Tuesday 31 March 2015

Showcase your Style Challenge # 11

I just love watching video's of people colour images on their cards. It's extremely relaxing and I'm in awe of their artistic skills and abilities. I know it must take a lot of practice but I sometimes wish I had been born with some sort of drawing ability.


Its taken me nearly a week to get up the courage to make my card for the Showcase your Style challenge. With what I had in mind, I knew I would need to colour in some critters. I only have some pencils and have picked up a few ideas from the video's but feel I've got a long way to go........


I spent quite a while in the wee small hours of this morning, stamping and colouring a batch of different critters. I thought that if I go to sleep and look at them again with fresh eyes, I could choose the best ones.

After die-cutting the circle from the card front, I die-cut a piece of green CS with a stitched-curved die for the grassy hill. This was adhered inside the circle. I then glued a piece of white CS behind the hill and the circle. The toadstools where tucked and glued behind the hill. I adhered the owl and rabbit on the hill itself and then used foam tape to attach the sentiment. A few sky blue enamel dots finished off the scene.

The circle die is from Couture Creations and the stitched-curved die is from Pretty Pink Posh. The critter stamps are from Kaisercraft and the sentiment from Fiskars 'Say What?'. The enamel dots are from Papervine.

I'm going to link this to four other challenges:

Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge (Anything Goes)

Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 (Anything Goes)

Simply Create Too # 82 (Anything Goes)

Seize the Birthday Challenge (Anything Goes


Max (8yrs) stayed home with me today, just because. Both kids used to ask to stay home all the time so I said they could both have one day off each term, no questions asked. It's worked out well. We had a lovely day walking Bella, playing on the trampoline and watching funny clips on YouTube. Almost tempted to let him stay home again tomorrow but only have two days left before their two week school holidays and need to get myself prepared!!

Take care
Shona

Sunday 29 March 2015

Papervine March Colour Challenge - Take 2

I love the colours for the Papervine Challenge so much, I just had to have another go. And I am so excited that my bloggie friend Monika from Creative with Monika saw my post yesterday and she too has entered. Her card is brilliant!!


I've been waiting for six weeks to get my hands on the latest stamp set from Rosie's Studio and finally found it on Friday. It has a feather stamp (which I really wanted) and a cool heart stamp made up of small triangles. While trying them all out, I came across an idea for this challenge:


This is quite a large design, so had to change from my usual card size to a 
5x5 inch square card. I stamped the feather in yellow first and then the blue second. For some reason it looks almost 3D in person, with the blue feathers looking like they are floating above the yellow. I die cut a circle from vellum and heat embossed the sentiment (from Fiskars 'Hexagon Sentiments') in gold. I applied glue in dots behind the embossed area to attach it to the card. A few Papervine enamel dots and I didn't think it needed anything else.

I'm linking this to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

Will also link to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

And will also link to the Simply Create Too Challenge # 82 where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

We are off shortly to a memorial service to mark 100yrs since World War 1. We have a clock tower memorial in the town centre which has the names of all the men who died from Blenheim and I have two great-uncles listed there. Each night at 6pm for the past few weeks, they read out six names, a Kapa Haka group sing and a bugle player plays the last post. The kids are coming with me because I think its important for them to remember too. Even though I never met these men, I have a feeling its going to be quite moving, so better pack a few tissues just in case.......

Take care
Shona

Merry Monday Challenge # 151



I've seen quite a few cards lately where the designers have layered the die-cuts with black cardstock. It looks so effective and stylish. I've layered with other colours before but always forget about black. Decided it was time to give this a go:


A few weeks ago I was able to buy a second-hand die (by Memory Box - Pine Tree Trio) and was just waiting for a chance to try it out. As you can see, the challenge at Merry Monday was absolutely perfect!

This was super simple to make. I die-cut the tree's 3 times from black CS. I then die-cut from some new green cardstock I have (DCWV - Textured Brights and Pastels). It has this very subtle lined texture to it, which unfortunately doesn't show well in the photo but I loved it for the tree's. I glued all the layers together and adhered to the card front. I then stamped the pretty sentiment from Uniko Studio 'Rustic Christmas'.

