Just Add Ink Challenge #233

Its nearly 9.30pm here and the kids are in bed but each watching a dvd. I told them I desperately needed to do some internet banking and would be back soon. The banking was quick (the joy of no money!!) so thought I would sneak in this post.

This is the brilliant sketch for the Just Add Ink challenge this week. I really enjoy this challenge because not only is it a bit closer to home (in Australia) but they have such a variety of sketches, colour combo's and cards to case each week. I love this sketch and luckily (at 1am this morning) I thought of an idea immediately:

Its not often that I can say I'm 100% happy with a card but this is an exception. It came together so quickly and with no problems at all. I love the white on white and the stamps are so wonderful to use. Phoebe wants to display it in her room but might have to sneak it out every now and then...

I die cut the windows and then washi taped them where I wanted them to sit. This way I could stamp the three different coloured hearts in the right spot. I then popped the windows up on millions of tiny pieces of foam tape. I stamped the sentiment on the banner and this was popped up underneath on each side with some foam tape, as it sits over the end of the die-cut. Just a couple of sequins and done.

The metal stitched-window die and the darker pink sequins are from Pretty Pink Posh. The light pink sequins, sentiment and hearts are from Neat and Tangled 'Kindness Matters'. 

Will also link this to the challenge at Addicted to Stamps #114  where their theme is 'Clean and Simple'. This is my millionth entry I think. They must get sick of me bombarding them with entries when they have a CAS challenge!

And of course also to Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge  where their theme is 'Anything Goes'. This is my millionth entry there as well!

I can hear the kids looking for me so better do some quick linking. Just to let you all know, the chocolate brownies Phoebe made yesterday were absolutely perfect and she is so proud. Not many left but thats what good baking is all about!

And I want to give a HUGE shout-out to the wonderful Darnell of djkardkreations. Over the month of September she had her 2nd NBUS (Never Before Used Schtuff) challenge and I entered many, many times. I found out yesterday that I was one of the lucky 15 people to be picked by Hammy and the Random Number thingie to win a $25 voucher to Simon Says Stamp. What an amazing, generous woman she is and this couldn't have come at a better time (I feel Christmas stamp/die shopping is needed.....). Thank you Darnell for being such a wonderful supporter of myself and others in the crafting community and I can't wait for her next challenge!!

Take care
Shona

Altenew - September Challenge: From the craft room

If you have read my blog posts before, you will know what a huge fan I am of my Altenew stamps and use them all the time. I was so excited when I saw they had started their first ever challenge and even though its taken me nearly all month to get organised, I finally have my card ready.

This is the very sweet inspiration photo for the Altenew challenge this month. I love the soft yellows and green stripes. I don't use ribbon very often on my cards but decided to splash out and tie a bow:

I spent ages going thru my papers trying to find something that resembled the faded wallpaper from the photo. I cut it to the size of the card front and stuck it straight on. After cutting the rectangle with a stitched die, I stamped my flowers and sentiment. I used double-sided tape to hold the ribbon to the back of the rectangle and tied the bow. The rectangle was then popped up on some foam tape. A few pretty sequins and voila, soft yellow loveliness.

The yellow paper is from Echo Park 'Sweet Girl'. The metal stitched rectangle die and the yellow sequins are from Pretty Pink Posh. The green sequin from Neat and Tangled. The sentiment is from Altenew 'Sohcahtoa' and the flowers are also Altenew 'Painted Flowers'.

Will also link this to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is 'Anything Goes'. This is my fourth entry.

Have one more card to post but it is so sunny outside, I'm off to the river with the kids and the dogs. Must take plenty of towels with me to dry everyone off. Way more exciting to do than cleaning the toilet and bathroom!

Take care
Shona

Muse Challenge #86

Managing to fit in another quick post while the kids are watching 'Sam and Cat'. Have just helped Phoebe make her first ever batch of chocolate brownies, will see the final (and hopefully edible) result in about 20 mins.

Such a gorgeous card!! Anita Bowden is our inspiration this week at Muse. These colours are so beautiful and I love how its masked/shaped into a circle, amazing! The one thing that I don't own (and really wish I did) was a set of circle die-cuts. Must put them on my Santa List.....

Unfortunately I didn't have the right coloured blue ink, its the lighter version. I decided not to use flowers and use these doily stamps instead. They started looking like snowflakes to me and was going to make it a Xmas card but suddenly realised I don't have any stamps or dies that say 'Merry Christmas'. Must remedy that immediately!!

