011-11-20T12:43:00.000Z

What a glorious morning! The sun is shining, the sky is blue and it's insanely mild for November! Of course, that doesn't stop us from thinking ahead, and it's only just over 4 weeks until Christmas, so with that in mind, our challenge this week at The Crafty Pad is:

FESTIVE CHEER

We want to see you using TRADITIONAL Christmas colours...Red, Green, Gold, Silver.

Our sponsor is the wonderful Joanna Sheen with a £10 spend in her online shop.

The DT have all used one of Debbie's mega-cute festive character with cup images, which you can get your hands on here.

Here's my card: I kept the layout fairly simple, and the embellishments to a minimum too...just a few tiny gems and a shimmery ribbon.

I coloured my image with promarkers and cut it out. I added some Stickles to the froth. My papers are Dovecraft from a few years ago and I found a red/white polka dot one to match the mug in the image.

The sentiment ticket is also from The Crafty Pad Designs, part of a set of 11 Xmas sentiments, which you can find here.

I decorated the inside to match, and added some faux stitches using a white gel pen.

I do hope you will join us again this week, I love visiting your blogs and always manage to pick up some inspiration along the way!

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Phindy's Place #82 - Christmas Cards.
Winter Wonderland - Christmas/use a cute image.
Wags n Whiskers #67 - Christmas.
Digi Doodle Shop #83 - Red & Green.
Forever Friends - Christmas is Coming...something old (DPs) Something new (digital image.)
Digital Tuesday #137 - Christmas Time.

It's RECIPE TIME at For Fun Challenges

2011-11-16T16:39:00.001Z

Happy Hump-Day to you all! Is it just me, or has there been a distinct change in the weather recently? There's definately a feel of winter where we are, and it puts me in mind of ... dare I mention the 'C' word?!?!

Anyway, nothing to do with Christmas (whoops! Said it!) for the challenge this week at For Fun, we have a RECIPE for you; we want you to use:

1 food item

2 different backing papers

3 buttons, or brads, or eyelets

We have a new sponsor this week, it's Clear Dollar Stamps, and they have provided the images for the DT creations this week. The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate for digital images from their shop.

Here's my card:

I made a thank you card using this adorable 'sweet-stuff gumball' image. I am disappointed with the photo as the colours are much more vibrant than they look here :( I used some Doodlebug papers I've had in my stash forever and coloured the image with matching Promarkers.

I used a very simple layout, matted and layered on co-ordinating bazzill cardstock from my stash. I created the sentiments on the computer and used co-ordinating colours.

Finally I added 3 buttons from my stash to complete. So, there you have it, I stuck closely to the recipe and used 1 food item (gumball image,) 2 backing papers (1 striped, 1 spotty,) and 3 buttons (1 dark pink, 1 light pink & 1 yellow.)

Don't forget to pop over to the challenge blog and check out the work of our awesome DT! We look forward to seeing your creations this week.

I will enter my card into the following challenges:

Anything Goes Challenge Blog #54 - Real Sweetie.
The Corrosive Challenge #137 - Give Thanks.
Paper Sundaes #95 - Digital Images.
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturdays - Thank You.
Card Makin Mamas #33 - Thank You.
Stampin with the Dragon - Food For Thought.

TSB Blog Hop Winner!

2011-11-14T19:12:00.001Z

I want to thank EVERYONE who visited my blog and left me a comment, and took part in The Stamping Boutique Blog Hop this weekend...what a blast we had!

As promised, we have one random winner from EVERY DT blog in the hop, and I am here to say CONGRATULATIONS to...............

Mary J from Where's My Creativity?

Please contact Christy with your choice of image from The Stamping Boutique at: micahzane@yahoo.com

Don't forget, one lucky winner from the hop, who commented on ALL blogs will win the ENTIRE SET of Smoochies! Make sure you check The Stamping Boutique challenge blog to find out who the winner is...you never know...it could be YOU!

Have a great evening everyone!

White on White at THE CRAFTY PAD

2011-11-13T14:29:00.003Z

Good Morning and welcome to another challenge at The Crafty Pad. This week we are having a

WHITE ON WHITE

challenge for you. The DT have all worked with the adorable 'Snowman Couple' available from The Crafty Pad Designs.

Our sponsor this week is DIGITAL DOWNLOADS with a £10 spend of choice.

Here's my card:

I added just a few highlights of pale pink and blue to the image, and cut out using a nestie. I added a pale blue nestie behind it, layered it, then threaded a bead-string of tiny clear beads through it.

I used my swirls cuttlebug embossing folder for the layers inside and out, and cut half the front off across the diagonal (sure there's a proper name for this style but it evades me!!)

I added some white lace, a die-cut snowflake, a few gems, a craft cardworks sentiment and a couple of my 'posh pins' to complete.

I do hope you will join us, it's a perfect time to get another one of those Christmas cards made and ticked off the list!!

I am entering my card into a few challenges:

Cardmadfairy #21 - Texture.
Cuddly Buddly #20 - Double Trouble.
Fabulous Friday - Embossing.
Crafting for all Seasons #13 - Texture.
Crazy Amigo Challenge - Swirls.
Tip Top Tuesday #59 - Anything Christmas.

The Stamping Boutique BLOP HOP

2011-11-11T14:17:00.002Z

Hi, I am so sorry this is late, I am without internet AND my laptop keyboard has given up the ghost, so I've pinched my son's laptop for a wee while and gone in search of wifi!

Today sees the start of The Stamping Boutique Blog Hop, which is running from 11th til 13th November.

There is a whole host of DT members taking part, and there are prizes to be won along the way! Here's a list of the participants and their blogs...

Christy D- http://www.christyszaneycreations.blogspot.com/ <----Start Here

Jessica- http://canyoupixelthis.com/
Sandy- http://scribblesbysandy.blogspot.com/
Ali (Dragonlady)- http://craftydragons.blogspot.com/
Lawren- http://ahobby-holic.blogspot.com/
Rhonda- http://bluepoohbear753.blogspot.com/
Miranda- http://mirandascardcreations.blogspot.com/
Stacie- http://hestiashelper.blogspot.com/
Melissa- http://www.smudgetime.com/
April- http://allaboutthelowers.blogspot.com/
Julia- http://paperandscrapscreations.blogspot.com/
Ali (Aqualeiga)- http://aqualeigasescape.blogspot.com/ <---You are HERE!
Rene'- http://www.stampinginsunnysa.blogspot.com/
Jerusha- http://ilovepapercrafting.blogspot.com/
Arielle- http://soccermom5982.blogspot.com/
Sue-http://confessionsofapaperhoarder.blogspot.com/

TSB Challenge Blog-http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.com/ <---- Final Stop

You should have arrived here from Julia's blog, and from here you should be off to Rene's blog but the list should set you right if not!

The best bit!.....Make sure to visit each design team member's blog and leave a comment as each one of us will be giving away one TSB image! AND....1 random person (who comments on all DT blogs and leaves a final comment on The Stamping Boutique blog) will be selected to win the entire set of our newest line of images called the Smoochies.

Oops, nearly forgot, here's my card!

I used the wonderful Happy, Happy Snowman image, coloured with Promarkers and accented with chalks and Glamour Dust.

I then used my lacey circles nestie to cut it out. My DPs are Dovecraft Christmas ones from a few years back. I kept it fairly simple, just added a computer sentiment 'You're So COOL!' a die-cut snowflake and some funky fibres to finish.

Oh yes, I also added one of my 'posh pins' too!

I do hope you will join us on our hop....I can't wait to see who wins the digi image from my blog!

Pper Piecing THE CRFTY PD

2011-11-09T22:04:00.000Z

Oh dear I've had no end of problems this week, including internet problems, so I am really sorry this post is so late.

This week at THE CRAFTY PAD we have a PAPER PIECING theme for you. I used Sammy Scarecrow from THE CRAFTY PAD DESIGNS. Here's my card;

The papers are all digital, and have been distressed around the edges. I used gingham papers to paper piece his clothes and the soil.

I made some flowers and used some punched leaves, along with some funky fibres to decorate.

The sentiment was created on the computer and cut with nestie.