I really like the black edge those layers give to the tree's and really makes them stand out even more from the white background. Fantastic technique and will definitely be doing it more!!

I'm going to link this to the Simply Create Too Challenge # 82 where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

Will also link to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

And finally, I will link to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is 'Anything Goes' as well.

Everyone is really tired after their sleepovers last night, me included! So its a nice lazy afternoon here (well, it is now for me after packing Phoebe for camp....). I've packed everything (including the kitchen sink my husband said) so hopefully she will be able to stay warm and dry. Will be interesting to see how its all packed when she comes back on Thursday.....

Take care
Shona

Paper Smooches - Sparks Designer Drafts Challenge


Living in New Zealand I don't have access to any of the craft products belonging to any of the large companies, I usually have to order them from overseas and sometimes at great expense (hence I don't do it very often.....).

Well, I have now discovered that someone in Auckland is selling Paper Smooches products at really good prices!! So will now be able to start gradually building up my stash. 


Since I now have a couple of stamp sets and dies, I am finally able to enter the Paper Smooches - Sparks Challenge and this week is the Designer Drafts challenge where this sketch is provided. It took me a while to work out what to do but here is my entry:


I was very lucky to get my hands on the Paper Smooches 'Bitty Bungalows' stamp set at an amazing price (the incredible Laura Sterckx of Making Cards is Fun is selling some of her stamps/dies and I was able to pick up this set and some other goodies - thank you Laura!!!!). I love anything with houses and these ones are little cuties!!

I cut the long fishtailed section first and stamped the house in black and the clouds in grey. This was popped up on foam tape. After stamping the sentiment in black I also put this on foam tape too. I like to have differences in height when using only white CS. I attached the Paper Smooches die-cut hearts and coloured the door with a matching deep pink pencil. Love my first Paper Smooches only card!

I'm going to link this to the Addicted to CAS Challenge # 60 where their theme is:


Will also link to the Simply Create Challenge # 82 where their theme is 'Anything Goes'. Can imagine that this will be one of MANY entries....

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

And will link to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'. Sorry Bev, promise I won't link too many more.....

Phoebe is off to camp tomorrow for four days with her class. We are going to spend this afternoon naming and packing all her stuff and making a big batch of rice bubble slice for her to share. It sure is going to be quiet here this week without her around......

Take care
Shona

Friday 27 March 2015

Papervine March Color Challenge

If you've read a few of my blog posts, you will have seen me mention the store Papervine  quite a bit. I met the owner Lowri two years ago at a local craft show and fell in love with all of her washi tapes and products. Her's was the first blog I had ever looked at and she encouraged me to give blogging a go. Her online store has grown so much since then and become so popular. 


Lowri decided to run her first Papervine Colour Challenge and of course I had to enter. Was even more excited when I saw the colour palette to choose from!!


I was very lucky a few weeks ago to come across this Reverse Confetti Chevron Die for a very cheap price. It arrived yesterday and I had to use it straight away!!!!

I started by cutting a piece of white CS the same size as the card front. After die-cutting the chevron's in the three different colours, I adhered them to the panel in a mis-matched pattern. When it was finished, I used glue tape to stick the panel to the card front and then trim around the edge. The sentiment (from Paper Smooches) was die-cut from yellow, blue, white and gold CS. I glued these together with each layer showing slightly under the next. This was adhered straight to the card. A few Papervine enamel dots and voila!

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

And will also link to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

I really should give this card to Lowri because without her, I would never have started this blog, would never have started making cards and never have met (and become friends with) so many of you in blogland. So Lowri, this one's for you!!

Take care
Shona
 

Retro Sketches Challenge # 157






I came across some water colouring paper the other day that was actually white AND 40% off, so bought it straight away. I've been wanting to try more water colouring but it buckles my normal CS so much and all the other papers I've found have been almost brownish or beige in colour. 

