A stitch in time

A sewing theme challenge at Kaboodle Doodles:
http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-138-stitching.html

I have gone with a combination of the sewing theme and some faux stitching:

The background paper is from Create with TLC and is called In Mom's Day.  The image is also from Create with TLC and is called Vintage Sewing Day.  The sentiment is also from Create with TLC and is called Sewing Mends the Soul.  I have coloured the image with copics and added some faux stitching to the black cardstock matting using a gel pen.  I have also added some faux stitching around the sentiment using a Distress Marker.

Seems a little sketchy

The challenge at Seems a Little Sketchy is here:
http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/sketch-22-sponsored-by-sassy-studios.html

This is my card:

I have used a variety of background papers from my stash as well as some wooden buttons from my stash.  The ribbon used to create the bow comes from American Crafts.

The image that I have chosen is from Sassy Studio Designs and is called Magazine Margie.

Thank You teacher

I have added another card to my stash of Thank You cards for teachers for year end.

This card will be entered into the following challenges:

Tuesday Alchemy - blackboard, gears & tart
http://tuesdayalchemy.blogspot.gr/2012/09/challenge-33-random-word-inspiration.html
Jellypark Challenges - Thank You.
http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/time-to-say-thank-you.html

I was busy looking through my images to find a blackboard image and came across this steampunk owl.  Immediately, my mind thought of education so... another Thank You card for the teachers was started.

The steampunk owl comes from Making our Mark.    The background image of a recipe card is a coloured digi stamp from When the Scrap Hits the Fun.  The blackboard is from Beyond the Fringe.  I'm not sure where the sentiment is from - I only printed it out last night but do you think I can find the source now!! 

Friendship Card

The challenge at Incy Wincy is all about friends:
http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/winners-new-challenge.html

And this is my card:

I have used an image from Anne's Cards 4 U which I have coloured using copic markers.  The sentiment comes from Create with TLC.  I have tied a bow from organza ribbon.

S is for Santa

The challenge at ABC Christmas Challenges has now reached the letter S - a reminder that Christmas is not that far away!
http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/s-for-santa-claus-is-coming-to-town.html

I have a bright and cheerful Santa card:

I have used a bright and colourful backing paper from Free Digital Scrapbook.  The image is from Cre8tive Hands and is called Santa in Chimney.  I have coloured this using copic markers and added dimension n the hair and hands with Matte Accents.  The fur trim and snow have been glitzed up with some crystallina Kindy Glitz.  I had some Christmas embellishments that I got in a grab bag at a craft fair which I hadn't yet used.  I have added one of those to this card.

Apple Tree and Bear

I have made a card that reminds me of my childhood!  Every summer when the apples needed to be picked from the tree, it was a family activity and one I loved.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Birdie Brown - using supplied image
http://birdiebrown.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/september-freebies.html
Ruby's Rainbow - trees
http://rubysrainbow.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/rubys-rainbow-ch38-trees.html

The card uses some backing paper from a paper pack by Rosie's Studio.  The red ric-rac is from American Crafts.  The apple is a die-cut from Sissix.  I have added a bit of a shiny spot to the apple using Matte Accents.

The images, which I have coloured with copic markers, both come from Birdie Brown and are the freebies for their challenge.  The sentiment is from Create with TLC and is called Breezes taste of Apple.

Autumn Leaves

I have created another autumn coloured card.  I just love working with this colour palette even though it is springtime here (or at least it is meant to be!!)

I am entering the card in the following challenges:
Sentimental Sundays - Autumn and sentiment

Crafty Creations - Autumn leaves
http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-189.html
Love to Create - Anything goes
http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-34-anything-goes.html
Sentimental Sundays - Autumn + sentiment
http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-121-autumn.html
Broken Box Stock
http://brokenboxstock.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-9-fall-foliage-color-palette.html



The image for this card comes from Saturated Canary and the sentiment from Create with TLC.  The leaves are a die-cut from Sizzix. 

A fruity challenge

The current challenge at Kenny K's Krafty Krew has a fruity theme:
http://kennykskraftykrew.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/challenge-112-hey-fruity.html

It was a pleasure to create with nice fruity colours and I even found some fruity background papers:

The background papers are both from Create with TLC.  The matting is from an orange themed scrap pack that until recently was unopened (even though I've had it for a few years!).  The image is from Kenny K and is called Fun Frog.  I have coloured froggie with copics and added some matte accents to the eyes.  I couldn't find a sentiment that I was happy with so typed this one out on my computer.

