All tied up

The current Pikes Playground challenge is all about adding something that can be tied:
http://dustinpike.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/challenge-all-tied-up.html

As soon as I looked at this image, I knew I had to use it for this challenge:

The card has been made using Raspberry Road Designs papers from the Summer pack in two different colours.  The image has been coloured using copic markers and then die-cut using a Spellbinders rectangle die.  The matt has been die-cut in black cardstock.  I added some rainbow coloured cord that I bought recently and tied some bows to represent the bows on the kite.

Shoe Card

Beccy's Place have  a challenge for June using any of the images:
http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/june-challenge.html

I have chosen to use the image called Ladies Shoe:

So apart from the Beccy's Place image called Ladies Shoe, what else did I use?  Well, I covered the white card blank with a paper from Bearly Mine Designs.  I placed a piece of pretty ribbon across the card and then raised the matted image over it.  The matt has been cut from glitter cardstock while the image has been cut using a die-cut.  I can't find the original packaging for the die-cut but think it may be either Nellies or Marianne's.  To finish, I added three copic coloured rhinestones to the card.

Sassy in the City Relay

So far I have managed to survive to Round 3 despite the internet problems that I'm currently having!
If you would like to read about this relay, you can find the information here:
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/sassy-in-city-relay-miranda-sassy.html

The theme for this card was "Clean and Simple".  I am not sure that my interpretation of Clean and Simple is entirely correct after looking at the DT cards.  I think my card might be over clean and over simple.  However, that was my interpretation and I am actually happy with the card so that is what is important!  Anyway, here it is:

I have used pearlised cardstock in three colours.  The pearlised cardstock is a brand called Rosie's Studio.  The background is in the white pearlised card and the other two colours have been used in the matting.  The image is the current one for the relay called "Miranda" and the sentiment is from Desert Diva.  The colouring of Miranda has been done with copics.

A birthday card for a friend

When I saw this image I had an immediate idea of who it would be for but didn't quite have the inspiration at that time for it's creation!  The card is suitable for the following challenges:

CRAFT Challenge
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/craft-challenge-160-colour-combo.html
Trimgym
http://trimgymsdigistampsandimages.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/some-more-freebie-papers-for-you.html

This is the card:

I have used another of Trimgym's papers as a background together with the image of the girl with the dog.  This image just reminded me of how my friend used to wear her hair when she was younger and she has always had a dog of this colour! 

The sentiment and image have been cut using spellbinders oval dies and the matts have been diecut using Spellbinders scallop oval dies and cut from gold cardstock.

I have added a ribbon and bow to the card.

Christmas Teddy card

The challenge at Winter Wonderland is Christmas Teddy:
http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/christmas-teddy.html

I love working with teddy images and this is the card that I created:

The image is one from May Brit - she has a lot of Christmas teddy images so I might end up doing a second entry yet! 

I have coloured teddy using copic markers and adding some glitter to his fur.  The image and matt have been cut using a Spellbinders Label die.  The sentiment is an acrylic stamp that came from a set with Cardmaking in Easy Steps magazine.

The background paper is from Craftybitz.

Glittery party card

This is the challenge at Meljens Designs:
http://meljensdesignsdt.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/challenge-115-sketch-challenge.html
And this is my take on it:

I quite enjoy working with sketches and this one just seemed to come together.

I used the Meljens Design image - patriotic bear.  However, I wanted to make him more of a party bear as I live in New Zealand and don't have much use for an American bear on my cards - sorry!  I liked the image though so thought if I used a two colour scheme I could make him look more party-like!  I think I succeeded.  The card uses both green and yellow glitter cardstock and the base card has been covered in two different pearlescent cardstocks - bit hard to see in the photo.

The sentiment is one from Trimgym and has been cut using a Sizzix die.  The image, matt and large circle have been cut using Spellbinders dies and the smaller circles are cut with Carl Craft punches.

Go Fly another kite

I have already made one card for Jellypark Friends this week:
http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/lets-go-fly-kite.html
and this is the link to it:

http://craftysuze.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/lets-go-fly-kite.html
While looking for something else I came across this paper and digital image from TLC Creations - and I just had to make a card using them!

The image is called Go Fly a Kite 2 and the background paper is called Go Fly a Kite Papers 3.  I felt that these would be suitable for a birthday card for a boy.  Looking through my cards, I don't have anything suitable for a boy so this was my chance to fix that.  Fortunately, for me, the Jellypark Friends challenge allows up to 2 entries so I had an excuse to make this card (not that I needed an excuse really).