Our sponsors this week are;

CRAFTY RIBBONS with a selection of ribbons.

AND

LETRASET with a set of 5 grey promarkers.

I do hope you can join us.

SPECIAL FRIENDS

2011-11-02T11:05:00.000Z

We all have special friends in our lives, and when it comes to their birthday, we like to make them something special to let them know we appreciate them. This week's theme over at For Fun Challenges is to make a SPECIAL BIRTHDAY CARD. Not just an ordinary birthday card, it MUST be something special FOR someone special.

This week we are sponsored once again by the fabulous Bugaboo, and have a wicked prize of 7 digis from their store.

I used the fab JJ from the Tequila & Shoes collection, and the image is called Tequila. Here's my card:

I coloured JJ with Promarkers to match the DPs, which I chose because they're bright & cheerful. The ric rac is made of felt, and reminded me of what the floor can look like after a few drinks!! The sentiment comes with the image, and I changed the font to Cocktail Bubbles, which I thought was perfect for the image! I also created another senti which says 'Happy Birthday to my Fabby Friend.' I added some die-cut photo hinges attached with flower-brads, some more felt ric rac at the top and a handbag charm to finish.

It is for one of my bestest online buddies who has a birthday this month...can't say who as she may read this!!! :-P

I will enter my card for the following challenges:

Die Cut Dreams #101 - So Charming.
Kaboodle Doodles #91 - Sassy Girls.

Hope to see you join us this week.

I'm Back :)

2011-10-31T11:39:00.001Z

Wow, that was a BUSY half term! We took the littlies to Disneyland Paris for the week, which was wonderful but SOOOOO TIRING!! Thanks so much to my teamies for covering for me while we were away. Of course Mr Blogger was a very naughty boy and ignored my scheduled posts for whilst I was away (grrrrr!) so I'm here this morning trying to update everything!

Yesterday saw the start of a brand new challenge at THE CRAFTY PAD with the theme of FRIENDSHIP. The DT have all used the wonderful Roshell Friends with Basket, available from The Crafty Pad Designs in both coloured and uncoloured versions. I used the coloured version for my card.

Our sponsor this week is Michelle's Scrap

and one lucky winner will receive this fab stamp as a prize:

It's called Best Hugs by Alisa Ramirez.

I printed blue gingham straight onto card and made a pop-out stepper card. The image was cut using a lacey circle nestie on yellow gingham. I printed one of Debbie's sentiments directly onto the card too. I added some yellow grosgrain ribbon and punched flowers using white and yellow gingham with card candy dots at the centre (coloured to match using Promarkers.)

I inked the edges to finish. I really hope you can join us for this week's challenge.

I would like to enter a couple of challenges with my card:

Cardmad Fairy's Digi Day Challenge #19 - Friendship.
Our Creative Corner - Fancy Folds.
Scrappy Frogs - Something That Flies.
Crafts & Me #58 - Winter Blues.

I also made a project for last week's Crafty Pad challenge which was Halloween, but it didn't post as Mr Blogger wasn't playing nicely! Here's what I made:

An icicle treatbox for Halloween sweeties, using the Halloween image from The Crafty Pad Designs.

The Stamping Boutique Sponsor DYSU?

2011-10-20T10:36:00.000+01:00

Morning, and a right cold one it is here, BBBBRRRRRRR! Back to scraping thick ice off the windscreen before taking the littlies to school (gggrrr) but back to pulling on a hat to hide the scary 'bed-head' hair (yay!) so not all bad!

Today sees the start of a new challenge at Do You Stack Up? and The Stamping Boutique are proud to be one of their sponsors!

The theme for the challenge is TREES and I have used Princess Jennifer Latte Decorating the Tree one of Tracey's fabby images for my card. She is such a wonderful character!

I used a 6"x6" square card, black card for matting and the DPs are MME 'Snowed In' Winter Papers, and were a freebie with the Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine; I even managed to find one with trees on to match the theme! I tried to keep the layout and details simple as there is so much fab detail in the image, I wanted that to be the focal point. I added some black & white gingham ribbon for contrast. The sentiment is from Card Craftworks. My image is of course coloured using Promarkers!

So, I will enter my card into the following challenges:

DYSU #42 - Trees.
Pollycraft #115 - Girls, Girls, Girls!
Little Claire's #14 (monthly) - Christmas.
Wee Memories #72 - Holiday Madness!

HALLOWEEN with a TWIST !!

2011-10-19T11:32:00.000+01:00

Happy hump-day folks, it's certainly getting chilly here, which is perfect for our challenge this week at FOR FUN CHALLENGES. We want to see your HALLOWEEN projects, but with a twist...you CANNOT use Orange, Black OR Purple !!! Let me tell you, it was way harder than I imagined it would be! Here's my card:

Our fabulous sponsor this week is once again BUGABOO who provided the DT with some fab images to work with.

The lucky winner will receive SEVEN images of their choice...such a wicked prize!

I coloured my image with Promarkers and cut it out. The red DP was applied to the whole of the card front, then 2 pieces of green DP were torn and distressed with red ink. A circle of the red DP was torn and distressed with green ink, then my image was added using foam pads. The sentiment I created on the computer using the font Halloween Spider; it says 'Hoppy Halloween.' A green ribbon with an extra bow in red, and some card candy dots to finish.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Creative Card Crew - Spooky Fun.
Digital Tuesday #133 - Happy Halloween.
Crafty Boots - Autumn or Halloween.
Creative Stamp Friends #36 - Halloween.
Paper Creations Ink #11 - Halloween.
Paper Pretties - Halloween.
Gingerloft #27 - Halloween or Fall.
Paper Sundaes #91 - Halloween or Fall.
Quirky Crafts #21 - Spooky/Halloween/Colour challenge.
Challenge up your Life #54 - Halloween.

Don't forget to join us at For Fun this week, someone's gotta win that fab prize, and much as we'd love to, the DT aren't allowed!!!!

Thanks for popping in, I love visitors!

I Wish I was Albert !!!!!

2011-10-16T18:51:00.000+01:00

Over at The Crafty Pad this week we have a MONOCHROMATIC challenge theme for you. You get to choose ANY colour, but just ONE! I chose brown. The DT have all used Albert Snoozin' available from The Crafty Pad Designs. Here's my card:

I coloured the image with Promarkers, & cut it with a nestie. My papers are digital, from various sources, then I distressed the edges with brown ink, and simply layered them up. I have added a circle sentiment, a few Card Candy dots, some funky fibres and a tassell I've had in my stash since forever!

So you see, I wish I was Albert because the lucky chap is enjoying a nap, something I always need but rarely get!

I am entering my card into a couple of challenges:

Pollycraft - Boys, Boys, Boys.
Sweet Stampin' - Masculine.

I'm a GDT at My Sheri

2011-10-15T08:33:00.001+01:00

I was honoured to be asked to be a GDT following my entry into the 'Sew Simple' challenge at My Sheri Crafts a few weeks ago, and today sees the launch of their latest challenge, which I have joined them for, thanks SO MUCH for having me girls! The theme this time around is 'PUMPKINS' so as long as your creation features a pumpkin/s on it somewhere you're good to go!

Here's my card:

I have used the wonderful 'tic tac toe' board by Sammy Murphy, available for just 50p from Cardmaking Downloads. I layered several of the sections up with 2, 3 and 4 layers for extra dimension, an idea inspired by my dear friend Debbie, owner and designer of CRAFTY STASH.

The papers are digital from various sources and I simply layered them up and added the 'Boo!' senti to the top left of the tic tac toe board.A few card candy dots in black and silver to complete the card.

It made a change for me to use something other than my Promarkers this time, and I certainly enjoyed making this card, which is what it's all about at the end of the day....right girls?

I will enter my card into a couple of challenges:

Crafting for all Seasons #11 - Fall Flowers/Pumpkins.
The House that Stamps Built (DCC 1012) - Halloween/Fall.
Creative Card Crew - Spooky Fun.
Everybody Art Challenge #163 - Halloween.
Going Grey With Scrap Creations - Halloween.
Cupcake Craft Challenges #163 - Halloween.
House of Gilli #18 - Colour choice/pick 3 from list ~ I chose ORANGE, BLACK & PURPLE.