After stamping the doilies, I heat embossed the sentiment in white and wrapped the vellum around the card. I then wanted some green highlight, so cut the light green hearts and adhered straight to the card. A couple of light green enamel dots and ta dah!! No where near as nice as Anita's card but always so good to be inspired to try new things.

The doily stamps are from Couture Creations and the sentiment from Hero Arts 'Year Round Sentiments'. The light green paper is from Carta Bella 'So Noted' and was cut with a metal multi-heart die from CAS-ual Fridays'. The enamel dots are from My Minds Eye.

I'm also going to link this to the challenge at Addicted to Stamps #114 where their theme is 'Clean and Simple'. This is my third entry.

And will also join in the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is 'Anything Goes'. This is my third entry.

Better go check those brownies, they really do smell delicious. And so they should, Phoebe was horrified at the amount of butter and brown sugar they contain but if your going to have a brownie, have a REALLY GOOD one I say!!

Take care
Shona

CASology Challenge Week #114 - Flutter

The sun is finally breaking through and have just taken the dogs for a walk with Phoebe on her roller skates, Max on his scooter and Mum with the 'poo bags'. We got up very late this morning (yay for the school holidays!) and even managed to finish a card this morning without much(ish) interruption.

You know I love the CASology challenge and this week they had the fantastic cue word 'Flutter'. Now I found myself automatically thinking of butterflies and birds but as usual I tried to think outside the square a smidge....

I love when you think of 'hearts all a flutter', it makes the person seem so excited and in love. But how was I going to make 'fluttering' hearts on a card. It suddenly came to me last night while watching a horror movie (strange but true). 

I stamped the solid heart on white cardstock three times and then cut them out by hand. I then stamped the same hearts in red in a row of three on the card front. I scored the three cut-out hearts down the middle and folded them slightly and then used Glossy Accents down the back of the fold. The fold was then put in the middle of the stamped heart and I held it there till it set. It was then just a matter of stamping the sentiment and a few enamel dots. Love it!!

The heart stamp is from Lawn Fawn 'Woodgrain Backdrops' and the sentiment from Fiskars 'Hexagon Sentiments'. Enamel dots are from Papervine.

I'm also going to link this to the challenge at Addicted to Stamps #114 where their theme is 'Clean and Simple'. This is my second entry.

Will also link to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is 'Anything Goes'. I think this is my second entry.

Have another card to post but hungry children to feed (again). Its amazing how much more food we go thru when the kids are home compared to being sent off with a lunchbox. I can feel another grocery shop coming on....

Take care
Shona
 

Cure for the Monday Blues #30

Well, we are only two days into the two weeks of school holidays and already I can see that card making time is going to be few and far between for a few weeks.

I was so happy that Taheerah extended the deadline for the latest Cure for the Monday Blues challenge because I love the picture but ran out of time last week. Well this week I haven't done any better but finally finished my card tonight. I started it at 2pm this afternoon and finished at 6.45pm. Between children wanting food, my husband losing things and my daughter wanting to bake, it took me a lot longer than usual to finish.

What a gorgeous scene this is and looks like a wonderful place to surf the net. I particularly loved the gold/triangle lamp base and the lovely minty wall colour. I used these as the main inspiration for my card:

I'm amazed I got such a sunny photo with it raining all day. One of the reasons I enjoy this challenge is it gives me a chance to try layering papers instead of my usual CAS design. Not that I do the layering well but so nice to try something new.

I adhered the mint paper straight to the card front and then cut a strip of my most favourite gold/triangle vellum to run down the middle. I die cut the frame and stamped with a sentiment that reminded me of the black frame of the computer screen. This was popped up on foam tape. I used my heart hole-punch to make the gold heart and two enamel dots in the similar minty colour.

The mint paper is from Dear Lizzy's 'Polka Dot Party'. The vellum from My Minds Eye 'Necessities'. The curvy frame metal die is from Couture Creations. The sentiment is from Jillibean Soup 'Birthday' and enamel dots are also from My Minds Eye.

I'm also going to link this to the Simon Says Stamp 'Wednesday Challenge' where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

Everyone is tucked up in bed now and even though I want to go there myself, I have a few cards I want to start (and hopefully finish) while I have the time. Might have to whip out some Peanut M&M's to keep me awake (what an excuse!!). Such a shame I don't drink tea or coffee......

Take care
Shona

 

Time Out Challenge # 15

I can't believe two weeks has disappeared and we are ready for another Time Out Challenge. Thank you to everyone who joined in for the 'Home Sweet Home' challenge, your cards were amazing! This time we have the theme of:

                     Stamping with the optional twist of 'Apples'

This means we would love to see some sort of stamping on your card, even a stamped sentiment. And if you join in with 'the twist', you can add an apple/apples to your project.