A sepia card

The challenge at Shelly's Images was anything goes. 

http://shellysimagesblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/terrifically-thrilling-thursday_21.html
I wanted to make something different to what I usually do and this is what I came up with:

I have used a paper from TLC Creations called Building Papers 2 and an image from TLC Creations called 1100 Vintage American Town Collage.  The sentiment is one from Desert Diva.

I have kept the colouring simple - just going over the image and sentiment with a shaving brush stippling Distress Ink - vintage photo over the top of both.  The card actually looks a little deeper sepia colour than it has come out in the photo.

I have a lot of friends heading off on travels at the moment so this card will be perfect for one of them.  Shame I'm not going anywhere!

Sassy Studio Relay

The relay baton has been passed on from Charlotte to Samantha:

http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/sassy-in-city-relay-samantha-sassy.html


This card came about in an interesting way.  My internet at home is really slow and so I'm having to use the public library.  Yesterday, I checked my e-mails and found the new image there - at that stage there was nothing up on the Sassy Studio blog so no inspiration.  From there, I went to the swimming pool to teach some children.  I came home from the pool and created the card.  Looking at it today, I think I must have been influenced by my time at the pool last evening!

Anyway, the first layer is a paper from TLC Creations called CWKHMPapers31.  I have then used two Sassy Studio Design digital stamps.  I just cut the bath and some of the bubbles from the image called Bubble Bath.  I sat Samantha on the edge of the bath.  I then accented the bubbles on the background paper plus some of the ones from the Sassy Studio Bubble Bath image using blue rhinestones. 

I'm not sure that the photograph actually totally does this card justice as it looks very sparkly and bubble like when seen close up.  Hopefully, that effect does come through a bit in the photograph.

Whilst it is a bit different, I hope you like it and hope that no-one minds what I did with the bubble bath image!

Some pretty colours

This card has been made for two challenges:
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/craft-challenge-160-colour-combo.html
and also:
http://trimgymsdigistampsandimages.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/some-more-freebie-papers-for-you.html

I have used some freebie papers from Trimgym as well as a freebie image.

I started with a white card blank and covered this with one of the Trimgym papers that I have used.  The image from Trimgym has been coloured using copic markers and then matted onto another of the Trimgym papers.  I then matted this onto white card stock. The Happy Birthday sentiment has been die-cut using a Nellies Multi Frame die and then has a strip of paper threaded through.  This strip of paper has been cut from the same paper that the image was matted with.

I'm hoping to do another card with the other freebie but I'll have to see how I go for time.  I'm having issues with a slow internet connection at the moment and need to go down to the public library to upload these files.

Stella Says Sketch

The sketch for this challenge can be found here:

http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/stella-says-sketch-113-challenge.html


I have used one of the images that I won in a previous challenge.  It is a Bugaboo image called Meowy Christmas. I love cats and I love making Christmas cards, so this one was a real joy to put together.

The card has a more burgundy and green feel to it rather than the traditional red and green.The kitten is wearing a green Santa hat similar to one my son has.The background papers that I have used have come from my stash.  The image has been cut using a Spellbinders rectangle die as has the matt which was cut from black cardstock. The buttons are cut from another scrapbook paper using a Nellies Multi Frame die.  The image has been coloured usng copic markers and kindy glitz.

Another card finished for Christmas - really getting on top of it this year!

A summertime card

The challenge at Sassy Studio Designs - Dare to be Sassy Thursday asks us to make a card using summer colours:

This one is an interesting one when we are in the middle of winter here!

When I went to find what patterned papers I had that would suit the summer colours, I found this lovely one with circles on it that looked like bubbles.  I coloured the image of Soda Pop (from Sassy Studio Designs) with my copic markers giving her a drink of Fanta as that is my favourite fizzy!  I blinged up the circles on the paper with some rhinestones to accentuate the bubble effect.  The image has  been die cut using Spellbinders oval die and I hand cut around the sentiment which is one from Desert Diva.

Makes me feel summery just looking at it - now, if the weather outside would co-operate!!  I'm wrapped in a thick woollen jersey making a summery card.

Christmas wishes from Beary Wishes

This week at Christmas Challenges{with sketches} the sketch was created by Claire.  You can see her sketch here:
http://christmaschallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/challenge-29-sponsered-by-krea-teja.html

The card has been created using an image from Beary Wishes called Xmas 2 Angel 2:

I have coloured her using copic markers and die cut her using a Spellbinders Oval die.  The matt has been die cut from black cardstock.  The sentiment also die cut using a Spellbinders Oval die is an acrylic stamp. Background papers are from my stash.. To finish the card, I coloured some clear stars with green - they disappeared into the background when they were clear!