When I saw this sketch for the Retro Sketches Challenge  this week, I was going to use patterned paper but the chance to try out this new paper was to hard to resist!


I know I've used this flower before recently but I wanted to try painting with an image that I knew and was large enough to disguise any mistakes....

I started by stamping the flower with Versamark and heat embossing in white. I then set to painting with my Distress Inks - Picked Raspberry, Spun Sugar and Shaded Lilac. Once it had dried I die-cut the rectangle from the centre. The left over frame was adhered directly to the card front and the rectangle panel popped up on foam tape. For the centre rectangle I used a piece of vellum and heat embossed the sentiment in white. This was adhered with teeny pieces of double sided tape.

I really enjoyed the painting and can see now why people find it so relaxing. The paper die-cut really well and it didn't warp at all from the paint, so can't wait to do some more!

The flower stamp is from Inkadinkado 'Doodle Flowers'. The stitched-rectangle die is from Pretty Pink Posh. The sentiment is from Hero Arts 'Year Round Sentiments. The purple sequins are from Neat and Tangled and the pink from Pretty Pink Posh.

Will link this to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

And will also link to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

One more card to post and off to bed. Will take Max and his friend Ethan (both 8yrs) to the indoor pool tomorrow. They have so much fun and I'm always hovering nearby. I'm amazed at how many parents take their children there (and some are very young indeed) and spend the whole time reading magazines or books, never looking at their children. I've saved two children from drowning there in the past year because I've been watching and the lifeguards are elsewhere. I know I've a very over-protective parent and one day my kids will tell me to leave them alone. But until them, I will always be nearby, just incase.....

Take care
Shona

 

Addicted to CAS Challenge # 59

I've been trying to force myself, over the past few months, to try different things with my card making. Have started using more patterned paper lately and thought it was about time I had a go with colours that I don't usually use.

So, when I saw the code word at Addicted to CAS, I thought I better get my thinking cap on. Its taken me all week but here is my all green creation:



So nice to attempt a challenge where I had the right coloured ink AND cardstock!

I started by die-cutting the wreath from green CS and then from the card front. I adhered a panel of white CS behind the front of the card and inlayed the wreath. I die cut the flower and leaves from different shades of green paint chips and adhered the leaves directly to the wreath, with the flower on some foam tape. Finally, a quick sentiment in green and I was done. And extremely happy!!

The wreath die is from Papertrey Ink. The flower and leaf dies are from Paper Smooches 'Flowers'. The sentiment stamps are from Winnie and Walter 'The Big, the Bold and the Happy'.

I'm going to link this to the CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge # 116 where their sketch for this week is:


Will also link to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

And will also link to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

Must go to bed early tonight but have two more cards to post first. Had a very busy gardening day, which was lovely in the Autumn sun. Max has a friend over tomorrow for a sleep-over and Phoebe is going to a birthday sleep-over. Sunday will be spent packing for Phoebe's school camping trip on Monday. She is really excited. I'm excited for her but its a few hours away from here and I'm not very good at leaving my children in other people's care...too much of a worrier!!

Take care
Shona

Just Add Ink Challenge # 256

I think Friday's are a great day for a new challenge to start, as you have the whole weekend to relax and think about what you will do. So its fabulous that today is the start of a new Just Add Ink Challenge.  


This week we have this fantastic sketch to get your creative brain buzzing away. I had quite a few different ideas but decided to keep it clean and simple:


I've been pushing myself to use more patterned paper and this was the perfect chance to try it out!

I die-cut the patterned paper into a large circle and adhered it directly to the card front. I then die-cut the tag with the windows. I cut very tiny pieces of foam tape to stick to the back of it, so it could be popped up over the paper circle. I die-cut the 'thanks' three times from a paint sample chip and glued the layers together. This was adhered directly to the tag. After punching the hole, I spent forever tying a bow with the blue ribbon. Not one stamp in sight....amazing!!