We have a Guest Designer again this week, the fantastic Loll from Stamping with Loll. Her cards are incredible and she has such a brilliant eye for colour and blending. I hope you will pop over and visit her blog and leave some love!

Unfortunately I don't own any stamps with apples or even any pattern paper with apple pictures (but I'm working on it....). I actually tried to stamp some apples with a round circle stamp and some leaves but it just looked like a 'circle with leaves on top'!! Not good.

So I decided to use my favourite red ink pad from Mama Elephant called 'Apple':

Back in August I saw this card by Donna Mikasa which was part of the CASE Study 4th Anniversary blog hop. I made a similar card using just yellow but really wanted to try it with an ombre look. This challenge was a perfect opportunity!

To be honest, I didn't measure or rule any lines. I just used my stamp to work out how I could fit in two rows of each colour so that the light pink finished off the card. I started with the 'Apple' ink with a simple circle stamp, making sure they overlapped. After two rows I changed to 'Lollipop' and then to 'Bubblegum'. I used one of my favourite sentiment stamps (from Altenew 'Sohcahtoa') at the top and added a bit of bling because I felt it was missing something. I really like how it turned out and must try some different colour combinations.

And since this is such a CAS card, I'm also going to sneak it into the challenge at Addicted to Stamps and More #114 where their theme is 'Clean and Simple'.

The design team have made some gorgeous cards to inspire you for this challenge so I hope you can come on over to Time Out to join in. You have two weeks to play and I look forward to visiting your blog to see your wonderful creations!!

Take care
Shona





  

One-Layer Simplicity Challenge #9 - Hip to be Square

Small, square cards are so sweet I think, so I was very happy to see the challenge at One-layer Simplicity was 'Hip to be Square'. This means that you need to have a square somewhere on your card or the card itself could be square.

For some reason I always think of small gift cards for my Mum to go with a box of chocolates, flowers or rose for her garden. So I really wanted to keep the card soft and feminine:

I stamped this square stamp on the card with Versamark Ink and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. I then masked off around the edges and coloured using 'Spun Sugar' Distress Ink and my mini blending tool. I wanted a sentiment that had a 'swirl and softness' to it as well and inked it in grey. I love the pink/grey combo, its just very pretty and feminine. I added two light pink pearls to the side and just love how it turned out.

The square stamp is from Couture Creations and the sentiment from Hero Arts.

Off out into my garden now to soak up some sunshine and Vitamin D. Now all my posting is done I can sit down tonight and craft away. I've got so many challenges I want to enter, just hope I can think of enough ideas!!

Take care
Shona

Lawnscaping Challenge #90

I'm being a bit sneaky today. I don't usually do my blog posts till late at night but it takes so long I'm then too tired to actually make any more cards. So I'm doing two posts now (even though its gloriously sunny outside) and will return to my domestic duties straight after....promise....

One thing I do love is looking at how people colour in their stamped images, especially animals. I don't have any colouring products yet so I wasn't sure if I would be able to play in this Lawnscaping Challenge but then I had an idea.....

I've had this Lawn Fawn 'Into the Woods' stamp set for nearly a year but have never used the animals because I could never colour them. So I thought, lets go with the 'no colour' idea and see how it looks....I thought it looked pretty good! I basically stamped all the critters randomly, trying to get them as close together as possible and then went back with the heart stamp in red.

I didn't want to do a big sentiment and cover it up, so stamped the two speech bubbles in red and cut them out by hand (don't look to closely!) and adhered them with foam tape. I then used foam tape again to put the panel on a red card and finished. I'm really excited about this card and it looks better than what I had in my head!

I did tuck in a small rabbit from a Kaisercraft stamp set I have, just because I couldn't fit any of the critters in those spaces.

I'm also going to link this to the challenge at Addicted to CAS #48 where their theme is:

And as I haven't used these critter stamps before, will also link into the lovely Darnell's NBUS #2 Challenge (NBUS stands for 'Never Before Used Schtuff'). It closes on Thursday 25th Sept at Noon, so still time for you to enter!

A quick update: The wonderful Darnell left me a comment suggesting that because I had used scissors on this card,  I should enter this into the AAA Card Challenge #21  where their theme is 'Fussy Cutting ', which I did for my two sentiment bubbles. I actually thought I had linked this card but must have been thinking about a card I posted on Monday. Thanks so much Darnell for giving my brain a kick in the behind!!