A sketch and a colour challenge

I have made a card using both the sketch and the colour challenge from Catch the Bug.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Catch the Bug - Stella Says Sketch 120
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/stella-says-sketch-challenge-120.html
Catch the Bug - Colour Challenge
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/saturday-color-challenge.html
De Creatieve Zebra - Anything Goes
http://decreatievezebra.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-31.html

This card is a bit of a change of style for me.  I usually have the card blank covered or almost covered in background paper(s).  For this one I decided to keep the background mainly white.  I have used the inspiration image as part of the card .  I just couldn't find anything I liked better for that piece of the card.  The image that I have used is a Bugaboo image called hat snail.  The banner ribbon is actually a piece of cardstock coloured with copic markers.  I have added a Thank You sentiment stamped with an acrylic stamp and lined the image and picture with peelcraft strips.

Although, this is a fairly simple design, I feel it is quite effective and is encouraging me to perhaps try different styles every now and then.

Sparkly Ice-cream

The challenge at Avadares for this month is to make it sparkle:
http://avadareschallengeblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/avadares-challenge-3-make-it-sparkle.html

The freebie for September was a cute ice-cream so I decided I would work with that. 

The background paper is one from Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine.

The image is the freebie for September from Avadares.  I just love the expressions on the faces of the ice-cream cone and also the scoop.

I have a fair bit of sparkle going on.  I started with the sparkly ribbon and then decided that it didn't look sparkly enough so added a strip of diamond shaped rhinestones.  Still not enough sparkle...so... the addition of some crystallina Kindy Glitz to the ice-cream and cones.

Funny Bone

That's the theme for the challenge at Meljens Design Studio:
http://meljensdesignsdt.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-128-funny-bone.html

I'm not very good at doing funny cards so hope this fits the bill.  I think I tend to be more of a serious person and my cards reflect that.  That got me to thinking - do the cards you create reflect your personality or not?  Hmm - what do you think?
Anyways, back to the card for this challenge:

The background paper is one from Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine with some nice beachy themed objects.
I have used an image by Meljens Design Studio called Beach Kitten.  I have coloured her with copic markers and die-cut using Spellbinders.  I also added some matte accents to her glasses.
The sentiment is from Create with TLC and is called Recovered Workaholic.
I have also added a wooden starfish from my stash.

Batty for You

I have made a halloween card that is more cute than spooky!

This card will be entered into the following challenges:

The Alley Way Stamps - Be Inspired 11
http://www.thealleywaystamps.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/BE%20inspired%20Challenge
The Sweet Stop - Sketch 177
http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/sss177-and-dt-call.html

The design and background paper have been inspired by the sketch at The Sweet Stop.  Okay, the sketch has circles and I saw rectangles but hey it's only an inspiration!    The colour scheme has been inspired by the colours of the pumpkins at The Alley Way Stamps.

The background paper comes from Scraps N Pieces.  The banners have been handcut from white cardstock and then coloured with Distress Inks - scattered straw, spiced marmalade and tumbled glass.  At least that was the original intention but I wasn't quite happy with the tumbled glass one - it was a bit too blue so I went over it with a copic marker BG72 to match the card better.  The digital stamp and the sentiment are both from The Alley Way Stamps (September freebies).  I have coloured the bat using YR07 and BG72 copic markers.   The black banner has been cut from black cardstock and the sentiment added over the top.

Due to some sort of a problem with the linky thingy on Be Inspired 10, the winners had been chosen before I had uploaded my card.  So, I don't think anyone from The Alley Way Stamps actually saw it.  Here is the link to that card:
http://craftysuze.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/happy-birthday.html
I'm hoping that there isn't the same issue this time and that my card is included.

Vintage Christmas

The challenge this time at Crimbo Crackers is for a Vintage Christmas:
http://crimbo-crackers.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-24-vintage.html

I have kept my card relatively simple:

Sorry about the angle of the photograph but I'm having real issues with my camera.  I took about 10 photos of this card and they all came out blurred.  In desperation, I tried a different angle and the photo is much clearer - but that angle isn't great.

I have used two different papers from Computer Scrapbook - one from the SL set and the other from the Oakley Set.  The image is from The Graphics Fairy.  I'm so used to using digi, rubber or acrylic stamps in my cardmaking but this theme called for a vintage look and none of the stamps I had could pull that look off.  So, I checked out what I had from The Graphics Fairy and decided on this one.  There were alot more vintage Christmas images that I could have chosen!

While I do not like the photograph, the actual card I'm happy with.  It's simple but effective.

Sweet Pocket of Flowers

I was having a bit of a struggle getting started with two of my challenges - and one was rapidly approaching deadline - so I decided to combine the two:

The two challenges are:

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - sketch
 http://sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/sweet-sketch-wednesday-sketch-172-our.html
Platypus Creek - pearls and lace
http://www.platypuscreekdigitals.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-16-pearls-lace.html

I really wanted to do the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge this week for a couple of reasons.  Next week my son is competing at a national swimming championships and we will be away from home and have limited internet access (boo hoo).  The likelihood of getting the next challenge done is minimal unless I get it done before we leave. Secondly, the challenge this time is being hosted by another New Zealander who can perhaps understand why I have spring flowers on my card!!  Mind you, the weather doesn't feel too spring like just yet.  Where is the sun?