The 'thanks' die is from Paper Smooches. The stitched tag and window dies are from Pretty Pink Posh. The patterned paper is from Kaisercraft 'Happy Snaps'. I'm afraid I don't know where the ribbon is from.

I'm going to link this to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

Will also link to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

I really hope you have a chance to play around with this sketch. You have until Wednesday 1st April 10pm to link your projects. And of course the rest of the Design Team have prepared some gorgeous cards to inspire you over on the Just Add Ink blog. I can't wait to see what you make!!

Take care
Shona 

 
 

CASology Challenge - Week # 139

A very quick post because its 1am Friday morning and I should be in bed (the kids will be the ones waking me up for school in the morning.....), so will try to keep this short....yeah right I hear you say....





This cue word for CASology this week brought up so many different ideas about style and stylish people. I've actually just been watching Project Runway while making some cards, it really makes you realise that everybody has their own sense of it. 

My style is very jeans, t-shirts, Skechers, ponytail and no make-up. Whereas there are so many Mum's at school that look like they are off to the Opera or maybe to meet the Queen. How boring it would be if we were all the same. And the same goes for our card styles. Mine is very much CAS 99% of the time (that's why I enjoy this challenge so much) but I do love looking at other cards that I could never put together. That's what makes all this challenge business so much fun!!

So, I've kept to my 'style' and used items that I think are the epitomy of stylish women:



When I think stylish women, I always think of Audrey Hepburn and her big, black glasses. I wear some that are very similar. They make me feel stylish even though I don't look it.

I knew I had these die-cuts tucked away somewhere. They are quite tiny so cut my card down to 4x4 inches. I basically stuck the three glasses to the card front and covered the frames with a thick coating of Glossy Accents. A quick sentiment, which I can just imagine someone like Tim Gunn from Project Runway saying and that was it. This cards for you Audrey!!

The sunglass die-cuts are from Rosies Studio and the sentiment is from Altenew 'Sohcahtoa'.

I'm going to link this to the AAA Card Challenge #35 where their theme is:


Will also link to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

And will also link to the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

Right, bed here I come!! I'm going thru an 'obsessed with making cards' time at the moment. I can't stop thinking about designs (even in my dreams...) and can't wait to find time to make some more. Its funny how my enthusiasm comes in waves, would probably pass out if I stayed up every single night till 1.30am creating. Although, come to think of it......

Take care
Shona 

 

Thursday 26 March 2015

Time Out Chalenge # 27 - Reminder

We are half-way through our challenge at TIME OUT  where our theme is:

                                      CAS (Clean and Simple)

      with the optional twist of black and white plus a splash of one colour

This sure has been one popular challenge and I'm so excited to see so many of you embracing CAS card making. Trying to choose a winner is going to be ridiculously hard!!!!!

My inspiration card from last week was extremely CAS. It was one-layer with a little bit of stamping and water colouring. I decided this week to do without stamping all together and went die-cutting crazy (well, in a CAS kind of way....):



This design was another 'walking along with the riverbank with the dog and day-dreaming' moment. And I couldn't get home fast enough to try it out!!

I started by using two different sized circle dies to cut the circles out of black CS. These were adhered directly to the card front. I then cut the flower pieces and the sentiment from different shades of paint chips. I applied washi tape across the back of the flower to keep the pieces together and then popped it up on foam tape. The 'thanks' was cut x 3 and the layers glued together before being adhered to the circles. Can't believe I didn't use any stamps!!

The circle dies are from Couture Creations. The sentiment die is from Paper Smooches, as well as the flower dies from the set 'Flowers'.

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

And will also link to the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

I must tell you how fantastic it is using the paint sample chips for my die-cutting etc. I don't have access to any good card stock here (in NZ) and certainly can't afford to send away for it all the time. So now I pop down to the local hardware store and grab a handful of whatever colours I like. They are all free and no one says anything. The chips are actually around 4 inches x 4 inches, so perfect for most of my dies. I really recommend grabbing some if you can. It has a fantastic thickness and of course there is every shade of colour under the sun. And its free, what more can I say!!!