Right, one more card to post and then straight back into the housework or maybe I can go straight into the garden so to make the most of the sun...mmmm..I think the garden sounds much more inviting!

Take care
Shona

Mod Squad Challenge - Sweet Tooth!

If you've read my posts before (and hopefully you have....) you may have read about my addiction to Peanut M&M's. I'm hoping that if I mention them enough, maybe one day someone from M&M Head Office will see my blog and send me boxes of them for being such a loyal customer. You never know.....

So, when I saw the theme for the Mod Squad Challenge this week was 'Sweet Tooth', I just knew I had to join in with all the calories.

Now, wanting to join a challenge and having ideas for it can turn into a big pile of custard when you realise you have no stamps or dies that resemble anything sweet (although I did remember after making the card that I do have the word 'sweet' as a metal die...duh!). So.....

Planted lollipops it is! I was very lucky in August to win a stamp set (with matching dies) from WPlus9 called 'Fresh Cut Containers'. I die-cut the three different planters and then used a hole punch to cut the lollipop heads. I then had to find a way of doing the lollipop stick and to my surprise I hadn't realised that in a stamp set from Neat and Tangled I had won ('Across the Card') there was a single-line stamp. Perfect! I inked this up in black as long as I needed and stamped for each stick.

The yellow planter and lollipop head were stuck directly to the white panel. I popped the blue and pink planters and lollipops on foam tape for a bit of dimension. After stamping the sentiment, the panel was stuck to the card front with foam tape as well. I actually covered the lollipop heads with Wink of Stella but it looked awful, so cut three more heads and covered them quick smart! 

The card turned out all sweet, colourful and clean, just as I had hoped it would. Hopefully everyone will see lollipops like I do!

The papers are from Lawn Fawn 'Let's Polka' and the sentiment also from Lawn Fawn 'Life is good' (really like the font). The enamel dots are from Papervine.

As I've used pattern paper for this card, I'm going to link this as my second entry into the challenge at A Blog Named Hero #52 where their theme is 'Papers, please'.

And since this was my first time using my WPlus9 metal dies, I'll join Darnell with her NBUS (never before used schtuff) Challenge No. 2. There are only a few days to go before that one ends.

And will also link this card as my third entry into the Artful Crafts - September 2014 Challenge where my card colours are similar to the inspiration colours:

Right, my eyes are fading fast so must get my linking done and off to bed. A bit chilly tonight so I'm glad I put my electric blanket on. Dave has already gone to bed though, so there is a chance he has turned it off.....hope not!

Take care
Shona

Fusion Card Challenge - Shiny Pink!

Have been trying all sorts of new techniques and ideas with my cards this week and this card was no exception for the Fusion challenge this week.

I have never seen a Corvette(?) in this colour before, can you imagine how gorgeous this would be shining in the sun?? How I wish I had some pink, foil paper or something like that to do this card but alas no. How could I get a bit of shine AND hot pink happening.....

Clear heat embossing came to mind! I haven't done this very much but thought I could get some shine from the embossed pattern with the hot pink alongside. I have a 2inch square stamp with this fab swirly pattern. I liked it because it reminded me of all those smooth curves on the car. I stamped it all over a piece of white cardstock, trying to keep each stamp close together. I heat embossed with clear embossing powder and then went to town with some Picked Raspberry Distress Ink and my mini blender.

I then used a stitched-rectangle die to cut out my panel. You can't quite see it but the sketch has a strip along the bottom of the panel and I used a piece of vellum fishtailed on the right side. I needed some silver somewhere, so wrapped a piece of silver cord across the middle of the vellum and attached at the back of the panel. This was popped up on foam tape on the front of the card.

More silver was needed (and a sentiment) so silver heat embossed the circle stamp and cut it out with scissors. I put this on foam tape as well. A scattering of silver star sequins and all done. So nice to do something different.

The swirly square stamp is from Couture Creations and the 'Be Kind' stamp is from Neat and Tangled 'Kindness Matters'. The metal stitched-rectangle die is from Pretty Pink Posh. The silver stars are from Papervine.

Only three days left this week until the end of Term 3 and two weeks of school holidays. The weather is usually pretty good so get to play outside a lot with the kids. Will just be interesting to see how much creating and blogging I fit in during the day and night as they will be staying up later. EEeeek!

Take care
Shona



 

Muse Challenge #85

This is the last card I made yesterday while visiting my Mum for the weekend and I had three other challenges in the back of my mind while putting this card together.