This is a scheduled post, I'm off to the Isle of Wight for the day to see the family, so I hope this has worked!!!!

Someone Special...At The Stamping Boutique

2011-10-11T22:36:00.000+01:00

I am thrilled to be working on The Stamping Boutique DT, and especially as my card this week is for such a fab challenge. The theme for this fortnight is 'For Someone Special.' We all have special people in our lives, and every once in a while it's nice to let them know how special they are to us. My card is for my youngest son, Noah...he will be 5 next month.

I used the Noah's Ark image from The Stamping Boutique to make this rocker card. The papers are Pink Petticoat Little Swirls. The image is coloured with promarkers cut out before mounting onto the card. The white waves are attached using foam pads for a 3D effect, then a few blue gems have been added. The 'Son' letters have been die cut using the Cuttlebug 'Hippie Chick' alphabet, as were the hearts. I added a ric-rac ribbon to the base-edge of the rocker (hard to see in the pic!) and the final touch is a small 'Autism Awareness' ribbon on the RHS of the Ark, as my Noah has autism.

We would LOVE for you to join the challenge, and you don't have to use a Stamping Boutique image, although we love it when you do, so much so, you get entered for the prize twice!

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Pollycraft #114 - Boys, Boys, Boys.
Pile it On - Just Because.
Just Some Lines - Reminds me of a Song (Who Built the Ark? Noah, Noah!)
One Stop Craft #152 - Anything Goes.
Southern Girls #29 - Slugs & Snails & Puppy-Dog's Tails.

Hope to see you over at THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE!

Let's go VINTAGE

2011-10-09T11:14:00.000+01:00

Good Morning bloggers, can you believe it's Sunday again already!? Before you know it'll be Christmas ! :-0 Lol! The GOOD news is that we have a brand new challenge for you over at THE CRAFTY PAD, and it's a fab one....we're going VINTAGE. I must be honest and say it's a style I LOVE but it just doesn't come easy to me...I think it's something you've either 'got' or 'not', and I 'not!' However, the rest of the DT have totally ROCKED this challenge, so make sure you go and check out their stunning creations. Here's my card:

I made a tri-shutter card because I couldn't decide which of Debbie's wonderful DRESS FORMS to use, so have used all 3! They are of course available from THE CRAFTY PAD DESIGNS for just 59p.

I printed the vintage green DP straight onto card, and scored/cut it. I also printed 'You've Got Style' onto it too. Each dress form was mounted onnto a contrasting DP and cut around before using foam pads to mount onto the card. I then added some layered die-cut flowers, die-cut flourishes and some pearls. To finish I added a sentiment and some posh stick-pins. The edges of the card and layers have been distressed and inked, but the photo isn't that good so you can't see that.

Our sponsor this week is the fabuluous CREATIVE CRAFT WORLD with a £10 spend in their online store.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Cardmakin' Mamas #30 - Fancy Folds.
Fairy Fun Fridays #63 - Girly.
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Flowers, Pearls & Pins.
Digital Tuesday #131 - Any Celebration.

I'm really looking forward to seeing your creations this week! Thanks for visiting my little piece of blogland.

It's Autumn For Sure

2011-10-05T11:57:00.001+01:00

Happy Hump Day folks!

After an amazing few days last week and a fab weekend that felt more like summer than summer actually did, we are back in the throes of Autumn here in the UK. I am always sad to see the end of summer, but the amazing colours of Autumn never cease to amaze me, every year I feel a true sense of awe and wonder at the array a stunning rich, warm colours. Living on the edge of the New Forest I guess I am spoiled by the sheer volume of colour, but I never take it for granted.

So, onto this week's challenge at FOR FUN...we want to see LEAVES on your projects this week. Gotta be an easy one to get involved in right? Well, if you're not convinced, let me tell you who's sponsoring us this week...it's Di's Digis!

Yay, NOW you're onboard right??!! The winner will receive a super-generous FIVE digis of their choice!

The DT have all used one of her fabby images this week, I chose a real cutie called Windy Play and made a corner bookmark for my daughter who LOVES reading! Here it is:

They are SO easy to make, a piece of card 4"x4", score and fold the top into a chevron then decorate as you choose! I used Autumn colours and added some leaves cut from a DP to decorate. Slide it over the corner of the page you want to save like this:

I am entering my bookmark into the following challenges:

Going Grey With Scrap Creations - Fall.
Craft Your Passion #79 - Anything Goes (with a twist=ribbon.)
Hooked on Craft #9 - Anything BUT a Card.
House of Gilli #17 - Autumn/Fall.
Nettie G's Digital Gems- Autumn/Fall.
Just Some Lines - It's Fall Y'all!

Let's Hear it For The BOYS

2011-10-02T12:33:00.000+01:00

Welcome to another challenge at THE CRAFTY PAD. I am amazed each and every week at the beautiful array of creations I am lucky enough to visit as I journey through Blogland, and last week was no exception! I do hope you can all join us again this week for our latest challenge #141 which is

ONE FOR THE BOYS

The DT all used Debbie's fabulous Pocket Watch & Elements this week, (available from The Crafty Pad Designs,) and I am in awe of the DT creations...You simply MUST go and take a look, they're STUNNING! I admit that I struggled somewhat with this one, although I adore the images, I find the 'cute' images easier to work with....I admit that this is a style I really need to get better at!

Anyway, our fabby sponsor this week is Crafty Emma with a prize of £10 to spend in her online store (excl. P&P)

Here's my humble creation:

I created a montage of pocket watches and cogs as the main image, then printed directly onto the DP. All layers have had the edges distressed with a pair of scissors. I also created a border of cogs which I printed directly onto the DP and is on the LHS of my card. On the main image image I added extra pocket watches on foam pads and covered them with Anita's 3D glaze. I added a few card candy dots, and printed my sentiment directly onto the DP.

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

One Stop Craft - Just For Men.
Here Come The Boys - Wheely Nice!
Crafts 4 Eternity #39 - Anything Goes.
Digi Makeover Challenge #4 - Size Matters! (Change the Size of your Digi.)

Thanks for stopping by, I do hope you manage to join us!

For Fun wants to see WARMTH

2011-09-28T08:01:00.004+01:00

Happy Hump day one and all :)

I'll get straight to the point and share my card with you...

At FOR FUN we are aware that the cooler weather is upon us, so we want to see your creations that'll WARM US UP!!! We want to try and beat the chills !! It might be warm colours, a warm sentiment, wrapped up warm image...hope you get what I mean!!!?!

As my daughter's friend had a birthday this past weekend , I decided to make my DT card with this in mind...I went for warm colours.

Our wonderful sponsor this week is once again BUGABOO (we at FOR FUN are HUGE Bugaboo fans!) The lucky winner gets to choose a whopping 7 images of their choice!

My image has been coloured with Promarkers, cut out and mounted on foam pads.

I used Papermania Creative Tones DPs, matted and layered onto co-ordinating cardstock. I created the sentiments on the computer using the font I think is called 'Fancy Pants!' I then cut it out with a grommet tag and attached it to my card using small brads. I really like this layout, and think I'll definately be using it (or similar) again.

I also made a very similar card for another one of my daughter's friends who had her birthday the same weekend! She had parties on both Saturday AND Sunday! I just wish my social-life was half as good as hers!!! Lol! Here it is:

I am going to enter my card into the following challenges:

Going Grey With Scrap Creations - It's a Girl Thing.
Stamps R Us - Birthday Cards.
Creative Inspirations Paint - White + 1 other colour (mine is PINK.)
Paper Sundaes #88 - Anything Goes.

We hope to see you join us over at FOR FUN this week!

LOVE this image !!

2011-09-27T18:47:00.002+01:00

I just HAD to share this card with you, I totally LOVE this image, it's another one of Tracey's fab designs from THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE. TSB are sponsoring the current challenge at Creative Craft World which is AUTUMN/FALL.

Here's a close up of the coloured image (I used Promarkers of course!)