Frame Card

I am so enjoying using these frames from Tiddly Inks.  I read their challenges and then look at these frames and feel they fit.  This one is "Pink":
http://tiddlyinkschallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/challenge-89-pretty-in-pink.html

For the Father's Day challenge, I used Melissa's frame which for me had a masculine feel to it.  For this challenge, pink made me think of flowers and drew me to Marlena's frame.  This is how I incorporated her frame into my card:

So as I said, I started with Marlena's frame which I have coloured using a variety of pink copics and the added some pink rhinestones around the edge.  I have placed this frame over a "photo" of suitcases.  These suitcases are a Tiddly Inks image which I coloured with R000 to give just a hint of colour.  The background paper is from my stash.

A lovely bouquet of flowers

This card with it's lovely bouquet of flowers was made using an image from Oak Pond Creations called Georgia's Daisies.  I have coloured the daisies using two different blue copics and also 100 (black).  I have added black rhinestones over the black coloured centres and also a heart rhinestone to the centre of the bow.  The ribbon flower has also been coloured black (using the same copic).  I cut a black matt from cardstock using a Spellbinders oval die.  The background paper is one from a pack of black and white scrapbook paper.  There is a piece of white grosgrain ribbon across the paper.  I have stamped the Happy Birthday sentiment over the top.  The sentiment is an acrylic stamp (brand unknown).

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Play Date Cafe - Black, white and blue
http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/play-date-cafe-design-team-call_21.html
Ruby's Rainbow - Black, white and one other colour (only)
http://rubysrainbow.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/rubys-rainbow-ch31.html

A sparkly kitty card

The challenge at Papertake Weekly Challenge this week was a bingo card:
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/bingo.html

I love cats so I gravitated toward a cat image for this one:

Just to be clear on the BINGO combination:

Gems - around the oval, on the tail and on the corners of the card
Free - Fancy Die Cut (Marianne design craftables)
Lace - across the card
The cat image is one from Oak Pond Creations called Love Kitty.  I have coloured her using my copic markers and cut her out using a craftables die from Marianne design (CR1204).  I have added some red rhinestones around the outside of the die.  I also added a red heart rhinestone over the heart on the cat's tail.

The card is a white card blank with a pastel coloured paper over the front.  I have added strips of ribbon across the front of the card and over these are strips of lace.  I finished the card off with some copic coloured rhinestones.

A friendship card

Sassy Studio Designs has a progressive relay over at their blog:
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/sassy-in-city-relay-charlotte-sassy.html

And girls, I'm in my slippers sipping hot chocolate!  If you don't know what that comment refers to then check out the link above!

I thought I was going to have difficulty with this one but somehow when I printed Charlotte out and got out some of my stash, it all came together.  It's a little bit different for me as there is not a patterned paper anywhere!!!

I used the Sassy Studio Designs image - sassy Charlotte who was part of this particular challenge.  I coloured her using copic markers E000 for the skin, G000 for the dress and shoes, YR61 for her hair and RV13 for her lips.  The sentiment that I have used is one from Digital Doodling.

I have cut both the image and sentiment using different sized dies from the small oval set and small scallop oval set from Spellbinders.  The scallop mats have been coloured using G000 to blend with the dress and lace.    The lace is some that I bought recently but the flowers I have had for some time but they matched the lace beautifully.

I must admit that I had trouble leaving white space on the card as I'm not good at that but I have resisted the temptation to fill that area.  I think it looks better with the white space - it's just I have a habit of filling any spaces!

I'm looking forward to seeing what the next image in the relay is and hope that I can manage to upload everything on time.  I have a rather slow internet connection at the moment so I have to have patience (not good at that either!!).

A father's day barbecue

This week, Jo at Trimgym has challenged us to make a Father's Day card:
http://trimgymsdigistampsandimages.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/challenge-for-this-week-and-winner-from.html
This was a combined one with CRAFT Challenge but due to a sick child I didn't manage to get it finished in time to enter it in that one as well.

In New Zealand, we celebrate Father's Day in September which is spring time.  It is a time when the barbecue is starting to get used again after winter so this image was perfect for a father's day card:

For this card, I used background papers, image and sentiment from Trimgym. 

The only other things used were some chocolate coloured grosgrain ribbon from American Crafts and my copic markers to add some colour to the image.   I have also used a copic marker to edge the Trimgym image and sentiment.

The next challenge at Trimgym is another combined one with CRAFT Challenge so I'm off to work on that one now so that I can enter it in both this time! 