This is the gorgeous card for inspiration this week at Muse. I absolutely love those large flower stamps/dies (and must add them to my HUGE wishlist...) but unfortunately I don't have anything that large to emulate them. So I tried something new.....

I really wanted to make sure I had something die-cut and up on foam tape for my card. Unfortunately I don't have many stamps or die's to choose from. So....I used my favourite flower stamps and cut them out by hand. Please don't look too closely!! I only have one pair of scissors and they are by no means small enough to cut delicately but I did my best.

I stamped out my flowers and also a few extra leaves. After cutting them all out, I worked out the placement and adhered the pink flower with foam tape. I then used twice the amount of foam tape on the yellow flower. I decided to then adhere leaves around them, trying to keep it as balanced as I could. A stamped sentiment and enamel dots and I was finished.

I really like how it turned out, especially doing the different levels of foam tape. Have never done that before either and will certainly try it again.

The flower/leaf stamps are from Altenew 'Painted Flowers'. The sentiment is also from Altenew 'Sohcahtoa'. The enamel dots are from Papervine.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I had three other challenges to think of:

I'm going to enter this card into the Curtain Call Challenge where they have beautiful flowers in the same colours in their inspiration photo:

Also I will enter the challenge at AAA Cards #21 where their challenge is 'Fussy Cutting', which I certainly did with my flowers and leaves:

And last (but not least) I will enter as my second entry into the Artful Crafts - September 2014 Challenge where my flower colours are part of the inspiration colours:

Blimey, sorry for such a long post but so many wonderful challenges to be a part of. I commented on a blog today where the woman had entered her gorgeous card into about 12 different challenges. I've asked her what her secret is to linking them all (as it takes me ages to link just a few), so hopefully she will come back to me with her linking magic......

Take care
Shona

The Color Throwdown Challenge #310

I really do love a good colour combo for a challenge and when I saw the pretty colours for The Color Throwdown  challenge this week, I knew I had to find time to join in.

These colours are so soft and pretty. I couldn't find an exact match amongst my paper piles but love the inspiration.

I crawled out of my comfort-zone yesterday and decided to play with some kraft cardstock. I really liked the natural brown with the pastel colours. I cut the heart three times with the different coloured papers and then decided on the pattern. This heart die actually has two more smaller sizes in the middle but left them out to show the heart shape in the white.

After cutting the tag with a metal die, I glued on the smaller hearts directly. I used washi tape to hold my tri-coloured heart together and then popped up on foam tape. After stamping the sentiment I also put the tag on foam tape and adhered on an angle.

I then thought it needed something else but bling didn't work. So I used my white gel pen to create a stitched border around the card. I haven't tried this idea since the beginning of the year because each time my lines went all over the place. It was just what the card needed!

The metal heart die is from CAS-ual Fridays. The metal stitched tag die is from Pretty Pink Posh. The pink and light green papers are from Echo Park 'Everyday Eclectic' and the pale blue paper from Carta Bella 'So noted'.

As the card has a tag on it, I'm going to join in the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is 'Tag It'. You can make a tag or add one to your project.

Must stoke the fire up before I carry on posting. Our Spring has been very warm so far but all of a sudden Winter has decided to pop back for a visit. Thank goodness we still have some firewood left or I would be sitting here wearing my whole wardrobe!! Very hard to make a card when you can't feel your fingers.....

Take care
Shona

CASology Challenge - Week #113

My oh my this past week has totally gotten away from me!!! Between organising boxes of toys/books/games etc to donate to foster families (the kids and I went thru their bedrooms and they wanted to give their things to children who have nothing...), to Phoebe having migraines all of a sudden and then to me having sudden jaw pain, the past seven days have just disappeared.

Luckily I spent this past weekend with my Mum and crafted my heart out!! So finally have lots to share with you over the next few days.

Once again another fantastic cue word from the CASology team. From smoking dope to telling on someone, the types of cards inspired by this word are endless. This week my ideas just couldn't be transferred to my card, so took a classic route instead:

Thinking about grass I had the same lines from a song repeating in my mind 'the green, green grass of home'. I knew I had one little wood veneer house tucked away somewhere, so this became my card.

I always try to aim for one-layer with this challenge, so managed to cut the grass-hill curve in the green paper and cardstock at the same time with a metal die. I used a piece of cardstock behind the curve to keep it all in place. I then glued on my house, stamped my sentiment and all done! Simple and sweet.

The green paper is from Lawn Fawn 'Into the Woods'. The sentiment is from Hero Arts and the enamel dots from Papervine. Unfortunately the little house came in a gift bag so I don't know where it came from. Wish I did as I would really like to buy some more! The metal curved/stitched die is from Pretty Pink Posh.