I used various digital DPs and the rest of the embellishments are from my stash; some gold corrugated card, Stickles, a ribbon. some tiny gems, flowers and card candy. The sentiment is from Sentiments 4 U and is part of a set; I just altered the colour to suit my card. I used Kraft card and some pearlised bronze to mat and layer.

There are lots of Fall/Autumn challenges out there in blogland; here are the ones I am entering my card into:

The Stamping Boutique Monthly contest - use a TSB image.
Card Cupids - Fall/Autumn.
Just Some Lines - Fall/Autumn Colours.
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days #17 - Lots of Layers.
Crafts 4 Eternity #38 - Autumn Days.
Crafty Catz #101 - Autumn.
4 Crafty Chicks - Fall.
Crafty Purple Frog - Fall into Fall!
Delightful Challenges - Happy Fall Y'all
Digi Doodle Shop #76 - Autumn Colours.
Paperplay #38 - Autumn Leaves.
Crafting for all Seasons #10 - Fall Colours.
The Paper Shelter #32 - Anything Goes.
Penny's Paper Crafty #62 - Fall.

Don't forget to pop to The Stamping Boutique SHOP and grab yourself some fab images to work with!

Card Cupids Sponsored by The Stamping Boutique

2011-09-26T12:09:00.003+01:00

Good Morning all, I hope you are enjoying a little sunshine as I am, with the promise of a lovely week ahead too, what a bonus!

As you know, I am a new recruit at The Stamping Boutique, and this week we are sponsoring the challenge at Card Cupids, which has a theme of FALL/AUTUMN. There is a fab prize of 4 digis of choice for the lucky winning entry.

Here's my card:

I was thrilled when I saw the adorable image, it's called 'Rainy Cynthia', and you'll be pleased to know there is a whole bunch of fabulous Fairy Cynthia images available...yay !!! You can get your hands on them HERE. She is of course coloured with my Promarkers.

I used a range of digital papers for this one, all Autumn colours/designs. I cut out some individual leaves from the papers to use as embellishments which I think have worked rather well. I added some Divine Baker's Twine, some gems and of course a couple of my handmade posh pins along with a sentiment to complete the card.

I will enter my card into the following challenges:

Card Cupids - Fall/Autumn.
CR84Fun - Colour challenge (yellow, orange & brown.)
Just Some Lines - Fall/Autumn Colours.
Send a Smile for Kids - Cute Fall or Halloween cards.
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days #17 - Lots of Layers.
Crafts 4 Eternity #38 - Autumn Days.
Crafty Catz #101 - Autumn.
4 Crafty Chicks - Fall.
Crafty Purple Frog - Fall into Fall!
Delightful Challenges - Happy Fall Y'all!
Digi Doodle Shop #76 - Autumn Colours.
Paperplay #38 - Autumn Leaves.
Crafting for all Seasons #10 - Fall Colours.
Crafty Creations #136 - Fabulous Fairies.
The Paper Shelter #32 - Anything Goes.
Penny's Paper Crafty #62 - Fall.
The Stamping Boutique Monthly Contest - Use a TSB image.

Thanks for popping in.

We're In Stitches at The Crafty Pad

2011-09-25T10:26:00.000+01:00

Good Morning and welcome to another Sunday, and another challenge at THE CRAFTY PAD. This week we ask you to use

** STITCHING **

on your creations...it can be real or faux.

All of the DT have been very excited this week as we got to play with some of Debbie's latest designs in our creations. They are available individually, or as a set for a fab price of just £1.40

Here's my card:

I used the elements to create a border and added stitching on both sides. I printed onto the DP and cut the edges with a border punch.

This forms the stopper of the easel card. A small piece of ribbon and a stick-pin have been added.

The main image is the wonderful sewing machine, printed onto the DP, with some digital stitching and buttons.

Cut with a nestie, the edges have been inked and I added a sewing needle charm on some black thread. I am really into making posh pins atm, so I've added a couple of those too!

The backing panels are black card, which I embossed with an embossing folder in my Big Shot. I made a flower from a piece if Angel Hair paper (not quite as successful as I'd hoped but the colour was so perfect I persevered and think it j

just about works!) I also made a ticket sentiment which reads 'Sew' Special!

We have a fabulous sponsor once again this week,

Crafty Sentiments Designs with 3 digis of choice as a prize!

I know I say it every week, but the DT creations this week are once again so varied and all equally awesome, and I'd love for you to pop over and take a peek!

I am entering my card into the following challenges:

Just Some Lines - Autumn Colours.
My Sheri Crafts #69 - Sew Simple (stitching.)
One Stop Craft #150 - Easel Crafts.
Digi Doodle Shop #76 - Autumn Colours.
Crafting For All Seasons #10 - Fall Colours.
Scrapbook Sisters #53 - Fall Colours.
Shopping Our Stash - No Colouring Allowed.

Thanks for visiting, I look forward to visiting your blogs to see all of your wonderful stitching creations.

More Fun at FOR FUN

2011-09-21T11:56:00.001+01:00

It's challenge time once again at FOR FUN and this week we want to see your ANNIVERSARY cards or scrapbook pages. And just to add a little twist, we DON'T want to see any bells or wedding cakes!

Our fabulous sponsor this week is The Paper Shelter, with a mahoosive $20 spend in their online shop (boy I wish I could win that!!)

Here's my card:

It's for my hubby, our anniversary is next week...19 years married! I used the pre-coloured image, very kindly given to us to work with by our sponsor. I've layered up some papers from their Pepe in Love collection, added some gems, a ribbon and some flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, along with a sentiment I created on the computer.

Don't forget that today sees the start of the Feline Playful blog hop, which FOR FUN is proud to be sponsoring.

I will enter my card into the following challenges:

Try it on Tuesdays - Anything Goes, inspired by Louis Armstrong's 'Wonderful World.' (My marriage!)
Kaboodle Doodles #85 - Lots of Layers.
Nettie G's Digital Gems- Anything Goes.
Magic in the Air - Someone Special (my Hubby.)
The Paper Shelter #32 - Anything Goes.

I do hope you make it over to FOR FUN to see the other DT cards and join in our challenge.

I Made it onto THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE DT!

2011-09-18T20:00:00.002+01:00

As promised, I'm back again with my 2nd post of the day, and some exciting news. A while back, during the summer hols I applied to a DT call at THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE. I didn't expect to hear anything, there were over 30 applicants, so was thrilled when I discovered I had been chosen as one of the lucky ones to join Tracey and the girls!

I love the images Tracey creates and am in my element choosing whichever ones I want to create with! Here's a card I made using the fabulous Nesting Doll #2

Isn't she adorable! I used some freebie papers from a magazine, brown and cream card for matting & layering, some card candy dots and some die cut snowflakes (quickutz.) I die-cut the layers behind the doll with my labels nesties, embossed the cream layer with a cuttlebug snowflakes folder and rubbed over it with Tim Holtz distress ink.

If you want to see more of Tracey's fab designs then head on over to The Stamping Boutique Shop.

I am going to enter my card into the following challenges:

Jingle Belles - Use a digi element.
Phindy's Place #72 Christmas.
4 Crafty Chicks #55 - Embossing.
The Stamping Boutique Monthly Contest - Use a TSB image.

Before I go, I would like to send a big smile and warm welcome to my latest follwers: Melissa, Rebekah, Sandy, Rene, and Diane. I am thrilled you decided to join me! Please pop over to visit their wonderful blogs and see their fab work.

Thanks for popping in this evening, and I hope to see you again soon!

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

2011-09-18T08:01:00.003+01:00

Good Morning everyone, welcome to my little corner of blogland. Sunday is with us again, and sees the start of a brand new challenge at THE CRAFTY PAD. This week our theme is

DIAMONDS Are a Girl's Best Friend

In other words, we want you to use GEMS on your creations. Here's my card...

The DT have all created with Belinda in Reflection available from The Crafty Pad Designs. I have played around with the image a little...here's the whole image:

As you can see, instead of using the mirror, I have 'reflected' the image of Belinda herself.

I have added lots of gems, mainly clear, with a few red and green thrown in for good measure!