Fun in the Sun - Monochrome yellow

Yellow is one of my two favourite colours - the other is orange.  I don't often create cards using yellow as I often have trouble finding yellow embellishments.  However, when I went through my stash I was surprised at how much yellow that I did have (or using copics could turn into a yellow embellishment!).   The details of this challenge can be found here:
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/dare-to-be-sassy-thursday-130.html

So after finding that I had alot more yellow than I thought I had, I set to creating this card:

Having yellow roses (at least after I coloured some white ribbon roses with Y08 they were yellow!), I knew which image I had to use to go with them.  I love this image from Sassy Studio Designs.  She is called Crissy's Prom.   I have also used some yellow scrapbook papers from my stash.  One of them had some blue on it which didn't sit right with the rest of the card so I went over the blue with Y08 and it toned the blue down considerably.  I have added some yellow grosgrain ribbon to the left hand side of the card and layered some lemon coloured lace over the top.

Working with one of my favourite colours as well as one of my favourite images, I really enjoyed creating this card.  If it wasn't for this challenge, I probably wouldn't have created this card yet I am really pleased with it so whoever came up with this challenge - thank you.

Swirls & Flourishes

Whoopsi Daisy has a wonderful challenge using swirls and flourishes:
http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/use-those-swirls.html

I'm really proud of the card that I created for this challenge:

For this card I was inspired by the card created by Audrey.   Normally I have a quick glance at these cards to make sure that my interpretation is along the right lines for the challenge.  However, the combination die/embossing folder that she used caught my attention and reminded me that I had a similiar one.  That was my starting point for this card, so thank you Audrey.

Right, so on to what I did use.  I started with a white card blank.  I used the Mariannes Designables Folder to emboss and cut the Whoopsi Daisy image (Fairy 1).  This image already has a swirly look to it so was perfect for this challenge.  I layered the cut image on to some gold cardstock from Rosies Studios.  I used this same cardstock to cut some swirly flourishes - I think this is a Nellies Multi Frame die, otherwise it may be one of Mariannes.   I have added some copic marker R000 and some kindy glitz to the Mariannes Designables embossing.  The image has been coloured using copic markers with some touches of Kindy Glitz.

A pastel floral card

Challenge 40 at Bearly Mine Designs is a flower challenge.  You can read about it here:
http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/challenge-no-40-flowers.html

I have created a card which combines Bearly Mine Designs background paper with Fred She Said image and sentiments.  This is the card:

I have used Bearly Mine Designs paper which can be found here:
http://bmd-creations.blogspot.co.nz/2010/06/freebies.html
I have used a Fred She Said image which can be found here:
http://fred-she-said.blogspot.co.nz/2010/01/happy-new-year-and-freebie.html
and the sentiments here:
http://fred-she-said.blogspot.co.nz/2010/01/card-smelling-cherry-blossoms.html
The bottom part of the sentiment hasn't come out too clearly in the photograph but the full sentiment reads  Take time.....To enjoy the Beauty around You

I have used a die cut from Nellies - MFD032 and also Spellbinders oval dies.  The Nellies die had a similar shape to it as the image and worked perfectly with it.  The images, matts and flower have all been coloured using copic markers - mainly YR61 with some highlights on the image flower in YR02 and the swirly bits on the image in G94.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

It is windy enough here today to probably go fly a kite.....but....this post is about the latest challenge at Jellypark Friends:
http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/lets-go-fly-kite.html

And here is the card that I created for it:

This isn't exactly what I had in mind when I first started creating this card but I was in a bit of a random mood when I sat down to work on it and this is the end result!

For some reason I decided to get out the distress inks and a shaving brush and stipple all over the die cut image.  The colours that I used were mustard seed, wild honey and spiced marmalade.  When I cut the oval for the matt using one of my Spellbinders oval dies, I cut it in white and then swiped the spiced marmalade distress ink across it - hence the randomness of colour on the matt.  I added some copic colouring to the die-cut - E41 to the hedgie, YG11 for the grass, YR07 and BV13 to the kite and YR61 to the mushrooms and flowers.  The image that I used for this card is one from Spyders Corner.

The background papers I used were some more from my stash.  I have hoarded heaps of paper and now making myself use some of it!  I cut the papers on the diagonal to tie in with the kite theme and laid a piece of orange grosgrain ribbon across the join.  The bow has been constructed from some ribbon cord that I found in my local discount store last week.  The cord is a rainbow one which changes colours regularly along it's length.

Another candy cane card!

This week the challenge at Winter Wonderland was candy canes:
http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/candy-canes.html

I couldn't decide between two candy cane images that I had so in the end decided to create a card with both.  This is the second card that I made:

This one uses an image from Doodle Dragon Studios which I have cut with a Spellbinders oval die and coloured using copic markers R59 and R46. I added googly eyes and a red rhinestone over the nose. 