And for the first time, I'm going to enter a challenge at A Blog Named Hero where their theme is using pattern paper:

 
Okay, three more cards to post and also one to make before bedtime. I can see now its going to be a late one but so worth it. I missed my blog last week!!

Take care
Shona




 

Extra Special Time Out Challenge - 'Double the Joy'

The wonderful Bev of Uniko Studio  is also part of the Design Team for Time Out Challenges. A few weeks ago she gave birth to twin boys Josh and Ben (she has beautiful photos of them on the Uniko Studio Blog). Nonni and Sandie decided we would have a special challenge dedicated to her and her little ones.

The theme for this challenge is 'double the joy' which basically means using two of something on your project. And you have until the 29th September 5pm BST to enter. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!! Oh and there is a prize of a 20 £ voucher to Uniko Studio...yippee!

This is probably the second baby card I've ever made! For some reason I go blank when it comes to these which is crazy because you could really do anything. Maybe because of the 'anything' I don't know where to start.

However, I have this paper collection from Echo Park 'Bundle of Joy' and its coloured for boys. I've hardly used it so now was the time to bring it out for a play! I found these cute whales and managed to cut them out with my large hole punch. I then used a metal die to die-cut the large speech bubble and put the whales on top using foam tape.

I wanted something to contrast behind it so used the two strips of green paper in different widths. These were adhered directly to the card front and the speech bubble attached with more foam tape. I recently won some sequins in blue shades, so went to town with those as if they were bubbles. A simple sentiment and I was done. I'm really happy with how it turned out and maybe won't be so scared of my next baby card....

The metal speech-bubble die is from MFT Die-namics. The sequins are from Avery Elle and the sentiment from Simon Says Stamp 'Tag Sayings'.

I really hope Bev likes my card and I bet she will get such a lovely surprise to see this challenge in her honour. I also hope you have a chance to join in too and look forward to visiting your blog.

Take care
Shona

Muse Challenge #84

I have to be honest, when I saw the card for this weeks Muse  challenge, I was blown away by how incredible it was but also freaking out because I had no idea how I could possibly come up with anything resembling this card.

See what I mean??? Isn't this the most beautiful, stunning, complicated card you've ever seen??!! The butterfly is so wonderfully coloured with such detail....my little brain was going eeeekkk and also thinking that Therese is a genius!

However, its amazing what a few days mulling things over will do. This is my creation:

I'm kind of embarassed having my card directly underneath, it looks so unworthy but hey, how will I learn if I don't try. To give you some background to my card, I unfortunately don't own any background stamps or dies. And also don't have any big stamps. So in came my 'kiwi ingenuity' to the rescue!!

I had a whole lot of rectangles left over from using my Pretty Pink Posh six window die. I painstakingly butted them all together in a long strip, sticking with washi tape as I went. I then turned it over, put washi tape all over the back and then removed the tape from the front. 

With that over I stamped my butterfly three times. I then used some distress ink with a little water and brush to paint amongst the wings and also added some Wink of Stella. Now the fun part. I started with the top right piece and stuck to the front of the card with tape. From there I taped each piece, leaving a small gap between each one, ending by trimming some excess off at the bottom.

I then die-cut the 'love' three times from black cardstock and glued them together. This was adhered to the front of the card with 'you' stamped underneath. Three little enamel dots later and it was finally finished! What a marathon of a card but I'm so glad I did it.

The butterfly stamp is from Couture Creations. The 'love' metal die is from Paper Smooches and the 'you' stamp is from CAS-ual Fridays 'Shenanigans'. Enamel dots are from Papervine.

I've been typing for nearly an hour so surely I'm nearly finished for the evening. I have taped tv programmes and apple pie calling my name, so must finish soon!!

Take care
Shona

 

Cure for the Monday Blues Challenge #29

I was so excited this week to hear that the challenge at Cure for the Monday Blues  had been extended for another week, as I really wanted to enter but ran out of time.

This photo makes me so hungry!!! Although I'm still trying to work out what the mint coloured liquid is...??? Anyhow, its looks divine and I loved all the colours and sweetness.

I came across this cute little jar stamp last week for $3 and knew it was perfect for this challenge. The only drawback is that I would have to cut it out by hand (so please, don't look too closely....) and I don't have any tiny detail scissors but I did my best.

I started by cutting the patterned paper with a stitched journal die. I then cut the pink polka-dot paper to the same width but slightly longer and used the stitched scallop die on the bottom edge. This reminded me of the scallop edge of the cake stand in the photo. 