I can't remember where the sentiment is from, but I thought it was perfect for the card! I think I'm having a blonde day today as I can't remember what my papers are either (sorry about that!) My Belindas are coloured with Promarkers.

Our sponsor this week is the lovely Joanna Sheen with a £10 shopping spree in her online shop.

I would like my card to be considered for the following challenges:

Pattie's Creations #30 - Girly Things.
Delightful Challenges - Girly Girl.
Moving Along with the Times #116 - Sparkle.
One Stop Craft Challenge #149 - Girlie.
Ellephantastic - Here Come The Girls.

Hope to see you over at The Crafty Pad!

Oooh, before you go, do pop back to my blog later today as I have another post coming up, and some exciting news!!!!!

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-11T08:01:00.001+01:00

Well, with the littlies back at school and the evenings drawing in, I think summer is definately over. Sooooo, this week at THE CRAFTY PAD we have a challenge to reflect this; we want you to create with a theme of

GOODBYE SUMMER

What does that mean? It means you can use your AUTUMNAL colours in your creations. The end of summer sees the start of autumn, so dig out those warm, rich browns, reds, oranges, yellows etc and go for it!

Our sponsor this week is the super DIGITAL DOWNLOADS with a £10 spend.

The DT have all used the mega-cute Jeremy Popping Around available from The Crafty Pad Designs is currently just 66p and comes both with and without sentiment. Here's what I made:

I altered a notebook. I coloured my Jeremy image with Promarkers and cut out with a lacey circle nestie.

My DPs are My Minds Eye (Mabel.) I used my flower punch, Marianne border punch, and an orange satin ribbon.

I added some Divine Twine and ribbons tied around the spiral binding to hide it.

I used my grommet tag die to back the handwritten 'notes' label.

The DT have made some stunning creations this week, so please go over and see them!

I will enter my notebook in the following challenges:

The Poodles Parlour - Animal Antics.
Wags n Whiskers #62 - Anything but a Card.
Craft Us Crazy #16 - Autumnal Colours and/or Fave Embellishment.
Crafty Creations #135 - Anything But Square.
Digistamps 4 Joy #27 - Fall Colours.
Everybody Art #158 - Autumn.
Critter Sketch #81- Anything BUT a Card.
Lexi's Creations #48 - Autumn.

Thanks for popping in...hope to see you in our CRAFTY PAD challenge!

....Oooooooooo! Baby Love...

2011-09-09T14:41:00.000+01:00

Sorry, it's Friday and I can't help but burst into song, especially one as good as this! I know I'm nuts but I'm sure I'm in good company :P

My mum asked if I could make a personalised new baby card for her neighbour's son, as I made one for their 1st daughter and they loved it...kept talking about it for weeks apparently, and she wanted to do the same for their 2nd daughter, who was born at the end of August. It's been so busy since she asked, today has been the first chance I've had...here's what I made:

I know I've used this image before, but I do love it, I couldn't resist giving it another outing! He's called Baby Roger, and is the handiwork of Helen Laurence. I've given 'him' a pink nappy and am naming 'her' Rosie for this card!!!! She is of course coloured using Promarkers and cut out with a nestie.

My papers are digis, the pink one says 'Baby Girl' all over in tiny print, the yellow has pink dots. I've matted/layered onto pink and yellow card, and inked the edges in pink. I cut the corners with a Marianne corner punch to soften them.

I have added a few embellishments...a ribbon, some flat-backed pearls, satin ribbon roses, a gingham padded heart, and one of my homemade posh pins (I am loving these atm!)

I used the computer to make the sentiments using the font 'Pooh.' I used a corner punch to round off the corners.

I wanted to make it special, and so I also decorated the inside to match.

I made the card with the following challenges in mind:

Aud Sentiments #36 - Card/Sentiment for a Girl.
Pixie Dust Studio #91 - Baby Boy/Girl.
Truly Scrumptious - Decorate the Inside of Your Card.
Your Next Stamp Challenge #50 - Song Inspiration (my song is 'Baby Love' by the Supremes.)
Deep Ocean Challenge #7 - Hearts (Padded gingham heart, heart flat-backed pearls and a tiny heart on the bear's foot!)
IDIC #71 - Girly Girls.

Thanks for dropping in...here's to a great weekend :)

SALE Now on at THE CRAFTY PAD

2011-09-07T19:19:00.000+01:00

(Note: If you're looking for my FOR FUN DT post it's below this one.)

Yes folks, there's a sale on at THE CRAFTY PAD for 7 days only....starting TODAY through to 14th September. Go check out the fab digital images, including the latest additions, a set of Steam-Punk-Style images and sentiments.

You can get a massive 40% digital images for a range of occasions, so don't delay....go shopping TODAY!

Kids at Play

2011-09-07T08:00:00.002+01:00

Is is only Wednesday...?! REALLY???? Phew, I'm exhausted already! It's been all things new for us this week, as both my boys started new schools, my daughter a new class, and me...the impossible task of driving 3 littlies to 3 different school each morning, then picking them up in reverse order at the end of each day! Of course, it was FOUL weather yesterday, and I had my first experience of what I can now expect every weekday.....MAYHEM! It took me over an hour to drive to each school and drop them off before moving on to the next, paired with super-busy traffic and torrential rain, not my idea of a good time, and I haven't even mentioned the fallen tree blocking the road that caused me to make a huge detour!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAnyway, enough of that, let's talk about challenges of a much more fun nature...the FOR FUN CHALLENGE this week is all about

KIDS AT PLAY

We want to see all of those fab images where kids are having fun! And there are none better than the fab images the DT have used this week, courtesy of our sponsor, Di's Digi Downloads.

The lucky winner of our challenge this week will get to choose 5 fab images of their choice from the wonderful selection. Whoo Hoo!

I didn't make a card this week, I made a Sweet-Treat Cover.

I followed a very easy tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers which you can find HERE. I made this for my youngest son, who statred school on Monday...he is the 1st to be collected on the school run, so these little sweeties were to keep him occupied as we went to pick up the other two.

Inside is a little cellophane bag with sweeties inside. The front flap has been border-punched and tucks under the little guy on his bike's hair. Talking of that adorable image, he's called Billy BMX and is one of Di's Digis. I coloured him up using Promarkers and popped him onto a piece of yellow DP with the edges inked in green, then some black card. I added some white gel pen dots and a sentiment to finish.

I made my sweet treat cover with a few challenges in mind:

Critter Sketch - Anything But a Card.
OSAAT #78 - Use a Digi.
Catch the Bug - Anything Goes (#2)
Just Some Lines - Anything But a Card.
Wags n Whiskers #62 - Anything But a Card.

I do hope you'll join us, thanks for visiting.

Blue & Brown...LOVE That Colour Combo

2011-09-04T08:01:00.007+01:00

** UPDATE **

Yay! This card WON at Send a Smile 4 Kids

Good Morning blog-buddies, I hope you're all having as good a weekend as I am?! We are at our caravan and my sis and family are staying here in a caravan on the same park too...there are 7 kids aged between 17 and 4 and they're all getting on like a house on fire :D

Onto this week's new challenge at THE CRAFTY PAD. This week we want to see your

BLUE & BROWN

creations. Ooooh, I LURVE that colour combo so I couldn't wait to crack into this one. Here's my card:

My adorable image is called Just Ted with Flower, and is one of Debbie's fab images available from THE CRAFTY PAD DESIGNS, and currently on offer at just 59p. The DT have all created with one one of the Ted images, so make sure you pop over to the challenge blog and take a peek. There are several Ted images available, including some fab ones for Christmas cards; find them ALL in TCP SHOP.

Here's a close up of my 'Posh Pins' which I made myself following the lovely Leesa's tutorial (thanks Leesa!)

A close-up of Ted, coloured with Promarkers...I tried to give him a textured/fluffy look...d'you think it worked?

My sentiment ticket is also from THE CRAFTY PAD DESIGNS, and coloured with Promarkers.

My DPs are Pink Petticoat and a freebie from My Grafico. Hope you like it!

Gosh, I nearly forgot to tell you about our sponsor this week! We welcome back CRAFTY RIBBONS who are offering up some EXCLUSIVE Xmas ribbons which they've designed themselves!