I have had the Platypus Creek challenge on my list to attempt for the past two challenges and not actually managed to complete a card.  So, this time I was determined to get it done!!

Okay, on to the card itself - I have used a paper from a Glitz paper pack as backing paper.  For the greeny blue bits on the sketch I have used some lemon coloured lace.  Hopefully, you can see it there as it has kind of disappeared in the photograph.  I have used yellow satin ribbon for the border and some yellowish grosgrain ribbon across the top of the lace panels.

The image is from Platypus Creek and has been die-cut with a Spellbinders labels die.  The colouring is with copics - three shades of Yellow and G000.  I have added some pearls to the flower centres and there are also pearls in the centre of the flower embellishment.  The pearls were already there but the flower itself was originally white and I coloured it with copics to co-ordinate with the card.

Around the World

My son is taking German at school this year and I had wondered about making a card with a German theme for his wonderful teacher.  This challenge at Crafty Creations gave me the push to get it done!
http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-188-around-world.html
The card was also inspired by the bingo challenge at Ruby's Rainbow but unfortunately I missed the deadline on that one as I wasn't feeling well yesterday. Actually, still not well but making more of an effort today.  Enough about my flu bug, lets have a look at this card:

I am including a link to the site (Lin Ge de Pateco) where I got this image from as it is still a freebie.  It is of a church in Dresden, Germany. 
http://lingedepateco.blogspot.co.nz/2010/09/digi-stamps-freebie-dresden.html

Although, the background paper is mainly hidden, it is one from Create with TLC.  The die-cut is a Spellbinders Lattice Rectangle.  I love this particular one as it just fits on the card nicely.  There are some smaller ones in the set too but I haven't used those much.

I have kept to neutrals in the colour scheme with some chocolate brown copic coloured ribbon roses, some chocolate coloured grosgrain ribbon and some pearls.  These three additions were from the Ruby's Rainbow challenge.  Although, I didn't get it finished in time, they did give me the finishing touches for this card.

Present time

I have made a card from a sketch with a child and a present:

These three things enable it to be entered into the following challenges:
Christmas Challenges {with sketches} - sketch
http://christmaschallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-42-sponsored-by-krea-teja.html
CRAFT Challenge - Children
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/craft-challenge-173-children.html
Christmas All Year Round - Christmas Present
http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/september-challenge.html
The background papers used are all from Bearly Mine Designs.  The image is from Some Odd Girl and is called Big Pressie Tia.  I have coloured her with copics and die-cut her using Spellbinders oval die.  The sentiment is an acrylic stamp.

Hope your day is just ducky

The current challenge at Doodle Pantry can be found here:
http://doodlepantryblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/doodle-pantry-digital-challenge-27.html

And I have created a ducky card for it:

The background paper is from a paper pack by Rosie's Studio called Retro Revolution.  The image is Harold Duck from Doodle Pantry.  I have coloured Harold using copics and then die-cut with a Spellbinders rectangle die.  The matting is from scraps of orange from a Paper Scraps pack.  The sentiment is from Create with TLC and is called Ducky Day.  I have added some yellow rhinestones to give the card a bit of bling.  I have kept the card to a CAS style so that the background paper doesn't lose it's effect.

Final Challenge at Digi Doodle

Sadly, this is the final challenge at Digi Doodle:
http://digidoodleshopsbest.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/ddsc-final-challenge-125-anything-goes.html

For this one, the theme is Anything Goes.  So, I have created a card using several Digi Doodle images that work well together:

The first step was to create a background for the images which I have done with an embossing folder.  I have used the following images which are all from Digi Doodle:

CBP Full Bow Wrap
CBP Christmas Wreath
CBP Full Bow Plain
CBP Bells
CBP Corrugated Ribbon Tree
Box Of Kittens

In case you are counting and think I've got one extra listed - the CBP Full Bow Plain is 3-D over the CBP Christmas Wreath.  A little bit hard to see the height in the photo.

I have coloured all the images using copic markers, keeping to a minimum of colours for maximum effect.

For those who are reading this, who have been a part of Digi Doodles challenges - thank you for the challenges, thank you for the DT inspirations and to fellow participants thank you for also joining in.  I have only recently started participating and wish I'd found this one earlier.  I have enjoyed the challenges that I have participated in and wish everyone well.  Thank You.