You have one more week to get your CAS creations linked to the TIME OUT challenge. I really hope you have a go. The rest of the DT have created some more inspirational projects for you on the blog. Can't wait to see what you make!!

Take care
Shona
 

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Sparkle and Shine Challenge # 2

Well, I did it! I finally dived into my 6x6 paper pads and came out with some gorgeous paper for the Sparkle and Shine Challenge.


This is such a cool sketch and as usual I immediately had an idea using white cardstock but I told myself 'NO' and even though it took me about 30 minutes to choose the right paper, I'm so pleased I stepped out of my CAS comfort zone:


I just can't resist warm gold with a pinky/peach colour and I'm glad I was able to capture some of the shine in my photo.

I started by cutting the patterned paper into the size of my card front. I then used my cutting board to cut a section out across the middle. This allowed me to pop both pieces up on foam tape with a gap in between. I cut a rectangle piece of vellum and attached the banner to it with some more foam tape. This was quite handy because I could add the glue to the vellum behind this so it wouldn't be seen as I stuck it over the card. A few co-ordinating sequins (of course!!) and voila, hardly any white CS to be seen! It was nerve wracking but I love the result.

The paper is from My Minds Eye 'Fancy That' (this is an incredibly gorgeous paper pad with a lot of gold patterns on nearly every page). The sequins are from Neat and Tangled. The banner is from Rosies Studio.

I will also link this to Darnell's NBUS Challenge # 4 as this is the first time using this paper pad. This is my third and final entry.


I really want to make some more cards but I just can't keep my eyes open. Its my own fault, too many late nights with very busy days. Usually once a week I have to go to bed early and re-charge the batteries. I just wish I could take the batteries out and put them in a re-charge device while using another set, would make my life so much easier!!

Take care
Shona

Monday 23 March 2015

Muse Challenge # 109

Its a wonderful day today. The weather is cold and dreary, I have no jobs to do today and everyone is at work and school. So I'm in my comfy clothes doing all sorts of little jobs while watching horror movies. Nice!!





I wasn't sure if I would get a chance to join in with Muse this week but managed to finish a card off quickly this morning. Marion's card is so colourful and happy. I decided to use my new flower dies again and create another birthday card for my files:


How I wish I had some square dies but I suddenly remembered a set of waffle-edged squares I purchased a month ago. I like it because it goes with the curvy lines of the flower.

I adhered a piece of patterned paper directly to the card front. I then die-cut the rectangle from white CS and then the square. The sentiment was stamped in black and then popped up on foam tape. The die-cut bottom flower and leaves were all glued to the paper and the main flower put on to foam tape. I few co-ordinating enamel dots and voila! I love these flower dies so much!!

The patterned paper is from Lawn Fawn 'Let's Polka'. The flower and leaf dies are from Paper Smooches 'Flowers'. The rectangle stitched die is from Pretty Pink Posh and the waffle-edge die from QuicKutz. The sentiment is from Fiskars 'Say What?' and the enamel dots from Papervine.

Since I've used a few enamel dots, I will link to the House of Cards - March Challenge where their theme is:


Will also link to the Seize the Birthday Challenge where their theme is:


I'm also going to link to the Little Tangles Challenge # 54 where their theme is:

 And lastly I will join in the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is also 'Anything Goes'.

It was quite nice getting out a paper pad for this card. I have quite a few 6x6 pads and have just purchased two gorgeous ones but because I haven't used them for so long, I've gotten out of practice with them. There are a few sketch challenges finishing this week and I've challenged myself to use some of the papers. Should be rather interesting (and probably a bit of a laugh...). I wish I had Amy (Tsuruta) living down the road from me. She is the Queen of patterned paper!!

Take care
Shona




 

Sunday 22 March 2015

Waffle Flower Challenge - March 9 - 22


Last week I received my first ever Waffle Flower stamp set that I was lucky enough to win from a blog post giveaway (thank you May!!!). Its the 'Loved' stamp set and its even more fabulous in person. It has some two-step stamping for some of the flowers and they go together perfectly.