I will enter my card into the following challenges:

I Love Promarkers #81 - Anything Goes.
The Paper Shelter #29 - Anything Goes.
Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes.
Party Time Tuesday #31 - Anything Goes.
Passion For Promarkers wk #115 - Anything Goes.
Daisy Doodles Creative #41 - Anything Goes.
Catch the Bug - September Anything Goes.
Send a Smile 4 Kids - Birthday Fun.

Thanks so much for visiting.

It's The CHRISTMAS Challenge at FOR FUN!

2011-08-31T11:10:00.003+01:00

** UPDATE **

Wow! I made TOP 3 at Crafts 4 Eternity with this card...thanks so much!

Morning bloggers,

this morning sees a new challenge at FOR FUN, and this week it's all about

CHRISTMAS

I am thrilled to say we have the very talented Michelle Perkett Studio as our sponsor, and as you will know, I am a huge fan of her work, so this week's DT card was a pleasure to make! Here it is:

I made a rocker card, using the gorgeous Snow Goddess, which is available from Michelle's Etsy shop. I printed the digi DP straight onto card, and cut a rocker-shaped base. I used my lacey circle nesties to cut the image & frame, and coloured her with co-ordinating Promarkers. I added a ribbon to the base before attaching the topper, then finished it off with some of my homemade Posh Pins!

We do hope to see lots of you taking part this week, and with such a fab prize up for grabs, why wouldn't you! The DT love to visit your blogs and leave some love for you talented guys out there too!

I will enter my card into the following challenges:

One Stop Craft #146 - Anything but Square.
Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe #34 - Christmas Theme.
Bah Humbug #34 - Girly (must be Christmas.)
Phindy's Place #70 - Make Your Own Embellishments (I made my own 'Posh Pins.')

Thanks so much for visiting my little corner of blogland.

THANK YOU MPS

2011-08-29T20:11:00.003+01:00

Phew! made it! I so wanted to join in with the last challenge at Michelle Perkett Studios. I am really sad, but they do say all good things must come to an end. The theme this week rather fittingly is Thank You. I followed this sketch (#28) from A Gem of a Challenge:

Here's my card:

Apologies for the poor picture, the lighting is terrible; it's actually really pretty, mint and lilac. My papers are digital, from a set called Aurora Tides (sorry, can't remember where I got them.) The image is of course a Michelle Perkett one, and was a freebie from PCP. I coloured it with Promarkers. I used a Martha Stewart border punch for the diagonal border, my lacey circle nestie for the image, and my grommet tags for the sentiment. I added gems, punched flowers, some leaf punchies and pearls to complete.

I am dedicating my card to Michelle annd the mermaids...thanks girls for such a fab blog.

I will enter the following challenges:

The Paper Shelter #28 - Die Cuts & Punches.
Aud Sentiments #35 - Anything Goes.
Delightful Challenges - Use Digital Papers.
Paper Crafting Journey - Anything Goes.
Sisterhood of Crafters - Flowers.

See you soon, thanks for visiting.

I'm DISTRESSED!

2011-08-28T18:47:00.002+01:00

** UPDATE **

Yay! This card WON the I Love Promarkers challenge (paper piercing!) ***

Hi everybody, so sorry I'm late today, we decided to come to our caravan for the last week of the holiday and so it was a mad rush to get sorted, packed and away! We've arrived safely, and the first thing I've unpacked is of course....my laptop!!

So, today's new challenge at THE CRAFTY PAD is.....

DISTRESSING & TEARING

Our sponsor this week is the lovely CRAFTY EMMA'S STORE, with a £10 voucher to spend in her online shop.

Well, I can honestly say, this challenge took me WAAAAAY out of my comfort zone! It's not a stlye/technique I'd ever tried, but I wasn't going to let that get the better of me! So, I googled and watched several YouTube videos, and set to work! Here's what happened:

Now don't laugh, this was my very FIRST attempt at distressing, and I think I went over-board and tried to use ALL of the techniques I saw in the demos on this ONE card! My images are of course from The Crafty Pad Designs, Sammy Scarecrow (currently on offer for just 59p) and Albert Diggin' (just 99p)

Inside the card

Definately a 'rustic' feel, and as a dear friend said when she saw it, it does indeed look as if it's been hanging around in the shed for a while! Lol!

Tearing & paper-piercing

The scarecrow was crumpled up then rubbed with a used teabag to stain it. Once dried, I paper-pierced the edges. The 'straw' looking bits are unravelled pieces of string, held in place with card candy dots.

My farmer has been coloured with earthy tones of Promarkers, and inked over before paper-piercing.

Do you like my cabbages? I used my Marianne flower dies to make them!! Not your pretty flowers, but |I think they kinda work...?!

So, lots of tearing, lots of ink, crumpling, paper-piercing, roughing up with the edge of my scissors and rubbing with sandpaper...not to mention the old teabag!!! I did have fun but have to admit its not my best creation, or my proudest moment!! I have made a couple of other cards using these techniques, and I have improved a little ;)

If you want to see some superb examples, then head on over to the challenge blog, and see what the other DT members have made...stunning creations that really do put my effort to shame! We really hope you will join us this week.

Don't forget, we currently have a DT call out too, so pop over and leave us some details if you're interested!

I am going to enter a few of challenges:

Creative Inspirations Paint - Lots of Layers.
OSAAT #77 - Halloween or Autumn (I went with Autumn.)
Challenge Up Your Life #51 - Something For a Man.
Crazy For Challenges #102 - Male-themed cards.
One Stop Craft #146 - Anything But Square.
Phindy's Place #70 - Make Your Own Embellishments (my cabbages!!)
Show & Tell (New!) - Anything Goes.
Wags n Whiskers #61 - Outdoor Fun.
DYSU #34 - Boy or Man.
I Love Promarkers #80 - Paper Piercing.

Thanks so much for visiting me today, here's wishing you a fab Bank Holiday Monday!

I'm a Guest Designer at Michelle Perkett Studios

2011-08-25T04:00:00.009+01:00

Hi my friends, today is a special day for me as I am the Guest Designer at Michelle Perkett Studios. It is a bitter-sweet moment if truth be known, as I am their final GD as the challenge blog is closing down, and this week's challenge is their last.

I am really sad to see the end of the challenge blog, but so pleased that Michelle will be continuing to create her wonderful images and selling them in her Etsy shop.

I used the beautiful image called 'Air' one of the elements images to create two different cards...one using soft pastels and the other bold brights. Here they are:

Soft Pastels Card #1 - A Spring Card

I am entering THIS CARD (#1) into the following challenges:

Happileigh Scrapping #36 - Girly.
Digital Tuesday #125 - Cute & Girly.
Stamps R Us - Anything Goes.

Bold Brights Card #2 (a 6" scalloped square card)

My DPs are all freebies from magazines by Pink Petticoat and Kate Knight. I used Promarkers to colour both images, and everything else is from my stash.

This week's final challenge at MPS is 'Thank You' ... I do hope you will be able to join in and bid the mermaids a fond farewell.

I am going to enter THIS CARD (#2) into the following challenges:

Crafty Calendar (August) - Hot Colours.
Just Some Lines - Embossing.
Marks Finest Papers #69 - Emboss it!
One Stop Craft Challenge #145 - Bold & Bright.

Before I go, I'd like to say hello and give a big wave to my latest followers: Crafty Chris and Jemima's Gems (no link that I can find...) Thanks so much for joining me on my crafting journey.

'Back to School' with the FOR FUN Challenge

2011-08-24T03:00:00.008+01:00

** UPDATE **

I WON at Simply Create with my 'Back to School' card! Yay!

Happy Hump-Day everyone! I am at my mum and dad's on the Isle of Wight with my 3 littlies for a few days, catching up with the family.

Just a week and a half left of the holidays, then back to school for mine, and for most if they've not started back already. So, quite appropriately, our theme this week at FOR FUN challenges is:

BACK TO SCHOOL

Our sponsor this week is Digi Doodle Shop with a $10 gift certificate, and the DT have all used images very generously donated by them.