The scrapbook paper is one from my stash and is the same one I used for the matt on the other card for this challenge (see previous post).  I have also used the same sentiment stamp but this time stamped it using Distress Ink - vintage photo as I felt that fit the feel of the background paper.

Just as well we are allowed up to 3 entries for this challenge, because even after completing both cards, I still can't decide which one I prefer!

Candy Cane Card

This week over at Winter Wonderland, the challenge is all about candy canes:
http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/candy-canes.html

This is the first card that I made:

The image is one from Cr8tive Hands.  I have coloured this image with my copics and die cut it using Spellbinders large circle dies.

The background paper and the matting paper are from my stash.  I have attached a piece of red grosgrain ribbon over the top of the background paper, stamped a Happy Christmas sentiment and built a flower using some flower pieces that I had and a centre of a red rhinestone.

Crimbo Crackers - Decorations

Crimbo Crackers have a challenge featuring decorations:

http://crimbo-crackers.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/challenge-17-decorations.html

The decoration I chose to use is a bauble - I love sparkly baubles on the tree!

The image I have used is one from Scrap Happy Paper Crafter called Christmas Fairy. You can find it here http://www.scraphappypapercrafter.com/2012/06/free-digis-for-saturday-camping-gear.html

I have used another background paper from Bearly Mine Designs which I have blinged up a bit with rhinestones in the centre of the stars.

Rather than matted the image I have layered it up over a couple of strips of gold satin ribbon.

The image has been coloured with copic markers and has some gold Kindy Glitz added to the bauble to make it nice and sparkly.

Show your support

The challenge at Shelly's Images this time was show your support.
http://shellysimagesblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/terrifically-thrilling-thursday_14.html
I've made a card that is in support of Breast Cancer Awareness:

I have used this beautiful image from Ikes World.

The background paper is one from my stash.  I have layered over some lace and added some grosgrain ribbon from American crafts.  The sentiment is one from Digital Doodling.  I have coloured the matts using copic marker R000.  The image has been coloured using E000 for the skin and RV10 for the lips and ribbon.  The dies used are Spellbinders oval and rectangle.

UPDATE - This card won gold medal award at Shelly's Images challenge.

Sassy Studio Card

I have made a card using the sketch on the Dare to be Sassy Thursday:
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/dare-to-be-sassy-thursday-129.html

Here is the card:

For this card I have used:

White card blank
Scrapbook paper from my stash - I have a feeling these may have come from the same pack as they work so well together!
Sassy Studio Designs - Brianna Bridesmaid
Grosgrain Ribbon - American Crafts
Border die - Nellies MFD023
Blue rhinestones
Spellbinders - Large Circle dies
Copic markers

This card is being entered into the following challenges:
Sassy Studio Designs on PCP
http://www.papercraftplanet.com/group/sassystudiodesigns/forum/topics/fabulous-freebie-friday-6-15-12
Sassy Studio Designs - DTBST 129
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/dare-to-be-sassy-thursday-129.html

Sunflower Card

I have made a sunflower card using an image from Limited Runs.

You can read all about them at this post:

http://limitedrunsstamps.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/freebie-friday-and-candy.html

Anyway, for this card, I start with a square white card blank.  I covered this with the top layer of a serviette adhered over the top with mod podge.  Once dry I embellished the card with this lovely image from Limited Runs plus a sentiment from Digi Doodles.  The image has been de cut using a Nellies Multi Frame die and the sentiment using a Spellbinders rectangle die.  I adorned the edge of the sentiment with peelcraft stickers - haven't used them in ages.  The image and flowers have been coloured using copic markers.  The ribbon flowers were white originially.

Sorry for any typing mistakes - having trouble with internet at home and using the library.  Forgot to bring my glasses and can't proof read what I am typing!

Milk Coffee Embossing Challenge

The embossing could be either dry or wet at this challenge here:
http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/lets-see-some-embossinganyway-you-want.html

I chose to go with dry embossing:

I have used:
Milk Coffee - Freebie Champagne
Embossing Folder from Sizzix
Bearly Mine Designs backing paper
Spellbinders scallop rectangles, large circle and large scallop circle
Copic markers
Black cardstock for matt
Glossy accents - liquid in glass and hightlight on cherries

A colour challenge at Play Date Cafe

In the process of reading through Julie's celebrations on her blog, I found a link to this challenge:
http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/play-date-cafe-design-team-call.html

I just loved the look of the colours that she chose for this challenge:

The colours have to be the main focus of the challenge but I can add other colours in as accents provided they are neutrals.