Fall Colours

The challenge at Bearly Mine Challenges is to use Fall Colours:
http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/challenge-53-fall-colors.html
The challenge at Broken Box Stock is a Fall colour palette
http://brokenboxstock.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-9-fall-foliage-color-palette.html
The challenge at Papertake Weekly is a Hazy shade of autumn
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/a-hazy-shade-of-autumn.html

I found I had this lovely mushroom paper in fall colours and created a mushroom themed card:

The background paper is from Bearly Mine Designs.  The image comes from Spyders Corner and fit perfectly with this paper.  I have coloured the image using copic markers and then die-cut with a Spellbinders oval die.

I have added some cream grosgrain ribbon from American Crafts and a bow crafted from the same ribbon.

Color Recipe Challenge

The challenge at Tuesday Alchemy is a colour recipe one:
http://tuesdayalchemy.blogspot.gr/2012/09/challenge-32-color-recipe-golden-brown.html

This challenge is extra special as one of the DT made some papers available as a freebie.  This is the same DT member whose blog I had been following mentioned Tuesday Alchemy challenge and got me participating!  So, here is my card using her papers:

I chose two of the papers from When the Scrap Hits the Fun.  I have layered them together throughout the card.  The image is one from The Sherlocks Home called Alyssa Leaves. The sentiment is also from The Sherlocks Home and is called Autumn Flowers.  I have kept this card without embellishment as I didn't want to detract from the layering.

My favourite two colours are orange and yellow - I managed to sneak a bit of orange into this one too!  I love the effect of this yellow and blue together.  Thank you Marion for these papers.

Autumn Oranges

I have created a lovely orange coloured autumn card.  I just love orange!

This card is to be entered into the following challenges:

Sassy Studio Designs - FFF - Orange you glad it's fall
http://www.papercraftplanet.com/group/sassystudiodesigns/forum/topics/fabulous-freebie-friday-9-14-12-and-challenge
Sassy Studio Designs - DTBST - Fall colours
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/dare-to-be-sassy-thursday-143.html
Papertake Weekly - A hazy shade of autumn
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/a-hazy-shade-of-autumn.html
Broken Box Stock - Fall Foliage colour
http://brokenboxstock.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-9-fall-foliage-color-palette.html

I have used an orange themed scrap pack for the background.  All these pieces are as they came in the pack - I haven't trimmed them at all (except for a little bit where I didn't line them up properly with the edges of the card but that was neatening rather than trimming!).  The image is from Sassy Studio Designs and is called Fall Fun.  Such a fabulous fun image.  I have die-cut the image using a Spellbinders Labels die and coloured using mainly YR copic markers with the addition of R59 and E000.

The ribbon is one from American Crafts and the wooden embellishments are from my stash.  I added some matte accents to the centre of the sunflower.

I'm happy with how this card turned out and almost wish it was autumn here so I could go and jump in the leaves - it looks like fun!  Instead, we are meant to be having spring but someone forgot to tell the weather that.

Card for a Baby

I haven't created many child or baby cards but this week I remedied that:

The card is to be entered into the following challenges:
Kaboodle Doodles - Babies or children
http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-137-babies-children.html
Milk Coffee Challenge - two or more shapes
http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/show-us-at-least-2-different-shapes.html


I possibly got a bit carried away with the shapes for the Milk Coffee challenge - I have triangles in the backing paper, labels die, circular sentiment, bow and the rattles (embellishment).

The image is from Milk Coffee and is called Baby.   I have picked up some of the colours from the backing papers for the image.  The backing papers are from my stash.  The sentiment is from Netty's Cards.

Beautiful Butterflies

 The challenge at Love to Create is "Things with Wings"
http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-33-things-with-wings.html

This gave quite a bit of scope - planes, owls, other birds, angels, etc.  I chose to work with butterflies after finding some beautiful paper that I wanted to create with.

This lovely paper comes from Dana's Inspirations.  I just love the vivid colours of this paper.  The image is a coloured image from Create with TLC and the sentiment is a recent freebie from Create with TLC which was just the perfect finishing touch for the card.

Photo Inspired Card

Usually when there is a photo for inspiration, I choose something from the photo - colours or image.  This time I also used the photo as a background for the card!

The challenge can be found here:
http://decreatievezebra.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-29.html

I have used a heap of different copics to try to match the colours on the image to the background photo as I just loved the colours of this photo.  After several different layers, I think I got a fairly good match.

The image comes from Oak Pond Creations and is called Jessica's Dogwood.  The sentiment is from Create with TLC and is called Friends make life blossom.  I die-cut the sentiment with a Spellbinders Blossom Die which ties in with the floral theme and the sentiment itself!  I also added some gingham style ribbon from American Crafts and some little diamond shaped rhinestones.

Girlie Card

The challenge at Whoopsi Daisy is to create a girlie card:
http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/make-it-girly.html

I'm hoping that mine is girlie enough - but if it isn't it can pass as an anything goes as I used a Whoopsi Daisy image!

However, I like to try to keep to the challenge theme - bit more work on the old brain! 