...Here's my card:

Such a beautiful, wistful image, she's called DAYDREAMER and you can find her and loads of other fab images in the Digi Doodles Shop. She is coloured with Promarkers and cut with a labels nestie. I then inked it up a little to fit the vintage-style I was going for.

My sentiment is computer generated , again slightly distressed.

The papers are digis from various sources, which I distressed with my scissors and inks, matted onto an olive green base-card, and teamed with some Kraft card too. I've added some vintage lace and flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, and some posh pins which I made myself...following a tute by my DT buddy, Leesa.

I also added some detail to the inside, including a fabulous quote: 'The Worth of a Book is to be Measured by what you can Carry Away From it.' (James Bryce.)

I do hope you will join our challenge this week, and don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's inspiration too.

My card was made with the following challenges in mind:

Going Grey with Scrap Creations - Back to School.
Party Time Tuesday #30 - Back to School.
Crazy Challenge #81 - Back to School.
Creative Stamp Friends #32 - School.
2 Sisters #53 - Back to School.
Fairy Tale #22 - Back to School.
Floweret #6 - School.
Simply Create #50 - Time to Distress.

See you there!

Baby on the Way!

2011-08-22T10:53:00.000+01:00

.......Yikes, NO, not ME !!!! What WERE you thinking!?

I've made this card following the Glitter Geeks sketch this week:

Here's the card:

I chose my fave colour combo, lilac and lemon, and used simple gingham DPs from Pink Petticoat. My image is called Pregnant Emmy from The Digi Stamp Boutique. I coloured her up with promarkers and popped her on top of a lacey circle nestie cutout.

I added some punched flowers, flat-backed pearls, a die-cut flourish and computer-generated sentiment, using Sunshine Poppy font.

Challenges I'd like to enter:

Corrosive Challenges #130 - Girlie.
Paper Crafting Journey #17 - Anything Goes.
Designed to Delight - Anything Goes.
Sassy Studios #86 - More than 1 Die-Cut.
Creative Belli #124 - Gingham.

Lonzo Update:

My little kitty is finding her cage-rest VERY difficult. She climbs and wails and squeezes her head through the gaps at the top of the cage! She is allowed 'time-out' for a cuddle/social development as she is so young, and I have to admit, she has had a lot of 'timeout' for lap-cuddles!!! It's gonna be a looooong few weeks!!!

Shake It On A Sunday !!

2011-08-21T10:00:00.037+01:00

** UPDATE **

I made TOP 3 at Crafty Ann's with this card...I'm so chuffed!

Morning folks, it's Sunday (again!) which means time for a brand new Crafty Pad Challenge! We had a mammoth number of entries last week, and it was sooo hard to pick my faves, there were so many! I do hope I have the same 'problem' again this week !!

Our theme this week is to make a

SHAKER CARD

I do LOVE shaker cards, they are so effective! Here's mine.

Our sponsor is once again the very generous Joanna Sheen with a £10 gift voucher to spend in her online shop.

The DT have all chosen their own image from Crafty Pad Designs this week, I chose to use the cupcakes from the Complete Cupcake Set. I used the layer elements for dimension and coloured them with Promarkers. I added a little strawberry to the top of each one, which I cut out from some spare DP.

My papers are all from The Creative Cottage Strawberry Garden collection. Sadly The Creative Cottage closed down in June, so these papers are no longer available. They have been matted onto black card, to give definition.

My sentiment is also from The Crafty Pad Designs, you can get it HERE.

Onto the shaker itself. I cut the shapes using my nesties, and filled it with a selection of tiny flower beads and pearls.

I added some tiny strawberries and gems to the border, and a little gingham bow. My finishing embellies are some Baker's Twine, gingham ribbon, a flower made from the DP and some corners, again made from spare DP.

The DT have made some fab samples yet again this week, and each one of us used something different inside our shaker, so do go and get some inspiration...not forgetting to leave some love of course!

My card was made with the following challenges in mind:

Creative Belli #124 - Gingham.
Simon Says Stamp - Food & Drink.
Your Next Stamp Challenge #49- Fruit (hope the strawberries are enough...?)
The Stamp Man #29 - Anything Goes with Summer Colours.
Poodles Parlour - Anything Goes.
Fussy & Fancy - 3 or more of your fave embellies.
Crafty Anns #47 - Fancy borders &/or scallops.
Designed 2 Delight - Anything Goes.
CYDA #27 - Cupcakes!

Thanks for looking do hope you can join us! x

BBQ Birthday Card & GOOD NEWS for Kitty!!

2011-08-19T13:45:00.001+01:00

Happy Friday folks, and thank goodness it's a bit brighter out there today! I'm here to share a card I made a while back for my nephew's birthday, AND to share some good news about my little kitten, Lonzo!

First, the card.

This fab image is from Nitwits 'All Fired Up' collection. I printed it 3 times and layered sections up to give a real 3D effect.

The DPs are digital, purchased from Cardmaking Downloads, called Gingham Backing Papers, Beach Colours...there are 8 different colours for just £1. I matted and layered them up on matching cardstock, using a layout I made up as I went along! The sentiment was created in Word, and cut with my grommet tags.

I secured it woth some tiny button brads, added a couple more elsewhere on the card, some Baker's Divine Twine and some card candy to complete.

I also decorated the inside using the pieces of DP I had left over.

I made this card with the following challenges in mind:

Paper Crafting Journey #17 - Anything Goes.
Rainbow Ladies Challenge #166 - Song of Choice (In the Summertime' by Mungo Jerry.)
Creative Belli #124 - Gingham.
My Mum's Craft Shop #19 - Summer Time (who doesn't fire up the barbie in Summer!?!)
Simon Says Stamp - Food & Drink.
Cards For Men #17 - Anything Goes.
Paper Pretties (Monday Challenge) - BBQ or Picnic.
OSAAT #75 - Anything Goes.

And NOW....Lonzo!

Firstly, thanks so much for all the kind words and well-wishes, you really are so sweet!

She's home! :D Had a call from the vets, and to cut a long story short, they only got as far as the anaesthetic because she had an adverse reaction and they couldn't do the op! The vet did assure me he was confident the break was stable and will heal quickly as she's a kitten, so sent her home for cage-rest with painkillers. She's not enjoying the cage (understandably) but they were ADAMANT she must stay there, and not climb etc. So, happy to have her home....fingers crossed she heals well.

Vintage Style at MPS

2011-08-19T00:37:00.000+01:00

Good Evening (or it may well be Good Morning by the time this post gets published as it's close to midnight here!)

I have spent a bit of time over the past couple of weeks having a go at distressing techniques and the vintage look in my cardmaking, and have realised I have a lot to learn!! I googled it and watched numerous videos on You Tube, and my first creation rivalled Frankenstein in HIS creation of a monster if I'm honest...quite gruesome!! It's actually one of my DT cards for an upcoming challenge, so look out for it, you WON'T miss it I can promise you that!

Today I have made another 2 cards, and I must say, I AM improving, especially since I don't have any special tools, (or even any proper distress inks for that matter!) I've used some grotty old ink pads that have seen better days and the blade of my scissors to do the distressing....here's card number 3:

I guess it's hard to see how I've distressed the edges of the DPs and card-mats in the pics, but I really did go to town with the scissors!!!

I made this card with a few challenges in mind, in particular Michelle Perkett Studios who are having a VINTAGE theme this week, AND are also giving away this wonderful image I've used for the card as a FREEBIE too!

I followed the sketch from this week's Cupcake Craft Challenge (see below.)

My DPs are digital, called a Touch of Elegance, and were purchased from ScrapBookingMad. I printed the 'Believe' senti straight onto the DP and coloured the image with Promarkers.

It is mounted using double layered foam pads for a real 3D effect. I cut some flourishes and added white flat-backed pearls (I always think pearls are kinda 'vintage.')

Some of my fave black gingham ribbon to one of the panels, and added a small Tibetan silver charm using jump-rings to complete.