I have used the following:
Image from Paper Smooches - Berry Image
Sentiment also from Paper Smooches - Berry Sentiment
Scrapbook papers from my stash
Grosgrain ribbon from American Crafts
Copic Markers - R59 an B39 and B02
Spellbinders Large Circle Dies

3 plus 2 plus 1

No, I am not practicing my maths!  This is the theme of the challenge at Papertake Weekly:

http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/3-2-1.html

Here is my card:

My 3 is a digi stamp from Meljens Designs called Three Kitty Kings.
My 2 is the purple rhinestones on the diagonal corners
My 1 is one patterned paper from Bearly Mine Designs

I have also used Spellbinders oval dies - one small & one large (they could also be the 2!) and copic markers for colouring.  The matt around the image is coloured using Y35 which has also been used on the image.  The other copics are shades of violet, blue violet and red violet.  To finish the card, I added some glossy accents to the gifts that the kitty kings are carrying.

A card without an image

There is an interesting challenge on at Bearly Mine Designs:

http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/challenge-39.html

After changing my mind about six times on what three items I was going to use, I finally came up with this combination:

The background paper was such a pretty paper and sat so beautifully on the card I decided to enhance it rather than cover it up with an image!   

I'll start with the three items that I chose from the diagonal:

Pearls - the pearls can be seen in the centre of the apricot flower
Flowers - take your pick - there are the ones in the background paper plus two pink roses and one apricot flower.
Lace - the lace across the card actually lies over the top of an apricot coloured grosgrain ribbon.

The apricot flower was originally white but was too harsh against the papers so I coloured it using my copics.  The pink roses are as they were bought.

I have uploaded this card as soon as I completed it, before I was tempted to add anything else to it and spoil it.  It is hard sometimes knowing when to stop and leave something be.  It is also hard not to put an image or sentiment on the front of the card but I don't feel this one needs it.

Hope you like it.

Lovely patchwork baby card

This is the second card that I have made for this challenge:
http://brokenboxstock.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/stitches-challenge.html

I had already submitted one card for the Broken Box Stock challenge and found the perfect paper and another image I'd missed on the Broken Box Stock blog.  So... since we are allowed up to three entries, I thought I'd do another one.

I have used a backing paper from Bearly Mine Designs.  The image is one called free carriage from Broken Box Stock.  I have coloured the image and the flower using copics and the image has been matted using cream cardstock.  The image and matt have been die-cut using Spellbinders Large rectangle and Large scallop rectangle.    The stitches on the background paper are part of the pattern but I have also drawn on some stitches around the image using a gel pen (haven't had the gel pens out for ages!).

This Mouse is so Proud!

Okay.... so I got bored with putting the name of the challenge in the header.  This challenge is from Trimgym and the image is supplied!  Details can be found here:

http://trimgymsdigistampsandimages.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/freebie-for-you-again-mouse-girl-and.html

...but you had better hurry as it closes soon!

This is my card using not only an image from Trimgym but also some papers.

So... as I said the image is the one supplied by Trimgym for this challenge and the papers were also from Trimgym.   The one crosswise has stars on it although they are a bit hard to see in my photo.  The image has been die cut using a Spellbinders oval die in two different sizes - one from a large set and one from a small set.  The sentiment is from Paper Smooches and is die cut using a Nellies Multi Frames die.  I have coloured the image and the matt oval using copics. 

A card with lots of bling!!!

The challenge for this card was for bling - the more the merrier.

http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/bling.html

Well, I've got lots of it:

Lets start with the image.  It is one from Whoopsi Daisy called 8Freebie.  I have used a die cut from Nellies Multi Frames to cut her and her matt.  The matt has been cut from a gold pearlescent cardstock which I have also used on the left hand side of the card.  The image has been coloured in soft pastel coloured copics. The spiral rhinestones came like that so were easy to place on the card.  The larger ones that are on the die cut have been individually placed. The ribbon is a piece of recycling - it is the reverse of a Guylian ribbon that was on some chocolates I received at Christmas.  The alphabet that I have used is one from Deliteful Alpha Sets - it is called Gold Bling Alpha and I felt it really went with the theme of this challenge.

Links for some of the products used:

Whoopsi Daisy http://linnie-whoopsiedaisy.blogspot.co.nz/
Alpha http://deliteful-alpha-sets.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/Bling%20Alphas

Christmas Challenge with sketch - Circular sketch

This challenge's sketch can be found here:

http://christmaschallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/challenge-28-sponsored-by-alles-om-te.html

And this is the card that I created:

I must say that when I look at this photo two of the stars look orange - they are all in fact red!