I finally had a chance today to sit down with it and create a card for the latest Waffle Flower Challenge. As you can see, the colours are so pretty and there are so many elements in the photo for inspiration. I loved the orchids in the photo and thought this was a perfect chance to use the new set:



I don't have many ink pads but was lucky enough to have the pink, green and teal blue. I don't have the taupe colour but found some paper from Teresa Collins 'You are my Happy' that matched perfectly.

After die-cutting the circle from white CS, I stamped the sentiment in black ink and the flowers in the challenge colours. I adhered the pattern paper strip to the card front and then popped up the circle on foam tape. A few enamel dots in the same teal blue (from Papervine) and it was finished. I loved using these stamps, so you may be seeing them a lot over the next few weeks.......

I'm also going to link this to the House of Cards Challenge where their theme is:


Will also link this to Darnell's NBUS Challenge # 4, this is my second entry:

 
Its just after 11.30pm and I really must go to bed. However, the final of a programme I've been watching was on a few hours ago and I recorded it. I may not have time to watch it for a few days so might have to watch it now to find out what happened. There just aren't enough hours in the day.........

Take care
Shona



 
 

Merry Monday Challenge # 150

Finally another Christmas card to add to my pile. I had planned on making a few each month so it wasn't such a chore at the end of the year but time has gotten away from me as usual....


When I was walking Bella along the river yesterday, I was thinking about some of the challenges that were finishing soon. One of them was the Merry Monday Challenge and I suddenly had a brilliant idea!



I was going to stamp some presents and fussy cut them when I thought about going all the way and making one BIG present!

This was a little fiddly but easy to make. I cut out a rectangle from white CS. I then went about wrapping the ribbon around it using double-sided tape to keep it in place. This was then popped up on some foam tape. The bow was done separately and secured at the top. I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment (from Uniko Studio 'Simply Said Christmas') in silver. I'm really happy with how it turned out and might make some more with different coloured ribbons.

I'm going to enter this into the Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is 'Anything Goes'. This is my second entry.

Will also link to the AAA Card Challenge # 35 where this is my fourth entry:


Its getting colder here and about to start raining...yippee! I'm off to make a banana cake and see if I can get a few cards made while no one is home. Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!!

Take care
Shona

CASology Challenge # 138

I have been so naughty lately. I've been staying up until around 1am during the week and then Friday night and last night I stayed up till 3am. Its the only time I have to make cards at the moment and catch up on all my tv programmes. I had a wonderful day with the kids yesterday taking them swimming, walking up the hills, walking the dog, watching some movies. Was hard to keep my eyes open but just had to be done!



I've been mulling over the cue word at CASology this week. I actually thought of trying to make a card regarding pregnancy (blossoming...) but couldn't get it to work. I was also naughty in the spending department this week and FINALLY purchased some flower dies I've wanted for months. And there was one little die that was perfect for a blossom:


I got the inspiration for this card from two different places. One is from the Fusion Challenge where they have some beautiful purple flowers in their photo. I also have been seeing everyone's blog posts about how Spring is starting to show in their neck of the woods. Its my favourite time of the year, having the plants start to peek thru after the bleakness of Winter. So the 'I Miss You' is about me missing Spring and counting down the next six months till it comes back again!!

As usual, this was very easy to make. I die cut a heart from some printer paper and washi'ed it to the front. I spent a lot of time die-cutting the flower from different shades of paint samples. These were painstakingly glued one by one around the heart shape. Once done I cut away the paper and stamped the sentiment in black. No embellishments needed!!

The flower die is from Paper Smooches 'Flowers' and the sentiment from Altenew 'Sohcahtoa'.

As mentioned, I will link this to the Fusion Challenge - Floral Fusion. This is my second entry:


Will also link to the AAA Cards Game # 35. This is my third entry:


I'm also going to enter the new Uniko Studio Challenge # 19 where their theme is 'Anything Goes'.