I also made my card with the following challenges in mind:

Incy Wincy Designs #106 Recipe: 3 embellies (ribbon, charm & pearl,) 2 papers (pink and charcoal,) 1 image (dress.)
Lia Stampz Challenge (new!) #1 - Add a Charm.
Pollycraft #106 - Distressing.
There She Goes - #120 Colour challenge (baby Pink, Black & coral...(I have used the 1st 2 colours.))
Dream Valley #13 - Distressing.
OSAAT #75 - Anything Goes.
Designed to Delight - Colour Combo Pink & Black.

Thanks for looking! I'll be back tomorrow with an update on our little Lonzo!

Oh What a Day!

2011-08-17T21:44:00.001+01:00

Boy oh boy, what a day today turned out to be! My poor little kitten (Lonzo, a silver tabby,) started limping whilst we were away, so as soon as we got back I made an appointment with the vets. Well, to cut a long story short, she has a broken leg, which is further complicated because the break is on the growth plate....I have been from the regular vet to see a specialist, who kept her in and is going to operate tomorrow. So far it's cost me £500, and the op estimate is for £2000 !! OMG, I am so pleased we took out pet insurance (although a large part of today's expenditure won't be covered.) All this tooing and froing with 3 littlies in-tow, (one of whom was my 4 year old son, Noah, who is Autistic, and finds anything out of routine/strange places difficult to handle, so that was no picnic in the park I can tell you!)

We have no idea how she did it, poor little love, but she's still been playful and not off her food.

So folks, my advice to all you pet-owners out there, is for goodness sake, TAKE OUT PET INSURANCE! You never know when you might need it!

Oh yes, once she is home I've got to keep her cage-rested (in a small dog-cage) for SIX WEEKS!!! Goodness knows how any of us will cope with that!

I'll let you know how she gets on. x

Scrap That!!!!

2011-08-17T03:00:00.003+01:00

Welcome to Wednesday, already halfway through another week.....the summer hols are just galloping by! :(

The good news is that we have a new challenge over at FOR FUN and a new sponsor too.....I am very excited to announce that we have none other than Sylvia Zet's WEE STAMPS as our sponsor! If you don't know her work, (where have you been!?) you simply MUST go and see it.....you are going to fall in love at first sight!

Our challenge this week is to create a SCRAP PAGE that shows FUN!

The lucky winner will receive 3 digi images of their choice from the Wee Stamps Shop!

Now, if I'm honest, I'm really not a scrapper, in fact I've only ever made cards, but a challenge is a challenge, and as part of the DT I had to rise to that challenge!! Here's what I made:

It's a 12"x12" page of my daughter, Zoe. I chose 4 photos of her, all from fun times over the last couple of years...blowing bubbles in Nanny & Grandad's garden, riding her bike, playing on the beach, and at my sister's wedding. I used nesties and tag grommet dies to cut the shapes. And then, the clever bit! I printed my Wee Stamps images, kindly provided by Sylvia for our challenge, directly onto Safmat (by Letraset.) I also printed the text and some dandelion seed images onto the Safmat too. Cut around the section you want, peel off the backing and apply to wherever you want it! If you look carefully at the image below, you can JUST see the light reflecting off the fairy image next to the photo, but to all intents and purposes, once it's stuck on, it's virtually transparent.

I then added a few paper flowers, some brads, a border down the left hand side (that went on first actually!) and some corner flourishes to complete the page...not bad for a first attempt, even if I do say so myself!!!

So, if I can do it, so can you!! Challenge youself if you're not a scrapper, and if you are, what better excuse to create a new page!

I am going to enter the following challenges:

Creative Craft Challenges - Anything But a Card.
Try it on Tuesday - Anything Goes.
Paper Playtime #53 - Anything Goes.
The Shabby Tearoom #75 - Polka Dots.
Lasting Memories Layout Challenges #51 - Try Something New.
OSAAT - Anything Goes.
Allsorts wk#116 - Anything But a Card.
Stampin' for the Weekend - Spots & Dots.

I do hope you will come and join us at FOR FUN CHALLENGES this week...thanks for looking!

Cute n Girly at THE CRAFTY PAD

2011-08-14T11:48:00.002+01:00

Good Morning blog-buddies! Already halfway through August!...can you believe it?

As its Sunday, we have a brand new challenge for you over at THE CRAFTY PAD, and it's gonna be a big one! Our theme this week is

CUTE n GIRLY

A favourite with lots of you I'm confident that the DT will be busy visiting lots of blogs to view lots of wonderful entries this week...Yay!

This week the DT chose one of Debbie's gorgeous images from THE CRAFTY PAD DESIGNS to work with...I chose Anna Over the Rainbow, which is currently just 59p!! Here's what I made:

As I haven't made an easel card for a while, I went with one of those. The DPs are a freebie from Summer Driggs, and perfect for the image I chose! I went with bright, sunny colours instead of pastels.

We have CREATIVE CRAFT WORLD sponsoring us this week, with a £10 voucher to spend in their online shop.

Ingredients:

Card: 6x6 scalloped card base

DPs: Summer Driggs (Owl Always Love Spring collection.)
Image: Anna Over the Rainbow Crafty Pad Designs.
Sentiment: computer generated.
Tools: Paper Cutter, Promarkers, Marianne border punch, flower punch, lacey circles nesties.
Embellishments: metal butterfly (ebay,) ribbon (stash) flat-backed gems, card candy.
Extras: cardstock for matting & layering, ink for edges, foam pads, DST.

Here are some more pics...

We really look forward to seeing what you create this week, and don't forget to visit the DT to see what they made!

Some blog challenges my card will enter:

Crafty Anns #47 - Scallops and Fancy Borders.
Crafty Sentiments - Punches & Die-cuts.
Creative Craft Challenges - Summertime.
Die Cuttin' Divas #27 - Garden.
Everybody Art #154 - Summer.
Happileigh Scrappin' #34 - More than 1 Fold.
Netty G's Digital Gems - Fancy Folds.

And finally...a warm welcome and big wave to my latest followers: Denise at THE CRAFTY DEN, just LOVE her work, and Mandy (can't find a link...? Please yell and I'll update my post!!)

Thanks for visiting me and have a fab weekend :D

Don't Forget....WATERMELONS!!!

2011-08-13T10:11:00.000+01:00

Ok, so a weird title but a serious message to go with it.

Over at FOR FUN we are having a WATERMELON themed challenge this week, and so far.....just ONE entry!!! Can't BELIEVE it, especially as we have the superb MelJens sponsoring us, with a generous prize of 4 digis of choice for one lucky winner.

Not only that, but there's even a FREEBIE available for you to use on their blog, so there's no reason why you can't join in! Come on, show Melissa how much we LOVE her work!

I'm sure you don't need to be a genius to realise that with such a low number of entries, your chances to win the prize are extremely high....and who wouldn't want 4 fabby MelJen's images to add to their collection!? I KNOW I would!

Do hope to see a few more of you entering, you have until TUESDAY to enter, then the winner will be announced onWednesday, along with details of our new challenge over at the FOR FUN BLOG.

Here's the card I made for the challenge

Have a great Saturday (a crafty one for me and my 6year old daughter Zoe, as its wet and miserable outside....our day trip will wait until tomorrow!)

Summertime...

2011-08-12T00:25:00.001+01:00

UPDATE: Yay! This card made Top 3 at Just Some Lines!

Greetings blog-buddies,

today has been cold, windy and more like late-Autumn than mid-August, but it didn't stop me from making a summertime card!

I followed the sketch from this week's challenge at There She Goes (#119)

I used a fabby image called Stella the Summer Storyteller from Michelle Perkett Studios. I thought she was perfect for their Summertime Fun challenge this week :D I bought her a couple of weeks ago, on the July blog-hop day, when Michelle had a 50% sale (yay!)

I chalked the background using shimmer chalks then coloured it using Promarkers.

My papers are freebies from magazines, by Pink Petticoat (Wild Blossoms) and My Minds Eye (Summer Papers.) I made some paper flowers (daisies) and made the sentiment on the computer using Minya Nouvelle font.

I added a couple of corner flourishes and flat-backed pearls to complete.

I will enter my summery card in a few challenges:

Creative Craft Challenges - It's Summertime.
Creative Inspiration #65 - Summertime.
Catch the Bug - Anything Goes.
Just Some Lines - Summertime/Outdoors.

See you soon!