The background paper is called Flight of the Flowers and is from Create with TLC.  The image is from Whoopsi Daisy and is called Snow 5. I have used a Spellbinders Die cut around the that has a scallop shape matching the dog.  I have added some mint green edged lace and a bow made from picot edged ribbon (at least I think that is what it is called).  The image has been coloured with copics and some shimmer added with crystallina Kindy Glitz.

Monochromatic Green

It is a while since I have made a monochromatic card - this one is green:

This card is being entered into the following challenges:
Incy Wincy - monochromatic green

Beccy's Place - anything goes
http://beccysplace.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/september-challenge_1.html

Years ago I bought a few scrap packs themed by colour.  This was one of them that was still unopened!  The dark green I had to trim to fit the card but the squares I used as is.  I then die-cut an oval matt out of one of the remaining pieces.  The image that I have used is called Quill and Lamp and is from Beccy's Place.  I was going to add in some other colours but once I got started with my green copic markers I kind of ran out of things to colour!  The glass on the lamp has been coloured with YG00 but otherwise they are all from the G range.  I also coloured some rhinestones green and added those for a bit of bling

Stella Says Sketch 119

The Stella Says Sketch at Catch the Bug can be found here:
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/stella-says-sketch-challenge-119.html

I have made an autumn themed card:

I have used a background paper from Create with TLC.  I had this lovely image from Bugaboo called AKV Carn Apple which I die-cut with a Nellies Multi Frame scallop square die. The paper and image work wonderfully together so I used the colours from the backing paper for the colour scheme.  I managed to find a paper from Scraps N Pieces that had the same colour scheme as the apple paper from Create with TLC.  I was also able to match the colours with my copics.  Across the centre of the card is some red grosgrain ribbon and some red ric-rac from American Crafts.  I have coloured some clear rhinestones with my copics to match and added these as a finishing touch. 

Black white and yellow

The Challenge at Kenny K's Krafty Krew is black, white and one other colour:
http://kennykskraftykrew.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/challenge-111-black-white-1.html

I chose yellow as my other colour:

I have used a backing paper from Create with TLC called Bee Cuz Paper.  I love this paper and have used it before.  The image is from Kenny K and is called Bumblebee.  I have sized this to three different sizes and die-cut with increasing sizes of Spellbinders Large Circle Dies.  I chose circles to reflect the circles in the background paper.  The sentiment is from Create with TLC and is die-cut with  Spellbinders Labels die and matted on to black cardstock.  I have also added a bright yellow grosgrain ribbon from American Crafts.

Back to School

I had intended doing the challenge at Sentimental Sundays last week when it was sponsored by Bugaboo but somehow I just ran out of time.  When I saw this challenge, I decided I had to finish it this time!
http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-120-back-to-school.html

I'm pretty close to the deadline but should get it uploaded in time!

I have used background paper from Scraps N Pieces.  It worked perfectly with the image that I had chosen to use.

The image is from Papers and Prints and is called School Girl.  I have coloured her using copics and die-cut with a Spellbinders Oval Die.

The word art is from Melonheadz and I added a little colour using copic markers.  There was a colour version available but I wanted to match the colours to the background paper.

The sentiment is from Oak Pond Creations.  I have die-cut this with a Spellbinders banners die to give it a bit more of a school look.

BINGO Bug

Bugaboo have another BINGO challenge here:
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/time-for-september-bingo-at-bugaboo.html

I have gone with:
Tearing
Bugaboo Image
Flower

I have used a background paper of poinsettia flowers from Bearly Mine Designs.  The image is the latest freebie from Bugaboo and is called AKV Boy Winter.  I have torn the edges of the images - makes a nice change from die-cutting actually.  The image has been coloured with five copic markers - G14, G17, R59, E04, and E000.  The ribbon flowers have also been coloured with R59 to resemble the poinsettia in the background paper.

A fall sketch

The sketch at The Sweet Stop this week had an added spin:
http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/sss176-sketch-with-spin-and-prize.html

In a way, I found it easier with the spin as I didn't have as much choice!

I have been able to use some quite rich colours this week.  The background papers are both from Trimgym.  The word art is from TLC Creations and comes in these colours.  The ribbon is some satin ribbon that I have had for years and not used up.

This was quite a simple card to put together but quite effective I feel.  It was a great sketch to work with.

Scrap it

Meljens Designs Studio came up with an interesting challenge this time:
http://meljensdesignsdt.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-127-scrap-it.html

I have bought so many scrap packs years ago that I thought I would get alot of use out of and are still languishing in my supplies!  This gave me an excuse to have a good going through these packs.