And today starts the beginning of the new NBUS #4 Challenge. Yippee Darnell!! NBUS stands for 'Never before used schtuff', so get out all those goodies you've purchased and haven't had a chance to use yet.



Very grey day today and a few spots of rain about. Perfect card making and baking weather. Max has gone swimming with a friend and Dave is taking Phoebe and her BFF Ella to the pool as well. I have so many challenges I want to enter this week but between baking banana cake and choc brownies this afternoon, it might be another late night.....

Take care
Shona 

Thursday 19 March 2015

Time Out Challenge # 27

Autumn is finally on its way here in New Zealand and we woke up to our first frost yesterday.....I'm not ready for the cold yet!! Luckily, to take my mind off this its time for another TIME OUT challenge.

We have one of my favourite theme's this week:


                                            CAS (Clean and Simple) 
     with the optional twist of black and white with a splash of colour!
 

I'm so excited as I love a clean card and black/white is a wonderful combo to work with. Our sponsors this week are CAS-ual Fridays and the winner will get a $20 voucher to their store. You lucky things!!!

Our Guest Designer this week is the always effervescent Suzanne Vargas of Keep in Touch!. Suzanne can create amazing designs no matter the theme and is a lovely person to boot!! Totally recommend you popping over to her blog for a gander, you won't be disappointed!

So, on to my CAS creation this week. My mind was overflowing with ideas, so I decided to keep it as CAS as I could, meaning one-layered:



I have the sweetest little stamp set featuring a kitten that I love so much but get scared using as I think it requires colouring. Well, I decided that colouring or not, I wanted to get it out and even took out a paintbrush too!

This was super simple to put together. I stamped all the elements at once in black ink. I then watercoloured using Distress Ink - Picked Raspberry. A few little sequins to pick up on the colour and that was that!

All the stamps are from Die-versions 'Cats Meow' and the sequins from Pretty Pink Posh.

As I have a little kitten on this card, I'm going to link this to the Less is More Challenge # 215 where their theme is 'One-layer cards with animals'. 

And will also link to the Simon Says Stamp - Monday Challenge where their theme is also 'Animal projects'.

With this card being extremely CAS, I will also link to the AAA Card Challenge # 35 where their theme is:


I can't wait to see what you all come up with for this TIME OUT challenge. And if your needing any help with what CAS can look like, please pop over to the blog to see what our Guest Designer and Design Team have created for you. So excited!!!!!

Take care
Shona

Wednesday 18 March 2015

Addicted to Stamps Challenge # 136

My head is spinning from how quickly these weeks are disappearing. Although I am looking forward to the cold wintery days of sitting all snug and warm inside and creating as many cards as I can. And in my pyjama's as well, probably...

This week at Addicted to Stamps it's time for everyone's favourite theme:

                                              ANYTHING GOES

This means you can create whatever project you like, in whatever style you like. It's totally up to you and we can't wait to see what you do!! 

The sponsor for this weeks challenge is:


The winner will receive 1 x stamp set and 1 x 6x6 pad of their choice. How fabulous is that!!! 

I've been in a one-layer card mood this past week and also been playing around with some pencils:



I have my Mum to thank for the colour choice of this card! She was sitting next to me while I went thru my pencils and she loved the purple. Thanks Mum!!

The flowers are stamped in black ink and I chose an area of the flower, that actually looks like sequins, to highlight in purple. After stamping the sentiment in black as well, I added the purple sequins. 

The sentiment stamp is from Altenew 'Sohcahtoa', the flower stamp is from Inkadinkado 'Doodle Flowers' and the sequins are from Neat and Tangled.

I'm going to link this to the Little Tangles Challenge # 54 where their theme is:


And I nearly fell over when I saw the inspiration photo for the Fusion Challenge this week. My Mum must have known something that I didn't....



You have until next Wednesday 25th March 10pm to join the challenge at Addicted to Stamps. The Design Team have created so many different projects and styles to inspire you this week, so please pop over to the blog to have a look. Can't wait to visit your blogs to see what you came up with!!!

Take care
Shona