Anyway, I digress.  I have used an image from Cr8tive Hands called Reindeer.  The sentiment is an acrylic stamp from a set that came with Quick Cards magazine.  Both the image and sentiment have been matted with red cardstock.  The checky paper is one from my stash but the circular piece with the holly on it is one from Bearly Mine Designs.  I have used both circle and oval dies from Spellbinders and freehand cut the card circle - which is why it is a bit wonky in places!  It adds to its charm I think!. I used the trimmer for the sentiment strip.

Blue & Silver for Christmas

I love the combination of blue and silver together when decorating for Christmas.  This challenge had both in the photo inspiration so that is what I was drawn to.  If you would like to see this photo inspiration then have a look at this link:

http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/photo-inspiration-challenge.html

Here is the card that came from that photo:

For this card, I have used an image from Digital Doodling called Bauble Tilly 3. I have coloured her with copics and added Glossy Accents to the spots on the bauble.  The image and matt have been cut using a Spellbinders Labels die.  The scrapbook paper is one from my stash and the silver ribbon is from American Crafts.  The matt is a silver pearlescent cardstock.  I have added three silver beads to finish the card.

A fishy card

The Alley Way Stamps latest Be Inspired challenge is now up:

http://www.thealleywaystamps.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/BE%20inspired%20Challenge

There is still 8 days left so plenty of time to create a card. 

I was immediately inspired by the vibrant circles set against a muted background.  Here is how that inspiration manifested into a card:

I have used:

White card blank
Scrapbook paper - brand unknown
Red cardstock (for matting image)
The Alley Way Stamps - Keep swimming
The Alley Way Stamps - Keep swimming sentiment
Copic markers
Spellbinders - Large circle dies and Large scallop circle dies

The matt on the sentiment has been coloured with copics as I couldn't find the shade of blue that I wanted in cardstock.

Sassy Studio Designs - Add a splash

For this challenge, you need to add something wet:

http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/dare-to-be-sassy-thursday-128.html

I added my splash to my background:

I used Lumiere paints in Pearl Emerald Green, Pearl Blue and Hi Lite Red.  I swiped these across some heavyweight paper using a make up sponge. 

Over the top I have placed a strip of lace to give a break between the background and image without losing the background.  The image is one of the Sassy Studio Design recent releases called Katniss the Sassy on Fire.  I have coloured her using copics in blues and greens and used E000 for the skin and R000 for the hair.  My teenage perfectionist daughter won't be happy with the colours I've used as they are not the ones used in the books and movie!!!  I'll have to keep the card away from her as she didn't like my original colouring of Effie Trinket.  The image has been die cut with a Spellbinders Large Oval die and layered using a Spellbinders Large Scallop Oval die.  The matt has been coloured using the same green copic as on her dress - G05 - as I couldn't find any green cardstock to match.

I have left a sentiment off the front of the card as I wanted to keep the background as complete as possible and not overshadow it with a lot of embellishments.

This card has bling!

Yesterday I created a card with heaps of bling!  It sparkles and it shines:

The card is made using an image from Meljens Design Studio called Love Strung Birds.  It's a very pretty image that deserved a pretty card.  I have used a heart scrapbook paper that I have had in my stash.  I think it was probably meant to be for a baby card as I have the same print in pink.  However, it doesn't have baby on it anywhere which left it available for different uses.  The die cut is a recent purchase and comes from Marianne Design.   It is a craftables one and also includes some layered flower dies.The bling is a set of clear spirals which I used a portion of in the top right hand corner and chopped it into individual rhinestones to adorn the remainder.  The rhinestones were coloured with copic marker B05.  The sentiment is one from Digital Doodling which has been die cut with a Spellbinders Oval die.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Shelly's Images - Blingage
http://shellysimagesblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/terrifically-thrilling-thursday.html
Meljens Design Studio - Anything Goes
http://meljensdesignsdt.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/challenge-113-anything-goes.html

Don't Bug Me

Hey, that's the title of the latest challenge at Pikes Playground!!!
http://dustinpike.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/dont-bug-me-challenge.html

And this is my card:

I have used a Bearly Mine Designs background paper to go with this Doodle Dragon Studios image.  I have a bit of a purple thing going with the card but I have been good and not done a purple card for a while!  Somehow, when I do a Pikes Playground challenge, I get out all the vibrant cheerful colours as that is the inspiration I get from these images.

Anyway, back to the materials I used.  I coloured the image using my copics - mainly purples with some brown, pink, yellow, green and black.  I matted the image onto black cardstock and also used the black cardstock to create the 'ribbon' at the top of the card.  I have used Spellbinders dies for the image - large circle and large scallop circle.  The sentiment is a computer generated one and has been cut using a Nellies Multi Frame die.  To finish off the card, I added a couple of purple rhinestones to the black ribbon.