I have used several different scraps from the one pack which sort-of co-ordinate but with this card I didn't feel it really mattered.  The top piece is the reverse of the right hand one on the bottom layer.  I used a Martha Steward Eyelet Lace border punch on that one.  I have used four different scrap pieces plus the reverse of one to make this card.  The image is Beach Kitty from Meljens Designs Studio.  I felt that this made a very good Hello card so found a sentiment from Dana's Inspirations that matched the feel of the paper scraps with it's flourish.  The ric-rac is from American crafts, the die-cut is a Spellbinders and the image has been coloured with copics.

All about the children

The challenge at Jellypark Challenges is all about the children:
http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/a-new-challenge-for-you-all-about.html

I had a really great concept in my head for this card but couldn't quite get it to work so I'm not completely happy with the finished product.  However, as I had put alot of time and effort into this card, I decided to submit it anyway.

The background paper, image and sentiment are all from TLC Creations:

Background paper - Funkadelic Papers
Image - Vintage Children swinging
Sentiment - Best Things in Life

I have also added some blue grosgrain ribbon and some clear rhinestones coloured to match the background paper dots.  The edging on the sentiment die-cut has been done with masking and then distress ink stippled on with a shaving brush - a clean one!

Relax

The challenge at Pixie Dust Studio is an inspiration photo
http://pixieduststudiopixiechallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/pixie-takes-photo.html

There are heaps of possibilities with this photo but I was inspired by the cat asleep on the chair (at least I hope it is a cat!).

I have had this chair image from Bird's Cards for ages but never used it.  The cat image is one from Creative Mind of Sylvie.  It fitted perfectly onto the chair.    The sentiment is from TLC Creations - it fitted with the cat on the chair but also reflects how I was feeling at the time that I created this card.  Needless to say, I didn't find a place to relax and do nothing!

The background paper that I used for this card comes from Raspberry Road designs, the die-cut is from Spellbinders and I have also added some pink rhinestones.

Bags and Tags

I have made something other than a card!  Probably because I found a couple of challenges for bags and tags!

The first is at Brown Sugar Challenge - Bags and Tags
http://brownsugarchallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-7-bags-tags.html
and the other is at A Day for Daisies - Tag
http://www.adayfordaisies.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/new-release-091412-sept-club-kit.html

So, a bag and a tag I made:

I found a template online for a bag.  The template came from Homemadegifts.com.  I printed the template onto 140gsm cardstock and then covered that with paper from TLC Creations.  This paper is called pansy angel paper.  The tag is a sizzix die cut which I then inked with Distress Ink and adhered a smaller tag cut from the pansy angel paper.  The larger pansy on the tag is a freebie image from A Day for Daisies.  This image was supplied for this current challenge.  I have added some purple raffia to the tag and attached it to the bag.

The bag is quite a good size - now I just have to find something nice to put in it.

Lilac and Lace

The current challenge at Winter Wonderland is all about Lilac and Lace:
http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/lilac-and-lace.html

This is the card that I have created for this challenge:

I have used some background paper from Crafty Bitz.  I have lain some strips of lilac lace over the top.  The image is one from Pink Gem Designs called Christmas Owls - so cute.  The flowers are all ribbon flowers which I have coloured with a Lilac copic marker V12.  The centre flower kind of looks like a poinsettia flower - at least it probably would without the pearls!!  I then used some smaller rose heads either side.

I am really pleased with how this card turned out.  My son wasn't too sure about the lilac coloured owls though!  They are his favourite bird and he wasn't too impressed that I was colouring them lilac.  Never mind - I'll just make sure that I don't give it to him at Christmas but with flowers and lace over it that is a pretty safe bet.

Live in the Moment

The challenge at CRAFT Challenge calls for an autumn card:
http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/craft-challenge-172-autumn.html

We don't really send autumn cards to each other so I have worked with the autumn colours and gone with a sentiment that can be used for other occasions.

The card uses papers from a paper pack called Red Chocolate Caramel Papers by Trimgym.  I won this pack in one of the Trimgym challenges.  I really love the rich colours in this pack and this challenge was perfect for my first card using this pack.  I have matted each layer onto chocolate brown cardstock.

The image is aso from Trimgym and is called Girl and Dog.  The sentiment is a recent freebie from Desert Diva and the colour was just perfect for this card.  That colour swirl is part of the image not something that I added!

To finish the card, I added three rhinestones which I coloured with my copic markers to co-ordinate with the card.

I'm really pleased with the way that this card turned out.  Every element worked so well together - I hope that you think so too!

Carol singing cat

A tricky challenge this time at Christmas Challenges {with sketches}
http://christmaschallenges.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-41-with-twist-sponsored-by.html

I found this twist a bit more difficult - but at least I noticed there was a twist and remembered to do it.

The papers that I used for this card all come from a paper pack by Rosies Studio. 

The image is one that I recently won in a challenge sponsored by Pink Gem Designs.  It is called carol singing cat.  The sentiment is an acrylic stamp.  I masked both of these images and then stippled them with Distress Ink.   I then coloured the cat using my copics.