I then stamped my jar 3x on some mint paper and hand cut. I adhered the bottom two directly to the rectangle and popped the top one up on foam tape. I even used my Wink of Stella on their lids for a bit of sparkle.

The rectangle was also put on foam tape over the polka dot paper and then all adhered to the card front. A few enamel dots and done. I now kind of wish I had put on some red enamel dots for a 'cherry hit' but oh well.

All the papers used are from Echo Park 'Everyday Eclectic'. The stitched journal die and stitched scallop die are both from Pretty Pink Posh and the enamel dots from Papervine. The jar stamp is from Rosies Studio.

Everyone is fast asleep after a busy weekend with friends and two late nights. I love this time of year, you can really smell Spring in the air, the blossoms are everywhere and their smell just makes me smile. Although, all my weeds are loving this weather too and have grown overnight it seems. Hope they have a good sleep tonight as I will be taking care of them all tomorrow......

Take care
Shona

Poppy Sketches Challenge #12

I had a HUGE marathon card making session last night and didn't go to bed until 3.45am this morning....crazy huh?!! I wasn't tired at all and loved the whole stint, although I don't think I could do it every night.... The funny thing is that the four nights before I had been going to bed by 10.30pm each night to see if I am less tired. It made no difference and I feel more awake today after only 4.5hrs sleep. Very weird......

 Anyway, when I saw this sketch and the pretty colours at Poppy Sketches a fortnight ago, I thought I really must get myself organised and join in.

Isn't it funny, you would think someone who has quite a big pattern paper stash, would have more red paper....alas not!! However, I came across this slightly darker red journal card that alternated with pink which seemed perfect. 

Firstly I die-cut the pink/beige criss-cross paper into a stitched rectangle and then cut the striped paper slightly larger. I then used a stitched scallop die cut on the bottom edge. The striped paper was adhered directly to the card front with the rectangle popped up on foam tape. I stamped the sentiment, cut a banner flag at one end and also used foam tape to adhere it. I then cut the same striped paper as a border across the top and used the same scallop on bottom edge. And for a little sparkle I added the silver twine over-top.

The pink/beige paper is from Teresa Collins 'Family Stories'. Unfortunately the striped journal card was purchased as a bulk lot, so don't know where its from. The stitched journal die and stitched scallop die are both from Pretty Pink Posh. The sentiment is from Lawn Fawn 'Life is Good' and enamel dots from Papervine.

I really like how this turned out (as its not my normal style) so I'm going to enter this into the Mod Squad Challenge where their theme is 'Simply Stripes'.

And will also enter this into the challenge at Virginia's View #7 where their theme is:

Three more cards to post and link...going to be a long evening but always so nice to get them out into 'blogland' and see what everyone else has been doing. Must put on my robe, get a drink and a snack, and settle in for a hour of blogging!!



Take care
Shona

CASology Challenge #112 (second entry)

Its a very dismal, rainy day here today, perfect for card making. Although I do have 3 kids here, so not quite sure how that will go. Can imagine we will be playing a few boardgames etc to pass the time.

The cue word this week at CASology  but boy, the possibilities for cards are endless!

For this card I decided to go with 'three' of things. Three different cardstock colours were used for the die-cut. Three words make up the sentiment. I used products from three different companies to make the sentiment and finished it off with three enamel dots. It's no wonder I'm counting three's jumping over sheep in my dreams!!

The 'love' metal die is from Paper Smooches. The 'is' is actually masked from 'I miss you' from Altenew 'Sohcahtoa' and the 'wonderful' stamp is from Neat and Tangled. And enamel dots are from Papervine.

Max is off to the swimming pool with Dave in a few minutes and Phoebe has her best friend staying for another night (they know I find it hard to say no....) and they play for hours on their own. I can feel a bit of card making time coming on.....

Take care
Shona

CASology Challenge #112

As the girls at CASology  have come to realise, this challenge is one of my favourites to join each week. I enjoy it because I make myself stick to one-layer and I really try to think 'outside the square' with the cue word. 

This week was no exception. I had an idea straight away but for the life of me I just can't do it because I don't have the right stamps...so frustrating!!!

So, it was back to what can I do with what I've got:

Kooky huh??! I wanted to do something with eyes but realised I don't have any stamp eyes but then I remembered a stamp set. Its from Simon Says Stamp 'Only have eyes for you' and has this gorgeous alien with three eyes on top of his head. Perfect!!  Of course I wanted to make it harder for myself, so stamped the sentiment and then masked off the alien head and just stamped his eyes. I put lots of Wink of Stella on his eyeballs and then Glossy Accents. Three enamel dots later....ta da!!