If you would like to look at the Bearly Mine Designs background papers, they can be found at:
http://bmd-creations.blogspot.co.nz/
The Doodle Dragon Studios images can be found at:
http://dustinpike.blogspot.co.nz/

Bugaboo - Stella says sketch

The current sketch challenge at Catch the Bug can be found here:

http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/stella-says-sketch-challenge-12.html

And this is what I came up with:

I have used a lovely Bugaboo image called Flowerpot and teamed it with some papers from my stash.  The image has been coloured with copic markers and the card finished off with a piece of satin ribbon.

Christmas Cards All Year Round - Christmas Lights

Christmas Cards All Year Round have a challenge called Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Lights:
http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/june-challenge.html

I have focused on the strand of Christmas Lights:

To make this card I have used:

Christmas light scrapbook paper that I have had in my paper stash for ages
TLC - Christmas Light strand
Happy Christmas acrylic stamp that came with a magazine
Green cardstock for matting
White card blank
Copic markers
Glossy accents (on lights)

Sassy Studio Designs - Tie the knot

Details of this challenge, can be found here:

http://www.papercraftplanet.com/group/sassystudiodesigns/forum/topics/fabulous-freebie-friday-6-8-12-and-challenge
You are too late to snag the freebie for Week 1 but there will be another one along next week!  This is my card using the first freebie of the fortnight:

The image is one from Sassy Studio Designs and is called Jenny the June Bride.  I coloured her with copic markers and then cropped her close to the image.  She is sitting atop a new die-cut I bought recently.  It comes from Cherry Lyn Designs and is called English Tea Party (DL 101).  The white card blank is covered in a pearlescent white cardstock which I also used for the doily die-cut.  The papers are from Bearly Mine Designs and then I added a knotted lace piece to finish the card.

Fathers Day Card

This is my card:

I used:

Tiddly Inks - Melissa frame
Tiddly Inks - book
Computer generated sentiment
Bearly Mine Designs - For Men 1 paper
Copic markers in browns, greys and blues

Unfortunately, the photograph is a bit shadowy.  I think it is a shadow from the camera!  I will re-take it in better light tomorrow and see if it turns out better!

As promised, I have re-taken the photo and I think it turned out much better this time:

I am entering the card in the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2012_06_01_archive.html
Tiddly Inks - Father's Day
http://tiddlyinkschallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/challenge-88-lets-celebrate-fathers-day.html
Jellypark Friends - Male
http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/its-challenge-time-boy-crazy.html

As we don't celebrate Father's Day in New Zealand until Sunday 2nd September, I am now super organised for it!!

Birdie Brown - Retro Phone

The new images and challenge for June is found here:

http://birdiebrown.blogspot.jp/2012/06/june-freebies-and-challenge.html

I have made this card for the challenge:

I had fun with this one.  The striped paper represents the telephone line!  I found a couple of very cheerful papers which co-ordinated well with the striped paper - probably came from the same set!  All my papers are stored in a box and mixed-up a bit so I don't know the source of any of these three papers.  I coloured the sentiment and retro phone image with four different copic markers to tie in with the striped papers.  Hope you like my blue and brown phone.

Bearly Mine Designs - Charm

Bearly Mine Designs had a challenge to use a charm:

http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/challenge-no-38-how-charming.html

I chose to make the charm the centre piece as I had this very lovely Bearly Mine Designs background paper and this striped Bearly Mine Designs paper that co-ordinated well with it - reminded me of a music stave with all those stripes:

For this card I also used a metal clef charm that I bought recently at a craft day.  So only three items - two papers and one charm - but I think the effect is worth keeping it simple.  The placement of the words on the paper also made it easy to keep this nice and simple.

Christmas Inspirations - Green, Black and White

A colour challenge from Christmas Inspirations:

http://natalduranteoanotodo.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/desafio-46-green-black-and-white.html

The card I made has a strong black feel to it:

I was mindlessly delivering my sons newspapers for him when he was away and created this card in my head.  Then when I got home there was the logistics of actually turning what was in my head into a card!  Fortunately for me - it worked!

The card started with a white card blank.  I have used black cardstock and a Marianne Designables combination embossing and die-cut folder to create the next layer (with some of the white card blank peaking through).  On top of this I have added this delightful image from Blackberry Jelly - called Christmas Tree 1.  I have coloured this image with three different green copic markers and added some tiny rhinestones to the tree.  The three green copics are 1 - the tree 2- the trunk (olive) 3 - the presents.  To finish the card, I have added a green bow and three larger rhinestones from the same pakc as the tiny ones - a brand called Craft Creations.