I'm not really a fan of masking images but feel that this one turned out alright so maybe I should try it again!  I need to push myself out of my comfort zone and attempt different techniques which many of the challenges I've done recently have.

Get Well Soon

The challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday this week can be found here:
http://sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/sweet-sketch-wednesday-171-103-and.html

And this is the sketch they gave us to work with:

And from this sketch, I created a Get Well Soon card.

The papers used are all from my stash.  They are possibly all from the same set as they seem to work well together colourwise!  The image is called "Sorry you caught a bug" and is from Spyder's Corner.  The sentiment is from Daizeefli. 

Now I have a Get Well Soon card in my card stash but hope I don't have to use it!  However, with the change in seasons I wouldn't be surprised if it is needed soon.

Peace Love and Happiness

The challenge at Tuesday Alchemy for this week is Peace Love and Happiness.  Details can be found here:
http://tuesdayalchemy.blogspot.gr/2012/09/challenge-31-peace-love-happiness.html

I thought this image suited the peace, love and happiness theme.  I then found some paper in my stash that had a tie-dye look to it and put the two together:

I have designed another CAS card.  I felt that embellishments started detracting from the theme of this challenge - at least the embellishments that I had did!

I have used an image from Sassy Studio Designs called Soda Pop.  The paper as I said before is from my stash - think I've had it for a number of years!!  The sentiment is from Oak Pond Creations.

Update:  This card was second randomly drawn card in the prize draw.  For that, I get to pick 3 images from LEJ Designs - woohoo!

A cute christmas card

I made another Christmas card - this time with a cute image and some soft coloured papers:

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - things that make you go awwww
http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/things-that-make-you-go-awwww.html
Bearly Mine Designs - anything goes
http://bearlymine-challenges.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/challenge-52-anything-goes.html

The papers used in this card come from Bearly Mine Designs.  The image is from Sliekje Digital Stamps.  When I saw the challenge at Papertake I just knew I would be using one of the stamps from Sliekje Digital Stamps.  They are all so cute and I always go awww when I see a new one!

I have coloured  the image with copic markers and then die-cut it with a labels die-cut.  The sentiment is an acrylic stamp which I have die-cut with Spellbinders rectangle die then matted with blue cardstock.

I have added some lace and rhinestones as embellishments.

Pin up Teacher card

The image from Sassy Studio Designs this week is called Pin Up Teacher.  The challenge can be found here:
http://www.papercraftplanet.com/group/sassystudiodesigns/forum/topics/fabulous-freebie-friday-9-14-12-and-challenge
I am also entering my card in the challenge at Kaboodle Doodles:
http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-136-flowers.html

I have to admit that my card only has one flower though!

I created the background using several shades of orange Distress Ink pads applied with a shaving brush.  I then overstamped the background with an acrylic Thank You stamp and Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink.  The image is Pin Up Teacher from Sassy Studio Designs - coloured with my copics mainly in the YR tonings.  The orange grosgrain ribbon has a layer of peachy coloured lace over it and then the addition of a copic coloured ribbon flower.  The petals have been coloured using YR07 and the pearls with a lighter shade (forgot to note the number).  The sentiment is from TLC Creations and I felt it was appropriate for a Thank You card for a special teacher.  I have added some light peachy coloured pearls (the colour doesn't really show up in the photo though!)

Buttons and Bows

The challenge at Whoopsi Daisy calls for buttons & bows:
http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/buttons-or-bows.html

This is my buttons & bows card:

The card uses an image from Whoopsi Daisy called Linnie.  I have coloured her using various shades of violet copic markers with a touch of earth colours for her hair and shoes.  The image has been die-cut using a Nellies Multi Frame die.

The paper is from Trimgym and has an overlay of purple lace and then the purple organza ribbon.  I have tied a bow from this same purple organza ribbon.  The button is one from my Mum's stash that I raided on a visit earlier this year.  She was happy that I thought I could use some of her old buttons.  I think she has had some of them for more than 30 years!

Happy Birthday Lion

I have made another birthday card.  This time using a Sassy Studio Design image of the cowardly Lion from Wizard of Oz.

This card is being entered into the following challenges:

Sassy Studio Designs - Dare to Be Sassy Thursday
Monthly Sketch Challenge
http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/dare-to-be-sassy-thursday-142.html
Love to Create - Ribbon or twine
http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/challenge-32-show-us-your-ribbon-or.html
De Creatieve Zebra - Anything Goes (second card)
http://decreatievezebra.blogspot.be/2012/09/challenge-28.html

I have used the sketch from Sassy Studio Designs for this card.  The papers come from Webster's Pages - Western Romance and All About Me Collection Combo Pack.  The ribbon is organza.  The image as I said above is called The Cowardly Lion and is an image from Sassy Studio Designs.  The sentiment is an acrylic stamp which has been die-cut with an Spellbinders oval.