I've got one more card to enter which is a bit more mainstream. I know I still have an amazing card idea in my head somewhere for this but it won't quite come out. Watch this space.....

Take care
Shona

Time Out Challenge #14 - Home Sweet Home

My very first blog post as a Team Member for Time Out Challenges, its so very exciting and scary at the same time!!! 

Also being very excited will be our Guest Designer for this challenge, Christine from Poppaeacards. Lovely to have her with us, as her cards are quite incredible. Please pop on over to her blog to leave her some love. 

The theme for this challenge is 'Home Sweet Home' and we have this beautiful photo as inspiration:

I'm loving all that rich coloured wood and the words on each of these tags, so decided to make them the focal point of my card:

I found this paper by Echo Park and used a metal die to cut the tag. I went thru my cardstock 'scrap' bag and pulled out small strips of white card. I then wandered thru all of my stamps, finding ones that would relate to someone returning home. After stamping them all I punched holes in one end (as well as the tag) and threaded thru some silver thread.

I stamped my sentiment and glued this directly to the tag, which was then popped up on some foam tape. I adhered this to a piece of white card slightly smaller than the card front. This too was raised on foam tape to give some height. Three small silver sequins added with Glossy Accents and I was done. 

It actually turned out better than it looked in my head, which is always a bonus I think!!

The wood paper is from Echo Park 'Everyday Eclectic'. I used the metal tag die from Pretty Pink Posh. The tag stamps are from Altenew and Lawn Fawn and the sentiment from Hero Arts.

As I've used some patterned paper, I'm also going to link this card to the challenge at Virginia's View #7 where their theme is:

I really hope you have time to play along with us and that I've inspired you somehow with my card. I can't wait to see what you all come up with and it will be lovely to visit you at your own blog.

Take care

Shona

 

Colour Me! Challenge # 36 - second entry

I just couldn't help myself. After making one card for the challenge at Colour Me!  I immediately had an idea for another card.

I decided with this second card to do a bit more die-cutting and popped in just the tiniest bit of black:

I used a metal die to cut the circles and also the white rectangle of cardstock. After working out where the circles (balloons) would go, I stamped balloon strings for each one.  I then stamped the sentiment in yellow and trimmed the cardstock down to a square. This was then popped up on foam squares. The middle circle was glued straight to the card and the other two put on foam squares as well. This whole panel was then glued to a slightly larger rectangle in yellow cardstock. Clean, simple...I didn't even add any sequins!!!

The circle and rectangle metal dies are from Pretty Pink Posh. The balloon string stamp is from Simon Says Stamp 'I only have eyes for you'. The sentiment is from Rosies Studio.

As this has a black/white and yellow colour combo, I'm going to link this to the challenge at CAS on Sunday #41 where their theme is 'Black/white and one colour combination'. This is my second entry.

Its nearly 10.30pm so better get a wriggle on. Need to finish off a card and then to bed. I do wish I could survive on no sleep, I would get so much more done but can imagine I wouldn't look too gorgeous doing it. Would probably be able to audition for a part in 'The Walking Dead'!!!!!

Take care
Shona
 

Colour Me! Challenge #36

When I was a young girl my Mum would try everything to get me to wear yellow. She said it looked lovely on me but I thought I looked like a very round lemon (lots of puppy fat I'm afraid.....)!

Nowdays, I still don't wear it but I have a yellow ink pad that I have fallen in love with (thanks to Mama Elephant!!), so use it whenever I can.
 

Gotta love those lemons!! This picture was calling my name at the Colour Me! challenge this week. I went simple and one-layered:

I have a stamp set that has doily shapes in it and haven't tried them all out yet. I loved the look of this one so stamped it across the card. I stamped the sentiment in the same yellow ink, added yellow enamel dots to the middles of the doily stamps and thats it. Very simple indeed!

The doily stamp is from Couture Creations. The sentiment is from Neat and Tangled 'Kindness Matters' and the enamel dots from Papervine.

As this is a one-layer card, I'm going to link it to the Lawnscaping Challenge # 89 where their theme is:

I'm also going to link this to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme for Stamptember is 'Stamp it'. This is my third entry.

I have some shelves above my computer that are filled with cards made over the last few weeks. It really is amazing how many I make. Some get used but a lot of them don't. They just sit in a box. I really must find some cause that I could give my cards too for others to use. Its all very nice designing these cards but I feel bad that they don't get used for their purpose. Will see what I can find out.......

Take care
Shona