Autumn Hues

Even though we are spring time here (supposedly), I love the colours of autumn and enjoy crafting with them:

In case you are wondering about the supposedly, we have had frosts three mornings in a row!  That to me, is not spring weather!

This card is for the challenge at Kenny K's Krafty Krew which can be found here:
http://kennykskraftykrew.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/challenge-110-autumn-hues.html

I don't have a large selection of Kenny K images and sometimes have to stretch a bit to get an image to fit the challenge.  However, this gorgeous bear image suits the reddish-browns of autumn.  I tried to give him a bit of a fur look with my colouring which seems to have worked okay.  I then die-cut the bear using a Spellbinders scallop oval.

I have used two papers from my stash.  The Thank You is an acrylic stamp inked with Distress Ink - vintage photo.  This paper was made up of various rectangles with autumn images on them.  I chose this leaf one to use as the backing for the sentiment.  The main paper is from the same set - although I don't know what brand they are as I had put them all into a scrapbook album to keep them clean!

I added some autumn coloured rhinestones to the sentiment square to give it a bit of bling!

Happy Birthday

The Alley Way Stamps has another Be Inspired Challenge - number 10:
http://thealleywaystamps.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/be-inspired-challenge-10.html

On writing this post, I discovered that somehow I missed the deadline - I thought I still had an hour left.  Anyway, here is my card:

I was inspired by the zig-zag lines.  The image and sentiment are freebies from The Alley Way stamps.  The paper is from Free Digital Scrapbook.  The matting is green 80gsm paper - my cardstock wasn't the colour I wanted and this was!  It meant I couldn't raise it as it wasn't heavy enough but it is good to have some flat cards for posting!

Next challenge, I need to work on getting my maths right when calculating challenge deadlines. 

Actually, I just went back to the original post to put the reference in above and see it is still showing 8 hours left remaining to link up - yet the winners post is already showing.  Never mind, I hope it still gets looked at and commented on.

Since I missed the deadline on the TAWS challenge and I don't want to completely waste my effort on it, I have found an anything goes challenge to enter it into:
De Creatieve Zebra - Anything Goes
http://decreatievezebra.blogspot.be/2012/09/challenge-28.html
I usually do this challenge anyway and since it is a maximum of 2 cards, I can still do the card I was planning to do.

Carol singing hedgie

There is a lovely sketch this week at The Sweet Stop which can be found here:
http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/sss175-september-6.html

I have rotated the sketch this week:

I have used some papers from Bearly Mine Designs which I matted onto green cardstock.  The small green circle has a bubble sticker over it. 

The image is from Spyders Corner and is called carol singing hedgie.  I have coloured the hedgie with my copic markers and added some matte accents to hedgie's hat.

To finish the card, I added some soft green pearls.

Happy Halloween

Woo Hoo - A halloween challenge!  You can find it here at Pixie Dust Studio:
http://pixieduststudiopixiechallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/pixie-says-boo.html

My card isn't a scary halloween card:

The image comes from TLC Creations and is called Ghostly Pumpkin.  The backing paper that I have used is some from my stash.  The ric-rac was actually a dark grey in colour but I wanted black so I inked it using Distress Ink - Black Soot.  I'm pleased with how it turned out.

The sentiment comes from Limited Runs.  The die-cuts used are all from Spellbinders and the matting is black cardstock.

Christmas Pets and Recycling

What do Christmas Pets and Recycling have in common?  This card for a start!

This card is being entered into the following challenges:

ABC Christmas - R is for Recycling
http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/r-for-recycling.html
Winter Wonderland - Christmas Pets
http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/christmas-pets.html
Christmas Crafting - Traditional Colours
http://christmascrafting.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/were-back-challenge-14.html

I'll start with the Christmas Pet.  This is Merlin looking at the Christmas tree.  He comes from Eiglassing Digital Stamps.  I coloured his tree using copic markers and then added some red rhinestones for the garland round the tree.

Now for the recycling.  There are two recycled items on this card.  The first is the gold ribbon.  What you see is actually the back of the ribbon which came from a box of Guylan chocolates.  The other side has Guylan written on it!  The other recycled item is the chain on the dog tags.   My son recently swam in the NZ Secondary School Championships.  While I was waiting for him to get changed, I was talking to the receptionist who was sweeping the floor.  I spotted this bit of chain amongst the stuff she was sweeping up!  I knew straight away that I had a use for it.  She was a bit bemused by me wanting it so I'll have to make sure I show her the finished product!

The rest of the card - the paper is from Bearly Mine Designs and worked well with the colour scheme that I had already chosen.  The dog tags come from Digi Ditto.